Cash consideration received during the reporting period for settlement of a litigation matter (gain contingency).

No definition available.

Name:	dow_GainContingencyCashSettlement
Namespace Prefix:	dow_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of gain recognized in the period that had been disclosed in prior periods as a contingent gain.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6397426&loc=d3e17499-108355

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FormerGainContingencyRecognizedInCurrentPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainContingenciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount or range of possible amounts of gain that could be realized upon the resolution of a contingency.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (K-Dow) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified		0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 K-Dow Matter [Member]	May 07, 2013 K-Dow Matter [Member] Positive Outcome of Litigation [Member]	May 24, 2012 K-Dow Matter [Member] Positive Outcome of Litigation [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Final Interest and Costs Awarded [Member] Positive Outcome of Litigation [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Cost of Sales [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] K-Dow Matter [Member] Positive Outcome of Litigation [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Impact to Sundry income (expense) [Member] Corporate Segment [Member] K-Dow Matter [Member] Positive Outcome of Litigation [Member]
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount			$ 2,161	$ 318
Gain Contingency Cash Settlement		2,195
Former Gain Contingency, Recognized in Current Period	$ 2,195				$ 34	$ 2,161