Restructuring Level 4 (Details) - Restructuring by Segment (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs expected to be incurred		$ 35
Cumulative restructuring costs, Incurred to Date		19
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued liability, Beginning Balance		6
Restructuring charges	1	13
Payments		(7)
Accrued liability, Ending Balance	12	12
Epoxy, Phenolic and Coating Resins [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs expected to be incurred		14
Cumulative restructuring costs, Incurred to Date		4
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued liability, Beginning Balance		1
Restructuring charges		3
Payments		(2)
Accrued liability, Ending Balance	2	2
Forest Products Resins [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs expected to be incurred		19
Cumulative restructuring costs, Incurred to Date		14
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued liability, Beginning Balance		2
Restructuring charges		12
Payments		(5)
Accrued liability, Ending Balance	9	9
Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs expected to be incurred		2
Cumulative restructuring costs, Incurred to Date		1
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued liability, Beginning Balance		3
Restructuring charges		(2)
Payments		0
Accrued liability, Ending Balance	$ 1	$ 1