Document Entity Information [Abstract] Document Entity Information [Abstract] 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 Statement Of Income [Abstract] 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 Expense Business Exit Costs Business separation costs The gains and losses included in earnings resulting from the sale or disposal of assets. Gain (loss) on sale of assets Loss on sale of brands and related assets Gain(Loss) on the sale of brands and related assets Gain (loss) on the sale of brands and related assets Loss on sale of brands and related assets OPERATING INCOME Operating income Operating income Operating income Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on early extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total Loss on the extinguishment of the debt Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income, net Other (expense) income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Income from continuing operations before income taxes (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes (Loss) 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 tax (benefit) expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total (Loss) income from continuing operations 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 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 Beam Inc. Net income attributable to Beam Inc. Net income attributable to Fortune Brands Amounts attributable to Beam Inc. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent (Loss) income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent, Total (Loss) income from continuing operations Net income from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Total Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Basic Basic earnings (loss) per Beam Inc. common share 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 Diluted earnings (loss) per Beam Inc. common share 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 Cash dividends per share paid on common share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract] 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 Maturing Spirits Maturing Spirits Maturing 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 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 (net of accumulated amortization of $451.5 and $431.3 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively) 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 Debt, Current Debt, Current, Total Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt 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 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Beam Inc. stockholders' equity $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, 750.0 shares authorized, 234.9 shares issued, and 155.1 outstanding at September 30, 2011 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 Beam Inc. 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 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Convertible Preferred Stock, per share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common stock, shares outstanding Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Operating activities Non-cash pre-tax (income) expense: Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: 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 Tax benefit from income tax audit settlements Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Gain on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets, Total Gain on sale assets Changes in assets and liabilities including effects subsequent to acquisitions: Changes in assets and liabilities, net of disposition: Decrease in accounts receivable Accounts receivable Decrease (increase) in inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Increase in accounts payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Decrease in other assets Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities, Total Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes 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 Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested, Total Proceeds from the disposition of assets 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 by affiliates NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net cash provided by investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Financing activities Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Current Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Current, Total Decrease in short-term notes payable, net 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) increase in cash and cash equivalents Background, Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation [Abstract] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure Text Block Background, Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract] Schedule Of New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles Text Block Recently Issued Accounting Standards Recently Issued Accounting Standards Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract] Business Combination Disclosure Text Block Acquisitions And Dispositions Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure Text Block Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement Inputs Disclosure Text Block Fair Value Measurements Debt [Abstract] Debt Disclosure Text Block Debt Restructuring And Other Charges [Abstract] Restructuring And Related Activities Disclosure Text Block Restructuring And Other Charges Pension And Other Retiree Benefits [Abstract] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure Text Block Pension And Other Retiree Benefits Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Total Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Total Other Comprehensive Income Business Separation Costs [Abstract] Business Separation Costs [Abstract] 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 Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Text block Earnings Per Share Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure Text Block Segment Information Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Text Block Subsequent Events Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Discontinued Operations Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Values Of Foreign Exchange Derivative Instruments On The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Gain loss on derivative instruments net pretax. Gain Loss On Derivative Instruments Net Pretax Text Block Effects Of Derivative Financial Instruments On Statement Of Income And OCI Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table Text Block] Early Extinguishment Of Debt Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs Pre-Tax Restructuring And Other Charges Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Restructuring Liability Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Restructuring Liability Reconciliation Of Restructuring Liability Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Computation Of Earnings Per Share Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information, By Segment Spin Off And Sale Of Business Transactions [Table] Spin Off And Sale Of Business Transactions [Table] Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Home and Security [Member] Home And Security Member Home And Security [Member] Spin-Off and Sale of Business Transactions [Line Items] Spin-Off and Sale of Business Transactions [Line Items] Common stock shares outstanding rate Common stock shares outstanding rate Common stock dividend, shares paid Common Stock Dividend, Shares Paid Common stock dividend per share Par value of common shares of spun-off company. Common Stock Dividend Shares Paid Par Value Spin-Off Common stock, par value Dividend received from subsidiary prior to its spin-off. Dividend From Subsidiary Cash dividend Components of Discontinued Operations [Table] Components of Discontinued Operations [Table] Cobra Golf [Member] Cobra Golf Member Cobra Golf [Member] Components of Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Components of Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Proceeds from divestiture of businesses Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount Valuation allowance, reduction Valuation allowance, reduction Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Deferred tax expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Total Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Interest expenses 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 tax (benefit) expense 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 operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Tax expense on sale of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Total Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] German Spirits [Member] German Spirits Member German Spirits [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Advertising and marketing expense The potential amount of any change to be recognized in the future in the high-end of the estimated range of outcomes (undiscounted) of a liability assumed in a business combination arising from an item of contingent consideration. Business Combination Contingent Consideration Arrangements Potential Future Change In Amount Of Contingent Consideration Liability Contingent consideration that may be recorded in future period Gain (loss) on disposition of assets, net of tax Gain (loss) on disposition of assets, net of tax Gain (loss) on sale of brands and related assets, net of tax Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional principal amount of interest rate swaps 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 Derivative, Cash Received on Hedge Cash gain Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Net currency derivative losses to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months Net currency derivative losses to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months Deferred Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Deferred loss on early extinguishment of debt 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] 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 Current Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities Member Other Current Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] 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] 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 Income, Net [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] 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 2 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative financial instruments, assets Derivative Assets, Total Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative financial instruments, liabilities Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term debt, fair value Long-term Debt, Carrying value Long-term debt, carrying value Long-term Debt, Total Total Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Loss On Early Extinguishment Of Debt [Member] Loss On Early Extinguishment Of Debt Member Loss On Early Extinguishment Of Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Current portion of long-term debt Less current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Long term debt, current Notes and debentures paid by cash Notes and debentures paid by cash Tendered notes and debentures Tendered notes and debentures Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Total Debt principal Debt instrument purchase premium Debt instrument purchase premium Purchase premiums Amortization of Deferred Hedge Gains Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Unamortized debt issuance expense Repayments of Notes with Cash on Hand Repayments of Notes with Cash on Hand Amount repaid on Notes Amount repaid on notes 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 Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Revolving credit agreement, balance outstanding Line of credit facility, amount outstanding 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 Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Four Point Eight Seven Five Percent Notes Due Two Thousand And Thirteen [Member] Four Point Eight Seven Five Percent Notes Due Two Thousand And Thirteen Member 4.875% Notes Due 2013 [Member] Six Point Three Seven Five Percent Notes Due Two Thousand And Fourteen [Member] Six Point Three Seven Five Percent Notes Due Two Thousand And Fourteen Member 6.375% Notes Due 2014 [Member] Five Point Three Seven Five Percent Notes Due Two Thousand And Sixteen [Member] Five Point Three Seven Five Percent Notes Due Two Thousand And Sixteen Member 5.375% Notes Due 2016 [Member] Eight Point Six Two Five Percent Debentures Due Two Thousand And Twenty One [Member] Eight Point Six Two Five Percent Debentures Due Two Thousand And Twenty One Member 8.625% Debentures Due 2021 [Member] Seven Point Eight Seven Five Percent Debentures Due Two Thousand And Twenty Three [Member] Seven Point Eight Seven Five Percent Debentures Due Two Thousand And Twenty Three Member 7.875% Debentures Due 2023 [Member] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate of debt Debt instrument maturity year Debt instrument maturity year Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Spirits [Member] Spirits Member Spirits [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Charges Cost Of Products Restructuring Charges Cost Of Products Other Charges, Cost of Products Sold Restructuring Charges ASGA Restructuring Charges ASGA Other Charges, ASG&A Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Restructuring and Related Costs, Incurred Cost, Total Total Charges Restructuring Reserve, by Type of Restructuring [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Workforce Reductions [Member] Asset Write Down Restructuring [Member] Asset Write Down Restructuring Member Asset Write-Downs [Member] Contract Termination Costs [Member] Other Restructuring [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 Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense Expense Cash Expenditures Cash Payments Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash, Total Non-Cash Changes Non-Cash Changes Non-Cash Write-offs Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash, Total Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures, Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Benefits Member Pension Benefits [Member] Postretirement Benefits [Member] Postretirement Benefits Member Postretirement Benefits [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] 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 Curtailments Curtailment loss Curtailment loss Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Cost of Providing Special or Contractual Termination Benefits Recognized During Period Special postretirement termination benefit costs Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Weighted-average discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Weighted-average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets Increase In Pension Liability and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Increase In Pension Liability and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Increase in pension liability and accumulated other comprehensive loss Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Beam Guarantee [Member] Beam Guarantee Member Beam Guarantee [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Acco World Corporation [Member] Acco World Corporation Member ACCO World Corporation [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] 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 Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantor obligations Translation adjustments Translation adjustments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Derivative instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Total Derivative instruments 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 Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to Beam Inc. 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 Total comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to Fortune Brands Total comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to Fortune Brands Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation Decrease in equity attributable to noncontrolling interests Financial, Legal And Separation-Related Advisory Fees [Member] Financial Legal And Separation Related Advisory Fees Member Financial, Legal And Separation-Related Advisory Fees [Member] Business Separation Costs [Line Items] Business Separation Costs [Line Items] Business separation costs that consist predominately of financial, legal and other separation related advisory fees as well as employee-related costs. Business Separation Costs Business separation costs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost Incremental stock-based compensation expense 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 Foreign income tax assessment paid. Foreign Income Tax Assessment Paid 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 Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance Unrecognized tax benefits Income Tax Contingency Minimum Income Tax Contingency Minimum Income tax contingency minimum Income Tax Contingency Maximum Income Tax Contingency Maximum Income tax contingency maximum Preferred Stock Dividends Convertible Preferred stock dividends Less: Preferred stock dividends Less: Preferred stock dividends Convertible Preferred stock dividends Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Income attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders - basic Income attributable to Beam Inc. common stockholders-basic Convertible Preferred Dividends, Net of Tax Convertible Preferred stock Dividend requirements Convertible Preferred stock dividends Preferred stock dividends Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net income attributable to Fortune Brands Income attributable to Beam Inc. 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 stock-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 Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill, Segment [Domain] Corporate Expenses [Member] Corporate Expenses Member Corporate Expenses [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Table] Three point zero zero zero percent notes due two thousand twelve [Member] Three Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Notes Due Two Thousand Twelve Member 3.000% Notes Due 2012 [Member] Four percent notes due two zero one two [Member] Four Percent Notes Due Two Zero One Two Member 4% Notes Due 2013 [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Percentage of Outstanding Shares Distributed in Spin-Off Percentage of Outstanding Shares Distributed in Spin-Off Percentage of outstanding share distributed in spin-off Convertible preferred stock dividend. Convertible Preferred Stock Dividend Convertible Preferred Stock, per share Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion Convertible Preferred Stock Conversion of preferred stock Equity awards granted fair value. Equity Awards Granted Fair Value Total fair value of share-based compensation awards granted Make-Whole Premium on Debt Redemption Make-Whole Premium on Debt Redemption Amount of make-whole premium on debt redemption Debt Instrument, Future Repayment, Potential Maximum Decrease Debt Instrument, Future Repayment, Potential Maximum Decrease Total balance of debt that may be redeemed in the future