Cash Proceeds from Indemnity Payment

No definition available.

Name:	dow_CashProceedsfromIndemnityPayment
Namespace Prefix:	dow_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Loss Contingency, loss in Period - Dow's portion

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Carrying amount of reserve for known or estimated probable loss from litigation, which may include attorneys' fees and other litigation costs, which is expected to be paid within one year of the date of the statement of financial position.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6396582&loc=d3e15243-108350

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of judgment or settlement awarded to (against) the entity in respect of litigation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The noncurrent portion of the receivable other than from customers, that is amounts expected to be collected after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NontradeReceivablesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of cash paid for the settlement of litigation or for other legal issues during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 25
-Subparagraph (g)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3536-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis=dow_RockyFlatsMatterDomain
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Rocky Flats Matter) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Jan. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Litigation Settlement, Amount	$ 130		$ 0
Rocky Flats Matter [Domain]
Litigation Settlement, Amount		$ 375
Loss Contingency, loss in Period - Dow's portion		$ 131
Estimated Litigation Liability, Current	130				$ 130
Proceeds from Indemnity Payment				$ 131
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	130
Payments for Legal Settlements	$ 1
Nontrade Receivables, Noncurrent					$ 131