Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment sales	$ 11,345		$ 10,137
Less: Transfers	115		103
Net sales	11,230		10,034
PTOI	2,327		2,125
Agriculture [Member]
Segment sales	4,080	[1]	3,504	[1]
Less: Transfers	2	[1]	0	[1]
Net sales	4,078	[1]	3,504	[1]
PTOI	1,264	[1],[2]	1,111	[1]
Segment Reporting Information, Net Assets	7,509				4,765
Increase in net assets	2,744
Product claims	(50)
Electronics and Communications [Member]
Segment sales	677		811
Less: Transfers	4		5
Net sales	673		806
PTOI	33		111
Industrial Biosciences [Member]
Segment sales	288		0
Less: Transfers	3		0
Net sales	285		0
PTOI	41		0
Nutrition and Health [Member]
Segment sales	808		324
Less: Transfers	0		0
Net sales	808		324
PTOI	83		25
Performance Chemicals [Member]
Segment sales	1,900		1,797
Less: Transfers	77		67
Net sales	1,823		1,730
PTOI	512		394
Performance Coatings [Member]
Segment sales	1,050		993
Less: Transfers	0		0
Net sales	1,050		993
PTOI	87		65
Performance Materials [Member]
Segment sales	1,600		1,707
Less: Transfers	26		28
Net sales	1,574		1,679
PTOI	240		288
Safety and Protection [Member]
Segment sales	941		965
Less: Transfers	3		3
Net sales	938		962
PTOI	100		145
Pharmaceuticals [Member]
Segment sales	0		0
Less: Transfers	0		0
Net sales	0		0
PTOI	27		50
Other [Member]
Segment sales	1		36
Less: Transfers	0		0
Net sales	1		36
PTOI	$ (60)		$ (64)

[1] As of March 31, 2012, Agriculture net assets were $7,509, an increase of $2,744 from $4,765 at December 31, 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher trade receivables due to normal seasonality in the sales and cash collections cycle.

[2] Included a $(50) charge recorded in cost of goods sold and other operating charges associated with the company's process to fairly resolve claims associated with the use of Imprelis®. See Note 7 for additional information.