Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,875	$ 1,753
Cost of sales	1,390	1,328
Gross profit	485	425
Selling, general and administrative expenses	383	399
Operating profit	102	26
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense	(64)	(63)
Other, net	15	21
Total other income (expense), net	(49)	(42)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	53	(16)
Income taxes	4	13
Income (loss) from continuing operations	49	(29)
Loss from discontinued operations	(5)	(5)
Net income (loss)	44	(34)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	11	12
Net income (loss) attributable to Masco Corporation	33	(46)
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.11	$ (0.12)
Loss from discontinued operations	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)
Net income (loss)	$ 0.09	$ (0.13)
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.11	$ (0.12)
Loss from discontinued operations	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)
Net income (loss)	$ 0.09	$ (0.13)
Amounts attributable to Masco Corporation:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	38	(41)
Loss from discontinued operations	(5)	(5)
Net income (loss)	$ 33	$ (46)