SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 segment	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment information
Number of reportable segments			3
Segment information
Net sales	$ 867,713	$ 831,711	$ 1,727,642	$ 1,619,648
Gain on sale of assets		(1,150)	(17,386)	(1,150)
Transaction related costs, restructuring and other, net	6,645	443	11,581	1,025
Operating income (loss)	28,400	35,510	96,655	72,151
Depreciation and amortization	22,373	26,392	44,975	51,842
Chlorovinyls
Segment information
Net sales	339,861	323,663	669,374	649,983
Intersegment revenues	73,210	70,439	138,978	134,700
Gain on sale of assets		(1,150)	(17,386)	(1,150)
Transaction related costs, restructuring and other, net				635
Operating income (loss)	34,461	37,826	86,378	75,565
Depreciation and amortization	11,375	14,582	22,483	29,181
Aromatics
Segment information
Net sales	275,479	233,892	618,656	538,005
Operating income (loss)	(2,392)	(7,448)	35,164	12,334
Depreciation and amortization	378	353	761	713
Building Products
Segment information
Net sales	252,373	274,156	439,612	431,660
Intersegment revenues	137		314	3
Transaction related costs, restructuring and other, net	(471)	443	(719)	390
Operating income (loss)	15,429	16,891	9,004	4,825
Depreciation and amortization	9,484	10,390	19,478	19,749
Eliminations, Unallocated and Other
Segment information
Intersegment revenues	(73,347)	(70,439)	(139,292)	(134,703)
Transaction related costs, restructuring and other, net	7,116		12,300
Operating income (loss)	(19,098)	(11,759)	(33,891)	(20,573)
Depreciation and amortization	$ 1,136	$ 1,067	$ 2,253	$ 2,199