Segment And Geographic Information (Total Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 3,266,821	$ 2,954,144
Olefins [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,441,752	1,351,088
Vinyls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	824,825	767,875
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,000,244	$ 835,181