Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] North America [Member] North America [Member] North America [Member]. Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member]. Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member] Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member] Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member]. Asia [Member] Asia [Member] Asia [Member]. OtherEliminations [Member] Other Eliminations [Member] Other/Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales Revenue, Net Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment Intersegment sales Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Restructuring costs Restructuring Charges RestructuringandRelatedIncurredCostsbySegment RestructuringandRelatedIncurredCostsbySegment Restructuring costs incurred and charged to the restructuring accrual during the period. Operating profit (loss) Operating Income (Loss) OperatingProfitLossbySegment OperatingProfitLossbySegment Operating profit (loss) by segment during the period. Total assets Segment Reporting Information, Net Assets Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $72 and $66, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepaid and other current assets Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,989 and $6,660, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $163 and $146, respectively Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued advertising and promotions Accrued Advertising, Current Employee compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Notes payable Notes Payable, Current Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Pension benefits Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Postretirement benefits Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock, $1 par value, 250 million shares authorized, 106 million shares issued and 76 million shares outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, 30 million shares Treasury Stock, Value Total Whirlpool stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Total Whirlpool [Domain] Total Whirlpool [Member] Total Whirlpool [Member]. Whirlpool Common Stockholders [Member] Parent Company [Member] Non-Controlling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Stockholders' equity, December 31, 2010 Net earnings (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Treasury Stock Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Additional paid-in capital Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation and Exercise of Stock Options Dividends declared on common stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Stockholders' equity, June 30, 2011 Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring and Related Cost, by Type of Restructuring [Axis] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Termination costs [Member] Contract Termination [Member] Non-employee exit costs [Member] Non-employee exit costs [Member] Non Employee Exit Costs [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Total, Beginning Balance Restructuring Reserve Charge to Earnings Cash Paid Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Non-Cash Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash Revision of Estimate Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Translation Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment Total, Ending Balance Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Curtailment gain Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Settlement of Brazilian collection dispute Settlement of Brazilian collection dispute Settlement of Brazilian collection dispute Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued advertising and promotions Increase Decrease In Accrued Advertising And Promotions Increase Decrease In Accrued Advertising And Promotions Product recall Increase Decrease In Product Recall Increase Decrease In Product Recall Taxes deferred and payable, net Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accrued pension Increase (Decrease) in Pension Plan Obligations Employee compensation Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Other Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Capital expenditures Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Investment in related businesses Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from borrowings of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Purchase of noncontrolling interest shares Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Common stock issued Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net (repayments) proceeds of short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Decrease in cash and equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and equivalents at beginning of period Cash and equivalents at end of period Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Financing Arrangements [Abstract] Financing Arrangements [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Debt offering, four point eight five percent, due June Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty One [Member] Debt offering, four point eight five percent, due June Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty One [Member] Debt offering, four point eight five percent, due June Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty One [Member] Debt Offering, Six Point One Two Five percent, due June Fifteen Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Debt Offering, Six Point One Two Five percent, due June Fifteen Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Debt Offering, Six Point One Two Five percent, due June Fifteen Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Repurchase Of Notes, Purchase Price Percentage Of Principal Amount Repurchase Of Notes, Purchase Price Percentage Of Principal Amount Repurchase Of Notes, Purchase Price Percentage Of Principal Amount. Inventory, Net [Abstract] Finished products Inventory, Finished Goods Raw materials and work in process Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials Gross inventories Inventory, Gross Less excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost Inventory, LIFO Reserve Total inventories Percent of LIFO inventories to total inventories Percentage of LIFO Inventory Operating Segment Information [Abstract] OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract] Schedule of Operating Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Product Warranty and Recall Rollforward [Table] Product Warranty and Recall Rollforward [Table] Product Warranty and Recall Rollforward [Table] Product Warranty and Recall [Axis] Product Warranty and Recall [Axis] Product Warranty and Recall [Axis] Total Warranty and Recall [Domain] Total Warranty and Recall [Domain] Total Warranty and Recall [Domain] Product Warranty [Member] Product Warranty [Member] Product Warranty [Member]. Product Recall [Member] Product Recall [Member] Product Warranty and Recall [Line Items] Product Warranty and Recall [Line Items] Product Warranty and Recall [Line Items] Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 Product Warranty Accrual Issuances/accruals during the period Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued Settlements made during the period Product Warranty Accrual, Payments Other changes Product Warranty Accrual, Preexisting, Increase (Decrease) Balance at June 30 Current portion Product Warranty Accrual, Current Non-current portion Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent Total Product Warranty and Recall Narrative [Abstract] Product Warranty and Recall Narrative [Abstract] Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Schedule of commitments and contingencies [Table] Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies [Domain] Recall Of Dishwashers [Member] Recall Of Dishwashers [Member] Recall Of Dishwashers [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Voluntary recall, total expected costs Product Recall Total Expected Costs Product Recall Total Expected Costs. Voluntary recall, number of products affected Voluntary Recall, Number Of Products Affected Voluntary Recall, Number Of Products Affected. Increase Decrease In Product Recall Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Table] Expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of products sold Cost of Goods Sold Gross margin Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Intangible amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Operating profit Other income (expense) Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Interest and sundry income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest expense Interest Expense Earnings (loss) before income taxes and other items Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Earnings (loss) before equity earnings Earnings Before Equity Earnings Earnings Before Equity Earnings Equity in loss of affiliated companies Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net earnings (loss) Less: Net earnings (loss) available to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings (loss) available to Whirlpool Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Per share of common stock Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic net earnings (loss) available to Whirlpool Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net earnings (loss) available to Whirlpool Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted General Discussion of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Interest rate swaps outstanding Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Notional amount of foreign exchange forwards/options Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Notional amount of commodity swaps/options Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives Foreign exchange forward/options, hedge assets Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Asset at Fair Value Foreign Exchange Forwards/Options, Hedge Liability at Fair Value Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Liability at Fair Value Commodity Swaps/Options, Hedge Assets at Fair Value Price Risk Fair Value Hedge Asset, at Fair Value Commodity Swaps/Options, Hedge Liabilities at Fair Value Price Risk Fair Value Hedge Liability, at Fair Value Total derivatives accounted for as hedges, hedge assets at fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Total derivatives accounted for as hedges, hedge liabilities at fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Foreign Exchange Forwards/Options, Hedge Assets at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Foreign Exchange Forwards/Options, Hedge Liabilities at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Commodity swaps/options, hedge assets at fair value Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Asset, at Fair Value Commodity Swaps/Options, hedge liabiilities at Fair Value Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Liability, at Fair Value Total derivatives not accounted for as hedges, hedge assets at fair value Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value Total derivatives not accounted for as hedges, hedge liabilities at fair value Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value Total derivatives, hedge assets at fair value Derivative Assets Total derivatives, hedge liabilities at fair value Derivative Liabilities Maximum term of foreign exchange forwards/options, in months Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Maximum term of commodity swaps/options, in months Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Assets, Current Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] German Laundry Facility [Member] German Laundry Facility [Member] German Laundry Facility [Member] Manufacturing Facility Evansville, Indiana [Member] Manufacturing Facility Evansville, Indiana [Member] Manufacturing Facility Evansville, Indiana [Member] Workforce reduction plan [Member] Workforce reduction plan [Member] Workforce reduction plan [Member] Global operating platform [Member] Global operating platform [Member] Global operating platform [Member] The amount of employees that the workforce was reduced by Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Employee termination costs related to workforce reduction Severance Costs Restructuring Cost Equipment Relocation Restructuring Cost Equipment Relocation Equipment relocation cost, related to restructuring. Asset impairment charges related to workforce reduction Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Other expenses related to restructuring Other Restructuring Costs Restructuring cost expected in the future related to workforce reduction Effect on Future Earnings and Cash Flows, Offset Description Restructuring costs that will result in cash expenditures Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Ineffective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized on Related Hedged Items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Gain (Loss) on Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges, Foreign Exchange Forwards / Options Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) on Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges, Commodity Swaps Gain (Loss) on Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) on Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges, Net Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Letter of Credit Subfacility [Member] Letter of Credit Subfacility [Member] Letter of Credit Subfacility [Member] Credit Facility maturing Aug 13 2012 [Member] Credit Facility maturing Aug 13 2012 [Member] Credit Facility maturing Aug 13 2012 [Member] Credit Facility maturing June 28 2016 [Member] Credit Facility maturing June 28 2016 [Member] Credit Facility maturing June 28 2016 [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] (11) OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract] (11) OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Unrealized gain or loss on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI related to contracts maturing and expected to be realized Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] 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] U.S. Pension Benefits [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Foreign Pension Benefits [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments 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 Actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Prior service credit Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate U.S. government tax incentives, including Energy Tax Credits Income Tax Credits and Adjustments Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Foreign Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Foreign Income Tax Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Income Tax Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Income tax (benefit) expense Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Income tax computed at US statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Investment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Investment Foreign government tax incentives, including BEFIEX Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential Effective income tax rate reconciliation, other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Guarantees [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted Prices (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Other Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Money Market Funds Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities) Long-term Debt, Fair Value Net derivative contracts Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Available for sale investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effects of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Restructuring Liability And Restructuring Activity Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Embraco Antitrust Matters [Member] Embraco Antitrust Matters [Member] Operating tax matter [Member] Operating tax matter [Member] Brazilian Collection Dispute [Member] Brazilian Collection Dispute [Member]. Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Embraco percent of global net sales Embraco Percent Of Global Net Sales Embraco Percent Of Global Net Sales Amount of settlement paid Payments for Legal Settlements Second expected settlement payment Second expected settlement payment Second expected settlement payment First expected settlement amount First expected settlement amount First expected settlement amount Litigation settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Gross Legal judgment amount Legal Judgment Amount Legal Judgment Amount. Foreign currency translation Foreign currency translation Foreign currency translation Interest and sundry income charges related to Brazilian collection dispute Interest and sundry income charges related to Brazilian collection dispute Interest and sundry income charges related to Brazilian collection dispute Earnings impact after tax Earnings impact after tax Earnings impact after tax Declaration of non-enforceability of obligations initial loan amount Declaration Of Non Enforceability Of Obligations Initial Loan Amount Declaration Of Non Enforceability Of Obligations Initial Loan Amount. Embraco antitrust matters most recent quarter accrual Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Provision Foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Estimate of probable loss Loss Contingency Gross Amount Accrued Loss Contingency Gross Amount Accrued Estimate of probable loss, remaining accrued Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value IPI tax credits recognized IPI Tax Credits Recognized IPI Tax Credits Recognized Charges related to disputed IPI tax credit program Charges Recorded in Cost of Products Sold Charges Recorded in Cost of Products Sold Charges recorded in interest expense Charges recorded in interest expense Charges recorded in interest expense Penalties recorded in interest and sundry income (expense) Penalties recorded in interest and sundry income (expense) Penalties recorded in interest and sundry income (expense) Cost of goods sold Interest expense Interest and sundry income (expense) Brazilian collection dispute judicial adjustments pending appeal Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Terms Legal Settlement Installment Amounts Legal Settlement Installment Amounts Legal Settlement Installment Amounts Legal Settlement Number of Installments Paid Legal Settlement Number of Installments Paid Legal Settlement Number of Installments Paid to date Currency translation adjustments - net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cash flow hedges - net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Pension and other postretirement benefits plans - net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Available for sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Less: Comprehensive income (Loss) available to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (Loss) available to Whirlpool Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Guarantees [Abstract] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Guarantor Obligations by Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Customer Lines Of Credit For Brazilian Subsidiary [Member] Customer Lines Of Credit For Brazilian Subsidiary [Member] Customer Lines Of Credit For Brazilian Subsidiary [Member]. Indebtedness And Lines of Credit For Various Consolidated Subsidiaries [Member] Indebtedness And Lines of Credit For Various Consolidated Subsidiaries [Member] Indebtedness And Lines of Credit For Various Consolidated Subsidiaries [Member]. Five Year Revolving Credit Facility For Harbor Shores Project [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Facility For Harbor Shores Project [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Facility For Harbor Shores Project [Member]. Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantor obligations Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Harbor Shores project, line of credit initiation date Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date Harbor Shores project, line of credit expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS PLAN ACTIVITY [Abstract] PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS PLAN ACTIVITY [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment on Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment on Accumulated Benefit Obligation Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Document and entity information [Abstract] [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] 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 Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury Stock Treasury Stock, Shares