Restructuring Costs (Restructuring Reserves By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Project Renewal [Member]
Beginning Balance	$ 15.7
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	11.3
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(9.4)
Ending Balance	17.6
Project Renewal [Member] | Newell Consumer Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance	8.7
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	8.6
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(6.2)
Ending Balance	11.1
Project Renewal [Member] | Newell Professional Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance	2.4
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	2.3
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(1.5)
Ending Balance	3.2
Project Renewal [Member] | Baby & Parenting Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance	1.8
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	0.2
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(0.7)
Ending Balance	1.3
Project Renewal [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Beginning Balance	2.8
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	0.2
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(1.0)
Ending Balance	2.0
Project Acceleration [Member]
Beginning Balance	9.2
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	0
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(0.8)
Ending Balance	8.4
Project Acceleration [Member] | Newell Consumer Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance	2.7
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	0
Restructuring Reserve Settled	0
Ending Balance	2.7
Project Acceleration [Member] | Newell Professional Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance	3.7
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	0
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(0.1)
Ending Balance	3.6
Project Acceleration [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Beginning Balance	2.8
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	0
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(0.7)
Ending Balance	$ 2.1