Employee Separation / Asset Related Charges, Net (Narrative) (2011) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	$ 14	$ 50	$ (34)	$ 210
Restructuring Reserve	61	61
Restructuring Program 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge		53
Restructuring Reserve, Payments		(4)
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment		(1)
Restructuring Reserve	48	48
Industrial Biosciences [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge		9
Industrial Biosciences [Member] | Restructuring Program 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge		9
Nutrition and Health [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge		14
Nutrition and Health [Member] | Restructuring Program 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge		14
Other Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge		28		1
Other Segment [Member] | Restructuring Program 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge		$ 30