Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net Income	$ 2,784	$ 2,321	$ 676
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) during the period (net of tax of $(13),$12,$53)	(19)	17	134
Less: Reclassification adjustments for net amounts included in net income (net of tax of $(8), $8, $30)	(14)	15	56
Cumulative translation adjustments (net of tax of $26, $57, $(15))	(295)	(257)	403
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Prior service credit (cost) arising during period (net of tax of $(1), $-, $(1))	1	(2)	(1)
Net loss arising during period (net of tax of $(657), $(193), $(257))	(1,524)	(485)	(433)
Less: Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $8, $13, $8)	19	25	20
Less: Amortization of net loss included in net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $130, $92, $40)	241	178	78
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging derivative instruments (net of tax of $(4), $2, $56)	(6)	2	240
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,597)	(507)	497
Comprehensive Income	1,187	1,814	1,173
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	42	11	28
Comprehensive Income Attributable to The Dow Chemical Company	$ 1,145	$ 1,803	$ 1,145