<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.6.0.2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>497</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>509</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>130</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>11</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1007000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1008000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Summary of Principal Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/SummaryOfPrincipalAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Principal Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangibles</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibles</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangibles</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Inventories</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/Inventories</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - Financing Arrangements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FinancingArrangements</Role>
      <ShortName>Financing Arrangements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/HedgesAndDerivativeFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/StockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Share-based Incentive Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ShareBasedIncentivePlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based Incentive Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Restructuring Charges</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/RestructuringCharges</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring Charges</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - Operating Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/OperatingSegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Segment Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2118100 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2119100 - Schedule - Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/SummaryOfPrincipalAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301302 - Disclosure - Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/SummaryOfPrincipalAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - Inventories (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/InventoriesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - Financing Arrangements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FinancingArrangementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Financing Arrangements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2310301 - Disclosure - Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/HedgesAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2311301 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312301 - Disclosure - Share-based Incentive Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ShareBasedIncentivePlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based Incentive Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - Restructuring Charges (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/RestructuringChargesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring Charges (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2314301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317301 - Disclosure - Operating Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/OperatingSegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2318301 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/SummaryOfPrincipalAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401404 - Disclosure - Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Property) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/SummaryOfPrincipalAccountingPoliciesPropertyDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Property) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Goodwill by Segment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesGoodwillBySegmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Goodwill by Segment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404403 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Other Intangible Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Other Intangible Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404404 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Other Intangibles Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesOtherIntangiblesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Other Intangibles Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404405 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Other Fair Value Measurements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsOtherFairValueMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements - Other Fair Value Measurements (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Inventories (Schedule of Inventory) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/InventoriesScheduleOfInventoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Schedule of Inventory) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Financing Arrangements (Summary of Debt) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FinancingArrangementsSummaryOfDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financing Arrangements (Summary of Debt) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408403 - Disclosure - Financing Arrangements (Summary of the Contractual Maturities of Debt Including Current Maturities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FinancingArrangementsSummaryOfContractualMaturitiesOfDebtIncludingCurrentMaturitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financing Arrangements (Summary of the Contractual Maturities of Debt Including Current Maturities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - Financing Arrangements (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FinancingArrangementsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financing Arrangements (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408405 - Disclosure - Financing Arrangements (Notes Payable) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/FinancingArrangementsNotesPayableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financing Arrangements (Notes Payable) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Legal Contingencies Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesLegalContingenciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Legal Contingencies Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Product Warranty and Recall Reserves) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesScheduleOfProductWarrantyAndRecallReservesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Product Warranty and Recall Reserves) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409404 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Product Warranty Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesProductWarrantyNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Product Warranty Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409405 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Guarantee Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesGuaranteeNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Guarantee Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409406 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesScheduleOfFutureMinimumRentalPaymentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409407 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Purchase Obligations) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesScheduleOfPurchaseObligationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Purchase Obligations) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410402 - Disclosure - Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/HedgesAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410403 - Disclosure - Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Net Investment Hedging) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/HedgesAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfNetInvestmentHedgingDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Net Investment Hedging) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410404 - Disclosure - Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Contracts) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/HedgesAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfOutstandingDerivativeContractsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Contracts) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410405 - Disclosure - Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Effects of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/HedgesAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfEffectsOfDerivativeInstrumentsOnConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Effects of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411402 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Other Comprehensive Income) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/StockholdersEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Other Comprehensive Income) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411403 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Net Earnings Per Share) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/StockholdersEquityNetEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Net Earnings Per Share) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411404 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ShareBasedIncentivePlansStockOptionsAndIncentivePlansNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412403 - Disclosure - Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Weighted Average Assumptions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ShareBasedIncentivePlansStockOptionsAndIncentivePlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Weighted Average Assumptions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412404 - Disclosure - Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Stock Option Activity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ShareBasedIncentivePlansStockOptionsAndIncentivePlansStockOptionActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Stock Option Activity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412405 - Disclosure - Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Stock Options Outstanding, Additional Info) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ShareBasedIncentivePlansStockOptionsAndIncentivePlansStockOptionsOutstandingAdditionalInfoDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Stock Options Outstanding, Additional Info) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412406 - Disclosure - Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Stock Units) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ShareBasedIncentivePlansStockOptionsAndIncentivePlansStockUnitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Stock Units) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Restructuring Charges (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/RestructuringChargesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring Charges (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413403 - Disclosure - Restructuring Charges (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/RestructuringChargesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring Charges (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413404 - Disclosure - Restructuring Charges (By Segment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/RestructuringChargesBySegmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring Charges (By Segment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Schedule of Reconciliations Between Tax Expense and The Consolidated Effective Income Tax Rate for Earnings Before Income Taxes and Other Items - Tax Rates) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfReconciliationsBetweenTaxExpenseAndConsolidatedEffectiveIncomeTaxRateForEarningsBeforeIncomeTaxesAndOtherItemsTaxRatesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Schedule of Reconciliations Between Tax Expense and The Consolidated Effective Income Tax Rate for Earnings Before Income Taxes and Other Items - Tax Rates) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414404 - Disclosure - Incomes Taxes (Income tax (benefit) provision) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/IncomesTaxesIncomeTaxBenefitProvisionDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Incomes Taxes (Income tax (benefit) provision) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414405 - Disclosure - Incomes Taxes (DTA and DTL) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/IncomesTaxesDtaAndDtlDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Incomes Taxes (DTA and DTL) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414406 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrecognized tax benefits) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrecognized tax benefits) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415403 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Obligations and Funded Status at End of Year) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansObligationsAndFundedStatusAtEndOfYearDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Obligations and Funded Status at End of Year) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415404 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Change in Benefit Obligation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansChangeInBenefitObligationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Change in Benefit Obligation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415405 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Change in Plan Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansChangeInPlanAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Change in Plan Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415406 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost)  (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost)  (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415407 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI (Pre-Tax) in 2011) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansOtherChangesInPlanAssetsAndBenefitObligationsRecognizedInOciPreTaxIn2011Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI (Pre-Tax) in 2011) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415408 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Estimated Pre-Tax Amounts That Will Be Amortized from Accumulated OCI) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEstimatedPreTaxAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOciDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Estimated Pre-Tax Amounts That Will Be Amortized from Accumulated OCI) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415409 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at end of year and net periodic cost) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToDetermineBenefitObligationAtEndOfYearAndNetPeriodicCostDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at end of year and net periodic cost) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415410 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Estimated impact of one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rate) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEstimatedImpactOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRateDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Estimated impact of one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rate) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415411 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Expected Employer Contributions to Funded Plans) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansExpectedEmployerContributionsToFundedPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Expected Employer Contributions to Funded Plans) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415412 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansExpectedBenefitPaymentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415413 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Fair Value of Plan Assets by Category) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansFairValueOfPlanAssetsByCategoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Fair Value of Plan Assets by Category) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415414 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEffectOfSignificantUnobservableInputsLevel3Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415415 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (PBO and Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansPboAndFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (PBO and Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>90</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415416 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedBenefitObligationInExcessOfPlanAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>91</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417402 - Disclosure - Operating Segment Information (Net Sales and Long-Lived Assets by Country) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/OperatingSegmentInformationNetSalesAndLongLivedAssetsByCountryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Segment Information (Net Sales and Long-Lived Assets by Country) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>92</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417403 - Disclosure - Operating Segment Information (Schedule of Operating Segment Information) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/OperatingSegmentInformationScheduleOfOperatingSegmentInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Segment Information (Schedule of Operating Segment Information) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>93</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418402 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>94</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="whr-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419401 - Schedule - Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://whirlpoolcorp.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>95</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>whr-20161231.xml</File>
    <File>whr-20161231.xsd</File>
    <File>whr-20161231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>whr-20161231_def.xml</File>
    <File>whr-20161231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>whr-20161231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
