Segment Information (Reconciliation to Consolidated Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010		Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010		Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment PTOI												$ 5,616		$ 4,862		$ 3,340
Net exchange (losses) gains, includes affiliates												(163)	[1]	(13)	[1]	(205)	[1]
Corporate expenses and net interest												(1,171)		(1,138)		(951)
Income before income taxes	422	[2]	569	1,589	1,702	226	[3]	330	1,568	[4]	1,587	4,282		3,711		2,184
Segment net assets	27,697					19,684						27,697		19,684		18,746
Total	48,492					40,410						48,492		40,410		38,185
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment net assets to total assets	10,355	[5]				11,312	[5]					10,355	[5]	11,312	[5]	10,975	[5]
Liabilities Included in Net Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment net assets to total assets	$ 10,440					$ 9,414						$ 10,440		$ 9,414		$ 8,464

[1] The company routinely uses foreign currency exchange contracts to offset its net exposures, by currency, related to the foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities. The objective of this program is to maintain an approximately balanced position in foreign currencies in order to minimize, on an after-tax basis, the effects of exchange rate changes on net monetary asset positions. The net pre-tax exchange gains and losses are recorded in other income, net and the related tax impact is recorded in provision for income taxes on the Consolidated Income Statements. Exchange gains (losses) related to earnings of affiliates was $1, $(2) and $13 for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

[2] Included a pre-tax gain of $49 recorded in other income, net associated with the sale of a business in the Performance Materials segment and a related tax benefit of $73.

[3] Included a $(179) charge in interest expense associated with the early extinguishment of debt.

[4] Included benefits for the adjustment of accrued interest of $59 ($38 after-tax) in other income, net and the adjustment of income tax accruals of $49 associated with settlements of tax contingencies related to prior years.

[5] Pension assets are included in corporate assets.