Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net trade sales	$ 35	$ 43	$ 135	$ 140
Net sales to related companies	1,465	1,794	4,514	5,340
Total Net Sales	1,500	1,837	4,649	5,480
Cost of sales	1,448	1,807	4,562	5,052
Research and development expenses	8	12	27	38
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2	2	7	9
Restructuring charges	0	0	3	0
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	16	15	48	50
Sundry income (expense) - net	(20)	(19)	(42)	(73)
Interest income	3	7	11	28
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount	7	9	22	27
Income Before Income Taxes	34	10	45	359
Provision (Credit) for income taxes	9	(12)	12	104
Net Income Attributable to Union Carbide Corporation	25	22	33	255
Depreciation	51	57	166	179
Capital Expenditures	$ 47	$ 29	$ 129	$ 96