Segment Information Level 4 (Details) - Reconciliation of Segment EBITDA to Net Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset impairments and other non-cash charges	$ (5)	$ (2)	$ (53)	$ (23)
Business realignment costs	(11)	(1)	(29)	(9)
Integration costs	(2)	(5)	(8)	(15)
Net (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations	0	0	0	2
Other	(2)	(10)	2	2
Total adjustments	(20)	(18)	(88)	(43)
Interest expense, net	(66)	(67)	(198)	(196)
Income tax expense	373	5	371	2
Depreciation and amortization	(38)	(43)	(115)	(127)
Net income	364	39	376	165
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)