Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (Deficit) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Notes Receivable From Parent [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]		Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Total Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ (1,765)	$ 1	$ 533	$ (296)	$ (24)	$ 17	[1]	$ (1,997)	$ (1,766)	$ 1
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	12	0	0	0	0	0		12	12	0
Other comprehensive loss	(14)	0	0	0	0	(14)		0	(14)	0
Stock-based compensation expense	2	0	2	0	0	0		0	2	0
Distribution declared to parent ($0.02 per share)	(2)	0	(2)	0	0	0		0	(2)	0
Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	$ (1,767)	$ 1	$ 533	$ (296)	$ (24)	$ 3	[1]	$ (1,985)	$ (1,768)	$ 1

[1] Accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2012 represents $115 of net foreign currency translation gains, net of tax and a $112 unrealized loss, net of tax, related to net actuarial losses and prior service costs for the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2011 represents $130 of net foreign currency translation gains, net of tax, $1 of net deferred losses on cash flow hedges and a $112 unrealized loss, net of tax, related to net actuarial losses and prior service costs for the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans