Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 815	$ 828	$ 798	$ 783	$ 726	$ 763	$ 733	$ 688	$ 3,224	$ 2,910	$ 2,834
Gross Profit	85	106	102	102	38	46	46	28	395	158	137
Operating profit (loss)	(8)	29	28	24	(43)	(79)	(23)	(61)	73	(206)	(268)
Loss from continuing operations	(64)	(30)	(59)	(29)	(100)	(117)	(72)	(107)	(182)	(396)	(410)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(3)	1	2	2	0	2	2	2	2	6	5
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	55								55	0	0
Net loss attributable to USG	$ (13)	$ (29)	$ (57)	$ (27)	$ (100)	$ (115)	$ (70)	$ (105)	$ (126)	$ (390)	$ (405)
Loss from continuing operations per basic share	$ (0.59)	$ (0.29)	$ (0.55)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.95)	$ (1.11)	$ (0.70)	$ (1.03)	$ (1.72)	$ (3.81)	$ (4.08)
Loss from continuing operations, per diluted share	$ (0.59)	$ (0.29)	$ (0.55)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.95)	$ (1.11)	$ (0.70)	$ (1.03)	$ (1.72)	$ (3.81)	$ (4.08)