Proposed Merger with Dow Chemical (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Proposed Merger with Dow Chemical [Abstract]
Merger related transaction costs	$ 122	$ 222

Transaction costs associated with the planned merger with the Dow Chemical Company.

No definition available.

Name:	dd_Mergerrelatedtransactioncosts
Namespace Prefix:	dd_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration