Equity Investments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summarized combined financial information for equity associates at end of year:
Current assets	$ 309	$ 271
Non-current assets	413	552
Total assets	722	823
Current liabilities	186	148
Other liabilities and deferred items	129	174
Total liabilities and deferred items	315	322
Net assets	407	501
Summarized combined financial information for equity associates for the year:
Net sales	689	731	549
Gross profit	215	227	200
Net earnings	174	162	158
Dividends received	50	62	34
Equity Investments Information
Equity in undistributed earnings	66	59	53
Difference between investment carrying value and amount of underlying equity in net assets	24
Non-U.S.
Equity Investments Information
Equity in undistributed earnings	24	20	13
U.S.
Equity Investments Information
Equity in undistributed earnings	$ 42	$ 39	$ 40
Vetri Speciali SpA
Equity Investments Information
Percentage of equity method investments (as a percent)	50.00%
General Chemical Soda Ash (Partners)
Equity Investments Information
Percentage of equity method investments (as a percent)	25.00%
Rocky Mountain Bottle Company
Equity Investments Information
Percentage of equity method investments (as a percent)	50.00%
BJC O-I Glass Pte. Ltd
Equity Investments Information
Percentage of equity method investments (as a percent)	50.00%

The item represents the difference, if any, between the amount at which an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting is carried (reported) on the balance sheet and the amount of underlying equity in net assets the reporting Entity has in the investee. A difference can arise between the carrying value of the equity method investment and the value of the Entity's amount of underlying equity in net assets of the investee, for example, from appreciation of certain assets which is not recognized in earnings, but is recognized in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) by the investee.

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This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities.

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The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

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The amount of assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of current assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of equity (capital), including the noncontrolling interest (if any), reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of gross profit (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of liabilities reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of net income (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of noncurrent assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of noncurrent liabilities reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of revenue from sale of goods and services reduced by sales returns, allowances, and discounts reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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No definition available.

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This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

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