EARNINGS PER SHARE (DETAIL) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Earnings Per Share Abstract
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWENS CORNING	$ 50	$ 124	$ 78	$ 24	$ (110)	$ 58	$ 937	$ 48	$ 276	$ 933	$ 64
Weighted Average Common Shares, Basic									122.5	125.6	124.8
Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Nonvested Shares With Forfeitable Dividends									0.7	0.8	2.3
Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Call Options And Warrants									0.3	0.2	0
Earnings Per Share Basic	$ 0.41	$ 1.02	$ 0.63	$ 0.19	$ (0.89)	$ 0.46	$ 7.39	$ 0.38	$ 2.25	$ 7.43	$ 0.51
Earnings Per Share Diluted	$ 0.41	$ 1.01	$ 0.62	$ 0.19	$ (0.89)	$ 0.46	$ 7.33	$ 0.38	$ 2.23	$ 7.37	$ 0.50
Repurchase Program 2010 [Member]
Equity Class Of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	10								10
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	3.7								3.7
Stock Options Member
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount									0.8	2.4	3.0
Series A Warrants [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount									17.5	17.5	17.5
Series B Warrants [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount									7.8	7.8	7.8
Performance Stock Units (PSUs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount										0.2