Stockholders' Equity Components of AOCI attributable to Kimberly-Clark, net of tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance		$ (2,919)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(237)	$ 590	$ (205)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance		(3,299)	(2,919)
Unrealized Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance		(1,864)	(2,351)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(416)	487
(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI		1	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(415)	487
Tax effects reclassified from AOCI		(18)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance		(2,297)	(1,864)	(2,351)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance		(976)	(1,097)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(51)	85
(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI	[1]	135	36
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		84	121
Tax effects reclassified from AOCI		(125)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance		(1,017)	(976)	(1,097)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance		(39)	(31)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		58	(7)
(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI	[1]	(2)	(1)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		56	(8)
Tax effects reclassified from AOCI		(5)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance		12	(39)	(31)
Cash Flow Hedges and Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance		(40)	5
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		42	(56)
(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI		9	11
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		51	(45)
Tax effects reclassified from AOCI		(8)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance		$ 3	$ (40)	$ 5

[1] Included in computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs (see Note 7).