Background and Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Background and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

Background and Basis of Presentation

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc., (which may be referred to as “MSC” or the “Company”) serves global industrial markets through a broad range of thermoset technologies, specialty products and technical support for customers in a diverse range of applications and industries. At December 31, 2013, Company had 62 production and manufacturing facilities, with 26 located in the United States. The Company’s business is organized based on the products offered and the markets served. At December 31, 2013, the Company had two reportable segments: Epoxy, Phenolic and Coating Resins and Forest Products Resins.

The Company’s direct parent is Momentive Specialty Chemicals Holdings LLC (“MSC Holdings”), a holding company and wholly owned subsidiary of Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC (“Momentive Holdings”), the ultimate parent entity of MSC. On October 1, 2010, MSC Holdings and Momentive Performance Materials Holdings Inc. (“MPM Holdings”), the parent company of Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “MPM”), became subsidiaries of Momentive Holdings. This transaction is referred to as the “Momentive Combination.” Momentive Holdings is controlled by investment funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. (together with Apollo Global Management, LLC and its subsidiaries, “Apollo”). Apollo may also be referred to as the Company’s owner.

As of December 31, 2013, the Company has elected not to apply push-down accounting of its parent’s basis as a result of the Momentive Combination because it is a public reporting registrant as a result of significant public debt that was outstanding before and after the Momentive Combination.