Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Company-owned life insurance ("COLI") Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure Available-for-sale securities Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Derivatives, Assets Derivative Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Derivatives, Liabilities Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Issued Since Inception [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Comprehensive Income [Member] Comprehensive Income [Member] The Corporation [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Redeemable Securities Of Subsidiaries [Member] Redeemable Securities Of Subsidiaries [Member] Redeemable Securities of Subsidiaries [Member] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Unrealized translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Employee postretirement benefits Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Non-Pension Postretirement Plan Valuation, Net of Tax Other Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stock-based awards exercised or vested Stock Granted During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Income tax benefits on stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Shares repurchased Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Recognition of stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Dividends declared Dividends Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Return on redeemable preferred securities and noncontrolling interests Increase in Carrying Amount of Redeemable Preferred Stock Ending balance Employee Postretirement Benefits Employee Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures, Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans [Member] Defined Benefit Pension [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Recognized net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses Other Other Costs Other Costs Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Inventories Inventories [Abstract] Summary Of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Fair Value Level Measurements Policy Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Employee Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Contribution to Pension Trust Estimate [Axis] Contribution to Pension Trust Estimate Pension Contribution Estimates [Domain] Pension Contribution Estimates Initial Estimate [Member] Initial Estimate [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Cash contribution to pension trusts Pension Contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Percentage of equity collars in place on U.S. equity allocation Defined Benefit Plans Zero Cost Equity Collars Percentage of Equity Securities Defined benefit plans zero cost equity collars percentage of equity securities. Equity collars on U.S. defined benefit plans Defined Benefit Plans Zero Cost Equity Collars Equity collars on defined benefit plans. Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Statement [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Incremental Depreciation [Member] Incremental Depreciation [Member] Incremental Depreciation [Member] Charges For Workforce Reductions [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Asset Write-Offs [Member] Asset Write-Offs [Member] Asset Write-Offs [Member] Other Exit Costs [Member] Other Associated Costs [Member] Other Associated Costs [Member] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Restructuring Cost [Member] Restructuring Cost [Member] Restructuring Cost [Member] Additional Streamlining [Member] Additional Streamlining [Member] Additional Streamlining [Member] Total Restructuring Cost [Member] Total Restructuring Cost [Member] Total Restructuring Cost [Member] Cost of products sold Cost of Goods Sold Charges for workforce reductions included in Mariketing, research and general expenses Marketing, research and general expenses The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. The aggregate costs incurred in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. Other Costs Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net charges Restructuring Charges Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Text Block Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Text Block Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Options outstanding, not included in diluted EPS calculation Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Common shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Highly Inflationary Accounting For Venezuelan Operations Venezuela [Abstract] Schedule of Intercompany Foreign Currency Balance [Table] Nonmonetary Transaction Type [Axis] Nonmonetary Transaction Type [Axis] Nonmonetary Transaction Type [Domain] Nonmonetary Transaction Type [Domain] K-C Venezuela [Member] K-C Venezuela [Member] KC Venezuela Central Bank System Rate Central Bank System Rate Central Bank System Rate Consolidated net sales, percentage earned by K-C Venezuela Portion Of Consolidate Net Sales Earned By Affiliate Percent Portion of Consolidate Net Sales Earned by Affiliate Percent Portion of consolidated operating profit earned by K-C Venezuela percent Portion of consolidated operating profit earned by K-C Venezuela percent Portion of consolidated operating profit earned by K-C Venezuela percent Net investment Foreign Operations Net Investment Foreign Operations Net Investment Foreign Operations Exchange rate utilized (bolivars to US dollars) Exchange Rate Utilized Exchange Rate Utilized Description Of Business Segments Description of Business Segments [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Reporting Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Personal Care [Member] Personal Care [Member] Personal Care [Member] Consumer Tissue [Member] Consumer Tissue [Member] Consumer Tissue [Member] K-C Professional And Other [Member] K-C Professional And Other [Member] K-C Professional and Other [Member] Health Care [Member] Health Care [Member] Health care [Member] Other (Income) And Expense, Net [Member] Other (Income) And Expense, Net [Member] Other income and (expense), net [Member] Corporate And Other [Member] Corporate And Other [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Pulp And Tissue Restructuring [Member] Pulp And Tissue Restructuring [Member] Pulp And Tissue Restructuring [Member] Consolidated Net Sales Revenue, Net Total Operating Profit Operating Income (Loss) Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Income Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Restructuring charges Non-deductible business tax charge Income Tax Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense Components of net periodic benefit cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Notes receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Property Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net Property Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Investments in Equity Companies Equity Method Investments Goodwill Goodwill Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Long-Term Notes Receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Debt payable within one year Debt, Current Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-Term Debt Notes and Loans, Noncurrent Noncurrent Employee Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Long-Term Income Taxes Payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Redeemable Preferred and Common Securities of Subsidiaries Redeemable Preferred and Common Securities ofSubsidiaries Aggregate carrying amount of third-party investments in redeemable voting preferred and common securities issued by subsidiaries of the Corporation. Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Kimberly-Clark Corporation Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Objectives and Strategies for Using Derivatives [Abstract] Objectives and Strategies for Using Derivatives [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Net Investment Hedges [Member] Net Investment Hedging [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Interest Rate Contracts [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Hedged Debt Instruments [Member] Hedged Debt Instruments [Member] Hedged Debt Instruments [Member] Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity Contracts [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cost Of Products Sold [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Undesignated Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Fair Value Hedges Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Derivatives Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized In AOCI Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net (Gain) or Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Issued, Basic Participating securities Number Of Shares Participating Securities Number of shares of participating securities. Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of restricted share and restricted share unit awards Dilutive effect of restricted share and restricted share unit awards This extension represents the dilutive effect of restricted share and restricted share unit awards Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Objectives And Strategies For Using Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Highly Inflationary Accounting for Venezuelan Operations [Abstract] Venezuela [Abstract] Highly Inflationary Accounting For Venezuelan Operations Highly Inflationary Accounting For Foreign Operations [Text block] Highly Inflationary Accounting For Foreign Operations [Text block] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Charges Incurred In Connection With Restructuring Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Restructuring Charges By Geography Schedule For Restructuring Charges By Geography [Table Text Block] Schedule For Restructuring Charges By Geography [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Cash Charges Recorded And Reconciled To Accrued Expenses Schedule of Cash Charges Reconciled to Accrued Expenses [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Charges Reconciled to Accrued Expenses [Table Text Block] Information Concerning Consolidated Operations by Business Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Components Of Stockholders' Equity Components of stockholders equity [text block] Presentation of the components of comprehensive income, stockholders' equity attributable to the Corporation, and redeemable securities. Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Table] Fair Value Measurement [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, by Valuation Method [Axis] Fair Value, by Valuation Method [Axis] Fair Value, by Valuation Method [Axis] Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Domain] Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Domain] Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Domain] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimated Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Time deposits Time Deposits Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of time deposits. Notes receivable Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Short-term Debt Short-term Debt, Fair Value Short Term Debt Short Term Debt Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of short-term debt arrangements. Monetization loan Loans Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term debt Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries Redeemable Preferred And Common Securities Of Subsidiaries Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of redeemable preferred and common securities of subsidiaries Redeemable common securities of subsidiaries Redeemable Common Securities Of Subsidiaries Fair Value Redeemable Common Securities Of Subsidiaries Fair Value Cash equivalents maturity date Cash equivalents, maturity date Cash equivalents maturity date. Time deposits maturity date Maturities of Time Deposits, Description Long-term debt, current maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Inventory Policy Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Value Of All Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Effect Of Derivative Financial Instruments On Consolidated Statement Of Income Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Transfers among fair value determination Transfers among fair value determination Change in fair values among the three levels of fair value measurements. Unrealized losses on available for sale securities Unrealized losses on available for sale securities Unrealized losses on available for sale securities Cash equivalents, maturity date Maturities of Time Deposits, Description Fair Value Information Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Increase in operating working capital Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net losses on asset dispositions Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Assets Equity companies' earnings in excess of dividends paid Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Postretirement benefits Postretirement benefits The difference between the amount of expense recognized for the period and the amount of cash or cash equivalents contributed during the reporting period by the entity to fund its pension plans and its non-pension postretirement benefit plans. Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Cash Provided by Operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital spending Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable Proceeds from sales of investments Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Proceeds from dispositions of property Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Investments in time deposits Investments in time deposits Investments in time deposits Maturities of time deposits Maturities of time deposits Maturities of time deposits Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash Used for Investing Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash dividends paid Payments of Dividends Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Cash paid on redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary Cash paid on redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary The cash outflow for the returns on an investment by a third-party in voting preferred securities issued by a subsidiary of the Corporation. Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Acquisitions of common stock for the treasury Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Cash Used for Financing Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Increase (decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic and Diluted Schedule of Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic and Diluted [Text Block] Schedule of average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted [Text Block]. Pulp and Tissue Restructuring Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Accrued expenses - December 31, 2011 Restructuring Reserve Charges for workforce reductions Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense Cash payments Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Currency and other Restructuring reserve currency and other Restructuring reserve currency and other Accrued expenses - March 31, 2012 Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] North America [Member] North America [Member] North America [Member] Australia [Member] Australia [Member] Australia [Member] Other Geographic Areas [Member] Other Geographic Areas [Member] Other Geographic Areas [Member] Other Associated Costs [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Repurchased shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Cost of shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased by the Corporation. Description Of Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory [Table] Inventory [Table] LIFO [Member] LIFO [Member] LIFO [Member] Non-LIFO [Member] Non-LIFO [Member] Non LIFO [Member] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials Work in process Inventory, Work in Process Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods Supplies and other Other Inventory, Supplies Gross inventories Inventory, Gross Excess of FIFO or weighted-average cost over LIFO cost Inventory, LIFO Reserve Total Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Employee postretirement benefits Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Total Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Employee Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Employee Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Pulp And Tissue Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Average daily notional derivative positions with third parties - In-House Bank Average Notional Amount Of Derivatives In House Bank Average notional amount of derivative positions with third parties-In house bank. In-House Bank's average net derivative exposure to third parties Average Net Derivative Exposure To Third Parties In House Bank Average net derivative exposure to third parties - in house bank. Notional value of derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges Notional Amount of Cash Flow Hedge Pulp and Other Notional amount of cash flow hedges for pulp and other materials. Number Of Counterparties Used In House Bank Number Of Counterparties Used In House Bank Number of counterparties used - in house bank. Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Intercompany Notional amount of undesignated intercompany foreign currency derivatives. Net investment hedges Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments Designated as Net Investment Hedges Amount of Ineffectiveness on Net Investment Hedges Amount of Ineffectiveness on Net Investment Hedges Interest rate swap contracts designated as fair value hedge Notional Amount of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Derivatives Interest rate swap contracts designated as cash flow hedge Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Percentage of forecasted natural gas purchases hedged by commodity forward contracts Percentage of forecasted purchases hedged by commodity forward contracts Percentage of forecasted purchases hedged by commodity forward contracts. Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness is Immaterial Assertion Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness is Immaterial Assertion Gain/Loss from hedged firm commitment not qualifying as fair value hedge Gain from Hedged Firm Commitment Not Qualifying as Fair Value Hedge Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness is immaterial assertion Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness is Immaterial Gain/Loss reclassified into earnings from discontinuance of cash flow hedges Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Maximum length of time cash flow hedge in place Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Expected Completion Date December 2012 [Member] Expected Completion Date December 2012 [Member] Expected Completion Date December 2012 [Member] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Sale or closure of manufacturing facilities Restructuring Activities for Manufacturing Facilities Restructuring Activities for Manufacturing Facilities Restructuring charges, before tax Restructuring charges, cash Restructuring charges, cash Restructuring charges, cash Restructuring charges, after tax Restructuring Charges After Tax Restructuring Charges After Tax Percentage of cash costs to total restructuring charges Percentage Of Cash Costs To Total Restructuring Charges Percentage Of Cash Costs To Total Restructuring Charges Income Statement [Abstract] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class C [Member] Net Sales Gross Profit Gross Profit Marketing, research and general expenses Other (income) and expense, net Other income and (expense), net The total amount of other operating income, cost and expense items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Operating Profit Income Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests Provision for income taxes Income Before Equity Interests Income Before Equity Interest and Extraordinary Loss Income Before Equity Interest and Extraordinary Loss Share of net income of equity companies Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Per Share Basis: Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Cash Dividends Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Document And Entity Information Document and Entity Information Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding