Stockholders' Equity (Net Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share – net earnings (loss) available to Whirlpool	$ 113	$ (161)	$ 205	$ 8
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share – weighted-average shares	78.0	76.8	77.7	76.7
Effect of dilutive securities – stock-based compensation	0.8	0	1.1	1.4
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	78.8	76.8	78.8	78.1
Anti-dilutive stock options/awards excluded from earnings per share	2.9	3.4	2.9	2.1