Description Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 years	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings included in retained earnings	$ 14,031
Capitalized interest	693	22	123
Goodwill	29,990	29,990
Maturity	2016
Amortization period, minimum (in years)	3
Amortization period, maximum (in years)	6
Other assets amortization period, minimum (in years)	2
Other assets amortization period, maximum (in years)	20
Exchange receivable (payable), net	14,557	950
Removal And Disposal Of Hazardous Materials [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Asset retirement obligation recorded	$ 0
PVC Joint Venture In China [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Ownership interest	59.00%
Natural Gas Pipeline Joint Venture [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Ownership interest	50.00%
6 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2035 [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.50%
Maturity	2035
GO Zone 6 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2032 [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.75%	6.75%
Maturity	2032