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	376	0	0	0	0	0		376	376	0
Other comprehensive loss	5	0	0	0	0	5		0	5	0
Stock-based compensation expense	3	0	3	0	0	0		0	3	0
Non-cash captial contribution from parent	218	0	218	0	0	0		0	218	0
Distribution declared to parent ($0.02 per share)	(2)	0	(2)	0	0	0		0	(2)	0
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	$ (1,165)	$ 1	$ 752	$ (296)	$ (24)	$ 22	[1]	$ (1,621)	$ (1,166)	$ 1

[1] Accumulated other comprehensive income at September 30, 2012 represents $133 of net foreign currency translation gains, net of tax and a $111 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. 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