Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Earnings/(Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 229	$ 929	$ 1,231	$ 230	$ (2,333)	$ (153)	$ (96)	$ 325
Net income	357
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	83							83
Net income attributable to Crown Holdings	274			274			274
Other comprehensive income/ (loss)					(42)		(42)
Other comprehensive income/ (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests								(2)
Total other comprehensive income/ (loss)	(44)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(60)							(60)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	2							2
Restricted stock awarded			(2)			2
Stock-based compensation	15		15				15
Common stock issued	9		6			3	9
Common stock repurchased	(212)		(186)			(26)	(212)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(116)		(48)				(48)	(68)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	180	929	1,016	504	(2,375)	(174)	(100)	280
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	(239)	929	863	512	(2,590)	(187)	(473)	234
Net income	591
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	63							63
Net income attributable to Crown Holdings	528						528
Other comprehensive income/ (loss)					105		105
Other comprehensive income/ (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests								5
Total other comprehensive income/ (loss)	110
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(50)
Restricted stock awarded			(2)			2
Stock-based compensation	15		15				15
Common stock issued	7		5			2	7
Common stock repurchased	(207)		(181)			(26)	(207)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	$ 227	$ 929	$ 700	$ 1,040	$ (2,485)	$ (209)	$ (25)	$ 252