Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (159)	$ 337	$ 928
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(272)	32	(30)
Derivative instruments:
Net gain (loss) arising during period	77	(84)	106
Less: reclassification adjustment for gain (loss) included in net earnings (loss)	107	(80)	35
Derivative instruments, net	(30)	(4)	71
Marketable securities:
Net gain (loss) arising during period	0	6	(2)
Marketable securities, net	0	6	(2)
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans:
Prior service (cost) credit arising during period	(5)	(16)	30
Net gain (loss) arising during period	(102)	(51)	(139)
Less: amortization of prior service credit (cost) and actuarial (loss)	(59)	(52)	(39)
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, net	(48)	(15)	(70)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(350)	19	(31)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	5	50	(37)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(345)	69	(68)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(504)	406	860
Less: comprehensive income (loss), available to noncontrolling interests	26	(13)	40
Comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	$ (530)	$ 419	$ 820