Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | AgroFresh [Member] | AgroFresh [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Impairment charge		$ 143
Accounts Receivable - Allowance for Doubtful Receivables
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 110	94	$ 110
Additions charged to expenses	33	31	24
Additions charged to other accounts 1	3	0	2
Deductions from reserves	(29)	(15)	(42)
Balance at end of year	117	110	94
Inventory - Obsolescence Reserve
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	123	152	135
Additions charged to expenses	40	29	63
Deductions from reserves	(48)	(58)	(46)
Balance at end of year	115	123	152
Reserves for Other Investments and Noncurrent Receivables
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	358	494	477
Additions charged to expenses	83	153	108
Deductions from reserves	(4)	(289)	(91)
Balance at end of year	437	358	494
Reserves for Other Investments and Noncurrent Receivables | Dow Corning Corporation [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Deductions from reserves		(237)
Deferred Tax Assets - Valuation Allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	1,061	1,000	1,106
Additions charged to expenses	370	155	67
Deductions from reserves	(60)	(94)	(173)
Balance at end of year	$ 1,371	$ 1,061	$ 1,000