Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Union Carbide Corporation	$ (114)	$ 215	$ 459
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (tax amounts shown below for 2012, 2011, 2010)
Cumulative translation adjustments	(4)	3	6
Cumulative unrealized losses on investments	0	0	(1)
Pension and other post-retirement plans:
Net loss arising during period (net of tax of $(141), $(83), $(31))	250	166	61
Less: Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $2, $2, $2)	3	3	3
Less: Amortization of net loss included in net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $22, $31, $22)	38	54	37
Total other comprehensive loss	(213)	(106)	(16)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Union Carbide Corporation	$ (327)	$ 109	$ 443