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Other (Textual) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Contract
OptionPlan
Dec. 31, 2012
Contract
OptionPlan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Number of foreign currency option outstanding 0shw_NumberOfForeignCurrencyOptionOutstanding 0shw_NumberOfForeignCurrencyOptionOutstanding 0shw_NumberOfForeignCurrencyOptionOutstanding
Number of foreign forward contracts outstanding 0shw_NumberOfForeignForwardContractsOutstanding 0shw_NumberOfForeignForwardContractsOutstanding 0shw_NumberOfForeignForwardContractsOutstanding
Global Finishes Group [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Gain on early termination of customer agreement $ 6,336us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= shw_GlobalFinishesGroupMember
   
Administrative [Member] | Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Realized gain on final asset valuations $ 6,198us-gaap_BusinessCombinationBargainPurchaseGainRecognizedAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= shw_AcquisitionofComexUSCanadaBusinessMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= shw_AdministrativeMember