Restructuring Costs (Restructuring Reserves By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Project Renewal [Member]
Beginning Balance	$ 15.7
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	18.2
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(15.7)
Ending Balance	18.2
Project Renewal [Member] | Newell Consumer Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance	8.7
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	10.9
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(9.1)
Ending Balance	10.5
Project Renewal [Member] | Newell Professional Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance	2.4
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	4.8
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(3.0)
Ending Balance	4.2
Project Renewal [Member] | Baby & Parenting Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance	1.8
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	0.2
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(1.2)
Ending Balance	0.8
Project Renewal [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Beginning Balance	2.8
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	2.3
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(2.4)
Ending Balance	2.7
Project Acceleration [Member]
Beginning Balance	9.2
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	0
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(1.7)
Ending Balance	7.5
Project Acceleration [Member] | Newell Consumer Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance	2.7
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense	0
Restructuring Reserve Settled	(0.1)
Ending Balance	2.6
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	(1.5)
Ending Balance	$ 1.3