Document Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Filer Category Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet ASSETS Assets Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Inventories Maturity Spirits Maturity Spirits Maturing spirits Maturity spirits Other raw materials, supplies and work in process Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials, Total Finished products Inventory, Finished Goods, Total Total inventories Total inventories Inventories Other current assets Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current, Total Current assets of discontinued operations TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS Total current assets Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, plant and equipment Less: accumulated depreciation Less: accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation Property, plant and equipment, net Goodwill resulting from business acquisitions Total goodwill, net, ending balance Total goodwill, net, beginning balance Total goodwill, net Goodwill, Total Goodwill Other intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, net Other intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, net Net Book Value Net book value Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent, Total Non-current assets of discontinued operations TOTAL ASSETS Total assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and equity Notes payable to banks Bank Lines Of Credit Bank Lines Of Credit Bank lines of credit Current portion of long-term debt Less current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Accounts payable Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Other current liabilities Other current liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Total other current liabilities Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current, Total Current liabilities of discontinued operations TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES Total current liabilities Long-term debt BS Total long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total Long-term debt Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Accrued pension and postretirement benefits Accrued benefit liability Net amount recognized (pre-tax) Net amount recognized (pre-tax) Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent, Total Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations TOTAL LIABILITIES Total liabilities Equity Fortune Brands stockholders' equity Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance $2.67 Convertible Preferred stock - redeemable at Company's option Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total $2.67 Convertible Preferred stock Common stock, par value $3.125 per share, 234.9 shares issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, par value $3.125 per share, 234.9 shares issued Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total Paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), ending balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Retained earnings Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Total Fortune Brands stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Total Fortune Brands stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling interest - December 31, 2008 Noncontrolling interest - December 31, 2007 Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total TOTAL EQUITY Balance Balance Total equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Total liabilities and equity Convertible Preferred stock, per share Common stock, par value Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Income Net sales Sales Revenue, Net, Total NET SALES Cost of products sold Cost of products sold Cost of Goods Sold, Total Cost of products sold Excise taxes on spirits Excise taxes on spirits Excise taxes on spirits Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total Amortization of intangible assets Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges, Total Provision Business Exit Costs Business separation costs OPERATING INCOME Operating income Operating income Operating income Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other expense (income), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Income from continuing operations, net of tax Income from continuing operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Profit Loss Net income Net income Net Income Less: Noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Net Income Loss Net income attributable to Fortune Brands Net income attributable to Fortune Brands Net income attributable to Fortune Brands Amounts attributable to common shareholders Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent, Total Income from continuing operations, net of tax Net income from discontinued operations attributable to Fortune Brands, net of taxes Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Total Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Earnings per common share Earnings per common share Earnings per common share attributable to Fortune Brands common shareholders Basic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Continuing operations, Basic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations, Basic Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Share, Total Discontinued operations Earnings per common share, Basic Earnings per common share, Basic Net income Net earnings per basic share Diluted Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Continuing operations, Diluted Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations, Diluted Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share, Total Discontinued operations Earnings Per Share Diluted Net earnings per diluted share Net income Diluted Common Stock Dividends Per Share Cash Paid Cash dividends paid on common stock Dividends paid per common share AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING Average number of common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted Diluted Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows OPERATING ACTIVITIES Operating activities Non-cash pre-tax (income) expense: Non-cash pre-tax expense (income): Other Restructuring Costs Restructuring charges Other restructuring charges Depreciation Depreciation expense Depreciation, Total Amortization Amortization, Total Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Total Stock-based compensation Deferred income taxes Federal, state and other Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Deferred income taxes Income Tax Credits and Adjustments Tax benefit from income tax audit settlements Gain on the sale of brands and related assets Gain on the sale of brands and related assets Changes in assets and liabilities including effects subsequent to acquisitions: Changes in assets and liabilities: Decrease in accounts receivable Increase in accounts receivable Decrease (increase) in inventories Increase in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Increase in accounts payable (Decrease) increase in accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Decrease in other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Decrease in other assets Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities, Total Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes Increase in accrued taxes NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net cash provided by operating activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Investing activities Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Capital expenditures, gross Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Proceeds from the disposition of assets Less: proceeds from disposition of assets Less: proceeds from disposition of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets, Total Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Return of investment in affiliates Proceeds From Collection Of Advance To Affiliate Repayment of loans to affiliates Repayment of loans to affiliates NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Financing activities Decrease in short-term debt Increase in short-term debt, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Total Repayment of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Dividends to stockholders Dividends to stockholders Payments of Dividends, Total Proceeds received from exercise of stock options Tax benefit on exercise of stock options Tax benefit on exercise of stock options Payments of Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest Other financing, net Other financing, net NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net cash used in financing activities Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Equity Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Paid-In Capital [Member] AOCI [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock, At Cost [Member] Non-Controlling Interest [Member] Comprehensive income The profit or loss of the entity available to stockholders including noncontrolling interest, net of income taxes for the reporting period. Net Income Net income Translation adjustments Translation adjustments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Derivative instruments Derivative instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Total Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Changes in Pension and Postretirement Adjustments Total comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to Fortune Brands Total comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to Fortune Brands Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests Dividends ($1.01 in 2009, $1.72 in 2008 and $1.62 in 2007 per Common share and $2.67 in 2009, 2008 and 2007 per Preferred share) Dividends ($0.38 per Common share and $1.335 per Preferred share) Dividend ($0.19 per Common share and $0.6675 per Preferred stock) Dividends, Cash, Total Shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures, Total Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation Tax benefit on exercise of stock options Conversion of preferred stock Conversion of preferred stock Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Dividends Paid And Declared Dividends Paid And Declared Dividends, per Common share Aggregate dividends paid during the period for each share of preferred stock. Preferred Stock Dividends Per Share Paid Dividends, per Preferred share Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion Conversion of preferred stock Background, Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure Text Block Background, Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation Recently Issued Accounting Standards Schedule Of New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles Text Block Recently Issued Accounting Standards Recently Issued Accounting Standards Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill And Other Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure Text Block Goodwill And Other Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquisition Business Combination Disclosure Text Block Acquisition Business Separation Costs [Abstract] Business Separation Costs Business separation costs that predominately consist of financial, legal and other separation related advisory fees. Business Separation Costs [Text Block] Business Separation Costs Business Separation Costs Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Information on Business Segments [Abstract] Information On Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure Text Block Information On Business Segments Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Text block Earnings Per Share Pension And Other Retiree Benefits [Abstract] Pension And Other Retiree Benefits Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure Text Block Pension And Other Retiree Benefits Debt and Financing Arrangements [Abstract] Debt And Financing Arrangements Debt Disclosure Text Block Debt And Financing Arrangements Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure Text Block Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement Inputs Disclosure Text Block Fair Value Measurements Guarantees and Commitments [Abstract] Guarantees And Commitments Schedule Of Guarantee Obligations Text Block Guarantees And Commitments Restructuring and Other Charges [Abstract] Restructuring And Other Charges Restructuring And Related Activities Disclosure Text Block Restructuring And Other Charges Total Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Total Other Comprehensive Income Pending Litigation Schedule Of Loss Contingencies By Contingency Text Block Pending Litigation Environmental [Abstract] Environmental Environmental Loss Contingency Disclosure Text Block Environmental Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Discontinued Operations Schedule of Goodwill Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Segment Schedule of Intangible Assets Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets Carrying Value And Accumulated Amortization Of Intangible Assets Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information, By Segment Earning Per Share Earning Per Share Computation Of Earnings Per Share Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Values Of Foreign Exchange Derivative Instruments On The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Fair Value by Income Statement Grouping [Text Block] Fair Value by Income Statement Grouping [Text Block] Effects Of Derivative Financial Instruments On Statement Of Income And OCI Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Text Block] Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs Pre-Tax Restructuring And Related Costs Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Restructuring Liability Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Restructuring Liability Reconciliation Of Restructuring Liability Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Proceeds from divestiture of businesses Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Pre-tax gain on sale Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax, Total Gain on sale of discontinued operation After tax gain on sale Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Total Valuation Allowance Amount Valuation allowance, amount Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Deferred tax expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Total Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Net sales Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax, Total Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation, Total Income taxes Schedule of Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Goodwill And Other Identifiable Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill, Segment [Domain] Spirits [Member] Spirits [Member] Home and Security [Member] Home And Security [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Indefinite-lived intangible assets, translation and purchase accounting adjustments Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful life minimum, in years Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful life maximum, in years Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Carrying Amounts Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Gross carrying amounts Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Increase (Decrease) in Intangible Assets, Current Amortizable intangible assets Gross carrying value increase in intangibles Amortizable intangible assets Indefinite-lived intangible assets, total losses Indefinite-lived Tradename Indefinite-lived tradenames Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Segment [Domain] Total Finite Intangible Amortization [Member] Total Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-Lived Tradenames [Member] Indefinite-Lived Tradenames [Member] Total Finite Intangible [Member] Total Finite Intangible [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Acquisition Of The Skinny Girl [Member] Acquisition Of The SkinnyGirl [Member] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill, Gross Goodwill, ending balance Goodwill, beginning balance Accumulated impairment losses Accumulated impairment losses Accumulated impairment losses Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance Accumulated impairment losses Ending Balance Accumulated impairment losses Beginning Balance Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Translation adjustments The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation as adjusted by purchase price adjustments Goodwill Acquired Acquisition-related adjustments Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Table] Customer And Contractual Relationships [Member] Patents/Proprietary Technology [Member] Licenses And Other [Member] Tradenames [Member] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Value, High Contingent consideration that may be recorded in future period External business separation costs that consist predominately of financial, legal and other separation related advisory fees. External Business Separation Costs External business separation costs External business separation costs Effective income tax rate, continuing operations Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Total Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Settlements Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Settlements, Total Tax (benefit) related to final settlement of U.S. and Spanish federal income tax audits Income Tax Examination, Liability Recorded Net assessment Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Settlements, Foreign Net assessment, tax Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense Net assessment, Interest and penalties Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense, Total Interest and penalties Income Tax Indemnification Income Tax Indemnification Income tax indemnification Income Tax Contingency Minimum Income Tax Contingency Minimum Income tax contingency minimum Income Tax Contingency Maximum Income Tax Contingency Maximum Income tax contingency maximum Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Corporate Expenses [Member] Corporate Expenses [Member] Segment Reporting Information, Revenue Net sales Segment Reporting Information, Revenue, Total Percent Change vs Prior Year, Revenue Percent Change vs Prior Year, Revenue Net Sales, Percentage Change vs. Prior Year Percent Change vs Prior Year, Operating Income Percent Change vs Prior Year, Operating Income Operating Income, Percentage Change vs. Prior Year Preferred Stock Dividends Less: Preferred stock dividends Less: Preferred stock dividends Less: Preferred stock dividends Preferred dividends declared that were recorded as noncontrolling interest expense Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Income attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders - basic Income attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders - basic Convertible Preferred Dividends, Net of Tax Convertible Preferred stock Dividend requirements Convertible Preferred stock dividends Convertible Preferred stock dividends Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net income attributable to Fortune Brands Income attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders - diluted Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Preferred Stock Conversion of Convertible Preferred stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Exercise of share-based awards Exercise of share-based awards Exercise of share-based awards Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive stock-based awards excluded from weighted average number of common shares outstanding for diluted EPS Antidilutive stock-based awards excluded from weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding for diluted EPS Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures, Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Benefits [Member] Postretirement Benefits [Member] Postretirement Benefits [Member] 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 Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of net losses (gains) Amortization of net loss (gain) Amortization of net losses Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments Curtailment and settlement loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments, Total Termination benefit Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Net periodic benefit cost Repayments of Notes with Cash on Hand Repayments of Notes with Cash on Hand Amount repaid on Notes Amount repaid on notes Uncommitted lines of credit used for seasonal working capital and other needs. Uncommitted Lines Of Credit Uncommitted lines of credit, seasonal working capital and other Uncommitted Lines Of Credit Expired Uncommitted Lines Of Credit Expired Uncommitted lines of credit, which expired Outstanding Uncommitted Lines of Credit Outstanding Uncommitted Lines of Credit Outstanding uncommitted lines of credit Committed Revolving Credit Agreement To Be Used For General Corporate Purpose Committed Revolving Credit Agreement To Be Used For General Corporate Purpose Committed revolving credit agreement to be used for general corporate purpose Number of Years OF Revolving Credit Agreement Number of Years of Revolving Credit Agreement Number of years of revolving credit agreement Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio Current Year Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio Current Year Consolidated interest coverage ratio in 2011 Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio Subsequent Year Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio Subsequent Year Consolidated interest coverage ratio in 2012 Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Debt to capital ratio Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio Outstanding principal amount of long-term debt Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio, Total Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Table] Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional principal amount of interest rate swaps Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Notional amount of foreign currency derivative hedges Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives Commodity contracts outstanding Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Other comprehensive income, foreign currency transaction and translation gain (loss), before reclassification and tax Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax, Total Changes in net unrealized gains (losses) for nonderivative financial instruments in accumulated other comprehensive loss Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] Commodity Contracts [Member] Interest Rate Contracts [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Derivative Asset, Fair Value Derivative assets, fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Total Derivative Liability, Fair Value Derivative liabilities, fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Total Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow [Member] Fair Value [Member] Net Investment [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Net Sales [Member] Cost Of Products Sold [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Other Expense, Net [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion Derivative instruments, gain recognized in other comprehensive income, effective portion Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Derivative instruments, gain (loss) recognized in income, net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net, Total Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income 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] Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative financial instruments, assets Derivative Assets, Total Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Deferred compensation program assets Total assets, Fair Value Total assets, Fair Value Total assets Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative financial instruments, liabilities Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Notes payable, fair value disclosure Long-term debt, fair value Long-term Debt, Carrying value Long-term debt, carrying value Long-term Debt, Total Total debt Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Maxxium Espana S.L. Maxxium Espana S.L. [Member] Denview Ltd [Member] Denview Ltd. [Member] Maxxium Cyprus Ltd [Member] Maxxium Cyprus Ltd. [Member] Beam Global Spirits And Wine Inc [Member] Beam Global Spirits And Wine Inc. [Member] ACCO World Corporation ACCO World Corporation [Member] Percent Guarantee of Credit Facility Percent Guarantee of Credit Facility Percent guarantee of credit facilities Termination Date of Lease Guarantee Termination Date of Lease Guarantee Termination date of lease guarantee Percent Joint Venture Share Percent Joint Venture Share Percent joint venture share Guarantee Obligations Current Carrying Value Guarantor obligations, current carrying value Amount guaranteed for certain credit facilities Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Charges Cost Of Products Restructuring Charges Cost Of Products Restructuring Charges, Cost of Products Sold Restructuring Charges ASGA Restructuring Charges ASGA Restructuring Charges, ASG&A Total Charges Restructuring and Related Costs, Cost Incurred to Date, Total Restructuring Reserve, by Type of Restructuring [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Workforce Reductions [Member] Asset Write Down Restructuring [Member] Asset Write-Downs [Member] Contract Termination Costs [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other [Member] Restructuring Reserve Balance at End of Period Balance at Beginning of Period Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve, Total Balance at March 31, 2009 Cash Expenditures Cash Expenditures Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash, Total Non-Cash Changes Non-Cash Write-offs Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash, Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to Fortune Brands Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Cobra Golf [Member] Cobra Golf [Member] Description of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative [Axis] Description of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative [Axis] Description of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative [Domain] Description of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Distribution and Supply Chain Initiatives [Member] Distribution And Supply Chain Initiatives [Member]