v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name OWENS ILLINOIS INC /DE/  
Entity Central Index Key 0000812074  
Document Type 10-K  
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Public Float   $ 3,565,613,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 164,414,192  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY