Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Stockholders' equity, December 31, 2011 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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 Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Treasury Stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method 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, March 31, 2012 Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Schedule Of Restructuring Liability And Restructuring Activity Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Net Income Attributable to Parent Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic 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 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 Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] 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] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Other Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [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 Net derivative contracts Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Available for sale investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities) Long-term Debt, Fair Value Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net earnings 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 and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction 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 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 Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Investment in related businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Net proceeds (repayments) from short-term borrowings Repayments of Short-term Debt Common stock issued Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 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 Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and equivalents at end of period Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Product Warranty and Recall Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Operating Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] General Information Nature of Operations [Text Block] Consolidation Policy Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment [Abstract] Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description Issued but Not Yet Effective Accounting Pronouncements Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Legal Contingencies [Axis] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member] Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member] Settlement of Litigation [Member] Settlement of Litigation [Member] Settlement with Brazilian Government in USD [Member] Settlement with Brazilian Government in USD [Member] Settlement with Brazilian Government in USD [Member] Guarantor Obligations [Axis] 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]. Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Bankers Acceptance [Member] Bankers Acceptance [Member] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted 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 Loss Contingency Gross Amount Accrued Litigation Settlement, Expense Estimate of probable loss, remaining accrued Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value Installment Payments to be paid through 2015 Installment Payments to be paid through 2015 Installment Payments to be paid through 2015 Litigation Settlement, Gross Litigation Settlement, Gross Bank Acceptances Executed and Outstanding Bank Acceptances Executed and Outstanding Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and equivalents Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $63 and $61, 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 $6,274 and $6,146, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $187 and $177, 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, 107 million and 106 million shares issued and 77 million and 76 million shares outstanding, respectively 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 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity 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] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Restructuring charges by operating segment [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] North America Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group One [Member] Latin America Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Two [Member] EMEA Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Three [Member] [Member] Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Three Asia Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Four [Member] Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Four [Member] Corporate/ Other Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Five [Member] Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Five [Member] Total, Beginning Balance Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Cash Paid Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Non-Cash Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash Revision of Estimate Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Total, Ending Balance Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated NumbeofSalariedPositionsExpectedtobeEliminated NumbeofSalariedPositionsExpectedtobeEliminated NumbeofSalariedPositionsExpectedtobeEliminated Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] 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] Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held 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 Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional Amount of Interest Rate 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 Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value Interest Rate Cash Flow 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 Derivative Assets, Current Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Total derivatives, hedge assets at fair value Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent 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 Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Comprehensive Income Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table 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 Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Inventory, Net [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share 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, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] 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 LIFO Method Related Items [Abstract] Percent of LIFO inventories to total inventories Percentage of LIFO Inventory Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income Net sales Revenue, Net 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 Restructuring costs Operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense) Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Interest and sundry income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest expense Interest Expense Earnings before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Less: Net earnings available to noncontrolling interests Net earnings available to Whirlpool Per share of common stock Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic net earnings available to Whirlpool Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net earnings 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 Diluted Comprehensive income 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] 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 Amortization Amortization [Abstract] 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 Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in OC (Effective Portion) Loss from Components Excluded from Assessment of Cash Flow Hedge Effectiveness 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 on Derivatives 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) Recognized 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, Net Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] 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 March 31 Current portion Product Warranty Accrual, Current Non-current portion Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent Total Schedule of Derivative Instruments 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] Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract] Earnings (loss) before income taxes 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 Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits 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 Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate 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) available to Whirlpool Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] EMEA Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member] Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member]. Asia Asia [Member] Asia [Member]. Other/Eliminations Intersegment Elimination [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment Intersegment sales Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization OperatingProfitLossbySegment Total assets Segment Reporting Information, Net Assets Capital expenditures 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