Other Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011 lawsuits	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009 lawsuits
Warranty liability
Balance at January 1	$ 107	$ 109
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	28	42
Accruals related to pre-existing warranties	8	(4)
Settlements made (in cash or kind) during the year	(38)	(37)
Other, net (including currency translation)	(3)	(3)
Balance at December 31	102	107	109
Other Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of lawsuits filed on behalf of several of Masco's competitors in insulation installation business	2
Number of insulation installation contractors certified by the federal court in Atlanta			377
Number of lawsuits pending	2
Warranty period of company's products and product finishes and services	one year to the life of the product
Additional capital representing company's aggregate capital commitment less capital contributions made	$ 25

Additional capital representing company's aggregate capital commitment less capital contributions made.

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Number of additional lawsuits pending.

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Number of insulation contractors certified.

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Standard Product Warranty Accrual Other net.

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Warranty period of company's products and product finishes and services.

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The total number of new claims filed pertaining to a loss contingency during the period.

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Amount as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate standard product warranty liability. Does not include the balance for the extended product warranty liability.

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Represents the aggregate decrease in the liability for payments made (in cash or in kind) to satisfy claims under the terms of the standard product warranty. Does not include any increase (decrease) in the liability for payments related to extended product warranties

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Represents the aggregate increase (decrease) in the liability during the reporting period for accruals related to preexisting standard product warranties (including adjustments related to changes in estimates). Does not include any increase (decrease) in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties

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Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals related to standard product warranties issued during the reporting period. Does not include any increase in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties

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