Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 60,278	$ 55,508	$ 48,158
Cost of sales	47,705	43,612	37,668
Research and development expenses	1,536	1,648	1,593
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,846	2,920	2,953
Amortization of intangibles	622	624	544
Restructuring, goodwill impairment and asset related charges - net	620	3,100	595
Integration and separation costs	1,044	786	349
Asbestos-related charge	0	0	1,113
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	950	762	442
Sundry income (expense) - net	181	195	1,486
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount	1,118	976	858
Income before income taxes	5,918	2,799	4,413
Provision for income taxes	1,285	2,204	9
Net income	4,633	595	4,404
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	134	129	86
Net income attributable to The Dow Chemical Company	4,499	466	4,318
Preferred stock dividends	0	0	340
Net income available for The Dow Chemical Company common stockholder	$ 4,499	$ 466	$ 3,978