Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Shareholder's Equity (USD $) In Millions	AWI Shareholders [Member] Common Stock [Member]	AWI Shareholders [Member] Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member]	AWI Shareholders [Member] Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	AWI Shareholders [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	AWI Shareholders [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 0.6	$ 2,052.1	$ 144.4	$ (297.8)		$ 8.6	$ 0.6	$ 2,052.1	$ 144.4	$ (297.8)
Share-based employee compensation		4.1						4.1
Non-controlling interest purchase		(3.5)		1.1		(8.6)		(3.5)		1.1
Foreign currency translation adjustments				(29.4)						(29.4)
Derivative (loss) gain, net				2.7						2.7
Pension and postretirement adjustments				0.4						0.4
Total other comprehensive income (loss)				(25.2)						(25.2)
Net earnings for period			7.4						7.4		7.4
Comprehensive income (loss)					(17.8)						(17.8)
Total shareholders' equity					1,882.1						1,882.1
Balance at Jun. 30, 2010	0.6	2,052.7	151.8	(323.0)			0.6	2,052.7	151.8	(323.0)
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2010	0.6	1,451.2	(35.3)	(325.7)			0.6	1,451.2	(35.3)	(325.7)
Share-based employee compensation		10.5						10.5
Foreign currency translation adjustments				15.4						15.4
Derivative (loss) gain, net				(2.4)						(2.4)
Pension and postretirement adjustments				6.5						6.5
Total other comprehensive income (loss)				19.5						19.5
Net earnings for period			51.4						51.4		51.4
Comprehensive income (loss)					70.9						70.9
Total shareholders' equity					1,172.2						1,172.2
Balance at Jun. 30, 2011	$ 0.6	$ 1,461.7	$ 16.1	$ (306.2)			$ 0.6	$ 1,461.7	$ 16.1	$ (306.2)