Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Net Sales:
Net Sales	$ 761	$ 769	$ 1,482	$ 1,485
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating loss	(21)	(25)	(79)	(107)
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges by segment
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges	2	7	11	19
North American Gypsum Member
Net Sales:
Net Sales	420	428	836	852
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating loss	(16)	(11)	(45)	(46)
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges by segment
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges	2	6	9	10
Building Products Distribution Member
Net Sales:
Net Sales	270	282	513	530
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating loss	(14)	(22)	(36)	(61)
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges by segment
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges		1	1	9
Worldwide Ceilings [Member]
Net Sales:
Net Sales	173	172	350	337
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating loss	22	23	48	41
Corporate [Member]
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating loss	(15)	(14)	(44)	(37)
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges by segment
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges			1
Eliminations [Member]
Net Sales:
Net Sales	(102)	(113)	(217)	(234)
Segment Reporting Information Intersegment Profit Loss	$ 2	$ (1)	$ (2)	$ (4)