Restructuring Level 4 (Details) - Restructuring by Segment (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs expected to be incurred		$ 33
Cumulative restructuring costs, Incurred to Date		26
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued liability, Beginning Balance		6
Restructuring charges	7	20
Payments		(12)
Accrued liability, Ending Balance	14	14
Epoxy, Phenolic and Coating Resins [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs expected to be incurred		12
Cumulative restructuring costs, Incurred to Date		7
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued liability, Beginning Balance		1
Restructuring charges		6
Payments		(3)
Accrued liability, Ending Balance	4	4
Forest Products Resins [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs expected to be incurred		19
Cumulative restructuring costs, Incurred to Date		18
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued liability, Beginning Balance		2
Restructuring charges		16
Payments		(9)
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