Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Union Carbide Corporation	$ (29)	$ 127	$ 8	$ 233
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Cumulative translation adjustments	1	2	(1)	2
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans adjustments	11	14	20	29
Total other comprehensive income	12	16	19	31
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Union Carbide Corporation	$ (17)	$ 143	$ 27	$ 264