Employee Separation / Asset Related Charges, Net (2012 Restructuring Program) (Narrative) (Details) (Restructuring Program 2012 [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected pre-tax charge for program	$ 210
Restructuring charge	152	152
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	59
Agriculture [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	3	3
Electronics and Communications [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	7	7
Industrial Biosciences [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	3	3
Nutrition and Health [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	13	13
Performance Chemicals [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	3	3
Performance Materials [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	9	9
Safety and Protection [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	55	55
Asset Related [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	19	19
Asset Related [Member] | Asset Impairment Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	17
Asset Related [Member] | Asset Shut Down Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	2
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	$ 133	$ 133