Segment And Geographic Information (Capital Expenditures) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 176,843	$ 81,269	$ 99,769
Olefins [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	90,641	37,865	40,251
Vinyls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	84,192	42,371	58,186
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 2,010	$ 1,033	$ 1,332