Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 14,899	$ 13,230
Cost of sales	11,552	10,194
Research and development expenses	386	419
Selling, general and administrative expenses	751	759
Amortization of intangibles	159	155
Restructuring and asset related charges (credits) - net	165	(1)
Integration and separation costs	202	109
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	243	196
Sundry income (expense) - net	83	(444)
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount	270	219
Income before income taxes	1,740	1,128
Provision for income taxes	363	213
Net income	1,377	915
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	35	27
Net income available for The Dow Chemical Company common stockholder	1,342	888
Depreciation	621	578
Capital expenditures	$ 423	$ 754