| Document And Entity Information | Dec. 12, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | MANITOWOC CO INC |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000061986 |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 12, 2019 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 1-11978 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | WI |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 39-0448110 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 11270 West Park Place |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1000 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Milwaukee |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 53224 |
| City Area Code | 414 |
| Local Phone Number | 760-4600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, $.01 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol(s) | MTW |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NYSE |
