Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information Abstract. Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number) Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value At March 31 At January 1 Cash and cash investments Receivables, Net, Current Receivables Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid expenses and other. Inventory, Net Inventories Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangible assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Total assets Assets Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Notes Payable, Current Notes payable Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Deferred income taxes and other Deferred income taxes and other Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred income tax and deferred pension liabilities. Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] EQUITY: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Masco Corporation's shareholders' equity: Common Stock, Value, Issued Common shares, par value $1 per share Authorized shares: 1,400,000,000; issued and outstanding: 2011 - 347,500,000; 2010 - 348,600,000 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred shares authorized: 1,000,000; issued and outstanding: 2011 - None ; 2010 - None Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Paid-in capital Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total Masco Corporation's shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending balances Beginning balances Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Common shares, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common shares, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common shares, shares outstanding Preferred shares, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred shares, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred shares, shares outstanding Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract] Sales Revenue, Net Net sales Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross Profit Gross profit Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Operating (loss) profit, as reported Other income (expense), net: Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest Expense Interest expense Other Asset Impairment Charges Impairment charges for financial investments Total impairment charges Total other, net Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense), net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations pre tax loss Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest, Total (Loss) income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income taxes Income tax expense Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net loss Net loss attributable to Masco Corporation Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earning Per Common Share [Abstract] Numerators and denominators used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share Loss per common share attributable to Masco Corporation: Basic: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net loss Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net loss Earnings Per Share, Diluted Amounts attributable to Masco Corporation: Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Income Loss From Continuing Operations Loss from continuing operations Loss from continuing operations Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Receivables (Increase) in receivables Increase (Decrease) in Inventories (Increase) decrease in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, net Net cash for operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Increase in debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Payment of debt Proceeds from Notes Payable Issuance of Notes, net of issuance costs Repayments of Notes Payable Retirement of Notes Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchase of Company common stock Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Cash dividends paid Net cash (for) from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures Proceeds from disposition Abstract Proceeds from disposition of: Proceeds from disposition. Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Other Investments Other financial investments Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net cash for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash investments Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents CASH AND CASH INVESTMENTS: Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Decrease for the period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Investments and Liabilities [Abstract] Fair Value Of Financial Investments And Liabilities Abstract. Fair Value of Financial Investments and Liabilities Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Derivatives [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivatives Debt [Abstract] Debt Abstract. Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Employee Retirement Plans [Abstract] Employee Retirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Information. Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Other Income (Expense), Net [Abstract] Other Income (Expense), Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Other Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Other Commitments and Contingencies. Other Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Provision (benefit) for income taxes on (loss) income from continuing operations: Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies (Policies) [Abstract] Accounting Policies Policies. Accounting Policies Text Block Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Policies. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables) [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Tables. Changes in carrying amount of goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Investments and Liabilities (Tables) [Abstract] Fair Value Of Financial Investments and Liabilities. Financial investments included in other assets Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Company's investments in available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities [Text Block] Recurring Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Text Block] Changes in Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block] Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Text Block] Warranty liability [Text Block] Warranty liability Warranty Liability Text Block. Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation. Pre Tax Compensation Expense And Related Income Tax Benefit For Stock Based Incentives [Text Block] Pre-tax compensation expense and related income tax benefit for stock-based incentives Pre-tax compensation expense and related income tax benefit for stock -based incentives. Companys Long Term Stock Award Activity [Text Block] Company's long-term stock award activity Company's long-term stock award activity. Company's stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Text Block] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Of Option Shares Granted And Assumptions Used To Estimate Those Values Using Option Pricing Model [Text Block] Weighted average grant date fair value of option shares granted and the assumptions used to estimate those values using a Black-Scholes option pricing model Weighted average grant date fair value of option shares granted and the assumptions used to estimate those values using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Employee Retirement Plans (Tables) [Abstract] Employee Retirement Plans Tables. Net periodic pension cost for defined-benefit pension plans Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Text Block] Segment Information (Tables) [Abstract] Segment Information Tables. Company by segment and geographic area Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Other Income (Expense), Net (Tables) [Abstract] Other Income Expense Net Tables Abstract. Other, net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component [Text Block] Earning Per Common Share (Tables) [Abstract] Earning Per Common Share (Tables). Numerators and denominators used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share [Text Block] Numerators and denominators used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share Numerators and denominators used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Cabinets And Related Products [Member] Cabinets and Related Products [Member] Cabinets and Related Products. Plumbing Products [Member] Plumbing Products [Member] Plumbing Products. Installation And Other Services [Member] Installation and Other Services [Member] Installation and Other Services. Decorative Architectural Products [Member] Decorative Architectural Products [Member] Decorative Architectural Products. Other Specialty Products [Member] Other Specialty Products [Member] Other Specialty Products. Goodwill [Line Items] Changes in carrying amount of goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Gross Goodwill Gross Goodwill Gross Goodwill. Accumulated Impairment Losses Accumulated Impairment Losses Accumulated Impairment Losses. Other Goodwill Other Other Goodwill. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Textuals Abstract Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Textuals. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Other indefinite-lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Carrying value of definite-lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Schedule of Investments [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Domain] Asahi Tec Corporation - preferred stock [Member] Auction Rate Securities [Member] Auction rate securities [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Shares ($1 par value) Private Equity Funds [Member] Private equity funds [Member] Other Long Term Investments [Member] Other investments [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Financial investments included in other assets Long-term Investments [Abstract] Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Investments Total recurring investments Long-term Investments Total Company's investments in available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Pre-tax Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Pre-tax Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Recorded Basis Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Quoted Market Prices (Level 1) [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value Of Financial Investments and Liabilities Textuals Abstract Fair Value of Financial Investments and Liabilities (Textuals) [Abstract] Fair Value Of Financial Investments and Liabilities Textuals. Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, by Asset Type [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Asset Types [Domain] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Changes in Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis Fair value, Beginning Balance Fair value, Ending Balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Total losses included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Unrealized (losses) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income Purchases, issuances, settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, Sales, Issuances, Settlements Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Investments Fair value on a non-recurring basis of financial investments Fair Value Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Investments. Estimated market value of long term and short term debt Estimated market value of long-term and short-term debt Estimated market value of long term and short term debt. Aggregate carrying value of long term and short term debt Aggregate carrying value of long-term and short-term debt Aggregate carrying value of long term and short term debt. Impairment charges: Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract] Derivatives (Details) [Abstract] Derivatives Details Abstract. Derivative [Table] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Intercompany Loans [Member] Intercompany Loans Member. Fair Value Hedging [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivatives Textuals Abstract Derivatives (Textuals) [Abstract] Derivatives textuals. Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Gains (losses) related to these foreign currency forward contracts recorded in the Company consolidated statements of income Gain related to hedging contracts Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Derivatives Derivative Assets Assets recorded by the company as a result of hedging activities Warranty liability Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Standard Product Warranty Accrual Balance at end of period Balance at January 1 Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued Accruals for warranties issued during the period Accruals related to pre-existing warranties Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Preexisting, Increase (Decrease) Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments Settlements made (in cash or kind) during the period Standard Product Warranty Accrual Other net Other, net Standard Product Warranty Accrual Other net. Debt (Details) [Abstract] Debt Details. Debt Textuals Abstract Debt (Textuals) [Abstract] Debt Textuals. Line Of Credit Facility Increase Additional Borrowing Additional borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Facility Increase Additional Borrowing. Absorption of reduction to shareholders' equity to remain in compliance with covenant Absorption of reduction to shareholders' equity to remain in compliance with covenant Absorption of reduction to shareholders' equity to remain in compliance with covenant. Financial Covenants Financial covenants Financial covenants. Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation . Pre Tax Compensation Expense And Related Income Tax Benefit For Stock Based Incentives Abstract Pre-tax compensation expense and related income tax benefit for stock -based incentives Pre-Tax Compensation Expense And Related Income Tax Benefit For Stock -Based Incentives. Long Term Stock Awards Expense Long-term stock awards Long-term stock awards expense. Stock options Stock Option Plan Expense Phantom stock awards and stock appreciation rights Restricted Stock Expense Share-based Compensation Total Income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Company Long Term Stock Award Activity Abstract Company's long-term stock award activity Company Long Term Stock Award Activity Abstract. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Unvested stock award shares at March 31 Unvested stock award shares at January 1 Weighted average grant date fair value Weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Stock awards granted Stock award shares granted Phantom stock awards and stock appreciation rights Weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock award shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock award shares forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Shares Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeited In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value Shares based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options forfeited in period weighted average grant date fair value. Company Stock Option Activity Abstract Companys stock option activity Company Stock Option Activity Abstract. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Option shares outstanding, March 31 Option shares outstanding, January 1 Weighted average exercise price Weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Option shares granted, including restoration options Stock option shares granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period Shares Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price Shares based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options grants in period weighted average exercise price. Option shares exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Aggregate intrinsic value on date of exercise (A) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Shares Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price Shares based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options exercises in period weighted average exercise price. Stock option shares forfeited Option shares forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Shares Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price Shares based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options forfeitures in period weighted average exercise price. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining option term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Option shares vested and expected to vest, March 31 Weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value Weighted average remaining option term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Option shares exercisable (vested), March 31 Weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value Weighted average remaining option term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average grant date fair value of option shares granted and the assumptions used to estimate those values using a Black-Scholes option pricing model Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award fair value assumptions weighted average grant date fair value. Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Volatility factor Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Vesting period over which expense for stock options granted prior to January 1,2006 recognized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Stock Based Compensation Textuals Abstract Stock-Based Compensation (Textuals) (Abstract) Stock-Based Compensation. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Prior Period Typical vesting period of stock awards granted prior to January 1, 2010 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Prior Period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Stock awards granted subsequent to January1, 2010 have a vesting period, in years Total unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Remaining weighted average vesting period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Total market value (at the vesting date) of stock award shares Grant and expire date Grant and expire date Grant and expire date. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options Weighted average vesting period for unvested stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards, Weighted Average Period of Recognition Employee Retirement Plans (Details) [Abstract] Employee Retirement Plans Details. Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures, Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Qualified [Member] Qualified. Non-Qualified [Member] Non-Qualified. Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Net periodic pension cost for defined-benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Recognized curtailment loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of net loss Net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Cash dividends per common share paid Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Cash dividends per common share declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Segment Information (Details) [Abstract] Segment Information Details. Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] North America [Member] International, principally Europe [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Company by segment and geographic area Abstract Company by segment and geographic area Company by segment and geographic area. Segment Reporting Information, Revenue Segment Reporting, Net Sales Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) Segment Reporting, Operating Profit (Loss) General corporate expense net General corporate expense, net General corporate expense, net. Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) [Abstract] Other Income Expense Net Details Abstract. Income from cash and cash investments Income from cash and cash investments Income from cash and cash investments. Other items, net Other items, net Other items, net. Other Income Expense Net Textuals Abstract Other Income (Expense), Net (Textuals) [Abstract] Other Income Expense Net Textuals Abstract. Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Currency losses included in other items , net Earning Per Common Share (Details) [Abstract] Earning Per Common Share Details Abstract Numerator Basic And Diluted Abstract Numerator (basic and diluted): Numerator (basic and diluted). (Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders Loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders (Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders. Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net loss income available to common shareholders Denominator Denominator: Denominator. Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic common shares (based upon weighted average) Add Abstract Add: Add: Contingent common shares Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Contingently Issuable Shares Stock option dilution Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted common shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earning Per Common Share Textuals Abstract Earning Per Common Share (Textuals) [Abstract] Earning Per Common Share Textuals Abstract. Antidilutive effect on computation of diluted earnings per common share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Grant of long term stock awards Stock Granted During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation Repurchase and retirement of common stock to offset the dilutive impact of long term stock awards Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Repurchase and retirement of common stock cash aggregate to offset the dilutive effect Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Common stock outstanding under repurchase authorization Common stock outstanding under repurchase authorization Common stock outstanding under repurchase authorization. Other Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Abstract] Other Commitments and Contingencies. Other Commitments And Contingencies Textuals Abstract Other Commitments and Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract] Other Commitments And Contingencies Details Abstract. Number Of Insulation Contractors Certified Number of insulation installation contractors certified by the federal court in Atlanta Number of insulation contractors certified. Number Of Additional Lawsuits Pending Number of additional lawsuits pending Number of additional lawsuits pending. Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES and EQUITY Inventories [Abstract] Inventories: Inventory, Work in Process Work in process Inventory, Raw Materials Raw material Inventory, Finished Goods Finished goods Loss on Derivative Instruments, Pretax Loss on the foreign currency exchange contract Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Borrowings under Five Year Revolving Credit Agreement Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Number of additional lawsuits filed on behalf of several of Masco's competitors in insulation installation business Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Outstanding Stock Awards [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 Shares Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grant In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Approx grant date exercise price Shares BasedCompensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted AverageExercise Price. Segment, Business [Domain] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Cash Provided By Operations Cash provided by operations Cash Provided By Operations. Warranty [Abstract] Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Warranty Depreciation and Amortization Expense [Abstract] Depreciation And Amortization Expense Text Block Depreciation and Amortization Expense Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and Amortization Expense (Details) [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization expense. Depreciation and Amortization Expense Textuals Abstract Depreciation and amortization expense. Depreciation and Amortization Expense (Textuals) [Abstract] Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization expense Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Purchase Fair value measurement with unobservable inputs reconciliation recurring basis asset purchase. Purchases Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Settlements Fair value measurement with unobservable inputs reconciliation recurring basis asset settlements. Settlements Liabilities Related To Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts From European Operations Liabilities related to foreign currency exchange contracts Liabilities related to foreign currency exchange contracts from European operations. Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Income from financial investments, net Loss from financial investments Warranty (Details) [Abstract] Warranty. Warranty (Tables) [Abstract] Warranty. Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of income tax of $-- Unrecognized prior service cost and net loss, net of income tax of $1 and $-- Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plan, Net Prior Service Costs (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income/loss Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common shares, par value Dividends on restricted stock awards Dividends on restricted stock awards. Dividends on restricted stock awards Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Gains (Losses) [Member] Total Gains (Losses) [Member] Payments of Financing Costs Credit Agreement costs Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Shares Retired Abstract Shares retired: Shares Retired. Surrendered Non Cash Surrendered (non-cash) Surrendered non cash. Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative translation adjustments Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Shares issued Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Repurchased Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividends declared Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Value Stock-based compensation Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Income tax benefit on unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plan, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period ,Tax Income tax benefit on unrecognized prior service cost Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract] Accounting Policies. Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract] Marketable Securities Member Marketable securities. Marketable securities [Member] Employee Retirement Plans Textuals Abstract Employee retirement plans. Employee Retirement Plans (Textuals) [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan Assumption Used Calculating Adjusted Funding Target Attainment Minimum Minimum adjusted funding target attainment percentage of defined-benefit pension plans Defined benefit plan assumption used calculating adjusted funding target attainment minimum. Defined benefit plan assumption used calculating adjusted funding target attainment maximum Maximum adjusted funding target attainment percentage of defined-benefit pension plans Defined benefit plan assumption used calculating adjusted funding target attainment maximum. Number of plan offered for accelerated benefit Number of plan offered for accelerated benefit. Number of plan offered for accelerated benefit Adjusted Funding Target Attainment Percentage Adjusted funding target attainment percentage. Adjusted Funding Target Attainment Percentage Prohibited percentage of lump sum distribution Prohibited percentage of lump sum distribution. Prohibited percentage of lump sum distribution Income Taxes (Details) [Abstract] Income taxes. Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract] Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract] Income taxes. Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change Anticipation of the reasonably possible change in uncertain tax positions Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities Net Liability of defined-benefit pension plans Immaterial Error Correct Income Related To Prior Period Before Tax Additional pre-tax income related to prior period Immaterial error correct income related to prior period before tax. Non Recurring Investments Non-recurring investments. Total non-recurring investments Payments to Acquire Other Investments Purchases of other financial investments