Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net Sales:
Net sales	$ 948	$ 916	$ 1,798	$ 1,730
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	98	74	164	123
Gypsum [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	612	577	1,157	1,090
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	95	67	160	113
Ceilings [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	130	144	255	282
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	24	26	39	54
Distribution [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	344	319	644	600
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	4	1	5	(1)
Corporate [Member]
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	(21)	(19)	(42)	(38)
Eliminations [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	(138)	(124)	(258)	(242)
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating profit (loss)	$ (4)	$ (1)	$ 2	$ (5)