Whirlpool (WHR) 10-K 26 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 20, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	WHIRLPOOL CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	106640
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		78,102,669
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$10,578,183,570

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$19,872	$18,769	$18,143
Expenses
Cost of products sold	16,477	15,471	15,250
Gross margin	3,395	3,298	2,893
Selling, general and administrative	2,038	1,828	1,757
Intangible amortization	33	25	30
Restructuring costs	136	196	237
Operating profit	1,188	1,249	869
Other income (expense)
Interest and sundry income (expense)	-142	-155	-112
Interest expense	-165	-177	-199
Earnings before income taxes	881	917	558
Income tax expense	189	68	133
Net earnings	692	849	425
Less: Net earnings available to noncontrolling interests	42	22	24
Net earnings available to Whirlpool	$650	$827	$401
Per share of common stock
Basic net earnings available to Whirlpool (USD per share)	$8.30	$10.42	$5.14
Diluted net earnings available to Whirlpool (USD per share)	$8.17	$10.24	$5.06
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)
Basic (shares)	78.3	79.3	78.1
Diluted (shares)	79.6	80.8	79.3

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$692	$849	$425
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-392	-122	-36
Derivative instruments:
Net gain (loss) arising during period	10	-9	-17
Less: reclassification adjustment for gain (loss) included in net earnings	11	-11	-25
Derivative instruments, net	-1	2	8
Marketable securities:
Net gain arising during period	0	7	2
Less: reclassification adjustment for loss included in net earnings	0	0	-7
Marketable securities, net	0	7	9
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans:
Prior service (cost) credit arising during period	-11	-2	2
Net gain (loss) arising during period	-242	475	-384
Less: amortization of prior service credit (cost) and actuarial (loss)	-20	-35	38
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, net:	-233	508	-420
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-626	395	-439
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	80	-165	130
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-546	230	-309
Comprehensive income	146	1,079	116
Less: comprehensive income, available to noncontrolling interests	38	19	20
Comprehensive income available to Whirlpool	$108	$1,060	$96

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and equivalents	$1,026	$1,380
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $154 and $73, respectively	2,768	2,005
Inventories	2,740	2,408
Deferred income taxes	417	549
Prepaid and other current assets	1,147	680
Total current assets	8,098	7,022
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,959 and $6,278, respectively	3,981	3,041
Goodwill	2,807	1,724
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $267 and $237, respectively	2,803	1,702
Deferred income taxes	1,900	1,764
Other noncurrent assets	413	291
Total assets	20,002	15,544
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	4,730	3,865
Accrued expenses	852	710
Accrued advertising and promotions	673	441
Employee compensation	499	456
Notes payable	569	10
Current maturities of long-term debt	234	607
Other current liabilities	846	705
Total current liabilities	8,403	6,794
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	3,544	1,846
Pension benefits	1,123	930
Postretirement benefits	446	458
Other noncurrent liabilities	690	482
Total noncurrent liabilities	5,803	3,716
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $1 par value, 250 million shares authorized, 110 million and 109 million shares issued, and 78 million and 77 million shares outstanding, respectively	110	109
Additional paid-in capital	2,555	2,453
Retained earnings	6,209	5,784
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,840	-1,298
Treasury stock, 32 million shares	-2,149	-2,124
Total Whirlpool stockholders’ equity	4,885	4,924
Noncontrolling interests	911	110
Total stockholders’ equity	5,796	5,034
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$20,002	$15,544

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$154	$73
Accumulated depreciation	5,959	6,278
Accumulated amortization	$267	$237
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	250	250
Common stock, shares issued	110	109
Common stock, shares outstanding	78	77
Treasury stock shares	32	32

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities
Net earnings	$692	$849	$425
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	560	540	551
Curtailment gain	0	0	-52
Increase (decrease) in LIFO inventory reserve	9	-26	-13
Brazilian collection dispute	0	0	-275
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquisitions):
Accounts receivable	-90	-65	47
Inventories	40	-86	-7
Accounts payable	359	275	240
Accrued advertising and promotions	121	28	-13
Accrued expenses and current liabilities	-232	82	0
Taxes deferred and payable, net	49	-105	-68
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits	-181	-184	-227
Employee compensation	-17	-23	249
Other	169	-23	-161
Cash provided by operating activities	1,479	1,262	696
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	-720	-578	-476
Proceeds from sale of assets and business	21	6	10
Change in restricted cash	74	0	0
Acquisition of Indesit Company S.p.A.	-1,356	0	0
Acquisition of Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.	-453	0	0
Investment in related businesses	-16	-6	-28
Other	-6	-4	0
Cash used in investing activities	-2,456	-582	-494
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt	1,483	518	322
Repayments of long-term debt	-606	-513	-361
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings	63	5	6
Dividends paid	-224	-187	-155
Repurchase of common stock	-25	-350	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest shares	-5	0	0
Common stock issued	38	95	43
Other	-19	-2	-3
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	705	-434	-148
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	-82	-34	5
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	-354	212	59
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year	1,380	1,168	1,109
Cash and equivalents at end of year	1,026	1,380	1,168
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	172	179	197
Cash paid for income taxes	$140	$158	$177

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock/ Additional Paid- in-Capital	Common Stock	Non- Controlling Interests
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$4,280	$4,922	($1,226)	$379	$106	$99
Comprehensive income
Net earnings	425	401				24
Other comprehensive loss	-309		-305			-4
Comprehensive income	116	401	-305			20
Cumulative adjustment, equity method investment	-18	-18
Stock issued	159			157	2
Dividends declared	-170	-158				-12
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	4,367	5,147	-1,531	536	108	107
Comprehensive income
Net earnings	849	827				22
Other comprehensive loss	230		233			-3
Comprehensive income	1,079	827	233			19
Stock issued	-206			-207	1
Dividends declared	-206	-190				-16
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	5,034	5,784	-1,298	329	109	110
Comprehensive income
Net earnings	692	650				42
Other comprehensive loss	-546		-542			-4
Comprehensive income	146	650	-542			38
Stock issued	59			58	1
Dividends declared	-244	-225				-19
Acquisitions	801			19		782
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$5,796	$6,209	($1,840)	$406	$110	$911

Summary_of_Principal_Accountin

Summary of Principal Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Principal Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	General Information
	Whirlpool Corporation, a Delaware corporation, is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Whirlpool manufactures products in 14 countries and markets products in nearly every country around the world under brand names such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air and Indesit. Whirlpool’s reportable segments consist of North America, Latin America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Asia.
	Principles of Consolidation
	Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. We do not consolidate the financial statements of any company in which we have an ownership interest of 50% or less unless that company is deemed to be a variable interest entity ("VIE") of which we are the primary beneficiary. Certain VIEs are consolidated when the company is the primary beneficiary of these entities and has the ability to directly impact the activities of these entities.
	Reclassifications
	We reclassified certain prior period amounts in our Consolidated Financial Statements to be consistent with current period presentation. The effect of these reclassifications is not material.
	Use of Estimates
	We are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Revenue Recognition
	Sales are recorded when title passes to the customer as determined by the shipping terms. For the majority of our sales, title is transferred to the customer as soon as products are shipped. For a portion of our sales, title is transferred to the customer upon receipt of products at the customer’s location. Allowances for estimated returns are made on sales of certain products based on historical return rates for the products involved.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	We carry accounts receivable at sales value less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We periodically evaluate accounts receivable and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of specific customer circumstances, credit conditions and the history of write-offs and collections. We evaluate items on an individual basis when determining accounts receivable write-offs. In general, our policy is to not charge interest on trade receivables after the invoice becomes past due. A receivable is considered past due if payment has not been received within agreed upon invoice terms.
	Securitization of Financing Receivables / Variable Interest Entities
	Indesit, acquired by Whirlpool in the fourth quarter of 2014, has maintained a securitization program since 2010. The securitization involves the without-recourse sale of trade receivables by Indesit. The receivables are acquired by special purpose entities ("SPEs") which are financed by the issuance of securities whose repayment is guaranteed by the cash flows generated by the receivables sold.
	At December 31, 2014, liabilities related to the securitization were comprised of senior securities issued on the asset-backed security market and totaled $88 million. At the same date, financial receivables represented by junior securities total $53 million, cash not yet collected on receivables sold was $38 million and cash held by the SPEs (reflected in other current assets due to its restricted use for debt repayment) was $5 million. At December 31, 2014, $35 million from the securitization is included in Whirlpool’s notes payable balance.
	The SPEs related to the securitization are designed to create and pass along debt proceeds and related debt expenses to Indesit, its interest holder. Additionally, Indesit has the ability to directly impact the activities of these entities. Therefore, these entities are considered variable interest entities and Indesit is considered the primary beneficiary of these entities. Accordingly, the results of these entities have been consolidated into Whirlpool’s financial results at December 31, 2014.
	Whirlpool stopped the sale of receivables related to the securitization beginning in December 2014. We anticipate exiting this debt securitization by the end of the first quarter of 2015.
	Freight and Warehousing Costs
	We classify freight and warehousing costs within cost of products sold in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Cash and Equivalents
	All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash relates to the private placement funds paid by Whirlpool to acquire a portion of the shares needed to acquire majority control of Hefei Sanyo in October 2014. The restricted cash is used to fund capital and technical resources to enhance Hefei Sanyo’s research and development and working capital. As of December 31, 2014, restricted cash was approximately $237 million of which approximately $50 million is recorded in other current assets, with the remaining portion recorded in other non-current assets.
	Fair Value Measurements
	We measure fair value based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tiered fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable, either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. We had no Level 3 assets or liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, with the exception of those disclosed in Note 13.
	We measured fair value for money market funds and available for sale investments using quoted market prices in active markets for identical or comparable assets. We measured fair value for derivative contracts, all of which have counterparties with high credit ratings, based on model driven valuations using significant inputs derived from observable market data.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) cost, except United States production inventories, which are stated at last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost, and Latin America, Asia and certain EMEA inventories, which are stated at average cost. Costs do not exceed net realizable values. See Note 5 for additional information about inventories.
	Property
	Property is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. For production machinery and equipment, we record depreciation based on units produced, unless units produced drop below a minimum threshold at which point depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method, excluding property acquired from Hefei Sanyo and Indesit acquisitions. For nonproduction assets and assets acquired from Hefei Sanyo and Indesit, as of December 31, 2014 we depreciate costs based on the straight-line method. Depreciation expense for property, including accelerated depreciation classified as restructuring expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income, was $527 million, $515 million and $521 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes our property as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			Estimated Useful Life
	Land	$	142		$	76		n/a
	Buildings	1,616			1,303			10 to 50 years
	Machinery and equipment	8,182			7,940			3 to 25 years
	Accumulated depreciation	(5,959		)	(6,278		)
	Property, net	$	3,981		$	3,041
	We classify gains and losses associated with asset dispositions in the same line item as the underlying depreciation of the disposed asset in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We retired approximately $503 million and $282 million of machinery and equipment no longer in use during 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net gains and losses recognized in cost of products sold were not material for 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	We record impairment losses on long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and intangibles, when events and circumstances indicate the assets may be impaired and the estimated future cash flows generated by those assets are less than their carrying amounts. There were no significant impairments recorded during 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	We evaluate goodwill using a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a two-step impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the two-step impairment test.
	If the qualitative assessment concludes that the two-step impairment test is necessary, we first compare the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value. The fair value is estimated based on a market approach and a discounted cash flow analysis, also known as the income approach, and is reconciled back to the current market capitalization for Whirlpool to ensure that the implied control premium is reasonable. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform the second step to estimate an implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets). The difference between the total fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of all the assets and liabilities other than goodwill is the implied fair value of that goodwill. The amount of impairment loss is equal to the excess of the book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill.
	We evaluate certain indefinite-lived intangibles using a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value may be less than its carrying amount, the fair value of the trademark is estimated and compared to its carrying value to determine if an impairment exists. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the quantitative test.
	When the qualitative assessment is not utilized and a quantitative test is performed, we estimate the fair value of these intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty method, which requires assumptions related to projected revenues from our annual long-range plan; assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trademark; and a discount rate based on our weighted average cost of capital. We recognize an impairment loss when the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value.
	Definite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life. See Note 3 for additional information about goodwill and intangible assets.
	Accounts Payable Outsourcing
	We offer our suppliers access to third party payable processors. Independent of Whirlpool, the processors allow suppliers to sell their receivables to financial institutions at the sole discretion of both the supplier and the financial institution. In China, as a common practice we pay suppliers with banker’s acceptance drafts. Banker’s acceptance drafts allow suppliers to sell their receivables to financial institutions at the sole discretion of both the supplier and the financial institution. We have no economic interest in the sale of these receivables and no direct financial relationship with the financial institutions concerning these services. All of our obligations, including amounts due, remain to our suppliers as stated in our supplier agreements. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $1.6 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, have been sold by suppliers to participating financial institutions.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We use derivative instruments designated as cash flow and fair value hedges to manage our exposure to the volatility in material costs, foreign currency and interest rates on certain debt instruments. Changes in the fair value of derivative assets or liabilities (i.e., gains or losses) are recognized depending upon the type of hedging relationship and whether a hedge has been designated. For those derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting, we designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a cash flow hedge, fair value hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. For a derivative instrument designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in earnings in the period of change in fair value together with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item. For a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of Other Comprehensive Income and is subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. For a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is reported in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized immediately in current net earnings. See Note 8 for additional information about hedges and derivative financial instruments.
	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
	Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. The results of operations of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in net earnings.
	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs are charged to expense and totaled $563 million, $582 million and $553 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are charged to expense when the advertisement is first communicated and totaled $269 million, $304 million and $273 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets is recognized in income in the period of enactment date.
	We recognize, in other current and noncurrent liabilities, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, effects of an uncertain income tax position when it is more likely than not, based on technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. We accrue for other tax contingencies when it is probable that a liability to a taxing authority has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
	Provision is made for taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and related companies to the extent that such earnings are not deemed to be permanently invested. See Note 12 for additional information about income taxes.
	Stock Based Compensation
	We recognize stock based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the award over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (generally the vesting period). The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which incorporates assumptions regarding the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, expected option life and dividend yield. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the stock price on the date of grant. The fair value of restricted stock units and performance stock units is generally based on the closing market price of Whirlpool common stock on the grant date. See Note 10 for additional information about stock based compensation.
	BEFIEX Credits
	In previous years, our Brazilian operations earned tax credits under the Brazilian government’s export incentive program (BEFIEX). These credits reduce Brazilian federal excise taxes on domestic sales, resulting in an increase in the operations’ recorded net sales. We recognized export credits as they were monetized. See Note 7 and Note 12 for additional information regarding BEFIEX credits.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” This new guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits, reflecting the manner in which an entity would settle, at the reporting date, any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. We adopted the provisions of this amendment during the first quarter of 2014, which resulted in a reclassification between other non-current liabilities and non-current deferred income tax assets of approximately $53 million. The adoption did not change existing recognition and measurement requirements in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This pronouncement is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period and is to be applied using one of two retrospective application methods, with early application not permitted. We have not yet determined the potential effects from this pronouncement on the Consolidated Financial Statements, if any.
All other issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	ACQUISITIONS
	Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
	On October 24, 2014, Whirlpool's wholly-owned subsidiary, Whirlpool (China) Investment Co., Ltd., (“Whirlpool China”), completed its acquisition of a 51% equity stake in Hefei Sanyo, a joint stock company whose shares are listed and traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
	Pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement among Whirlpool China, SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (“Sanyo Japan”), and SANYO Electric (China) Co., Ltd. (“Sanyo China”, and together with Sanyo Japan, the “Sellers”), on October 20, 2014, Whirlpool China completed its purchase of the 157 million shares (or 29.51%) of Hefei Sanyo currently held by the Sellers (such transaction, the “Share Purchase”) for RMB 1.4 billion (approximately $230 million at the date of purchase).
	On October 24, 2014, pursuant to a Share Subscription Agreement (the “Share Subscription Agreement”) between Whirlpool China and Hefei Sanyo, Whirlpool China completed its subscription for 234 million shares (which, together with shares purchased pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, aggregated 51%) of Hefei Sanyo pursuant to a private placement (such transaction, the “Share Subscription”) for RMB 2.0 billion (approximately $321 million at the date of purchase). Pursuant to the Share Subscription Agreement and as required by the law of the People’s Republic of China, Whirlpool China will be prevented from selling any shares of Hefei Sanyo for 36 months from the date of acquisition.
	The aggregate purchase price for the Share Purchase and the Share Subscription was RMB 3.4 billion (approximately $551 million at the dates of purchase). The purchase price for the Share Purchase was payable in USD based on the exchange rate as of August 9, 2013. The Company funded the total consideration for the shares with cash on hand. The cash paid for the Share Subscription is considered restricted cash, which will be used to fund capital and technical resources to enhance Hefei Sanyo’s research and development and working capital.
	Indesit Company S.p.A.
	On July 10, 2014, we entered into share purchase agreements with (i) Fineldo S.p.A. (“Fineldo”, and the share purchase agreement with Fineldo, the “Fineldo SPA”), a company incorporated under the laws of Italy, concerning the purchase and sale of 42.7% of the issued share capital (the “Fineldo Shares”) of Indesit, a joint stock company incorporated under the laws of Italy whose shares are listed on the stock market organized and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A., (ii) Ms. Franca Carloni, Mr. Aristide Merloni, Mr. Andrea Merloni, Ms. Maria Paola Merloni, Ms. Antonella Merloni, Ms. Ester Merloni, Fines S.p.A. and, following approval by the Court of Ancona, Mr. Vittorio Merloni (the “Family SPA”), collectively concerning the purchase and sale of 13.2% of Indesit’s issued share capital (the “Family Shares”), and (iii) Ms. Claudia Merloni (the “Claudia Merloni SPA” and, together with the Fineldo SPA and the Family SPA, the “Stock Purchase Agreements”) concerning the purchase and sale of 4.4% of Indesit’s issued share capital (the “Claudia Merloni Shares”).
	On October 14, 2014, we completed our acquisition of the Fineldo Shares under the Fineldo SPA and our acquisition of the Family Shares under the Family SPA. We completed our acquisition of the Claudia Merloni Shares under the Claudia Merloni SPA on July 17, 2014. In the aggregate, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreements, we acquired 60.4% of Indesit’s issued share capital. This represents 66.8% of Indesit’s issued and outstanding stock. The aggregate purchase price for the Fineldo Shares was €537 million (approximately $680 million at the date of purchase). The aggregate purchase price for the Family Shares was €166 million (approximately $210 million at the date of purchase). The aggregate purchase price for the Claudia Merloni Shares was €55 million (approximately $75 million at the date of purchase). The Company funded the aggregate purchase price for the Fineldo Shares and Family Shares through borrowings under our credit facility, and repaid a portion of such borrowings through the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $650 million in senior notes on November 4, 2014.
	On November 26, 2014, we announced in Italy the final results for the mandatory tender offer for the remaining outstanding shares of Indesit. Settlement and closing of the mandatory tender offer occurred on November 28, 2014. We received tenders for a number of shares equal to 91.4% of the total shares available for purchase in the mandatory tender offer, increasing our aggregate ownership interest in Indesit’s issued share capital to 97.1%. The aggregate purchase price for the shares purchased at settlement of the mandatory tender offer was €344 million (approximately $429 million as of the date of purchase).
	On December 3, 2014, Whirlpool purchased all remaining shares of Indesit and Indesit delisted from the Electronic Stock Market organized and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. Total consideration paid for Indesit was $1.4 billion in aggregate net of cash acquired.
	We funded the aggregate purchase price for the tender offer and remaining shares through borrowings under our credit facility and through borrowings under our commercial paper programs, and intend to repay such borrowings in the future through public debt financing.
	Purchase Price Allocations
	The Company is in the process of finalizing independent appraisals for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Hefei Sanyo and Indesit acquisitions. This is expected to result in adjustments to the carrying values of recorded assets and liabilities, refinement of amounts recorded for certain intangible assets, revisions of the useful lives of intangible assets, some of which will have indefinite lives not subject to amortization, and the determination of any residual amount that will be allocated to goodwill. The preliminary allocation of the purchase prices included in the current period balance sheet is based on the best estimates of management and is subject to revision based on final determination of asset fair values and useful lives. The related depreciation and amortization expense from the acquired assets is also subject to such revisions on a prospective basis.
	The following table presents the preliminary allocation of purchase price related to the Hefei Sanyo and Indesit acquisitions, as of their respective dates of acquisition:
	Millions of dollars	Hefei Sanyo(1)			Indesit
	Cash	$	98		$	77
	Accounts receivable	81			891
	Inventory	137			471
	Other current assets	354			288
	Property, plant and equipment	169			854
	Goodwill	451			667
	Identified intangible assets	372			822
	Other non-current assets	317			162
	Total assets acquired	1,979			4,232
	Accounts payable	(181		)	(631		)
	Short-term notes payable	(226		)	(555		)
	Other current liabilities	(91		)	(622		)
	Non-current liabilities	(133		)	(987		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(631		)	(2,795		)
	Net assets acquired	$	1,348		$	1,437
	(1) We purchased a 51% controlling interest in Hefei Sanyo's net assets described in the table; the non-controlling interest was valued at $801 million, the market value of the stock price of the shares purchased on the date of acquisition
	Goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes, has been allocated to the Asia and EMEA operating segments on the basis that the cost efficiencies identified will primarily benefit these segments of the business based on the preliminary allocation of the purchase price of the respective acquisitions. Any changes to the initial estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities will be allocated to residual goodwill.
	The Company has preliminarily estimated the fair value of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit's identifiable intangible assets as follows:
		Hefei Sanyo					Indesit
	Millions of dollars	Estimated			Estimated		Estimated		Estimated
		Fair Value			Useful Life		Fair Value		Useful Life
	Trademarks-indefinite lived	$	42				$	535
	Customer relationships	230			13-16 years		134		5-19 years
	Patents and other intangibles	100			3-10 years		153		6-15 years
		$	372				$	822
	The customer relationship intangibles of Hefei Sanyo were mainly allocated to its traditional trade distributors, which have an estimated useful life of up to 16 years based on low historical and projected customer attrition rates among its retailers. The majority of the intangible asset valuation for Indesit relates to the Indesit and Hotpoint brands (Whirlpool ownership of the Hotpoint brand in EMEA and Asia Pacific regions is not affiliated with the Hotpoint brand sold in the Americas), which are indefinite lived intangibles. The Company’s preliminary assessment as to trademarks having an indefinite life was based on a number of factors, including competitive environment, market share, brand history and product life cycles. The patents and other intangibles have an estimated useful life that varies based on the estimate of the expected life of the technology and the products associated with the technology. The estimated useful lives of the finite-lived intangible assets will be amortized using a straight-line method of amortization.
	Pro Forma Results of Operations
	The results of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit’s operations have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements beginning October 24, 2014 and October 14, 2014, respectively. Within Whirlpool's Consolidated Statement of Income for 2014, Hefei Sanyo and Indesit represented $994 million of net sales and $15 million of net earnings, which excludes certain non-recurring acquisition-related costs and investment expenses.
	The following table provides pro forma results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as if Hefei Sanyo and Indesit had been acquired as of January 1, 2013. The pro forma results include certain purchase accounting adjustments such as the estimated changes in depreciation and amortization expense on acquired tangible and intangible assets as well as interest expense on borrowings used to finance the acquisitions. Additionally, the pro forma results include adjustments to convert Hefei Sanyo and Indesit’s historical results from local accounting standards to U.S. GAAP. Pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost savings or other effects of the planned integration of these acquisitions. Accordingly, such amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisition had occurred on the dates indicated or that may result in the future.
		Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars, except per share data	2014			2013
	Net sales	$	23,204		$	23,109
	Net earnings available to Whirlpool	691			791
	Diluted net earnings per share	$	8.68		$	9.79
	Certain non-recurring acquisition-related costs and investment expenses of $30 million and $60 million were recorded by Whirlpool during 2014 related to the acquisitions of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit, respectively. Of these costs, $55 million were recorded in interest and sundry income (expense), with the remaining being recorded in selling, general and administrative. In 2013, we incurred $21 million of non-recurring acquisition-related costs and investment expenses, all of which related to Hefei Sanyo. Of these costs, $15 million were recorded in interest and sundry income (expense), with the remaining being recorded in selling, general and administrative. These costs have been eliminated from the pro forma information presented above in both periods.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
	We evaluate goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles for impairment annually on October 1.
	Goodwill
	We performed our assessment as of October 1, 2014, and determined there was no impairment of goodwill. The total net carrying amount of goodwill was $2.8 billion at December 31, 2014, with $1.7 billion in our North America operating segment, $639 million in our EMEA operating segment, $449 million in our Asia operating segment and $4 million in our Latin America operating segment. At December 31, 2013 the total net carrying amount of goodwill was $1.7 billion, with $1.7 billion in our North America operating segment and $4 million in our Latin America operating segment.
	The increase in carrying value of EMEA and Asia goodwill is driven by the Hefei Sanyo and Indesit acquisitions in 2014, net of foreign currency impact of $2 million and $28 million, respectively. Further discussion of these transactions can be found in our MD&A under "Hefei Sanyo Acquisition," “Indesit Acquisition” and in Note 2.
	Other Intangible Assets
	Based on the results of our annual assessment as of October 1, 2014, we determined that there were no impairments to our intangibles, with the exception of two European trademarks which had a pre-impairment carrying value of $30 million, where we recognized a $12 million impairment charge within selling, general and administrative expense during the fourth quarter 2014.
	The following table summarizes other intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			2014							2013
	Millions of dollars		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Other intangible assets, finite lives:
	Customer relationships (1)		$	665	$	(163	)	$	502	$	289	$	(125	)	$	164
	Patents and other (2)		348		(104		)	244		128		(112		)	16
	Total other intangible assets, finite lives		$	1,013	$	(267	)	$	746	$	417	$	(237	)	$	180
	Trademarks, indefinite lives		2,057		—			2,057		1,522		—			1,522
	Total other intangible assets		$	3,070	$	(267	)	$	2,803	$	1,939	$	(237	)	$	1,702
	(1)    Customer relationships have an estimated useful life of 4 to 19 years.
	(2)    Patents and other intangibles have an estimated useful life of 4 to 15 years.
	The following table summarizes our future estimated amortization expense by year:
	Millions of dollars
	2015	$	78
	2016	75
	2017	72
	2018	70
	2019	67

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Total Cost Basis				Quoted Prices In				Significant Other						Total Fair Value
						Active Markets for				Observable Inputs
						Identical Assets				(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
	Millions of dollars	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Money market funds (1)	$	21	$	465	$	21	$	465	$	—		$	—		$	21		$	465
	Net derivative contracts	—		—		—		—		(1		)	(25		)	(1		)	(25		)
	Available for sale investments	16		8		26		18		—			—			26			18
	(1) Money market funds are comprised primarily of government obligations and other first tier obligations.
	In March 2014, we sold approximately 7.4 million shares held in Alno AG, a long-standing European customer, for approximately $5 million. This transaction resulted in the conversion of our investment from the equity method of accounting to an available for sale investment due to our less than 20% overall investment in Alno AG.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories	INVENTORIES
	The following table summarizes our inventories at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Finished products	$	2,189		$	1,950
	Raw materials and work in process	724			622
		2,913			2,572
	Less: excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost	(173		)	(164		)
	Total inventories	$	2,740		$	2,408
	LIFO inventories represented 35% and 39% of total inventories at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Financing_Arrangements

Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Financing Arrangements	FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
	Long-Term Debt
	The following table summarizes our long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars		2014			2013
	Maytag medium-term note - 6.45% matured 2014		$	—		$	100
	Senior note - 8.6%, matured 2014		—			500
	Maytag medium-term note - 5.0% maturing 2015		199			198
	Senior note - 6.5%, maturing 2016		250			250
	Debentures - 7.75%, maturing 2016		244			244
	Senior note - 1.35%, maturing 2017		250			—
	Senior note - 1.65%, maturing 2017		300			—
	Indesit guaranteed notes - 4.5%, maturing 2018		393			—
	Senior note - 2.4%, maturing 2019		250			—
	Senior note - 4.85%, maturing 2021		300			300
	Senior note - 4.70%, maturing 2022		300			300
	Senior note - 3.70%, maturing 2023		250			250
	Senior note - 4.0%, maturing 2024		300			—
	Senior note - 3.7%, maturing 2025		350			—
	Senior note - 5.15% maturing 2043		249			250
	Other		143			61
			3,778			2,453
	Less current maturities		234			607
	Total long-term debt		$	3,544		$	1,846
	The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of our long-term debt, including current maturities, at December 31, 2014:
	Millions of dollars
	2015	$	234
	2016	529
	2017	580
	2018	423
	2019	264
	Thereafter	1,748
	Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	3,778
	The fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities) was $3.8 billion and $2.6 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
	We have committed credit facilities in Brazil, which provide borrowings up to 1.1 billion Brazilian reais (approximately $429 million as of December 31, 2014) maturing at various times from 2015 to 2017. The credit facilities contain no financial covenants and we had no borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	On September 26, 2014, we entered into a Short-Term Credit Agreement (the “364-Day Facility” and together with the Long-Term Facility, the “Facilities”). The 364-Day Facility is a revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion. The 364-Day Facility has a maturity date of September 25, 2015. The interest and fee rates payable with respect to the 364-Day Facility based on our debt rating are as follows: (1) the spread over LIBOR is 1.250%; (2) the spread over prime is 0.250%; and (3) the unused commitment fee is 0.125%, as of the effective date of the 364-Day Facility. We had no borrowings outstanding under the 364-Day Facility at December 31, 2014.
	On September 26, 2014, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Long-Term Credit Agreement (the “Long-Term Facility”). The Long-Term Facility amends, restates and extends the Company's prior five-year credit facility, which was scheduled to mature on June 28, 2016. The Long-Term Facility increases the existing $1.7 billion facility to an aggregate amount of $2.0 billion, with an option to increase the total amount to up to $2.5 billion by exercise of an accordion feature. The Long-Term Facility has a maturity date of September 26, 2019. The Long-Term Facility includes a letter of credit sublimit of $200 million. The Long-Term Facility decreases the interest and fee rates payable with respect to the Long-Term Facility based on our debt rating as follows: (1) the spread over LIBOR is 1.250%; (2) the spread over prime is 0.250%; and (3) the unused commitment fee is 0.15%, as of the effective date of the Long-Term Facility. We had no borrowings outstanding under the Long-Term Facility at December 31, 2014.
	The Facilities contain customary covenants and warranties including, among other things, a rolling twelve month maximum leverage ratio limited to 3.25 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter and a rolling twelve month interest coverage ratio required to be greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter. In addition, the covenants limit our ability to (or to permit any subsidiaries to), subject to various exceptions and limitations: (i) merge with other companies; (ii) create liens on our property; (iii) incur debt or off-balance sheet obligations at the subsidiary level; (iv) enter into transactions with affiliates, except on an arms-length basis; (v) enter into agreements restricting the payment of subsidiary dividends or restricting the making of loans or repayment of debt by subsidiaries; and (vi) enter into agreements restricting the creation of liens on our assets. We were in compliance with financial covenant requirements at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	We have paid lenders under the Facilities an up-front fee of approximately $3 million.
	In the fourth quarter of 2014, we acquired a committed credit facility as part of the acquisition of Indesit. At December 31, 2014 the facility provides borrowings up to €350 million (approximately $424 million as of December 31, 2014) maturing July 29, 2016. As described in the credit agreement included as an exhibit to this Form 10-K, the credit facility contains covenants which state the guarantor, Indesit, will not permit (1) the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings as of any Year-End Determination Date to Consolidated EBITDA for the twelve month period ended on such Year-End Determination Date to exceed 3.00 to 1; (2) the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings as of any Semi Annual Determination Date to Consolidated EBITDA for the twelve month period ended on such Semi Annual Determination Date to exceed 4.00 to 1; and (3) the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Net Interest for the twelve month period ending on any Determination Date to be less than 3.5 to 1. We were in compliance with financial covenant requirements at December 31, 2014. We had no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility at December 31, 2014.
	In the fourth quarter of 2014, we assumed €300 million principal amount of 4.5% guaranteed notes from the Indesit acquisition, subscribed for by institutional investors, that are listed in Luxembourg and are due on April 26, 2018. The notes were recorded at fair value in purchase price accounting to €327 million (approximately $393 million).
	On February 25, 2014, we completed a debt offering of $250 million principal amount of 1.35% notes due in 2017, $250 million principal amount of 2.40% notes due in 2019, and $300 million principal amount of 4.00% notes due in 2024. On May 1, 2014, $500 million of 8.60% notes matured and were repaid. On August 15, 2014, $100 million of 6.45% notes matured and were repaid.
	On November 4, 2014, we completed a debt offering of $300 million principal amount of 1.65% notes due in 2017 and $350 million principal amount of 3.70% notes due in 2025. These notes contain covenants that limit our ability to incur certain liens or enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions. In addition, if we experience a specific kind of change of control, we are required to make an offer to purchase all of the notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	On February 27, 2013, we completed a debt offering of $250 million principal amount of 3.70% notes due in 2023 and $250 million principal amount of 5.15% notes due in 2043. These notes contain covenants that limit our ability to incur certain liens or enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions. In addition, if we experience a specific kind of change of control, we are required to make an offer to purchase all of the notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In March 2013, $500 million of 5.50% notes matured and were repaid.
	Notes Payable
	Notes payable, which consist of short-term borrowings payable to banks, debt securitization or commercial paper, are generally used to fund working capital requirements. The fair value of our notes payable approximates the carrying amount due to the short maturity of these obligations. The following table summarizes the carrying value of notes payable at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Commercial paper	$	387		$	—
	Debt securitization	35			—
	Short-term borrowings to banks	147			10
	Total notes payable	$	569		$	10
	In the fourth quarter of 2014, we financed the acquisition of Indesit with commercial paper and short-term notes, which increased our balance of notes payable at December 31, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	OTHER MATTERS
	Embraco Antitrust Matters
	Beginning in February 2009, our compressor business headquartered in Brazil ("Embraco") was notified of antitrust investigations of the global compressor industry by government authorities in various jurisdictions.
	Embraco has resolved government investigations in various jurisdictions as well as all related civil lawsuits in the United States. Embraco also has resolved certain other claims and certain claims remain pending. Additional lawsuits could be filed.
	At December 31, 2014, $25 million remains accrued, with installment payments of $21 million, plus interest, remaining to be made to government authorities at various times through 2015. We continue to defend these actions and take other steps to minimize our potential exposure. The final outcome and impact of these matters, and any related claims and investigations that may be brought in the future are subject to many variables, and cannot be predicted. We establish accruals only for those matters where we determine that a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. While it is currently not possible to reasonably estimate the aggregate amount of costs which we may incur in connection with these matters, such costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.
	Brazilian Collection Dispute
	We reached an agreement in June 2011 to settle all claims arising from our long-standing dispute in Brazil with Banco Safra S.A. Such settlement was subsequently approved by a Brazilian court in July 2011. Pursuant to the settlement, our subsidiary agreed to pay Banco Safra S.A. 959 million Brazilian reais, in two installments, the first of 469 million reais (equivalent to $301 million) was made in July 2011, and the second of 490 million reais (equivalent to $275 million) was made during January 2012.
	BEFIEX Credits and Other Brazil Tax Matters
	In previous years, our Brazilian operations earned tax credits under the Brazilian government’s export incentive program (BEFIEX). These credits reduced Brazilian federal excise taxes on domestic sales, resulting in an increase in the operations’ recorded net sales, as the credits are monetized. We monetized $14 million, $109 million and $37 million of export credits in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We began recognizing BEFIEX credits in accordance with prior favorable court decisions allowing for the credits to be recognized. We recognized export credits as they were monetized.
	In December 2013, the Brazilian government reinstituted the monetary adjustment index applicable to BEFIEX credits that existed prior to July 2009, when the Brazilian government required companies to apply a different monetary adjustment index to BEFIEX credits. As of December 31, 2014, no BEFIEX credits deemed to be available prior to this action remained to be monetized. Whether use of the reinstituted index should be given retroactive effect for the July 2009 to December 2013 period is currently being reviewed by the Brazilian courts. If the reinstituted index is given retroactive effect, we would be entitled to recognize additional credits. The outcome and timing of the Brazilian court decisions remains uncertain.
	Our Brazilian operations have received governmental assessments related to claims for income and social contribution taxes associated with BEFIEX credits monetized from 2000 through 2002 and 2007 through 2011. We do not believe BEFIEX export credits are subject to income or social contribution taxes. We are disputing these tax matters in various courts and intend to vigorously defend our positions. We have not provided for income or social contribution taxes on these export credits, and based on the opinions of tax and legal advisors, we have not accrued any amount related to these assessments as of December 31, 2014. The total amount of outstanding tax assessments received for income and social contribution taxes relating to the BEFIEX credits, including interest and penalties, is approximately 1.4 billion Brazilian reais (approximately $533 million as of December 31, 2014).
	Relying on existing Brazilian legal precedent, in 2003 and 2004, we recognized tax credits in an aggregate amount of $26 million, adjusted for currency, on the purchase of raw materials used in production (“IPI tax credits”). The Brazilian tax authority subsequently challenged the recording of IPI tax credits. No credits have been recognized since 2004. In 2009, we entered into a Brazilian government program which provided extended payment terms and reduced penalties and interest to encourage tax payers to resolve this and certain other disputed tax credit amounts. As permitted by the program, we elected to settle certain debts through the use of other existing tax credits and recorded charges of approximately $34 million in 2009 associated with these matters. In July 2012, the Brazilian revenue authority notified us that a portion of our proposed settlement was rejected and we received tax assessments of 204 million Brazilian reais (approximately $78 million as of December 31, 2014), reflecting interest and penalties to date. We are disputing these assessments and we intend to vigorously defend our position. Based on the opinion of our tax and legal advisors, we have not recorded an additional reserve related to these matters.
	In 2001, Brazil adopted a law making the profits of controlled foreign corporations of Brazilian entities subject to income and social contribution tax regardless of whether the profits were repatriated ("CFC Tax"). Our Brazilian subsidiary, along with other corporations, challenged tax assessments on foreign profits on constitutionality and other grounds. In April 2013, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled in our case, finding that the law is constitutional, but remanding the case to a lower court for consideration of other arguments raised in our appeal, including the existence of tax treaties with jurisdictions in which controlled foreign corporations are domiciled. As of December 31, 2014, our potential exposure for income and social contribution taxes relating to profits of controlled foreign corporations, including interest and penalties and net of expected foreign tax credits, is approximately 178 million Brazilian reais (approximately $67 million as of December 31, 2014). We believe these assessments are without merit and we intend to continue to vigorously dispute them. Based on the opinion of our tax and legal advisors, we have not accrued any amount related to these assessments as of December 31, 2014.
	In December 2013, we entered into a Brazilian government program to settle long standing disputes. Participation in the program removed uncertainty related to 16 assessments that were previously under dispute and significantly reduces potential penalties and interest associated with these matters. Our participation will result in total payments including principal, interest, and penalties of 75 million Brazilian reais (approximately $28 million as of December 31, 2014), paid in 30 monthly installments from December 2013.
	In addition to the IPI tax credit and CFC Tax matters noted above, we are currently disputing other assessments issued by the Brazilian tax authorities related to non-income and income tax matters, including for the monetization of BEFIEX credits and other BEFIEX matters, which are at various stages of review in numerous administrative and judicial proceedings. In accordance with our accounting policies, we routinely assess these matters and, when necessary, record our best estimate of a loss. We believe these tax assessments are without merit and are vigorously defending our positions.
	Litigation is inherently unpredictable and the conclusion of these matters may take many years to ultimately resolve, during which time the amounts related to these assessments will continue to be increased by monetary adjustments at the Selic rate, which is the benchmark rate set by the Brazilian Central Bank. Accordingly, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome in these proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.
	Other Litigation
	We are currently defending against numerous lawsuits pending in federal and state courts in the United States relating to certain of our front load washing machines. Some of these lawsuits have been certified for treatment as class actions. The complaints in these lawsuits generally allege violations of state consumer fraud acts, unjust enrichment, product liability claims and breach of warranty. The complaints generally seek compensatory, consequential and punitive damages. We believe these suits are without merit and are vigorously defending them. Given the preliminary stage of many of these proceedings, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a possible range of loss, if any, at this time. The resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In addition, we are currently defending a number of other lawsuits in federal and state courts in the United States related to the manufacturing and sale of our products which include class action allegations. These lawsuits allege claims which include breach of contract, breach of warranty, product liability claims, fraud, violation of federal and state consumer protection acts and negligence. We do not have insurance coverage for class action lawsuits. We are also involved in various other legal actions in the United States and other jurisdictions around the world arising in the normal course of business, for which insurance coverage may or may not be available depending on the nature of the action. We dispute the merits of these suits and actions, and intend to vigorously defend them. Management believes, based upon its current knowledge, after taking into consideration legal counsel's evaluation of such suits and actions, and after taking into account current litigation accruals, that the outcome of these matters currently pending against Whirlpool should not have a material adverse effect, if any, on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Other Matters
	In 2013, the French Competition Authority commenced an investigation of appliance manufacturers and retailers in France. The investigation includes 11 manufacturers, including the Whirlpool and Indesit operations in France. Although it is currently not possible to assess the impact, if any, this matter may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements, the resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in any particular reporting period.
	Product Warranty Reserves
	Product warranty reserves are included in other current and other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the changes in total product warranty reserves for the periods presented:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	191		$	187
	Issuances/accruals during the period(1)	316			292
	Settlements made during the period	(272		)	(288		)
	Balance at December 31	$	235		$	191
	Current portion	$	186		$	154
	Non-current portion	49			37
	Total	$	235		$	191
	(1) $61 million is included within issuances/accruals during 2014 related to acquisitions
	We regularly engage in investigations of potential quality and safety issues as part of our ongoing effort to deliver quality products to customers. We are currently investigating a limited number of potential quality and safety issues. As necessary, we undertake to effect repair or replacement of appliances in the event that an investigation leads to the conclusion that such action is warranted.
	Guarantees
	We have guarantee arrangements in a Brazilian subsidiary. As a standard business practice in Brazil, the subsidiary guarantees customer lines of credit at commercial banks to support purchases following its normal credit policies. If a customer were to default on its line of credit with the bank, our subsidiary would be required to satisfy the obligation with the bank and the receivable would revert back to the subsidiary. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the guaranteed amounts totaled $492 million and $485 million, respectively. Our subsidiary insures against credit risk for these guarantees, under normal operating conditions, through policies purchased from high-quality underwriters. We had no losses associated with these guarantees in 2014 or 2013.
	We provide guarantees of indebtedness and lines of credit for various consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum amount of credit facilities available under these lines for consolidated subsidiaries totaled $1.4 billion at December 31, 2014 and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2013. Our total outstanding bank indebtedness under guarantees was nominal at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In addition, we assumed $1.2 billion of corporate guarantees through our acquisition of Indesit as of December 31, 2014.
	We have guaranteed a $45 million five year revolving credit facility between certain financial institutions and a not-for-profit entity in connection with a community and economic development project (“Harbor Shores”). The credit facility, which originated in 2008, was amended in 2014 by Harbor Shores and reduced to $45 million, was refinanced in December 2012 and we renewed our guarantee through 2017. The fair value of the guarantee was nominal. The purpose of Harbor Shores is to stimulate employment and growth in the areas of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan. In the event of default, we must satisfy the guarantee of the credit facility up to the amount borrowed at the date of default.
	Operating Lease Commitments
	At December 31, 2014, we had noncancelable operating lease commitments totaling $868 million. The annual future minimum lease payments are summarized by year in the table below:
	Millions of dollars
	2015	$	230
	2016	183
	2017	150
	2018	109
	2019	82
	Thereafter	114
	Total noncancelable operating lease commitments	$	868
	Rent expense was $228 million, $217 million and $229 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Purchase Obligations
	Our expected cash outflows resulting from non-cancellable purchase obligations are summarized by year in the table below:
	Millions of dollars
	2015	$	209
	2016	196
	2017	147
	2018	113
	2019	65
	Thereafter	211
	Total purchase obligations	$	941

Hedges_and_Derivative_Financia

Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
General Discussion of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments	HEDGES AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Derivative instruments are accounted for at fair value based on market rates. Derivatives where we elect hedge accounting are designated as either cash flow or fair value hedges. Derivatives that are not accounted for based on hedge accounting are marked to market through earnings. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use and designation of the derivative instrument. Hedging ineffectiveness and a net earnings impact occur when the change in the fair value of the hedge does not offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in earnings.
	Using derivative instruments means assuming counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk relates to the loss we could incur if a counterparty were to default on a derivative contract. We generally deal with investment grade counterparties and monitor the overall credit risk and exposure to individual counterparties. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any counterparties. The amount of counterparty credit exposure is limited to the unrealized gains, if any, on such derivative contracts. We do not require nor do we post collateral or security on such contracts.
	Hedging Strategy
	In the normal course of business, we manage risks relating to our ongoing business operations including those arising from changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Fluctuations in these rates and prices can affect our operating results and financial condition. We use a variety of strategies, including the use of derivative instruments, to manage these risks. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
	We incur expenses associated with the procurement and production of products in a limited number of countries, while we sell in the local currencies of a large number of countries. Our primary foreign currency exchange exposures result from cross-currency sales of products. As a result, we enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain firm commitments and forecasted transactions to acquire products and services that are denominated in foreign currencies.
	We enter into certain undesignated non-functional currency asset and liability hedges that relate primarily to short-term payables, receivables and intercompany loans. These forecasted cross-currency cash flows relate primarily to foreign currency denominated expenditures and intercompany financing agreements, royalty agreements and dividends. When we hedge a foreign currency denominated payable or receivable with a derivative, the effect of changes in the foreign exchange rates are reflected currently in interest and sundry income (expense) for both the payable/receivable and the derivative. Therefore, as a result of the economic hedge, we do not elect hedge accounting.
	Commodity Price Risk
	We enter into commodity derivative contracts on various commodities to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of materials used in our manufacturing process. The objective of these hedges is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the forecasted purchase of commodities.
	Interest Rate Risk
	We may enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk exposure. Our interest rate swap agreements, if any, effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk, primarily through converting certain of our floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, and certain fixed rate debt to a floating rate basis. These agreements involve either the receipt or payment of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed rate interest payments or receipts, respectively, over the life of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amounts. We also may utilize a cross-currency interest rate swap agreement to manage our exposure relating to certain intercompany debt denominated in one foreign currency that will be repaid in another foreign currency. At December 31, 2014 and 2013 there were no outstanding swap agreements.
	We may enter into treasury rate lock agreements to effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk by locking-in interest rates on probable long-term debt issuances.
	The following tables summarize our outstanding derivative contracts and their effects on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
								Fair Value of										Type of
		Notional Amount						Hedge Assets						Hedge Liabilities				Hedge (1)	Maximum Term (Months)
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014		2013			2014	2013
	Derivatives accounted for as hedges
	Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	874		$	744		$	27		$	16		$	8	$	10	(CF)	17	14
	Commodity swaps/options	375			363			4			8			29		13		(CF)	36	36
	Total derivatives accounted for as hedges							$	31		$	24		$	37	$	23
	Derivatives not accounted for as hedges
	Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	2,358		$	1,274		$	34		$	6		$	29	$	32	N/A	10	12
	Commodity swaps/options	8			1			—			—			—		—		N/A	4	4
	Total derivatives not accounted for as hedges							34			6			29		32
	Total derivatives							$	65		$	30		$	66	$	55
	Current							$	64		$	28		$	59	$	54
	Noncurrent							1			2			7		1
	Total derivatives							$	65		$	30		$	66	$	55
	(1)Derivatives accounted for as hedges are considered cash flow (CF) hedges
	The increase in the notional amount of derivatives is due to derivatives acquired through the acquisition of Indesit.
	The pre-tax effects of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for OCI in table for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Gain (Loss)						Gain (Loss)
		Recognized in OCI						Reclassified from
		(Effective Portion)						OCI into Income
								(Effective Portion) (1)
	Cash Flow Hedges - Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	40		$	20		$	22		$	9		(a)
	Commodity swaps/options	(30		)	(29		)	(10		)	(19		)	(a)
	Interest rate derivatives	—			—			(1		)	(1		)	(b)
		$	10		$	(9	)	$	11		$	(11	)
		Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives not
		Accounted for as Hedges (2)
	Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges - Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	26		$	(49	)
	(1)     Gains and losses reclassified from accumulated OCI and recognized in income are recorded in (a) cost of products sold; or (b) interest expense.
	(2)    Mark to market gains and losses recognized in income are recorded in interest and sundry income (expense).
	For cash flow hedges, the amount of ineffectiveness recognized in interest and sundry income (expense) was nominal during 2014 and 2013. There were no fair value hedges in 2014 and 2013. The net amount of unrealized gain or loss on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI related to contracts maturing and expected to be realized during the next twelve months is nominal at December 31, 2014.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income primarily includes (1) our reported net earnings, (2) foreign currency translation, (3) changes in the effective portion of our open derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges, (4) changes in our unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefits and (5) changes in fair value of our available for sale marketable securities.
	The following table shows the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool at December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, and the activity for the years then ended:
	Millions of dollars	Foreign			Derivative			Pension and			Marketable			Total
		Currency			Instruments			Postretirement			Securities
								Liability
	31-Dec-11	$	(387	)	$	(13	)	$	(820	)	$	(6	)	$	(1,226	)
	Unrealized gain (loss)	(36		)	8			—			9			(19		)
	Unrealized actuarial gain(loss) and prior service credit (cost)	—			—			(420		)	—			(420		)
	Tax effect	(19		)	(3		)	152			—			130
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(55		)	5			(268		)	9			(309		)
	Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	(4		)	—			—			—			(4		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	(51		)	5			(268		)	9			(305		)
	31-Dec-12	$	(438	)	$	(8	)	$	(1,088	)	$	3		$	(1,531	)
	Unrealized gain (loss)	(122		)	2			—			7			(113		)
	Unrealized actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credit (cost)	—			—			508			—			508
	Tax effect	25			—			(190		)	—			(165		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(97		)	2			318			7			230
	Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	(94		)	2			318			7			233
	31-Dec-13	$	(532	)	$	(6	)	$	(770	)	$	10		$	(1,298	)
	Unrealized loss	(392		)	(1		)	—			—			(393		)
	Unrealized actuarial loss and prior service credit	—			—			(233		)	—			(233		)
	Tax effect	(5		)	—			85			—			80
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(397		)	(1		)	(148		)	—			(546		)
	Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	(4		)	—			—			—			(4		)
	Other comprehensive loss available to Whirlpool	$	(393	)	$	(1	)	$	(148	)	$	—		$	(542	)
	31-Dec-14	$	(925	)	$	(7	)	$	(918	)	$	10		$	(1,840	)
	Net Earnings per Share
	Diluted net earnings per share of common stock include the dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based compensation plans. Basic and diluted net earnings per share of common stock were calculated as follows:
	Millions of dollars and shares	2014			2013			2012
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share – net earnings available to Whirlpool	$	650		$	827		$	401
	Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average shares	78.3			79.3			78.1
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock-based compensation	1.3			1.5			1.2
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted-average shares	79.6			80.8			79.3
	Anti-dilutive stock options/awards excluded from earnings per share	0.2			—			2.4
	Dividends
	Dividends per share paid to shareholders were $2.88, $2.38 and $2.00 during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Repurchase Program
	On April 14, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $500 million. Share repurchases are made from time to time on the open market as conditions warrant. The program does not obligate us to repurchase any of our shares. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, we repurchased 165,900 shares at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $25 million under this program. At December 31, 2014, there were approximately $475 million in remaining funds authorized under this program.

Sharebased_Incentive_Plans

Share-based Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Incentive Plans	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS
	We sponsor several share-based employee incentive plans. Share-based compensation expense for grants awarded under these plans was $47 million, $50 million and $49 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Related income tax benefits recognized in earnings were $16 million, $17 million and $17 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option and stock unit awards totaled $49 million. The cost of these non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 29 months.
	Share-Based Employee Incentive Plans
	On April 16, 2013, our stockholders approved the Amended and Restated 2010 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (“2010 OSIP”). This plan was previously adopted by our Board of Directors on February 19, 2013 and provides for the issuance of stock options, performance stock units, performance shares, restricted stock and restricted stock units. No new awards may be granted under the 2010 OSIP after the tenth anniversary of the date that the stockholders approved the plan. However, the term and exercise of awards granted before then may extend beyond that date. At December 31, 2014, approximately 7.6 million shares remain available for issuance under the 2010 OSIP.
	Stock Options
	Eligible employees may receive stock options as a portion of their total compensation. Such options generally become exercisable over a 3-year period, expire 10 years from the date of grant and are subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment, other than by death, disability or retirement. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to measure the fair value of stock options granted to employees. Granted options have exercise prices equal to the market price of Whirlpool common stock on the grant date. The principal assumptions used in valuing options include: (1) risk-free interest rate—an estimate based on the yield of United States zero coupon securities with a maturity equal to the expected life of the option; (2) expected volatility—an estimate based on the historical volatility of Whirlpool common stock for a period equal to the expected life of the option; and (3) expected option life—an estimate based on historical experience. Stock options are expensed on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures. Based on the results of the model, the weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $42.09, $33.92 and $19.54, respectively, using the following assumptions:
	Weighted Average Black-Scholes Assumptions	2014		2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5	%	0.9	%		0.9	%
	Expected volatility	38.2	%	40.3	%		40.3	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.8	%	1.8	%		2.9	%
	Expected option life, in years	5		5			5
	Stock Option Activity
	The following table summarizes stock option activity during 2014:
	In thousands, except per share data	Number		Weighted-
		of Options		Average
				Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1	2,255		$	77.87
	Granted	393		138.6
	Exercised	(487	)	78.58
	Canceled or expired	(46	)	94.35
	Outstanding at December 31	2,115		$	88.62
	Exercisable at December 31	1,236		$	70.87
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $36 million, $53 million, and $32 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The related tax benefits were $13 million, $19 million and $12 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $38 million, $95 million, and $43 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The table below summarizes additional information related to stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
	Options in thousands / dollars in millions, except share data	Outstanding Net of			Options
		Expected Forfeitures			Exercisable
	Number of options	2,043			1,236
	Weighted-average exercise price per share	$	87.11		$	70.87
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$	218		$	152
	Weighted-average remaining contractual term, in years	6			5
	Stock Units
	Eligible employees may receive restricted stock units or performance stock units as a portion of their total compensation.
	Restricted stock units are typically granted to selected management employees on an annual basis and vest over three years. Periodically, restricted stock units may be granted to selected executives based on special recognition or retention circumstances and generally vest from three years to seven years. Some previously granted awards accrue dividend equivalents on outstanding units (in the form of additional stock units) based on dividends declared on Whirlpool common stock. These awards convert to unrestricted common stock at the conclusion of the vesting period.
	Performance stock units are granted to executives on an annual basis and generally vest over a three year period, converting to unrestricted common stock at the conclusion of the vesting period. The final award may equal 0% to 200% of a target based on pre-established Whirlpool financial performance measures.
	We measure compensation cost for stock units based on the closing market price of Whirlpool common stock at the grant date, with adjustments for performance stock units to reflect the final award granted. The weighted average grant date fair values of awards granted during 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $133.31, $107.85 and $69.32, respectively. The total fair value of stock units vested during 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $25 million, $35 million and $19 million, respectively.
	The following table summarizes stock unit activity during 2014:
	Stock units in thousands, except per-share data	Number of		Weighted- Average
		Stock Units		Grant Date Fair
				Value
	Non-vested, at January 1	1,202		$	82.4
	Granted	245		133.31
	Canceled	(37	)	82.62
	Vested and transferred to unrestricted	(306	)	80.88
	Non-vested, at December 31	1,104		$	90.34
	Nonemployee Director Equity Awards
	Each nonemployee director receives an annual grant of Whirlpool common stock, with the number of shares to be issued to the director determined by dividing $120,000 by the closing price of Whirlpool common stock on the date of the annual meeting of our stockholders. Nonemployee directors receive a one-time grant of 1,000 shares of Whirlpool common stock made at the time they first join the Board.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	During the fourth quarter 2011, the Company committed to restructuring plans (the "2011 Plan") to expand our operating margins and improve our earnings through substantial cost and capacity reductions, primarily within our North America and EMEA operating segments. All actions related to the 2011 Plan have been announced and are now substantially complete. Over $40 million in costs related to actions authorized under the 2011 Plan were recognized during 2014.
	During 2014, the Company announced the following restructuring plans: (a) the closure of a microwave oven manufacturing facility and other organizational efficiency actions in EMEA and Latin America, and (b) organizational integration activities in China, in anticipation of the Hefei Sanyo transaction. These plans resulted in charges of approximately $90 million in 2014, with completion expected by the end of 2015, related to employee termination costs, non-cash asset impairment costs, and facility exit costs.
	The following tables summarize the changes to our restructuring liability for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	12/31/13			Acquisition - related(1)		Charges to Earnings			Cash Paid			Non-Cash and Other			12/31/14
	Employee termination costs	$	74		$	40	$	82		$	(128	)	$	(10	)	$	58
	Asset impairment costs	—			—		26			—			(26		)	—
	Facility exit costs	14			—		16			(26		)	—			4
	Other exit costs	18			—		12			(14		)	—			16
	Total	$	106		$	40	$	136		$	(168	)	$	(36	)	$	78
	(1) A $40 million restructuring liability was acquired in the acquisition of Indesit in the fourth quarter of 2014 related to an ongoing plan previously initiated by Indesit management. As of December 31, 2014, the acquired restructuring liability is $17 million.
	Millions of dollars	12/31/12			Charge to Earnings		Cash Paid			Non-cash and Other			Revision of Estimate			12/31/13
	Employee termination costs	$	56		$	91	$	(62	)	$	—		$	(11	)	$	74
	Asset impairment costs	—			62		—			(62		)	—			—
	Facility exit costs	3			37		(25		)	—			(1		)	14
	Other exit costs	11			18		(11		)	—			—			18
	Total	$	70		$	208	$	(98	)	$	(62	)	$	(12	)	$	106
	The following table summarizes 2014 restructuring charges by operating segment:
	Millions of dollars		2014 Charges
	North America		$	10
	Latin America		8
	EMEA		102
	Asia		13
	Corporate / Other		3
	Total		$	136

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES
	The income tax expense was $189 million, $68 million, and $133 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table summarizes the difference between income tax expense at the United States statutory rate of 35% and the income tax expense at effective worldwide tax rates for the respective periods:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2012
	Earnings before income taxes
	United States	$	325		$	149		$	113
	Foreign	556			768			445
	Earnings before income taxes	881			917			558
	Income tax computed at United States statutory rate	308			321			195
	U.S. government tax incentives, including Energy Tax Credits	(10		)	(142		)	—
	Foreign government tax incentives, including BEFIEX	(46		)	(63		)	(38		)
	Foreign tax rate differential	(17		)	(17		)	(2		)
	U.S. foreign tax credits	(148		)	(231		)	(31		)
	Valuation allowances	9			16			(86		)
	State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit	5			7			2
	Foreign withholding taxes	16			29			12
	U.S. tax on foreign dividends and subpart F income	56			195			57
	Settlement of global tax audits	(5		)	(54		)	18
	Other items, net	21			7			6
	Income tax computed at effective worldwide tax rates	$	189		$	68		$	133
	Current and Deferred Tax Provision
	The following table summarizes our income tax (benefit) provision for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014						2013						2012
	Millions of dollars	Current			Deferred			Current			Deferred			Current		Deferred
	United States	$	7		$	8		$	(60	)	$	(57	)	$	18	$	24
	Foreign	182			12			187			(9		)	189		(96		)
	State and local	(2		)	(18		)	2			5			7		(9		)
		$	187		$	2		$	129		$	(61	)	$	214	$	(81	)
	Total income tax expense				$	189					$	68				$	133
	United States Government Tax Incentives
	On January 2, 2013, The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act extends certain provisions included in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 to ensure that conservation and efficiency are a central component to the United States energy strategy. Among the provisions extended are manufacturers’ tax credits for the accelerated U.S. production of super-efficient clothes washers, refrigerators and dishwashers that meet or exceed certain Energy Star thresholds for energy and water conservation levels as set by the U.S. Department of Energy (“Energy Credit”). The tax credits apply to eligible production during the 2012 and 2013 calendar years provided the production of qualifying product in any individual year exceeds a rolling two year baseline of production. We continue to invest in innovation and energy efficient products that meet these standards for our customers. This provision was not extended to include calendar 2014.
	United States Tax on Foreign Dividends
	We have historically reinvested all unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. We plan to distribute approximately $24 million of foreign earnings over the next several years. This distribution is forecasted to result in tax benefits which have not been recorded because of their contingent nature. There has been no deferred tax liability provided on the remaining amount of unremitted earnings of $4.9 billion at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, we had $1.0 billion of cash and equivalents on hand, of which $0.9 billion was held outside of the United States. Our intent is to permanently reinvest these funds outside of the United States and our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate these funds to fund our U.S. operations. However, if these funds were repatriated, then we would be required to accrue and pay applicable United States taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to various countries. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of the deferred tax liability associated with these unremitted earnings due to the complexity of its hypothetical calculation.
	Valuation Allowances
	At December 31, 2014, we had net operating loss carryforwards of $3.2 billion, $1.2 billion of which were United States state net operating loss carryforwards. Of the total net operating loss carryforwards, $1.8 billion do not expire, with substantially all of the remaining carryforwards expiring in various years through 2034. As of December 31, 2014, we had $249 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards and $1.0 billion of United States general business credit carryforwards available to offset future payments of federal income taxes, expiring between 2017 and 2034.
	We routinely review the future realization of deferred tax assets based on projected future reversal of taxable temporary differences, available tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income. We have recorded a valuation allowance to reflect the net estimated amount of certain deferred tax assets associated with net operating loss and other deferred tax assets we believe will be realized. Our recorded valuation allowance of $308 million at December 31, 2014 consists of $288 million of net operating loss carryforward deferred tax assets and $20 million of other deferred tax assets. We believe that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of existing deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances mentioned above.
	Settlement of Global Tax Audits
	We are in various stages of audits by certain governmental tax authorities. We establish liabilities for the difference between tax return provisions and the benefits recognized in our financial statements. Such amounts represent a reasonable provision for taxes ultimately expected to be paid, and may need to be adjusted over time as more information becomes known. We are no longer subject to any significant United States federal tax examinations for the years before 2008, or any state, local or foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004.
	Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities used for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The following table summarizes the significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Intangibles	$	800		$	517
	Property, net	156			141
	LIFO inventory	45			49
	Other	193			201
	Total deferred tax liabilities	1,194			908
	Deferred tax assets
	U.S. general business credit carryforwards, including Energy Tax Credits	1,005			1,050
	Pensions	316			311
	Loss carryforwards	650			467
	Inventory prepayment	—			93
	Postretirement obligations	199			177
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	249			243
	Research and development capitalization	358			239
	Employee payroll and benefits	141			138
	Accrued expenses	110			102
	Product warranty accrual	62			58
	Receivable and inventory allowances	73			51
	Other	300			233
	Total deferred tax assets	3,463			3,162
	Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets	(308		)	(186		)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	3,155			2,976
	Net deferred tax assets	$	1,961		$	2,068
	Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The following table represents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would impact the effective tax rate, excluding federal benefits of state and local tax positions, and interest and penalties:
Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2012
Balance, January 1	$	113		$	178		$	178
Additions for tax positions of the current year	17			17			13
Additions for tax positions of prior years	4			6			16
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(23		)	(81		)	(15		)
Settlements during the period	(11		)	(3		)	(5		)
Positions assumed in acquisitions	42			—			—
Lapses of applicable statute of limitation	(1		)	(4		)	(9		)
Balance, December 31	$	141		$	113		$	178
In connection with our acquisitions of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit, the Company assumed $71 million of uncertain tax position liabilities, including $31 million of interest and penalties. The acquisition of Hefei Sanyo resulted in an assumed uncertain tax position of $61 million that was reflected in the opening balance sheet, while the acquisition of Indesit resulted in an assumed uncertain tax position of $10 million.
It is reasonably possible that certain unrecognized tax benefits of $20 million could be settled with various related jurisdictions during the next 12 months.
Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits resulted in a net benefit of $6 million, $12 million and $4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We have accrued a total of $63 million and $39 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	We have funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans that cover certain employees in North America, Europe, Asia and Brazil. The United States plans are frozen for the majority of participants. The formula for United States salaried employees covered under the qualified defined benefit plan was based on years of service and final average salary, while the formula for United States hourly employees covered under the defined benefit plans was based on specific dollar amounts for each year of service. There were multiple formulas for employees covered under the qualified and nonqualified defined benefit plans sponsored by Maytag, including a cash balance formula. In addition, we sponsor an unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. This plan is nonqualified and provides certain key employees defined pension benefits that supplement those provided by the company’s other retirement plans.
	A defined contribution plan is being provided to all United States employees subsequent to the pension plan freezes and is not classified within the net periodic benefit cost. The company provides annual match and automatic company contributions, in cash or company stock, of up to 7% of employees’ eligible pay. Our contributions during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $71 million, $68 million and $64 million, respectively.
	We provide postretirement health care benefits for eligible retired employees in the United States, Canada and Brazil. For our United States plan, which comprises the majority of our obligation, eligible retirees include those who were full-time employees with 10 years of service who attained age 55 while in service with us and those union retirees who met the eligibility requirements of their collective bargaining agreements. In general, the postretirement health and welfare benefit plans include cost-sharing provisions that limit our exposure for recent and future retirees and are contributory, with participants’ contributions adjusted annually. The plans are unfunded. We reserve the right to modify these benefits in the future.
	Defined Benefit - Pensions and Postretirement Benefit Plans
	Obligations and Funded Status at End of Year
			United States								Foreign							Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits							Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013				2014				2013
	Funded status
	Fair value of plan assets		$	3,042			$	2,835			$	640		$	206			$	—			$	—
	Benefit obligations		3,796				3,546				1,026			439				502				509
	Funded status		$	(754	)		$	(711	)		$	(386	)	$	(233	)		$	(502	)		$	(509	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
	Noncurrent asset		$	—			$	—			$	8		$	7			$	—			$	—
	Current liability		(9		)		(7		)		(16		)	(14		)		(56		)		(51		)
	Noncurrent liability		(745		)		(704		)		(378		)	(226		)		(446		)		(458		)
	Amount recognized		$	(754	)		$	(711	)		$	(386	)	$	(233	)		$	(502	)		$	(509	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)
	Net actuarial loss		$	1,368			$	1,215			$	118		$	98			$	53			$	42
	Prior service (credit) cost		(14		)		(17		)		—			3				(120		)		(169		)
	Amount recognized		$	1,354			$	1,198			$	118		$	101			$	(67	)		$	(127	)
	Change in Benefit Obligation
			United States								Foreign							Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits							Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013				2014				2013
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	3,546			$	4,196			$	439		$	448			$	509			$	477
	Service cost		2				2				5			6				3				4
	Interest cost		167				162				22			17				24				18
	Plan participants’ contributions		—				—				1			1				7				8
	Actuarial loss (gain)		384				(420		)		59			(7		)		9				(31		)
	Benefits paid		(303		)		(281		)		(24		)	(23		)		(60		)		(68		)
	Plan amendments		—				—				(3		)	—				14				2
	Acquisitions(1)		—				—				610			—				—				—
	Transfer of benefits		—				(105		)		—			—				—				105
	Settlements / curtailment (gain)		—				(8		)		(15		)	(6		)		—				—
	Foreign currency exchange rates		—				—				(68		)	3				(4		)		(6		)
	Benefit obligation, end of year		$	3,796			$	3,546			$	1,026		$	439			$	502			$	509
	Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	3,786			$	3,536			$	964		$	424			N/A				N/A
	(1) Pension obligation acquired through acquisition of Indesit
	During the fourth quarter 2013, we transferred $105 million of ancillary benefits, as allowed under ERISA, out of our United States qualified pension plans and into our United States retiree health and welfare benefit plan. The transfer had no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013.
	During the second quarter 2011, we modified retiree medical benefits for certain retirees to be consistent with those benefits provided by the Whirlpool Corporation Group Benefit Plan. We accounted for these changes as a plan amendment in 2011, resulting in a reduction in the postretirement benefit obligation of $138 million with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. In response, a group of retirees has initiated legal proceedings against Whirlpool asserting the above benefits are vested. We believe the outcome of the legal proceedings against Whirlpool will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Change in Plan Assets
			United States Pension Benefits								Foreign							Other Postretirement
											Pension Benefits							Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013				2014				2013
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	2,835			$	2,790			$	206		$	197			$	—			$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		381				207				33			13				—				—
	Employer contribution		129				127				30			24				53				60
	Plan participants’ contributions		—				—				1			1				7				8
	Benefits paid		(303		)		(281		)		(24		)	(23		)		(60		)		(68		)
	Acquisitions(1)		—				—				437			—				—				—
	New Plans		—				—				—			2				—				—
	Settlements		—				(8		)		(10		)	(6		)		—				—
	Foreign currency exchange rates		—				—				(33		)	(2		)		—				—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	3,042			$	2,835			$	640		$	206			$	—			$	—
	(1) Pension assets acquired through acquisition of Indesit
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
			United States											Foreign											Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits											Pension Benefits											Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2012			2014				2013				2012			2014			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	2			$	2			$	2		$	5			$	6			$	6		$	3		$	4		$	5
	Interest cost		167				162				178			22				17				20			24			18			21
	Expected return on plan assets		(193		)		(191		)		(194		)	(16		)		(10		)		(11		)	—			—			—
Amortization:
Actuarial loss		43				62				46			5				6				4			—			1			1
Prior service cost (credit)		(3		)		(3		)		(3		)	1				1				1			(36		)	(39		)	(42		)
Curtailment gain		—				—				—			—				—				—			—			—			(52		)
Settlement loss		—				3				5			4				1				3			—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost		$	16			$	35			$	34		$	21			$	21			$	23		$	(9	)	$	(16	)	$	(67	)
On October 27, 2011 we announced the closure of our manufacturing facilities in Fort Smith, Arkansas and on August 28, 2009, we announced the closure of our manufacturing facility in Evansville, Indiana. Both closures triggered a curtailment in our United States retiree health and welfare benefit plan, resulting in curtailment gains of $52 million in 2012. The curtailment gains were recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of cost of products sold with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Pre-Tax) in 2014
Millions of dollars		United States				Foreign				Other Postretirement
		Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits				Benefits
Current year actuarial loss		$	196			$	36			$	10
Actuarial (loss) recognized during the year		(43		)		(15		)		—
Current year prior service cost (credit)		—				(3		)		14
Prior service credit (cost) recognized during the year		3				(1		)		36
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)		$	156			$	17			$	60
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)		$	172			$	38			$	51
Estimated Pre-Tax Amounts that will be amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Net Periodic Pension Cost in 2015
Millions of dollars		United States				Foreign				Other Postretirement
		Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits				Benefits
Actuarial loss		$	53			$	6			$	—
Prior service (credit)		(3		)		—				(35		)
Total		$	50			$	6			$	(35	)
Assumptions
Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Benefit Obligation at End of Year
		United States						Foreign					Other Postretirement
		Pension Benefits						Pension Benefits					Benefits
		2014			2013			2014			2013		2014			2013
Discount rate		4.05	%		4.95	%		3.32	%		4.16	%	4.27	%		4.95	%
Rate of compensation increase		4.5	%		4.5	%		3.23	%		3.4	%	N/A			N/A
Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Net Periodic Cost
		United States									Foreign								Other Postretirement
		Pension Benefits									Pension Benefits								Benefits
		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012			2014			2013		2012
Discount rate		4.95	%		4.05	%		4.8	%		3.89	%	3.93	%		5.04	%		5.25	%		4.03	%	5.03	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.25	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		5.44	%	5.4	%		5.44	%		N/A			N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase		4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%		3.35	%	3.51	%		3.48	%		N/A			N/A		N/A
Health care cost trend rate
Initial rate		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A		N/A			N/A			7	%		7	%	8	%
Ultimate rate		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A		N/A			N/A			5	%		5	%	5	%
Year that ultimate rate will be reached		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A		N/A			N/A			2017			2017		2015
Discount Rate
For our United States pension and postretirement benefit plans, the discount rate was selected using a hypothetical portfolio of high quality bonds outstanding at December 31 that would provide the necessary cash flows to match our projected benefit payments. For our foreign pension and postretirement benefit plans, the discount rate was selected using high quality bond yields for the respective country or region covered by the plan.
Expected Return on Plan Assets
In the United States, the expected rate of return on plan assets was determined by using the historical asset returns for publicly traded equity and fixed income securities tracked since 1926 and the historical returns for private equity. The historical equity returns were adjusted downward to reflect future expectations. The expected returns are weighted by the targeted asset allocations. The resulting weighted-average return was rounded to the nearest quarter of one percent.
For foreign pension plans, the expected rate of return on plan assets was primarily determined by observing historical returns in the local fixed income and equity markets and computing the weighted average returns with the weights being the asset allocation of each plan.
Estimated Impact of One Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate
A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on our health care plan:
Millions of dollars		One Percentage				One Percentage
		Point Increase				Point Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost		$	—			$	—
Effect on postretirement benefit obligations		4				(4		)
Cash Flows
Funding Policy
Our funding policy is to contribute to our United States pension plans amounts sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirement as defined by employee benefit and tax laws, plus additional amounts which we may determine to be appropriate. In certain countries other than the United States, the funding of pension plans is not common practice. Contributions to our United States pension plans may be made in the form of cash or company stock. We pay for retiree medical benefits as they are incurred.
Expected Employer Contributions to Funded Plans
Millions of dollars		United States				Foreign
		Pension Benefits(1)				Pension Benefits
2015		$	80			$	18
(1) Contributions include $80 million of minimum contributions required by law.
Expected Benefit Payments
Millions of dollars		United States				Foreign				Other Postretirement Benefits
		Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits
2015		$	278			$	49			$	56
2016		253				38				49
2017		250				41				48
2018		249				41				44
2019		252				44				41
2020-2024		1,219				216				171
Plan Assets
Our overall investment strategy is to achieve an appropriate mix of investments for long-term growth and for near-term benefit payments with a wide diversification of asset types, fund strategies, and investment fund managers. The target allocation for plan assets is generally 41% equity and 59% fixed income, with exceptions for foreign pension plans. For our U.S. plan, the target allocation for equity securities is approximately 51% allocated to United States large-cap, 27% to international equity, 14% to United States mid and small-cap companies and 8% in venture capital. The target allocation for fixed income is allocated with 75% to corporate bonds and 25% to United States treasury and other government securities. The fixed income securities duration is intended to match that of our United States pension liabilities.
Plan assets are reported at fair value based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tiered fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable, either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. We manage the process and approve the results of a third party pricing service to value the majority of our securities and to determine the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, by asset category were as follows:
		December 31,
		Quoted prices								Other significant							Significant							Total
		(Level 1)								observable inputs							unobservable inputs
										(Level 2)							(Level 3)
Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013				2014				2013			2014			2013
Cash and equivalents		$	29			$	23			$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	29		$	23
Government and government agency securities(a)
U.S. securities		—				—				579			432				—				—			579			432
International securities		—				—				253			131				—				—			253			131
Corporate bonds and notes (a)
U.S. companies		—				—				1,000			850				—				—			1,000			850
International companies		—				—				321			193				—				—			321			193
Equity securities (b)
U.S. companies		12				12				—			—				—				—			12			12
International companies		427				223				—			—				—				—			427			223
Mutual funds (c)		67				77				—			—				—				—			67			77
Common and collective funds (d)
U.S. equity securities		—				—				651			718				—				—			651			718
International equity securities		—				—				66			79				—				—			66			79
Short-term investment fund		—				—				63			87				—				—			63			87
Limited partnerships (e)
U.S. private equity investments		—				—				—			—				140				145			140			145
Diversified fund of funds		—				—				—			—				32				35			32			35
Emerging growth		—				—				—			—				23				18			23			18
Real estate (f)		—				—				10			11				—				—			10			11
All other investments		—				—				9			7				—				—			9			7
		$	535			$	335			$	2,952		$	2,508			$	195			$	198		$	3,682		$	3,041
(a)	Valued using pricing vendors who use proprietary models to estimate the price a dealer would pay to buy a security using significant observable inputs, such as interest rates, yield curves, and credit risk.
(b)	Valued using the closing stock price on a national securities exchange, which reflects the last reported sales price on the last business day of the year.
(c)	Valued using the net asset value (NAV) of the fund, which is based on the fair value of underlying securities. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of equity securities issued by non-U.S. companies.
(d)	Valued using the NAV of the fund, which is based on the fair value of underlying securities.
(e)	Valued at estimated fair value based on the proportionate share of the limited partnership's fair value, as determined by the general partner.
(f)	Valued using the NAV of the fund, which is based on the fair value of underlying assets.
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Millions of dollars		Limited
		Partnerships
Balance, December 31, 2013		$	198
Realized gains (net)		23
Unrealized gains (net)		11
Purchases		9
Settlements		(46		)
Balance, December 31, 2014		$	195
Additional Information
The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		United States								Foreign
		Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits
Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013
Projected benefit obligation		$	3,796			$	3,546			$	872		$	397
Fair value of plan assets		3,042				2,835				487			157
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		United States								Foreign
		Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits
Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013
Projected benefit obligation		$	3,796			$	3,546			$	872		$	347
Accumulated benefit obligation		3,786				3,536				825			340
Fair value of plan assets		3,042				2,835				487			110

Operating_Segment_Information

Operating Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment Information	OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance.
	We identify such segments based upon geographical regions of operations because each operating segment manufactures home appliances and related components, but serves strategically different markets. The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based upon each segment’s operating income, which is defined as income before interest and sundry income (expense), interest expense, income taxes, noncontrolling interests, intangible asset impairment and restructuring costs. Total assets by segment are those assets directly associated with the respective operating activities. The “Other/Eliminations” column primarily includes corporate expenses, assets and eliminations, as well as restructuring costs and intangible asset impairments, if any. Intersegment sales are eliminated within each region except compressor sales out of Latin America, which are included in Other/Eliminations.
	We conduct business in two countries, the United States and Brazil, which individually comprised over 10% of consolidated net sales or long-lived assets within the last three years. The following table summarizes net sales and long-lived assets by geographic area:
	Millions of dollars	United States		Brazil		All Other			Total
						Countries
	2014:00:00
	Sales to external customers	$	9,064	$	3,204	$	7,604		$	19,872
	Long-lived assets	4,529		321		4,741			9,591
	2013:00:00
	Sales to external customers	$	8,577	$	3,295	$	6,897		$	18,769
	Long-lived assets	4,461		335		1,671			6,467
	2012:00:00
	Sales to external customers	$	8,005	$	3,337	$	6,801		$	18,143
	Long-lived assets	4,412		377		1,694			6,483
	As described above, our chief operating decision maker reviews each operating segment’s performance based upon operating income which excludes restructuring costs and intangible asset impairment, if any. Intangible asset impairment and restructuring costs are included in operating profit on a consolidated basis and included in the Other/Eliminations column in the table below:
		OPERATING SEGMENTS
	Millions of dollars	North		Latin		EMEA			Asia			Other/			Total
		America		America								Eliminations			Whirlpool
	Net sales
	2014	10,634		4,686		3,905			816			(169		)	19,872
	2013	10,178		4,928		3,024			807			(168		)	18,769
	2012	9,631		4,950		2,874			847			(159		)	18,143
	Intersegment sales
	2014	$	244	$	180	$	79		$	266		$	(769	)	$	—
	2013	256		174		79			257			(766		)	—
	2012	262		171		104			226			(763		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization
	2014	$	263	$	86	$	104		$	29		$	78		$	560
	2013	238		91		95			18			98			540
	2012	260		97		93			18			83			551
	Operating profit (loss)
	2014	$	1,072	$	475	$	59		$	(21	)	$	(397	)	$	1,188
	2013	1,070		557		(4		)	34			(408		)	1,249
	2012	846		476		(51		)	37			(439		)	869
	Total assets
	2014	$	7,736	$	2,917	$	7,597		$	2,734		$	(982	)	$	20,002
	2013	7,785		3,380		2,955			921			503			15,544
	2012	7,766		3,845		2,956			802			27			15,396
	Capital expenditures
	2014	$	271	$	133	$	187		$	29		$	100		$	720
	2013	254		108		101			25			90			578
	2012	219		100		88			24			45			476

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
		Three months ended
		Dec. 31						Sept. 30						Jun. 30						Mar. 31
	Millions of dollars, except per share data	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales	$	6,003		$	5,090		$	4,824		$	4,683		$	4,682		$	4,748		$	4,363		$	4,248
	Cost of products sold	4,977			4,181			3,997			3,837			3,895			3,931			3,608			3,522
	Operating profit	281			354			335			313			291			328			281			254
	Interest and sundry income (expense)	(64		)	(82		)	(39		)	(16		)	(16		)	(39		)	(23		)	(18		)
	Net earnings	108			187			235			199			185			206			164			257
	Net earnings available to Whirlpool	81			181			230			196			179			198			160			252
	Per share of common stock: (1)
	Basic net earnings	$	1.04		$	2.31		$	2.92		$	2.46		$	2.29		$	2.48		$	2.06		$	3.18
	Diluted net earnings	1.02			2.26			2.88			2.42			2.25			2.44			2.02			3.12
	Dividends	0.75			0.625			0.75			0.625			0.75			0.625			0.625			0.5
	Market price range of common stock: (2)
	High	$	196.71		$	159.22		$	156.13		$	151.84		$	156.71		$	134.09		$	160.01		$	120
	Low	139.85			129.22			135.37			111.7			136.64			107.88			124.39			101.74
	Close	193.74			156.86			145.65			146.44			139.22			114.36			149.46			118.46
	(1)     The quarterly earnings per share amounts will not necessarily add to the earnings per share computed for the year due to the method used in calculating per share data
	(2)    Composite price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(Millions of dollars)
	COL. A	COL. B	COL. C			COL. D		COL. E
			ADDITIONS
	Description	Balance at  Beginning	-1	-2	-3	Deductions		Balance at End
		of Period	Charged to Costs	Acquisition Impact	Charged to  Other	—Describe (A)		of Period
			and Expenses		Accounts / Other
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts— accounts receivable	73	76	45	—	(40	)	154
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts— accounts receivable	60	21	—	—	(8	)	73
	Year Ended December 31, 2012:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts— accounts receivable	61	23	—	—	(24	)	60
	Note A—The amounts represent accounts charged off, less translation adjustments and transfers. Recoveries were nominal for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Summary_of_Principal_Accountin1

Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
General Information	General Information
	Whirlpool Corporation, a Delaware corporation, is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Whirlpool manufactures products in 14 countries and markets products in nearly every country around the world under brand names such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air and Indesit. Whirlpool’s reportable segments consist of North America, Latin America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Asia.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. We do not consolidate the financial statements of any company in which we have an ownership interest of 50% or less unless that company is deemed to be a variable interest entity ("VIE") of which we are the primary beneficiary. Certain VIEs are consolidated when the company is the primary beneficiary of these entities and has the ability to directly impact the activities of these entities.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	We reclassified certain prior period amounts in our Consolidated Financial Statements to be consistent with current period presentation. The effect of these reclassifications is not material.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	We are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Sales are recorded when title passes to the customer as determined by the shipping terms. For the majority of our sales, title is transferred to the customer as soon as products are shipped. For a portion of our sales, title is transferred to the customer upon receipt of products at the customer’s location. Allowances for estimated returns are made on sales of certain products based on historical return rates for the products involved.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	We carry accounts receivable at sales value less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We periodically evaluate accounts receivable and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of specific customer circumstances, credit conditions and the history of write-offs and collections. We evaluate items on an individual basis when determining accounts receivable write-offs. In general, our policy is to not charge interest on trade receivables after the invoice becomes past due. A receivable is considered past due if payment has not been received within agreed upon invoice terms.
Securitization Of Financing Receivables	Securitization of Financing Receivables / Variable Interest Entities
	Indesit, acquired by Whirlpool in the fourth quarter of 2014, has maintained a securitization program since 2010. The securitization involves the without-recourse sale of trade receivables by Indesit. The receivables are acquired by special purpose entities ("SPEs") which are financed by the issuance of securities whose repayment is guaranteed by the cash flows generated by the receivables sold.
	At December 31, 2014, liabilities related to the securitization were comprised of senior securities issued on the asset-backed security market and totaled $88 million. At the same date, financial receivables represented by junior securities total $53 million, cash not yet collected on receivables sold was $38 million and cash held by the SPEs (reflected in other current assets due to its restricted use for debt repayment) was $5 million. At December 31, 2014, $35 million from the securitization is included in Whirlpool’s notes payable balance.
	The SPEs related to the securitization are designed to create and pass along debt proceeds and related debt expenses to Indesit, its interest holder. Additionally, Indesit has the ability to directly impact the activities of these entities. Therefore, these entities are considered variable interest entities and Indesit is considered the primary beneficiary of these entities. Accordingly, the results of these entities have been consolidated into Whirlpool’s financial results at December 31, 2014.
	Whirlpool stopped the sale of receivables related to the securitization beginning in December 2014. We anticipate exiting this debt securitization by the end of the first quarter of 2015.
Variable Interest Entities	Securitization of Financing Receivables / Variable Interest Entities
	Indesit, acquired by Whirlpool in the fourth quarter of 2014, has maintained a securitization program since 2010. The securitization involves the without-recourse sale of trade receivables by Indesit. The receivables are acquired by special purpose entities ("SPEs") which are financed by the issuance of securities whose repayment is guaranteed by the cash flows generated by the receivables sold.
	At December 31, 2014, liabilities related to the securitization were comprised of senior securities issued on the asset-backed security market and totaled $88 million. At the same date, financial receivables represented by junior securities total $53 million, cash not yet collected on receivables sold was $38 million and cash held by the SPEs (reflected in other current assets due to its restricted use for debt repayment) was $5 million. At December 31, 2014, $35 million from the securitization is included in Whirlpool’s notes payable balance.
	The SPEs related to the securitization are designed to create and pass along debt proceeds and related debt expenses to Indesit, its interest holder. Additionally, Indesit has the ability to directly impact the activities of these entities. Therefore, these entities are considered variable interest entities and Indesit is considered the primary beneficiary of these entities. Accordingly, the results of these entities have been consolidated into Whirlpool’s financial results at December 31, 2014.
	Whirlpool stopped the sale of receivables related to the securitization beginning in December 2014. We anticipate exiting this debt securitization by the end of the first quarter of 2015.
Freight and Warehousing Costs	Freight and Warehousing Costs
	We classify freight and warehousing costs within cost of products sold in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Cash and Equivalents	Cash and Equivalents
	All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash relates to the private placement funds paid by Whirlpool to acquire a portion of the shares needed to acquire majority control of Hefei Sanyo in October 2014. The restricted cash is used to fund capital and technical resources to enhance Hefei Sanyo’s research and development and working capital.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	We measure fair value based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tiered fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable, either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. We had no Level 3 assets or liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, with the exception of those disclosed in Note 13.
	We measured fair value for money market funds and available for sale investments using quoted market prices in active markets for identical or comparable assets. We measured fair value for derivative contracts, all of which have counterparties with high credit ratings, based on model driven valuations using significant inputs derived from observable market data.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) cost, except United States production inventories, which are stated at last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost, and Latin America, Asia and certain EMEA inventories, which are stated at average cost. Costs do not exceed net realizable values. See Note 5 for additional information about inventories.
Property	Property
	Property is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. For production machinery and equipment, we record depreciation based on units produced, unless units produced drop below a minimum threshold at which point depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method, excluding property acquired from Hefei Sanyo and Indesit acquisitions. For nonproduction assets and assets acquired from Hefei Sanyo and Indesit, as of December 31, 2014 we depreciate costs based on the straight-line method. Depreciation expense for property, including accelerated depreciation classified as restructuring expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income, was $527 million, $515 million and $521 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes our property as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			Estimated Useful Life
	Land	$	142		$	76		n/a
	Buildings	1,616			1,303			10 to 50 years
	Machinery and equipment	8,182			7,940			3 to 25 years
	Accumulated depreciation	(5,959		)	(6,278		)
	Property, net	$	3,981		$	3,041
	We classify gains and losses associated with asset dispositions in the same line item as the underlying depreciation of the disposed asset in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We retired approximately $503 million and $282 million of machinery and equipment no longer in use during 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net gains and losses recognized in cost of products sold were not material for 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	We record impairment losses on long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and intangibles, when events and circumstances indicate the assets may be impaired and the estimated future cash flows generated by those assets are less than their carrying amounts. There were no significant impairments recorded during 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	We evaluate goodwill using a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a two-step impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the two-step impairment test.
	If the qualitative assessment concludes that the two-step impairment test is necessary, we first compare the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value. The fair value is estimated based on a market approach and a discounted cash flow analysis, also known as the income approach, and is reconciled back to the current market capitalization for Whirlpool to ensure that the implied control premium is reasonable. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform the second step to estimate an implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets). The difference between the total fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of all the assets and liabilities other than goodwill is the implied fair value of that goodwill. The amount of impairment loss is equal to the excess of the book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill.
	We evaluate certain indefinite-lived intangibles using a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value may be less than its carrying amount, the fair value of the trademark is estimated and compared to its carrying value to determine if an impairment exists. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the quantitative test.
	When the qualitative assessment is not utilized and a quantitative test is performed, we estimate the fair value of these intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty method, which requires assumptions related to projected revenues from our annual long-range plan; assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trademark; and a discount rate based on our weighted average cost of capital. We recognize an impairment loss when the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value.
	Definite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life. See Note 3 for additional information about goodwill and intangible assets.
Accounts Payable Outsourcing	Accounts Payable Outsourcing
	We offer our suppliers access to third party payable processors. Independent of Whirlpool, the processors allow suppliers to sell their receivables to financial institutions at the sole discretion of both the supplier and the financial institution. In China, as a common practice we pay suppliers with banker’s acceptance drafts. Banker’s acceptance drafts allow suppliers to sell their receivables to financial institutions at the sole discretion of both the supplier and the financial institution. We have no economic interest in the sale of these receivables and no direct financial relationship with the financial institutions concerning these services. All of our obligations, including amounts due, remain to our suppliers as stated in our supplier agreements. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $1.6 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, have been sold by suppliers to participating financial institutions.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We use derivative instruments designated as cash flow and fair value hedges to manage our exposure to the volatility in material costs, foreign currency and interest rates on certain debt instruments. Changes in the fair value of derivative assets or liabilities (i.e., gains or losses) are recognized depending upon the type of hedging relationship and whether a hedge has been designated. For those derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting, we designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a cash flow hedge, fair value hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. For a derivative instrument designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in earnings in the period of change in fair value together with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item. For a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of Other Comprehensive Income and is subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. For a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is reported in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized immediately in current net earnings. See Note 8 for additional information about hedges and derivative financial instruments.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
	Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. The results of operations of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in net earnings.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs are charged to expense and totaled $563 million, $582 million and $553 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are charged to expense when the advertisement is first communicated and totaled $269 million, $304 million and $273 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets is recognized in income in the period of enactment date.
	We recognize, in other current and noncurrent liabilities, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, effects of an uncertain income tax position when it is more likely than not, based on technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. We accrue for other tax contingencies when it is probable that a liability to a taxing authority has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
	Provision is made for taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and related companies to the extent that such earnings are not deemed to be permanently invested. See Note 12 for additional information about income taxes.
Stock Based Compensation	Stock Based Compensation
	We recognize stock based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the award over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (generally the vesting period). The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which incorporates assumptions regarding the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, expected option life and dividend yield. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the stock price on the date of grant. The fair value of restricted stock units and performance stock units is generally based on the closing market price of Whirlpool common stock on the grant date. See Note 10 for additional information about stock based compensation.
Befiex Credits	BEFIEX Credits
	In previous years, our Brazilian operations earned tax credits under the Brazilian government’s export incentive program (BEFIEX). These credits reduce Brazilian federal excise taxes on domestic sales, resulting in an increase in the operations’ recorded net sales. We recognized export credits as they were monetized. See Note 7 and Note 12 for additional information regarding BEFIEX credits.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” This new guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits, reflecting the manner in which an entity would settle, at the reporting date, any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. We adopted the provisions of this amendment during the first quarter of 2014, which resulted in a reclassification between other non-current liabilities and non-current deferred income tax assets of approximately $53 million. The adoption did not change existing recognition and measurement requirements in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This pronouncement is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period and is to be applied using one of two retrospective application methods, with early application not permitted. We have not yet determined the potential effects from this pronouncement on the Consolidated Financial Statements, if any.
	All other issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	We evaluate goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles for impairment annually on October 1.

Summary_of_Principal_Accountin2

Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following table summarizes our property as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			Estimated Useful Life
	Land	$	142		$	76		n/a
	Buildings	1,616			1,303			10 to 50 years
	Machinery and equipment	8,182			7,940			3 to 25 years
	Accumulated depreciation	(5,959		)	(6,278		)
	Property, net	$	3,981		$	3,041

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Tabl

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price	The following table presents the preliminary allocation of purchase price related to the Hefei Sanyo and Indesit acquisitions, as of their respective dates of acquisition:
	Millions of dollars	Hefei Sanyo(1)			Indesit
	Cash	$	98		$	77
	Accounts receivable	81			891
	Inventory	137			471
	Other current assets	354			288
	Property, plant and equipment	169			854
	Goodwill	451			667
	Identified intangible assets	372			822
	Other non-current assets	317			162
	Total assets acquired	1,979			4,232
	Accounts payable	(181		)	(631		)
	Short-term notes payable	(226		)	(555		)
	Other current liabilities	(91		)	(622		)
	Non-current liabilities	(133		)	(987		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(631		)	(2,795		)
	Net assets acquired	$	1,348		$	1,437
	(1) We purchased a 51% controlling interest in Hefei Sanyo's net assets described in the table; the non-controlling interest was valued at $801 million, the market value of the stock price of the shares purchased on the date of acquisition
Summary of Preliminary Estimated Fair Value of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired	The Company has preliminarily estimated the fair value of Hefei Sanyo and Indesit's identifiable intangible assets as follows:
		Hefei Sanyo					Indesit
	Millions of dollars	Estimated			Estimated		Estimated		Estimated
		Fair Value			Useful Life		Fair Value		Useful Life
	Trademarks-indefinite lived	$	42				$	535
	Customer relationships	230			13-16 years		134		5-19 years
	Patents and other intangibles	100			3-10 years		153		6-15 years
		$	372				$	822
Summary of Pro Forma Information	The following table provides pro forma results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as if Hefei Sanyo and Indesit had been acquired as of January 1, 2013. The pro forma results include certain purchase accounting adjustments such as the estimated changes in depreciation and amortization expense on acquired tangible and intangible assets as well as interest expense on borrowings used to finance the acquisitions. Additionally, the pro forma results include adjustments to convert Hefei Sanyo and Indesit’s historical results from local accounting standards to U.S. GAAP. Pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost savings or other effects of the planned integration of these acquisitions. Accordingly, such amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisition had occurred on the dates indicated or that may result in the future.
		Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars, except per share data	2014			2013
	Net sales	$	23,204		$	23,109
	Net earnings available to Whirlpool	691			791
	Diluted net earnings per share	$	8.68		$	9.79

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes other intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			2014							2013
	Millions of dollars		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Other intangible assets, finite lives:
	Customer relationships (1)		$	665	$	(163	)	$	502	$	289	$	(125	)	$	164
	Patents and other (2)		348		(104		)	244		128		(112		)	16
	Total other intangible assets, finite lives		$	1,013	$	(267	)	$	746	$	417	$	(237	)	$	180
	Trademarks, indefinite lives		2,057		—			2,057		1,522		—			1,522
	Total other intangible assets		$	3,070	$	(267	)	$	2,803	$	1,939	$	(237	)	$	1,702
	(1)    Customer relationships have an estimated useful life of 4 to 19 years.
	(2)    Patents and other intangibles have an estimated useful life of 4
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	The following table summarizes our future estimated amortization expense by year:
	Millions of dollars
	2015	$	78
	2016	75
	2017	72
	2018	70
	2019	67

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Total Cost Basis				Quoted Prices In				Significant Other						Total Fair Value
						Active Markets for				Observable Inputs
						Identical Assets				(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
	Millions of dollars	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Money market funds (1)	$	21	$	465	$	21	$	465	$	—		$	—		$	21		$	465
	Net derivative contracts	—		—		—		—		(1		)	(25		)	(1		)	(25		)
	Available for sale investments	16		8		26		18		—			—			26			18
	(1) Money market funds are comprised primarily of government obligations and other first tier obligations.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories	The following table summarizes our inventories at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Finished products	$	2,189		$	1,950
	Raw materials and work in process	724			622
		2,913			2,572
	Less: excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost	(173		)	(164		)
	Total inventories	$	2,740		$	2,408

Financing_Arrangements_Tables

Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The following table summarizes our long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars		2014			2013
	Maytag medium-term note - 6.45% matured 2014		$	—		$	100
	Senior note - 8.6%, matured 2014		—			500
	Maytag medium-term note - 5.0% maturing 2015		199			198
	Senior note - 6.5%, maturing 2016		250			250
	Debentures - 7.75%, maturing 2016		244			244
	Senior note - 1.35%, maturing 2017		250			—
	Senior note - 1.65%, maturing 2017		300			—
	Indesit guaranteed notes - 4.5%, maturing 2018		393			—
	Senior note - 2.4%, maturing 2019		250			—
	Senior note - 4.85%, maturing 2021		300			300
	Senior note - 4.70%, maturing 2022		300			300
	Senior note - 3.70%, maturing 2023		250			250
	Senior note - 4.0%, maturing 2024		300			—
	Senior note - 3.7%, maturing 2025		350			—
	Senior note - 5.15% maturing 2043		249			250
	Other		143			61
			3,778			2,453
	Less current maturities		234			607
	Total long-term debt		$	3,544		$	1,846
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of our long-term debt, including current maturities, at December 31, 2014:
	Millions of dollars
	2015	$	234
	2016	529
	2017	580
	2018	423
	2019	264
	Thereafter	1,748
	Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	3,778
Schedule of Notes Payable	The following table summarizes the carrying value of notes payable at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Commercial paper	$	387		$	—
	Debt securitization	35			—
	Short-term borrowings to banks	147			10
	Total notes payable	$	569		$	10

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Product Warranty and Recall Reserves	The following table summarizes the changes in total product warranty reserves for the periods presented:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	191		$	187
	Issuances/accruals during the period(1)	316			292
	Settlements made during the period	(272		)	(288		)
	Balance at December 31	$	235		$	191
	Current portion	$	186		$	154
	Non-current portion	49			37
	Total	$	235		$	191
	(1) $61 million is included within issuances/accruals during 2014 related to acquisitions
Operating Lease Commitments	At December 31, 2014, we had noncancelable operating lease commitments totaling $868 million. The annual future minimum lease payments are summarized by year in the table below:
	Millions of dollars
	2015	$	230
	2016	183
	2017	150
	2018	109
	2019	82
	Thereafter	114
	Total noncancelable operating lease commitments	$	868
Purchase Obligations	Our expected cash outflows resulting from non-cancellable purchase obligations are summarized by year in the table below:
	Millions of dollars
	2015	$	209
	2016	196
	2017	147
	2018	113
	2019	65
	Thereafter	211
	Total purchase obligations	$	941

Hedges_and_Derivative_Financia1

Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
General Discussion of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following tables summarize our outstanding derivative contracts and their effects on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
								Fair Value of										Type of
		Notional Amount						Hedge Assets						Hedge Liabilities				Hedge (1)	Maximum Term (Months)
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014		2013			2014	2013
	Derivatives accounted for as hedges
	Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	874		$	744		$	27		$	16		$	8	$	10	(CF)	17	14
	Commodity swaps/options	375			363			4			8			29		13		(CF)	36	36
	Total derivatives accounted for as hedges							$	31		$	24		$	37	$	23
	Derivatives not accounted for as hedges
	Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	2,358		$	1,274		$	34		$	6		$	29	$	32	N/A	10	12
	Commodity swaps/options	8			1			—			—			—		—		N/A	4	4
	Total derivatives not accounted for as hedges							34			6			29		32
	Total derivatives							$	65		$	30		$	66	$	55
	Current							$	64		$	28		$	59	$	54
	Noncurrent							1			2			7		1
	Total derivatives							$	65		$	30		$	66	$	55
	(1)Derivatives accounted for as hedges are considered cash flow (CF) hedges
Schedule of Effects of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income	The pre-tax effects of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for OCI in table for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Gain (Loss)						Gain (Loss)
		Recognized in OCI						Reclassified from
		(Effective Portion)						OCI into Income
								(Effective Portion) (1)
	Cash Flow Hedges - Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	40		$	20		$	22		$	9		(a)
	Commodity swaps/options	(30		)	(29		)	(10		)	(19		)	(a)
	Interest rate derivatives	—			—			(1		)	(1		)	(b)
		$	10		$	(9	)	$	11		$	(11	)
		Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives not
		Accounted for as Hedges (2)
	Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges - Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Foreign exchange forwards/options	$	26		$	(49	)
	(1)     Gains and losses reclassified from accumulated OCI and recognized in income are recorded in (a) cost of products sold; or (b) interest expense.
	(2)    Mark to market gains and losses recognized in income are recorded in interest and sundry income (expense).

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table shows the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool at December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, and the activity for the years then ended:
	Millions of dollars	Foreign			Derivative			Pension and			Marketable			Total
		Currency			Instruments			Postretirement			Securities
								Liability
	31-Dec-11	$	(387	)	$	(13	)	$	(820	)	$	(6	)	$	(1,226	)
	Unrealized gain (loss)	(36		)	8			—			9			(19		)
	Unrealized actuarial gain(loss) and prior service credit (cost)	—			—			(420		)	—			(420		)
	Tax effect	(19		)	(3		)	152			—			130
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(55		)	5			(268		)	9			(309		)
	Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	(4		)	—			—			—			(4		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	(51		)	5			(268		)	9			(305		)
	31-Dec-12	$	(438	)	$	(8	)	$	(1,088	)	$	3		$	(1,531	)
	Unrealized gain (loss)	(122		)	2			—			7			(113		)
	Unrealized actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credit (cost)	—			—			508			—			508
	Tax effect	25			—			(190		)	—			(165		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(97		)	2			318			7			230
	Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	(94		)	2			318			7			233
	31-Dec-13	$	(532	)	$	(6	)	$	(770	)	$	10		$	(1,298	)
	Unrealized loss	(392		)	(1		)	—			—			(393		)
	Unrealized actuarial loss and prior service credit	—			—			(233		)	—			(233		)
	Tax effect	(5		)	—			85			—			80
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(397		)	(1		)	(148		)	—			(546		)
	Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	(4		)	—			—			—			(4		)
	Other comprehensive loss available to Whirlpool	$	(393	)	$	(1	)	$	(148	)	$	—		$	(542	)
	31-Dec-14	$	(925	)	$	(7	)	$	(918	)	$	10		$	(1,840	)
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share	Basic and diluted net earnings per share of common stock were calculated as follows:
	Millions of dollars and shares	2014			2013			2012
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share – net earnings available to Whirlpool	$	650		$	827		$	401
	Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average shares	78.3			79.3			78.1
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock-based compensation	1.3			1.5			1.2
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted-average shares	79.6			80.8			79.3
	Anti-dilutive stock options/awards excluded from earnings per share	0.2			—			2.4

Sharebased_Incentive_Plans_Tab

Share-based Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted Average Black-Scholes Assumptions	Based on the results of the model, the weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $42.09, $33.92 and $19.54, respectively, using the following assumptions:
	Weighted Average Black-Scholes Assumptions	2014		2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5	%	0.9	%		0.9	%
	Expected volatility	38.2	%	40.3	%		40.3	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.8	%	1.8	%		2.9	%
	Expected option life, in years	5		5			5
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity during 2014:
	In thousands, except per share data	Number		Weighted-
		of Options		Average
				Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1	2,255		$	77.87
	Granted	393		138.6
	Exercised	(487	)	78.58
	Canceled or expired	(46	)	94.35
	Outstanding at December 31	2,115		$	88.62
	Exercisable at December 31	1,236		$	70.87
Summary of Additional Information Related to Stock Options Outstanding	The table below summarizes additional information related to stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
	Options in thousands / dollars in millions, except share data	Outstanding Net of			Options
		Expected Forfeitures			Exercisable
	Number of options	2,043			1,236
	Weighted-average exercise price per share	$	87.11		$	70.87
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$	218		$	152
	Weighted-average remaining contractual term, in years	6			5
Summary of Stock Unity Activity	The following table summarizes stock unit activity during 2014:
	Stock units in thousands, except per-share data	Number of		Weighted- Average
		Stock Units		Grant Date Fair
				Value
	Non-vested, at January 1	1,202		$	82.4
	Granted	245		133.31
	Canceled	(37	)	82.62
	Vested and transferred to unrestricted	(306	)	80.88
	Non-vested, at December 31	1,104		$	90.34

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve	The following tables summarize the changes to our restructuring liability for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	12/31/13			Acquisition - related(1)		Charges to Earnings			Cash Paid			Non-Cash and Other			12/31/14
	Employee termination costs	$	74		$	40	$	82		$	(128	)	$	(10	)	$	58
	Asset impairment costs	—			—		26			—			(26		)	—
	Facility exit costs	14			—		16			(26		)	—			4
	Other exit costs	18			—		12			(14		)	—			16
	Total	$	106		$	40	$	136		$	(168	)	$	(36	)	$	78
	(1) A $40 million restructuring liability was acquired in the acquisition of Indesit in the fourth quarter of 2014 related to an ongoing plan previously initiated by Indesit management. As of December 31, 2014, the acquired restructuring liability is $17 million.
	Millions of dollars	12/31/12			Charge to Earnings		Cash Paid			Non-cash and Other			Revision of Estimate			12/31/13
	Employee termination costs	$	56		$	91	$	(62	)	$	—		$	(11	)	$	74
	Asset impairment costs	—			62		—			(62		)	—			—
	Facility exit costs	3			37		(25		)	—			(1		)	14
	Other exit costs	11			18		(11		)	—			—			18
	Total	$	70		$	208	$	(98	)	$	(62	)	$	(12	)	$	106
Restructuring Charges by Segment	The following table summarizes 2014 restructuring charges by operating segment:
	Millions of dollars		2014 Charges
	North America		$	10
	Latin America		8
	EMEA		102
	Asia		13
	Corporate / Other		3
	Total		$	136

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following table summarizes the difference between income tax expense at the United States statutory rate of 35% and the income tax expense at effective worldwide tax rates for the respective periods:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2012
	Earnings before income taxes
	United States	$	325		$	149		$	113
	Foreign	556			768			445
	Earnings before income taxes	881			917			558
	Income tax computed at United States statutory rate	308			321			195
	U.S. government tax incentives, including Energy Tax Credits	(10		)	(142		)	—
	Foreign government tax incentives, including BEFIEX	(46		)	(63		)	(38		)
	Foreign tax rate differential	(17		)	(17		)	(2		)
	U.S. foreign tax credits	(148		)	(231		)	(31		)
	Valuation allowances	9			16			(86		)
	State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit	5			7			2
	Foreign withholding taxes	16			29			12
	U.S. tax on foreign dividends and subpart F income	56			195			57
	Settlement of global tax audits	(5		)	(54		)	18
	Other items, net	21			7			6
	Income tax computed at effective worldwide tax rates	$	189		$	68		$	133
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The following table summarizes our income tax (benefit) provision for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014						2013						2012
	Millions of dollars	Current			Deferred			Current			Deferred			Current		Deferred
	United States	$	7		$	8		$	(60	)	$	(57	)	$	18	$	24
	Foreign	182			12			187			(9		)	189		(96		)
	State and local	(2		)	(18		)	2			5			7		(9		)
		$	187		$	2		$	129		$	(61	)	$	214	$	(81	)
	Total income tax expense				$	189					$	68				$	133
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The following table summarizes the significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Intangibles	$	800		$	517
	Property, net	156			141
	LIFO inventory	45			49
	Other	193			201
	Total deferred tax liabilities	1,194			908
	Deferred tax assets
	U.S. general business credit carryforwards, including Energy Tax Credits	1,005			1,050
	Pensions	316			311
	Loss carryforwards	650			467
	Inventory prepayment	—			93
	Postretirement obligations	199			177
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	249			243
	Research and development capitalization	358			239
	Employee payroll and benefits	141			138
	Accrued expenses	110			102
	Product warranty accrual	62			58
	Receivable and inventory allowances	73			51
	Other	300			233
	Total deferred tax assets	3,463			3,162
	Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets	(308		)	(186		)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	3,155			2,976
	Net deferred tax assets	$	1,961		$	2,068
Unrecognized tax benefits	The following table represents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would impact the effective tax rate, excluding federal benefits of state and local tax positions, and interest and penalties:
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2012
	Balance, January 1	$	113		$	178		$	178
	Additions for tax positions of the current year	17			17			13
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	4			6			16
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(23		)	(81		)	(15		)
	Settlements during the period	(11		)	(3		)	(5		)
	Positions assumed in acquisitions	42			—			—
	Lapses of applicable statute of limitation	(1		)	(4		)	(9		)
	Balance, December 31	$	141		$	113		$	178

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Obligations and Funded Status at End of Year	Obligations and Funded Status at End of Year
			United States								Foreign							Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits							Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013				2014				2013
	Funded status
	Fair value of plan assets		$	3,042			$	2,835			$	640		$	206			$	—			$	—
	Benefit obligations		3,796				3,546				1,026			439				502				509
	Funded status		$	(754	)		$	(711	)		$	(386	)	$	(233	)		$	(502	)		$	(509	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
	Noncurrent asset		$	—			$	—			$	8		$	7			$	—			$	—
	Current liability		(9		)		(7		)		(16		)	(14		)		(56		)		(51		)
	Noncurrent liability		(745		)		(704		)		(378		)	(226		)		(446		)		(458		)
	Amount recognized		$	(754	)		$	(711	)		$	(386	)	$	(233	)		$	(502	)		$	(509	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)
	Net actuarial loss		$	1,368			$	1,215			$	118		$	98			$	53			$	42
	Prior service (credit) cost		(14		)		(17		)		—			3				(120		)		(169		)
	Amount recognized		$	1,354			$	1,198			$	118		$	101			$	(67	)		$	(127	)
Change in Benefit Obligation	Change in Benefit Obligation
			United States								Foreign							Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits							Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013				2014				2013
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	3,546			$	4,196			$	439		$	448			$	509			$	477
	Service cost		2				2				5			6				3				4
	Interest cost		167				162				22			17				24				18
	Plan participants’ contributions		—				—				1			1				7				8
	Actuarial loss (gain)		384				(420		)		59			(7		)		9				(31		)
	Benefits paid		(303		)		(281		)		(24		)	(23		)		(60		)		(68		)
	Plan amendments		—				—				(3		)	—				14				2
	Acquisitions(1)		—				—				610			—				—				—
	Transfer of benefits		—				(105		)		—			—				—				105
	Settlements / curtailment (gain)		—				(8		)		(15		)	(6		)		—				—
	Foreign currency exchange rates		—				—				(68		)	3				(4		)		(6		)
	Benefit obligation, end of year		$	3,796			$	3,546			$	1,026		$	439			$	502			$	509
	Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	3,786			$	3,536			$	964		$	424			N/A				N/A
	(1) Pension obligation acquired through acquisition of Indesit
Change in Plan Assets	Change in Plan Assets
			United States Pension Benefits								Foreign							Other Postretirement
											Pension Benefits							Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013				2014				2013
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	2,835			$	2,790			$	206		$	197			$	—			$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		381				207				33			13				—				—
	Employer contribution		129				127				30			24				53				60
	Plan participants’ contributions		—				—				1			1				7				8
	Benefits paid		(303		)		(281		)		(24		)	(23		)		(60		)		(68		)
	Acquisitions(1)		—				—				437			—				—				—
	New Plans		—				—				—			2				—				—
	Settlements		—				(8		)		(10		)	(6		)		—				—
	Foreign currency exchange rates		—				—				(33		)	(2		)		—				—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	3,042			$	2,835			$	640		$	206			$	—			$	—
	(1) Pension assets acquired through acquisition of Indesit
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
			United States											Foreign											Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits											Pension Benefits											Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2012			2014				2013				2012			2014			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	2			$	2			$	2		$	5			$	6			$	6		$	3		$	4		$	5
	Interest cost		167				162				178			22				17				20			24			18			21
	Expected return on plan assets		(193		)		(191		)		(194		)	(16		)		(10		)		(11		)	—			—			—
	Amortization:
	Actuarial loss		43				62				46			5				6				4			—			1			1
	Prior service cost (credit)		(3		)		(3		)		(3		)	1				1				1			(36		)	(39		)	(42		)
	Curtailment gain		—				—				—			—				—				—			—			—			(52		)
	Settlement loss		—				3				5			4				1				3			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	16			$	35			$	34		$	21			$	21			$	23		$	(9	)	$	(16	)	$	(67	)
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Pre-Tax) in 2012	Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Pre-Tax) in 2014
	Millions of dollars		United States				Foreign				Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits				Benefits
	Current year actuarial loss		$	196			$	36			$	10
	Actuarial (loss) recognized during the year		(43		)		(15		)		—
	Current year prior service cost (credit)		—				(3		)		14
	Prior service credit (cost) recognized during the year		3				(1		)		36
	Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)		$	156			$	17			$	60
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)		$	172			$	38			$	51
Estimated Pre-Tax Amounts that will be amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Net Periodic Pension Cost in 2013	Estimated Pre-Tax Amounts that will be amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Net Periodic Pension Cost in 2015
	Millions of dollars		United States				Foreign				Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits				Benefits
	Actuarial loss		$	53			$	6			$	—
	Prior service (credit)		(3		)		—				(35		)
	Total		$	50			$	6			$	(35	)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at the end of the year and net periodic cost	Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Benefit Obligation at End of Year
			United States						Foreign					Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits						Pension Benefits					Benefits
			2014			2013			2014			2013		2014			2013
	Discount rate		4.05	%		4.95	%		3.32	%		4.16	%	4.27	%		4.95	%
	Rate of compensation increase		4.5	%		4.5	%		3.23	%		3.4	%	N/A			N/A
	Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Net Periodic Cost
			United States									Foreign								Other Postretirement
			Pension Benefits									Pension Benefits								Benefits
			2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012			2014			2013		2012
	Discount rate		4.95	%		4.05	%		4.8	%		3.89	%	3.93	%		5.04	%		5.25	%		4.03	%	5.03	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.25	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		5.44	%	5.4	%		5.44	%		N/A			N/A		N/A
	Rate of compensation increase		4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%		3.35	%	3.51	%		3.48	%		N/A			N/A		N/A
	Health care cost trend rate
	Initial rate		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A		N/A			N/A			7	%		7	%	8	%
	Ultimate rate		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A		N/A			N/A			5	%		5	%	5	%
	Year that ultimate rate will be reached		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A		N/A			N/A			2017			2017		2015
Estimated impact of one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rate	A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on our health care plan:
	Millions of dollars		One Percentage				One Percentage
			Point Increase				Point Decrease
	Effect on total of service and interest cost		$	—			$	—
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligations		4				(4		)
Expected Employer Contributions to Funded Plans	Expected Employer Contributions to Funded Plans
	Millions of dollars		United States				Foreign
			Pension Benefits(1)				Pension Benefits
	2015		$	80			$	18
	(1) Contributions include $80 million of minimum contributions required by law.
Expected Benefit Payments	Expected Benefit Payments
	Millions of dollars		United States				Foreign				Other Postretirement Benefits
			Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits
	2015		$	278			$	49			$	56
	2016		253				38				49
	2017		250				41				48
	2018		249				41				44
	2019		252				44				41
	2020-2024		1,219				216				171
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, by asset category were as follows:
			December 31,
			Quoted prices								Other significant							Significant							Total
			(Level 1)								observable inputs							unobservable inputs
											(Level 2)							(Level 3)
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013				2014				2013			2014			2013
	Cash and equivalents		$	29			$	23			$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	29		$	23
	Government and government agency securities(a)
	U.S. securities		—				—				579			432				—				—			579			432
	International securities		—				—				253			131				—				—			253			131
	Corporate bonds and notes (a)
	U.S. companies		—				—				1,000			850				—				—			1,000			850
	International companies		—				—				321			193				—				—			321			193
	Equity securities (b)
	U.S. companies		12				12				—			—				—				—			12			12
	International companies		427				223				—			—				—				—			427			223
	Mutual funds (c)		67				77				—			—				—				—			67			77
	Common and collective funds (d)
	U.S. equity securities		—				—				651			718				—				—			651			718
	International equity securities		—				—				66			79				—				—			66			79
	Short-term investment fund		—				—				63			87				—				—			63			87
	Limited partnerships (e)
	U.S. private equity investments		—				—				—			—				140				145			140			145
	Diversified fund of funds		—				—				—			—				32				35			32			35
	Emerging growth		—				—				—			—				23				18			23			18
	Real estate (f)		—				—				10			11				—				—			10			11
	All other investments		—				—				9			7				—				—			9			7
			$	535			$	335			$	2,952		$	2,508			$	195			$	198		$	3,682		$	3,041
	(a)	Valued using pricing vendors who use proprietary models to estimate the price a dealer would pay to buy a security using significant observable inputs, such as interest rates, yield curves, and credit risk.
	(b)	Valued using the closing stock price on a national securities exchange, which reflects the last reported sales price on the last business day of the year.
	(c)	Valued using the net asset value (NAV) of the fund, which is based on the fair value of underlying securities. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of equity securities issued by non-U.S. companies.
	(d)	Valued using the NAV of the fund, which is based on the fair value of underlying securities.
	(e)	Valued at estimated fair value based on the proportionate share of the limited partnership's fair value, as determined by the general partner.
	(f)	Valued using the NAV of the fund, which is based on the fair value of underlying assets.
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Millions of dollars		Limited
			Partnerships
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	198
	Realized gains (net)		23
	Unrealized gains (net)		11
	Purchases		9
	Settlements		(46		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014		$	195
Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			United States								Foreign
			Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	3,796			$	3,546			$	872		$	397
	Fair value of plan assets		3,042				2,835				487			157
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			United States								Foreign
			Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits
	Millions of dollars		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	3,796			$	3,546			$	872		$	347
	Accumulated benefit obligation		3,786				3,536				825			340
	Fair value of plan assets		3,042				2,835				487			110

Operating_Segment_Information_

Operating Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas	The following table summarizes net sales and long-lived assets by geographic area:
	Millions of dollars	United States		Brazil		All Other			Total
						Countries
	2014:00:00
	Sales to external customers	$	9,064	$	3,204	$	7,604		$	19,872
	Long-lived assets	4,529		321		4,741			9,591
	2013:00:00
	Sales to external customers	$	8,577	$	3,295	$	6,897		$	18,769
	Long-lived assets	4,461		335		1,671			6,467
	2012:00:00
	Sales to external customers	$	8,005	$	3,337	$	6,801		$	18,143
	Long-lived assets	4,412		377		1,694			6,483
Schedule of Operating Segment Information	Intangible asset impairment and restructuring costs are included in operating profit on a consolidated basis and included in the Other/Eliminations column in the table below:
		OPERATING SEGMENTS
	Millions of dollars	North		Latin		EMEA			Asia			Other/			Total
		America		America								Eliminations			Whirlpool
	Net sales
	2014	10,634		4,686		3,905			816			(169		)	19,872
	2013	10,178		4,928		3,024			807			(168		)	18,769
	2012	9,631		4,950		2,874			847			(159		)	18,143
	Intersegment sales
	2014	$	244	$	180	$	79		$	266		$	(769	)	$	—
	2013	256		174		79			257			(766		)	—
	2012	262		171		104			226			(763		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization
	2014	$	263	$	86	$	104		$	29		$	78		$	560
	2013	238		91		95			18			98			540
	2012	260		97		93			18			83			551
	Operating profit (loss)
	2014	$	1,072	$	475	$	59		$	(21	)	$	(397	)	$	1,188
	2013	1,070		557		(4		)	34			(408		)	1,249
	2012	846		476		(51		)	37			(439		)	869
	Total assets
	2014	$	7,736	$	2,917	$	7,597		$	2,734		$	(982	)	$	20,002
	2013	7,785		3,380		2,955			921			503			15,544
	2012	7,766		3,845		2,956			802			27			15,396
	Capital expenditures
	2014	$	271	$	133	$	187		$	29		$	100		$	720
	2013	254		108		101			25			90			578
	2012	219		100		88			24			45			476

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation1

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
		Three months ended
		Dec. 31						Sept. 30						Jun. 30						Mar. 31
	Millions of dollars, except per share data	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales	$	6,003		$	5,090		$	4,824		$	4,683		$	4,682		$	4,748		$	4,363		$	4,248
	Cost of products sold	4,977			4,181			3,997			3,837			3,895			3,931			3,608			3,522
	Operating profit	281			354			335			313			291			328			281			254
	Interest and sundry income (expense)	(64		)	(82		)	(39		)	(16		)	(16		)	(39		)	(23		)	(18		)
	Net earnings	108			187			235			199			185			206			164			257
	Net earnings available to Whirlpool	81			181			230			196			179			198			160			252
	Per share of common stock: (1)
	Basic net earnings	$	1.04		$	2.31		$	2.92		$	2.46		$	2.29		$	2.48		$	2.06		$	3.18
	Diluted net earnings	1.02			2.26			2.88			2.42			2.25			2.44			2.02			3.12
	Dividends	0.75			0.625			0.75			0.625			0.75			0.625			0.625			0.5
	Market price range of common stock: (2)
	High	$	196.71		$	159.22		$	156.13		$	151.84		$	156.71		$	134.09		$	160.01		$	120
	Low	139.85			129.22			135.37			111.7			136.64			107.88			124.39			101.74
	Close	193.74			156.86			145.65			146.44			139.22			114.36			149.46			118.46
	(1)     The quarterly earnings per share amounts will not necessarily add to the earnings per share computed for the year due to the method used in calculating per share data
	(2)    Composite price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange

Summary_of_Principal_Accountin3

Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		countries
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of countries in which entity operates		14
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash not yet collected on receivables sold		$2,768,000,000	$2,005,000,000
Restricted cash		237,000,000
Short-term Debt		569,000,000	10,000,000
Depreciation		527,000,000	515,000,000	521,000,000
Level 3 assets and liabilities		0	0
Retirement of machinery		503,000,000	282,000,000
Accounts payable outsourcing		1,600,000,000	1,300,000,000
Research and development expense		563,000,000	582,000,000	553,000,000
Advertising expense		269,000,000	304,000,000	273,000,000
Reclassification of deferred tax assets	53,000,000
Other Current Assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash		50,000,000
Debt securitization
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Short-term Debt		35,000,000	0
Indesit Company S.p.A. | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Principal amount outstanding on loans securitized		88,000,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current		53,000,000
Cash not yet collected on receivables sold		38,000,000
Restricted cash		5,000,000
Short-term Debt		$35,000,000

Summary_of_Principal_Accountin4

Summary of Principal Accounting Policies (Property) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	142	$76
Buildings	1,616	1,303
Machinery and equipment	8,182	7,940
Accumulated depreciation	-5,959	-6,278
Property, net	3,981	$3,041
Building | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plan, and equipment, useful life	10 years
Building | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plan, and equipment, useful life	50 years
Machinery and Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plan, and equipment, useful life	3 years
Machinery and Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plan, and equipment, useful life	25 years

Acquisitions_Hefei_Rongshida_S

Acquisitions Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (Details)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Oct. 24, 2014

Oct. 24, 2014

Oct. 20, 2014

Oct. 20, 2014

Oct. 24, 2014

Oct. 24, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 20, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Hefei Sanyo And Indesit

Hefei Sanyo

Hefei Sanyo

Hefei Sanyo

Hefei Sanyo

Hefei Sanyo

Hefei Sanyo

Hefei Sanyo

Hefei Sanyo

Hefei Sanyo

Nonoperating Income (Expense)

Nonoperating Income (Expense)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Hefei Sanyo

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage of voting interests acquired

51.00%

51.00%

29.51%

Shares acquired

234

234

157

Purchase price

$1,356

$0

$0

$321

2,000

$230

1,400

$551

3,400

Period in which acquired shares can not be sold

36 months

36 months

Net sales

6,003

4,824

4,682

4,363

5,090

4,683

4,748

4,248

19,872

18,769

18,143

994

Net earnings available to Whirlpool

81

230

179

160

181

196

198

252

650

827

401

15

Transaction costs

$30

$21

$55

$15

Acquisitions_Indesit_Company_S

Acquisitions Indesit Company S.p.A. (Details)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 03, 2014

Nov. 26, 2014

Oct. 14, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Oct. 14, 2014

Oct. 14, 2014

Oct. 14, 2014

Jul. 10, 2014

Oct. 14, 2014

Oct. 14, 2014

Jul. 10, 2014

Oct. 14, 2014

Oct. 14, 2014

Jul. 10, 2014

Nov. 26, 2014

Nov. 26, 2014

Nov. 26, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Share Group One

Share Group One

Share Group One

Share Group One

Share Group Two

Share Group Two

Share Group Two

Share Group Three

Share Group Three

Share Group Three

Share Group Four

Share Group Four

Share Group Four

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage of share capital acquired

60.40%

42.70%

13.20%

4.40%

97.10%

Percentage of voting interests acquired

67.00%

Purchase price

$1,356,000,000

$0

$0

$650,000,000

$680,000,000

€ 537,000,000

$210,000,000

€ 166,000,000

$75,000,000

€ 55,000,000

$429,000,000

€ 344,000,000

Tender offers received, percent of total shares available for purchase

91.40%

Total consideration paid, net of cash acquired

1,400,000,000

Net sales

6,003,000,000

4,824,000,000

4,682,000,000

4,363,000,000

5,090,000,000

4,683,000,000

4,748,000,000

4,248,000,000

19,872,000,000

18,769,000,000

18,143,000,000

Net earnings available to Whirlpool

81,000,000

230,000,000

179,000,000

160,000,000

181,000,000

196,000,000

198,000,000

252,000,000

650,000,000

827,000,000

401,000,000

Transaction costs

$60,000,000

Acquisitions_Purchase_Price_Al

Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 24, 2014	Oct. 20, 2014	Dec. 03, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$2,807	$1,724
Hefei Sanyo
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash			98
Accounts receivable			81
Inventory			137
Other current assets			354
Property, plant and equipment			169
Goodwill			451
Identified intangible assets			372
Other non-current assets			317
Total assets acquired			1,979
Accounts payable			-181
Short-term notes payable			-226
Other current liabilities			-91
Non-current liabilities			-133
Total liabilities assumed			631
Net assets acquired			1,348
Percentage of voting interests acquired			51.00%	29.51%
Indesit Company S.p.A.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash					77
Accounts receivable					891
Inventory					471
Other current assets					288
Property, plant and equipment					854
Goodwill					667
Identified intangible assets					822
Other non-current assets					162
Total assets acquired					4,232
Accounts payable					-631
Short-term notes payable					-555
Other current liabilities					-622
Non-current liabilities					-987
Total liabilities assumed					2,795
Net assets acquired					$1,437

Acquisitions_Identifiable_Inta

Acquisitions Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014	Dec. 03, 2014
Customer Relationships | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life	4 years
Customer Relationships | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life	19 years
Hefei Sanyo
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired		42
Identified intangible assets		372
Hefei Sanyo | Customer Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired		230
Hefei Sanyo | Customer Relationships | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life		13 years
Hefei Sanyo | Customer Relationships | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life		16 years
Hefei Sanyo | Patents And Other Intangibles
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired		100
Hefei Sanyo | Patents And Other Intangibles | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life		3 years
Hefei Sanyo | Patents And Other Intangibles | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life		10 years
Indesit Company S.p.A.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired			535
Identified intangible assets			822
Indesit Company S.p.A. | Customer Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			134
Indesit Company S.p.A. | Customer Relationships | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life			5 years
Indesit Company S.p.A. | Customer Relationships | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life			19 years
Indesit Company S.p.A. | Patents And Other Intangibles
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			153
Indesit Company S.p.A. | Patents And Other Intangibles | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life			6 years
Indesit Company S.p.A. | Patents And Other Intangibles | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life			15 years

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Details

Acquisitions Pro Forma (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$6,003	$4,824	$4,682	$4,363	$5,090	$4,683	$4,748	$4,248	$19,872	$18,769	$18,143
Net earnings available to Whirlpool	81	230	179	160	181	196	198	252	650	827	401
Net sales									23,204	23,109
Net earnings available to Whirlpool									691	791
Diluted net earnings per share									$8.68	$9.79
Hefei Sanyo And Indesit
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales												994
Net earnings available to Whirlpool												$15

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill (Narrrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 03, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, impairment loss	$0
Goodwill	2,807	1,724
Indesit Company S.p.A.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			667
Hefei Sanyo
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill				451
North America
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,700	1,720
EMEA
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	639
EMEA | Indesit Company S.p.A.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	28
Asia
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	449
Asia | Hefei Sanyo
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	2
Latin America
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$4	$4

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles3

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Other Intangibles (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014
		impaired_asset
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$12
Trademarks, indefinite lives | Europe
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impaired Intangible Asset, Number of Impaired Assets		2
Pre-impairment carrying value		$30

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles4

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,013	$417
Accumulated Amortization	-267	-237
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	746	180
Intangible Assets, gross (excluding goodwill)	3,070	1,939
Total other intangibles assets	2,803	1,702
Trademarks, indefinite lives
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	2,057	1,522
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	665	289
Accumulated Amortization	-163	-125
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	502	164
Customer Relationships | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life	4 years
Customer Relationships | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life	19 years
Patents and non-competes
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	348	128
Accumulated Amortization	-104	-112
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	244	$16
Patents and non-competes | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life	4 years
Patents and non-competes | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life	15 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles5

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$78
2016	75
2017	72
2018	70
2019	$67

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money Market Funds	$21	$465
Net derivative contracts	-1	-25
Available for sale investments	26	18
Total Cost Basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money Market Funds	21	465
Net derivative contracts	0	0
Available for sale investments	16	8
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money Market Funds	21	465
Net derivative contracts	0	0
Available for sale investments	26	18
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money Market Funds	0	0
Net derivative contracts	-1	-25
Available for sale investments	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Sale_o

Fair Value Measurements Sale of Shares in Investment (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Equity investment- number of shares sold	7.4
Equity investment- value of shares sold	$5

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Finished products	$2,189	$1,950
Raw materials and work in process	724	622
Gross inventories	2,913	2,572
Less: excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost	-173	-164
Total inventories	$2,740	$2,408
LIFO Method Related Items [Abstract]
Percent of LIFO inventories to total inventories	35.00%	39.00%

Financing_Arrangements_Summary

Financing Arrangements (Summary of Debt) (Details)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Aug. 15, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

1-May-14

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 25, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 25, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 25, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

USD ($)

USD ($)

Maytag medium-term note - 6.45% matured 2014

Maytag medium-term note - 6.45% matured 2014

Maytag medium-term note - 6.45% matured 2014

Senior note - 8.6%, matured 2014

Senior note - 8.6%, matured 2014

Senior note - 8.6%, matured 2014

Maytag medium-term note - 5.0% maturing 2015

Maytag medium-term note - 5.0% maturing 2015

Senior note - 6.5%, maturing 2016

Senior note - 6.5%, maturing 2016

Debentures - 7.75%, maturing 2016

Debentures - 7.75%, maturing 2016

Senior note - 1.35%, maturing 2017

Senior note - 1.35%, maturing 2017

Senior note - 1.35%, maturing 2017

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Guaranteed Notes

Guaranteed Notes

Guaranteed Notes

Senior note - 2.4%, maturing 2019

Senior note - 2.4%, maturing 2019

Senior note - 2.4%, maturing 2019

Senior note - 4.85%, maturing 2021

Senior note - 4.85%, maturing 2021

Senior note - 4.70%, maturing 2022

Senior note - 4.70%, maturing 2022

Senior note - 3.70%, maturing 2023

Senior note - 3.70%, maturing 2023

Senior note - 3.70%, maturing 2023

Senior note - 4.0%, maturing 2024

Senior note - 4.0%, maturing 2024

Senior note - 4.0%, maturing 2024

Senior note - 5.15% maturing 2043

Senior note - 5.15% maturing 2043

Senior note - 5.15% maturing 2043

Other

Other

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Senior note - 1.65%, maturing 2017

Senior note - 1.65%, maturing 2017

Senior note - 3.7%, maturing 2025

Senior note - 3.7%, maturing 2025

Indesit guaranteed notes - 4.5%, maturing 2018

Indesit guaranteed notes - 4.5%, maturing 2018

Indesit guaranteed notes - 4.5%, maturing 2018

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term Debt

$3,778

$2,453

$0

$100

$0

$500

$199

$198

$250

$250

$244

$244

$250

$0

$300

$0

$350

$0

$393

€ 327

$0

$250

$0

$300

$300

$300

$300

$250

$250

$300

$0

$249

$250

$143

$61

Current maturities of long-term debt

234

607

Long-term debt

$3,544

$1,846

Stated interest rate

6.45%

6.50%

8.60%

8.60%

5.00%

5.00%

6.50%

6.50%

7.75%

7.75%

1.35%

1.35%

1.65%

3.70%

4.50%

4.50%

2.40%

2.40%

4.85%

4.85%

4.70%

4.70%

3.70%

3.70%

3.70%

4.00%

4.00%

5.15%

5.15%

5.15%

Financing_Arrangements_Summary1

Financing Arrangements (Summary of the Contractual Maturities of Debt Including Current Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2015	$234
2016	529
2017	580
2018	423
2019	264
Thereafter	1,748
Long-term Debt	$3,778	$2,453

Financing_Arrangements_Narrati

Financing Arrangements (Narrative) (Details)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 25, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 25, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 25, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

1-May-14

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Aug. 15, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 04, 2014

Nov. 04, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

Credit facility Maturing September, 2019

Letter of credit subfacility

Credit facility maturing June,2016 Restated

Credit Facility Maturing September, 2015

Committed Credit Facility Brazil maturing 2014

Committed Credit Facility Brazil maturing 2014

Committed Credit Facility Brazil maturing 2014

Indesit Credit Facility, Maturing July 29, 2016

Indesit Credit Facility, Maturing July 29, 2016

Guaranteed Notes

Guaranteed Notes

Guaranteed Notes

Senior note - 1.35%, maturing 2017

Senior note - 1.35%, maturing 2017

Senior note - 1.35%, maturing 2017

Senior note - 2.4%, maturing 2019

Senior note - 2.4%, maturing 2019

Senior note - 2.4%, maturing 2019

Senior note - 4.0%, maturing 2024

Senior note - 4.0%, maturing 2024

Senior note - 4.0%, maturing 2024

Senior note - 8.6%, matured 2014

Senior note - 8.6%, matured 2014

Senior note - 8.6%, matured 2014

Maytag medium-term note - 6.45% matured 2014

Maytag medium-term note - 6.45% matured 2014

Maytag medium-term note - 6.45% matured 2014

Senior note - 1.65%, maturing 2017

Senior note - 3.7%, maturing 2025

Medium-term Note, 5.5% Maturing 2013

Senior note - 3.70%, maturing 2023

Senior note - 3.70%, maturing 2023

Senior note - 3.70%, maturing 2023

Senior note - 5.15% maturing 2043

Senior note - 5.15% maturing 2043

Senior note - 5.15% maturing 2043

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Prime Rate

Prime Rate

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Indesit guaranteed notes - 4.5%, maturing 2018

Indesit guaranteed notes - 4.5%, maturing 2018

Indesit guaranteed notes - 4.5%, maturing 2018

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Credit facility Maturing September, 2019

Credit Facility Maturing September, 2015

Credit facility Maturing September, 2019

Credit Facility Maturing September, 2015

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Fair values of long-term debt (including current maturities)

$3,800,000,000

$2,600,000,000

Variable rate

1.25%

1.25%

0.25%

0.25%

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity

2,000,000,000

1,700,000,000

1,000,000,000

429,000,000

1,100,000,000

424,000,000

350,000,000

Line of credit, amount outstanding

0

0

Line of credit, initiation date

26-Sep-14

26-Sep-14

Line of credit facility, expiration date

26-Sep-19

28-Jun-16

25-Sep-15

Line of credit, interest rate description

(1) the spread over LIBOR is 1.250%; (2) the spread over prime is 0.250%;

(1) the spread over LIBOR is 1.250%; (2) the spread over prime is 0.250%;

Line of credit , unused capacity, commitment fee percentage

0.15%

0.13%

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity through accordion feature

2,500,000,000

Line of credit, current borrowing capacity

200,000,000

Letters of credit outstanding, amount

0

Maximum rolling twelve month Leverage Ratio

3.25 to 1.0

Rolling twelve month Interest Coverate Ratio

3.0 to 1.0

Line of credit, up-front fee

3,000,000

Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Consolidated Net-Borrowings To Consolidated EBITDA, Maximum

300.00%

300.00%

Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Consolidated Net Borrowings As Of Any Semi Annual Determination Date To Consolidated EBITDA, Maximum

400.00%

400.00%

Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Consolidated EBITDA To Consolidated Net Interest, Maximum

350.00%

350.00%

Principal amount assumed

300,000,000

Long-term debt, fair value

3,778,000,000

2,453,000,000

393,000,000

327,000,000

0

250,000,000

0

250,000,000

0

300,000,000

0

0

500,000,000

0

100,000,000

250,000,000

250,000,000

249,000,000

250,000,000

Debt instrument, face amount

$250,000,000

$250,000,000

$300,000,000

$500,000,000

$100,000,000

$300,000,000

$350,000,000

$500,000,000

$250,000,000

$250,000,000

Stated interest rate

4.50%

4.50%

1.35%

1.35%

2.40%

2.40%

4.00%

4.00%

8.60%

8.60%

6.45%

6.50%

1.65%

3.70%

5.50%

3.70%

3.70%

3.70%

5.15%

5.15%

5.15%

Change in control, purchase price of all notes, percentage

101.00%

Maximum Rolling Twelve Month Leverage Ratio, Percent

325.00%

Rolling Twelve Month Interest Coverage Ratio

300.00%

Financing_Arrangements_Notes_P

Financing Arrangements Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Debt	$569	$10
Commercial paper
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Debt	387	0
Debt securitization
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Debt	35	0
Short-term borrowings to banks
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Debt	$147	$10

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Legal Contingencies Narrative) (Details)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2004

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

BRL

Embraco Antitrust Matters

Brazilian Collection Dispute Agreement in BRL

Brazilian Collection Dispute Agreement in BRL

Brazilian Collection Dispute Agreement in USD

Brazilian Collection Dispute Agreement in USD

Brazil Tax Matters

Brazil Tax Matters

Brazil Tax Matters

Brazil Tax Matters

CFC tax

CFC tax

Brazilian government program

Brazilian government program

Brazilian government program

manufacturer

USD ($)

BRL

BRL

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

BRL

assessment

USD ($)

BRL

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Embraco antitrust matters remaining accrual

$25

Installment payments to government authorities

21

Litigation settlement

959

Payments for legal settlements

490

469

275

301

BEFIEX tax credits, effect on net sales

14

109

37

Outstanding BEFIEX tax assessment

533

1,400

IPI tax credits recognized

26

Special government program settlement

34

Brazil tax assessment

78

204

CFC potential exposure

67

178

Uncertainty removed from assessments (in assessments)

16

Government program total settlement payment

$28

75

Settlement payment terms, period

30 months

Number of manufacturers

11

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Product Warranty and Recall Reserves) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1	$191	$187
Issuances/ accruals during the period	316	292
Settlements made during the period	-272	-288
Balance at December 31	235	191
Current portion	186	154
Non-current portion	49	37
Total	235	191
Issuances in product liability warranty due to acquisitions	$61

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Guarantee Narative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Customer Lines Of Credit For Brazilian Subsidiary
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	$492	$485
Loss associated with Brazilian subsidiary guarantee	0	0
Indebtedness And Lines of Credit For Various Consolidated Subsidiaries
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	1,400	1,300
Harbor Shores Line of Credit
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	45
Corporate Guarantee | Indesit Company S.p.A.
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	$1,200

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
2015	$230
2016	183
2017	150
2018	109
2019	82
Thereafter	114
Total noncancelable operating lease commitments	868
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net [Abstract]
Rent expense	$228	$217	$229

Commitments_and_Contingencies_5

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Purchase Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$209
2016	196
2017	147
2018	113
2019	65
Thereafter	211
Total purchase obligations	$941

Hedges_and_Derivative_Financia2

Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$65	$30
Derivative liabilities	66	55
Derivative asset, current	64	28
Derivative asset, noncurrent	1	2
Total derivatives, hedge assets at fair value	65	30
Derivative liability, current	59	54
Derivative liability, noncurrent	7	1
Total derivatives, hedge liabilities at fair value	66	55
Number of interest rate derivatives held	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign exchange forward/options, hedge assets	27	16
Foreign exchange forwards/options, hedge liability at fair value	8	10
Commodity swaps/options, hedge assets at fair value	4	8
Commodity swaps/options, hedge liabilities at fair value	29	13
Total derivatives accounted for as hedges, hedge assets at fair value	31	24
Total derivatives accounted for as hedges, hedge liabilities at fair value	37	23
Maximum term of foreign exchange forwards/options, in months	17 months	14 months
Maximum term of commodity swaps/options, in months	36 months	36 months
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign exchange forwards/options, hedge assets at fair value	34	6
Foreign exchange forwards/options, hedge liabilities at fair value	29	32
Commodity swaps/options, hedge assets at fair value	0	0
Commodity swaps/options, hedge liabiilities at fair value	0	0
Total derivatives not accounted for as hedges, hedge assets at fair value	34	6
Total derivatives not accounted for as hedges, hedge liabilities at fair value	29	32
Maximum term of foreign exchange forwards/options, in months	10 months	12 months
Maximum term of commodity swaps/options, in months	4 months	4 months
Foreign Exchange Contract | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	874	744
Foreign Exchange Contract | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	2,358	1,274
Commodity Contract | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	375	363
Commodity Contract | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$8	$1

Hedges_and_Derivative_Financia3

Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Effects of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$10	($9)
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	11	-11
Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	40	20
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	22	9
Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedges	26	-49
Commodity Contract
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	-30	-29
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-10	-19
Interest Rate Contract
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	0	0
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	($1)	($1)

Hedges_and_Derivative_Financia4

Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments Hedges and Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	contract	contract
Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract]
Number of interest rate derivatives held	0	0

Stockholders_Equity_Other_Comp

Stockholders' Equity (Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	($1,298)	($1,531)	($1,226)
Unrealized gain (loss)	-393	-113	-19
Unrealized actuarial gain(loss) and prior service credit (cost)	-233	508	-420
Tax effect	80	-165	130
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-546	230	-309
Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	-4	-3	-4
Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	-542	233	-305
Ending balance	-1,840	-1,298	-1,531
Foreign Currency
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-532	-438	-387
Unrealized gain (loss)	-392	-122	-36
Unrealized actuarial gain(loss) and prior service credit (cost)	0	0	0
Tax effect	-5	25	-19
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-397	-97	-55
Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	-4	-3	-4
Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	-393	-94	-51
Ending balance	-925	-532	-438
Derivative Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-6	-8	-13
Unrealized gain (loss)	-1	2	8
Unrealized actuarial gain(loss) and prior service credit (cost)	0	0	0
Tax effect	0	0	-3
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1	2	5
Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	-1	2	5
Ending balance	-7	-6	-8
Pension and Postretirement Liability
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-770	-1,088	-820
Unrealized gain (loss)	0	0	0
Unrealized actuarial gain(loss) and prior service credit (cost)	-233	508	-420
Tax effect	85	-190	152
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-148	318	-268
Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	-148	318	-268
Ending balance	-918	-770	-1,088
Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	10	3	-6
Unrealized gain (loss)	0	7	9
Unrealized actuarial gain(loss) and prior service credit (cost)	0	0	0
Tax effect	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	7	9
Less: Other comprehensive loss available to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) available to Whirlpool	0	7	9
Ending balance	$10	$10	$3

Stockholders_Equity_Net_Earnin

Stockholders' Equity (Net Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share – net earnings available to Whirlpool	$81	$230	$179	$160	$181	$196	$198	$252	$650	$827	$401
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average shares									78.3	79.3	78.1
Effect of dilutive securities – stock-based compensation									1.3	1.5	1.2
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted-average shares									79.6	80.8	79.3
Anti-dilutive stock options/awards excluded from earnings per share									0.2	0	2.4

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 14, 2014
Disclosure of Repurchase Agreements [Abstract]
Dividends paid, per share (USD per share)	$0.75	$0.75	$0.75	$0.63	$0.63	$0.63	$0.63	$0.50	$2.88	$2.38	$2
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount												$500
Stock repurchased during period, shares									165,900
Stock repurchased during period, value									25
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$475								$475

Sharebased_Incentive_Plans_Sto

Share-based Incentive Plans Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	$47,000,000	$50,000,000	$49,000,000
Compensation cost not yet recognized	49,000,000
Compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	29 months
Share based compensation related income tax benefits recognized in earnings	16,000,000	17,000,000	17,000,000
Number of shares available for grant	7,600,000
Award vesting period	3 years
Terms of award	10 years
Grants in period, weighted average grant date fair value	$42.09	$33.92	$19.54
Weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$133.31	$107.85	$69.32
Total fair value, options vested in period	25,000,000	35,000,000	19,000,000
Nonemployee director equity award	120,000
Nonemployee director one-time shares granted	1,000
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic Value	36,000,000	53,000,000	32,000,000
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	13,000,000	19,000,000	12,000,000
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$38,000,000	$95,000,000	$43,000,000

Stock_Options_and_Incentive_Pl

Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Weighted Average Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	0.90%	0.90%
Expected volatility	38.20%	40.30%	40.30%
Expected dividend yield	1.80%	1.80%	2.90%
Expected option life, in years	5 years	5 years	5 years

Stock_Options_and_Incentive_Pl1

Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Number of Options Outstanding at January 1	2,255
Number of options granted	393
Number of Options Exercised	-487
Number of Options Cancelled or expired	-46
Number of Options Outstanding at December 31	2,115
Number of shares exercisable at December 31	1,236
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at January 1	$77.87
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Granted	$138.60
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Exercised	$78.58
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Cancelled or expired	$94.35
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31	$88.62
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Exercisable at December 31	$70.87

Stock_Options_and_Incentive_Pl2

Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Stock Options Outstanding, Additional Info) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of options	2,043
Number of shares exercisable at December 31	1,236
Weighted-average exercise price per share	$87.11
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Exercisable at December 31	$70.87
Aggregate intrinsic value	$218
Exercisable, intrinsic value	$152
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, in years	6 years
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, in years	5 years

Stock_Options_and_Incentive_Pl3

Stock Options and Incentive Plans (Stock Units) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Non-vested, at January 1	1,202
Granted	245
Canceled	-37
Vested and transferred to unrestricted	-306
Non-vested, at December 31	1,104	1,202
Non-vested, at January 1	$82.40
Granted (USD per share)	$133.31	$107.85	$69.32
Canceled	$82.62
Vested and transferred to unrestricted	$80.88
Non-vested, at December 31	$90.34	$82.40

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$106	$70
Acquisition-related	40
Charge to Earnings	136	208
Cash Paid	-168	-98
Non-Cash and Other	-36	-62
Revision of Estimate		12
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	78	106	78
Indesit Company S.p.A.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Acquisition-related			40
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	17		17
Employee termination costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	74	56
Acquisition-related	40
Charge to Earnings	82	91
Cash Paid	-128	-62
Non-Cash and Other	-10	0
Revision of Estimate		11
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	58	74	58
Asset impairment costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0	0
Acquisition-related	0
Charge to Earnings	26	62
Cash Paid	0	0
Non-Cash and Other	-26	-62
Revision of Estimate		0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0	0	0
Facility exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	14	3
Acquisition-related	0
Charge to Earnings	16	37
Cash Paid	-26	-25
Non-Cash and Other	0	0
Revision of Estimate		1
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	4	14	4
Other exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	18	11
Acquisition-related	0
Charge to Earnings	12	18
Cash Paid	-14	-11
Non-Cash and Other	0	0
Revision of Estimate		0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$16	$18	$16

Restructuring_Charges_Restruct

Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges (By Segment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$136	$208
Operating Segments | North America
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	10
Operating Segments | Latin America
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	8
Operating Segments | EMEA
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	102
Operating Segments | Asia
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	13
Corporate, Non-Segment | Corporate / Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	3
EMEA microwave oven facility
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost	$90

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Recon

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) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$325	$149	$113
Foreign	556	768	445
Earnings before income taxes	881	917	558
Income tax computed at United States statutory rate	308	321	195
U.S. government tax incentives, including Energy Tax Credits	-10	-142	0
Foreign government tax incentives, including BEFIEX	-46	-63	-38
Foreign tax rate differential	-17	-17	-2
U.S. foreign tax credits	-148	-231	-31
Valuation allowances	9	16	-86
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit	5	7	2
Foreign withholding taxes	16	29	12
U.S. tax on foreign dividends and subpart F income	56	195	57
Settlement of global tax audits	-5	-54	18
Other items, net	21	7	6
Total income tax expense	$189	$68	$133

Incomes_Taxes_Income_tax_benef

Incomes Taxes (Income tax (benefit) provision) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States, current federal tax expense (benefit)	$7	($60)	$18
Current foreign tax expense (benefit)	182	187	189
Current state and local tax expense (benefit)	-2	2	7
Current income tax expense (benefit)	187	129	214
United States, deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)	8	-57	24
Deferred foreign income tax expense (benefit)	12	-9	-96
Deferred state and local income tax expense (benefit)	-18	5	-9
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	2	-61	-81
Total income tax expense	$189	$68	$133

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 24, 2014	Oct. 14, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$189,000,000	$68,000,000	$133,000,000
Effective income tax rate	35.00%
Distribution of foreign earnings	24,000,000					24,000,000
Undistributed foreign earnings	4,900,000,000					4,900,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,000,000,000					1,000,000,000
Operating loss carryforwards	3,200,000,000					3,200,000,000
Positions assumed in acquisitions	42,000,000	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued	63,000,000	39,000,000				63,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest expense	6,000,000	12,000,000	4,000,000
Operating loss carryforwards, not subject to expiration	1,800,000,000					1,800,000,000
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	249,000,000	243,000,000				249,000,000
U.S. general business credit carryforwards, including Energy Tax Credits	1,005,000,000	1,050,000,000				1,005,000,000
Valuation allowance, deferred tax assets	308,000,000	186,000,000				308,000,000
Valuation allowance, operating loss carryforward	288,000,000					288,000,000
Valuation allowance, other tax carryforwards	20,000,000					20,000,000
Unrecognized tax Benefits	20,000,000					20,000,000
Hefei Sanyo
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Positions assumed in acquisitions				61,000,000
Indesit Company S.p.A.
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Positions assumed in acquisitions					10,000,000
Hefei Sanyo And Indesit
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Positions assumed in acquisitions						71,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest expense						31,000,000
United States
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	1,200,000,000					1,200,000,000
Geographical, outside the United States
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$900,000,000					$900,000,000

Incomes_Taxes_DTA_and_DTL_Deta

Incomes Taxes (DTA and DTL) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangibles	$800	$517
Property, net	156	141
LIFO inventory	45	49
Other	193	201
Total deferred tax liabilities	1,194	908
U.S. general business credit carryforwards, including Energy Tax Credits	1,005	1,050
Pensions	316	311
Loss carryforwards	650	467
Inventory prepayment	0	93
Postretirement obligations	199	177
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	249	243
Research and development capitalization	358	239
Employee payroll and benefits	141	138
Accrued expenses	110	102
Product warranty accrual	62	58
Receivable and inventory allowances	73	51
Other	300	233
Total deferred tax assets	3,463	3,162
Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets	-308	-186
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	3,155	2,976
Net deferred tax assets	$1,961	$2,068

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Unrec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrecognized tax benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance, January 1	$113	$178	$178
Additions for tax positions of the current year	17	17	13
Additions for tax positions of prior years	4	6	16
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-23	-81	-15
Settlements during the period	-11	-3	-5
Positions assumed in acquisitions	42	0	0
Lapses of applicable statute of limitation	1	4	9
Balance, December 31	$141	$113	$178

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Company match percentage		7.00%
Contributions		$71	$68	$64
Curtailment gain		0	0	52
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Transfer of benefits		0	105
Plan amendments		0	0
Curtailment gain		0	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Transfer of benefits		0	-105
Plan amendments	138	14	2
Curtailment gain		$0	$0	$52
Equity Securities | United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations		41.00%
Fixed Income Funds | United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations		59.00%
US Large-Cap Companies | United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations		51.00%
International Equity Securities | United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations		27.00%
Venture Capital Funds | United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations		8.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations		75.00%
US Treasury and Government | United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations		25.00%
United States | US Mid and Small Cap Companies | United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations		14.00%

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Obligations and Funded Status at End of Year) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$3,682,000,000	$3,041,000,000
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,042,000,000	2,835,000,000	2,790,000,000
Benefit obligations	3,796,000,000	3,546,000,000	4,196,000,000
Funded status	-754,000,000	-711,000,000
Noncurrent asset	0	0
Current liability	-9,000,000	-7,000,000
Noncurrent liability	-745,000,000	-704,000,000
Amount recognized	-754,000,000	-711,000,000
Net actuarial loss	1,368,000,000	1,215,000,000
Prior service (credit) cost	-14,000,000	-17,000,000
Amount recognized	1,354,000,000	1,198,000,000
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	640,000,000	206,000,000	197,000,000
Benefit obligations	1,026,000,000	439,000,000	448,000,000
Funded status	-386,000,000	-233,000,000
Noncurrent asset	8,000,000	7,000,000
Current liability	-16,000,000	-14,000,000
Noncurrent liability	-378,000,000	-226,000,000
Amount recognized	-386,000,000	-233,000,000
Net actuarial loss	118,000,000	98,000,000
Prior service (credit) cost	0	3,000,000
Amount recognized	118,000,000	101,000,000
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	0
Benefit obligations	502,000,000	509,000,000	477,000,000
Funded status	-502,000,000	-509,000,000
Noncurrent asset	0	0
Current liability	-56,000,000	-51,000,000
Noncurrent liability	-446,000,000	-458,000,000
Amount recognized	-502,000,000	-509,000,000
Net actuarial loss	53,000,000	42,000,000
Prior service (credit) cost	-120,000,000	-169,000,000
Amount recognized	($67,000,000)	($127,000,000)

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Change in Benefit Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation, beginning of year		$3,546	$4,196
Service cost		2	2	2
Interest cost		167	162	178
Plan participants’ contributions		0	0
Actuarial loss (gain)		384	-420
Benefits paid		-303	-281
Plan amendments		0	0
Acquisitions		0	0
Transfer of benefits		0	-105
Settlements / curtailment (gain)		0	-8
Foreign currency exchange rates		0	0
Benefit obligation, end of year		3,796	3,546	4,196
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		3,786	3,536
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation, beginning of year		439	448
Service cost		5	6	6
Interest cost		22	17	20
Plan participants’ contributions		1	1
Actuarial loss (gain)		59	-7
Benefits paid		-24	-23
Plan amendments		-3	0
Acquisitions		610	0
Transfer of benefits		0	0
Settlements / curtailment (gain)		-15	-6
Foreign currency exchange rates		-68	3
Benefit obligation, end of year		1,026	439	448
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		964	424
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation, beginning of year		509	477
Service cost		3	4	5
Interest cost		24	18	21
Plan participants’ contributions		7	8
Actuarial loss (gain)		9	-31
Benefits paid		-60	-68
Plan amendments	138	14	2
Acquisitions		0	0
Transfer of benefits		0	105
Settlements / curtailment (gain)		0	0
Foreign currency exchange rates		-4	-6
Benefit obligation, end of year		$502	$509	$477

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme5

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Change in Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$3,682,000,000	$3,041,000,000
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	2,835,000,000	2,790,000,000
Actual return on plan assets	381,000,000	207,000,000
Employer contribution	129,000,000	127,000,000
Plan participants’ contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	-303,000,000	-281,000,000
Purchases	0	0
New Plans	0	0
Settlements	0	-8,000,000
Foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	3,042,000,000	2,835,000,000
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	206,000,000	197,000,000
Actual return on plan assets	33,000,000	13,000,000
Employer contribution	30,000,000	24,000,000
Plan participants’ contributions	1,000,000	1,000,000
Benefits paid	-24,000,000	-23,000,000
Purchases	437,000,000	0
New Plans	0	2,000,000
Settlements	-10,000,000	-6,000,000
Foreign currency exchange rates	-33,000,000	-2,000,000
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	640,000,000	206,000,000
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contribution	53,000,000	60,000,000
Plan participants’ contributions	7,000,000	8,000,000
Benefits paid	-60,000,000	-68,000,000
Purchases	0	0
New Plans	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$0	$0

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme6

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amortization:
Curtailment gain	$0	$0	($52)
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2	2	2
Interest cost	167	162	178
Expected return on plan assets	-193	-191	-194
Amortization:
Actuarial loss	43	62	46
Prior service cost (credit)	-3	-3	-3
Curtailment gain	0	0	0
Settlement loss	0	3	5
Net periodic benefit cost	16	35	34
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	5	6	6
Interest cost	22	17	20
Expected return on plan assets	-16	-10	-11
Amortization:
Actuarial loss	5	6	4
Prior service cost (credit)	1	1	1
Curtailment gain	0	0	0
Settlement loss	4	1	3
Net periodic benefit cost	21	21	23
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	3	4	5
Interest cost	24	18	21
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization:
Actuarial loss	0	1	1
Prior service cost (credit)	-36	-39	-42
Curtailment gain	0	0	-52
Settlement loss	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	($9)	($16)	($67)

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme7

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI (Pre-Tax) in 2011) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss	$242	($475)	$384
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	233	-508	420
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss	196
Actuarial (loss) recognized during the year	-43
Current year prior service cost (credit)	0
Prior service credit (cost) recognized during the year	3
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	156
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	172
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss	36
Actuarial (loss) recognized during the year	-15
Current year prior service cost (credit)	-3
Prior service credit (cost) recognized during the year	-1
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	17
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	38
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss	10
Actuarial (loss) recognized during the year	0
Current year prior service cost (credit)	14
Prior service credit (cost) recognized during the year	36
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	60
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	$51

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme8

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Estimated Pre-Tax Amounts That Will Be Amortized from Accumulated OCI) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actuarial loss	$53
Prior service (credit)	-3
Total	50
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actuarial loss	6
Prior service (credit)	0
Total	6
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actuarial loss	0
Prior service (credit)	-35
Total	($35)

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme9

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at end of year and net periodic cost) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.05%	4.95%
Rate of compensation increase	4.50%	4.50%
Discount rate used calculating net periodic benefit cost	4.95%	4.05%	4.80%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.25%	7.50%	7.50%
Rate of compensation increase used calculating net periodic benefit cost	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.32%	4.16%
Rate of compensation increase	3.23%	3.40%
Discount rate used calculating net periodic benefit cost	3.89%	3.93%	5.04%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	5.44%	5.40%	5.44%
Rate of compensation increase used calculating net periodic benefit cost	3.35%	3.51%	3.48%
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.27%	4.95%
Discount rate used calculating net periodic benefit cost	5.25%	4.03%	5.03%
Health care cost trend rate
Initial rate	7.00%	7.00%	8.00%
Ultimate rate	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that ultimate rate will be reached	2017	2017	2015

Recovered_Sheet1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Estimated impact of one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rate) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Effect on total of service and interest cost	$0
Effect on total of service and interest cost	0
Effect on postretirement benefit obligations	4
Effect on postretirement benefit obligations	($4)

Recovered_Sheet2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Expected Employer Contributions to Funded Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
United States Pension Benefits
2015 expected contributions	$80
Foreign Pension Benefits
2015 expected contributions	$18

Recovered_Sheet3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2015	$278
2016	253
2017	250
2018	249
2019	252
2020-2024	1,219
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2015	49
2016	38
2017	41
2018	41
2019	44
2020-2024	216
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2015	56
2016	49
2017	48
2018	44
2019	41
2020-2024	$171

Recovered_Sheet4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Fair Value of Plan Assets by Category) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$3,682,000,000	$3,041,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	535,000,000	335,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,952,000,000	2,508,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	195,000,000	198,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	29,000,000	23,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	29,000,000	23,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
US Government Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	579,000,000	432,000,000
US Government Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
US Government Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	579,000,000	432,000,000
US Government Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Government Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	253,000,000	131,000,000
Foreign Government Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Government Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	253,000,000	131,000,000
Foreign Government Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Domestic Corporate Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,000,000,000	850,000,000
Domestic Corporate Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Domestic Corporate Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,000,000,000	850,000,000
Domestic Corporate Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Corporate Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	321,000,000	193,000,000
Foreign Corporate Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Corporate Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	321,000,000	193,000,000
Foreign Corporate Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	12,000,000	12,000,000
U.S. Equity Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	12,000,000	12,000,000
U.S. Equity Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Equity Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	427,000,000	223,000,000
Foreign Equity Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	427,000,000	223,000,000
Foreign Equity Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Equity Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Money Market Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	67,000,000	77,000,000
Money Market Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	67,000,000	77,000,000
Money Market Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Money Market Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common and Collective Funds, U.S. equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	651,000,000	718,000,000
Common and Collective Funds, U.S. equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common and Collective Funds, U.S. equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	651,000,000	718,000,000
Common and Collective Funds, U.S. equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common and Collective Funds, International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	66,000,000	79,000,000
Common and Collective Funds, International equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common and Collective Funds, International equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	66,000,000	79,000,000
Common and Collective Funds, International equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common and Collective Funds, Short-term investment fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	63,000,000	87,000,000
Common and Collective Funds, Short-term investment fund | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common and Collective Funds, Short-term investment fund | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	63,000,000	87,000,000
Common and Collective Funds, Short-term investment fund | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Limited Partnership, U.S. Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	140,000,000	145,000,000
Limited Partnership, U.S. Equity Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Limited Partnership, U.S. Equity Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Limited Partnership, U.S. Equity Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	140,000,000	145,000,000
Limited Partnerships, Diversified fund of funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	32,000,000	35,000,000
Limited Partnerships, Diversified fund of funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Limited Partnerships, Diversified fund of funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Limited Partnerships, Diversified fund of funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	32,000,000	35,000,000
Limited Partnerships, Emerging growth
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	23,000,000	18,000,000
Limited Partnerships, Emerging growth | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Limited Partnerships, Emerging growth | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Limited Partnerships, Emerging growth | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	23,000,000	18,000,000
Real Estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	10,000,000	11,000,000
Real Estate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Real Estate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	10,000,000	11,000,000
Real Estate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	9,000,000	7,000,000
Other Investments | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Investments | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	9,000,000	7,000,000
Other Investments | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet5

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$3,041,000,000
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	3,682,000,000	3,041,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	198,000,000
Realized gains (net)	23,000,000
Unrealized gains (net)	11,000,000
Purchases	9,000,000
Settlements	-46,000,000
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$195,000,000

Recovered_Sheet6

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (PBO and Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$3,796	$3,546
Fair value of plan assets	3,042	2,835
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	872	397
Fair value of plan assets	$487	$157

Recovered_Sheet7

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
United States Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$3,796	$3,546
Accumulated benefit obligation	3,786	3,536
Fair value of plan assets	3,042	2,835
Foreign Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	872	347
Accumulated benefit obligation	825	340
Fair value of plan assets	$487	$110

Operating_Segment_Information_1

Operating Segment Information (Net Sales and Long-Lived Assets by Country) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$6,003	$4,824	$4,682	$4,363	$5,090	$4,683	$4,748	$4,248	$19,872	$18,769	$18,143
Long-Lived Assets	9,591				6,467				9,591	6,467	6,483
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									9,064	8,577	8,005
Long-Lived Assets	4,529				4,461				4,529	4,461	4,412
Brazil
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									3,204	3,295	3,337
Long-Lived Assets	321				335				321	335	377
All Other Countries
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									7,604	6,897	6,801
Long-Lived Assets	$4,741				$1,671				$4,741	$1,671	$1,694

Operating_Segment_Information_2

Operating Segment Information (Schedule of Operating Segment Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$19,872	$18,769	$18,143
Depreciation and amortization									560	540	551
Operating profit (loss)	281	335	291	281	354	313	328	254	1,188	1,249	869
Total assets	20,002				15,544				20,002	15,544	15,396
Capital expenditures									720	578	476
Corporate / Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									-169	-168	-159
Depreciation and amortization									78	98	83
Operating profit (loss)									-397	-408	-439
Total assets	-982				503				-982	503	27
Capital expenditures									100	90	45
Operating Segments | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									10,634	10,178	9,631
Depreciation and amortization									263	238	260
Operating profit (loss)									1,072	1,070	846
Total assets	7,736				7,785				7,736	7,785	7,766
Capital expenditures									271	254	219
Operating Segments | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									4,686	4,928	4,950
Depreciation and amortization									86	91	97
Operating profit (loss)									475	557	476
Total assets	2,917				3,380				2,917	3,380	3,845
Capital expenditures									133	108	100
Operating Segments | EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									3,905	3,024	2,874
Depreciation and amortization									104	95	93
Operating profit (loss)									59	-4	-51
Total assets	7,597				2,955				7,597	2,955	2,956
Capital expenditures									187	101	88
Operating Segments | Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									816	807	847
Depreciation and amortization									29	18	18
Operating profit (loss)									-21	34	37
Total assets	2,734				921				2,734	921	802
Capital expenditures									29	25	24
OtherEliminations | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									244	256	262
OtherEliminations | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									180	174	171
OtherEliminations | EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									79	79	104
OtherEliminations | Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									266	257	226
OtherEliminations | Corporate / Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									($769)	($766)	($763)

Operating_Segment_Information_3

Operating Segment Information Operating Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Countries comprised greater than 10% of net sales or long-lived assets	We conduct business in two countries, the United States and Brazil, which individually comprised over 10% of consolidated net sales or long-lived assets within the last three years.

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation2

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$6,003	$4,824	$4,682	$4,363	$5,090	$4,683	$4,748	$4,248	$19,872	$18,769	$18,143
Cost of products sold	4,977	3,997	3,895	3,608	4,181	3,837	3,931	3,522	16,477	15,471	15,250
Operating profit	281	335	291	281	354	313	328	254	1,188	1,249	869
Interest and sundry income (expense)	-64	-39	-16	-23	-82	-16	-39	-18	-142	-155	-112
Net earnings	108	235	185	164	187	199	206	257	692	849	425
Net earnings available to Whirlpool	$81	$230	$179	$160	$181	$196	$198	$252	$650	$827	$401
Per share of common stock:
Basic net earnings	$1.04	$2.92	$2.29	$2.06	$2.31	$2.46	$2.48	$3.18	$8.30	$10.42	$5.14
Diluted net earnings	$1.02	$2.88	$2.25	$2.02	$2.26	$2.42	$2.44	$3.12	$8.17	$10.24	$5.06
Dividends paid, per share (USD per share)	$0.75	$0.75	$0.75	$0.63	$0.63	$0.63	$0.63	$0.50	$2.88	$2.38	$2
Market price range of common stock
High	$196.71	$156.13	$156.71	$160.01	$159.22	$151.84	$134.09	$120
Low	$139.85	$135.37	$136.64	$124.39	$129.22	$111.70	$107.88	$101.74
Close	$193.74	$145.65	$139.22	$149.46	$156.86	$146.44	$114.36	$118.46

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$73	$60	$61
Charged to Costs and Expenses	76	21	23
Acquisition Impact	45	0	0
Charged to Other Accounts/Other	0	0	0
Deductions	-40	-8	-24
Balance at End of Period	$154	$73	$60