Cover Page	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-16091
Entity Registrant Name	POLYONE CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Entity Tax Identification Number	34-1730488
Entity Address, Address Line One	33587 Walker Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Avon Lake
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	44012
City Area Code	440
Local Phone Number	930-1000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, par value $.01 per share
Trading Symbol	POL
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	91,397,264
Entity Central Index Key	0001122976
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31