Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation Policy	Consolidation Policy. The consolidated financial statements and accompanying data in this report include the accounts of AWI and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. When preparing an estimate, management determines the amount based upon the consideration of relevant internal and external information. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the prior year’s Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and schedule thereto have been recast to conform to the 2016 presentation.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue from the sale of products when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss transfers to the customers, prices are fixed and determinable, and it is reasonably assured the related accounts receivable is collectible. Our standard sales terms are Free On Board (“FOB”) shipping point. We have some sales terms that are FOB destination. Our products are sold with normal and customary return provisions. Sales discounts are deducted immediately from the sales invoice. Provisions, which are recorded as a reduction of revenue, are made for the estimated cost of rebates, promotional programs and warranties.
Sales Incentives	Sales Incentives. Sales incentives are reflected as a reduction of net sales.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs. Shipping and handling costs are reflected in cost of goods sold.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs. We recognize advertising expenses as they are incurred.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs. We expense research and development costs as they are incurred.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Postretirement Benefits. We have benefit plans that provide for pension, medical and life insurance benefits to certain eligible employees when they retire from active service. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosures on pension and postretirement benefits.
Taxes	Taxes. The provision for income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes to reflect the expected future tax consequences of events recognized in the financial statements. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized by applying enacted tax rates to temporary differences that exist as of the balance sheet date, which result from differences in the timing of reported taxable income between tax and financial reporting. We reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. The need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed quarterly. In assessing the requirement for, and amount of, a valuation allowance in accordance with the more likely than not standard, we give appropriate consideration to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability and foreign source income, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, and our experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforward expirations. A history of cumulative losses is a significant piece of negative evidence used in our assessment. If a history of cumulative losses is incurred for a tax jurisdiction, forecasts of future profitability are generally not used as positive evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets in the assessment. We recognize the tax benefits of an uncertain tax position if those benefits are more likely than not to be sustained based on existing tax law. Additionally, we establish a reserve for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained based on existing tax law, but uncertain in the ultimate benefit to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities. Unrecognized tax benefits are subsequently recognized at the time the more likely than not recognition threshold is met, the tax matter is effectively settled or the statute of limitations for the relevant taxing authority to examine and challenge the tax position has expired, whichever is earlier. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are reported on a net basis.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the earnings attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, short-term investments that have maturities of three months or less when purchased and restricted cash.
Concentration of Credit	Concentration of Credit. We principally sell products to customers in building products industries in various geographic regions. Revenues from two commercial distributors, included within our Americas segment, individually exceeded 10% of our revenues in 2016. Net sales in 2016 to these two customers totaled $284.0 million. Net sales of $131.7 million from one of these customers also exceeded 10% of our revenues in 2015. No one customer accounted for 10% or more of our total consolidated net sales in 2014. We monitor the creditworthiness of our customers and generally do not require collateral.
Receivables	Receivables. We sell the vast majority of our products to select, pre-approved customers using customary trade terms that allow for payment in the future. Customer trade receivables, customer notes receivable and miscellaneous receivables (which include supply related rebates and other), net of allowances for doubtful accounts, customer credits and warranties are reported in accounts and notes receivable, net. Cash flows from the collection of current receivables are classified as operating cash flows on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We establish credit-worthiness prior to extending credit. We estimate the recoverability of receivables each period. This estimate is based upon new information in the period, which can include the review of any available financial statements and forecasts, as well as discussions with legal counsel and the management of the debtor company. As events occur, which impact the collectability of the receivable, all or a portion of the receivable is reserved. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers.
Inventories	Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our accounting for inventories.
Property Plant and Equipment	Property Plant and Equipment. Property plant and equipment is recorded at cost reduced by accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Machinery and equipment includes manufacturing equipment (depreciated over 3 to 15 years), computer equipment (depreciated over 3 to 5 years) and office furniture and equipment (depreciated over 5 to 7 years). Within manufacturing equipment, assets that are subject to accelerated obsolescence or wear out quickly, such as dryer components, are depreciated over shorter periods (3 to 7 years). Heavy production equipment, such as conveyors and production presses, are depreciated over longer periods (10 to 15 years). Buildings are depreciated over 15 to 30 years, depending on factors such as type of construction and use. Computer software is depreciated over 3 to 7 years. Property, plant and equipment is tested for impairment by asset group when indicators of impairment are present, such as operating losses and/or negative cash flows. If an indication of impairment exists, we compare the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. The estimate of an asset group’s fair value is based on discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, or based on management’s estimated exit price assuming the assets could be sold in an orderly transaction between market participants, or estimated salvage value if no sale is assumed. If the fair value is less than the carrying value of the asset group, we record an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset group. Impairments of assets related to our manufacturing operations are recorded in cost of goods sold. When assets are disposed of or retired, their costs and related depreciation are removed from the financial statements, and any resulting gains or losses normally are reflected in cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses depending on the nature of the asset.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations. We recognize the fair value of obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which they are incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability, the discounted cost is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the corresponding asset’s useful life. Over time, accretion of the liability is recognized as an operating expense to reflect the change in the liability’s present value.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets. Our definite-lived intangible assets are primarily customer relationships (amortized over 20 years) and developed technology (amortized over 15 years). We review significant definite-lived intangible assets for impairment when indicators of impairment exist. We review our businesses for indicators of impairment such as operating losses and/or negative cash flows. If an indication of impairment exists, we compare the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. The estimate of an asset group’s fair value is based on discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, or based on management’s estimated exit price assuming the assets could be sold in an orderly transaction between market participants. If the fair value is less than the carrying value of the asset group, we record an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset group. Our indefinite-lived intangibles are primarily trademarks and brand names, with Armstrong representing our primary trademark, which are integral to our corporate identity and expected to contribute indefinitely to our cash flows. Accordingly, they have been assigned an indefinite life. We perform annual impairment tests during the fourth quarter on these indefinite-lived intangibles. These assets undergo more frequent tests if an indication of possible impairment exists. The principal assumption used in our impairment tests for definite-lived intangible assets is future operating profit adjusted for depreciation and amortization. The principal assumptions used in our impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangible assets include revenue growth rate, discount rate and royalty rate. Revenue growth rate and future operating profit assumptions are derived from those utilized in our operating plan and strategic planning processes. The discount rate assumption is calculated based upon an estimated weighted average cost of equity which reflects the overall level of inherent risk and the rate of return a market participant would expect to achieve. The royalty rate assumption represents the estimated contribution of the intangible asset to the overall profits of the reporting unit. Methodologies used for valuing our intangible assets did not change from prior periods. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosure on intangible assets.
Foreign Currency Transactions	Foreign Currency Transactions. Assets and liabilities of our subsidiaries operating outside the United States which account in a functional currency other than U.S. dollars are translated using the period end exchange rate. Revenues and expenses are translated at exchange rates effective during each month. Foreign currency translation gains or losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders' equity. Gains or losses on foreign currency transactions are recognized through the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Financial Instruments and Derivatives	Financial Instruments and Derivatives. From time to time, we use derivatives and other financial instruments to offset the effect of currency, interest rate and commodity price variability. See Notes 17 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Share-Based Employee Compensation	Share-based Employee Compensation. We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award. Compensation expense for performance based awards with non-market based conditions are also recognized over the vesting period for the entire award, however, compensation expense may vary based on the expectations for actual performance relative to defined performance measures. See Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on share-based employee compensation.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events. We have evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K were issued.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This standards update amends existing guidance to require the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred charge. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements,” which was issued to address the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. We adopted ASU 2015-03 and 2015-15 retrospectively, resulting in a $9.5 million reduction to other non-current assets and a corresponding decrease to long-term debt as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2015, our adoption of these ASC updates resulted in a $4.7 million reduction to other non-current assets and a corresponding decrease to long-term debt. There was no impact on results of operations as a result of the adoption of this guidance. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, but early adoption is permitted. Effective December 31, 2016, we elected to adopt this standard prospectively and as a result have classified all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current as of December 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on our results of operations or cash flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Restricted Cash,” which amends ASC Topic 230: Statement of Cash Flows. This new guidance requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. This new guidance must be adopted retrospectively and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, but early adoption is permitted. Effective December 31, 2016, we elected to adopt this standard and as a result our 2016 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows includes a $4.0 million increase to cash and cash equivalents attributable to restricted cash. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 we had no restricted cash. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date,” which defers the effective date for ASU 2014-09 by one year. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Gross versus Net),” which clarifies the implementation guidance in ASU 2014-09 relating to principle versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” which clarifies the implementation guidance in ASU 2014-09 relating to the identification of performance obligations in a contract, including how entities should account for shipping and handling services it provides after control of goods transfers to a customer. ASU 2016-10 also clarifies guidance on the timing and pattern of revenue recognition for intellectual property licenses. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, “Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients,” which clarifies revenue recognition guidance related to the presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which clarifies the scope and application of the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Collectively, the revenue recognition ASC updates are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, but early adoption is permitted. We intend to adopt these standards effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective transition method and also intend on applying all practical expedients related to completed contracts upon adoption. We are still evaluating the impact the adoption of these ASC updates will have on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our final evaluation of the impact of adopting these ASC updates is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2017. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which requires inventory that is measured on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis to be measured at lower of cost and net realizable value, as opposed to the lower of cost or market. For inventory that is measured under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis or the retail recovery method, there is no change to current measurement requirements. This new guidance must be applied prospectively and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, but early adoption is permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most notably, this new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Based on our preliminary evaluation, we do not believe the impact of adopting this standard will have a material impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases,” which amends accounting for leases, most notably by requiring a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from a lease agreement. Specifically, this new guidance will require lessees to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, with limited exceptions. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under existing U.S. GAAP. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and must be adopted under a modified retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard would have on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which amends ASC Topic 718: Compensation-Stock Compensation. This new guidance simplifies accounting for share-based payments, most notably by requiring all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded as income tax benefits or expense in the income statement and by allowing entities to recognize forfeitures of awards when they occur. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and may be adopted prospectively or retroactively. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which amends the guidance in ASC Topic 230: Statement of Cash Flows. This guidance clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. This new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard would have on our cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business,” which amends the guidance in ASC Topic 805: Business Combinations. This guidance provides a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard would have on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.