Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Sales:
Net sales	$ 925	$ 828	$ 2,655	$ 2,409
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	75	29	198	81
North American Gypsum [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	577	496	1,659	1,455
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	76	35	189	98
Worldwide Ceilings [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	159	155	471	459
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	22	24	75	69
Building Products Distribution [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	331	300	931	863
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	3	(10)	2	(23)
Corporate [Member]
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	(25)	(18)	(62)	(57)
Eliminations [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	(142)	(123)	(406)	(368)
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	$ (1)	$ (2)	$ (6)	$ (6)