Segment And Geographic Information (Capital Expenditures) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 386,882	$ 176,843	$ 81,269
Olefins [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	135,886	90,641	37,865
Vinyls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	246,827	84,192	42,371
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 4,169	$ 2,010	$ 1,033