Segments (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segments (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges			$ 43
Litigation settlement income			97
Approximate percentage of total net sales	15.00%	15.00%	14.00%
North American Gypsum [Member]
Segments (Textual) [Abstract]
Litigation settlement income			97
Building Products Distribution [Member]
Segments (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges			41
Worldwide Ceilings [Member]
Segments (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges			$ 2