Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 954	$ 972	$ 948	$ 850	$ 915	$ 925	$ 916	$ 814	$ 3,724	$ 3,570	$ 3,224
Gross profit	160	176	175	143	151	155	151	124	654	581	395
Operating profit (loss)	(24)	22	98	66	60	75	74	49	162	258	73
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(53)	(11)	58	45	(3)	24	25	2	39	48	(182)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	(1)	0	(1)	(1)	0	0	(1)	(2)	2
Net income (loss) attributable to USG	$ (53)	$ (12)	$ 57	$ 45	$ (3)	$ 23	$ 25	$ 2	$ 37	$ 47	$ (126)
Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share:
Basic	$ (0.36)	$ (0.09)	$ 0.40	$ 0.33	$ (0.02)	$ 0.23	$ 0.23	$ 0.02	$ 0.27	$ 0.45	$ (1.72)
Diluted	$ (0.36)	$ (0.09)	$ 0.39	$ 0.32	$ (0.02)	$ 0.22	$ 0.22	$ 0.02	$ 0.26	$ 0.44	$ (1.72)