Litigation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Installments
Additional Litigation (Textual) [Abstract]
Approximate number of property damage claims resolved	170
Accrual for estimated costs of resolving the Chinese wallboard property damage claims	$ 12
Receivables Related to Settlement	9
Accrual potential liability for environmental cleanup	$ 13
Approximate number of homes where the presence of Knauf Tianjin wallboard has been confirmed	290
Maximum [Member]
Litigation (Textual) [Abstract]
Range of average-size houses that the amount of Knauf Tianjin wallboard potentially sold by L&W Supply Corporation could completely furnish	300
Minimum [Member]
Litigation (Textual) [Abstract]
Range of average-size houses that the amount of Knauf Tianjin wallboard potentially sold by L&W Supply Corporation could completely furnish	250