Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments which are of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been reflected. Dollar amounts are reported in millions, except per share dollar amounts, unless otherwise noted. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The terms "Corporation," "Kimberly-Clark," "K-C," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. In prior years, we followed an accounting practice whereby costs associated with sales of K-C Professional dispensers were classified as a reduction in revenue, similar to sales incentives. Effective January 1, 2018, we changed this practice and now classify these costs as cost of products sold. This change resulted in an immaterial increase in net sales and cost of products sold and all applicable prior period amounts included in this filing have been recast accordingly. Annual Goodwill Impairment Assessment Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is assessed for impairment annually and whenever events and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Impairment testing compares the reporting unit carrying amount, including goodwill, with its fair value. If the reporting unit carrying amount, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, a goodwill impairment charge for the excess amount above fair value would be recorded. In our evaluation of goodwill impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macroeconomic, industry and competitive conditions, legal and regulatory environments, historical and projected financial performance, significant changes in the reporting unit and the magnitude of excess fair value over carrying amount from the previous quantitative impairment testing. If the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative impairment test using discounted cash flows to estimate fair value must be performed. On the other hand, if the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is more than its carrying value, then further quantitative testing is not required. For 2018, we completed the required annual assessment of goodwill for impairment for all of our reporting units using a qualitative assessment as of the first day of the third quarter, and determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value is more than the carrying amount for each of our reporting units. Adoption of Highly Inflationary Accounting in Argentina GAAP guidance requires the use of highly inflationary accounting for countries whose cumulative three-year inflation exceeds 100 percent. In the second quarter of 2018, published inflation indices indicated that the three-year cumulative inflation in Argentina exceeded 100 percent, and as of July 1, 2018, we elected to adopt highly inflationary accounting for our subsidiaries in Argentina (“K-C Argentina”). Under highly inflationary accounting, K-C Argentina’s functional currency became the U.S. dollar, and its income statement and balance sheet have been measured in U.S. dollars using both current and historical rates of exchange. The effect of changes in exchange rates on peso-denominated monetary assets and liabilities has been reflected in earnings in Other (income) and expense, net and was not material. As of September 30, 2018, K-C Argentina had a small net peso monetary position. Net sales of K-C Argentina were less than 2 percent of our consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This new standard permits entities to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") as a result of U.S. tax reform. We early adopted this ASU as of April 1, 2018 and reclassified $156 of stranded tax effects related to the U.S. tax reform change in the federal corporate tax rate from AOCI to retained earnings. The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The standard requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of operating profit (presented as "Nonoperating expense" in our consolidated income statement). We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018 and applied the amendments retrospectively, and all applicable amounts included in this filing have been recast accordingly. We used the practical expedient that permits us to use the amounts previously disclosed in our employee postretirement benefits note for the prior comparative periods as the basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis. Adoption of this standard did not result in significant changes to our accounting policies, business processes, systems or controls, or have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows or related disclosures. As such, prior period financial statements were not recast. We primarily generate revenue from the sale of finished products and recognize revenue at the time of product shipment or delivery, depending on when control passes. Rebate and promotion accruals are based on estimates of the quantity of customer sales. Promotion accruals also consider estimates of the number of consumer coupons that will be redeemed and timing and costs of activities within the promotional programs. The cost of promotion activities provided to customers is classified as a reduction in sales revenue. Under ASU No. 2014-09, effective January 1, 2018 for interim reporting, the estimated redemption value of consumer coupons and related expense are recorded when the related revenue from customers is recognized. In prior years, these costs were recognized at the time of coupon issuance. The impact of this change was not material. Accounting Standards Issued - Not Yet Adopted The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), amended by ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months, along with additional disclosures. Current GAAP recognizes, measures and presents expenses and cash flows arising from a lease depending on its classification as a finance or operating lease. The standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The ASU requires a transition adoption election using either 1) a modified retrospective approach with periods prior to the adoption date being recast or 2) a prospective adoption approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date with prior periods not recast. We anticipate adopting this standard on January 1, 2019 using the prospective adoption approach and electing the practical expedients allowed under the standard. We are in the process of aggregating and evaluating lease arrangements, and implementing new processes and a lease accounting system. At this time, we are unable to reasonably estimate the increase in total assets and total liabilities, which may be material. The impact on our results of operations and cash flows is not expected to be material. The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The standard makes more financial and non-financial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess effectiveness. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We anticipate adopting this ASU as of January 1, 2019, on a prospective basis with no cumulative effect adjustment as historic ineffectiveness has been immaterial. The effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows are not expected to be material. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The new guidance modifies disclosure requirements related to fair value measurement. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Implementation on a prospective or retrospective basis varies by specific disclosure requirement. Early adoption is permitted. The standard also allows for early adoption of any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU while delaying adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20). The new guidance modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40). The new guidance reduces complexity for the accounting for costs of implementing a cloud computing service arrangement and aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Implementation should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows are not expected to be material.

Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments which are of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been reflected. Dollar amounts are reported in millions, except per share dollar amounts, unless otherwise noted.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The terms "Corporation," "Kimberly-Clark," "K-C," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

In prior years, we followed an accounting practice whereby costs associated with sales of K-C Professional dispensers were classified as a reduction in revenue, similar to sales incentives. Effective January 1, 2018, we changed this practice and now classify these costs as cost of products sold. This change resulted in an immaterial increase in net sales and cost of products sold and all applicable prior period amounts included in this filing have been recast accordingly.

Annual Goodwill Impairment Assessment

Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is assessed for impairment annually and whenever events and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Impairment testing compares the reporting unit carrying amount, including goodwill, with its fair value. If the reporting unit carrying amount, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, a goodwill impairment charge for the excess amount above fair value would be recorded. In our evaluation of goodwill impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macroeconomic, industry and competitive conditions, legal and regulatory environments, historical and projected financial performance, significant changes in the reporting unit and the magnitude of excess fair value over carrying amount from the previous quantitative impairment testing. If the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative impairment test using discounted cash flows to estimate fair value must be performed. On the other hand, if the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is more than its carrying value, then further quantitative testing is not required. For 2018, we completed the required annual assessment of goodwill for impairment for all of our reporting units using a qualitative assessment as of the first day of the third quarter, and determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value is more than the carrying amount for each of our reporting units.

Adoption of Highly Inflationary Accounting in Argentina

GAAP guidance requires the use of highly inflationary accounting for countries whose cumulative three-year inflation exceeds 100 percent. In the second quarter of 2018, published inflation indices indicated that the three-year cumulative inflation in Argentina exceeded 100 percent, and as of July 1, 2018, we elected to adopt highly inflationary accounting for our subsidiaries in Argentina (“K-C Argentina”). Under highly inflationary accounting, K-C Argentina’s functional currency became the U.S. dollar, and its income statement and balance sheet have been measured in U.S. dollars using both current and historical rates of exchange. The effect of changes in exchange rates on peso-denominated monetary assets and liabilities has been reflected in earnings in Other (income) and expense, net and was not material. As of September 30, 2018, K-C Argentina had a small net peso monetary position. Net sales of K-C Argentina were less than 2 percent of our consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This new standard permits entities to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") as a result of U.S. tax reform. We early adopted this ASU as of April 1, 2018 and reclassified $156 of stranded tax effects related to the U.S. tax reform change in the federal corporate tax rate from AOCI to retained earnings.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The standard requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of operating profit (presented as "Nonoperating expense" in our consolidated income statement). We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018 and applied the amendments retrospectively, and all applicable amounts included in this filing have been recast accordingly. We used the practical expedient that permits us to use the amounts previously disclosed in our employee postretirement benefits note for the prior comparative periods as the basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis. Adoption of this standard did not result in significant changes to our accounting policies, business processes, systems or controls, or have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows or related disclosures. As such, prior period financial statements were not recast. We primarily generate revenue from the sale of finished products and recognize revenue at the time of product shipment or delivery, depending on when control passes. Rebate and promotion accruals are based on estimates of the quantity of customer sales. Promotion accruals also consider estimates of the number of consumer coupons that will be redeemed and timing and costs of activities within the promotional programs. The cost of promotion activities provided to customers is classified as a reduction in sales revenue. Under ASU No. 2014-09, effective January 1, 2018 for interim reporting, the estimated redemption value of consumer coupons and related expense are recorded when the related revenue from customers is recognized. In prior years, these costs were recognized at the time of coupon issuance. The impact of this change was not material.

Accounting Standards Issued - Not Yet Adopted

The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), amended by ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months, along with additional disclosures. Current GAAP recognizes, measures and presents expenses and cash flows arising from a lease depending on its classification as a finance or operating lease. The standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The ASU requires a transition adoption election using either 1) a modified retrospective approach with periods prior to the adoption date being recast or 2) a prospective adoption approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date with prior periods not recast. We anticipate adopting this standard on January 1, 2019 using the prospective adoption approach and electing the practical expedients allowed under the standard. We are in the process of aggregating and evaluating lease arrangements, and implementing new processes and a lease accounting system. At this time, we are unable to reasonably estimate the increase in total assets and total liabilities, which may be material. The impact on our results of operations and cash flows is not expected to be material.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The standard makes more financial and non-financial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess effectiveness. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We anticipate adopting this ASU as of January 1, 2019, on a prospective basis with no cumulative effect adjustment as historic ineffectiveness has been immaterial. The effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows are not expected to be material.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The new guidance modifies disclosure requirements related to fair value measurement. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Implementation on a prospective or retrospective basis varies by specific disclosure requirement. Early adoption is permitted. The standard also allows for early adoption of any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU while delaying adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20). The new guidance modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40). The new guidance reduces complexity for the accounting for costs of implementing a cloud computing service arrangement and aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Implementation should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows are not expected to be material.