Restructuring Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Consumer Direct Operations [Member] Consumer Direct Operations [Member] Consumer Direct Operations [Member] Manufacturing Operations [Member] Manufacturing Operations [Member] Manufacturing Operations [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Severance and employee related [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Impairment of property and equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Exit or disposal activities [Member] Facility Exit Costs And Other Related Restructuring [Member] Facility exit costs and other related restructuring Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring reserve, beginning balance Restructuring Reserve Restructuring costs Restructuring Charges Restructuring and impairment costs Other Restructuring Costs Amounts paid Payments for Restructuring Charges against assets Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash Restructuring reserve, ending balance Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Subsidiary Guarantors of the Public Bonds Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract] Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Foreign exchange contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Interest rate swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Pension adjustments [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Income tax expense (benefit) Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Tax Net reclassifications Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending Balance Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Maximum remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Long-term debt, including current maturities, excluding capital leases Long-term Debt Fair value, long-term debt, including current maturities Long-term Debt, Fair Value Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Accounts Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivables [Abstract] Sale of accounts receivable, maximum amount under agreement Sale Of Accounts Receivable, Maximum Amount Under Agreement The maximum amount of accounts receivable to be sold under the agreement. Sale of accounts receivable percent paid at sale Sale Of Accounts Receivable Percent Paid At Sale For receivables sold uner the agreement, the percent of the stated amount paid in cash at time of sale. Accounts receivable, reduction due to sale Accounts Receivable, Reduction Due To Sale The amounts of accounts receivable balance reduced as of the balance sheet date due to the sale of accounts receivable. Accounts receivable sold Accounts Receivable Sold The amount of accounts receivable sold at their stated amount. Fee charged on sale of accounts receivable Gain (Loss) on Sale of Accounts Receivable Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Foreign exchange contracts asset Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Interest rate swap asset Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Foreign exchange contracts liability Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Interest rate swap liability Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Segment Reporting [Abstract] Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, Beginning balance Goodwill Goodwill, Acquisition adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Foreign currency translation effects Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill, Ending balance Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Indefinite-lived Intangibles, Beginning balance Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-lived Intangibles, Acquisition adjustments Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Impairment Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Foreign currency translation effects Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Translation Adjustments Indefinite-lived Intangibles, Ending balance Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangibles, Beginning balance Goodwill And Other Indefinite Lived Intangibles Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles. Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangibles, Acquisition adjustments Goodwill And Intangible Assets Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill and intangible assets purchase accounting adjustments. Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangibles, Foreign currency translation effects Goodwill And Other Intangibles Foreign Currency Translation Effects Goodwill and other intangibles foreign currency translation effects. Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangibles, Ending balance Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Number of retail stores expected to close Number Of Retail Stores Expected To Close Number Of Retail Stores Expected To Close Estimated pretax restructuring charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Estimated non-cash charges Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount Estimated annualized pretax benefit Effect on Future Earnings, Amount Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Weighted-average fair values of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expected market price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected term, Historical volatility term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Term Period of time in years over which the histocial volatility of the company's stock is based. Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Borrowings Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flow Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Weighted-Average Assumptions to Estimated Fair Value of Stock Options Granted Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loan A [Member] Term Loan A Facility Member [Member] Term Loan A Term Loan B [Member] Term Loan B Facility [Member] Term loan B facility. Public Bonds [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] July Thirteenth Two Thousand Twenty [Member] July Thirteenth Two Thousand Twenty [Member] [Member] July Thirteenth Two Thousand Twenty [Member] October Ninth Two Thousand Nineteenth [Member] October Ninth Two Thousand Nineteenth [Member] October ninth two thousand nineteenth. October Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty [Member] October Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty [Member] October Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Borrowings under revolving credit agreement Line of Credit, Current Total debt Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Retirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives and Hedging Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives [Policy Text Block] Service cost pertaining to benefits earned during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost on projected benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on pension assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Net amortization loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net pension expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Brand [Axis] Brand [Axis] Brand [Axis] Brand [Domain] Brand [Domain] [Domain] for Brand [Axis] Stride Rite [Member] Stride Rite [Member] Stride Rite [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived intangibles Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Acquisition-related integration costs Business Combination Integration Related Costs, Costs of Goods Sold Costs incurred to effect a business combination which have been expensed during the period as cost of goods sold. Such costs could include business integration costs, systems integration and conversion costs, and severance and other employee-related costs. Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Acquisition-related integration costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Restructuring and impairment costs Operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Other expenses: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Acquisition-related interest expense Business Acquisition Interest Expense Business Acquisition Interest Expense Debt extinguishment costs Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Other expense (income), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expenses Nonoperating Income (Expense) Earnings before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net earnings Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings attributable to Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net earnings per share (see Note 3): Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Cash dividends declared per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Minimum Royalty and Advertising Obligations Due Under Terms of Certain Licenses Held by Company Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] Restructuring Activities Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of Goods Sold Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] Seasonality Seasonality Policy [Policy Text Block] Seasonality. Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Related income tax benefits on share based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Common stock issued in connection with new restricted stock grants and exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Common stock cancelled as result of forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Abstract] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Abstract] Ownership percentage of subsidiaries by parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Licensing agreements [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Royalty expense, licensing agreements Royalty Expense Advertising expense, licensing agreements Advertising Expense Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, less allowances: September 13, 2015 – $42.0; January 3, 2015 – $41.0; September 6, 2014 – $38.7 Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories: Inventory, Net, Combining Work in Process and Raw Materials Alternative [Abstract] Finished products, net Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Raw materials and work-in-process, net Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials Total inventories Inventory, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Gross cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property plant and equipment net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets: Other Assets [Abstract] Goodwill Amortizable intangibles, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Deferred financing costs, net Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total The total as of the balance sheet date of other noncurrent assets. Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued salaries and wages Accrued Salaries, Current Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Borrowings under revolving credit agreement Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, less current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Accrued pension liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Wolverine World Wide, Inc. stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common Stock - par value $1, authorized 320,000,000 shares; shares issued (including shares in treasury): September 12, 2015 - 103,973,830 shares; January 3, 2015 - 102,253,150 shares; September 6, 2014 - 102,050,349 shares Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Cost of shares in treasury: September 12, 2015 - 1,106,270; January 3, 2015 - 416,812 shares; September 6, 2014 - 411,016 Treasury Stock, Value Total Wolverine World Wide, Inc. stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Numerator: Numerator [Abstract] Numerator. Net earnings attributable to Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Adjustment for earnings allocated to non-vested restricted common stock Adjustment For Earnings Allocated To Nonvested Restricted Common Stock Adjustment for earnings allocated to nonvested restricted common stock. Net earnings used in calculating basic earnings per share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Adjustment for earnings reallocated from non-vested restricted common stock Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units Net earnings used in calculating diluted earnings per share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Denominator: Denominator [Abstract] Denominator. Weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Adjustment for non-vested restricted common stock Weighted Average Number of Shares, Restricted Stock Shares used in calculating basic earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net earnings Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Pension contribution Pension Contributions Pension and SERP expense Pension Expense Restructuring and impairment costs Restructuring Costs Cash payments related to restructuring costs Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other operating assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other operating liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Investment in joint venture Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net borrowings under revolving credit agreement Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Borrowings of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Payments of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Cash dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Purchase of common stock for treasury Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchases of shares under employee stock plans Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Proceeds from the exercise of stock options Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of foreign exchange rate changes Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Number of brands in portfolio Number Of Brands Number of brands. Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Refinance [Member] Debt Refinance [Member] Debt Refinance [Member] October Tenth Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] October Tenth Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] October Tenth Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Foreign Currency Subfacility [Member] Foreign Currency Subfacility [Member] Foreign currency subfacility. Swingline Subfacility [Member] Swingline Sub Facility [Member] Swingline sub facility. Letter of Credit Subfacility [Member] Letter Of Credit Subfacility [Member] Letter of credit subfacility. Chinese Renminbi [Member] Chinese Renminbi [Member] Chinese Renminbi [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Alternative Base Rate [Member] Alternative Base Rate [Member] Alternative Base Rate [Member] Euro Currency Rate [Member] Euro Currency Rate [Member] Euro currency rate. Aggregate principal amount debt instrument Debt Instrument, Face Amount Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Revolving credit facility amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Financing Costs Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Lifestyle Group [Member] Lifestyle Group [Member] Lifestyle Group [Member] Performance Group [Member] Performance Group [Member] Performance group. Heritage Group [Member] Heritage Group [Member] Heritage Group [Member] Other [Member] Other Segments [Member] Corporate [Member] Corporate Segment [Member] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total assets Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Parent [Member] Parent Company [Member] Subsidiary Guarantors [Member] Subsidiary Guarantor [Member] Subsidiary guarantor. Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Eliminations [Member] Elimination [Member] Elimination. Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Accounts receivable, net Intercompany accounts receivable Due from Affiliates Investment in affiliates Investments In Affiliates The amount of investment in consolidated affiliates as of the balance sheet date. Intercompany accounts payable Due to Affiliate Stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Wolverine World Wide, Inc. stockholders’ equity Schedule of Restructuring Costs Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Financial Instruments And Derivatives [Table] Financial Instruments And Derivatives [Table] Financial Instruments And Derivatives [Table] Financial Instruments And Derivatives [Line Items] Financial Instruments And Derivatives [Line Items] Financial Instruments And Derivatives [Line Items] Number of interest rate swap agreements Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Financial instrument expiration date Derivative, Maturity Date Revenue and Operating Profit by Segment Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Assets and Goodwill by Segment Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Brand Discontinuation [Member] Brand Discontinuation [Member] Brand Discontinuation [Member] International Operations [Member] International Operations [Member] International Operations [Member] Restructuring costs Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Number of retail stores closed Number Of Retail Stores Closed Number of retail stores closed during period Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Royalties [Member] Royalties [Member] Royalties [Member] Advertising [Member] Advertising [Member] Advertising [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] 2015 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Remainder of Fiscal Year 2016 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years 2017 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years 2018 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years 2019 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Thereafter Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Operating Income (Loss) Other expenses: Interest expense (income), net Interest Expense Interest Expense Other expense (income), net Total other expenses (income) Earnings (loss) before income taxes Income tax expense (benefit) Earnings (loss) before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries Income Loss Before Equity In Undistributed Earnings Loss Of Subsidiaries Income Loss Before Equity In Undistributed Earnings Loss Of Subsidiaries Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Net of Tax Net earnings Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Impairment of Property and Equipment [Member] Impairment of Property and Equipment [Member] Impairment of Property and Equipment [Member] Facility Exit Costs [Member] Facility Exit Costs [Member] Facility Exit Costs [Member] Charges Against Assets [Member] Charges Against Assets [Member] Charges Against Assets [Member] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Accounts receivable allowance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (including treasury shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury shares Treasury Stock, Shares Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Anti-dilutive stock options Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Litigation and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Summary of Net Pension and SERP Expense Recognized Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Stock Based Compensation Policy Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial Instruments and Risk Management Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Operating profit (loss)