Note 17 - Reportable Segments (Details) - Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Net Income (Loss) to Consolidated Net Income - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Note 17 - Reportable Segments (Details) - Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Net Income (Loss) to Consolidated Net Income [Line Items]
Net (loss) income		$ (368)	$ 407
Unallocated amounts:
Net financing costs (1)	[1]	(29)	(24)
Stock-based compensation expense		(9)	(10)
Exploratory research		(27)	(26)
Corporate contributions		(7)	(12)
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments (2)	[2]	56	94
Unrealized loss on foreign currency hedges related to translated earnings		(950)	(120)
Income tax benefit		401	102
Other corporate items		(16)	(2)
Reportable Segments [Member]
Note 17 - Reportable Segments (Details) - Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Net Income (Loss) to Consolidated Net Income [Line Items]
Net (loss) income		298	453
Non Reportable Segments [Member]
Note 17 - Reportable Segments (Details) - Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Net Income (Loss) to Consolidated Net Income [Line Items]
Net (loss) income		$ (85)	$ (48)

[1] Net financing costs include interest income, interest expense, and interest costs and investment gains and losses associated with benefit plans.

[2] Primarily represents the equity earnings of Dow Corning.