X0303 4 2010-06-02 false 0000090185 SIGMA ALDRICH CORP SIAL 0001201802 NAGARKATTI JAI 3050 SPRUCE STREET ST. LOUIS MO 63103 false true false false President & CEO Common Stock 2010-06-02 4 M false 54600 18.25 A 138021 D Common Stock 2010-06-02 4 M true 5400 18.25 A 143421 D Common Stock 2010-06-02 4 S false 54600 52.3547 D 88821 D Common Stock 2010-06-02 4 F true 1887 52.21 D 86934 D Common Stock 2010-06-03 4 G false 968 52.855 D 85966 D NQ Stock Option Right To Buy 18.25 2010-06-02 4 M false 54600 0 D 2001-11-13 2010-11-13 Common Stock 54600 0 D ISO Stock Option Right To Buy 18.25 2010-06-02 4 M true 5400 18.25 D 2001-11-13 2010-11-13 Common Stock 5400 0 D Stock swap transaction - 5400 exercised, 1887 swapped, net shares acquired 3513 Carrie Fields, Attorney in Fact 2010-06-04