Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 7,467	$ 7,486	$ 7,657
Cost of sales	5,683	5,653	5,647
Gross profit	1,784	1,833	2,010
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,585	1,598	1,678
Impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets	494	698	262
Operating (loss) profit	(295)	(463)	70
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense	(254)	(251)	(225)
Impairment charges for financial investments	(17)	(34)	(10)
Other, net	77	7	29
Total other income (expense), net	(177)	(278)	(206)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(472)	(741)	(136)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(49)	240	(44)
Loss from continuing operations	(423)	(981)	(92)
Loss from discontinued operations, net	(110)	(21)	(53)
Net loss	(533)	(1,002)	(145)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	42	41	38
Net loss attributable to Masco Corporation	(575)	(1,043)	(183)
Basic:
Loss from continuing operations	$ (1.34)	$ (2.94)	$ (0.38)
Loss from discontinued operations, net	$ (0.32)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.15)
Net loss	$ (1.66)	$ (3.00)	$ (0.53)
Diluted:
Loss from continuing operations	$ (1.34)	$ (2.94)	$ (0.38)
Loss from discontinued operations, net	$ (0.32)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.15)
Net loss	$ (1.66)	$ (3.00)	$ (0.53)
Amounts attributable to Masco Corporation:
Loss from continuing operations	(465)	(1,022)	(130)
Loss from discontinued operations, net	(110)	(21)	(53)
Net loss	$ (575)	$ (1,043)	$ (183)