Accelerated Vesting Conditions, Stock Options, Effective Period

No definition available.

Name:	nwl_AcceleratedVestingConditionsStockOptionsEffectivePeriod
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Accelerated Vesting Conditions, Stock Options, Employee Age

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_AcceleratedVestingConditionsStockOptionsEmployeeAge
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Multiplier For Calculating Share Availability Under A Stock Plan for awards other than stock options.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_MultiplierForCalculatingShareAvailabilityUnderStockPlan
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Non-TSR PSU Vesting Period Maximum

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_NonTsrPsuVestingPeriodMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	us-types:dateStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Non-TSR PSU Vesting Period Minimum

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_NonTsrPsuVestingPeriodMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	us-types:dateStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum percentage applicable to performance based restricted stock units awarded based on the level of achievement of specified conditions at the vesting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceShareUnitAdditionalUnitsGrantedMaximumPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Minimum percentage applicable to performance based restricted stock units awarded based on the level of achievement of specified conditions at the vesting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceShareUnitAdditionalUnitsGrantedMinimumPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of outstanding performance share units that could be awarded based on performance as of the end of the reporting period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceShareUnitAwardLevelNonvestedAtPeriodEndNumber
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Performance-based restricted stock units granted during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceShareUnitAwardNumber
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage applicable to performance based restricted stock units awarded based on the threshold level of achievement of specified conditions at end of period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceShareUnitOutstandingAtThreshold
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of outstanding performance share units at the threshold award level as of the end of the reporting period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceShareUnitThresholdAwardLevelNonvestedNumber
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Share-based Compensation, Net of Tax

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_ShareBasedCompensationNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Share-based Compensation Not Yet Recognized, Weighted Average Period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_ShareBasedCompensationNotYetRecognizedWeightedAveragePeriod
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Shares Reserved For Issuance Of Performance Based Restricted Stock Units

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_SharesReservedForIssuanceOfPerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnits
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Shares Reserved For Issuance Of Restricted Stock Units

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_SharesReservedForIssuanceOfRestrictedStockUnits
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Shares Reserved For Issuance Of Stock Options

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nwl_SharesReservedForIssuanceOfStockOptions
Namespace Prefix:	nwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The noncash expense that represents the cost of restricted stock or unit distributed to employees as compensation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedStockExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Description of the period of time over which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, which may be expressed in a variety of ways (for example, in years, month and year).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum vesting term over which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	us-types:dateStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The minimum vesting term over which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	us-types:dateStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(a)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(b)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(2)(i)-(ii)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The estimated dividend rate (a percentage of the share price) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the option's term.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The period of time an equity-based award is expected to be outstanding. An equity-based award's expected term is generally determined based on, among other factors, the instrument's contractual term and the effects of employees' expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 14.D.2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6793087&loc=d3e301413-122809

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph e(2)(a)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 14

-Section D

-Subsection 2

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (f)(2)(i)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The estimated measure of the percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The difference between the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares (or other type of equity) already issued upon exercise of options or other equity-based awards under the plan; and 2) shares (or other type of equity) reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(1)(i)-(ii)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(1)(a)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(1)(b)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock or unit options distributed to employees as compensation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph 64

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph i

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 43,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	15.4	16.3	16.3	16.4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	6.1	5.2	4.6	3.2
Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense	12,500,000	13,900,000	14,400,000
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense	30,500,000	22,600,000	20,700,000
Share-based Compensation	43,000,000	36,500,000	35,100,000
Share-based Compensation, Net of Tax	31,800,000	28,500,000	29,800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	2.60%	2.90%	2.20%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	1.30%	1.40%	5.20%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	39.00%	38.00%	35.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	6.4	6.7	6.8
Accelerated Vesting Conditions, Stock Options, Effective Period	1
Accelerated Vesting Conditions, Stock Options, Employee Age	65
2010 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	21.0
Multiplier For Calculating Share Availability Under A Stock Plan	2.5
Shares Reserved For Issuance Of Stock Options	1.0
Shares Reserved For Issuance Of Restricted Stock Units	5.5
Shares Reserved For Issuance Of Performance Based Restricted Stock Units	1.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	13.4
Stock Options [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	9,700,000
Share-based Compensation Not Yet Recognized, Weighted Average Period	2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Maximum	five
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Minimum	three
2003 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	13.7
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	3.6
1993 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	0.7
Restricted Stock Units (RSU) [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 33,300,000
Share-based Compensation Not Yet Recognized, Weighted Average Period	2
Vesting period, years	3
Percentage of units granted assumed	100.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Maximum	three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Minimum	one
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Performance-based stock units awarded	0.5	0.9	1.2
Percentage of units that are earned, minimum	0.00%
Percentage of units that are earned, maximum	200.00%
Performance-based stock, outstanding	2.1
Shares entitled to recipients	1.7
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Minimum	one
PSU Other Than TSR [Member]
Performance-based stock units awarded	0.7
Non-TSR PSU Vesting Period Minimum	2
Non-TSR PSU Vesting Period Maximum	7
Performance-based stock, outstanding	0.7
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Maximum	seven
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Minimum	two
2010 Stock Plan [Member] \| Restricted Stock Units (RSU) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Minimum	three