Schedule of Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 1,731	$ 1,729
Revision of estimated Maytag operations exit costs	(2)	(1)
Foreign currency translation	(2)	3
Goodwill	1,727	1,731
Goodwill, Impairment [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
North America [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	1,727	1,724
Revision of estimated Maytag operations exit costs	(2)	(1)
Foreign currency translation	(2)	4
Goodwill	1,723	1,727
Latin America [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	4	5
Revision of estimated Maytag operations exit costs
Foreign currency translation		(1)
Goodwill	$ 4	$ 4

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

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+ Details