Shareholder's Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Jul. 31, 2007
Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Masco Corporation
Accumulated other comprehensive income			$ 76	$ 273
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Income tax on unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities			14	14
Income tax on prior service cost and net loss			100	105
Cash dividends per common share paid	$ 0.075	$ 0.235	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.46
Cash dividends per common share declared			$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30
Grant of long term stock awards			2
Repurchase and retirement of common stock to offset the dilutive impact of long term stock awards			2	3	2
Repurchase and retirement of common stock cash aggregate to offset the dilutive effect			30	45	11
Common stock outstanding under repurchase authorization			25			50
Parent Company [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Masco Corporation
Cumulative translation adjustments			482	505
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities, net			(12)	26
Unrealized (loss) on interest rate swaps			(23)
Unrecognized prior service cost and net loss, net			(371)	(258)
Accumulated other comprehensive income			$ 76	$ 273