Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Union Carbide Corporation's Stockholder's Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Union Carbide Corporation's Stockholder's Equity, Beginning at Dec. 31, 2009			$ 0	$ 312	$ 6,131	$ (1,010)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	459				459
Dividends declared					(600)
Other					0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(16)					(16)
Noncontrolling interests							2
Union Carbide Corporation's Stockholder's Equity, Ending at Dec. 31, 2010		5,276	0	312	5,990	(1,026)
Total Equity at Dec. 31, 2010	5,278
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	215				215
Dividends declared					(951)
Other					(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(106)					(106)
Noncontrolling interests	2						2
Union Carbide Corporation's Stockholder's Equity, Ending at Dec. 31, 2011	4,433	4,433	0	312	5,253	(1,132)
Total Equity at Dec. 31, 2011	4,435
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	(114)				(114)
Dividends declared					(784)
Other					0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(213)					(213)
Noncontrolling interests	2						2
Union Carbide Corporation's Stockholder's Equity, Ending at Dec. 31, 2012	3,322	3,322	0	312	4,355	(1,345)
Total Equity at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 3,324