| Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information | Apr. 22, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 22, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-06024 |
| Entity Registrant Name | WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE INC /DE/ |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000110471 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 38-1185150 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 9341 Courtland Drive N.E. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Rockford |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 49351 |
| City Area Code | (616) |
| Local Phone Number | 866-5500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $1 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | WWW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
