Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net trade sales	$ 177	[1]	$ 186	[1]	$ 168	[1]
Net sales to related companies	6,070		6,694		6,337
Total Net Sales	6,247		6,880		6,505
Cost of sales	6,088		6,493		5,940
Research and development expenses	35		47		43
Selling, general and administrative expenses	10		10		13
Restructuring charges	74		0		2
Asbestos-related credit	0		0		54
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	59		69		50
Sundry income (expense) - net	(182)		(96)		(10)
Interest income	14		33		55
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount	28		34		37
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(97)		302		619
Provision for income taxes	17		87		160
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Union Carbide Corporation	$ (114)		$ 215		$ 459

[1] Of the total sales to external customers, China represented approximately 21 percent in 2012, 7 percent in 2011 and 2 percent in 2010, and Malaysia represented approximately 10 percent in 2012, 5 percent in 2011 and 6 percent in 2010, both of which are included in Asia Pacific.