Segment Information (Reconciliation to Consolidated Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment PTOI												$ 4,832		$ 5,345		$ 4,613
Net exchange losses, includes affiliates												(215)	[1]	(146)	[1]	(11)	[1]
Corporate expenses and net interest												(1,502)		(1,418)		(1,342)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	(16)	[2]	(174)	1,510	[3]	1,795	303	[4]	451	1,447	1,580	3,115		3,781		3,260
Total segment net assets	25,384						25,551					25,384		25,551		17,542
Assets related to discontinued operations	3,056						0					3,056		0
Total assets	49,736						48,492					49,736		48,492		40,410
Performance Coatings [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets related to discontinued operations	3,056	[5]										3,056	[5]
Assets related to discontinued operations, segment gross assets							2,974	[5]						2,974	[5]	3,032	[5]
Corporate assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment net assets to total assets	10,625	[6]					10,085	[6]				10,625	[6]	10,085	[6]	11,312	[6]
Liabilities included in segment net assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment net assets to total assets	$ 10,671						$ 9,882					$ 10,671		$ 9,882		$ 8,524

[1] The company routinely uses foreign currency exchange contracts to offset its net exposures, by currency, related to the foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities. The objective of this program is to maintain an approximately balanced position in foreign currencies in order to minimize, on an after-tax basis, the effects of exchange rate changes on net monetary asset positions. The net pre-tax exchange gains and losses are recorded in other income, net and the related tax impact is recorded in provision for income taxes on continuing operations on the Consolidated Income Statements. Exchange gains (losses) related to earnings of affiliates was $3, $1 and $(2) for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

[2] Fourth quarter 2012 included a pre-tax gain of $117 recorded in other income, net associated with the sale of a business within the Agriculture segment.

[3] Second quarter 2012 included a a pre-tax gain of $122 recorded in other income, net associated with the sale of an equity method investment in the Electronics & Communications segment.

[4] Fourth quarter 2011 included a pre-tax gain of $49 recorded in other income, net associated with the sale of a business in the Performance Materials segment and a related tax benefit of $73.

[5] See Note 1 for additional information on the presentation of the Performance Coatings business which met the criteria for discontinued operations during 2012.

[6] Pension assets are included in corporate assets.