Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Sales:
Net sales	$ 850	$ 814
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	66	49
North American Gypsum [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	544	509
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	65	46
Worldwide Ceilings [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	138	153
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	14	27
Building Products Distribution [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	300	281
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	1	(2)
Corporate [Member]
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	(20)	(18)
Eliminations [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	(132)	(129)
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	$ 6	$ (4)