Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted	Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment," which revises what qualifies as a discontinued operation, changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This ASU will be effective for the Company for applicable transactions occurring after January 1, 2015. We will prospectively apply the guidance to applicable transactions. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Auditing Standards Update 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (ASU 2014-09). Under this standard, a company recognizes revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard implements a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control. It will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2017, with early adoption not permitted. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements as well as the method by which we will adopt the new standard.
Consolidation And Basis Of Presentation	Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PolyOne and its subsidiaries. All majority-owned affiliates over which we have control are consolidated. Transactions with related parties, including joint ventures, are in the ordinary course of business.
Reclassification	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications of the prior period amounts and presentation have been made to conform to the presentation for the current period.
Use Of Estimates	Use of Estimates Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of less than three months to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We evaluate the collectability of receivables based on a combination of factors. We regularly analyze significant customer accounts and, when we become aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us, such as in the case of a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, we record a specific allowance for bad debt to reduce the related receivable to the amount we reasonably believe is collectible. We also record bad debt allowances for all other customers based on a variety of factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, the financial health of the customer, economic conditions and historical experience. In estimating the allowances, we take into consideration the existence of credit insurance. If circumstances related to specific customers change, our estimates of the recoverability of receivables could be adjusted further. Accounts receivable balances are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after a final determination of uncollectability has been made.
Inventories	Inventories External purchases of raw materials and finished goods are valued at weighted average cost. Manufactured finished goods are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
Long-lived Assets	Long-lived Assets Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost, net of depreciation and amortization that is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally ranges from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment and up to 40 years for buildings. During 2013 and 2014, we depreciated certain assets associated with closing manufacturing locations over a shortened life (through a cease-use date). Software is amortized over periods not exceeding 10 years. Property, plant and equipment is generally depreciated on accelerated methods for income tax purposes. We expense repair and maintenance costs as incurred. We capitalize replacements and betterments that increase the estimated useful life of an asset. We retain fully depreciated assets in property and accumulated depreciation accounts until we remove them from service. In the case of sale, retirement or disposal, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation balance is removed from the respective account, and the resulting net amount, less any proceeds, is included as a component of income from continuing operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. We account for operating leases under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 840, Leases.
Intangible Assets	Finite-lived intangible assets, which consist primarily of customer relationships, patents and technology are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The remaining useful lives range up to 22 years.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets	We assess the recoverability of long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that we may not be able to recover the assets’ carrying amount. We measure the recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the expected future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset. We measure the amount of impairment of long-lived assets as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally determined based on projected discounted future cash flows or appraised values.
Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets of the acquired business. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units have been identified at the operating segment level, or in some cases, one level below the operating segment level. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Our annual measurement date for testing impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles is October 1st. We completed our testing of impairment as of October 1, noting no impairment in 2014, 2013 or 2012. The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment would require an interim assessment for some or all of the reporting units prior to the next required annual assessment on October 1, 2015. Refer to Note 19, Fair Value, for further discussion of our approach for assessing the fair value of goodwill.
Litigation Reserves	Litigation Reserves FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies, requires that we accrue for loss contingencies associated with outstanding litigation, claims and assessments for which management has determined it is probable that a loss contingency exists and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We record expense associated with professional fees related to litigation claims and assessments as incurred. Refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for further information.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivative and Hedging, requires that all derivative financial instruments, such as foreign exchange contracts, be recognized in the financial statements and measured at fair value, regardless of the purpose or intent in holding them. We are exposed to foreign currency changes in the normal course of business. We have established policies and procedures that manage this exposure through the use of financial instruments. By policy, we do not enter into these instruments for trading purposes or speculation. These instruments are not designated as hedges and, as a result, are adjusted to fair value, with the resulting gains and losses recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income immediately.
Pension And Other Post-Retirement Plans	Pension and Other Post-retirement Plans We account for our pensions and other post-retirement benefits in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits. This standard requires us to (1) recognize the funded status of the benefit plans in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, (2) recognize, as a component of other comprehensive income or net periodic benefit cost, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period and (3) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of December 31. We immediately recognize actuarial gains and losses in our operating results in the year in which the gains or losses occur. Refer to Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, for more information.
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, requires disclosures of the fair value of financial instruments. The estimated fair values of financial instruments were principally based on market prices where such prices were available and, where unavailable, fair values were estimated based on market prices of similar instruments. See Note 19, Fair Value, for further discussion.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation Revenues and expenses are translated at average currency exchange rates during the related period. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated using the exchange rate at the end of the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, including intercompany transactions that are not considered permanent investments, are included in Other expense, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when the revenue is realized or realizable and has been earned. We recognize revenue when a firm sales agreement is in place, shipment has occurred and collectability is reasonably assured.
Shipping And Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.
Research And Development Expense	Research and Development Expense Research and development costs from continuing operations, which were $53.4 million in 2014, $52.6 million in 2013 and $41.3 million in 2012, are charged to expense as incurred.
Environmental Costs	Environmental Costs We expense costs that are associated with managing hazardous substances and pollution in ongoing operations on a current basis. Costs associated with environmental contamination are accrued when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred and our proportionate share of the cost can be reasonably estimated. Any such provision is recognized using the Company's best estimate of the amount of loss incurred, or at the lower end of an estimated range, when a single best estimate is not determinable. In some cases, the Company may be able to recover a portion of the costs relating to these obligations from insurers or other third parties; however, the Company records such amounts only when it is probable that they will be collected.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation We account for share-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which requires us to estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2014, we had one active share-based employee compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 15, Share-Based Compensation.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred income tax liabilities and assets are determined based upon the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the tax rate and laws currently in effect. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, we evaluate our deferred income taxes to determine whether a valuation allowance should be established against the deferred tax assets or whether the valuation allowance should be reduced based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard.

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment," which revises what qualifies as a discontinued operation, changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This ASU will be effective for the Company for applicable transactions occurring after January 1, 2015. We will prospectively apply the guidance to applicable transactions.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Auditing Standards Update 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (ASU 2014-09). Under this standard, a company recognizes revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard implements a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control. It will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2017, with early adoption not permitted. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements as well as the method by which we will adopt the new standard.

Consolidation And Basis Of Presentation

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PolyOne and its subsidiaries. All majority-owned affiliates over which we have control are consolidated. Transactions with related parties, including joint ventures, are in the ordinary course of business.

Reclassification

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of the prior period amounts and presentation have been made to conform to the presentation for the current period.

Use Of Estimates

Use of Estimates

Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of less than three months to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of receivables based on a combination of factors. We regularly analyze significant customer accounts and, when we become aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us, such as in the case of a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, we record a specific allowance for bad debt to reduce the related receivable to the amount we reasonably believe is collectible. We also record bad debt allowances for all other customers based on a variety of factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, the financial health of the customer, economic conditions and historical experience. In estimating the allowances, we take into consideration the existence of credit insurance. If circumstances related to specific customers change, our estimates of the recoverability of receivables could be adjusted further. Accounts receivable balances are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after a final determination of uncollectability has been made.

Inventories

External purchases of raw materials and finished goods are valued at weighted average cost. Manufactured finished goods are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Long-lived Assets

Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost, net of depreciation and amortization that is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally ranges from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment and up to 40 years for buildings. During 2013 and 2014, we depreciated certain assets associated with closing manufacturing locations over a shortened life (through a cease-use date). Software is amortized over periods not exceeding 10 years. Property, plant and equipment is generally depreciated on accelerated methods for income tax purposes. We expense repair and maintenance costs as incurred. We capitalize replacements and betterments that increase the estimated useful life of an asset.

We retain fully depreciated assets in property and accumulated depreciation accounts until we remove them from service. In the case of sale, retirement or disposal, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation balance is removed from the respective account, and the resulting net amount, less any proceeds, is included as a component of income from continuing operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

We account for operating leases under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 840, Leases.

Intangible Assets

Finite-lived intangible assets, which consist primarily of customer relationships, patents and technology are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The remaining useful lives range up to 22 years.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

We assess the recoverability of long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that we may not be able to recover the assets’ carrying amount. We measure the recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the expected future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset. We measure the amount of impairment of long-lived assets as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally determined based on projected discounted future cash flows or appraised values.

Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets of the acquired business. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units have been identified at the operating segment level, or in some cases, one level below the operating segment level. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition.

Our annual measurement date for testing impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles is October 1st. We completed our testing of impairment as of October 1, noting no impairment in 2014, 2013 or 2012. The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment would require an interim assessment for some or all of the reporting units prior to the next required annual assessment on October 1, 2015. Refer to Note 19, Fair Value, for further discussion of our approach for assessing the fair value of goodwill.

Litigation Reserves

FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies, requires that we accrue for loss contingencies associated with outstanding litigation, claims and assessments for which management has determined it is probable that a loss contingency exists and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We record expense associated with professional fees related to litigation claims and assessments as incurred. Refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for further information.

Derivative Financial Instruments

FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivative and Hedging, requires that all derivative financial instruments, such as foreign exchange contracts, be recognized in the financial statements and measured at fair value, regardless of the purpose or intent in holding them.

We are exposed to foreign currency changes in the normal course of business. We have established policies and procedures that manage this exposure through the use of financial instruments. By policy, we do not enter into these instruments for trading purposes or speculation. These instruments are not designated as hedges and, as a result, are adjusted to fair value, with the resulting gains and losses recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income immediately.

Pension And Other Post-Retirement Plans

Pension and Other Post-retirement Plans

We account for our pensions and other post-retirement benefits in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits. This standard requires us to (1) recognize the funded status of the benefit plans in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, (2) recognize, as a component of other comprehensive income or net periodic benefit cost, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period and (3) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of December 31. We immediately recognize actuarial gains and losses in our operating results in the year in which the gains or losses occur. Refer to Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, for more information.

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, requires disclosures of the fair value of financial instruments. The estimated fair values of financial instruments were principally based on market prices where such prices were available and, where unavailable, fair values were estimated based on market prices of similar instruments. See Note 19, Fair Value, for further discussion.

Foreign Currency Translation

Revenues and expenses are translated at average currency exchange rates during the related period. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated using the exchange rate at the end of the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, including intercompany transactions that are not considered permanent investments, are included in Other expense, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when the revenue is realized or realizable and has been earned. We recognize revenue when a firm sales agreement is in place, shipment has occurred and collectability is reasonably assured.

Shipping And Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.

Research And Development Expense

Research and Development Expense

Research and development costs from continuing operations, which were $53.4 million in 2014, $52.6 million in 2013 and $41.3 million in 2012, are charged to expense as incurred.

Environmental Costs

We expense costs that are associated with managing hazardous substances and pollution in ongoing operations on a current basis. Costs associated with environmental contamination are accrued when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred and our proportionate share of the cost can be reasonably estimated. Any such provision is recognized using the Company's best estimate of the amount of loss incurred, or at the lower end of an estimated range, when a single best estimate is not determinable. In some cases, the Company may be able to recover a portion of the costs relating to these obligations from insurers or other third parties; however, the Company records such amounts only when it is probable that they will be collected.

Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which requires us to estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2014, we had one active share-based employee compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 15, Share-Based Compensation.

Income Taxes

Deferred income tax liabilities and assets are determined based upon the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the tax rate and laws currently in effect. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, we evaluate our deferred income taxes to determine whether a valuation allowance should be established against the deferred tax assets or whether the valuation allowance should be reduced based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard.