Segment Information Level 4 (Details) - EBITDA by Segment (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Epoxy, Phenolic and Coating Resins [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment EBITDA [Line Items]	$ 76	$ 126	$ 291	$ 433
Forest Products Resins [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment EBITDA [Line Items]	49	46	151	141
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment EBITDA [Line Items]	$ (10)	$ (10)	$ (36)	$ (45)