Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net trade sales	$ 52	$ 46	$ 92	$ 100
Net sales to related companies	1,670	1,375	3,345	3,049
Total Net Sales	1,722	1,421	3,437	3,149
Cost of sales	1,630	1,456	3,202	3,114
Research and development expenses	5	9	13	19
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3	2	6	5
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	3
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	28	15	60	32
Sundry income (expense) - net	(11)	(9)	(27)	(22)
Interest income	2	3	5	8
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount	8	8	15	15
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	95	(45)	239	11
Provision (Credit) for income taxes	15	(16)	107	3
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Union Carbide Corporation	80	(29)	132	8
Depreciation	50	57	101	115
Capital Expenditures	$ 29	$ 45	$ 47	$ 82