DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Discontinued Operations
Income tax (expense) benefit	$ (7)	$ 2	$ 1	$ (27)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	10	(1)	(5)	48
Australian styrenics business
Discontinued Operations
Revenues	10	8	28	43
Costs and expenses, net of credits	7	(10)	(34)	(72)
Operating income (loss)	17	(2)	(6)	(29)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(7)	3	1	12
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	10	1	(5)	(17)
U.S. Base Chemicals and North American Polymers Dispositions
Discontinued Operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(2)		65
U.S. Base Chemicals and North American Polymers Dispositions | Settlement of fire insurance claims
Discontinued Operations
Pretax gain from the settlement of insurance claims		110
U.S. Base Chemicals and North American Polymers Dispositions | 2005 gulf coast storms
Discontinued Operations
Pretax gain from the settlement of insurance claims		$ 7
Huntsman Chemical Company Australia Pty Ltd ("HCCA")
Discontinued Operations
Number of courts that issued ruling for each pool			1
Number of cases settled	2