Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net trade sales	$ 46	$ 52	$ 100	$ 97
Net sales to related companies	1,375	1,980	3,049	3,546
Total Net Sales	1,421	2,032	3,149	3,643
Cost of sales	1,456	1,816	3,114	3,245
Research and development expenses	9	16	19	26
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2	5	5	7
Restructuring charges	0	0	3	0
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	15	18	32	35
Sundry income (expense) - net	(9)	(24)	(22)	(54)
Interest income	3	10	8	21
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount	8	9	15	18
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(45)	190	11	349
Provision (Credit) for income taxes	(16)	63	3	116
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Union Carbide Corporation	(29)	127	8	233
Depreciation	57	60	115	122
Capital Expenditures	$ 45	$ 39	$ 82	$ 67