Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Parent Company [Member] 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 Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Statement [Abstract] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Net Sales Net Sales Cost of Revenue Cost of goods sold Cost of Revenue, Total Gross Profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses The net expense/gain incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use; (3) to sell or dispose of tangible assets; or (4) for other nonrecurring items, not previously categorized, that are infrequent in occurrence or unusual in nature. Research And Development Expense And Other Operating Income (Expense) Research, development and other operating expenses, net Operating Income Operating Income Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense Other income (loss), net Other income (loss), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total The difference between the reacquisition price and the net carrying amount of the extinguished debt recognized currently as a component of income in the period of extinguishment and the write-off of amounts previously capitalized as debt issuance cost in an extinguishment of debt. Loss on Debt Extinguishment Loss on debt extinguishment Loss on debt extinguishment The consolidated profit or loss for the period including earnings on equity method investments, before income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest. Net Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax Expense Income tax expense Income tax expense Income from Continuing Operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (Income) Loss from discontinued operations,net of tax (Income) Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Loss from Discontinue Operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax (Income) Loss from discontinued operations,net of tax Net income (loss) ProfitLoss Net Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss) Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) attributable to Solutia Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) per Share attributable to Solutia: The amount of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Solutia for each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period and for each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Income Loss From Continuing Operations Attributable To Solutia Per Basic And Diluted Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations attributable to Solutia The amount of income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of related tax effect, per each share outstanding and each dilutive share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Basic And Diluted Share Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax The amount of net income or loss for the period per each share of common stock and dilutive share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Solutia Net Income (Loss) attributable to Solutia Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): Currency translation adjustments Accumulated currency adjustments Currency translation adjustments Pension settlement Pension settlement Pension settlement charge Unrealized gain on derivative instruments Realized Loss on derivative instruments Realized loss on derivative instruments Amortization of net actuarial loss Pension settlement Amortization of net actuarial loss Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss) attributable to Solutia Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] ASSETS End of period End of period Beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Trade receivables, net of allowances of $3 in 2010 and $2 in 2009 Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Miscellaneous receivables Nontrade Receivables, Total Inventory Net Inventories Inventory, Net, Total Prepaid expenses and other assets Assets of discontinued operations Assets of discontinued operations Total Current Assets Total Current Assets Property Plant And Equipment Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Net Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Also includes amount of goodwill at the balance sheet date after fresh-start adjustments and any goodwill impairment. Goodwill And Postconfirmation Goodwill Goodwill Net Identified Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Other Assets Other Assets Assets Total Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts payable Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current, Total Liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of discontinued operations Total Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total Postretirement Liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Environmental Remediation Liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities Other Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity: Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock at $0.01 par value; (500,000,000 shares authorized, 122,529,368 and 121,869,293 shares issued in 2010 and 2009, respectively) Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Additional Paid In Capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional contributed capital Additional contributed capital Treasury shares, at cost (417,517 in 2009 and 77,132 in 2008) Treasury shares, at cost (547,578 in 2010 and 430,203 in 2009) Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Accumulated deficit Accumulated deficit Total Shareholders Equity attributable to Solutia Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Total Shareholders' Equity attributable to Solutia MinorityInterest MinorityInterest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Equity attributable to noncontrolling interest Equity attributable to non-controlling interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Trade receivables, allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Common stock, par or stated value per share Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operations: Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total The amount of pension benefit costs recognized during the period less the cash and cash equivalent contributions made during the period for defined benefit plans. Pension expense includes the following components: service cost, interest cost, and expected return on plan assets. Pension obligation related expense less than contributions The amount of costs recognized during the period for non-pension postretirement benefits, such as medical, life insurance, disability medical, and disability income less the cash and cash equivalent contributions to fund other post retirement benefits. Other post retirement benefit obligation related expense less than contributions Other postretirement benefit obligation related expense less than contributions Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and debt discount Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts, Total Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Includes cash and noncash elements of income or loss from continuing operations that do not arise from or are not representative of our future operating results, including restructuring costs. Other Charges (Gains) Including Restructuring Abstract Other charges: Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Non-cash loss on deferred debt issuance cost and debt discount write-off Includes cash and noncash elements of income or loss from continuing operations that do not arise from or are not representative of our future operating results, including restructuring costs. Other charges (gains) including restructuring Other charges, including restructuring expenses Changes in assets and liabilities: Income taxes payable Trade receivables Trade receivables Inventories Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Accounts payable Accounts payable Environmental Expense And Liabilities Environmental Expense And Liabilities Environmental remediation liabilities Environmental remediation liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Restricted cash for environmental remediation and other legacy payments Other assets and liabilities Other assets and liabilities Other assets and liabilities Other assets and liabilities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operations Continuing Operations Cash Provided by Operations - Continuing Operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operations - Discontinued Operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities - Discontinued Operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operations Cash Provided by Operations INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Property, plant and equipment purchases Property, plant and equipment purchases Property, plant and equipment purchases Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition payments Acquisition payments Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Property disposals Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets, Total Cash Used in Investing Activities Continuing Operations Cash Used in Investing Activities - Continuing Operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities - Discontinued Operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities - Discontinued Operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities - Discontinued Operations Cash Used in Investing Activities Cash Used in Investing Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from (Repayments of) Bank Overdrafts Net change in lines of credit Proceeds from long-term debt obligations Proceeds from long-term debt obligations Repayments Of Long Term Debt Payment of long-term debt obligations Payment of long-term debt obligations Net change in long-term revolving credit facilities Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Long-term Debt, Total Proceeds from stock issuance Proceeds from Short-term Debt Proceeds from short-term debt obligations Proceeds from Short-term Debt, Total Repayments of Short-term Debt Payment of short-term debt obligations Payment of short-term debt obligations Repayments of Short-term Debt, Total Debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs Purchase of treasury shares Purchase of treasury shares Treasury stock purchases Other, net Other, net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash payments for interest Cash payments for interest IncomeTaxesPaidNet Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds Acquisitions and Divestitures [Abstract] Non-Cash Investing Activities: Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Capital expenditures included in accounts payable Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common Stock Additional Contributed Capital Treasury Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Deficit Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract Comprehensive income: Issuance of common stock Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interest Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury stock purchases Share-based compensation expense Background and Basis for Presentation Background and Basis for Presentation [Abstract] Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies Description of a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. This element may be used as a single block of text to encapsulate the entire disclosure (including data and tables) regarding business combinations. Disclosure also includes the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain or loss recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain or loss, amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations). Acquisitions And Divestitures Text Block Acquisitions and Divestitures Share-Based Compensation [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Text Block Share-Based Compensation Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract] Detail of inventories, property, plant and equipment, net and other balance sheet accounts meeting the requirements of 210.5-02 of SEC Regulation S-X Detail Of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts [Text Block] Detail Of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes Restructuring Reserves [Abstract] Restructuring Costs, Total Restructuring And Related Activities Disclosure Text Block Restructuring Reserves Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Derivatives and Risk Management [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivatives and Risk Management Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures Text Block Fair Value of Financial Instruments Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Debt Obligations [Abstract] Debt Obligations Segment Data [Abstract] Segment Data Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Schedule Of Condensed Financial Statements Text Block Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Scenario, Actual [Member]