Ashland 10-K 20 Nov 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ASHLAND INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,305,014
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 6,720,671,412
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | shares	66,792,600
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015

Statements of Consolidated Comp

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 5,387	$ 6,121	$ 6,091
Cost of sales	3,814	4,605	4,304
Gross profit	1,573	1,516	1,787
Selling, general and administrative expense	1,028	1,358	670
Research and development expense	110	114	142
Equity and other income - Note D	23	2	64
Operating income	458	46	1,039
Net interest and other financing expense - Note I	174	166	282
Net gain (loss) on divestitures - Note B	(115)	4	(8)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	169	(116)	749
Income tax expense (benefit) - Note L	(22)	(188)	196
Income from continuing operations	191	72	553
Income from discontinued operations (net of tax) - Note C	118	161	130
Net income	$ 309	$ 233	$ 683
Basic earnings per share
Income from continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 2.81	$ 0.94	$ 7.06
Income from discontinued operations (usd per share)	1.73	2.10	1.65
Net income (usd per share)	4.54	3.04	8.71
Diluted earnings per share
Income from continuing operations (usd per share)	2.78	0.93	6.95
Income from discontinued operations (usd per share)	1.70	2.07	1.62
Net income (usd per share)	$ 4.48	$ 3	$ 8.57
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income	$ 309	$ 233	$ 683
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized translation gain (loss)	(369)	(160)	37
Pension and postretirement obligation adjustment	(18)	(21)	(5)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities	(11)	0	0
Net change in interest rate hedges	0	0	38
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(398)	(181)	70
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (89)	$ 52	$ 753

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 1,257	$ 1,393
Accounts receivable	[1]	961	1,202
Inventories - Note A		706	765
Deferred income taxes - Note L		155	118
Other assets		169	83
Total current assets		3,248	3,561
Property, plant and equipment - Note G
Cost		4,144	4,275
Accumulated depreciation		1,962	1,861
Net property, plant and equipment		2,182	2,414
Goodwill - Note H		2,486	2,643
Intangibles - Note H		1,142	1,309
Restricted investments - Note F		285	0
Asbestos insurance receivable - Note N		180	433
Equity and other unconsolidated investments - Note D		65	81
Other assets - Note J		476	479
Total noncurrent assets		6,816	7,359
Total assets		10,064	10,920
Current liabilities
Short-term debt - Note I		326	329
Current portion of long-term debt - Note I		55	9
Trade and other payables		573	674
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		494	675
Total current liabilities		1,448	1,687
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt - Note I		3,348	2,911
Employee benefit obligations - Note M		1,076	1,468
Asbestos litigation reserve - Note N		661	701
Deferred income taxes - Note L		89	110
Other liabilities - Note J		405	460
Total noncurrent liabilities		$ 5,579	$ 5,650
Commitments and contingencies - Notes K and N
Stockholders' Equity - Notes O and P
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 200 million shares authorized, issued 67 million shares in 2015 and 70 million shares in 2014		$ 1	$ 1
Paid-in capital		46	0
Retained earnings		3,281	3,475
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(291)	107
Total stockholders' equity		3,037	3,583
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$ 10,064	$ 10,920
[1]	Accounts receivable includes an allowance for doubtful accounts of $11 million in 2015 and $13 million in 2014.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Current assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts, current	$ 11	$ 13
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, shares authorized	200	200
Common stock, par value per share (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares, issued	67	70

Statement of Consolidated Stock

Statement of Consolidated Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions		Total	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012		$ 4,029	$ 1	$ 647	$ 3,163	$ 218
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total comprehensive income (loss)		753			683	70
Regular dividends, ($1.13, $1.36, $1.46 per common share for 2013, 2014, 2015)		(88)			(88)
Common shares issued under stock incentive and other plans	[1],[2]	9		9
Repurchase of common shares	[3]	(150)		(150)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013		4,553	1	506	3,758	288
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total comprehensive income (loss)		52			233	(181)
Regular dividends, ($1.13, $1.36, $1.46 per common share for 2013, 2014, 2015)		(103)			(103)
Common shares issued under stock incentive and other plans	[1],[2]	35		35
Repurchase of common shares	[3]	(954)		(541)	(413)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014		3,583	1	0	3,475	107	[4]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total comprehensive income (loss)		(89)			309	(398)
Regular dividends, ($1.13, $1.36, $1.46 per common share for 2013, 2014, 2015)		(98)			(98)
Common shares issued under stock incentive and other plans	[1],[2]	38		46	(8)
Repurchase of common shares	[3]	(397)			(397)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015		$ 3,037	$ 1	$ 46	$ 3,281	$ (291)	[4]
[1]	Common shares issued were 441,609, 615,049 and 415,351 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	Includes income tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options of $8 million in 2015, $23 million in 2014 and $1 million in 2013.
[3]	Common shares repurchased were 3,944,356, 7,812,342 and 1,737,744 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[4]	At September 30, 2015 and 2014, the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $291 million and income of $107 million, respectively, was comprised of unrecognized prior service credits as a result of certain employee benefit plan amendments of $41 million and $59 million, respectively, net unrealized translation loss of $321 million and gain of $48 million, respectively, and net unrealized loss on available for sale securities of $11 million and zero, respectively.

Statement of Consolidated Stoc6

Statement of Consolidated Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends (in usd per share)	$ 1.46	$ 1.36	$ 1.13
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (291)	$ 107
Unrecognized prior service credits	41	59
Net unrealized translation gain (loss)	(321)	48
Available-for-sale securities unrealized loss	(11)	0
Income tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options	$ 8	$ 23	$ 1
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	441,609	615,049	415,351
Common shares repurchased (in shares)	3,944,356	7,812,342	1,737,744

Statement of Consolidated Cash

Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows provided (used) by operating activities from continuing operations
Net income		$ 309	$ 233	$ 683
Income from discontinued operations (net of tax)		(118)	(161)	(130)
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		341	393	356
Debt issuance cost amortization		18	14	65
Deferred income taxes		(57)	(294)	153
Equity income from affiliates		(15)	(25)	(26)
Distributions from equity affiliates		22	14	11
Stock-based compensation expense - Note P		30	34	30
Loss on early retirement of debt		9	0	0
Gain on available-for-sale securities	[1]	(3)	0	0
Net loss (gain) on divestitures - Note B		115	(4)	8
Impairments of equity method investment and in-process research and development		25	63	41
Pension contributions		(610)	(38)	(124)
Losses (gains) on pension and postretirement plan remeasurement		255	438	(417)
Change in operating assets and liabilities	[2]	(232)	(87)	3
Total cash flows provided by operating activities from continuing operations		89	580	653
Cash flows provided (used) by investing activities from continuing operations
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(265)	(248)	(264)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equpment		3	3	5
Purchase of operations - net of cash acquired		(13)	0	0
Proceeds (uses) from sale of operations or equity investments		161	92	(13)
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities		315	0	0
Purchase of available-for-sale securities		(315)	0	0
Funds restricted for specific transactions		(320)	(15)	0
Reimbursement from restricted investments		6	0	0
Proceeds from the settlement of derivative instruments		18	0	0
Payments for the settlement of derivative instruments		(7)	0	0
Total cash flows used by investing activities from continuing operations		(417)	(168)	(272)
Cash flows provided (used) by financing activities from continuing operations
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		1,100	0	2,320
Repayment of long-term debt		(623)	(11)	(2,613)
Premium on long-term debt repayment		(9)	0	0
Proceeds (repayment) from short-term debt		(3)	22	(36)
Repurchase of common stock		(397)	(954)	(150)
Debt issuance costs		(9)	0	(38)
Cash dividends paid		(98)	(103)	(88)
Excess tax benefits related to share-based payments		9	12	13
Total cash flows used by financing activities from continuing operations		(30)	(1,034)	(592)
Cash used by continuing operations		(358)	(622)	(211)
Cash provided (used) by discontinued operations
Operating cash flows		245	63	80
Investing cash flows		24	1,608	(48)
Total cash provided by discontinued operations		269	1,671	32
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(47)	(2)	2
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(136)	1,047	(177)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year		1,393	346	523
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year		1,257	1,393	346
Changes in assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	[2]	261	(16)	43
Inventories	[2]	39	(4)	106
Trade and other payables	[2]	(229)	64	(7)
Other assets and liabilities	[2]	(303)	(131)	(139)
Change in operating assets and liabilities	[2]	(232)	(87)	3
Supplemental disclosures [Abstract]
Interest paid		149	154	182
Income taxes paid		$ 226	$ 88	$ 69
[1]	Represents investment income related to the restricted investments discussed in Note F.
[2]	Excludes changes resulting from operations acquired or sold.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Additionally, certain prior period data has been reclassified in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes to conform to the current period presentation, which includes the adoption of new accounting guidance during the current year related to debt issuance costs presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Ashland and its majority owned subsidiaries. Investments in joint ventures and 20% to 50% owned affiliates where Ashland has the ability to exert significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Ashland is composed of three reportable segments: Ashland Specialty Ingredients (Specialty Ingredients), Ashland Performance Materials (Performance Materials) and Valvoline. On July 31, 2014, Ashland completed the sale of the assets and liabilities of Ashland Water Technologies (Water Technologies). As a result of the sale, all prior period operating results and cash flows related to Water Technologies have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income and Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. During 2015 , Ashland sold certain assets in its portfolio of businesses. See Notes B and Q for additional information on these activities as well as Ashland's current reportable segment results. Use of estimates, risks and uncertainties The preparation of Ashland’s Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Significant items that are subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, long-lived assets (including goodwill and other intangible assets), employee benefit obligations, income taxes and liabilities and receivables associated with asbestos litigation and environmental remediation. Although management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could differ significantly from the estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Ashland’s results are affected by domestic and international economic, political, legislative, regulatory and legal actions. Economic conditions, such as recessionary trends, inflation, interest and monetary exchange rates, government fiscal policies and changes in the prices of certain key raw materials, can have a significant effect on operations. While Ashland maintains reserves for anticipated liabilities and carries various levels of insurance, Ashland could be affected by civil, criminal, regulatory or administrative actions, claims or proceedings relating to asbestos, environmental remediation or other matters. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments maturing within three months after purchase. Allowance for doubtful accounts Ashland records an allowance for doubtful accounts as a best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses for accounts receivable. Each month, Ashland reviews this allowance and considers factors such as customer credit, past transaction history with the customer and changes in customer payment terms when determining whether the collection of a receivable is reasonably assured. Past due balances over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. The allowance for doubtful accounts is adjusted when it becomes probable a receivable will not be recovered. A progression of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Allowance for doubtful accounts - beginning of year $ 13 $ 12 $ 19 Adjustments to net income 2 5 (4 ) Reserves utilized (3 ) (4 ) (3 ) Other changes (1 ) — — Allowance for doubtful accounts - end of year $ 11 $ 13 $ 12 Inventories Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Inventories are primarily stated at cost using the weighted-average cost method. In addition, certain chemicals, plastics and lubricants with a replacement cost of $170 million at September 30, 2015 and $232 million at September 30, 2014 are valued at cost using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The following summarizes Ashland’s inventories as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet dates. (In millions) 2015 2014 Finished products $ 542 $ 557 Raw materials, supplies and work in process 198 239 LIFO reserves (34 ) (31 ) $ 706 $ 765 A progression of activity in the inventory reserves, which reduce the amounts of finished products and raw materials, supplies and work in process reported, is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Inventory reserves - beginning of year $ 53 $ 59 $ 28 Adjustments to net income 9 4 42 Reserves utilized (6 ) (10 ) (11 ) Dispositions and other changes (21 ) — — Inventory reserves - end of year $ 35 $ 53 $ 59 Property, plant and equipment The cost of property, plant and equipment is depreciated by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are depreciated principally over 25 to 35 years and machinery and equipment principally over 2 to 25 years. Such costs are periodically reviewed for recoverability when impairment indicators are present. Such indicators include, among other factors, operating losses, unused capacity, market value declines and technological obsolescence. Recorded values of asset groups of property, plant and equipment that are not expected to be recovered through undiscounted future net cash flows are written down to current fair value, which generally is determined from estimated discounted future net cash flows (assets held for use) or net realizable value (assets held for sale). Goodwill and other intangibles In accordance with U.S. GAAP, Ashland tests goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of July 1 and when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. Ashland reviews goodwill for impairment based on its identified reporting units, which are defined as operating segments or groupings of businesses one level below the operating segment level. Annually, Ashland tests goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying value to the estimated fair value of its reporting units, determined using a combination of discounted cash flow models and valuations based on earnings multiples for guideline public companies in each reporting unit’s industry peer group, when externally quoted market prices are not readily available. Ashland tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets, principally trademarks and trade names, using a “relief-from-royalty” valuation method compared to the carrying value, while in-process research and development (IPR&D) assets are subject to review through the various stages of the feasibility assessment process. Significant assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies for goodwill and other intangibles are employed and include, but are not limited to, such estimates as future projected business results, growth rates, the weighted-average cost of capital for a market participant, and royalty and discount rates. Finite-lived intangible assets principally consist of certain trademarks and trade names, intellectual property, and customer lists. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The cost of trademarks and trade names is amortized principally over 4 to 25 years, intellectual property over 5 to 20 years and customer relationships over 3 to 24 years. Ashland reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Ashland monitors these changes and events on at least a quarterly basis. For further information on goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note H. Derivative instruments Ashland regularly uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currencies. All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and are measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of all derivatives are recognized immediately in income unless the derivative qualifies as a hedge of future cash flows or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Gains and losses related to a hedge are either recognized in income immediately to offset the gain or loss on the hedged item, or deferred and recorded in the stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income when the hedged item affects net income. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a hedge is recognized in income immediately. For additional information on derivative instruments, see Note F. Restricted investments On January 13, 2015, Ashland and Hercules, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashland that was acquired in 2009, entered into a comprehensive settlement agreement related to certain insurance coverage for asbestos bodily injury claims with Underwriters at Lloyd’s, certain London companies and Chartis (AIG) member companies, along with National Indemnity Company and Resolute Management, Inc., under which Ashland and Hercules received a total of $398 million (the January 2015 asbestos insurance settlement). During 2015 , Ashland placed $335 million of the settlement funds into a renewable annual trust restricted for the purpose of paying ongoing and future litigation defense and claim settlement costs incurred in conjunction with asbestos claims. These funds are presented primarily as noncurrent assets, with $30 million classified within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2015 , the funds within the trust were primarily invested in equity and corporate bond investments with a portion maintained in demand deposits. The funds within the trust are classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred income taxes, included in the stockholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Interest income and realized gains and losses on the available-for-sale securities are reported in the net interest and other financing expense caption in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. See Notes F and N for additional information regarding fair value of these investments within the trust and the January 2015 asbestos insurance settlement. Revenue recognition Sales generally are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, products are received or services are provided to customers, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. For consignment inventory, title and risk of loss are transferred when the products have been consumed or used in the customer’s production process. The percentage of Ashland’s sales recognized from consignment inventory sales was 3% during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Ashland reports all sales net of tax assessed by qualifying governmental authorities. Certain shipping and handling costs paid by the customer are recorded in sales, while those costs paid by Ashland are recorded in cost of sales. Expense recognition Cost of sales include material and production costs, as well as the costs of inbound and outbound freight, purchasing and receiving, inspection, warehousing, internal transfers and all other distribution network costs. Selling, general and administrative expense includes sales and marketing costs, advertising, customer support, environmental remediation, corporate and divisional administrative and other costs. Advertising costs ( $62 million in 2015 , $63 million in 2014 and $70 million in 2013 ) and research and development costs ( $110 million in 2015 , $114 million in 2014 and $142 million in 2013 ) are expensed as incurred. Income taxes Ashland is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment in the forecasting of taxable income using historical and projected future operating results is required in determining Ashland’s provision for income taxes and the related assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes paid, currently payable or receivable, and deferred taxes. Under U.S. GAAP, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for the estimated future effects of tax loss carryforwards. The effect on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the enactment date occurs. Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. In the event that the actual outcome of future tax consequences differs from Ashland’s estimates and assumptions due to changes or future events such as tax legislation, geographic mix of earnings, completion of tax audits or earnings repatriation plans, the resulting change to the provision for income taxes could have a material effect on the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information on income taxes, see Note L. A progression of activity in the tax valuation allowances for both continuing and discontinued operations is presented in the following table. 2015 2014 2013 Tax valuation allowances - beginning of year $ 148 $ 166 $ 175 Adjustments to net income (27 ) (5 ) (6 ) Reserves utilized (14 ) (14 ) (2 ) Acquisition and other changes — 1 (1 ) Tax valuation allowances - end of year $ 107 $ 148 $ 166 Asbestos-related litigation Ashland is subject to liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. Such claims result from indemnification obligations undertaken in 1990 in connection with the sale of Riley Stoker Corporation (Riley) and the acquisition of Hercules Incorporated (Hercules) in November 2008. Although Riley, a former subsidiary, was neither a producer nor a manufacturer of asbestos, its industrial boilers contained some asbestos-containing components provided by other companies. Hercules, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashland, has liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. Such claims typically arise from alleged exposure to asbestos fibers from resin encapsulated pipe and tank products sold by one of Hercules’ former subsidiaries to a limited industrial market. Ashland retained Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Associates, Inc. (HR&A) to assist in developing and annually updating independent reserve estimates for future asbestos claims and related costs given various assumptions. The methodology used by HR&A to project future asbestos costs is based largely on Ashland’s recent experience, including claim-filing and settlement rates, disease mix, enacted legislation, open claims, and litigation defense. Ashland’s claim experience is compared to the results of previously conducted epidemiological studies estimating the number of people likely to develop asbestos-related diseases. Those studies were undertaken in connection with national analyses of the population expected to have been exposed to asbestos. Using that information, HR&A estimates a range of the number of future claims that may be filed, as well as the related costs that may be incurred in resolving those claims. From the range of estimates, Ashland records the amount it believes to be the best estimate of future payments for litigation defense and claim settlement costs. For additional information on asbestos-related litigation, see Note N. Environmental remediation Accruals for environmental remediation are recognized when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of that liability can be reasonably estimated. Such costs are charged to expense if they relate to the remediation of conditions caused by past operations or are not expected to mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Liabilities are recorded at estimated cost values based on experience, assessments and current technology, without regard to any third-party recoveries and are regularly adjusted as environmental assessments and remediation efforts continue. For additional information on environmental remediation, see Note N. Pension and other postretirement benefits The funded status of Ashland’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation at September 30, the measurement date. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and for the other postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO). The PBO represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid upon retirement based on estimated future compensation levels. The APBO represents the actuarial present value of postretirement benefits attributed to employee services already rendered. The measurement of the benefit obligation is based on Ashland’s estimates and actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect the terms of the plans and use participant-specific information such as compensation, age and years of service, as well as certain key assumptions that require significant judgment, including, but not limited to, estimates of discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, interest rates and mortality rates. The fair value of plan assets represents the current market value of assets held by an irrevocable trust fund for the sole benefit of participants. For additional information regarding plan assumptions and the current financial position of the pension and other postretirement plans, see Note M. Ashland recognizes the change in the fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever a plan is determined to qualify for a remeasurement. The remaining components of pension and other postretirement benefits expense are recorded ratably on a quarterly basis. Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustments charged directly to cost of sales that are applicable to inactive participants are excluded from inventoriable costs. The service cost component of pension and other postretirement benefits costs is allocated to each reportable segment on a ratable basis; while the remaining components of pension and other postretirement benefits costs are recorded to Unallocated and other. Foreign currency translation Operations outside the United States are measured primarily using the local currency as the functional currency. Upon consolidation, the results of operations of the subsidiaries and affiliates whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates for the year while assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates. Adjustments to translate assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars are recorded in the stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and are included in net earnings only upon sale or substantial liquidation of the underlying foreign subsidiary or affiliated company. Stock incentive plans Ashland recognizes compensation expense for stock incentive plans awarded to key employees and directors, primarily in the form of stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, performance shares and other non-vested stock awards, that are generally based upon the grant-date fair value over the appropriate vesting period. Ashland utilizes several industry accepted valuation models to determine the fair value. For further information concerning stock incentive plans, see Note P. Earnings per share The following is the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations. Earnings per share are reported under the treasury stock method. Stock options and SARs for each reported year whose grant price was greater than the market price of Ashland Common Stock at the end of each fiscal year were not included in the computation of income from continuing operations per diluted share because the effect of these instruments would be antidilutive. The total number of these shares outstanding was 0.7 million for 2015 and 0.6 million for 2014 and 2013 . (In millions except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Numerator Numerator for basic and diluted EPS - Income from continuing operations $ 191 $ 72 $ 553 Denominator Denominator for basic EPS - Weighted-average common shares outstanding 68 77 78 Share based awards convertible to common shares 1 1 2 Denominator for diluted EPS - Adjusted weighted- average shares and assumed conversions 69 78 80 EPS from continuing operations Basic $ 2.81 $ 0.94 $ 7.06 Diluted 2.78 0.93 6.95 New accounting pronouncements In July 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance to simplify the subsequent measurement of certain inventories by replacing the current lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The guidance applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in first-out and the retail inventory method. This guidance will become effective prospectively for Ashland on October 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Ashland is currently evaluating the new accounting standard and the impact this new guidance will have on Ashland's Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2015 and August 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs were not affected by this amendment. The adoption of the new guidance was on a retrospective basis. Ashland elected to early adopt this guidance for debt issuance costs during 2015. As a result, $28 million was presented as long-term debt as of September 30, 2015 and Ashland reclassified $31 million from other noncurrent assets to long-term debt as of September 30, 2014 within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance outlining a single comprehensive five step model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers (ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers). The new guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, in an effort to converge the revenue recognition principles within U.S. GAAP. This new guidance also requires entities to disclose certain quantitative and qualitative information regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of qualifying revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Entities have the option of using a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt the new guidance. During 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of this standard by one year. As a result, this guidance now becomes effective for Ashland on October 1, 2018. Ashland is currently evaluating the new accounting standard and the available implementation options the standard allows as well as the impact this new guidance will have on Ashland's Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance amending the requirements for reporting discontinued operations (ASC 205 Presentation of Financial Statements and ASC 360 Property, Plant and Equipment). This guidance limits the requirement for discontinued operations treatment to the disposal of a component of an entity, or a group of components of an entity, that represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, this new guidance no longer precludes discontinued operations presentation based on continuing involvement or cash flows following the disposal. Ashland adopted this guidance on October 1, 2014, which is applicable only to divestitures subsequent to the adoption date, and has evaluated each divestiture during the current year under this new guidance. In July 2013, the FASB amended accounting provisions that address the financial statement presentation of tax items eligible for netting (ASC 740 Income Taxes). An unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. This guidance was effective prospectively for Ashland on October 1, 2014, with retrospective application and early adoption permitted. Ashland elected to early adopt this new guidance and apply it retrospectively during 2014. As a result, approximately $49 million as of September 30, 2014, was reclassified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets from other long-term liabilities and offset against deferred tax assets. In March 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to a parent’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity (ASC 830 Foreign Currency Matters). This guidance requires that the cumulative translation adjustment associated with a qualifying derecognized subsidiary or group of assets be immediately recognized within the income statement by the parent company. This guidance became effective for Ashland on October 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance impacts the Consolidated Financial Statements for divestitures of subsidiaries or assets with cumulative translation. In February 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (ASC 220 Comprehensive Income). This guidance sets forth new disclosure requirements for items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by requiring disclosures for both the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and where the significant items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are classified in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. This guidance became effective for Ashland on October 1, 2013 and has been disclosed for all applicable periods presented.

DIVESTITURES

DIVESTITURES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
DIVESTITURES [Abstract]
DIVESTITURES [Text Block]	DIVESTITURES Ashland Separation of Valvoline On September 22, 2015, Ashland announced that the Board of Directors approved proceeding with a plan to separate Ashland into two independent, publicly traded companies comprising of the new Ashland and Valvoline. Ashland has begun the process to separate its Valvoline business from its Specialty Ingredients and Performance Materials businesses while it finalizes the transaction structure and obtains customary regulatory and other approvals. Ashland intends for the separation, which is subject to final board approval prior to completion, to be tax free for Ashland shareholders. Immediately following the separation, Ashland shareholders will own shares of both the new Ashland and Valvoline. The separation is expected to be completed as soon as practicable, but not before the end of fiscal 2016. The new Ashland will be a global leader in providing specialty chemical solutions to customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets. These markets are currently served by Specialty Ingredients and Performance Materials. Key markets and applications include pharmaceutical, personal care, food and beverage, architectural coatings, adhesives, automotive, construction and energy. Together these businesses generated approximately $3.4 billion in sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. Valvoline will focus on building the world's leading engine and automotive maintenance business by providing hands-on expertise to customers in each of its primary market channels: Do-It-Yourself (DIY); Installers; Valvoline Instant Oil Change SM ; and International. Valvoline generated sales of $2.0 billion for Ashland during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. Industrial Biocides During May 2015, Ashland entered into a definitive sale agreement to sell the industrial biocides assets within Specialty Ingredients, which closed on July 1, 2015. As a result of the sale, Ashland received net cash proceeds of approximately $30 million during the fourth quarter of 2015 and recognized a nominal gain before tax and after customary closing costs within the net gain (loss) on divestitures caption within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. The sale of Specialty Ingredients' industrial biocides assets did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment since it did not represent a strategic shift that had or will have a major effect on Ashland's operations and financial results. Valvoline Car Care Products In April 2015, Ashland entered into a definitive sale agreement to sell Valvoline's car care product assets for $24 million , which included Car Brite™ and Eagle One™ automotive appearance products. Prior to the sale, Ashland recognized a loss of $26 million before tax in 2015 to recognize the assets at fair value less cost to sell, using Level 2 nonrecurring fair value measurements. The loss is reported within the net gain (loss) on divestitures caption within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. The transaction closed on June 30, 2015 and Ashland received net proceeds of $19 million after adjusting for certain customary closing costs and final working capital totals. The sale of Valvoline's car care product assets did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment since it did not represent a strategic shift that had or will have a major effect on Ashland's operations and financial results. Valvoline Joint Venture During April 2015, Ashland sold a Valvoline joint venture equity investment in Venezuela. Prior to the sale, Ashland recognized a $14 million impairment in 2015, for which there was no tax effect, using Level 2 nonrecurring fair value measurements within the equity and other income caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Ashland’s decision to sell the equity investment and the resulting charge recorded during 2015 is reflective of the continued devaluation of the Venezuelan currency (bolivar) based on changes to the Venezuelan currency exchange rate mechanisms during the fiscal year. In addition, the continued lack of exchangeability between the Venezuelan bolivar and U.S. dollar had restricted the joint venture’s ability to pay dividends and obligations denominated in U.S. dollars. These exchange regulations and cash flow limitations, combined with other recent Venezuelan regulations and the impact of declining oil prices on the Venezuelan economy, had significantly restricted Ashland’s ability to conduct normal business operations through the joint venture arrangement. Ashland determined this divestiture does not represent a strategic shift that had or will have a major effect on Ashland's operations and financial results, and thus it does not qualify for discontinued operations treatment. MAP Transaction As part of the 2005 transfer of Ashland’s 38% interest in the Marathon Ashland Petroleum joint venture and two other small businesses to Marathon Oil Corporation (Marathon) (the MAP Transaction), Marathon is entitled to the tax deductions for Ashland's future payments of certain contingent liabilities, including asbestos liabilities, related to previously owned businesses of Ashland. Marathon agreed to compensate Ashland for these tax deductions and Ashland established a discounted receivable, which represented the estimated present value of probable recoveries from Marathon for the portion of their future tax deductions. As a result of the January 2015 asbestos insurance settlement, Ashland recorded a $7 million charge during 2015 within the net gain (loss) on divestitures caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income and accordingly reduced the discounted receivable by the same amount. The total MAP receivable remaining as of September 30, 2015 was $9 million . See Note N for more information related to the January 2015 asbestos insurance settlement. Also, as part of the MAP Transaction, Ashland agreed to sublease certain gas stations to Marathon for a nominal annual amount. During 2013, the third-party investor group that owned these gas stations initiated a sale process that required Ashland to submit an offer, which the investor group accepted. Ashland acquired the gas stations for a total cost of $14 million . In accordance with the MAP Transaction, these gas stations were required to be transferred to Marathon. The $14 million payment to the investor group was recognized by Ashland and recorded within the net gain (loss) on divestitures caption of the Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Elastomers On October 9, 2014, Ashland entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Elastomers division within the Performance Materials reportable segment, which operated a 250 -person manufacturing facility in Port Neches, Texas, to Lion Copolymer Holdings, LLC. The Elastomers division, which primarily served the North American replacement tire market, accounted for approximately 5% of Ashland's 2014 sales of $6.1 billion and 18% of Ashland Performance Materials' $1.6 billion in sales in 2014. The sale was completed on December 1, 2014 in a transaction valued at approximately $120 million which was subject to working capital adjustments. The total post-closing adjusted cash proceeds received before taxes by Ashland during 2015 was $105 million , which includes working capital adjustments and transaction costs, as defined in the definitive agreement. Elastomers' net assets as of November 30, 2014 were $191 million which primarily included accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, non-deductible goodwill and other intangibles and payables. Since the net proceeds received were less than book value, Ashland recorded a loss of $86 million pre-tax, using Level 2 nonrecurring fair value measurements, within the net gain (loss) on divestiture caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income during 2015. The related tax effect was a benefit of $28 million included in the income tax expense (benefit) caption within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Ashland determined that the sale of Elastomers did not represent a strategic shift that had or will have a major effect on Ashland's operations and financial results. As such, Elastomers' results were included in the Performance Materials reportable segment results of operations and financial position within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively, until its December 1, 2014 sale. Certain indirect corporate costs of $11 million for 2015 were included within the selling, general and administrative expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income that were previously allocated to the Elastomers division and are now reported as selling, general and administrative expense within continuing operations on a consolidated basis within the Unallocated and other segment. Water Technologies On July 31, 2014, Ashland sold the Water Technologies business to a fund managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in a transaction valued at approximately $1.8 billion . The total post-closing adjusted cash proceeds received by Ashland during 2014, before taxes, was $1.6 billion , which includes estimates for certain working capital and other post-closing adjustments, as defined in the definitive agreement. Ashland recognized a gain of $92 million after tax, which is included within the discontinued operations caption in the Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for 2014. During 2015, Ashland received $48 million of delayed purchase price funds related to a foreign entity which completed certain regulatory closing requirements. Final settlement of working capital and other post-closing adjustments occurred during 2015 resulting in a payment of approximately $20 million to CD&R. Since this transaction signified Ashland’s exit from the Water Technologies business, Ashland has classified Water Technologies’ results of operations and cash flows within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income and Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows as discontinued operations for prior periods presented. Certain indirect corporate costs included within the selling, general and administrative expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income that were previously allocated to the Water Technologies reportable segment did not qualify for classification within discontinued operations and are reported as selling, general and administrative expense within continuing operations on a consolidated basis and within the Unallocated and other segment. These costs were $31 million and $34 million for 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Ashland retained and agreed to indemnify CD&R for certain liabilities of the Water Technologies business arising prior to the closing of the sale, including certain pension and postretirement liabilities, environmental remediation liabilities and certain legacy liabilities relating to businesses disposed or discontinued by the Water Technologies business. Costs directly related to these retained liabilities have been included within the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income in 2014 and 2013 . The ongoing effects of the pension and other postretirement plans for former Water Technologies employees are reported within the Unallocated and other segment. Ashland provided certain transition services to CD&R for a fee. During 2015 and 2014, Ashland recognized transition service fees of $28 million and $7 million , respectively, within the selling, general and administrative expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. While the transition services vary in duration depending upon the type of service provided, Ashland continued to reduce costs as the transition services were completed. See Note C for further information on the results of operations of Water Technologies for all periods presented. Casting Solutions joint venture During 2014, Ashland, in conjunction with its partner, initiated a process to sell the ASK Chemicals GmbH (ASK) joint venture, in which Ashland had 50% ownership. As part of the sale process, Ashland determined during 2014 that the fair value of its investment in the ASK joint venture was less than the carrying value and that an other than temporary impairment had occurred. As a result, Ashland recognized an impairment charge of $50 million related to its investment in the ASK joint venture. The charge was recognized within the equity and other income caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. On June 30, 2014, Ashland, in conjunction with its partner, sold the ASK joint venture to investment funds affiliated with Rhône Capital, LLC (Rhône), a London and New York-based private equity investment firm. From the sale, total pre-tax proceeds to the sellers, which were split evenly between Ashland and its partner, under the terms of the 50 / 50 joint venture, were $205 million , which included $176 million in cash and a $29 million note from Rhône due in calendar year 2022.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	In previous periods, Ashland has divested certain businesses that have qualified as discontinued operations. The operating results from these divested businesses and subsequent adjustments related to ongoing assessments of certain retained liabilities and tax items have been recorded within the discontinued operations caption in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for all periods presented and are discussed further within this note. Ashland is subject to liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. Such claims result primarily from indemnification obligations undertaken in 1990 in connection with the sale of Riley, a former subsidiary, which qualified as a discontinued operation and from the acquisition during 2009 of Hercules, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashland. Adjustments to the recorded litigation reserves and related insurance receivables are recorded within the discontinued operations caption and continue periodically. During 2015, Ashland recorded an after-tax gain of $120 million within discontinued operations due to the January 2015 asbestos insurance settlement. See Note N for further discussion of Ashland’s asbestos-related activity. As previously described in Note B, on July 31, 2014, Ashland completed the sale of the Water Technologies business to CD&R. Sales recognized for the ten month period Water Technologies was still owned by Ashland in 2014 were $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion in 2013. The previous results of operation related to Water Technologies have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. On March 31, 2011 , Ashland completed the sale to Nexeo Solutions, LLC of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of its global distribution business, which previously comprised the Ashland Distribution (Distribution) reportable segment. Ashland determined that this sale qualified as a discontinued operation, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, since Ashland does not have significant continuing involvement in the Distribution business. Ashland made subsequent adjustments to the discontinued operations caption for Distribution during 2015 and 2013. On August 28, 2006, Ashland completed the sale of the stock of Ashland Paving And Construction, Inc. (APAC) for $1.3 billion . The sale qualified as a discontinued operation, and as a result, the previous operating results related to APAC have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Ashland has made subsequent adjustments to the gain on the sale of APAC, primarily relating to the tax effects of the sale, during 2015, 2014 and 2013. Due to the ongoing assessment of certain matters associated with previous divestitures, subsequent adjustments to these divestitures may continue in future periods in the discontinued operations caption in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Components of amounts reflected in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income related to discontinued operations are presented in the following table for each of the years ended September 30. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Income (loss) from discontinued operations Asbestos-related litigation matters $ 132 $ 5 $ (3 ) Water Technologies (3 ) 84 202 Distribution (3 ) — (9 ) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations Water Technologies 4 148 — Income before taxes 130 237 190 Income tax benefit (expense) Benefit (expense) related to income (loss) from discontinued operations Asbestos-related litigation reserves and expenses (22 ) 1 5 Water Technologies 2 (25 ) (78 ) Distribution 1 — 3 Benefit (expense) related to gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations Water Technologies 3 (56 ) — Distribution 3 — — APAC 1 4 10 Income from discontinued operations (net of taxes) $ 118 $ 161 $ 130

UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES	Summarized financial information for companies accounted for on the equity method is presented in the following table, along with a summary of the amounts recorded in Ashland’s Consolidated Financial Statements. These amounts exclude any applicable affiliates from the Water Technologies business for prior periods presented since it was divested during 2014 and in accordance with provisions within U.S. GAAP the results of this business have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. The results of operations and amounts recorded by Ashland as of and for the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 only include results for the Valvoline joint venture within Venezuela and the ASK joint venture prior to their divestitures. See Note B for further information on these divestitures in 2015 and 2014. At September 30, 2015 and 2014 , Ashland’s retained earnings included $54 million and $73 million , respectively, of undistributed earnings from unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method. The summarized financial information for all companies accounted for on the equity method by Ashland is as of and for the years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Financial position Current assets $ 211 $ 292 Current liabilities (54 ) (98 ) Working capital 157 194 Noncurrent assets 40 45 Noncurrent liabilities (1 ) (1 ) Stockholders’ equity $ 196 $ 238 Results of operations Sales $ 398 $ 966 $ 1,181 Income from operations 57 74 79 Net income 31 63 53 Amounts recorded by Ashland Investments and advances $ 65 $ 81 $ 213 Equity income (loss) (a) 1 (25 ) 26 Distributions received 22 14 11 (a) The results in 2015 and 2014 include a $14 million and $50 million impairment on the Valvoline joint venture in Venezuela and the ASK joint venture, respectively.

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES Ashland periodically implements company-wide restructuring programs related to acquisitions, divestitures and other cost reduction programs in order to enhance profitability through streamlined operations and an improved overall cost structure for each business. Severance costs During 2014, Ashland announced a global restructuring program to streamline the resources used across the organization. As part of this global restructuring program, Ashland announced a voluntary severance offer (VSO) to certain U.S. employees. Approximately 400 employees were formally approved for the VSO. Additionally, during 2014, an involuntary program for employees was also initiated as part of the global restructuring program. Substantially all payments related to the VSO and involuntary programs were paid by the end of fiscal year 2015. The VSO and involuntary programs resulted in expense of $95 million being recognized during 2014, with $13 million being recorded within the cost of sales caption and $82 million being recorded within the selling, general and administrative expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. In addition, the employee reductions resulted in a pension curtailment being recorded during 2014. See Note M for further information. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the remaining restructuring reserve for the global restructuring program was $7 million and $53 million , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the remaining $1 million and $3 million , respectively, in restructuring reserves for other previously announced programs principally consisted of expected future severance payments for programs implemented during 2011. Substantially all of these payments will be paid by the end of fiscal year 2016. Facility costs The costs related to this reserve primarily relate to lease abandonment charges incurred due to the exit from office facilities obtained as part of the Hercules acquisition. During 2014, Ashland incurred an additional $4 million lease abandonment charge related to its exit from a Hercules related office facility. The costs related to the reserve will be paid over the remaining lease term through May 2016. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the remaining restructuring reserve for all qualifying facility costs totaled $3 million and $9 million , respectively. The following table details at September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the amount of restructuring reserves related to the programs discussed above, and the related activity in these reserves during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The severance reserves are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for all periods presented. As of September 30, 2015, facility cost reserves are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, while these reserves were primarily within other noncurrent liabilities as of September 30, 2014. Facility (In millions) Severance costs Total Balance as of September 30, 2012 $ 29 $ 15 $ 44 Reserve adjustments 9 — 9 Utilization (cash paid) (21 ) (7 ) (28 ) Balance as of September 30, 2013 17 8 25 Restructuring reserves 95 4 99 Reserve adjustments (4 ) — (4 ) Utilization (cash paid) (52 ) (3 ) (55 ) Balance as of September 30, 2014 56 9 65 Reserve adjustments (3 ) (2 ) (5 ) Utilization (cash paid) (45 ) (4 ) (49 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 8 $ 3 $ 11 Specialty Ingredients Restructuring During 2015, Specialty Ingredients committed to a restructuring plan within an existing manufacturing facility. As a result, restructuring charges of $23 million were recorded within the cost of sales caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. As of September 30, 2015 , the remaining restructuring reserve related to severance for the Specialty Ingredients manufacturing facility totaled $13 million . The restructuring plan is expected to be completed during fiscal 2016.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS As required by U.S. GAAP, Ashland uses applicable guidance for defining fair value, the initial recording and periodic remeasurement of certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value and related disclosures for instruments measured at fair value. Fair value accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the instrument’s fair value measurement. The three levels within the fair value hierarchy are described as follows. Level 1 – Observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability for which there is little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. Unobservable inputs reflect Ashland’s own assumptions about what market participants would use to price the asset or liability. The inputs are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances, which might include Ashland’s own financial data such as internally developed pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the fair value determination requires significant management judgment. For assets that are measured using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), the total fair value is the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs. Assets and liabilities that are measured using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) are primarily valued by reference to quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets, adjusted for any terms specific to that asset or liability. For all other assets and liabilities for which unobservable inputs are used (Level 3), fair value is derived through the use of fair value models, such as a discounted cash flow model or other standard pricing models that Ashland deems reasonable. The following table summarizes financial asset instruments subject to recurring fair value measurements as of September 30, 2015 . For additional information on fair value hierarchy measurements of pension plan asset holdings, see Note M. Quoted prices in active Significant markets for other Significant identical observable unobservable Carrying Total fair assets inputs inputs (In millions) value value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,257 $ 1,257 $ 1,257 $ — $ — Restricted investments (a) 315 315 315 — — Deferred compensation investments (b) 180 180 40 140 — Investments of captive insurance company (b) 4 4 4 — — Foreign currency derivatives 13 13 — 13 — Total assets at fair value $ 1,769 $ 1,769 $ 1,616 $ 153 $ — Liabilities Foreign currency derivatives $ 16 $ 16 $ — $ 16 $ — Total liabilities at fair value $ 16 $ 16 $ — $ 16 $ — (a) Included in restricted investments and $30 million within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (b) Included in other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes financial asset instruments subject to recurring fair value measurements as of September 30, 2014 . Quoted prices in active Significant markets for other Significant identical observable unobservable Carrying Total fair assets inputs inputs (In millions) value value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,393 $ 1,393 $ 1,393 $ — $ — Deferred compensation investments (a) 184 184 45 139 — Investments of captive insurance company (a) 3 3 3 — — Foreign currency derivatives 11 11 — 11 — Total assets at fair value $ 1,591 $ 1,591 $ 1,441 $ 150 $ — Liabilities Foreign currency derivatives $ 9 $ 9 $ — $ 9 $ — Total liabilities at fair value $ 9 $ 9 $ — $ 9 $ — (a) Included in other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted investments As discussed in Note A, Ashland maintains certain investments in a restrictive renewable annual trust for the purpose of paying future asbestos indemnity and defense costs. The investments are designated as available-for-sale securities, classified as Level 1 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. These securities were classified primarily as noncurrent restricted investment assets, with $30 million classified within other current assets, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table provides a summary of the available-for-sale securities portfolio for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 : (In millions) Original Investment Unrealized Unrealized Fair As of September 30, 2015 Cost Income (a) gain loss Disbursements Value Demand deposit $ 20 3 $ — $ — (6 ) $ 17 Equity mutual fund 195 — — (14 ) — 181 Corporate bond mutual fund 120 — — (3 ) — 117 Total $ 335 3 $ — $ (17 ) (6 ) $ 315 (a) Investment income for the demand deposit includes interest income as well as dividend income transferred from the equity and corporate bond mutual funds. Investment income of $3 million was recognized during 2015 within net interest and other financing expense in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. The unrealized losses, less than twelve months in duration, were recognized within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). At September 30, 2015 , Ashland considered the decline in market value of its restricted investment portfolio to be temporary in nature and does not consider any of its investments other-than-temporarily impaired. Ashland invests in highly-rated mutual funds comprised principally of investment grade securities. No realized gain or loss was reclassified out of AOCI and no other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in AOCI during 2015 . Deferred compensation investments Deferred compensation investments consist of Level 1 and Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 investments consist primarily of fixed income U.S. government bonds while Level 2 investments are comprised primarily of a guaranteed interest fund, a common stock index fund and an intermediate government bond fund. Derivative and hedging activities Currency hedges Ashland conducts business in a variety of foreign currencies. Accordingly, Ashland regularly uses foreign currency derivative instruments to manage exposure on certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies to curtail potential earnings volatility effects of certain assets and liabilities, including short-term inter-company loans, denominated in currencies other than Ashland’s functional currency of an entity. These derivative contracts generally require exchange of one foreign currency for another at a fixed rate at a future date and generally have maturities of less than twelve months. All contracts are marked-to-market with net changes in fair value recorded within the selling, general and administrative expense caption. The impacts of these contracts were largely offset by gains and losses resulting from the impact of changes in exchange rates on transactions denominated in non-functional currencies. The following table summarizes the currency hedge gains and losses recognized during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Foreign currency derivative gains (losses) $ (17 ) $ (7 ) $ 1 The following table summarizes the fair values of the outstanding foreign currency derivatives as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 included in accounts receivable and accrued expenses and other liabilities of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (In millions) 2015 2014 Foreign currency derivative assets $ 5 $ 2 Notional contract values 192 88 Foreign currency derivative liabilities $ 16 $ 4 Notional contract values 673 281 Net investment hedges During 2015 and 2014, Ashland entered into foreign currency contracts in order to manage the foreign currency exposure of the net investment in certain foreign operations. These foreign currency contracts were primarily the result of certain proceeds from the sale of Water Technologies being received in non-U.S. denominated currencies during 2014 and ongoing management of the volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. Ashland designated the foreign currency contracts as hedges of net investment in its foreign subsidiaries. As a result, Ashland records these hedges at fair value using forward rates, with the effective portion of the gain or loss reported as a component of the cumulative translation adjustment within AOCI and subsequently recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Income when the hedged item affects net income. During 2015 , certain foreign currency contracts were settled. These settlements resulted in net gains recorded within the cumulative translation adjustment within AOCI of $11 million for 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the total notional value of foreign currency contracts equaled $175 million and $206 million , respectively. The fair value of Ashland's net investment hedge assets and liabilities are calculated using forward rates. Accordingly, these instruments are deemed to be Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. Counterparties to these net investment hedges are highly rated financial institutions which Ashland believes carry only a nominal risk of nonperformance. The following table summarizes the fair value of the outstanding net investment hedge instruments as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 . (In millions) Consolidated balance sheet caption 2015 2014 Net investment hedge assets Accounts receivable $ 8 $ 9 Net investment hedge liabilities (a) Accrued expenses and other liabilities — 5 (a) Fair values of $0 denote a value less than $1 million. The following table summarizes the change in the unrealized gain on the net investment hedge instruments recognized within the cumulative translation adjustment within AOCI during 2015 and 2014 . No portion of the gain was reclassified to income during 2015 and 2014 . There was no hedge ineffectiveness with these instruments during 2015 and 2014 . (In millions) 2015 2014 Change in unrealized gain in AOCI $ 8 $ 4 Tax impact of change in unrealized gain in AOCI (2 ) (3 ) Interest rate hedges During 2011, Ashland entered into interest rate swap agreements in orde r to manage the variable interest rate risk associated with term loans A and B that were borrowed in conjunction with the August 2011 acquisition of International Specialty Products Inc. (ISP). These instruments were designated as cash flow hedges whereby Ashland recorded these hedges at fair value, with the effective portion of the gain or loss reported as a component of AOCI and subsequently recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income when the hedged item affected net income. Ashland terminated the interest rate swap agreements in conjunction with the repayment of term loans A and B during 2013, resulting in a charge of $52 million included in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income during 2013. During 2013, Ashland reclassified a loss of $65 million from AOCI to the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. The losses reclassified to the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income were recorded in the net interest and other financing expense caption. Additionally, an unrealized loss of $3 million on interest rate hedges was recognized in AOCI during 2013. Other financial instruments At September 30, 2015 and 2014 , Ashland’s long-term debt (including current portion and excluding debt issuance cost discounts) had a carrying value of $3,431 million and $2,951 million , respectively, compared to a fair value of $3,484 million and $3,102 million , respectively. The fair values of long-term debt are based on quoted market prices or, if market prices are not available, the present values of the underlying cash flows discounted at Ashland’s incremental borrowing rates, and are deemed to be Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	The following table describes the various components of property, plant and equipment within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (In millions) 2015 2014 Land $ 202 $ 228 Buildings 710 730 Machinery and equipment 2,957 3,049 Construction in progress 275 268 Total property, plant and equipment (gross) 4,144 4,275 Accumulated depreciation (1,962 ) (1,861 ) Total property, plant and equipment (net) $ 2,182 $ 2,414 The following table summarizes various property, plant and equipment charges included within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Depreciation $ 263 $ 304 $ 268 Capitalized interest 2 1 1 Depreciation during 2015 includes $6 million of accelerated depreciation related to the restructuring plan of an existing manufacturing facility within the Specialty Ingredients reportable segment. These charges were recorded within the cost of sales caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. During 2014, depreciation included $36 million of accelerated depreciation and asset impairment, including a $19 million impairment related to the impairment of a product line within the Specialty Ingredients reportable segment. This charge was recorded within the cost of sales caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. The remaining $17 million relates to accelerated depreciation associated with plant closures within the Performance Materials reportable segment. During 2013 , there was $2 million of accelerated depreciation.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES Goodwill Ashland reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. This annual assessment is performed as of July 1 and consists of Ashland determining each reporting unit’s current fair value compared to its current carrying value. Subsequent to the business realignment during 2014 and the December 1, 2014 sale of the Elastomers division, which was previously a reporting unit, Ashland determined that its reporting units for the allocation of goodwill include the Specialty Ingredients and Valvoline reportable segments, and the Composites and Intermediates/Solvents reporting units within the Performance Materials reportable segment. Prior to this business realignment in 2014, the reporting units consisted of the Specialty Ingredients and Valvoline reportable segments, and the Composites and Adhesives reporting unit and the Elastomers reporting unit within the Performance Materials reportable segment. As a result of the business realignment in 2014, goodwill was reallocated using a relative fair value approach and Ashland performed an assessment to determine if an impairment existed. Upon completion of this assessment, Ashland concluded that no impairment existed. Ashland makes various estimates and assumptions in determining the estimated fair values of those units through the use of a combination of discounted cash flow models and valuations based on earnings multiples for guideline public companies in each reporting unit’s industry peer group. Discounted cash flow models are highly reliant on various assumptions. Significant assumptions Ashland utilized in these models for the current year included: projected business results and future industry direction, long-term growth factors and weighted-average cost of capital. Ashland uses assumptions that it deems to be reasonable estimates of likely future events and compares the total fair values of each reporting unit to Ashland’s market capitalization, and implied control premium, to determine if the fair values are reasonable compared to external market indicators. Subsequent changes in these key assumptions could affect the results of future goodwill impairment reviews. In conjunction with the July 1, 2015 annual assessment of goodwill, Ashland’s valuation techniques did not indicate any impairment. Ashland’s assessment of an impairment charge on any of these assets currently classified as having indefinite lives, including goodwill, could change in future periods if any or all of the following events were to occur with respect to a particular reporting unit: a significant change in projected business results, a divestiture decision, increase in Ashland’s weighted-average cost of capital rates, decrease in growth rates or other assumptions, economic deterioration that is more severe or of a longer duration than anticipated, or another significant economic event. The following is a progression of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Specialty Performance (In millions) Ingredients Materials (a) Valvoline Total Balance at September 30, 2013 $ 2,231 $ 311 $ 167 $ 2,709 Business realignment adjustment (b) (39 ) 39 — — Currency translation (63 ) (4 ) 1 (66 ) Balance at September 30, 2014 2,129 346 168 2,643 Acquisitions (c) — — 3 3 Divestitures (d) (10 ) (10 ) (1 ) (21 ) Currency translation (115 ) (23 ) (1 ) (139 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 2,004 $ 313 $ 169 $ 2,486 (a) As of September 30, 2015 , goodwill consisted of $142 million for the Composites reporting unit and $171 million for the Intermediates/Solvents reporting unit. (b) Business realignment adjustment represents the reallocation of goodwill during 2014 as a result of the transfer of Adhesives and Intermediates/Solvents between the Specialty Ingredients and Performance Materials reportable segments. In the fourth quarter of 2014, an error of $32 million was identified in the amount of goodwill associated with Intermediates/Solvents that was originally reallocated in the third quarter of 2014. The amount of goodwill transferred from Specialty Ingredients to Performance Materials was revised from $71 million to $39 million to correct the error. Ashland does not believe that this revision was material to the previously filed financial information. (c) Relates to Valvoline Instant Oil Change SM acquisitions during 2015. (d) Divestiture caption represents the amounts of goodwill for the sale of Elastomers, Valvoline car care products and industrial biocides. See Note B for additional information. Other intangible assets Intangible assets principally consist of trademarks and trade names, intellectual property, customer relationships and IPR&D. Intangible assets classified as finite are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The cost of trademarks and trade names is amortized principally over 4 to 25 years, intellectual property over 5 to 20 years and customer relationships over 3 to 24 years. IPR&D and certain intangible assets within trademarks and trade names have been classified as indefinite-lived and had a balance of $311 million and $322 million as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. During 2015, 2014 and 2013 there was a decrease in indefinite-lived intangible assets of $11 million , $13 million and $41 million , respectively, which represent impairments incurred related to certain IPR&D assets associated with the acquisition of ISP, classified within the research and development expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. These impairments represent Level 2 nonrecurring fair value measurements. Ashland has started amortizing remaining IPR&D assets during fiscal 2016 since the technology was commercialized during this period. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, Ashland annually reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. In conjunction with the July 1, 2015 annual assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets, Ashland’s models did not indicate any additional impairment for indefinite-lived intangible assets. Intangible assets were comprised of the following as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 . 2015 2014 Gross Net Gross Net carrying Accumulated carrying carrying Accumulated carrying (In millions) amount amortization amount amount amortization amount Definite-lived intangible assets Trademarks and trade names (a) $ 48 $ (41 ) $ 7 $ 72 $ (49 ) $ 23 Intellectual property (b) 813 (266 ) 547 827 (226 ) 601 Customer relationships (c) 424 (147 ) 277 481 (118 ) 363 Total definite-lived intangible assets 1,285 (454 ) 831 1,380 (393 ) 987 Indefinite-lived intangible assets IPR&D 8 — 8 19 — 19 Trademarks and trade names 303 — 303 303 — 303 Total intangible assets $ 1,596 $ (454 ) $ 1,142 $ 1,702 $ (393 ) $ 1,309 (a) Divested trademarks and trade names during 2015 had gross carrying amounts of $6 million , $7 million and $11 million for Elastomers, Valvoline car care products and industrial biocides, respectively, and accumulated amortization of $5 million , $3 million and $3 million , respectively. (b) Divested intellectual property during 2015 had a gross carrying amount of $18 million with $5 million of accumulated amortization for Elastomers. (c) Divested customer relationships during 2015 had a gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of $1 million each for Valvoline car care products. Amortization expense recognized on intangible assets was $78 million for 2015 , $89 million for 2014 and $88 million for 2013 , and is primarily included in the selling, general and administrative expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. As of September 30, 2015 , all of Ashland’s intangible assets that had a carrying value were being amortized except for IPR&D and certain trademarks and trade names that have been determined to have indefinite lives. Estimated amortization expense for future periods is $78 million in 2016 , $78 million in 2017 , $78 million in 2018 , $74 million in 2019 and $73 million in 2020 . The amortization expense for future periods is an estimate. Actual amounts may change from such estimated amounts due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, additional intangible asset acquisitions and divestitures, potential impairment, accelerated amortization, or other events.

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT The following table summarizes Ashland’s current and long-term debt at September 30, 2015 and 2014 . (In millions) 2015 2014 4.750% notes, due 2022 $ 1,120 $ 1,120 Term Loan, due 2020 1,086 — 3.875% notes, due 2018 700 700 6.875% notes, due 2043 376 376 Accounts receivable securitization (a) 190 255 6.50% junior subordinated notes, due 2029 136 134 Revolving credit facility 110 45 Other international loans, interest at a weighted- average rate of 6.2% at September 30, 2015 (5.3% to 9.5%) 25 29 Medium-term notes, due 2019, interest of 9.4% at September 30, 2015 5 14 3.000% notes, due 2016 — 600 Other (b) (19 ) (24 ) Total debt 3,729 3,249 Short-term debt (326 ) (329 ) Current portion of long-term debt (55 ) (9 ) Long-term debt (less current portion and debt issuance cost discounts) $ 3,348 $ 2,911 (a) During 2015, the potential funding for qualified receivables was reduced from $275 million to $250 million . (b) Other includes $28 million and $31 million of debt issuance cost discounts as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. At September 30, 2015 , Ashland’s total debt had an outstanding principal balance of $3,907 million , discounts of $150 million and debt issuance costs of $28 million . The scheduled aggregate maturities of debt for the next five fiscal years are as follows: $381 million in 2016 , $69 million in 2017 , $810 million in 2018 , $143 million in 2019 and $715 million in 2020 . Senior notes and senior credit facilities Senior notes refinancing and 2015 Senior Credit Agreement During June of 2015, Ashland completed certain refinancing transactions related to the $600 million 3.000% senior notes due in 2016 (2016 senior notes). Ashland commenced and completed a cash tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of its outstanding 2016 senior notes. At the close of the tender offer, $550 million aggregate principal amount of the 2016 senior notes was tendered by note holders, representing approximately 92% of the outstanding 2016 senior notes, which have been purchased by Ashland. Subsequently, Ashland redeemed the remaining balance of the 2016 senior notes of $50 million on July 23, 2015. In connection with the tender offer and redemption, in June 2015, Ashland entered into a new Credit Agreement (the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement). The 2015 Senior Credit Agreement replaced the $1.2 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the 2013 Senior Credit Facility), and was comprised of a new five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount of $1.2 billion (the 2015 revolving credit facility), which includes a $250 million letter of credit sublimit and a $100 million swing line loan sublimit, and a five-year senior unsecured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion (the term loan facility). The 2015 Senior Credit Agreement is not guaranteed, is unsecured and can be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty. At Ashland’s option, borrowings under the 2015 revolving credit facility will bear interest at either LIBOR or an alternate base rate, in each case plus the applicable interest rate margin. The loans' interest rate will fluctuate between LIBOR plus 1.375% per annum and LIBOR plus 2.50% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 0.375% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 1.50% per annum), based upon Ashland's corporate credit ratings or the consolidated gross leverage ratio (as defined in the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement) (whichever yields a lower applicable interest rate margin) at such time. In addition, Ashland was required to pay fees of 0.25% per annum on the daily unused amount of the 2015 revolving credit facility through and including June 30, 2015, and thereafter the fee rate will fluctuate between 0.175% and 0.40% per annum, based upon Ashland’s corporate credit ratings or the consolidated gross leverage ratio (whichever yields a lower fee rate). Total borrowing capacity remaining under the 2015 revolving credit facility was $1,013 million , due to an outstanding balance of $110 million , as well as a reduction of $77 million for letters of credit outstanding at September 30, 2015 . During 2015, Ashland used the proceeds from borrowings under the $1.1 billion term loan facility along with cash on hand (i) to fund the tender offer of the 2016 senior notes, (ii) to pay in full the outstanding loans under the 2013 Senior Credit Facility, (iii) to pay accrued interest, fees and expenses under the 2013 Senior Credit Facility and the 2016 senior notes, (iv) to contribute funds to the U.S. pension plans impacted by the pension plan settlement program discussed in Note M, and (v) to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the entry into the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement. As a result of the tender offer and redemption, Ashland recognized a $9 million charge related to early redemption premium payments, which is included in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income in 2015. Ashland incurred $10 million of new debt issuance costs in connection with the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement, of which $2 million was recognized immediately within the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. The remaining $8 million will be amortized over the term of the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement using the effective interest method. Additionally, as a result of the termination of the 2013 Senior Credit Facility and the repayment of the 2016 senior notes, Ashland recognized a $2 million charge for the accelerated amortization of previously capitalized debt issuance costs, which is included in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. 3.000% senior notes, 3.875% senior notes, 4.750% senior notes and 6.875% senior notes During 2013, Ashland completed its issuance of senior unsecured notes (senior notes) with an aggregate principal amount of $2.3 billion . These senior notes were comprised of 3.000% senior notes due 2016 ( $600 million ), 3.875% senior notes due 2018 ( $700 million ), 4.750% senior notes due 2022 ( $625 million ) and 6.875% senior notes due 2043 ( $375 million ). As discussed above, the 2016 senior notes were tendered and redeemed during 2015. The 2022 notes were issued as additional notes under the existing 2022 notes indenture entered into in August 2012, and have the same terms as the originally issued 2022 notes. The 2043 notes were issued at a $1 million premium, while the new 2022 notes were issued at a $6 million discount. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the premium and discount are being accreted into the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income over the terms of the respective notes. Ashland paid $32 million in fees and expenses with respect to the issuance of the senior notes during 2013, which is being amortized proportionately for each tranche of the senior notes. 2013 Senior Credit Facility During 2013, Ashland also entered the 2013 Senior Credit Facility, a five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount of $1.2 billion , which included a $250 million letter of credit sublimit and a $100 million swing line loan sublimit. The 2013 Senior Credit Facility replaced the $1 billion senior secured revolving credit facility under the 2011 Senior Credit Facility. The 2013 Senior Credit Facility was not guaranteed, was unsecured and could be prepaid at any time without premium. Ashland paid $6 million in fees and expenses with respect to the entry into the 2013 Senior Credit Facility, which was being amortized over the five-year period. At Ashland’s option, loans issued under the 2013 Senior Credit Facility beared interest at either LIBOR or an alternate base rate, in each case plus the applicable interest rate margin. The loans’ interest rates fluctuated between LIBOR plus 1.50% per annum and LIBOR plus 2.50% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 0.50% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 1.50% per annum), based upon Ashland’s corporate credit ratings or the consolidated gross leverage ratio (as defined in the 2013 Senior Credit Facility) (whichever yielded a lower applicable interest rate margin) at such time. In addition, Ashland was initially required to pay fees of 0.30% per annum on the daily unused amount of the 2013 Senior Credit Facility through and including March 31, 2013, and thereafter the fee rate fluctuates between 0.25% and 0.50% per annum, based upon Ashland’s corporate credit ratings or the consolidated gross leverage ratio. During 2013, Ashland used the net proceeds from its issuance of the senior notes, along with the initial $85 million borrowing on the 2013 Senior Credit Facility and cash on hand, (i) to pay in full the 2011 Senior Credit Facility, including the $1.41 billion outstanding principal of the term loan A facility and the $1.03 billion outstanding principal of the term loan B facility, (ii) to pay $52 million to terminate the interest rate swaps associated with the term loan A and term loan B facilities, (iii) to pay accrued interest, fees and expenses under the 2011 Senior Credit Facility and (iv) to pay $38 million in fees and expenses with respect to the issuance of the senior notes and entry into the 2013 Senior Credit Facility. The $52 million charge to terminate the interest rate swaps is included in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for 2013. As a result of the repayment and the termination of the 2011 Senior Credit Facility during 2013, Ashland recognized a $47 million charge for the accelerated amortization of previous debt issuance and other costs, which is included in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. 9.125% senior notes During 2012, $572 million of the total principal amount of the $650 million , 9.125% senior notes were redeemed. During 2013, Ashland redeemed the remaining $78 million outstanding principal of the senior notes. Ashland recognized a $3 million charge for debt issuance costs and the original issue discount related to the 9.125% senior notes, as well as a $4 million charge related to an early redemption premium payment, both of which are included in the net interest and other financing expense caption in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for 2013. Accounts receivable securitization On August 31, 2012, Ashland entered into a $350 million accounts receivable securitization facility pursuant to (i) a Sale Agreement, among Ashland and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (each an Originator and collectively, the Originators) and CVG Capital III LLC, a wholly-owned “bankruptcy remote” special purpose subsidiary of the Originators (CVG) and (ii) a Transfer and Administration Agreement, among CVG, each Originator, Ashland, as Master Servicer, certain Conduit Investors, Uncommitted Investors, Letter of Credit Issuers, Managing Agents, Administrators and Committed Investors, and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as agent for various secured parties (the Agent). The Transfer and Administration Agreement had a term of three years, but was extendable at the discretion of Ashland and the Investors. During 2015, the termination of the commitments under the Transfer and Administration Agreement was extended from August 28, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Under the Sale Agreement, each Originator will transfer, on an ongoing basis, certain of its accounts receivable, certain related assets and the right to the collections on those accounts receivable to CVG. Under the terms of the Transfer and Administration Agreement, CVG could, from time to time, obtain up to $350 million (in the form of cash or letters of credit for the benefit of Ashland and its subsidiaries) from the Conduit Investors, the Uncommitted Investors and/or the Committed Investors through the sale of an undivided interest in such accounts receivable, related assets and collections. Subsequently during 2014 and 2015, the available funding for qualifying receivables under the accounts receivable securitization facility was reduced from $350 million to $275 million during 2014 and from $275 million to $250 million during 2015 due to the divestitures that occurred during the fiscal years. Ashland accounts for the securitization facility as secured borrowings, and the receivables sold pursuant to the facility are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts receivable. Fundings under the Transfer and Administration Agreement will be repaid as accounts receivable are collected, with new fundings being advanced (through daily reinvestments) as new accounts receivable are originated by the Originators and transferred to CVG, with settlement generally occurring monthly. Ashland continues to classify any borrowings under this facility as a short-term debt instrument within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Once sold to CVG, the accounts receivable, related assets and rights to collection described above are separate and distinct from each Originator’s own assets and are not available to its creditors should such Originator become insolvent. Substantially all of CVG’s assets have been pledged to the Agent in support of its obligations under the Transfer and Administration Agreement. At September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the outstanding amount of accounts receivable transferred by Ashland to CVG was $381 million and $493 million , respectively. Ashland had drawn $190 million and $255 million under the facility as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, in available funding from qualifying receivables. The weighted-average interest rate for this instrument was 1.8% for 2015 and 1.1% for 2014 . Other debt At September 30, 2015 and 2014 , Ashland held other debt totaling $175 million and $184 million , respectively, comprised primarily of the 6.60% and 6.50% notes due 2027 and 2029, respectively, assumed in the Hercules acquisition, other short-term international loans, and a medium-term note. Net interest and other financing expense (income) (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest expense (a) $ 166 $ 163 $ 273 Interest income (6 ) (6 ) (4 ) Available-for-sale securities income (b) (3 ) — — Other financing costs (c) 17 9 13 $ 174 $ 166 $ 282 (a) Includes $4 million and $50 million of accelerated amortization for debt issuance costs during 2015 and 2013, respectively, and the $52 million charge to terminate the interest rate swaps associated with the term loan A and term loan B facilities during 2013. (b) Represents investment income related to the restricted investments discussed in Note F. (c) Includes $9 million related to the early redemption premium payments for the tender and redemption of the 2016 senior notes during 2015 and a $4 million redemption premium payment related to the $78 million principal 9.125% senior notes redeemed during 2013. The following table details the debt issuance cost and original issue discount amortization included in interest expense during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . (In millions) 2015 (a) 2014 2013 (b) Normal amortization $ 14 $ 14 $ 15 Accelerated amortization 4 — 50 Total $ 18 $ 14 $ 65 (a) Accelerated amortization of $4 million for debt issuance costs resulting from early redemption of the 2016 senior notes and the entrance into the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement. (b) Accelerated amortization of $47 million and $3 million resulted from the repayment of the 2011 Senior Credit Facility and the early paydown of Ashland’s remaining 9.125% senior notes, respectively. Covenants related to current debt agreements The 2015 Senior Credit Agreement contains usual and customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants for leverage and interest coverage ratios, limitations on liens, additional subsidiary indebtedness, restrictions on subsidiary distributions, investments, mergers, sale of assets and restricted payments and other customary limitations. As of September 30, 2015 , Ashland is in compliance with all debt agreement covenant restrictions. Financial covenants The maximum consolidated leverage ratios permitted under the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement are as follows: 3.75 through December 31, 2016 and 3.5 from March 31, 2017 and each fiscal quarter thereafter. The 2015 Senior Credit Agreement defines the consolidated leverage ratio as the ratio of consolidated indebtedness minus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to consolidated EBITDA (Covenant Adjusted EBITDA) for any measurement period. In general, the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement defines Covenant Adjusted EBITDA as net income plus consolidated interest charges, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, fees and expenses related to capital market transactions, restructuring and integration charges, noncash stock and equity compensation expense, and any other nonrecurring expenses or losses that do not represent a cash item in such period or any future period; less any noncash gains or other items increasing net income. The computation of Covenant Adjusted EBITDA differs from the calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which have been reconciled on page M-7. In general, consolidated indebtedness includes debt plus all purchase money indebtedness, banker’s acceptances and bank guaranties, deferred purchase price of property or services, attributable indebtedness and guarantees. The minimum required consolidated interest coverage ratio under the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement during its entire duration is 3.0 . The 2015 Senior Credit Agreement defines the consolidated interest coverage ratio as the ratio of Covenant Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest charges for any measurement period. At September 30, 2015 , Ashland’s calculation of the consolidated leverage ratio was 2.6 , which is below the maximum consolidated leverage ratio permitted under the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement of 3.75 . At September 30, 2015 , Ashland’s calculation of the interest coverage ratio was 6.4 , which exceeds the minimum required consolidated ratio of 3.0 .

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIA

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES [Abstract]
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES The following table provides the components of other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30. (In millions) 2015 2014 Deferred compensation investments $ 180 $ 184 Debt issuance costs 16 18 Note receivables 36 44 Manufacturing catalyst supplies 37 24 Environmental insurance receivables 16 24 Land use rights 22 23 Defined benefit plan assets 29 22 Life insurance policies 18 18 Tax receivables 7 17 Customer incentive 16 16 Debt defeasance assets 6 15 Other 93 74 $ 476 $ 479 The following table provides the components of other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30. (In millions) 2015 2014 Environmental remediation reserves $ 139 $ 158 Accrued tax liabilities (including sales and franchise) 103 74 Deferred compensation 66 72 Reserves related to workers compensation and general liability 24 50 Other 73 106 $ 405 $ 460

LEASE COMMITMENTS

LEASE COMMITMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
LEASE COMMITMENTS	LEASE COMMITMENTS Ashland and its subsidiaries are lessees of office buildings, retail outlets, transportation equipment, warehouses and storage facilities, other equipment, facilities and properties under leasing agreements that expire at various dates. Capitalized lease obligations are not significant and are included in long-term debt while capital lease assets are included in property, plant and equipment. Future minimum rental payments at September 30, 2015 were $40 million in 2016 , $31 million in 2017 , $24 million in 2018 , $19 million in 2019 , $15 million in 2020 and $61 million in 2021 and later years. Rental expense under operating leases for continuing operations was as follows: (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 (a) Minimum rentals (including rentals under short-term leases) $ 57 $ 69 $ 57 Contingent rentals 4 7 6 Sublease rental income (2 ) (2 ) (2 ) $ 59 $ 74 $ 61 (a) The table above excludes $13 million of lease commitments during 2013 that were related to the Water Technologies business that have been reclassified to discontinued operations due to its sale in July 2014.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES A summary of the provision for income taxes related to continuing operations follows. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current Federal $ (32 ) $ 34 $ 7 State 1 10 (6 ) Foreign 66 62 42 35 106 43 Deferred (57 ) (294 ) 153 Income tax expense (benefit) $ (22 ) $ (188 ) $ 196 Deferred income taxes are provided for income and expense items recognized in different years for tax and financial reporting purposes. As of September 30, 2015 , management intends to indefinitely reinvest approximately $1.6 billion of foreign earnings. Because these earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested, no U.S. tax provision has been accrued related to the repatriation of these earnings, and it is not practicable to estimate the amount of U.S. tax that might be payable if these earnings were ever to be remitted. Foreign net operating loss carryforwards primarily relate to certain European and Asian Pacific operations and generally may be carried forward. U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards relate to operational losses within certain states and generally may be carried forward. Temporary differences that give rise to significant deferred tax assets and liabilities as of September 30 are presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets Foreign net operating loss carryforwards (a) $ 81 $ 84 Employee benefit obligations 392 544 Environmental, self-insurance and litigation reserves (net of receivables) 218 172 State net operating loss carryforwards (b) 73 58 Compensation accruals 88 91 Credit carryforwards (c) 89 25 Other items 26 65 Valuation allowances (d) (107 ) (148 ) Total deferred tax assets 860 891 Deferred tax liabilities Goodwill and other intangibles (e) 371 409 Property, plant and equipment 351 416 Unremitted earnings 11 19 Total deferred tax liabilities 733 844 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ 127 $ 47 (a) Gross net operating loss carryforwards will expire in future years as follows: $2 million in 2016 , $13 million in 2017 and the remaining balance in other future years. (b) Gross net operating loss carryforwards include offset for uncertain tax positions of and will expire in future years as follows: $20 million in 2016 , $38 million in 2017 and the remaining balance in other future years. (c) Credit carryforwards include offset for uncertain tax positions and consist primarily of foreign tax credits of $67 million expiring in future years beyond 2017 and alternative minimum tax credits of $12 million with no expiration date. (d) Valuation allowances primarily relate to certain state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards. (e) The total gross amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2015 expected to be deductible for tax purposes is $38 million . The U.S. and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax with the provision for income taxes follow. The foreign components of income from continuing operations disclosed in the following table exclude any allocations of certain corporate expenses incurred in the U.S. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes United States (a), (b) $ (158 ) $ (364 ) $ 466 Foreign (b) 327 248 283 Total income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 169 $ (116 ) $ 749 Income taxes computed at U.S. statutory rate (35%) $ 59 $ (40 ) $ 262 Increase (decrease) in amount computed resulting from Net gain on divestitures (c) 11 37 — Uncertain tax positions 23 33 11 Valuation allowance charges (d) (29 ) 14 (12 ) Claim for research and development credits (e) (7 ) (2 ) (14 ) State taxes (f) (8 ) (16 ) 23 Net impact of foreign results (g) (73 ) (214 ) (74 ) Other items 2 — — Income tax expense (benefit) $ (22 ) $ (188 ) $ 196 (a) A significant component of the fluctuations within this caption relates to the annual remeasurements of the U.S. pension and other postretirement plans. (b) Prior year amounts for income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes for the United States and Foreign line items have been revised to reflect a change in the classification of the elimination of foreign intercompany dividends. There was no impact on the total of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes or on the computation of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and therefore Ashland does not believe that this revision is material to the previously filed financial information. (c) 2015 includes adjustments related to the sale of Valvoline Venezuela JV, Elastomers and the Biocides divestitures of $5 million , $4 million and $2 million respectively. 2014 tax adjustments associated with the Water Technologies business and ASK divestitures are a $39 million charge and $2 million gain respectively. (d) Related to foreign and state deferred tax asset valuation allowances/(releases). (e) 2015 and 2013 include a benefit related to credits signed into law on a retroactive basis. (f) 2014 and 2013 include expense of $5 million and $7 million , respectively, recorded for deferred tax adjustments, primarily attributable to state rate changes. (g) 2014 includes a $168 million tax benefit related to the reversal of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences and other related matters and a $14 million expense recorded for a rate change in a foreign jurisdiction. 2013 includes a $17 million benefit recorded for a rate change in a foreign jurisdiction. The fiscal 2015 effective tax rate was impacted by net favorable items predominantly due to certain valuation allowance releases related to state deferred tax assets. These favorable adjustments were partially offset by an accrual for an unrecognized tax benefit and tax related to certain global restructuring steps. Income tax benefit for 2014 included a $168 million tax benefit related to the reversal of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences and other related matters, a charge of $39 million for taxes associated with the sale of shares of subsidiaries included in the sale of the Water Technologies business, net charges of $32 million for uncertain tax positions and related matters, a charge of $14 million for a foreign income tax rate change and other net discrete item charges of $7 million primarily related to changes in valuation allowances. Income tax expense for 2013 included a zero benefit recorded on the MAP Transaction charge of $14 million and a net benefit of $16 million primarily attributable to a foreign income tax rate change. Unrecognized tax benefits U.S. GAAP prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the accounting and financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step requires Ashland to determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The second step requires Ashland to recognize in the financial statements each tax position that meets the more likely than not criteria, measured at the amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. Ashland had $144 million and $155 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $16 million and $32 million relate to discontinued operations at September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 , the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the tax rate for continuing and discontinued operations was $127 million . The remaining unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits would not have an impact on the effective tax rate. Ashland recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense (benefit) in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Such interest and penalties totaled a $1 million expense in 2015 , $2 million benefit in 2014 and $5 million benefit in 2013 . Ashland had $18 million and $19 million in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. During the year ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, changes in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows: (In millions) Balance at September 30, 2013 $ 133 Increases related to positions taken on items from prior years 29 Decreases related to positions taken on items from prior years (13 ) Increases related to positions taken in the current year 31 Lapse of statute of limitations (13 ) Disposition of Water Technologies (12 ) Balance at September 30, 2014 155 Increases related to positions taken on items from prior years 10 Decreases related to positions taken on items from prior years (15 ) Increases related to positions taken in the current year 24 Lapse of statute of limitations (6 ) Settlement of uncertain tax positions with tax authorities (24 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 144 From a combination of statute expirations and audit settlements in the next twelve months, Ashland expects a decrease in the amount of accrual for uncertain tax positions of up to $3 million for continuing operations and zero for discontinued operations. For the remaining balance as of September 30, 2015 , it is reasonably possible that there could be material changes to the amount of uncertain tax positions due to activities of the taxing authorities, settlement of audit issues, reassessment of existing uncertain tax positions, or the expiration of applicable statute of limitations; however, Ashland is not able to estimate the impact of these items at this time. Ashland or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. Foreign taxing jurisdictions significant to Ashland include Australia, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, China, Germany and the Netherlands. Ashland is subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for periods after September 30, 2009 and U.S. state income tax examinations by tax authorities for periods after September 30, 2005. With respect to countries outside of the United States, with certain exceptions, Ashland’s foreign subsidiaries are subject to income tax audits for years after 2004.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension plans Ashland and its subsidiaries sponsor contributory and noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover certain employees in the United States and in a number of other countries. In addition, Ashland has non-qualified unfunded pension plans which provide supplemental defined benefits to those employees whose benefits under the qualified pension plans are limited by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code. Ashland funds the costs of the non-qualified plans as the benefits are paid. Pension obligations for applicable employees of non-U.S. consolidated subsidiaries are provided for in accordance with local practices and regulations of the respective countries. Benefits for those eligible for Ashland’s U.S. pension plans generally are based on employees’ years of service and compensation during the years immediately preceding their retirement. The majority of Ashland's U.S. pension plans have been closed to new participants since January 1, 2011. In addition, most foreign pension plans are closed to new participants while those that remain open relate to areas where jurisdictions require plans to operate within the applicable country. Pension plan settlement program During 2015, Ashland informed approximately 20,000 former employees, who were included in the approximately 53,000 participants within the primary U.S. pension plans, that Ashland was offering these participants the option of receiving a lump sum payment on their vested retirement benefit or a reduced annuity now, in lieu of receiving monthly annuity payments deferred until retirement eligibility or when the participant may choose to initiate payment. During August 2015, approximately 12,000 participants elected to participate in the settlement program which resulted in approximately $475 million in settlement payments made from the affected pension plans during September 2015. Settlement payments were funded with pension plan assets, which included the $500 million contribution made during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Additionally, as a result of this settlement program, Ashland recognized a $3 million settlement gain during 2015, of which $1 million and $2 million was recognized in the cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense captions, respectively, within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Pension plans divested As a result of the sale of the Water Technologies business on July 31, 2014, certain non-U.S. pension plans, with a net benefit obligation of $70 million were fully transferred. Other postretirement benefit plans Ashland and its subsidiaries sponsor health care and life insurance plans for eligible employees in the U.S. and Canada who retire or are disabled. Ashland’s retiree life insurance plans are noncontributory, while Ashland shares the costs of providing health care coverage with its retired employees through premiums, deductibles and coinsurance provisions. Ashland funds its share of the costs of the postretirement benefit plans as the benefits are paid. Employees hired after June 30, 2003, and participating in the Ashland plans, will have access to any retiree health care coverage that may be provided, but will have no Ashland company funds available to help pay for such coverage. Since January 1, 2004, Ashland’s legacy plans have limited their annual per capita costs to an amount equivalent to base year per capita costs, plus annual increases of up to 1.5% per year for costs incurred. As a result, health care cost trend rates have no significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. Premiums for retiree health care coverage are equivalent to the excess of the estimated per capita costs over the amounts borne by Ashland. For certain other plans that have been acquired, the assumed postretirement health care plans include a limit on Ashland’s share of costs for recent and future retirees. The assumed pre-65 health care cost trend rate as of September 30, 2015 was 8.3% and continues to be reduced to 4.50% in 2037 and thereafter. The assumptions used to project the liability anticipate future cost-sharing changes to the written plans that are consistent with the increase in health care cost. Employees hired after December 31, 2002 will have access to any retiree health care coverage that may be provided, but will have no Ashland company funds available to help pay for such coverage. In May 2010, Ashland implemented changes for all plans, effective January 1, 2011, eliminating post-65 benefit coverage for those eligible participants retiring on or after January 1, 2016. In September 2011, Ashland adopted a plan amendment for the legacy Ashland plans to change the current post-65 Ashland Medical plan to Medicare Advantage plan. This change was effective January 1, 2012, at which time Ashland no longer applied for the Medicare Part D subsidy. In September 2012, Ashland further reduced the employer subsidy for the post-65 Ashland legacy Medicare Advantage Plan to account for the impact of certain changes to the prescription drug program adopted as part of the September 2011 plan amendment. Components of net periodic benefit costs (income) During the year ended September 30, 2015, Ashland was required to remeasure a non-U.S. pension plan due to the exit of Water Technologies' employees from the plan. As a result of the remeasurement, Ashland recognized a curtailment gain of $7 million and actuarial loss of $11 million during 2015. Of these amounts, all of the curtailment gain and $2 million of the actuarial loss were attributable to the Water Technologies business and therefore included in the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income during 2015. During the year ended September 30, 2014, Ashland settled two non-U.S. pension plans, which required the plans to be remeasured. These remeasurements resulted in Ashland recognizing a settlement loss of $38 million and actuarial loss of $17 million . Of these amounts, $6 million of the settlement loss and $3 million of the actuarial loss were attributable to the Water Technologies business and therefore included in the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income during 2014. Due to the global restructuring plan initiated in January 2014, Ashland was required to remeasure certain pension and other postretirement plan obligations, which included updating assumptions related to these plans such as the discount rate, asset values and demographic data that were last updated at Ashland’s fiscal year end. As a result of the remeasurements, Ashland recognized a curtailment loss of $6 million and actuarial loss of $83 million during the year ended September 30, 2014. Of these amounts, $14 million of the actuarial loss was attributable to the Water Technologies business and included in the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income during 2014. As a result of the completion of the sale of Water Technologies on July 31, 2014, Ashland was required to remeasure certain pension and other postretirement plan obligations. As a result of the remeasurements, Ashland recognized a curtailment gain of $31 million and actuarial loss of $140 million during the year ended September 30, 2014. Of these amounts, all of the curtailment gain and $27 million of the actuarial loss were attributable to the Water Technologies business and included in the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income during 2014. In addition, during 2013, $81 million of the actuarial gain was attributable to the Water Technologies business and included within the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. For segment reporting purposes, service cost for continuing operations is proportionately allocated to each reportable segment, excluding the Unallocated and other segment, while all other costs for continuing operations are recorded within the Unallocated and other segment. A portion of the other components of pension and other postretirement benefit costs (i.e., interest cost, expected return on assets, and amortization of prior service credit) related to Water Technologies has been reclassified to discontinued operations in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, income of $7 million and $11 million , respectively, was classified within discontinued operations. The following table summarizes the components of pension and other postretirement benefit costs for both continued and discontinued operations and the assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs (income) for the plans. Pension benefits Other postretirement benefits (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Net periodic benefit costs (income) Service cost $ 26 $ 38 $ 43 $ 1 $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost 175 190 175 8 9 7 Curtailment, settlement and other (11 ) 31 — — (20 ) — Expected return on plan assets (216 ) (237 ) (238 ) — — — Amortization of prior service credit (a) (4 ) (2 ) (2 ) (17 ) (21 ) (21 ) Actuarial loss (gain) 260 431 (472 ) 1 15 (26 ) $ 230 $ 451 $ (494 ) $ (7 ) $ (15 ) $ (38 ) Weighted-average plan assumptions (b) Discount rate 4.18 % 4.68 % 3.70 % 3.85 % 4.28 % 3.23 % Rate of compensation increase 3.18 % 3.59 % 3.66 % — — — Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.27 % 7.67 % 7.26 % — — — (a) Changes to the post-65 Ashland Medical plan resulted in negative plan amendments that are being amortized within the other postretirement benefits caption. (b) The plan assumptions discussed are a blended weighted-average rate for Ashland’s U.S. and non-U.S. plans. The U.S. pension plan represented approximately 90% of the projected benefit obligation at September 30, 2015 . Other postretirement benefit plans consist of U.S. and Canada, with the U.S. plan representing approximately 93% of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at September 30, 2015 . Non-U.S. plans use assumptions generally consistent with those of U.S. plans. The following table shows other changes in prior service credit recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Pension Postretirement (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Prior service cost (credit) $ 2 $ (6 ) $ — $ — Curtailment, settlement and other 3 3 — 10 Amortization of prior service credit 4 2 17 21 Total $ 9 $ (1 ) $ 17 $ 31 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive income $ 239 $ 450 $ 10 $ 16 The following table shows the amount of prior service credit in accumulated other comprehensive income at September 30, 2015 that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost (income) during the next fiscal year. Other Pension postretirement (In millions) benefits benefits Prior service credit $ (2 ) $ (16 ) At September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are shown in the following table. Pension Postretirement (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Prior service credit $ (12 ) $ (21 ) $ (45 ) $ (62 ) Obligations and funded status Actuarial valuations are performed for the pension and other postretirement benefit plans to determine Ashland’s obligation for each plan. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, Ashland recognizes the unfunded status of the plans as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Summaries of the change in benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status of the plans, amounts recognized in the balance sheet, and assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations for 2015 and 2014 follow. Other postretirement Pension plans benefit plans (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligations at October 1 $ 4,326 $ 4,307 $ 210 $ 217 Service cost 26 38 1 2 Interest cost 175 190 8 9 Participant contributions 1 2 15 12 Benefits paid (217 ) (245 ) (33 ) (34 ) Actuarial loss 59 503 1 15 Plan amendment 2 (6 ) — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (40 ) (15 ) (3 ) (1 ) Other 14 4 — — Divestiture — (127 ) — — Curtailment and settlement (527 ) (325 ) — (10 ) Benefit obligations at September 30 $ 3,819 $ 4,326 $ 199 $ 210 Change in plan assets Value of plan assets at October 1 $ 3,075 $ 3,381 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 15 309 — — Employer contributions 610 43 18 22 Participant contributions 1 2 15 12 Benefits paid (217 ) (245 ) (33 ) (34 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes (28 ) (5 ) — — Settlement (519 ) (359 ) — — Divestiture — (57 ) — — Other 14 6 — — Value of plan assets at September 30 $ 2,951 $ 3,075 $ — $ — Unfunded status of the plans $ (868 ) $ (1,251 ) $ (199 ) $ (210 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Noncurrent benefit assets $ 29 $ 22 $ — $ — Current benefit liabilities (19 ) (15 ) (17 ) (19 ) Noncurrent benefit liabilities (878 ) (1,258 ) (182 ) (191 ) Net amount recognized $ (868 ) $ (1,251 ) $ (199 ) $ (210 ) Weighted-average plan assumptions Discount rate 4.21 % 4.18 % 3.93 % 3.85 % Rate of compensation increase 3.01 % 3.18 % — — The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $3,750 million at September 30, 2015 and $4,261 million at September 30, 2014 . Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets follows: 2015 2014 Non- Non- Qualified qualified Qualified qualified (In millions) plans (a) plans Total plans (a) plans Total Projected benefit obligation $ 3,446 $ 162 $ 3,608 $ 3,930 $ 172 $ 4,102 Accumulated benefit obligation 3,390 156 3,546 3,880 165 4,045 Fair value of plan assets 2,712 — 2,712 2,832 — 2,832 (a) Includes qualified U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans. Plan assets The expected long-term rate of return on U.S. pension plan assets was 7.65% and 8% for 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The basis for determining the expected long-term rate of return is a combination of future return assumptions for various asset classes in Ashland’s investment portfolio, historical analysis of previous returns, market indices and a projection of inflation. The following table summarizes the various investment categories that the pension plan assets are invested in and the applicable fair value hierarchy that the financial instruments are classified within these investment categories as of September 30, 2015 . For additional information and a detailed description of each level within the fair value hierarchy, see Note F. Quoted prices in active Significant markets for other Significant identical observable unobservable Total fair assets inputs inputs (In millions) value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 91 $ 91 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 130 4 126 — Other government securities 163 1 162 — Corporate debt instruments 1,398 1,036 362 — Corporate stocks 289 146 143 — Insurance contracts 10 — 10 — Private equity and hedge funds 842 — — 842 Other investments 28 — — 28 Total assets at fair value $ 2,951 $ 1,278 $ 803 $ 870 The following table summarizes the various investment categories that the pension plan assets are invested in and the applicable fair value hierarchy that the financial instruments are classified within these investment categories as of September 30, 2014 . Quoted prices in active Significant markets for other Significant identical observable unobservable Total fair assets inputs inputs (In millions) value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 102 $ 102 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 180 7 173 — Other government securities 165 — 165 — Corporate debt instruments 1,172 788 384 — Corporate stocks 326 158 168 — Insurance contracts 12 — 12 — Private equity and hedge funds 1,085 — — 1,085 Other investments 33 — — 33 Total assets at fair value $ 3,075 $ 1,055 $ 902 $ 1,118 Ashland’s pension plan holds a variety of investments designed to diversify risk. Investments classified as a Level 1 fair value measure principally represent marketable securities priced in active markets. Cash and cash equivalents and public equity and debt securities are well diversified and invested in U.S. and international small-to-large companies across various asset managers and styles. Investments classified as a Level 2 fair value measure principally represents fixed-income securities in U.S. treasuries and agencies and other investment grade corporate bonds and debt obligations. Ashland’s pension plans also hold Level 3 investments primarily within hedge funds and private equity funds with hedge funds accounting for nearly all of the Level 3 investments. Ashland’s investments in these funds are primarily valued using the net asset value per share of underlying investments as determined by the respective individual fund administrators on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, depending on the fund. Such valuations are reviewed by the portfolio managers who determine the estimated value of the collective funds based on these inputs. The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for these Level 3 assets. Total Private Level 3 equity and Other (In millions) assets hedge funds investments Balance as of September 30, 2013 $ 1,228 $ 1,190 $ 38 Purchases 71 71 — Sales (258 ) (258 ) — Actual return on plan assets Relating to assets held at September 30, 2014 67 72 (5 ) Relating to assets sold during 2014 10 10 — Balance as of September 30, 2014 1,118 1,085 33 Purchases 1 1 — Sales (252 ) (252 ) — Actual return on plan assets Relating to assets held at September 30, 2015 3 8 (5 ) Relating to assets sold during 2015 — — — Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 870 $ 842 $ 28 Investments and Strategy In developing an investment strategy for its defined benefit plans, Ashland has considered the following factors: the nature of the plans’ liabilities, the allocation of liabilities between active, deferred and retired members, the funded status of the plans, the applicable investment horizon, the respective size of the plans and historical and expected capital market returns. Ashland’s U.S. pension plan assets are managed by outside investment managers, which are monitored against investment return benchmarks and Ashland’s established investment strategy. Investment managers are selected based on an analysis of, among other things, their investment process, historical investment results, frequency of management turnover, cost structure and assets under management. Assets are periodically reallocated between investment managers to maintain an appropriate asset mix and diversification of investments and to optimize returns. The current target asset allocation for the U.S. plan is 51% fixed securities and 49% equity securities. Fixed income securities primarily include long duration high grade corporate debt obligations. Risk assets include both traditional equity as well as a mix of non-traditional assets such as hedge funds and private equity. Investment managers may employ a limited use of derivatives to gain efficient exposure to markets. Ashland’s investment strategy and management practices relative to plan assets of non-U.S. plans generally are consistent with those for U.S. plans, except in those countries where investment of plan assets is dictated by applicable regulations. The weighted-average asset allocations for Ashland’s U.S. and non-U.S. plans at September 30, 2015 and 2014 by asset category follow. Actual at September 30 (In millions) Target 2015 2014 Plan assets allocation Equity securities 15 - 60% 42 % 51 % Debt securities 40 - 85% 56 % 47 % Other 0 - 20% 2 % 2 % 100 % 100 % Cash flows U.S. pension legislation and future funding requirements Ashland’s U.S. qualified pension plans funding requirements through fiscal 2017 are calculated in accordance with the regulations set forth in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 st Century Act (MAP-21), which provides temporary relief for employers who sponsor defined benefit pension plans related to funding contributions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Specifically, MAP-21 allows for the use of a 25-year average interest rate within an upper and lower range for purposes of determining minimum funding obligations instead of an average interest rate for the two most recent years, as was previously required. During fiscal 2015 and 2014 , Ashland contributed $596 million and $22 million , respectively, to its U.S. pension plans and $14 million and $21 million , respectively, to its non-U.S. pension plans. The 2015 contributions included $500 million to the U.S. pension plans impacted by the pension plan settlement program discussed previously. As a result of the $500 million discretionary contribution, Ashland's funding requirements to U.S. qualified pension plans have been eliminated for fiscal year 2016. Ashland expects to contribute approximately $15 million to its non-qualified U.S. pension plans and $15 million to its non-U.S. pension plans during 2016 . The following benefit payments, which reflect future service expectations, are projected to be paid in each of the next five years and in aggregate for five years thereafter. Other Pension postretirement (In millions) benefits benefits 2016 $ 240 $ 18 2017 235 17 2018 235 17 2019 236 17 2020 237 16 2021 - 2025 1,189 71 Other plans Ashland sponsors savings plans to assist eligible employees in providing for retirement or other future needs. Under such plans, company contributions amounted to $38 million in 2015 , $31 million in 2014 and $43 million in 2013 . Ashland also sponsors various other benefit plans, some of which are required by different countries. The total noncurrent liabilities associated with these plans were $16 million and $19 million as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTINGE

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
LITIGATION, CLAIMS, AND CONTINGENCIES	Asbestos litigation Ashland and Hercules have liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. To assist in developing and annually updating independent reserve estimates for future asbestos claims and related costs given various assumptions, Ashland retained Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Associates, Inc. (HR&A). The methodology used by HR&A to project future asbestos costs is based largely on recent experience, including claim-filing and settlement rates, disease mix, enacted legislation, open claims and litigation defense. The claim experience of Ashland and Hercules are separately compared to the results of previously conducted third party epidemiological studies estimating the number of people likely to develop asbestos-related diseases. Those studies were undertaken in connection with national analyses of the population expected to have been exposed to asbestos. Using that information, HR&A estimates a range of the number of future claims that may be filed, as well as the related costs that may be incurred in resolving those claims. Changes in asbestos-related liabilities and receivables are recorded on an after-tax basis within the discontinued operations caption in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Ashland asbestos-related litigation The claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos asserted against Ashland result primarily from indemnification obligations undertaken in 1990 in connection with the sale of Riley, a former subsidiary. The amount and timing of settlements and number of open claims can fluctuate from period to period. A summary of Ashland asbestos claims activity, excluding Hercules claims, follows. (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Open claims - beginning of year 65 65 66 New claims filed 2 2 2 Claims settled — (1 ) (1 ) Claims dismissed (7 ) (1 ) (2 ) Open claims - end of year 60 65 65 Ashland asbestos-related liability From the range of estimates, Ashland records the amount it believes to be the best estimate of future payments for litigation defense and claim settlement costs, which generally approximates the mid-point of the estimated range of exposure from model results. Ashland reviews this estimate and related assumptions quarterly and annually updates the results of a non-inflated, non-discounted approximate 50-year model developed with the assistance of HR&A. During the most recent update, completed during 2015 , it was determined that the liability for Ashland asbestos claims did not need to be adjusted. Total reserves for asbestos claims were $409 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $438 million at September 30, 2014 . A progression of activity in the asbestos reserve is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Asbestos reserve - beginning of year $ 438 $ 463 $ 522 Reserve adjustment — 4 (28 ) Amounts paid (29 ) (29 ) (31 ) Asbestos reserve - end of year $ 409 $ 438 $ 463 Ashland asbestos-related receivables Ashland has insurance coverage for certain litigation defense and claim settlement costs incurred in connection with its asbestos claims, and coverage-in-place agreements exist with the insurance companies that provide substantially all of the coverage that will be accessed. For the Ashland asbestos-related obligations, Ashland has estimated the value of probable insurance recoveries associated with its asbestos reserve based on management’s interpretations and estimates surrounding the available or applicable insurance coverage, including an assumption that all solvent insurance carriers remain solvent. Substantially all of the estimated receivables from insurance companies are expected to be due from domestic insurers. Approximately 45% of the receivable is from insurance companies rated by A.M. Best, all of which have a credit rating of A- or higher as of September 30, 2015 . In October 2012, Ashland and Hercules initiated various arbitration proceedings against Underwriters at Lloyd’s, certain London companies and/or Chartis (AIG) member companies seeking to enforce these insurers’ contractual obligations to provide indemnity for asbestos liabilities and defense costs under existing coverage-in-place agreements. In addition, Ashland and Hercules initiated a lawsuit in Kentucky state court against certain Berkshire Hathaway entities (National Indemnity Company and Resolute Management, Inc.) on grounds that these Berkshire Hathaway entities had wrongfully interfered with Underwriters’ and Chartis’ performance of their respective contractual obligations to provide asbestos coverage by directing the insurers to reduce and delay certain claim payments. On January 13, 2015, Ashland and Hercules entered into a comprehensive settlement agreement related to certain insurance coverage for asbestos bodily injury claims with Underwriters at Lloyd’s, certain London companies and Chartis (AIG) member companies, along with National Indemnity Company and Resolute Management, Inc., under which Ashland and Hercules received a total of $398 million . In exchange, all claims were released against these entities for past, present and future coverage obligations arising out of the asbestos coverage-in-place agreements that were the subject of the pending arbitration proceedings. In addition, as part of this settlement, Ashland and Hercules released all claims against National Indemnity Company and Resolute Management, Inc. in the Kentucky state court action. As a result, the arbitration proceedings and the Kentucky state court action have been terminated. As a result of this settlement, Ashland recorded an after-tax gain of $120 million within the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income during 2015. The Ashland insurance receivable balance was also reduced as a result of this settlement by $227 million within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, Ashland placed $335 million of the settlement funds received into a renewable annual trust restricted for the purpose of paying for ongoing and future litigation defense and claim settlement costs incurred in conjunction with asbestos claims. At September 30, 2015 , Ashland’s receivable for recoveries of litigation defense and claim settlement costs from insurers amounted to $150 million (excluding the Hercules receivable for asbestos claims), of which $12 million relates to costs previously paid. Receivables from insurers amounted to $402 million at September 30, 2014 . During 2015 , the annual update of the model used for purposes of valuing the asbestos reserve and its impact on valuation of future recoveries from insurers, was completed. This model update resulted in a $3 million decrease in the receivable for probable insurance recoveries. A progression of activity in the Ashland insurance receivable is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Insurance receivable - beginning of year $ 402 $ 408 $ 423 Receivable adjustment (3 ) 22 (3 ) Insurance settlement (227 ) — — Amounts collected (22 ) (28 ) (12 ) Insurance receivable - end of year $ 150 $ 402 $ 408 Hercules asbestos-related litigation Hercules has liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. Such claims typically arise from alleged exposure to asbestos fibers from resin encapsulated pipe and tank products which were sold by one of Hercules’ former subsidiaries to a limited industrial market. The amount and timing of settlements and number of open claims can fluctuate from period to period. A summary of Hercules’ asbestos claims activity follows. (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Open claims - beginning of year 21 21 21 New claims filed 1 1 1 Claims dismissed (2 ) (1 ) (1 ) Open claims - end of year 20 21 21 Hercules asbestos-related liability From the range of estimates, Ashland records the amount it believes to be the best estimate of future payments for litigation defense and claim settlement costs, which generally approximates the mid-point of the estimated range of exposure from model results. Ashland reviews this estimate and related assumptions quarterly and annually updates the results of a non-inflated, non-discounted approximate 50-year model developed with the assistance of HR&A. As a result of the most recent annual update of this estimate, completed during 2015 , it was determined that the liability for Hercules asbestos-related claims should be increased by $4 million . Total reserves for asbestos claims were $311 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $329 million at September 30, 2014 . A progression of activity in the asbestos reserve is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Asbestos reserve - beginning of year $ 329 $ 342 $ 320 Reserve adjustments 4 10 46 Amounts paid (22 ) (23 ) (24 ) Asbestos reserve - end of year $ 311 $ 329 $ 342 Hercules asbestos-related receivables For the Hercules asbestos-related obligations, certain reimbursement obligations pursuant to coverage-in-place agreements with insurance carriers exist. As a result, any increases in the asbestos reserve have been partially offset by probable insurance recoveries. Ashland has estimated the value of probable insurance recoveries associated with its asbestos reserve based on management’s interpretations and estimates surrounding the available or applicable insurance coverage, including an assumption that all solvent insurance carriers remain solvent. The estimated receivable consists exclusively of domestic insurers. Approximately 40% of the receivable is from insurance companies rated by A.M. Best, all of which have a credit rating of A+ or higher as of September 30, 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the receivables from insurers amounted to $56 million and $77 million , respectively. During 2015 , the annual update of the model used for purposes of valuing the asbestos reserve and its impact on valuation of future recoveries from insurers was completed. This model update resulted in a $1 million increase in the receivable for probable insurance recoveries. As a result of the January 2015 asbestos insurance settlement previously described, Hercules has resolved all disputes with Chartis (AIG) member companies under their existing coverage-in-place agreement for past, present and future Hercules asbestos claims. As a result, during 2015, a $22 million reduction in the insurance receivable balance within the Consolidated Balance Sheets was recorded. A progression of activity in the Hercules insurance receivable is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Insurance receivable - beginning of year $ 77 $ 75 $ 56 Receivable adjustment 1 3 19 Insurance settlement (22 ) — — Amounts collected — (1 ) — Insurance receivable - end of year $ 56 $ 77 $ 75 Asbestos litigation cost projection Projecting future asbestos costs is subject to numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict. In addition to the significant uncertainties surrounding the number of claims that might be received, other variables include the type and severity of the disease alleged by each claimant, the long latency period associated with asbestos exposure, dismissal rates, costs of medical treatment, the impact of bankruptcies of other companies that are co-defendants in claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, and the impact of potential changes in legislative or judicial standards. Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens. In light of these inherent uncertainties, Ashland believes that the asbestos reserves for Ashland and Hercules represent the best estimate within a range of possible outcomes. As a part of the process to develop these estimates of future asbestos costs, a range of long-term cost models was developed. These models are based on national studies that predict the number of people likely to develop asbestos-related diseases and are heavily influenced by assumptions regarding long-term inflation rates for indemnity payments and legal defense costs, as well as other variables mentioned previously. Ashland has currently estimated in various models ranging from approximately 40 to 50 year periods that it is reasonably possible that total future litigation defense and claim settlement costs on an inflated and undiscounted basis could range as high as approximately $880 million for the Ashland asbestos-related litigation (current reserve of $409 million ) and approximately $560 million for the Hercules asbestos-related litigation (current reserve of $311 million ), depending on the combination of assumptions selected in the various models. If actual experience is worse than projected, relative to the number of claims filed, the severity of alleged disease associated with those claims or costs incurred to resolve those claims, Ashland may need to increase further the estimates of the costs associated with asbestos claims and these increases could potentially be material over time. Environmental remediation and asset retirement obligations Ashland is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that require environmental assessment or remediation efforts (collectively environmental remediation) at multiple locations. At September 30, 2015 , such locations included 85 waste treatment or disposal sites where Ashland has been identified as a potentially responsible party under Superfund or similar state laws, 132 current and former operating facilities (including certain operating facilities conveyed as part of the MAP Transaction) and about 1,225 service station properties, of which 63 are being actively remediated. Ashland’s reserves for environmental remediation and related environmental litigation amounted to $186 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $197 million at September 30, 2014 , of which $139 million at September 30, 2015 and $158 million at September 30, 2014 were classified in other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the environmental remediation reserves during 2015 and 2014 . (In millions) 2015 2014 Environmental remediation reserve - beginning of year $ 197 $ 211 Disbursements (47 ) (46 ) Revised obligation estimates and accretion 36 32 Environmental remediation reserve - end of year $ 186 $ 197 The total reserves for environmental remediation reflect Ashland’s estimates of the most likely costs that will be incurred over an extended period to remediate identified conditions for which the costs are reasonably estimable, without regard to any third-party recoveries. Engineering studies, historical experience and other factors are used to identify and evaluate remediation alternatives and their related costs in determining the estimated reserves for environmental remediation. Ashland continues to discount certain environmental sites and regularly adjusts its reserves as environmental remediation continues. Ashland has estimated the value of its probable insurance recoveries associated with its environmental reserve based on management’s interpretations and estimates surrounding the available or applicable insurance coverage. At September 30, 2015 and 2014 , Ashland’s recorded receivable for these probable insurance recoveries were $23 million and $24 million , respectively, of which $16 million and $24 million , respectively, were classified in other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Components of environmental remediation expense included within the selling, general and administrative expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income are presented in the following table for the years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Environmental expense $ 32 $ 29 $ 28 Accretion 4 3 3 Legal expense 6 5 2 Total expense 42 37 33 Insurance receivable (2 ) (4 ) (4 ) Total expense, net of receivable activity (a) $ 40 $ 33 $ 29 (a) Net expense of $5 million , $4 million and $6 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, relates to divested businesses which qualified for treatment as discontinued operations and for which certain environmental liabilities were retained by Ashland. These amounts are classified within the income from discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Environmental remediation reserves are subject to numerous inherent uncertainties that affect Ashland’s ability to estimate its share of the costs. Such uncertainties involve the nature and extent of contamination at each site, the extent of required cleanup efforts under existing environmental regulations, widely varying costs of alternate cleanup methods, changes in environmental regulations, the potential effect of continuing improvements in remediation technology, and the number and financial strength of other potentially responsible parties at multiparty sites. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate costs of environmental remediation, Ashland currently estimates that the upper end of the reasonably possible range of future costs for identified sites could be as high as approximately $370 million . No individual remediation location is significant, as the largest reserve for any site is approximately 14% or less of the remediation reserve. Insurance settlement In March 2011, prior to the acquisition of ISP in August 2011, a disruption in the supply of a key raw material for this business occurred at a supplier. For a period of time while the raw material was not available from this supplier, an alternative source was used, but at a higher cost. During 2013, Ashland finalized its settlement with the insurers and received full payment in the amount of $31 million . The insurance settlement resulted in a net gain of $22 million being recognized within the cost of sales caption of the Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income during 2013. Settled claim During 2013, Ashland settled and collected a claim related to sales commissions and receivables within the Specialty Ingredients reportable segment. To recognize the settlement, Ashland recorded $13 million of income within the equity and other income caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income during 2013. Other legal proceedings and claims In addition to the matters described above, there are other various claims, lawsuits and administrative proceedings pending or threatened against Ashland and its current and former subsidiaries. Such actions are with respect to commercial matters, product liability, toxic tort liability, and other environmental matters, which seek remedies or damages, some of which are for substantial amounts. While Ashland cannot predict with certainty the outcome of such actions, it believes that adequate reserves have been recorded and losses already recognized with respect to such actions were immaterial as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 . There is a reasonable possibility that a loss exceeding amounts already recognized may be incurred related to these actions; however, Ashland believes that such potential losses were immaterial as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 . For additional information on legal proceedings and claims, see the Legal Proceedings section of Form 10-K (Part I, Item 3).

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ITEMS

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ITEMS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ITEMS	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY ITEMS Stock repurchase programs During the past three fiscal years, Ashland’s Board of Directors has authorized multiple share repurchase programs which are summarized below. During 2015, Ashland's Board of Directors approved a new $1 billion share repurchase authorization that will expire on December 31, 2017. This authorization allows for common shares to be repurchased in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to one or more accelerated stock repurchase programs or Rule 10b5-1 plans. During the first quarter of 2016, under this new share repurchase authorization, Ashland announced that it entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (November 2015 ASR Agreement) with Goldman, Sachs & Co. Under the November 2015 ASR Agreement, Ashland paid an initial purchase price of $500 million and received an initial delivery of approximately 3.9 million shares of common stock during November 2015. The November 2015 ASR Agreement is scheduled to terminate no later than May 2016 but may be terminated early in certain circumstances, in whole or in part. During 2014, the Board of Directors of Ashland authorized a $1.35 billion common stock repurchase program (the 2014 stock repurchase program). Under the program, Ashland’s common shares were repurchased pursuant to accelerated stock repurchase agreements, a Rule 10b5-1 plan, and a prepaid variable share repurchase agreement. This repurchase program was completed during 2015. The 2014 stock repurchase program authorization replaced Ashland’s previous $600 million share repurchase authorization(the 2013 stock repurchase program), approved in May 2013, which had $450 million remaining when it was terminated. 2014 stock repurchase program agreements The following stock repurchase agreements were entered into as part of the $1.35 billion common stock repurchase program. Accelerated stock repurchase agreements During 2014, Ashland announced that it had entered into accelerated share repurchase agreements (2014 ASR Agreements) with Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch (Deutsche Bank), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMorgan) to repurchase an aggregate of $750 million of Ashland's common stock. Under the 2014 ASR Agreements, Ashland paid an initial purchase price of $750 million , split evenly between the financial institutions. As of September 30, 2014, Ashland received an initial delivery of approximately 5.9 million shares of common stock under the 2014 ASR Agreements. The 2014 ASR Agreements had a variable maturity, at the financial institutions option, with a maximum pricing period termination date of June 30, 2015. During 2015, the 2014 ASR Agreements terminated pursuant to their terms and the pricing period was closed. The settlement price, which represents the weighted average price of Ashland's common stock over the pricing period less a discount, was $116.33 per share. Based on this settlement price, the final number of shares repurchased by Ashland that were delivered by the financial institutions under the 2014 ASR Agreements was 6.4 million shares. Ashland received the additional 0.5 million shares from the financial institutions during 2015 to settle the difference between the initial share delivery and the total number of shares repurchased. During 2015, Ashland announced and completed accelerated share repurchase agreements (2015 ASR Agreements) with Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan to repurchase an aggregate of $270 million of Ashland's common stock. Under the 2015 ASR Agreements, Ashland paid an initial purchase price of $270 million , split evenly between the financial institutions and received an initial delivery of approximately 1.9 million shares of common stock. The 2015 ASR Agreements had a variable maturity, at the financial institutions option, with a maximum pricing period termination date of July 31, 2015. During 2015, Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan exercised their early termination option under the 2015 ASR Agreements and the pricing period was closed. The settlement price, which represents the weighted average price of Ashland's common stock over the pricing period less a discount, was $125.22 per share. Based on this settlement price, the final number of shares repurchased by Ashland that were delivered by the financial institutions under the 2015 ASR Agreements was 2.2 million shares. Ashland received the additional 0.3 million shares from the financial institutions during 2015 to settle the difference between the initial share delivery and the total number of shares repurchased. Additional stock repurchase agreements Ashland entered into and completed a $125 million prepaid variable share repurchase agreement during 2014. The settlement price, which represents the weighted average price of Ashland's common stock over the pricing period less a discount, was $105.22 per share. Ashland received 0.8 million shares and $45 million in cash for the unused portion of the $125 million prepayment, for a net cash outlay of $80 million . During 2014, Ashland announced that it had entered into an agreement with each of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and JPMorgan to repurchase an aggregate of $250 million of Ashland's common stock. Under the terms of the agreement, the financial institutions purchased a pre-determined number of shares on various trading days dependent upon Ashland's prevailing stock price on that date. During 2014, Ashland received 1.2 million shares of common stock for a total cost of $124 million . During 2015, Ashland completed these agreements, receiving an additional 1.2 million shares of common stock for a total cost of $127 million . The settlement price, which represents the average amount spent after commissions over the common shares repurchased throughout the program, was $104.51 per share. In total, Ashland paid $250 million and received 2.4 million shares of common stock under the agreements. 2013 stock repurchase program agreement As part of the $600 million common stock repurchase program, Ashland announced and completed an accelerated share repurchase agreement (2013 ASR Agreement) with Citibank, N.A. (Citibank) during 2013. Under the 2013 ASR Agreement, Ashland paid an initial purchase price of $150 million to Citibank and received an initial delivery of approximately 1.3 million shares of its common stock. The 2013 ASR Agreement had a variable maturity, at Citibank’s option, with a maximum pricing period termination date of August 21, 2013. In June 2013, Citibank exercised its early termination option under the 2013 ASR Agreement and the pricing period was closed. The settlement price, which represents the weighted average price of Ashland’s common stock over the pricing period less a discount, was $86.32 per share. Based on this settlement price, the final number of shares repurchased by Ashland that were to be delivered by Citibank under the 2013 ASR Agreement was 1.7 million shares. Ashland received the additional 0.4 million shares from Citibank in 2013 to settle the difference between the initial share delivery and the total number of shares repurchased. Stockholder dividends In May 2015, the Board of Directors of Ashland announced a quarterly cash dividend increase to 39 cents per share, $1.56 per share on an annual basis, to eligible shareholders of record. This amount was paid for quarterly dividends in June and September 2015 and was an increase from the quarterly cash dividend of 34 cents per share paid during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2015. In May 2013, the Board of Directors of Ashland announced a quarterly cash dividend increase to 34 cents per share, $1.36 per share on an annual basis, to eligible shareholders of record. This amount was paid for quarterly dividends in fiscal 2014, as well as, June and September 2013 and was an increase from the quarterly cash dividend of 22.5 cents per share paid during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2013. Shares reserved for issuance At September 30, 2015 , 8.7 million common shares are reserved for issuance under stock incentive and deferred compensation plans. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Components of other comprehensive income (loss) recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income are presented in the following table, before tax and net of tax effects. Tax Before (expense) Net of (In millions) tax benefit tax Year ended September 30, 2015 Other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized translation loss $ (368 ) $ (1 ) $ (369 ) Pension and postretirement obligation adjustment: Adjustment of unrecognized prior service cost (2 ) 1 (1 ) Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits included in net income (a) (24 ) 7 (17 ) Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (17 ) 6 (11 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (411 ) $ 13 $ (398 ) Year ended September 30, 2014 Other comprehensive income (loss) Net change in translation gain (loss): Unrealized translation loss $ (163 ) $ (3 ) $ (166 ) Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (b) 6 — 6 Pension and postretirement obligation adjustment: Adjustment of unrecognized prior service credit 6 (2 ) 4 Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits included in net income (a) (36 ) 11 (25 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (187 ) $ 6 $ (181 ) Year ended September 30, 2013 Other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized translation gain (loss) $ 45 $ (8 ) $ 37 Pension and postretirement obligation adjustment: Adjustment of unrecognized prior service credit 13 (3 ) 10 Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits included in net income (a) (23 ) 8 (15 ) Net change in interest rate hedges: Unrealized loss during period (3 ) — (3 ) Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (c) 65 (24 ) 41 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ 97 $ (27 ) $ 70 (a) Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits are included in the calculation of net periodic benefit costs (income) for pension and other postretirement plans. For specific financial statement captions impacted by the amortization see the table below. (b) Losses from the translation adjustment included in net income are attributable to foreign Water Technologies subsidiaries sold with the divestiture. These adjustments are recorded in the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. (c) Losses from interest rate hedges are recorded in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. See Note F for further information. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, as disclosed in the table above, certain pension and other postretirement costs (income) are amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized in net income. The captions on the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income impacted by the amortization of unrecognized prior service credits for pension and other postretirement plans are disclosed below. See Note M for more information. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Cost of sales $ (8 ) $ (6 ) $ (6 ) Selling, general and administrative expense (13 ) (14 ) (14 ) Discontinued operations (3 ) (16 ) (3 ) Total amortization of unrecognized prior service credits $ (24 ) $ (36 ) $ (23 )

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS	STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS Ashland has stock incentive plans under which key employees or directors are granted stock appreciation rights (SARs), performance share awards or nonvested stock awards. Each program is typically a long-term incentive plan designed to link employee compensation with increased shareholder value or reward superior performance and encourage continued employment with Ashland. Ashland recognizes compensation expense for the grant date fair value of stock-based awards over the applicable vesting period. The components of Ashland’s pretax stock-based awards (net of forfeitures), which is included in the selling, general and administrative expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income, and associated income tax benefits are as follows: (In millions) 2015 (a) 2014 2013 SARs $ 10 $ 16 $ 17 Nonvested stock awards 15 10 4 Performance share awards 13 8 9 $ 38 $ 34 $ 30 Income tax benefit $ 13 $ 13 $ 11 (a) The year ended September 30, 2015 included a $7 million award modification within performance shares that was designated as a cash item (see table on F-52 for further information) and $1 million of expense related primarily to cash-settled nonvested restricted stock awards. Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) SARs are granted to employees or directors at a price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and typically become exercisable over periods of one to three years. Unexercised SARs lapse ten years and one month after the date of grant. Ashland estimates the fair value of SARs granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model . This model requires several assumptions, which Ashland has developed and updates based on historical trends and current market observations. The accuracy of these assumptions is critical to the estimate of fair value for these equity instruments. The following table illustrates the weighted-average of key assumptions used within the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the expected term of the instrument. The dividend yield reflects the assumption that the current dividend payout will continue with no anticipated increases. The volatility assumption was calculated by utilizing an unbiased standard deviation of Ashland’s Common Stock closing price for the past five years. The expected life is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. (In millions except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average fair value per share of SARs granted $ 30.70 $ 34.96 $ 29.93 Assumptions (weighted-average) Risk-free interest rate 1.7 % 1.4 % 0.7 % Expected dividend yield 1.2 % 1.5 % 1.3 % Expected volatility 31.8 % 49.7 % 55.0 % Expected life (in years) 5 5 5 A progression of activity and various other information relative to SARs and previously issued and vested stock options is presented in the following table. 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- of average of average of average common exercise price common exercise price common exercise price (In thousands except per share data) shares per share shares per share shares per share Outstanding - beginning of year 1,798 $ 62.85 2,658 $ 55.84 2,908 $ 45.94 Granted 277 113.65 391 89.69 888 70.41 Exercised (584 ) 58.80 (1,123 ) 54.14 (1,037 ) 39.95 Forfeitures and expirations (108 ) 83.00 (128 ) 75.82 (101 ) 61.96 Outstanding - end of year (a) 1,383 73.18 1,798 62.85 2,658 55.84 Exercisable - end of year 906 59.92 1,066 53.80 1,390 47.46 (a) Exercise prices per share for SARs outstanding at September 30, 2015 ranged from $9.49 to $49.79 for 139 shares, from $51.86 to $55.73 for 329 shares, from $64.92 to $89.69 for 652 shares, and from $112.91 to $117.38 for 263 shares. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding SARs and stock options was 6.8 years and exercisable SARs and stock options was 5.9 years. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised was $35 million in 2015 , $50 million in 2014 and $45 million in 2013 . The actual tax benefit realized from the exercised SARs was $6 million in 2015 , $18 million in 2014 and $1 million in 2013 . The total grant date fair value of SARs that vested during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $13 million , $21 million and $13 million , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 , there was $8 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to SARs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years. As of September 30, 2015 , the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding SARs was $41 million and exercisable SARs was $37 million . Nonvested stock awards Nonvested stock awards are granted to employees or directors at a price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and generally vest over a one -to- five -year period. However, such shares are subject to forfeiture upon termination of service before the vesting period ends. Nonvested stock awards entitle employees or directors to vote the shares. Dividends on nonvested stock awards granted are in the form of additional shares of nonvested stock awards, which are subject to vesting and forfeiture provisions. A progression of activity and various other information relative to nonvested stock awards is presented in the following table. 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- of average of average of average common grant date common grant date common grant date (In thousands except per share data) shares fair value shares fair value shares fair value Nonvested - beginning of year 221 $ 88.81 140 $ 56.97 333 $ 33.80 Granted 187 114.97 192 94.17 22 84.12 Vested (69 ) 77.51 (78 ) 47.07 (205 ) 22.50 Forfeitures (41 ) 99.20 (33 ) 83.84 (10 ) 51.01 Nonvested - end of year 298 106.41 221 88.81 140 56.97 The total fair value of nonvested stock awards that vested during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $5 million , $4 million and $5 million , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 , there was $15 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested stock awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. Performance shares Ashland sponsors a long-term incentive plan that awards performance shares/units to certain key employees that are tied to Ashland’s overall financial performance relative to the financial performance of selected industry peer groups and/or internal targets. Awards are granted annually, with each award covering a three -year performance cycle. Each performance share/unit is convertible to one share of Ashland Common Stock. These plans are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Performance measures used to determine the actual number of performance shares issuable upon vesting include an equal weighting of Ashland’s total shareholder return (TSR) performance and Ashland’s return on investment (ROI) performance as compared to the internal targets over the three -year performance cycle. TSR relative to peers is considered a market condition while ROI is considered a performance condition under applicable U.S. GAAP. Nonvested performance shares/units do not entitle employees to vote the shares or to receive any dividends thereon. The following table shows the performance shares/units granted for all plans that award Ashland Common Stock. Weighted- Target average shares fair value (In thousands) Performance period granted (a) per share Fiscal Year 2015 October 1, 2014 - September 30, 2017 77 $ 121.87 Fiscal Year 2014 October 1, 2013 - September 30, 2016 110 $ 85.84 Fiscal Year 2013 October 1, 2012 - September 30, 2015 134 $ 73.50 (a) At the end of the performance period, the actual number of shares issued can range from zero to 200% of the target shares granted, which is assumed to be 100% . The fair value of the ROI portion of the performance share awards is equal to the fair market value of Ashland’s Common Stock on the date of the grant discounted for the dividends forgone during the vesting period of the three-year performance cycle. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance condition will be satisfied. The fair value of the TSR portion of the performance share awards is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model using key assumptions included in the following table. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied. 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 0.1% - 1.0% 0.1% - 0.6% 0.2% - 0.3% Expected dividend yield 1.4 % 1.4 % 1.3 % Expected life (in years) 3 3 3 Expected volatility 24.2 % 32.1 % 37.6 % The following table shows changes in nonvested performance shares/units for all plans that award Ashland Common Stock. 2015 2014 2013 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- average average average grant date grant date grant date (In thousands except per share data) Shares fair value Shares fair value Shares fair value Nonvested - beginning of year 368 $ 72.20 433 $ 65.05 480 $ 54.39 Granted (a) 103 115.19 155 81.09 152 69.74 Vested (a) (133 ) 68.18 (183 ) 62.05 (175 ) 39.55 Forfeitures (b) (134 ) 74.79 (37 ) 75.02 (24 ) 67.06 Nonvested - end of year 204 93.79 368 72.20 433 65.05 (a) The current year includes 26 additional shares from the fiscal 2012 through 2014 plan, 2014 includes 45 additional shares from the fiscal 2011 through 2013 plan and 2013 includes 18 additional shares from the fiscal 2010 through 2012 plan since a portion of each plans payout was in excess of the initial 100% target. (b) During the December 2014 quarter, Ashland modified certain awards of its performance shares. The awards were modified to provide that the instruments be paid in cash instead of stock. This change in payment designation caused Ashland to recognize $7 million in incremental stock-based compensation expense related to 84 shares modified during 2015. As of September 30, 2015 , there was $8 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested performance share awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years.

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION	Ashland determines its reportable segments based on how operations are managed internally for the products and services sold to customers, including how the results are reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, which includes determining resource allocation methodologies used for reportable segments. Operating income is the primary measure reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in assessing each reportable segment's financial performance. Ashland does not aggregate operating segments to arrive at these reportable segments. Subsequent to the sale of Water Technologies and a business realignment during 2014, Ashland’s businesses are managed within three reportable segments: Specialty Ingredients, Performance Materials and Valvoline. The 2014 business realignment resulted in the re-organization of Specialty Ingredients into two divisions: Consumer Specialties and Industrial Specialties, with the adhesives category joining the Industrial Specialties division, moving over from Performance Materials. While, Performance Materials became comprised of three divisions: 1) Intermediates/Solvents, which moved over from Specialty Ingredients and serves both Ashland’s internal butanediol needs as well as the merchant market; 2) Composites, which serves construction, transportation, marine and other markets; and 3) Elastomers, which primarily served the North American replacement tire market prior to its December 1, 2014 sale. The business realignment during 2014 did not affect the Valvoline business, as it remained unchanged compared to prior year periods. Ashland performed an internal structural review and comprehensive assessment of its operations and reportable segments and concluded that its operating and reportable segments were Specialty Ingredients, Performance Materials, and Valvoline. Reportable segment business descriptions Specialty Ingredients is a global leader in cellulose ethers, vinyl pyrrolidones and biofunctionals. It offers industry-leading products, technologies and resources for solving formulation and product-performance challenges. Specialty Ingredients uses natural, synthetic and semisynthetic polymers derived from plant and seed extract, cellulose ethers, vinyl pyrrolidones, acrylic polymers as well as polyester and polyurethane-based adhesives. Specialty Ingredients includes two divisions, Consumer Specialties and Industrial Specialties, that offer comprehensive and innovative solutions for today’s demanding consumer and industrial applications. Key customers include: pharmaceutical companies; makers of personal care products, food and beverages; manufacturers of paint, coatings and construction materials; packaging and converting; and oilfield service companies. During 2015, Ashland sold the industrial biocides assets within Specialty Ingredients. See Note B for information on the divestiture of these assets. Performance Materials is composed of two divisions: Composites and Intermediates/Solvents. Performance Materials is a global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins. The business unit has leading positions in gelcoats, maleic anhydride, butanediol, tetrahydrofuran, N-Methylpyrrolidone and other intermediates and solvents. Key customers include: manufacturers of residential and commercial building products; industrial product specifiers and manufacturers; wind blade and pipe manufacturers; automotive and truck OEM suppliers; boatbuilders; engineered plastics and electronic producers; and specialty chemical manufacturers. Results from the former Elastomers division were included in Performance Materials' results of operations within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income until its December 1, 2014 sale. See Note B for information on the divestiture of the Elastomers division. Valvoline is a leading, worldwide producer and distributor of premium-branded automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants and automotive chemicals. It ranks as the #2 quick-lube chain and #3 passenger car motor oil brand in the United States. The brand operates and franchises approximately 940 Valvoline Instant Oil Change SM centers in the United States. It also markets Valvoline™ lubricants and automotive chemicals; MaxLife™ lubricants created for higher-mileage engines; SynPower™ synthetic motor oil; and Zerex™ antifreeze. Key customers include: retail auto parts stores and mass merchandisers who sell to consumers; installers, such as car dealers, repair shops and quick lubes; commercial fleets; and distributors. During 2015, Ashland sold its Valvoline car care product assets, including Car Brite TM and Eagle One TM automotive appearance products, and sold its joint venture equity investment in Venezuela. See Note B for information on the divestiture of this investment and the car care product assets. Unallocated and Other generally includes items such as components of pension and other postretirement benefit plan expenses (excluding service costs, which are allocated to the reportable segments), certain significant company-wide restructuring activities and legacy costs or adjustments that relate to divested businesses that are no longer operated by Ashland, including the Water Technologies business. International data Information about Ashland’s domestic and international operations follows. Ashland has no material operations in any individual international country and no single customer represented more than 10% of sales in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Sales from Property, plant external customers Net assets (liabilities) and equipment - net (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2015 2014 United States $ 2,715 $ 3,076 $ 3,130 $ (575 ) $ (160 ) $ 1,569 $ 1,721 International 2,672 3,045 2,961 3,612 3,743 613 693 $ 5,387 $ 6,121 $ 6,091 $ 3,037 $ 3,583 $ 2,182 $ 2,414 Reportable segment results The following tables present various financial information for each reportable segment for the years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 and as of September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Results of Ashland’s reportable segments are presented based on its management structure and internal accounting practices. The structure and practices are specific to Ashland; therefore, the financial results of Ashland’s reportable segments are not necessarily comparable with similar information for other comparable companies. Ashland allocates all costs to its reportable segments except for certain significant company-wide restructuring activities, such as the restructuring plans described in Note E, and other costs or adjustments that relate to former businesses that Ashland no longer operates. The service cost component of pension and other postretirement benefits costs is allocated to each reportable segment on a ratable basis; while the remaining components of pension and other postretirement benefits costs are recorded to Unallocated and other. Ashland refines its expense allocation methodologies to the reportable segments from time to time as internal accounting practices are improved, more refined information becomes available and the industry or market changes. Revisions to Ashland’s methodologies that are deemed insignificant are applied on a prospective basis. Ashland determined that disclosing sales by specific product was impracticable due to the highly customized and extensive portfolio of products offered to customers and since no one product or a small group of products could be aggregated together to represent a majority of revenue within a reportable segment. As such, the following table provides a summary of 2015 sales by product category for each reportable segment: Sales by product category for 2015 Specialty Ingredients Performance Materials Valvoline Cellulosics 37 % Composites 68 % Lubricants 86 % Poly vinyl pyrrolidones 18 % Intermediates/Solvents 28 % Chemicals (c) 7 % Adhesives 13 % Elastomers (b) 4 % Antifreeze 5 % Vinyl ethers 7 % 100 % Filters 2 % Actives 6 % 100 % Guar 2 % Other (a) 17 % 100 % (a) Includes sales for biocides through July 1, 2015 sale. (b) Includes sales only through December 1, 2014 sale. (c) Includes sales for car care products through June 30, 2015 sale. The following table presents various financial information for each reportable segment. The operating results of divested divisions and assets during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 that did not qualify for discontinued operations accounting treatment are included in the financial information until the date of sale. Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Reportable Segment Information Years Ended September 30 (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Sales Specialty Ingredients $ 2,263 $ 2,498 $ 2,478 Performance Materials 1,157 1,582 1,617 Valvoline 1,967 2,041 1,996 $ 5,387 $ 6,121 $ 6,091 Equity income (expense) Specialty Ingredients $ 1 $ 2 $ 4 Performance Materials 2 (38 ) 10 Valvoline (2 ) 10 13 Unallocated and other — 1 (1 ) 1 (25 ) 26 Other income (expense) Specialty Ingredients (1 ) (2 ) 14 Performance Materials 5 5 6 Valvoline 10 20 11 Unallocated and other 8 4 7 22 27 38 $ 23 $ 2 $ 64 Operating income (loss) Specialty Ingredients $ 239 $ 253 $ 243 Performance Materials 87 7 106 Valvoline 359 323 295 Unallocated and other (227 ) (537 ) 395 $ 458 $ 46 $ 1,039 Assets Specialty Ingredients $ 5,365 $ 5,756 $ 5,994 Performance Materials 1,079 1,395 1,518 Valvoline 976 1,073 1,051 Unallocated and other 2,644 2,696 3,488 $ 10,064 $ 10,920 $ 12,051 Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Reportable Segment Information (continued) Years Ended September 30 (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Equity and other unconsolidated investments Specialty Ingredients $ 9 $ 10 $ 12 Performance Materials (a) 24 23 157 Valvoline (b) 29 44 40 Unallocated and other 3 4 4 $ 65 $ 81 $ 213 Depreciation and amortization Specialty Ingredients $ 244 $ 262 $ 242 Performance Materials 59 91 75 Valvoline 38 37 35 Unallocated and other — 3 4 $ 341 $ 393 $ 356 Property, plant and equipment - net Specialty Ingredients $ 1,383 $ 1,433 $ 1,445 Performance Materials 358 508 551 Valvoline 253 272 270 Unallocated and other 188 201 241 $ 2,182 $ 2,414 $ 2,507 Additions to property, plant and equipment Specialty Ingredients $ 171 $ 159 $ 144 Performance Materials 33 38 43 Valvoline 45 36 41 Unallocated and other 16 15 36 $ 265 $ 248 $ 264 (a) ASK joint venture sold during 2014. (b) Venezuela joint venture sold during 2015.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI25

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, policy	Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Additionally, certain prior period data has been reclassified in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes to conform to the current period presentation, which includes the adoption of new accounting guidance during the current year related to debt issuance costs presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Ashland and its majority owned subsidiaries. Investments in joint ventures and 20% to 50% owned affiliates where Ashland has the ability to exert significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Ashland is composed of three reportable segments: Ashland Specialty Ingredients (Specialty Ingredients), Ashland Performance Materials (Performance Materials) and Valvoline. On July 31, 2014, Ashland completed the sale of the assets and liabilities of Ashland Water Technologies (Water Technologies). As a result of the sale, all prior period operating results and cash flows related to Water Technologies have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income and Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. During 2015 , Ashland sold certain assets in its portfolio of businesses. See Notes B and Q for additional information on these activities as well as Ashland's current reportable segment results.
Use of estimates, risks and uncertainties	Use of estimates, risks and uncertainties The preparation of Ashland’s Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Significant items that are subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, long-lived assets (including goodwill and other intangible assets), employee benefit obligations, income taxes and liabilities and receivables associated with asbestos litigation and environmental remediation. Although management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could differ significantly from the estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Ashland’s results are affected by domestic and international economic, political, legislative, regulatory and legal actions. Economic conditions, such as recessionary trends, inflation, interest and monetary exchange rates, government fiscal policies and changes in the prices of certain key raw materials, can have a significant effect on operations. While Ashland maintains reserves for anticipated liabilities and carries various levels of insurance, Ashland could be affected by civil, criminal, regulatory or administrative actions, claims or proceedings relating to asbestos, environmental remediation or other matters.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments maturing within three months after purchase.
Allowance for doubtful accounts	Allowance for doubtful accounts Ashland records an allowance for doubtful accounts as a best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses for accounts receivable. Each month, Ashland reviews this allowance and considers factors such as customer credit, past transaction history with the customer and changes in customer payment terms when determining whether the collection of a receivable is reasonably assured. Past due balances over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. The allowance for doubtful accounts is adjusted when it becomes probable a receivable will not be recovered.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Inventories are primarily stated at cost using the weighted-average cost method. In addition, certain chemicals, plastics and lubricants with a replacement cost of $170 million at September 30, 2015 and $232 million at September 30, 2014 are valued at cost using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment The cost of property, plant and equipment is depreciated by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are depreciated principally over 25 to 35 years and machinery and equipment principally over 2 to 25 years. Such costs are periodically reviewed for recoverability when impairment indicators are present. Such indicators include, among other factors, operating losses, unused capacity, market value declines and technological obsolescence. Recorded values of asset groups of property, plant and equipment that are not expected to be recovered through undiscounted future net cash flows are written down to current fair value, which generally is determined from estimated discounted future net cash flows (assets held for use) or net realizable value (assets held for sale).
Goodwill and other intangibles	Goodwill and other intangibles In accordance with U.S. GAAP, Ashland tests goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of July 1 and when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. Ashland reviews goodwill for impairment based on its identified reporting units, which are defined as operating segments or groupings of businesses one level below the operating segment level. Annually, Ashland tests goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying value to the estimated fair value of its reporting units, determined using a combination of discounted cash flow models and valuations based on earnings multiples for guideline public companies in each reporting unit’s industry peer group, when externally quoted market prices are not readily available. Ashland tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets, principally trademarks and trade names, using a “relief-from-royalty” valuation method compared to the carrying value, while in-process research and development (IPR&D) assets are subject to review through the various stages of the feasibility assessment process. Significant assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies for goodwill and other intangibles are employed and include, but are not limited to, such estimates as future projected business results, growth rates, the weighted-average cost of capital for a market participant, and royalty and discount rates. Finite-lived intangible assets principally consist of certain trademarks and trade names, intellectual property, and customer lists. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The cost of trademarks and trade names is amortized principally over 4 to 25 years, intellectual property over 5 to 20 years and customer relationships over 3 to 24 years. Ashland reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Ashland monitors these changes and events on at least a quarterly basis. For further information on goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note H.
Derivative instruments	Derivative instruments Ashland regularly uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currencies. All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and are measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of all derivatives are recognized immediately in income unless the derivative qualifies as a hedge of future cash flows or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Gains and losses related to a hedge are either recognized in income immediately to offset the gain or loss on the hedged item, or deferred and recorded in the stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income when the hedged item affects net income. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a hedge is recognized in income immediately. For additional information on derivative instruments, see Note F.
Restricted investments	Restricted investments On January 13, 2015, Ashland and Hercules, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashland that was acquired in 2009, entered into a comprehensive settlement agreement related to certain insurance coverage for asbestos bodily injury claims with Underwriters at Lloyd’s, certain London companies and Chartis (AIG) member companies, along with National Indemnity Company and Resolute Management, Inc., under which Ashland and Hercules received a total of $398 million (the January 2015 asbestos insurance settlement). During 2015 , Ashland placed $335 million of the settlement funds into a renewable annual trust restricted for the purpose of paying ongoing and future litigation defense and claim settlement costs incurred in conjunction with asbestos claims. These funds are presented primarily as noncurrent assets, with $30 million classified within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2015 , the funds within the trust were primarily invested in equity and corporate bond investments with a portion maintained in demand deposits. The funds within the trust are classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred income taxes, included in the stockholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Interest income and realized gains and losses on the available-for-sale securities are reported in the net interest and other financing expense caption in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. See Notes F and N for additional information regarding fair value of these investments within the trust and the January 2015 asbestos insurance settlement.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition Sales generally are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, products are received or services are provided to customers, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. For consignment inventory, title and risk of loss are transferred when the products have been consumed or used in the customer’s production process. The percentage of Ashland’s sales recognized from consignment inventory sales was 3% during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Ashland reports all sales net of tax assessed by qualifying governmental authorities. Certain shipping and handling costs paid by the customer are recorded in sales, while those costs paid by Ashland are recorded in cost of sales.
Expense recognition	Expense recognition Cost of sales include material and production costs, as well as the costs of inbound and outbound freight, purchasing and receiving, inspection, warehousing, internal transfers and all other distribution network costs. Selling, general and administrative expense includes sales and marketing costs, advertising, customer support, environmental remediation, corporate and divisional administrative and other costs. Advertising costs ( $62 million in 2015 , $63 million in 2014 and $70 million in 2013 ) and research and development costs ( $110 million in 2015 , $114 million in 2014 and $142 million in 2013 ) are expensed as incurred.
Income taxes	Income taxes Ashland is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment in the forecasting of taxable income using historical and projected future operating results is required in determining Ashland’s provision for income taxes and the related assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes paid, currently payable or receivable, and deferred taxes. Under U.S. GAAP, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for the estimated future effects of tax loss carryforwards. The effect on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the enactment date occurs. Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. In the event that the actual outcome of future tax consequences differs from Ashland’s estimates and assumptions due to changes or future events such as tax legislation, geographic mix of earnings, completion of tax audits or earnings repatriation plans, the resulting change to the provision for income taxes could have a material effect on the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information on income taxes, see Note L.
Asbestos-related litigation	Asbestos-related litigation Ashland is subject to liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. Such claims result from indemnification obligations undertaken in 1990 in connection with the sale of Riley Stoker Corporation (Riley) and the acquisition of Hercules Incorporated (Hercules) in November 2008. Although Riley, a former subsidiary, was neither a producer nor a manufacturer of asbestos, its industrial boilers contained some asbestos-containing components provided by other companies. Hercules, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashland, has liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. Such claims typically arise from alleged exposure to asbestos fibers from resin encapsulated pipe and tank products sold by one of Hercules’ former subsidiaries to a limited industrial market. Ashland retained Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Associates, Inc. (HR&A) to assist in developing and annually updating independent reserve estimates for future asbestos claims and related costs given various assumptions. The methodology used by HR&A to project future asbestos costs is based largely on Ashland’s recent experience, including claim-filing and settlement rates, disease mix, enacted legislation, open claims, and litigation defense. Ashland’s claim experience is compared to the results of previously conducted epidemiological studies estimating the number of people likely to develop asbestos-related diseases. Those studies were undertaken in connection with national analyses of the population expected to have been exposed to asbestos. Using that information, HR&A estimates a range of the number of future claims that may be filed, as well as the related costs that may be incurred in resolving those claims. From the range of estimates, Ashland records the amount it believes to be the best estimate of future payments for litigation defense and claim settlement costs. For additional information on asbestos-related litigation, see Note N. Ashland and Hercules have liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. To assist in developing and annually updating independent reserve estimates for future asbestos claims and related costs given various assumptions, Ashland retained Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Associates, Inc. (HR&A). The methodology used by HR&A to project future asbestos costs is based largely on recent experience, including claim-filing and settlement rates, disease mix, enacted legislation, open claims and litigation defense. The claim experience of Ashland and Hercules are separately compared to the results of previously conducted third party epidemiological studies estimating the number of people likely to develop asbestos-related diseases. Those studies were undertaken in connection with national analyses of the population expected to have been exposed to asbestos. Using that information, HR&A estimates a range of the number of future claims that may be filed, as well as the related costs that may be incurred in resolving those claims. Changes in asbestos-related liabilities and receivables are recorded on an after-tax basis within the discontinued operations caption in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income.
Environmental remediation	Environmental remediation Accruals for environmental remediation are recognized when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of that liability can be reasonably estimated. Such costs are charged to expense if they relate to the remediation of conditions caused by past operations or are not expected to mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Liabilities are recorded at estimated cost values based on experience, assessments and current technology, without regard to any third-party recoveries and are regularly adjusted as environmental assessments and remediation efforts continue. For additional information on environmental remediation, see Note N. The total reserves for environmental remediation reflect Ashland’s estimates of the most likely costs that will be incurred over an extended period to remediate identified conditions for which the costs are reasonably estimable, without regard to any third-party recoveries. Engineering studies, historical experience and other factors are used to identify and evaluate remediation alternatives and their related costs in determining the estimated reserves for environmental remediation. Ashland continues to discount certain environmental sites and regularly adjusts its reserves as environmental remediation continues. Ashland has estimated the value of its probable insurance recoveries associated with its environmental reserve based on management’s interpretations and estimates surrounding the available or applicable insurance coverage.
Pension and other postretirement benefits	Pension and other postretirement benefits The funded status of Ashland’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation at September 30, the measurement date. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and for the other postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO). The PBO represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid upon retirement based on estimated future compensation levels. The APBO represents the actuarial present value of postretirement benefits attributed to employee services already rendered. The measurement of the benefit obligation is based on Ashland’s estimates and actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect the terms of the plans and use participant-specific information such as compensation, age and years of service, as well as certain key assumptions that require significant judgment, including, but not limited to, estimates of discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, interest rates and mortality rates. The fair value of plan assets represents the current market value of assets held by an irrevocable trust fund for the sole benefit of participants. For additional information regarding plan assumptions and the current financial position of the pension and other postretirement plans, see Note M. Ashland recognizes the change in the fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever a plan is determined to qualify for a remeasurement. The remaining components of pension and other postretirement benefits expense are recorded ratably on a quarterly basis. Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustments charged directly to cost of sales that are applicable to inactive participants are excluded from inventoriable costs. The service cost component of pension and other postretirement benefits costs is allocated to each reportable segment on a ratable basis; while the remaining components of pension and other postretirement benefits costs are recorded to Unallocated and other.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation Operations outside the United States are measured primarily using the local currency as the functional currency. Upon consolidation, the results of operations of the subsidiaries and affiliates whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates for the year while assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates. Adjustments to translate assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars are recorded in the stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and are included in net earnings only upon sale or substantial liquidation of the underlying foreign subsidiary or affiliated company.
Stock incentive plans	Stock incentive plans Ashland recognizes compensation expense for stock incentive plans awarded to key employees and directors, primarily in the form of stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, performance shares and other non-vested stock awards, that are generally based upon the grant-date fair value over the appropriate vesting period. Ashland utilizes several industry accepted valuation models to determine the fair value. For further information concerning stock incentive plans, see Note P. Ashland has stock incentive plans under which key employees or directors are granted stock appreciation rights (SARs), performance share awards or nonvested stock awards. Each program is typically a long-term incentive plan designed to link employee compensation with increased shareholder value or reward superior performance and encourage continued employment with Ashland. Ashland recognizes compensation expense for the grant date fair value of stock-based awards over the applicable vesting period.
Earnings per share	Earnings per share The following is the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations. Earnings per share are reported under the treasury stock method. Stock options and SARs for each reported year whose grant price was greater than the market price of Ashland Common Stock at the end of each fiscal year were not included in the computation of income from continuing operations per diluted share because the effect of these instruments would be antidilutive. The total number of these shares outstanding was 0.7 million for 2015 and 0.6 million for 2014 and 2013 .
New accounting standards	New accounting pronouncements In July 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance to simplify the subsequent measurement of certain inventories by replacing the current lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The guidance applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in first-out and the retail inventory method. This guidance will become effective prospectively for Ashland on October 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Ashland is currently evaluating the new accounting standard and the impact this new guidance will have on Ashland's Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2015 and August 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs were not affected by this amendment. The adoption of the new guidance was on a retrospective basis. Ashland elected to early adopt this guidance for debt issuance costs during 2015. As a result, $28 million was presented as long-term debt as of September 30, 2015 and Ashland reclassified $31 million from other noncurrent assets to long-term debt as of September 30, 2014 within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance outlining a single comprehensive five step model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers (ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers). The new guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, in an effort to converge the revenue recognition principles within U.S. GAAP. This new guidance also requires entities to disclose certain quantitative and qualitative information regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of qualifying revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Entities have the option of using a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt the new guidance. During 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of this standard by one year. As a result, this guidance now becomes effective for Ashland on October 1, 2018. Ashland is currently evaluating the new accounting standard and the available implementation options the standard allows as well as the impact this new guidance will have on Ashland's Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance amending the requirements for reporting discontinued operations (ASC 205 Presentation of Financial Statements and ASC 360 Property, Plant and Equipment). This guidance limits the requirement for discontinued operations treatment to the disposal of a component of an entity, or a group of components of an entity, that represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, this new guidance no longer precludes discontinued operations presentation based on continuing involvement or cash flows following the disposal. Ashland adopted this guidance on October 1, 2014, which is applicable only to divestitures subsequent to the adoption date, and has evaluated each divestiture during the current year under this new guidance. In July 2013, the FASB amended accounting provisions that address the financial statement presentation of tax items eligible for netting (ASC 740 Income Taxes). An unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. This guidance was effective prospectively for Ashland on October 1, 2014, with retrospective application and early adoption permitted. Ashland elected to early adopt this new guidance and apply it retrospectively during 2014. As a result, approximately $49 million as of September 30, 2014, was reclassified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets from other long-term liabilities and offset against deferred tax assets. In March 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to a parent’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity (ASC 830 Foreign Currency Matters). This guidance requires that the cumulative translation adjustment associated with a qualifying derecognized subsidiary or group of assets be immediately recognized within the income statement by the parent company. This guidance became effective for Ashland on October 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance impacts the Consolidated Financial Statements for divestitures of subsidiaries or assets with cumulative translation. In February 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (ASC 220 Comprehensive Income). This guidance sets forth new disclosure requirements for items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by requiring disclosures for both the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and where the significant items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are classified in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. This guidance became effective for Ashland on October 1, 2013 and has been disclosed for all applicable periods presented.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Polici

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	As required by U.S. GAAP, Ashland uses applicable guidance for defining fair value, the initial recording and periodic remeasurement of certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value and related disclosures for instruments measured at fair value. Fair value accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the instrument’s fair value measurement. The three levels within the fair value hierarchy are described as follows. Level 1 – Observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability for which there is little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. Unobservable inputs reflect Ashland’s own assumptions about what market participants would use to price the asset or liability. The inputs are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances, which might include Ashland’s own financial data such as internally developed pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the fair value determination requires significant management judgment. For assets that are measured using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), the total fair value is the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs. Assets and liabilities that are measured using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) are primarily valued by reference to quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets, adjusted for any terms specific to that asset or liability. For all other assets and liabilities for which unobservable inputs are used (Level 3), fair value is derived through the use of fair value models, such as a discounted cash flow model or other standard pricing models that Ashland deems reasonable.
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block]	Ashland conducts business in a variety of foreign currencies. Accordingly, Ashland regularly uses foreign currency derivative instruments to manage exposure on certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies to curtail potential earnings volatility effects of certain assets and liabilities, including short-term inter-company loans, denominated in currencies other than Ashland’s functional currency of an entity. These derivative contracts generally require exchange of one foreign currency for another at a fixed rate at a future date and generally have maturities of less than twelve months. All contracts are marked-to-market with net changes in fair value recorded within the selling, general and administrative expense caption. The impacts of these contracts were largely offset by gains and losses resulting from the impact of changes in exchange rates on transactions denominated in non-functional currencies.
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives [Policy Text Block]	During 2015 and 2014, Ashland entered into foreign currency contracts in order to manage the foreign currency exposure of the net investment in certain foreign operations. These foreign currency contracts were primarily the result of certain proceeds from the sale of Water Technologies being received in non-U.S. denominated currencies during 2014 and ongoing management of the volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. Ashland designated the foreign currency contracts as hedges of net investment in its foreign subsidiaries. As a result, Ashland records these hedges at fair value using forward rates, with the effective portion of the gain or loss reported as a component of the cumulative translation adjustment within AOCI and subsequently recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Income when the hedged item affects net income. During 2015 , certain foreign currency contracts were settled. These settlements resulted in net gains recorded within the cumulative translation adjustment within AOCI of $11 million for 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the total notional value of foreign currency contracts equaled $175 million and $206 million , respectively. The fair value of Ashland's net investment hedge assets and liabilities are calculated using forward rates. Accordingly, these instruments are deemed to be Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. Counterparties to these net investment hedges are highly rated financial institutions which Ashland believes carry only a nominal risk of nonperformance.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill Ashland reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. This annual assessment is performed as of July 1 and consists of Ashland determining each reporting unit’s current fair value compared to its current carrying value. Subsequent to the business realignment during 2014 and the December 1, 2014 sale of the Elastomers division, which was previously a reporting unit, Ashland determined that its reporting units for the allocation of goodwill include the Specialty Ingredients and Valvoline reportable segments, and the Composites and Intermediates/Solvents reporting units within the Performance Materials reportable segment. Prior to this business realignment in 2014, the reporting units consisted of the Specialty Ingredients and Valvoline reportable segments, and the Composites and Adhesives reporting unit and the Elastomers reporting unit within the Performance Materials reportable segment. As a result of the business realignment in 2014, goodwill was reallocated using a relative fair value approach and Ashland performed an assessment to determine if an impairment existed. Upon completion of this assessment, Ashland concluded that no impairment existed. Ashland makes various estimates and assumptions in determining the estimated fair values of those units through the use of a combination of discounted cash flow models and valuations based on earnings multiples for guideline public companies in each reporting unit’s industry peer group. Discounted cash flow models are highly reliant on various assumptions. Significant assumptions Ashland utilized in these models for the current year included: projected business results and future industry direction, long-term growth factors and weighted-average cost of capital. Ashland uses assumptions that it deems to be reasonable estimates of likely future events and compares the total fair values of each reporting unit to Ashland’s market capitalization, and implied control premium, to determine if the fair values are reasonable compared to external market indicators. Subsequent changes in these key assumptions could affect the results of future goodwill impairment reviews. In conjunction with the July 1, 2015 annual assessment of goodwill, Ashland’s valuation techniques did not indicate any impairment. Ashland’s assessment of an impairment charge on any of these assets currently classified as having indefinite lives, including goodwill, could change in future periods if any or all of the following events were to occur with respect to a particular reporting unit: a significant change in projected business results, a divestiture decision, increase in Ashland’s weighted-average cost of capital rates, decrease in growth rates or other assumptions, economic deterioration that is more severe or of a longer duration than anticipated, or another significant economic event.
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Intangible assets principally consist of trademarks and trade names, intellectual property, customer relationships and IPR&D. Intangible assets classified as finite are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The cost of trademarks and trade names is amortized principally over 4 to 25 years, intellectual property over 5 to 20 years and customer relationships over 3 to 24 years.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	IPR&D and certain intangible assets within trademarks and trade names have been classified as indefinite-lived and had a balance of $311 million and $322 million as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. During 2015, 2014 and 2013 there was a decrease in indefinite-lived intangible assets of $11 million , $13 million and $41 million , respectively, which represent impairments incurred related to certain IPR&D assets associated with the acquisition of ISP, classified within the research and development expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. These impairments represent Level 2 nonrecurring fair value measurements. Ashland has started amortizing remaining IPR&D assets during fiscal 2016 since the technology was commercialized during this period. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, Ashland annually reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. In conjunction with the July 1, 2015 annual assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets, Ashland’s models did not indicate any additional impairment for indefinite-lived intangible assets. Intangible assets were comprised of the following as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 .

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTIN28

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTINGENCIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Asbestos-related litigation Ashland is subject to liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. Such claims result from indemnification obligations undertaken in 1990 in connection with the sale of Riley Stoker Corporation (Riley) and the acquisition of Hercules Incorporated (Hercules) in November 2008. Although Riley, a former subsidiary, was neither a producer nor a manufacturer of asbestos, its industrial boilers contained some asbestos-containing components provided by other companies. Hercules, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashland, has liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. Such claims typically arise from alleged exposure to asbestos fibers from resin encapsulated pipe and tank products sold by one of Hercules’ former subsidiaries to a limited industrial market. Ashland retained Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Associates, Inc. (HR&A) to assist in developing and annually updating independent reserve estimates for future asbestos claims and related costs given various assumptions. The methodology used by HR&A to project future asbestos costs is based largely on Ashland’s recent experience, including claim-filing and settlement rates, disease mix, enacted legislation, open claims, and litigation defense. Ashland’s claim experience is compared to the results of previously conducted epidemiological studies estimating the number of people likely to develop asbestos-related diseases. Those studies were undertaken in connection with national analyses of the population expected to have been exposed to asbestos. Using that information, HR&A estimates a range of the number of future claims that may be filed, as well as the related costs that may be incurred in resolving those claims. From the range of estimates, Ashland records the amount it believes to be the best estimate of future payments for litigation defense and claim settlement costs. For additional information on asbestos-related litigation, see Note N. Ashland and Hercules have liabilities from claims alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos. To assist in developing and annually updating independent reserve estimates for future asbestos claims and related costs given various assumptions, Ashland retained Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Associates, Inc. (HR&A). The methodology used by HR&A to project future asbestos costs is based largely on recent experience, including claim-filing and settlement rates, disease mix, enacted legislation, open claims and litigation defense. The claim experience of Ashland and Hercules are separately compared to the results of previously conducted third party epidemiological studies estimating the number of people likely to develop asbestos-related diseases. Those studies were undertaken in connection with national analyses of the population expected to have been exposed to asbestos. Using that information, HR&A estimates a range of the number of future claims that may be filed, as well as the related costs that may be incurred in resolving those claims. Changes in asbestos-related liabilities and receivables are recorded on an after-tax basis within the discontinued operations caption in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income.
Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Environmental remediation Accruals for environmental remediation are recognized when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of that liability can be reasonably estimated. Such costs are charged to expense if they relate to the remediation of conditions caused by past operations or are not expected to mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Liabilities are recorded at estimated cost values based on experience, assessments and current technology, without regard to any third-party recoveries and are regularly adjusted as environmental assessments and remediation efforts continue. For additional information on environmental remediation, see Note N. The total reserves for environmental remediation reflect Ashland’s estimates of the most likely costs that will be incurred over an extended period to remediate identified conditions for which the costs are reasonably estimable, without regard to any third-party recoveries. Engineering studies, historical experience and other factors are used to identify and evaluate remediation alternatives and their related costs in determining the estimated reserves for environmental remediation. Ashland continues to discount certain environmental sites and regularly adjusts its reserves as environmental remediation continues. Ashland has estimated the value of its probable insurance recoveries associated with its environmental reserve based on management’s interpretations and estimates surrounding the available or applicable insurance coverage.

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Policies

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock incentive plans Ashland recognizes compensation expense for stock incentive plans awarded to key employees and directors, primarily in the form of stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, performance shares and other non-vested stock awards, that are generally based upon the grant-date fair value over the appropriate vesting period. Ashland utilizes several industry accepted valuation models to determine the fair value. For further information concerning stock incentive plans, see Note P. Ashland has stock incentive plans under which key employees or directors are granted stock appreciation rights (SARs), performance share awards or nonvested stock awards. Each program is typically a long-term incentive plan designed to link employee compensation with increased shareholder value or reward superior performance and encourage continued employment with Ashland. Ashland recognizes compensation expense for the grant date fair value of stock-based awards over the applicable vesting period.

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Ashland determines its reportable segments based on how operations are managed internally for the products and services sold to customers, including how the results are reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, which includes determining resource allocation methodologies used for reportable segments. Operating income is the primary measure reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in assessing each reportable segment's financial performance. Ashland does not aggregate operating segments to arrive at these reportable segments. Subsequent to the sale of Water Technologies and a business realignment during 2014, Ashland’s businesses are managed within three reportable segments: Specialty Ingredients, Performance Materials and Valvoline.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI31

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Inventories	The following summarizes Ashland’s inventories as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet dates. (In millions) 2015 2014 Finished products $ 542 $ 557 Raw materials, supplies and work in process 198 239 LIFO reserves (34 ) (31 ) $ 706 $ 765
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share	The following is the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations. Earnings per share are reported under the treasury stock method. Stock options and SARs for each reported year whose grant price was greater than the market price of Ashland Common Stock at the end of each fiscal year were not included in the computation of income from continuing operations per diluted share because the effect of these instruments would be antidilutive. The total number of these shares outstanding was 0.7 million for 2015 and 0.6 million for 2014 and 2013 . (In millions except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Numerator Numerator for basic and diluted EPS - Income from continuing operations $ 191 $ 72 $ 553 Denominator Denominator for basic EPS - Weighted-average common shares outstanding 68 77 78 Share based awards convertible to common shares 1 1 2 Denominator for diluted EPS - Adjusted weighted- average shares and assumed conversions 69 78 80 EPS from continuing operations Basic $ 2.81 $ 0.94 $ 7.06 Diluted 2.78 0.93 6.95
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	A progression of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Allowance for doubtful accounts - beginning of year $ 13 $ 12 $ 19 Adjustments to net income 2 5 (4 ) Reserves utilized (3 ) (4 ) (3 ) Other changes (1 ) — — Allowance for doubtful accounts - end of year $ 11 $ 13 $ 12
Inventory Reserve [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	A progression of activity in the inventory reserves, which reduce the amounts of finished products and raw materials, supplies and work in process reported, is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Inventory reserves - beginning of year $ 53 $ 59 $ 28 Adjustments to net income 9 4 42 Reserves utilized (6 ) (10 ) (11 ) Dispositions and other changes (21 ) — — Inventory reserves - end of year $ 35 $ 53 $ 59
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	A progression of activity in the tax valuation allowances for both continuing and discontinued operations is presented in the following table. 2015 2014 2013 Tax valuation allowances - beginning of year $ 148 $ 166 $ 175 Adjustments to net income (27 ) (5 ) (6 ) Reserves utilized (14 ) (14 ) (2 ) Acquisition and other changes — 1 (1 ) Tax valuation allowances - end of year $ 107 $ 148 $ 166

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Components of Amounts in the Statements of Consolidated Income Related To Discontinued Operations	Due to the ongoing assessment of certain matters associated with previous divestitures, subsequent adjustments to these divestitures may continue in future periods in the discontinued operations caption in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. Components of amounts reflected in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income related to discontinued operations are presented in the following table for each of the years ended September 30. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Income (loss) from discontinued operations Asbestos-related litigation matters $ 132 $ 5 $ (3 ) Water Technologies (3 ) 84 202 Distribution (3 ) — (9 ) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations Water Technologies 4 148 — Income before taxes 130 237 190 Income tax benefit (expense) Benefit (expense) related to income (loss) from discontinued operations Asbestos-related litigation reserves and expenses (22 ) 1 5 Water Technologies 2 (25 ) (78 ) Distribution 1 — 3 Benefit (expense) related to gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations Water Technologies 3 (56 ) — Distribution 3 — — APAC 1 4 10 Income from discontinued operations (net of taxes) $ 118 $ 161 $ 130

UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES (Tabl

UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	The summarized financial information for all companies accounted for on the equity method by Ashland is as of and for the years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Financial position Current assets $ 211 $ 292 Current liabilities (54 ) (98 ) Working capital 157 194 Noncurrent assets 40 45 Noncurrent liabilities (1 ) (1 ) Stockholders’ equity $ 196 $ 238 Results of operations Sales $ 398 $ 966 $ 1,181 Income from operations 57 74 79 Net income 31 63 53 Amounts recorded by Ashland Investments and advances $ 65 $ 81 $ 213 Equity income (loss) (a) 1 (25 ) 26 Distributions received 22 14 11 (a) The results in 2015 and 2014 include a $14 million and $50 million impairment on the Valvoline joint venture in Venezuela and the ASK joint venture, respectively.

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Table

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	The following table details at September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the amount of restructuring reserves related to the programs discussed above, and the related activity in these reserves during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The severance reserves are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for all periods presented. As of September 30, 2015, facility cost reserves are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, while these reserves were primarily within other noncurrent liabilities as of September 30, 2014. Facility (In millions) Severance costs Total Balance as of September 30, 2012 $ 29 $ 15 $ 44 Reserve adjustments 9 — 9 Utilization (cash paid) (21 ) (7 ) (28 ) Balance as of September 30, 2013 17 8 25 Restructuring reserves 95 4 99 Reserve adjustments (4 ) — (4 ) Utilization (cash paid) (52 ) (3 ) (55 ) Balance as of September 30, 2014 56 9 65 Reserve adjustments (3 ) (2 ) (5 ) Utilization (cash paid) (45 ) (4 ) (49 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 8 $ 3 $ 11

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The following table summarizes financial asset instruments subject to recurring fair value measurements as of September 30, 2015 . For additional information on fair value hierarchy measurements of pension plan asset holdings, see Note M. Quoted prices in active Significant markets for other Significant identical observable unobservable Carrying Total fair assets inputs inputs (In millions) value value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,257 $ 1,257 $ 1,257 $ — $ — Restricted investments (a) 315 315 315 — — Deferred compensation investments (b) 180 180 40 140 — Investments of captive insurance company (b) 4 4 4 — — Foreign currency derivatives 13 13 — 13 — Total assets at fair value $ 1,769 $ 1,769 $ 1,616 $ 153 $ — Liabilities Foreign currency derivatives $ 16 $ 16 $ — $ 16 $ — Total liabilities at fair value $ 16 $ 16 $ — $ 16 $ — (a) Included in restricted investments and $30 million within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (b) Included in other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes financial asset instruments subject to recurring fair value measurements as of September 30, 2014 . Quoted prices in active Significant markets for other Significant identical observable unobservable Carrying Total fair assets inputs inputs (In millions) value value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,393 $ 1,393 $ 1,393 $ — $ — Deferred compensation investments (a) 184 184 45 139 — Investments of captive insurance company (a) 3 3 3 — — Foreign currency derivatives 11 11 — 11 — Total assets at fair value $ 1,591 $ 1,591 $ 1,441 $ 150 $ — Liabilities Foreign currency derivatives $ 9 $ 9 $ — $ 9 $ — Total liabilities at fair value $ 9 $ 9 $ — $ 9 $ — (a) Included in other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Available-for-sale Securities	The following table provides a summary of the available-for-sale securities portfolio for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 : (In millions) Original Investment Unrealized Unrealized Fair As of September 30, 2015 Cost Income (a) gain loss Disbursements Value Demand deposit $ 20 3 $ — $ — (6 ) $ 17 Equity mutual fund 195 — — (14 ) — 181 Corporate bond mutual fund 120 — — (3 ) — 117 Total $ 335 3 $ — $ (17 ) (6 ) $ 315 (a) Investment income for the demand deposit includes interest income as well as dividend income transferred from the equity and corporate bond mutual funds.
Summary of gains (losses) on foreign currency derivatives	The following table summarizes the currency hedge gains and losses recognized during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Foreign currency derivative gains (losses) $ (17 ) $ (7 ) $ 1
Summary of fair values on foreign currency derivatives	The following table summarizes the fair values of the outstanding foreign currency derivatives as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 included in accounts receivable and accrued expenses and other liabilities of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (In millions) 2015 2014 Foreign currency derivative assets $ 5 $ 2 Notional contract values 192 88 Foreign currency derivative liabilities $ 16 $ 4 Notional contract values 673 281
Fair value of the outstanding net investment hedges	The following table summarizes the fair value of the outstanding net investment hedge instruments as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 . (In millions) Consolidated balance sheet caption 2015 2014 Net investment hedge assets Accounts receivable $ 8 $ 9 Net investment hedge liabilities (a) Accrued expenses and other liabilities — 5 (a) Fair values of $0 denote a value less than $1 million.
Summary of unrealized gain on net investment hedges	The following table summarizes the change in the unrealized gain on the net investment hedge instruments recognized within the cumulative translation adjustment within AOCI during 2015 and 2014 . No portion of the gain was reclassified to income during 2015 and 2014 . There was no hedge ineffectiveness with these instruments during 2015 and 2014 . (In millions) 2015 2014 Change in unrealized gain in AOCI $ 8 $ 4 Tax impact of change in unrealized gain in AOCI (2 ) (3 )

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	The following table describes the various components of property, plant and equipment within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (In millions) 2015 2014 Land $ 202 $ 228 Buildings 710 730 Machinery and equipment 2,957 3,049 Construction in progress 275 268 Total property, plant and equipment (gross) 4,144 4,275 Accumulated depreciation (1,962 ) (1,861 ) Total property, plant and equipment (net) $ 2,182 $ 2,414
Property, Plant and Equipment Expenses [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes various property, plant and equipment charges included within the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Depreciation $ 263 $ 304 $ 268 Capitalized interest 2 1 1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE37

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill by segment roll forward	The following is a progression of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Specialty Performance (In millions) Ingredients Materials (a) Valvoline Total Balance at September 30, 2013 $ 2,231 $ 311 $ 167 $ 2,709 Business realignment adjustment (b) (39 ) 39 — — Currency translation (63 ) (4 ) 1 (66 ) Balance at September 30, 2014 2,129 346 168 2,643 Acquisitions (c) — — 3 3 Divestitures (d) (10 ) (10 ) (1 ) (21 ) Currency translation (115 ) (23 ) (1 ) (139 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 2,004 $ 313 $ 169 $ 2,486 (a) As of September 30, 2015 , goodwill consisted of $142 million for the Composites reporting unit and $171 million for the Intermediates/Solvents reporting unit. (b) Business realignment adjustment represents the reallocation of goodwill during 2014 as a result of the transfer of Adhesives and Intermediates/Solvents between the Specialty Ingredients and Performance Materials reportable segments. In the fourth quarter of 2014, an error of $32 million was identified in the amount of goodwill associated with Intermediates/Solvents that was originally reallocated in the third quarter of 2014. The amount of goodwill transferred from Specialty Ingredients to Performance Materials was revised from $71 million to $39 million to correct the error. Ashland does not believe that this revision was material to the previously filed financial information. (c) Relates to Valvoline Instant Oil Change SM acquisitions during 2015. (d) Divestiture caption represents the amounts of goodwill for the sale of Elastomers, Valvoline car care products and industrial biocides. See Note B for additional information.
Intangible assets	Intangible assets were comprised of the following as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 . 2015 2014 Gross Net Gross Net carrying Accumulated carrying carrying Accumulated carrying (In millions) amount amortization amount amount amortization amount Definite-lived intangible assets Trademarks and trade names (a) $ 48 $ (41 ) $ 7 $ 72 $ (49 ) $ 23 Intellectual property (b) 813 (266 ) 547 827 (226 ) 601 Customer relationships (c) 424 (147 ) 277 481 (118 ) 363 Total definite-lived intangible assets 1,285 (454 ) 831 1,380 (393 ) 987 Indefinite-lived intangible assets IPR&D 8 — 8 19 — 19 Trademarks and trade names 303 — 303 303 — 303 Total intangible assets $ 1,596 $ (454 ) $ 1,142 $ 1,702 $ (393 ) $ 1,309 (a) Divested trademarks and trade names during 2015 had gross carrying amounts of $6 million , $7 million and $11 million for Elastomers, Valvoline car care products and industrial biocides, respectively, and accumulated amortization of $5 million , $3 million and $3 million , respectively. (b) Divested intellectual property during 2015 had a gross carrying amount of $18 million with $5 million of accumulated amortization for Elastomers. (c) Divested customer relationships during 2015 had a gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of $1 million each for Valvoline car care products.

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The following table summarizes Ashland’s current and long-term debt at September 30, 2015 and 2014 . (In millions) 2015 2014 4.750% notes, due 2022 $ 1,120 $ 1,120 Term Loan, due 2020 1,086 — 3.875% notes, due 2018 700 700 6.875% notes, due 2043 376 376 Accounts receivable securitization (a) 190 255 6.50% junior subordinated notes, due 2029 136 134 Revolving credit facility 110 45 Other international loans, interest at a weighted- average rate of 6.2% at September 30, 2015 (5.3% to 9.5%) 25 29 Medium-term notes, due 2019, interest of 9.4% at September 30, 2015 5 14 3.000% notes, due 2016 — 600 Other (b) (19 ) (24 ) Total debt 3,729 3,249 Short-term debt (326 ) (329 ) Current portion of long-term debt (55 ) (9 ) Long-term debt (less current portion and debt issuance cost discounts) $ 3,348 $ 2,911 (a) During 2015, the potential funding for qualified receivables was reduced from $275 million to $250 million . (b) Other includes $28 million and $31 million of debt issuance cost discounts as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Net interest and other financing expense (income)	Net interest and other financing expense (income) (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest expense (a) $ 166 $ 163 $ 273 Interest income (6 ) (6 ) (4 ) Available-for-sale securities income (b) (3 ) — — Other financing costs (c) 17 9 13 $ 174 $ 166 $ 282 (a) Includes $4 million and $50 million of accelerated amortization for debt issuance costs during 2015 and 2013, respectively, and the $52 million charge to terminate the interest rate swaps associated with the term loan A and term loan B facilities during 2013. (b) Represents investment income related to the restricted investments discussed in Note F. (c) Includes $9 million related to the early redemption premium payments for the tender and redemption of the 2016 senior notes during 2015 and a $4 million redemption premium payment related to the $78 million principal 9.125% senior notes redeemed during 2013.
Debt issuance cost amortization	The following table details the debt issuance cost and original issue discount amortization included in interest expense during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . (In millions) 2015 (a) 2014 2013 (b) Normal amortization $ 14 $ 14 $ 15 Accelerated amortization 4 — 50 Total $ 18 $ 14 $ 65 (a) Accelerated amortization of $4 million for debt issuance costs resulting from early redemption of the 2016 senior notes and the entrance into the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement. (b) Accelerated amortization of $47 million and $3 million resulted from the repayment of the 2011 Senior Credit Facility and the early paydown of Ashland’s remaining 9.125% senior notes, respectively.

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND L39

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets and Other Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the components of other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30. (In millions) 2015 2014 Deferred compensation investments $ 180 $ 184 Debt issuance costs 16 18 Note receivables 36 44 Manufacturing catalyst supplies 37 24 Environmental insurance receivables 16 24 Land use rights 22 23 Defined benefit plan assets 29 22 Life insurance policies 18 18 Tax receivables 7 17 Customer incentive 16 16 Debt defeasance assets 6 15 Other 93 74 $ 476 $ 479 The following table provides the components of other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30. (In millions) 2015 2014 Environmental remediation reserves $ 139 $ 158 Accrued tax liabilities (including sales and franchise) 103 74 Deferred compensation 66 72 Reserves related to workers compensation and general liability 24 50 Other 73 106 $ 405 $ 460

LEASE COMMITMENTS (Tables)

LEASE COMMITMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block]	Rental expense under operating leases for continuing operations was as follows: (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 (a) Minimum rentals (including rentals under short-term leases) $ 57 $ 69 $ 57 Contingent rentals 4 7 6 Sublease rental income (2 ) (2 ) (2 ) $ 59 $ 74 $ 61 (a) The table above excludes $13 million of lease commitments during 2013 that were related to the Water Technologies business that have been reclassified to discontinued operations due to its sale in July 2014.

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	A summary of the provision for income taxes related to continuing operations follows. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current Federal $ (32 ) $ 34 $ 7 State 1 10 (6 ) Foreign 66 62 42 35 106 43 Deferred (57 ) (294 ) 153 Income tax expense (benefit) $ (22 ) $ (188 ) $ 196
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Temporary differences that give rise to significant deferred tax assets and liabilities as of September 30 are presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets Foreign net operating loss carryforwards (a) $ 81 $ 84 Employee benefit obligations 392 544 Environmental, self-insurance and litigation reserves (net of receivables) 218 172 State net operating loss carryforwards (b) 73 58 Compensation accruals 88 91 Credit carryforwards (c) 89 25 Other items 26 65 Valuation allowances (d) (107 ) (148 ) Total deferred tax assets 860 891 Deferred tax liabilities Goodwill and other intangibles (e) 371 409 Property, plant and equipment 351 416 Unremitted earnings 11 19 Total deferred tax liabilities 733 844 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ 127 $ 47 (a) Gross net operating loss carryforwards will expire in future years as follows: $2 million in 2016 , $13 million in 2017 and the remaining balance in other future years. (b) Gross net operating loss carryforwards include offset for uncertain tax positions of and will expire in future years as follows: $20 million in 2016 , $38 million in 2017 and the remaining balance in other future years. (c) Credit carryforwards include offset for uncertain tax positions and consist primarily of foreign tax credits of $67 million expiring in future years beyond 2017 and alternative minimum tax credits of $12 million with no expiration date. (d) Valuation allowances primarily relate to certain state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards. (e) The total gross amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2015 expected to be deductible for tax purposes is $38 million .
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	The U.S. and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax with the provision for income taxes follow. The foreign components of income from continuing operations disclosed in the following table exclude any allocations of certain corporate expenses incurred in the U.S. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes United States (a), (b) $ (158 ) $ (364 ) $ 466 Foreign (b) 327 248 283 Total income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 169 $ (116 ) $ 749 Income taxes computed at U.S. statutory rate (35%) $ 59 $ (40 ) $ 262 Increase (decrease) in amount computed resulting from Net gain on divestitures (c) 11 37 — Uncertain tax positions 23 33 11 Valuation allowance charges (d) (29 ) 14 (12 ) Claim for research and development credits (e) (7 ) (2 ) (14 ) State taxes (f) (8 ) (16 ) 23 Net impact of foreign results (g) (73 ) (214 ) (74 ) Other items 2 — — Income tax expense (benefit) $ (22 ) $ (188 ) $ 196 (a) A significant component of the fluctuations within this caption relates to the annual remeasurements of the U.S. pension and other postretirement plans. (b) Prior year amounts for income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes for the United States and Foreign line items have been revised to reflect a change in the classification of the elimination of foreign intercompany dividends. There was no impact on the total of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes or on the computation of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and therefore Ashland does not believe that this revision is material to the previously filed financial information. (c) 2015 includes adjustments related to the sale of Valvoline Venezuela JV, Elastomers and the Biocides divestitures of $5 million , $4 million and $2 million respectively. 2014 tax adjustments associated with the Water Technologies business and ASK divestitures are a $39 million charge and $2 million gain respectively. (d) Related to foreign and state deferred tax asset valuation allowances/(releases). (e) 2015 and 2013 include a benefit related to credits signed into law on a retroactive basis. (f) 2014 and 2013 include expense of $5 million and $7 million , respectively, recorded for deferred tax adjustments, primarily attributable to state rate changes. (g) 2014 includes a $168 million tax benefit related to the reversal of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences and other related matters and a $14 million expense recorded for a rate change in a foreign jurisdiction. 2013 includes a $17 million benefit recorded for a rate change in a foreign jurisdiction.
Changes in unrecognized tax benefit	During the year ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, changes in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows: (In millions) Balance at September 30, 2013 $ 133 Increases related to positions taken on items from prior years 29 Decreases related to positions taken on items from prior years (13 ) Increases related to positions taken in the current year 31 Lapse of statute of limitations (13 ) Disposition of Water Technologies (12 ) Balance at September 30, 2014 155 Increases related to positions taken on items from prior years 10 Decreases related to positions taken on items from prior years (15 ) Increases related to positions taken in the current year 24 Lapse of statute of limitations (6 ) Settlement of uncertain tax positions with tax authorities (24 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 144

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the components of pension and other postretirement benefit costs for both continued and discontinued operations and the assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs (income) for the plans. Pension benefits Other postretirement benefits (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Net periodic benefit costs (income) Service cost $ 26 $ 38 $ 43 $ 1 $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost 175 190 175 8 9 7 Curtailment, settlement and other (11 ) 31 — — (20 ) — Expected return on plan assets (216 ) (237 ) (238 ) — — — Amortization of prior service credit (a) (4 ) (2 ) (2 ) (17 ) (21 ) (21 ) Actuarial loss (gain) 260 431 (472 ) 1 15 (26 ) $ 230 $ 451 $ (494 ) $ (7 ) $ (15 ) $ (38 ) Weighted-average plan assumptions (b) Discount rate 4.18 % 4.68 % 3.70 % 3.85 % 4.28 % 3.23 % Rate of compensation increase 3.18 % 3.59 % 3.66 % — — — Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.27 % 7.67 % 7.26 % — — — (a) Changes to the post-65 Ashland Medical plan resulted in negative plan amendments that are being amortized within the other postretirement benefits caption. (b) The plan assumptions discussed are a blended weighted-average rate for Ashland’s U.S. and non-U.S. plans. The U.S. pension plan represented approximately 90% of the projected benefit obligation at September 30, 2015 . Other postretirement benefit plans consist of U.S. and Canada, with the U.S. plan representing approximately 93% of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at September 30, 2015 . Non-U.S. plans use assumptions generally consistent with those of U.S. plans.
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table shows other changes in prior service credit recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Pension Postretirement (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Prior service cost (credit) $ 2 $ (6 ) $ — $ — Curtailment, settlement and other 3 3 — 10 Amortization of prior service credit 4 2 17 21 Total $ 9 $ (1 ) $ 17 $ 31 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive income $ 239 $ 450 $ 10 $ 16
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block]	The following table shows the amount of prior service credit in accumulated other comprehensive income at September 30, 2015 that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost (income) during the next fiscal year. Other Pension postretirement (In millions) benefits benefits Prior service credit $ (2 ) $ (16 )
Total Prior Service Credits Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	At September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are shown in the following table. Pension Postretirement (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Prior service credit $ (12 ) $ (21 ) $ (45 ) $ (62 )
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Summaries of the change in benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status of the plans, amounts recognized in the balance sheet, and assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations for 2015 and 2014 follow. Other postretirement Pension plans benefit plans (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligations at October 1 $ 4,326 $ 4,307 $ 210 $ 217 Service cost 26 38 1 2 Interest cost 175 190 8 9 Participant contributions 1 2 15 12 Benefits paid (217 ) (245 ) (33 ) (34 ) Actuarial loss 59 503 1 15 Plan amendment 2 (6 ) — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (40 ) (15 ) (3 ) (1 ) Other 14 4 — — Divestiture — (127 ) — — Curtailment and settlement (527 ) (325 ) — (10 ) Benefit obligations at September 30 $ 3,819 $ 4,326 $ 199 $ 210 Change in plan assets Value of plan assets at October 1 $ 3,075 $ 3,381 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 15 309 — — Employer contributions 610 43 18 22 Participant contributions 1 2 15 12 Benefits paid (217 ) (245 ) (33 ) (34 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes (28 ) (5 ) — — Settlement (519 ) (359 ) — — Divestiture — (57 ) — — Other 14 6 — — Value of plan assets at September 30 $ 2,951 $ 3,075 $ — $ — Unfunded status of the plans $ (868 ) $ (1,251 ) $ (199 ) $ (210 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Noncurrent benefit assets $ 29 $ 22 $ — $ — Current benefit liabilities (19 ) (15 ) (17 ) (19 ) Noncurrent benefit liabilities (878 ) (1,258 ) (182 ) (191 ) Net amount recognized $ (868 ) $ (1,251 ) $ (199 ) $ (210 ) Weighted-average plan assumptions Discount rate 4.21 % 4.18 % 3.93 % 3.85 % Rate of compensation increase 3.01 % 3.18 % — —
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $3,750 million at September 30, 2015 and $4,261 million at September 30, 2014 . Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets follows: 2015 2014 Non- Non- Qualified qualified Qualified qualified (In millions) plans (a) plans Total plans (a) plans Total Projected benefit obligation $ 3,446 $ 162 $ 3,608 $ 3,930 $ 172 $ 4,102 Accumulated benefit obligation 3,390 156 3,546 3,880 165 4,045 Fair value of plan assets 2,712 — 2,712 2,832 — 2,832 (a) Includes qualified U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	The following benefit payments, which reflect future service expectations, are projected to be paid in each of the next five years and in aggregate for five years thereafter. Other Pension postretirement (In millions) benefits benefits 2016 $ 240 $ 18 2017 235 17 2018 235 17 2019 236 17 2020 237 16 2021 - 2025 1,189 71
Plan Asset Fair Value Heirarchy [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the various investment categories that the pension plan assets are invested in and the applicable fair value hierarchy that the financial instruments are classified within these investment categories as of September 30, 2015 . For additional information and a detailed description of each level within the fair value hierarchy, see Note F. Quoted prices in active Significant markets for other Significant identical observable unobservable Total fair assets inputs inputs (In millions) value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 91 $ 91 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 130 4 126 — Other government securities 163 1 162 — Corporate debt instruments 1,398 1,036 362 — Corporate stocks 289 146 143 — Insurance contracts 10 — 10 — Private equity and hedge funds 842 — — 842 Other investments 28 — — 28 Total assets at fair value $ 2,951 $ 1,278 $ 803 $ 870 The following table summarizes the various investment categories that the pension plan assets are invested in and the applicable fair value hierarchy that the financial instruments are classified within these investment categories as of September 30, 2014 . Quoted prices in active Significant markets for other Significant identical observable unobservable Total fair assets inputs inputs (In millions) value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 102 $ 102 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 180 7 173 — Other government securities 165 — 165 — Corporate debt instruments 1,172 788 384 — Corporate stocks 326 158 168 — Insurance contracts 12 — 12 — Private equity and hedge funds 1,085 — — 1,085 Other investments 33 — — 33 Total assets at fair value $ 3,075 $ 1,055 $ 902 $ 1,118
Fair value level 3 Reconciliation	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for these Level 3 assets. Total Private Level 3 equity and Other (In millions) assets hedge funds investments Balance as of September 30, 2013 $ 1,228 $ 1,190 $ 38 Purchases 71 71 — Sales (258 ) (258 ) — Actual return on plan assets Relating to assets held at September 30, 2014 67 72 (5 ) Relating to assets sold during 2014 10 10 — Balance as of September 30, 2014 1,118 1,085 33 Purchases 1 1 — Sales (252 ) (252 ) — Actual return on plan assets Relating to assets held at September 30, 2015 3 8 (5 ) Relating to assets sold during 2015 — — — Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 870 $ 842 $ 28
Plan Asset Allocation by Asset Type [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The weighted-average asset allocations for Ashland’s U.S. and non-U.S. plans at September 30, 2015 and 2014 by asset category follow. Actual at September 30 (In millions) Target 2015 2014 Plan assets allocation Equity securities 15 - 60% 42 % 51 % Debt securities 40 - 85% 56 % 47 % Other 0 - 20% 2 % 2 % 100 % 100 %

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTIN43

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Activity in the Environmental Remediation Reserves	The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the environmental remediation reserves during 2015 and 2014 . (In millions) 2015 2014 Environmental remediation reserve - beginning of year $ 197 $ 211 Disbursements (47 ) (46 ) Revised obligation estimates and accretion 36 32 Environmental remediation reserve - end of year $ 186 $ 197
Components of Environmental Remediation Expense	Components of environmental remediation expense included within the selling, general and administrative expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income are presented in the following table for the years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Environmental expense $ 32 $ 29 $ 28 Accretion 4 3 3 Legal expense 6 5 2 Total expense 42 37 33 Insurance receivable (2 ) (4 ) (4 ) Total expense, net of receivable activity (a) $ 40 $ 33 $ 29 (a) Net expense of $5 million , $4 million and $6 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, relates to divested businesses which qualified for treatment as discontinued operations and for which certain environmental liabilities were retained by Ashland. These amounts are classified within the income from discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income.
Ashland [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Progression of Asbestos Claims Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of Ashland asbestos claims activity, excluding Hercules claims, follows. (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Open claims - beginning of year 65 65 66 New claims filed 2 2 2 Claims settled — (1 ) (1 ) Claims dismissed (7 ) (1 ) (2 ) Open claims - end of year 60 65 65
Progression Of Activity In Asbestos Reserve Accounts [Table Text Block]	A progression of activity in the asbestos reserve is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Asbestos reserve - beginning of year $ 438 $ 463 $ 522 Reserve adjustment — 4 (28 ) Amounts paid (29 ) (29 ) (31 ) Asbestos reserve - end of year $ 409 $ 438 $ 463
Progression of Activity in Insurance Receivable [Table Text Block]	A progression of activity in the Ashland insurance receivable is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Insurance receivable - beginning of year $ 402 $ 408 $ 423 Receivable adjustment (3 ) 22 (3 ) Insurance settlement (227 ) — — Amounts collected (22 ) (28 ) (12 ) Insurance receivable - end of year $ 150 $ 402 $ 408
Hercules [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Progression of Asbestos Claims Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of Hercules’ asbestos claims activity follows. (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Open claims - beginning of year 21 21 21 New claims filed 1 1 1 Claims dismissed (2 ) (1 ) (1 ) Open claims - end of year 20 21 21
Progression Of Activity In Asbestos Reserve Accounts [Table Text Block]	A progression of activity in the asbestos reserve is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Asbestos reserve - beginning of year $ 329 $ 342 $ 320 Reserve adjustments 4 10 46 Amounts paid (22 ) (23 ) (24 ) Asbestos reserve - end of year $ 311 $ 329 $ 342
Progression of Activity in Insurance Receivable [Table Text Block]	A progression of activity in the Hercules insurance receivable is presented in the following table. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Insurance receivable - beginning of year $ 77 $ 75 $ 56 Receivable adjustment 1 3 19 Insurance settlement (22 ) — — Amounts collected — (1 ) — Insurance receivable - end of year $ 56 $ 77 $ 75

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ITEMS (Tab

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ITEMS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Components of other comprehensive income (loss) recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income are presented in the following table, before tax and net of tax effects. Tax Before (expense) Net of (In millions) tax benefit tax Year ended September 30, 2015 Other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized translation loss $ (368 ) $ (1 ) $ (369 ) Pension and postretirement obligation adjustment: Adjustment of unrecognized prior service cost (2 ) 1 (1 ) Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits included in net income (a) (24 ) 7 (17 ) Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (17 ) 6 (11 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (411 ) $ 13 $ (398 ) Year ended September 30, 2014 Other comprehensive income (loss) Net change in translation gain (loss): Unrealized translation loss $ (163 ) $ (3 ) $ (166 ) Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (b) 6 — 6 Pension and postretirement obligation adjustment: Adjustment of unrecognized prior service credit 6 (2 ) 4 Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits included in net income (a) (36 ) 11 (25 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (187 ) $ 6 $ (181 ) Year ended September 30, 2013 Other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized translation gain (loss) $ 45 $ (8 ) $ 37 Pension and postretirement obligation adjustment: Adjustment of unrecognized prior service credit 13 (3 ) 10 Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits included in net income (a) (23 ) 8 (15 ) Net change in interest rate hedges: Unrealized loss during period (3 ) — (3 ) Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (c) 65 (24 ) 41 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ 97 $ (27 ) $ 70 (a) Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits are included in the calculation of net periodic benefit costs (income) for pension and other postretirement plans. For specific financial statement captions impacted by the amortization see the table below. (b) Losses from the translation adjustment included in net income are attributable to foreign Water Technologies subsidiaries sold with the divestiture. These adjustments are recorded in the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. (c) Losses from interest rate hedges are recorded in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. See Note F for further information.
Income Statement Location of Prior Service Credits Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	on the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income impacted by the amortization of unrecognized prior service credits for pension and other postretirement plans are disclosed below. See Note M for more information. (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Cost of sales $ (8 ) $ (6 ) $ (6 ) Selling, general and administrative expense (13 ) (14 ) (14 ) Discontinued operations (3 ) (16 ) (3 ) Total amortization of unrecognized prior service credits $ (24 ) $ (36 ) $ (23 )

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Tables)

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock incentive expense	The components of Ashland’s pretax stock-based awards (net of forfeitures), which is included in the selling, general and administrative expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income, and associated income tax benefits are as follows: (In millions) 2015 (a) 2014 2013 SARs $ 10 $ 16 $ 17 Nonvested stock awards 15 10 4 Performance share awards 13 8 9 $ 38 $ 34 $ 30 Income tax benefit $ 13 $ 13 $ 11
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average of key assumptions used in pricing model	The following table illustrates the weighted-average of key assumptions used within the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the expected term of the instrument. The dividend yield reflects the assumption that the current dividend payout will continue with no anticipated increases. The volatility assumption was calculated by utilizing an unbiased standard deviation of Ashland’s Common Stock closing price for the past five years. The expected life is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. (In millions except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average fair value per share of SARs granted $ 30.70 $ 34.96 $ 29.93 Assumptions (weighted-average) Risk-free interest rate 1.7 % 1.4 % 0.7 % Expected dividend yield 1.2 % 1.5 % 1.3 % Expected volatility 31.8 % 49.7 % 55.0 % Expected life (in years) 5 5 5
Stock appreciation rights award activity	A progression of activity and various other information relative to SARs and previously issued and vested stock options is presented in the following table. 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- of average of average of average common exercise price common exercise price common exercise price (In thousands except per share data) shares per share shares per share shares per share Outstanding - beginning of year 1,798 $ 62.85 2,658 $ 55.84 2,908 $ 45.94 Granted 277 113.65 391 89.69 888 70.41 Exercised (584 ) 58.80 (1,123 ) 54.14 (1,037 ) 39.95 Forfeitures and expirations (108 ) 83.00 (128 ) 75.82 (101 ) 61.96 Outstanding - end of year (a) 1,383 73.18 1,798 62.85 2,658 55.84 Exercisable - end of year 906 59.92 1,066 53.80 1,390 47.46 (a) Exercise prices per share for SARs outstanding at September 30, 2015 ranged from $9.49 to $49.79 for 139 shares, from $51.86 to $55.73 for 329 shares, from $64.92 to $89.69 for 652 shares, and from $112.91 to $117.38 for 263 shares. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding SARs and stock options was 6.8 years and exercisable SARs and stock options was 5.9 years.
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested stock awards and performance shares activity	A progression of activity and various other information relative to nonvested stock awards is presented in the following table. 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- of average of average of average common grant date common grant date common grant date (In thousands except per share data) shares fair value shares fair value shares fair value Nonvested - beginning of year 221 $ 88.81 140 $ 56.97 333 $ 33.80 Granted 187 114.97 192 94.17 22 84.12 Vested (69 ) 77.51 (78 ) 47.07 (205 ) 22.50 Forfeitures (41 ) 99.20 (33 ) 83.84 (10 ) 51.01 Nonvested - end of year 298 106.41 221 88.81 140 56.97
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average of key assumptions used in pricing model	The fair value of the TSR portion of the performance share awards is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model using key assumptions included in the following table. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied. 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 0.1% - 1.0% 0.1% - 0.6% 0.2% - 0.3% Expected dividend yield 1.4 % 1.4 % 1.3 % Expected life (in years) 3 3 3 Expected volatility 24.2 % 32.1 % 37.6 %
Nonvested stock awards and performance shares activity	The following table shows changes in nonvested performance shares/units for all plans that award Ashland Common Stock. 2015 2014 2013 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- average average average grant date grant date grant date (In thousands except per share data) Shares fair value Shares fair value Shares fair value Nonvested - beginning of year 368 $ 72.20 433 $ 65.05 480 $ 54.39 Granted (a) 103 115.19 155 81.09 152 69.74 Vested (a) (133 ) 68.18 (183 ) 62.05 (175 ) 39.55 Forfeitures (b) (134 ) 74.79 (37 ) 75.02 (24 ) 67.06 Nonvested - end of year 204 93.79 368 72.20 433 65.05 (a) The current year includes 26 additional shares from the fiscal 2012 through 2014 plan, 2014 includes 45 additional shares from the fiscal 2011 through 2013 plan and 2013 includes 18 additional shares from the fiscal 2010 through 2012 plan since a portion of each plans payout was in excess of the initial 100% target. (b) During the December 2014 quarter, Ashland modified certain awards of its performance shares. The awards were modified to provide that the instruments be paid in cash instead of stock. This change in payment designation caused Ashland to recognize $7 million in incremental stock-based compensation expense related to 84 shares modified during 2015.
Performance shares/units granted	The following table shows the performance shares/units granted for all plans that award Ashland Common Stock. Weighted- Target average shares fair value (In thousands) Performance period granted (a) per share Fiscal Year 2015 October 1, 2014 - September 30, 2017 77 $ 121.87 Fiscal Year 2014 October 1, 2013 - September 30, 2016 110 $ 85.84 Fiscal Year 2013 October 1, 2012 - September 30, 2015 134 $ 73.50 (a) At the end of the performance period, the actual number of shares issued can range from zero to 200% of the target shares granted, which is assumed to be 100% .

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATIO46

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information about domestic and international operations	Information about Ashland’s domestic and international operations follows. Ashland has no material operations in any individual international country and no single customer represented more than 10% of sales in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Sales from Property, plant external customers Net assets (liabilities) and equipment - net (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2015 2014 United States $ 2,715 $ 3,076 $ 3,130 $ (575 ) $ (160 ) $ 1,569 $ 1,721 International 2,672 3,045 2,961 3,612 3,743 613 693 $ 5,387 $ 6,121 $ 6,091 $ 3,037 $ 3,583 $ 2,182 $ 2,414
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	Ashland determined that disclosing sales by specific product was impracticable due to the highly customized and extensive portfolio of products offered to customers and since no one product or a small group of products could be aggregated together to represent a majority of revenue within a reportable segment. As such, the following table provides a summary of 2015 sales by product category for each reportable segment: Sales by product category for 2015 Specialty Ingredients Performance Materials Valvoline Cellulosics 37 % Composites 68 % Lubricants 86 % Poly vinyl pyrrolidones 18 % Intermediates/Solvents 28 % Chemicals (c) 7 % Adhesives 13 % Elastomers (b) 4 % Antifreeze 5 % Vinyl ethers 7 % 100 % Filters 2 % Actives 6 % 100 % Guar 2 % Other (a) 17 % 100 %
Schedule of segment reporting information, by segment	Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Reportable Segment Information Years Ended September 30 (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Sales Specialty Ingredients $ 2,263 $ 2,498 $ 2,478 Performance Materials 1,157 1,582 1,617 Valvoline 1,967 2,041 1,996 $ 5,387 $ 6,121 $ 6,091 Equity income (expense) Specialty Ingredients $ 1 $ 2 $ 4 Performance Materials 2 (38 ) 10 Valvoline (2 ) 10 13 Unallocated and other — 1 (1 ) 1 (25 ) 26 Other income (expense) Specialty Ingredients (1 ) (2 ) 14 Performance Materials 5 5 6 Valvoline 10 20 11 Unallocated and other 8 4 7 22 27 38 $ 23 $ 2 $ 64 Operating income (loss) Specialty Ingredients $ 239 $ 253 $ 243 Performance Materials 87 7 106 Valvoline 359 323 295 Unallocated and other (227 ) (537 ) 395 $ 458 $ 46 $ 1,039 Assets Specialty Ingredients $ 5,365 $ 5,756 $ 5,994 Performance Materials 1,079 1,395 1,518 Valvoline 976 1,073 1,051 Unallocated and other 2,644 2,696 3,488 $ 10,064 $ 10,920 $ 12,051 Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Reportable Segment Information (continued) Years Ended September 30 (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Equity and other unconsolidated investments Specialty Ingredients $ 9 $ 10 $ 12 Performance Materials (a) 24 23 157 Valvoline (b) 29 44 40 Unallocated and other 3 4 4 $ 65 $ 81 $ 213 Depreciation and amortization Specialty Ingredients $ 244 $ 262 $ 242 Performance Materials 59 91 75 Valvoline 38 37 35 Unallocated and other — 3 4 $ 341 $ 393 $ 356 Property, plant and equipment - net Specialty Ingredients $ 1,383 $ 1,433 $ 1,445 Performance Materials 358 508 551 Valvoline 253 272 270 Unallocated and other 188 201 241 $ 2,182 $ 2,414 $ 2,507 Additions to property, plant and equipment Specialty Ingredients $ 171 $ 159 $ 144 Performance Materials 33 38 43 Valvoline 45 36 41 Unallocated and other 16 15 36 $ 265 $ 248 $ 264 (a) ASK joint venture sold during 2014. (b) Venezuela joint venture sold during 2015.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI47

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Past due balances reviewed individually (in days)	90 days
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventory replacement cost	$ 170	$ 232
Finished products	542	557
Raw materials, supplies and work in process	198	239
LIFO reserves	(34)	(31)
Total	706	$ 765
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Litigation Settlement, Amount	398		$ 31
Increase in Restricted Cash	335
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	$ 30
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Percentage of consignment inventory sales (in hundredths)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Expense recognition [Abstract]
Advertising costs	$ 62	$ 63	$ 70
Research and development costs	$ 110	$ 114	$ 142
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive shares from stock options and SARS (in shares) | shares	0.7	0.6	0.6
Numerator [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 191	$ 72	$ 553
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) | shares	68	77	78
Share based awards convertible to common shares (in shares) | shares	1	1	2
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions (in shares) | shares	69	78	80
EPS from continuing operations [Abstract]
Basic (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.81	$ 0.94	$ 7.06
Diluted (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.78	$ 0.93	$ 6.95
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Current Period Disclosures [Abstract]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense, Long-Term Debt	$ 28	$ 31
Deferred Tax Assets, Other Loss Carryforwards		49
Minimum [Member]
Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership under equity method	20.00%
Maximum [Member]
Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership under equity method	50.00%
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangibles [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	4 years
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangibles [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	25 years
Intellectual Property [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangibles [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	5 years
Intellectual Property [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangibles [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	20 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangibles [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	3 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangibles [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	24 years
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Reserves deducted from asset accounts [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 13	12	$ 19
Adjustments to net income	2	5	(4)
Reserves utilized	(3)	(4)	(3)
Dispositions and other changes	(1)	0	0
Ending balance	11	13	12
Inventory Reserve [Member]
Reserves deducted from asset accounts [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	53	59	28
Adjustments to net income	9	4	42
Reserves utilized	(6)	(10)	(11)
Dispositions and other changes	(21)	0	0
Ending balance	35	53	59
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Reserves deducted from asset accounts [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	148	166	175
Adjustments to net income	(27)	(5)	(6)
Reserves utilized	(14)	(14)	(2)
Dispositions and other changes	0	1	(1)
Ending balance	$ 107	$ 148	$ 166
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	25 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	35 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	25 years

DIVESTITURES (Details)

DIVESTITURES (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)employee	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2005
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	$ 5,387	$ 6,121	$ 6,091
Gain (loss) on disposal	(115)	4	(8)
Net Assets	3,037	$ 3,583
Industrial Biocides [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds received	30
Valvoline Car Care Products [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds received	19
Sale of Business, Transaction Value	24
Gain (loss) on sale of divested division, pre-tax	(26)
Valvoline Joint Venture [Member] | Equity and Other Income [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Equity method investment, impairment	14
MAP Transaction [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Joint venture, ownership percentage (in hundredths)					38.00%
Decrease in Other Receivables	(7)
Other Receivables	9
Gain (loss) on disposal			14
Elastomers [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds received	105
Sale of Business, Transaction Value	120
Gain (loss) on sale of divested division, pre-tax	(86)
Number of Employees | employee		250
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category		5.00%
Net Assets				$ 191
Gain (loss) on sale of divested division, tax effect	28
Elastomers [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Indirect corporate costs previously allocated to divestiture	11
Water Technologies [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds received	48	$ 1,600
Sale of Business, Transaction Value		1,800
Recognized disposal gain after-tax		92
Settlement of Disposal	20
Recognized transition service fees	28	7
Water Technologies [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Indirect corporate costs previously allocated to divestiture		$ 31	34
Castings Solutions Joint Venture [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Joint venture, ownership percentage (in hundredths)		50.00%
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments, Pre-tax		$ 205
Proceeds from sale of equity method investments, cash		176
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments, Note		29
Castings Solutions Joint Venture [Member] | Equity and Other Income [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Equity method investment, impairment		50
Performance Materials [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	$ 1,157	$ 1,582	1,617
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	100.00%
Performance Materials [Member] | Elastomers [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category		18.00%
Valvoline [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	$ 1,967	$ 2,041	$ 1,996
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	100.00%
Specialty Ingredients and Performance Materials [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	$ 3,400

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 28, 2006	Jul. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income before taxes			$ 130	$ 237	$ 190
Income from discontinued operations (net of taxes)			118	161	130
Asbestos [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain Related to Litigation Settlement			120
Income (Loss) from discontinued operation			132	5	(3)
Benefit (expense) related to income (loss) from discontinued operations			(22)	1	5
Water Technologies [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 1,500			1,700
Income (Loss) from discontinued operation			(3)	84	202
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations			4	148	0
Benefit (expense) related to income (loss) from discontinued operations			2	(25)	(78)
Benefit (expense) related to gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations			3	(56)	0
Distribution [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from discontinued operation			(3)	0	(9)
Benefit (expense) related to income (loss) from discontinued operations			1	0	3
Benefit (expense) related to gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations			3	0	0
APAC [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates	$ 1,300
Benefit (expense) related to gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations			$ 1	$ 4	$ 10

UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES (Deta

UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule Of Unconsolidated Affiliates [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings from unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method	$ 54		$ 73
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract]
Current assets	211		292
Current liabilities	(54)		(98)
Working capital	157		194
Noncurrent assets	40		45
Noncurrent liabilities	(1)		(1)
Stockholders' equity	196		238
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	398		966		$ 1,181
Income from operations	57		74		79
Net income	31		63		53
Equity Method Investment, Financial Statement, Reported Amounts [Abstract]
Investments and advances	65		81		213
Equity income (loss)	1	[1]	(25)	[1]	26
Distributions received	22		14		$ 11
Equity and Other Income [Member] | Valvoline Joint Venture [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Financial Statement, Reported Amounts [Abstract]
Impairment of equity method investment	$ 14
Equity and Other Income [Member] | Castings Solutions Joint Venture [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Financial Statement, Reported Amounts [Abstract]
Impairment of equity method investment			$ 50
[1]	The results in 2015 and 2014 include a $14 million and $50 million impairment on the Valvoline joint venture in Venezuela and the ASK joint venture, respectively.

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Detai

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)employee	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)
Restructuring reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 65	$ 25	$ 44
Restructuring reserves		99
Reserve adjustments	(5)	(4)	9
Utilization (cash paid)	(49)	(55)	(28)
Balance, end of period	11	65	25
Severance [Member]
Restructuring reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	56	17	29
Restructuring reserves		95
Reserve adjustments	(3)	(4)	9
Utilization (cash paid)	(45)	(52)	(21)
Balance, end of period	8	56	17
Plant Closures / Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	9	8	15
Restructuring reserves		4
Reserve adjustments	(2)	0	0
Utilization (cash paid)	(4)	(3)	(7)
Balance, end of period	3	$ 9	$ 8
2014 Voluntary Severance Offer [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated | employee		400
2014 Combined Voluntary and Involuntary Severance Offers [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance expense		$ 95
Restructuring reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	53
Balance, end of period	7	53
Other Restructuring [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	3
Balance, end of period	1	3
Cost of Sales [Member] | 2014 Combined Voluntary and Involuntary Severance Offers [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance expense		13
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | 2014 Combined Voluntary and Involuntary Severance Offers [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance expense		$ 82
Specialty Ingredients [Member]
Restructuring reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, end of period	13
Specialty Ingredients [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Restructuring reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserves	$ 23

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current		$ 30
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents		1,257	$ 1,393
Restricted Investments	[1]	315
Deferred compensation investments	[2]	180	184
Investments of captive insurance company	[2]	4	3
Foreign currency derivatives		13	11
Total assets at fair value		1,769	1,591
Liabilities [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives		16	9
Total liabilities at fair value		16	9
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents		1,257	1,393
Restricted Investments	[1]	315
Deferred compensation investments	[2]	180	184
Investments of captive insurance company	[2]	4	3
Foreign currency derivatives		13	11
Total assets at fair value		1,769	1,591
Liabilities [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives		16	9
Total liabilities at fair value		16	9
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents		1,257	1,393
Restricted Investments	[1]	315
Deferred compensation investments	[2]	40	45
Investments of captive insurance company	[2]	4	3
Foreign currency derivatives		0	0
Total assets at fair value		1,616	1,441
Liabilities [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives		0	0
Total liabilities at fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents		0	0
Restricted Investments	[1]	0
Deferred compensation investments	[2]	140	139
Investments of captive insurance company	[2]	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives		13	11
Total assets at fair value		153	150
Liabilities [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives		16	9
Total liabilities at fair value		16	9
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents		0	0
Restricted Investments	[1]	0
Deferred compensation investments	[2]	0	0
Investments of captive insurance company	[2]	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives		0	0
Total assets at fair value		0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives		0	0
Total liabilities at fair value		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Included in restricted investments and $30 million within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Included in other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Availa

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Available-for-sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($)	5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014	[1]	Sep. 30, 2013	[1]	Apr. 30, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	$ 30,000,000	$ 30,000,000
Investment income	3,000,000	3,000,000	[1]	$ 0		$ 0
Disbursements	(6,000,000)
Total, Amortized Cost	335,000,000	335,000,000
Total, Unrealized gain	0	0
Total, Unrealized loss	(17,000,000)	(17,000,000)
Total, Fair value	315,000,000	315,000,000
Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss)		0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities		0
Demand Deposits [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Demand Deposit Accounts	17,000,000	17,000,000						$ 20,000,000
Investment income	3,000,000
Disbursements	(6,000,000)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity mutual fund, Amortized Cost	195,000,000	195,000,000
Equity mutual fund, Unrealized gain	0	0
Equity mutual fund, Unrealized loss	(14,000,000)	(14,000,000)
Equity mutual fund, Fair value	181,000,000	181,000,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Corporate bond mutual fund, Amortized Cost	120,000,000	120,000,000
Corporate bond mutual fund, Unrealized gain	0	0
Corporate bond mutual fund, Unrealized loss	(3,000,000)	(3,000,000)
Corporate bond mutual fund, Fair value	$ 117,000,000	$ 117,000,000
[1]	Represents investment income related to the restricted investments discussed in Note F.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Curren

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Currency Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Settlement net gains		$ (368)			$ 45
Change in unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI					(3)
Tax impact of change in unrealized gain in AOCI					0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax	[1]				65
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivative gain (loss)		(17)		$ (7)	$ 1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivative assets		5		2
Notional amounts, foreign currency derivatives		192		88
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivative liabilities		16		4
Notional amounts, foreign currency derivatives		673		281
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notional amounts, foreign currency derivatives		175		206
Settlement net gains		11
Change in unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI		8		4
Tax impact of change in unrealized gain in AOCI		(2)		(3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax		0		0
Loss on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness		0		0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivative assets		8		9
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivative liabilities		$ 0	[2]	$ 5
[1]	Losses from interest rate hedges are recorded in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. See Note F for further information.
[2]	Fair values of $0 denote a value less than $1 million.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Intere

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Interest Rate Hedges) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)
Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract]
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (65)	[1]
Change in unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI	(3)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract]
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(65)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI	(3)
Interest Expense [Member] | 2011 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ (52)
[1]	Losses from interest rate hedges are recorded in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. See Note F for further information.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Other

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	$ 3,431	$ 2,951
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 3,484	$ 3,102

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT57

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 4,144	$ 4,275
Accumulated Depreciation	(1,962)	(1,861)
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,182	2,414	$ 2,507
Property Plant and Equipment Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Depreciation	263	304	268
Capitalized interest	2	1	1
Accelerated depreciation			2
Accelerated Depreciation and Asset Impairment Charges		36
Specialty Ingredients [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,383	1,433	1,445
Performance Materials [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	358	508	$ 551
Property Plant and Equipment Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Accelerated depreciation		17
Cost of Sales [Member] | Specialty Ingredients [Member]
Property Plant and Equipment Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Accelerated depreciation	6
Asset impairment charges		19
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	202	228
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	710	730
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,957	3,049
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 275	$ 268

GOODWILL (Details)

GOODWILL (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				$ 0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				2,643		$ 2,709
Business Realignment Adjustment	[1]					0
Acquisitions	[2]			3
Divestitures	[3]			(21)
Currency translation				(139)		(66)
Balance at end of period		$ 2,643		2,486		2,643
Specialty Ingredients [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Business Realignment Adjustment Correction		32
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				2,129		2,231
Business Realignment Adjustment		(39)	$ (71)			(39)	[1]
Acquisitions				0
Divestitures	[3]			(10)
Currency translation				(115)		(63)
Balance at end of period		2,129		2,004		2,129
Performance Materials [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Business Realignment Adjustment Correction		(32)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				346		311
Business Realignment Adjustment		39	$ 71			39	[1]
Acquisitions				0
Divestitures	[3]			(10)
Currency translation				(23)		(4)
Balance at end of period		346		313	[4]	346
Valvoline [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				168		167
Business Realignment Adjustment	[1]					0
Acquisitions	[2]			3
Divestitures	[3]			(1)
Currency translation				(1)		1
Balance at end of period		$ 168		169		$ 168
Performance Materials Composite Polymers Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at end of period				142
Performance Materials Intermediates and Solvents Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at end of period				$ 171
[1]	Business realignment adjustment represents the reallocation of goodwill during 2014 as a result of the transfer of Adhesives and Intermediates/Solvents between the Specialty Ingredients and Performance Materials reportable segments. In the fourth quarter of 2014, an error of $32 million was identified in the amount of goodwill associated with Intermediates/Solvents that was originally reallocated in the third quarter of 2014. The amount of goodwill transferred from Specialty Ingredients to Performance Materials was revised from $71 million to $39 million to correct the error. Ashland does not believe that this revision was material to the previously filed financial information.
[2]	Relates to Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM acquisitions during 2015.
[3]	Divestiture caption represents the amounts of goodwill for the sale of Elastomers, Valvoline car care products and industrial biocides. See Note B for additional information.
[4]	As of September 30, 2015, goodwill consisted of $142 million for the Composites reporting unit and $171 million for the Intermediates/Solvents reporting unit.

OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details)

OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 1,596		$ 1,702
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	1,142		1,309
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount	1,285		1,380
Accumulated amortization	(454)		(393)
Net carrying amount	831		987
Amortization expense recognized on intangible assets	78		89	$ 88
Expected future amortization expense [Abstract]
2,016	78
2,017	78
2,018	78
2,019	74
2,020	73
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	311		322
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	8		19
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	303		303
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount	48	[1]	72
Accumulated amortization	(41)	[1]	(49)
Net carrying amount	7	[1]	23
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Valvoline Car Care Products [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount						$ 7
Accumulated amortization						(3)
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Industrial Biocides [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount					$ 11
Accumulated amortization					$ (3)
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Elastomers [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount							$ 6
Accumulated amortization							(5)
Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount	813	[2]	827
Accumulated amortization	(266)	[2]	(226)
Net carrying amount	547	[2]	601
Intellectual Property [Member] | Elastomers [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount							18
Accumulated amortization							$ (5)
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount	424	[3]	481
Accumulated amortization	(147)	[3]	(118)
Net carrying amount	$ 277	[3]	363
Customer Relationships [Member] | Valvoline Car Care Products [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount						1
Accumulated amortization						$ (1)
Minimum [Member] | Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	4 years
Minimum [Member] | Intellectual Property [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	25 years
Maximum [Member] | Intellectual Property [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life (in years)	24 years
International Specialty Products Inc. [Member] | In Process Research and Development [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Change in indefinite-lived intangible assets balance	$ 11		$ 13	$ 41
[1]	Divested trademarks and trade names during 2015 had gross carrying amounts of $6 million, $7 million and $11 million for Elastomers, Valvoline car care products and industrial biocides, respectively, and accumulated amortization of $5 million, $3 million and $3 million, respectively.
[2]	Divested intellectual property during 2015 had a gross carrying amount of $18 million with $5 million of accumulated amortization for Elastomers.
[3]	Divested customer relationships during 2015 had a gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of $1 million each for Valvoline car care products.

DEBT (Details)

DEBT (Details)		3 Months Ended		5 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2012USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 3,729,000,000		$ 3,729,000,000				$ 3,729,000,000		$ 3,249,000,000
Short-term debt		(326,000,000)		(326,000,000)				(326,000,000)		(329,000,000)
Current portion of long-term debt		(55,000,000)		(55,000,000)				(55,000,000)		(9,000,000)
Long-term debt (less current portion and debt issuance cost discounts)		3,348,000,000		3,348,000,000				3,348,000,000		2,911,000,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense, Long-Term Debt		28,000,000		28,000,000				28,000,000		31,000,000
Discounts on outstanding debt balance		150,000,000		150,000,000				150,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016		381,000,000		381,000,000				381,000,000
2,017		69,000,000		69,000,000				69,000,000
2,018		810,000,000		810,000,000				810,000,000
2,019		143,000,000		143,000,000				143,000,000
2,020		715,000,000		715,000,000				715,000,000
Loss on early retirement of debt								9,000,000		0		$ 0
Debt Issuance Cost								10,000,000				38,000,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt								(2,000,000)
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		8,000,000		8,000,000				8,000,000
Repayment of Debt, Accelerated Amortization								2,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt								1,100,000,000		0		2,320,000,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt								623,000,000		11,000,000		2,613,000,000
Interest Income (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest expense	[1]							166,000,000		163,000,000		273,000,000
Interest income								(6,000,000)		(6,000,000)		(4,000,000)
Available-for-sale securities income				(3,000,000)				(3,000,000)	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other financing costs	[3]							17,000,000		9,000,000		13,000,000
Net interest and other financing (expense) income								174,000,000		166,000,000		282,000,000
Debt issuance cost amortization included in interest expense [Abstract]
Normal amortization								14,000,000	[4]	14,000,000		15,000,000
Accelerated amortization								4,000,000	[4]	0		50,000,000	[4],[5]
Total								18,000,000	[4]	14,000,000		65,000,000	[5]
Covenants restrictions [Abstract]
Total debt outstanding principal balance		$ 3,907,000,000		3,907,000,000				$ 3,907,000,000
2013 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount										1,200,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Letter of credit sublimit										250,000,000
Swing line loan sublimit										$ 100,000,000
Unused revolving credit facility fees (in hundredths)										0.30%
Debt Issuance Cost												6,000,000
2013 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Unused revolving credit facility fees (in hundredths)						0.25%
2013 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Unused revolving credit facility fees (in hundredths)						0.50%
2013 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Percentage points added to reference rate for variable rate										1.50%
2013 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Percentage points added to reference rate for variable rate										2.50%
2013 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Percentage points added to reference rate for variable rate										0.50%
2013 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Percentage points added to reference rate for variable rate										1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility, 2011 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount														$ 1,000,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Unused revolving credit facility fees (in hundredths)								0.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Unused revolving credit facility fees (in hundredths)		0.175%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Unused revolving credit facility fees (in hundredths)		0.40%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Percentage points added to reference rate for variable rate								1.375%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Percentage points added to reference rate for variable rate								2.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Percentage points added to reference rate for variable rate								0.375%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Percentage points added to reference rate for variable rate								1.50%
Interest Expense [Member] | 2011 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Charge off of debt issuance cost												47,000,000
Interest Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | 2011 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net												52,000,000
Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 1,120,000,000		$ 1,120,000,000				$ 1,120,000,000		$ 1,120,000,000
Debt instrument maturity								Aug. 15, 2022		Aug. 15, 2022
Discounts on outstanding debt balance						$ 6,000,000						6,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate		4.75%		4.75%				4.75%		4.75%
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt								$ 625,000,000
Term Loan Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 1,086,000,000		$ 1,086,000,000				$ 1,086,000,000		$ 0
Debt instrument maturity								Jun. 23, 2020
Debt instrument face amount		1,100,000,000		1,100,000,000				$ 1,100,000,000
Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 700,000,000		$ 700,000,000				$ 700,000,000		$ 700,000,000
Debt instrument maturity								Apr. 15, 2018		Apr. 15, 2018
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate		3.875%		3.875%				3.875%		3.875%
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt								$ 700,000,000
Notes due 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 376,000,000		$ 376,000,000				$ 376,000,000		$ 376,000,000
Debt instrument maturity								May 15, 2043		May 15, 2043
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate		6.875%		6.875%				6.875%		6.875%
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt								$ 375,000,000
Unamortized debt premium						$ 1,000,000						$ 1,000,000
Accounts Receivable Securitization [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 190,000,000	[6]	$ 190,000,000	[6]			$ 190,000,000	[6]	$ 255,000,000
Weighted-average interest rate		1.80%		1.80%		1.00%		1.80%		1.10%		1.00%
Debt instrument face amount		$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000		$ 350,000,000		$ 250,000,000		$ 275,000,000		$ 350,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Outstanding amount of receivables sold to affiliate		381,000,000		381,000,000				381,000,000		493,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit		190,000,000		190,000,000				190,000,000
Junior Subordinated Notes due 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 136,000,000		$ 136,000,000				$ 136,000,000		$ 134,000,000
Debt instrument maturity								Dec. 31, 2029		Dec. 31, 2029
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate		6.50%		6.50%				6.50%		6.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 110,000,000		$ 110,000,000				$ 110,000,000		$ 45,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		1,200,000,000		1,200,000,000				1,200,000,000
Letter of credit sublimit		250,000,000		250,000,000				250,000,000
Swing line loan sublimit		100,000,000		100,000,000				100,000,000
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity		1,013,000,000		1,013,000,000				1,013,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding		$ 77,000,000		$ 77,000,000				$ 77,000,000
Line of Credit, Inital Amount Outstanding												85,000,000
Covenants restrictions [Abstract]
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio		3.75		3.75				3.75
Minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio		3		3				3
Calculated leverage ratio		2.6		2.6				2.6
Calculated interest coverage ratio		6.4		6.4				6.4
Other International Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 25,000,000		$ 25,000,000				$ 25,000,000		29,000,000
Weighted-average interest rate		6.20%		6.20%				6.20%
Interest rate range, minimum								5.30%
Interest rate range, maximum								9.50%
Medium-Term Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 5,000,000		$ 5,000,000				$ 5,000,000		$ 14,000,000
Debt instrument maturity								Dec. 31, 2019
Debt instrument maturity range, start										Dec. 31, 2015
Debt instrument maturity range, end										Dec. 31, 2019
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate		9.35%		9.35%				9.35%
Notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 0		$ 0				$ 0		$ 600,000,000
Debt instrument maturity								Mar. 15, 2016		Mar. 15, 2016
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate										3.00%
Repayments of Debt		50,000,000					$ 550,000,000
Percentage of Long Term Debt Repaid							92.00%
Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	[7]	(19,000,000)		(19,000,000)				$ (19,000,000)		$ (24,000,000)
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense, Long-Term Debt		28,000,000		28,000,000				28,000,000		31,000,000
Term Loan Due 2018 [Member] | 2011 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Early repayment of senior debt												1,030,000,000
Term Loan Due 2016 [Member] | 2011 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Early repayment of senior debt												1,410,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt Issuance Cost												32,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt												2,300,000,000
Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount						$ 650,000,000						$ 650,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate						9.125%						9.125%
Repayments of Long-term Debt												$ 78,000,000		$ 572,000,000
Notes due 2017 [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt												4,000,000
Charge off of debt issuance cost												$ 3,000,000
Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 175,000,000		$ 175,000,000				$ 175,000,000		$ 184,000,000
[1]	Includes $4 million and $50 million of accelerated amortization for debt issuance costs during 2015 and 2013, respectively, and the $52 million charge to terminate the interest rate swaps associated with the term loan A and term loan B facilities during 2013.
[2]	Represents investment income related to the restricted investments discussed in Note F.
[3]	Includes $9 million related to the early redemption premium payments for the tender and redemption of the 2016 senior notes during 2015 and a $4 million redemption premium payment related to the $78 million principal 9.125% senior notes redeemed during 2013.
[4]	Accelerated amortization of $4 million for debt issuance costs resulting from early redemption of the 2016 senior notes and the entrance into the 2015 Senior Credit Agreement.
[5]	Accelerated amortization of $47 million and $3 million resulted from the repayment of the 2011 Senior Credit Facility and the early paydown of Ashland’s remaining 9.125% senior notes, respectively.
[6]	During 2015, the potential funding for qualified receivables was reduced from $275 million to $250 million.
[7]	Other includes $28 million and $31 million of debt issuance cost discounts as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND L61

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred compensation investments	$ 180	$ 184
Debt issuance cost	16	18
Note receivables	36	44
Manufacturing catalyst supplies	37	24
Environmental insurance receivables	16	24
Land use rights	22	23
Defined benefit plan assets	29	22
Life insurance policies	18	18
Tax receivables	7	17
Customer incentive	16	16
Debt defeasance assets	6	15
Other	93	74
Other noncurrent assets, Total	476	479
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Environmental remediation reserves	139	158
Accrued tax liabilities (including sales and franchise)	103	74
Deferred compensation	66	72
Insurance reserves related to workers compensation and general liability	24	50
Other	73	106
Other noncurrent liabilties, Total	$ 405	$ 460

LEASE COMMITMENTS (Details)

LEASE COMMITMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	$ 40
2,017	31
2,018	24
2,019	19
2,020	15
2021 and later years	61
Schedule of Rent Expense [Line Items]
Minimum rentals (including rentals under short-term leases)	57	$ 69	$ 57	[1]
Contingent rentals	4	7	6
Sublease rental income	(2)	(2)	(2)
Rent expense	$ 59	$ 74	61
Water Technologies [Member] | Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations [Member]
Schedule of Rent Expense [Line Items]
Rent expense			$ 13
[1]	The table above excludes $13 million of lease commitments during 2013 that were related to the Water Technologies business that have been reclassified to discontinued operations due to its sale in July 2014.

INCOME TAXES (Income tax provis

INCOME TAXES (Income tax provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal	$ (32)	$ 34	$ 7
State	1	10	(6)
Foreign	66	62	42
Total current income tax expense (benefit)	35	106	43
Deferred	(57)	(294)	153
Income tax expense (benefit)	(22)	$ (188)	$ 196
Undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries and foreign corporate joint ventures	$ 1,600

INCOME TAXES (Deferred Taxes) (

INCOME TAXES (Deferred Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	[1]	$ 81	$ 84
Employee benefit obligations		392	544
Environmental, self-insurance and litigation reserves (net of receivables)		218	172
State net operating loss carryforwards	[2]	73	58
Compensation accruals		88	91
Credit carryforwards	[3]	89	25
Other items		26	65
Valuation allowances	[4]	(107)	(148)
Total deferred tax assets		860	891
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangibles	[5]	371	409
Property, plant and equipment		351	416
Unremitted earnings		11	19
Total deferred tax liabilities		733	844
Net deferred tax asset (liability)		127	$ 47
Other Tax Carryforward [Line Items]
Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes		38
Foreign [Member]
Other Tax Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credits		67
Alternative Minimum [Member]
Other Tax Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credits		12
Foreign Country [Member]
Other Tax Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards expiring in next fiscal year		2
Operating loss carryforwards expiring in fiscal year two		13
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Other Tax Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards expiring in next fiscal year		20
Operating loss carryforwards expiring in fiscal year two		$ 38
[1]	Gross net operating loss carryforwards will expire in future years as follows: $2 million in 2016, $13 million in 2017 and the remaining balance in other future years.
[2]	Gross net operating loss carryforwards include offset for uncertain tax positions of and will expire in future years as follows: $20 million in 2016, $38 million in 2017 and the remaining balance in other future years.
[3]	Credit carryforwards include offset for uncertain tax positions and consist primarily of foreign tax credits of $67 million expiring in future years beyond 2017 and alternative minimum tax credits of $12 million with no expiration date.
[4]	Valuation allowances primarily relate to certain state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards
[5]	The total gross amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2015 expected to be deductible for tax purposes is $38 million.

INCOME TAXES (Income from conti

INCOME TAXES (Income from continuing operations, before tax and reconciliation of provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Components on Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposal		$ (115)	$ 4		$ (8)
Net gain on divestitures	[1]	11	37		0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
United States	[2]	(158)	(364)	[3]	466	[3]
Foreign		327	248	[3]	283	[3]
Total Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		169	(116)		749
Increase (decrease) in amount computed resulting from [Abstract]
Income taxes computed at U.S. statutory rate (35%)		59	(40)		262
Net gain on divestitures	[1]	11	37		0
Uncertain tax positions		23	33		11
Valuation allowance charges	[4]	(29)	14		(12)
Claim for research and development credits	[5]	(7)	(2)		(14)
State taxes	[6]	(8)	(16)		23
Net impact of foreign results	[7]	(73)	(214)		(74)
Other items		2	0		0
Income tax expense (benefit)		$ (22)	(188)		196
Deferred tax adjustments, primarily related to state taxes			(5)		(7)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings			168
Change in foreign tax rate adjustment			14		(17)
Components on Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
U.S. statutory tax rate		35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Key Items Amount			7
Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Other, Key Items Amount			32
Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Benefit, Loss on Divestiture, Amount					0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Rate Change Adjustment					16
Water Technologies [Member]
Components on Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]		39
Increase (decrease) in amount computed resulting from [Abstract]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]		39
Castings Solutions Joint Venture [Member]
Components on Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]		(2)
Increase (decrease) in amount computed resulting from [Abstract]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]		$ (2)
MAP Transaction [Member]
Components on Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposal					$ 14
Valvoline Joint Venture [Member]
Components on Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]	$ 5
Increase (decrease) in amount computed resulting from [Abstract]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]	5
Elastomers [Member]
Components on Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]	4
Increase (decrease) in amount computed resulting from [Abstract]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]	4
Industrial Biocides [Member]
Components on Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]	2
Increase (decrease) in amount computed resulting from [Abstract]
Net gain on divestitures	[1]	$ 2
[1]	2015 includes adjustments related to the sale of Valvoline Venezuela JV, Elastomers and the Biocides divestitures of $5 million, $4 million and $2 million respectively. 2014 tax adjustments associated with the Water Technologies business and ASK divestitures are a $39 million charge and $2 million gain respectively.
[2]	A significant component of the fluctuations within this caption relates to the annual remeasurements of the U.S. pension and other postretirement plans.
[3]	Prior year amounts for income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes for the United States and Foreign line items have been revised to reflect a change in the classification of the elimination of foreign intercompany dividends. There was no impact on the total of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes or on the computation of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and therefore Ashland does not believe that this revision is material to the previously filed financial information.
[4]	Related to foreign and state deferred tax asset valuation allowances/(releases).
[5]	2015 and 2013 include a benefit related to credits signed into law on a retroactive basis.
[6]	2014 and 2013 include expense of $5 million and $7 million, respectively, recorded for deferred tax adjustments, primarily attributable to state rate changes.
[7]	2014 includes a $168 million tax benefit related to the reversal of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences and other related matters and a $14 million expense recorded for a rate change in a foreign jurisdiction. 2013 includes a $17 million benefit recorded for a rate change in a foreign jurisdiction.

INCOME TAXES (Unrecognized tax

INCOME TAXES (Unrecognized tax benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits related to discontinued operations	$ 16	$ 32
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the tax rate for continuing and discontinued operations	127
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	1	2	$ 5
Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued	18	19
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	155	133
Increases related to positions taken on items from prior years	10	29
Decreases related to positions taken on items from prior years	(15)	(13)
Increases related to positions taken in the current year	24	31
Lapse of statute of limitations	(6)	(13)
Settlement of uncertain tax positions with tax authorities	(24)
Disposition of Water Technologies		(12)
Balance at end of period	144	$ 155	$ 133
Continuing Operations [Member]
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible, estimated range of change, upper bound	3
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible, estimated range of change, upper bound	$ 0

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Pension

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Pension, Other Post Retirement, and Other Plans) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Employees	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2014USD ($)
Pension Plans [Member]
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Former employees offered a lump sum | Employees	20,000
Participants in defined benefit plan | Employees	53,000
Former employees accepted lump sum | Employees	12,000
Lump sum settlement payments	$ 475
Discretionary Contribution to Defined Benefit Plan	500
Settlement gain (loss)	3
Projected benefit obligation	3,819	$ 4,326	$ 4,307
Pension Plans [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Settlement gain (loss)	1
Pension Plans [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Settlement gain (loss)	2
Pension Plans [Member] | Water Technologies [Member]
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation				$ 70
Other Plans [Member]
Other Plans [Abstract]
Company contributions to other employee benefit savings plans	38	31	43
Total noncurrent liabilities associated other employee benefit plans	16	19
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 199	$ 210	$ 217
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Annual cost increase rate allowed per year	1.50%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Hercules [Member]
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Pre-65 Health Care Cost Trend Rate	8.30%
Future Pre-65 Health Care Cost Trend Rate	4.50%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Compone

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Prior Service Credit, before Tax [Abstract]
Prior service cost (credit)		$ (2)	$ 6	$ 13
Amortization of prior service credit	[1]	(24)	(36)	(23)
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement gain (loss)		3
Actuarial loss (gain)		59	503
Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Abstract]
Service cost		26	38	43
Interest cost		175	190	175
Curtailment, settlement and other		(11)	31	0
Expected return on plan assets		(216)	(237)	(238)
Amortization of prior service credit		(4)	(2)	(2)	[2]
Actuarial loss (gain)		260	431	(472)
Total net periodic benefit cost (income)		$ 230	$ 451	$ (494)
Weighted-Average Plan Assumptions [Abstract]
Discount rate	[3]	4.18%	4.68%	3.70%
Rate of compensation increase	[3]	3.18%	3.59%	3.66%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	[3]	7.27%	7.67%	7.26%
Net Prior Service Credit, before Tax [Abstract]
Prior service cost (credit)		$ 2	$ (6)
Curtailment, settlement and other		3	3
Amortization of prior service credit		4	2
Total		9	(1)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive income		239	450
Prior service credit in accumulated other comprehensive income to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) in the following year
Prior service credit		(2)
Prior service credit recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income [Abstract]
Prior service credit		(12)	(21)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial loss (gain)		1	15
Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Abstract]
Service cost		1	2	$ 2
Interest cost		8	9	7
Curtailment, settlement and other		0	(20)	0
Expected return on plan assets		0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit		(17)	(21)	(21)	[2]
Actuarial loss (gain)		1	15	(26)
Total net periodic benefit cost (income)		$ (7)	$ (15)	$ (38)
Weighted-Average Plan Assumptions [Abstract]
Discount rate	[3]	3.85%	4.28%	3.23%
Rate of compensation increase	[3]	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	[3]	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Net Prior Service Credit, before Tax [Abstract]
Prior service cost (credit)		$ 0	$ 0
Curtailment, settlement and other		0	10
Amortization of prior service credit		17	21
Total		17	31
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive income		10	16
Prior service credit in accumulated other comprehensive income to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) in the following year
Prior service credit		(16)
Prior service credit recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income [Abstract]
Prior service credit		$ (45)	(62)
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Weighted-Average Plan Assumptions [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation plan allocation		90.00%
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Weighted-Average Plan Assumptions [Abstract]
Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Plan Allocation		93.00%
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations [Member] | Water Technologies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial loss (gain)				$ (81)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations [Member] | Unallocated and other [Member]
Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Abstract]
Total net periodic benefit cost (income)			(7)	$ (11)
Settlement [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement gain (loss)			(38)
Actuarial loss (gain)			17
Settlement [Member] | Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations [Member] | Water Technologies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement gain (loss)			(6)
Actuarial loss (gain)			3
Curtailment [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial loss (gain)		$ 11	83
Curtailment gain (loss)			(6)
Curtailment [Member] | Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations [Member] | Water Technologies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial loss (gain)		2	14
Curtailment gain (loss)		$ 7
Curtailment due to divestiture [Member] | Water Technologies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial loss (gain)			140
Curtailment gain (loss)			31
Curtailment due to divestiture [Member] | Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations [Member] | Water Technologies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial loss (gain)			$ 27
[1]	Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits are included in the calculation of net periodic benefit costs (income) for pension and other postretirement plans. For specific financial statement captions impacted by the amortization see the table below.
[2]	Changes to the post-65 Ashland Medical plan resulted in negative plan amendments that are being amortized within the other postretirement benefits caption.
[3]	The plan assumptions discussed are a blended weighted-average rate for Ashland’s U.S. and non-U.S. plans. The U.S. pension plan represented approximately 90% of the projected benefit obligation at September 30, 2015. Other postretirement benefit plans consist of U.S. and Canada, with the U.S. plan representing approximately 93% of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at September 30, 2015. Non-U.S. plans use assumptions generally consistent with those of U.S. plans.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Obligat

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Obligations and Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent benefit assets		$ 29	$ 22
Noncurrent benefit liabilities		(1,076)	(1,468)
Pension Plans [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligations [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligations at October 1		4,326	4,307
Service cost		26	38	$ 43
Interest cost		175	190	175
Participant contributions		1	2
Benefits paid		(217)	(245)
Actuarial loss (gain)		59	503
Plan amendment		2	(6)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(40)	(15)
Other		14	4
Divestiture		0	(127)
Curtailment and settlement		(527)	(325)
Benefit obligations at September 30		3,819	4,326	4,307
Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Value of plan assets at October 1		3,075	3,381
Actual return on plan assets		15	309
Employer contributions		610	43
Participant contributions		1	2
Benefits paid		(217)	(245)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(28)	(5)
Settlement		(519)	(359)
Divestiture		0	(57)
Other		14	6
Value of plan assets at September 30		2,951	3,075	3,381
Unfunded status of the plans		(868)	(1,251)
Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent benefit assets		29	22
Current benefit liabilities		(19)	(15)
Noncurrent benefit liabilities		(878)	(1,258)
Net amount recognized		$ (868)	$ (1,251)
Weighted-Average Plan Assumptions [Abstract]
Discount rate		4.21%	4.18%
Rate of compensation increase		3.01%	3.18%
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation		$ 3,750	$ 4,261
Pension Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation		3,608	4,102
Accumulated benefit obligation		3,546	4,045
Fair value of plan assets		2,712	2,832
Pension Plans [Member] | Qualified Plans [Member]
Pension Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	[1]	3,446	3,930
Accumulated benefit obligation	[1]	3,390	3,880
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	2,712	2,832
Pension Plans [Member] | Non-Qualified Plans [Member]
Pension Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation		162	172
Accumulated benefit obligation		156	165
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligations [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligations at October 1		210	217
Service cost		1	2	2
Interest cost		8	9	7
Participant contributions		15	12
Benefits paid		(33)	(34)
Actuarial loss (gain)		1	15
Plan amendment		0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(3)	(1)
Other		0	0
Divestiture		0	0
Curtailment and settlement		0	(10)
Benefit obligations at September 30		199	210	217
Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Value of plan assets at October 1		0	0
Actual return on plan assets		0	0
Employer contributions		18	22
Participant contributions		15	12
Benefits paid		(33)	(34)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		0	0
Settlement		0	0
Divestiture		0	0
Other		0	0
Value of plan assets at September 30		0	0	$ 0
Unfunded status of the plans		(199)	(210)
Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent benefit assets		0	0
Current benefit liabilities		(17)	(19)
Noncurrent benefit liabilities		(182)	(191)
Net amount recognized		$ (199)	$ (210)
Weighted-Average Plan Assumptions [Abstract]
Discount rate		3.93%	3.85%
Rate of compensation increase		0.00%	0.00%
[1]	Includes qualified U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Plan As

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	$ 2,951	$ 3,075
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Allocation [Abstract]
Historical investment strategy asset mix, fixed income (in hundredths)	51.00%
Historical investment strategy asset mix, risk assets (in hundredths)	49.00%
Equity securities actual allocation	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term rate of return on U.S. Pension plan assets (in hundredths)	7.65%	8.00%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	$ 1,278	$ 1,055
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	803	902
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	870	1,118
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning period	1,118	1,228
Purchases	1	71
Sales	(252)	(258)
Balance, ending period	870	1,118
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	91	102
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	91	102
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
U.S. Government Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	130	180
U.S. Government Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	4	7
U.S. Government Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	126	173
U.S. Government Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Other Government Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	163	165
Other Government Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1	0
Other Government Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	162	165
Other Government Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Corporate Debt Instruments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1,398	1,172
Corporate Debt Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1,036	788
Corporate Debt Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	362	384
Corporate Debt Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Corporate Stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	$ 289	$ 326
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Allocation [Abstract]
Equity securities target allocation, minimum	15.00%
Equity securities target allocation, maximum	60.00%
Equity securities actual allocation	42.00%	51.00%
Corporate Stocks [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	$ 146	$ 158
Corporate Stocks [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	143	168
Corporate Stocks [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Insurance Contracts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	10	12
Insurance Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Insurance Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	10	12
Insurance Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Private Equity and Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	842	1,085
Private Equity and Hedge Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Private Equity and Hedge Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Private Equity and Hedge Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	842	1,085
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning period	1,085	1,190
Purchases	1	71
Sales	(252)	(258)
Balance, ending period	842	1,085
Other Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	28	33
Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	28	33
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning period	33	38
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Balance, ending period	$ 28	$ 33
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Allocation [Abstract]
Equity securities target allocation, minimum	40.00%
Equity securities target allocation, maximum	85.00%
Equity securities actual allocation	56.00%	47.00%
Other Plan Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Allocation [Abstract]
Equity securities target allocation, minimum	0.00%
Equity securities target allocation, maximum	20.00%
Equity securities actual allocation	2.00%	2.00%
Assets Held by Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	$ 3	$ 67
Assets Held by Plan [Member] | Private Equity and Hedge Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	8	72
Assets Held by Plan [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	(5)	(5)
Assets Sold by Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	0	10
Assets Sold by Plan [Member] | Private Equity and Hedge Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	0	10
Assets Sold by Plan [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Cash Fl

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Non-U.S. Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$ 14	$ 21
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	15
U.S. Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	596	22
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	15
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	610	43
Discretionary Contribution to Defined Benefit Plan	500
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	240
2,017	235
2,018	235
2,019	236
2,020	237
2021-2025	1,189
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	18	$ 22
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	18
2,017	17
2,018	17
2,019	17
2,020	16
2021-2025	$ 71

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTIN72

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTINGENCIES (Asbestos Litigation) (Details) claim in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)claim	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)claim	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)claim
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries, Noncurrent	$ 16	$ 24
Insurance receivables [Abstract]
Litigation Settlement, Amount	398		$ 31
Increase in Restricted Cash	335
Movement in Loss Contingency Receivable, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Insurance settlement	$ 2	$ 4	$ 4
Minimum [Member]
Asbestos litigation cost projection [Abstract]
Number of years included in asbestos assumption model	40 years
Maximum [Member]
Asbestos litigation cost projection [Abstract]
Number of years included in asbestos assumption model	50 years
Ashland [Member]
Asbestos Claims [Roll Forward]
Open claims - beginning of year | claim	65	65	66
New claims filed | claim	2	2	2
Claims settled | claim	0	(1)	(1)
Claims dismissed | claim	(7)	(1)	(2)
Open claims - end of year | claim	60	65	65
Asbestos reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 438	$ 463	$ 522
Reserve adjustment	0	4	(28)
Amounts paid	(29)	(29)	(31)
Ending balance	409	438	463
Insurance receivables [Abstract]
Insurance receivables relating to costs previously paid	$ 12
Percent of receivable from insurance companies which have a credit rating of A minus or higher	45.00%
Movement in Loss Contingency Receivable, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Insurance receivable - beginning of year	$ 402	408	423
Receivable adjustment	(3)	22	(3)
Insurance settlement	(227)	0	0
Amounts collected	(22)	(28)	(12)
Insurance receivable - end of year	150	$ 402	$ 408
Asbestos litigation cost projection [Abstract]
Possible total future litigation defense and claim settlement costs	$ 880
Hercules [Member]
Asbestos Claims [Roll Forward]
Open claims - beginning of year | claim	21	21	21
New claims filed | claim	1	1	1
Claims dismissed | claim	(2)	(1)	(1)
Open claims - end of year | claim	20	21	21
Asbestos reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 329	$ 342	$ 320
Reserve adjustment	4	10	46
Amounts paid	(22)	(23)	(24)
Ending balance	$ 311	329	342
Insurance receivables [Abstract]
Percent of receivable from insurance companies which have a credit rating of A plus or higher	40.00%
Movement in Loss Contingency Receivable, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Insurance receivable - beginning of year	$ 77	75	56
Receivable adjustment	1	3	19
Insurance settlement	(22)	0	0
Amounts collected	0	(1)	0
Insurance receivable - end of year	56	$ 77	$ 75
Asbestos litigation cost projection [Abstract]
Possible total future litigation defense and claim settlement costs	560
Asbestos [Member]
Insurance receivables [Abstract]
Gain Related to Litigation Settlement	$ 120

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTIN73

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTINGENCIES (Environmental Remediation and Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)disposal_sitewaste_treatment_or_disposal_sitesservice_station_property	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Environmental remediation reserve - beginning of year		$ 197	$ 211
Disbursements, net of cost recoveries		(47)	(46)
Revised obligation estimates and accretion		36	32
Environmental remediation reserve - end of year		186	197	$ 211
Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent		139	158
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries Receivable		23	24
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries, Noncurrent		$ 16	24
Environmental Remediation Costs Recognized [Abstract]
Number of waste treatment or disposal sites where Ashland has been identified as a potentially responsible party under the superfund or similar state laws | waste_treatment_or_disposal_sites		85
Number of current and former operating facilities subject to various environmental laws | disposal_site		132
Total number of service station properties subject to various environmental laws | service_station_property		1,225
Number of service station properties being actively remediated | service_station_property		63
Environmental expense		$ 32	29	28
Accretion		4	3	3
Legal expense		6	5	2
Total expense		42	37	33
Insurance receivable		(2)	(4)	(4)
Total expense, net of receivable activity	[1]	40	33	29
Net expense relates to divested businesses		5	$ 4	$ 6
Environmental Exit Costs, Reasonably Possible Additional Losses, High Estimate		$ 370
Maximum reserve for remediation reserve related to any one site (in hundredths)		14.00%
[1]	Net expense of $5 million, $4 million and $6 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, relates to divested businesses which qualified for treatment as discontinued operations and for which certain environmental liabilities were retained by Ashland. These amounts are classified within the income from discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income.

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTIN74

LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTINGENCIES (Insurance Settlement and Settled Claim) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2013
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation Settlement, Amount	$ 398	$ 31
Cost of Sales [Member]
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain on Business Interruption Insurance Recovery		22
Equity and Other Income [Member]
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain Related to Litigation Settlement		$ 13

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ITEMS (Det

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ITEMS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended													6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized translation gain (loss), before tax																		$ (368)			$ 45
Unrealized translation gain (loss), tax																		(1)			(8)
Unrealized translation gain (loss), net of tax																		(369)		$ (160)	37
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax																		(2)		6	13
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Tax																		1		(2)	(3)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax																		(1)		4	10
Amortization of prior service credit	[1]																	(24)		(36)	(23)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit, Tax																		7		11	8
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit, Net of Tax																		(17)		(25)	(15)
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) before Taxes																		(17)
Available-for-sale Securities, Income Tax Expense on Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)																		6
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax																		(11)		0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax																				(163)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax																				(3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax																				(166)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax	[2]																			6
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax	[2]																			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	[2]																			6
Other Comprehensive income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before tax																					(3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax																					0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax																					(3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax	[3]																				65
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax	[3]																				(24)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	[3]																				41
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax																		(411)		(187)	97
Total other comprehensive income (loss), tax																		13		6	(27)
Other comprehensive income (loss)																		(398)		(181)	70
Share Repurchase Program [Table] [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount			$ 1,000						$ 1,350	$ 600								1,000
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock																		$ 397		954	150
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount										$ 450
Dividends, Common Stock [Abstract]
Dividends paid per common share (in USD per share)			$ 0.39	$ 0.39	$ 0.34	$ 0.34	$ 0.34	$ 0.34	$ 0.34	$ 0.34	$ 0.34	$ 0.34	$ 0.225	$ 0.225		$ 1.36		$ 1.56
Common shares reserved (in shares)			8.7															8.7
2014 Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Table] [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock																				$ 750
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares			0.5															6.4		5.9
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share																			$ 116.33
2015 Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Table] [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock																		$ 270
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares			0.3														1.9	2.2
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share																		$ 125.22
Prepaid Variable Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Table] [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock																				$ 125
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares																				0.8
Prepaid Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid per Share																				$ 105.22
Stock Repurchase Program, Unused Portion of Prepayment																				$ 45
Stock Repurchase Program, Net Cash Outlay																				80
10b5-1 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Table] [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock															$ 250			$ 127		$ 124
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares															2.4			1.2		1.2
Share Repurchase, Final Price Paid per Share															$ 104.51
Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Table] [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock																					$ 150
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares																					1.3
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share																					$ 86.32
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Total Stock Repurchased											1.7										1.7
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Stock Settlement or Receipt											0.4										0.4
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2016 Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Table] [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock		$ 500
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares		3.9
Cost of Sales [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit																		$ (8)		$ (6)	$ (6)
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit																		(13)		(14)	(14)
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit																		$ (3)		$ (16)	$ (3)
[1]	Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits are included in the calculation of net periodic benefit costs (income) for pension and other postretirement plans. For specific financial statement captions impacted by the amortization see the table below.
[2]	Losses from the translation adjustment included in net income are attributable to foreign Water Technologies subsidiaries sold with the divestiture. These adjustments are recorded in the discontinued operations caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income.
[3]	Losses from interest rate hedges are recorded in the net interest and other financing expense caption of the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. See Note F for further information.

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Details)

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock incentive expense recognized in income [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 38		$ 34	$ 30
Tax Benefit from Share-Based Compensation Expense		13		13	11
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Stock incentive expense recognized in income [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 10		$ 16	$ 17
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used		Black-Scholes option-pricing model
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		10 years 1 month
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value per share of stock appreciation rights granted (in usd per share)		$ 30.70		$ 34.96	$ 29.93
Assumptions (weighted-average) [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate		1.70%		1.40%	0.70%
Expected dividend yield		1.20%		1.50%	1.30%
Expected volatility		31.80%		49.70%	55.00%
Expected life (in years)		5 years		5 years	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding - beginning of year (in shares)		1,798,000		2,658,000	2,908,000
Granted (in shares)		277,000		391,000	888,000
Exercised (in shares)		(584,000)		(1,123,000)	(1,037,000)
Forfeitures and expirations (in shares)		(108,000)		(128,000)	(101,000)
Outstanding - end of year (in shares)		1,383,000	[1]	1,798,000	2,658,000
Exercisable - end of year (in shares)		906,000		1,066,000	1,390,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weigthed Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted-average exercise price per share, outstanding - beginning of year (in usd per share)		$ 62.85		$ 55.84	$ 45.94
Weighted-average exercise price per share, granted (in usd per share)		113.65		89.69	70.41
Weighted-average exercise price per share, exercised (in usd per share)		58.80		54.14	39.95
Weighted-average exercise price per share, forfeitures and expirations (in usd per share)		83		75.82	61.96
Weighted-average exercise price per share, outstanding - end of year (in usd per share)		73.18	[1]	62.85	55.84
Weighted-average exercise price per share, exercisable - end of year (in usd per share)		$ 59.92		$ 53.80	$ 47.46
Weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding SARs and stock options (in years)		6 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding, exercisable SARs and stock options (in years)		5 years 10 months 24 days
Intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights and stock options exercised		$ 35		$ 50	$ 45
Tax benefit realized from the exercised stock appreciation rights and stock options		6		18	1
Total grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights and stock options that vested		13		21	13
Total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock appreciation rights, awards and options		$ 8
Weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation costs related to Stock appreciation rights (in years)		1 year 7 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding stock appreciation rights and stock options		$ 41
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable stock appreciation rights and stock options		$ 37
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Stock incentive expense recognized in income [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		1 year
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Stock incentive expense recognized in income [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Stock incentive expense recognized in income [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 15		$ 10	$ 4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weigthed Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock appreciation rights, awards and options		$ 15
Weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation costs related to Stock appreciation rights (in years)		1 year 8 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested - beginning of year (in shares)		221,000		140,000	333,000
Granted (in shares)		187,000		192,000	22,000
Vested (in shares)		(69,000)		(78,000)	(205,000)
Forfeitures (in shares)		(41,000)		(33,000)	(10,000)
Nonvested - end of year (in shares)		298,000		221,000	140,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted-average grant date fair value, nonvested - beginning of year (in usd per share)		$ 88.81		$ 56.97	$ 33.80
Weighted-average grant date fair value, granted (in usd per share)		114.97		94.17	84.12
Weighted-average grant date fair value, vested (in usd per share)		77.51		47.07	22.50
Weighted-average grant date fair value, forfeitures (in usd per share)		99.20		83.84	51.01
Weighted-average grant date fair value, nonvested - end of year (in usd per share)		$ 106.41		$ 88.81	$ 56.97
Nonvested stock awards [Abstract]
Total fair value of nonvested stock awards that vested		$ 5		$ 4	$ 5
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Stock incentive expense recognized in income [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		1 year
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Stock incentive expense recognized in income [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		5 years
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost		$ 7
Share-based Compensation, Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Number of Shares		84
Stock incentive expense recognized in income [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 13		$ 8	$ 9
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used		Monte Carlo simulation valuation model
Assumptions (weighted-average) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.10%		0.10%	0.20%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum		1.00%		0.60%	0.30%
Expected dividend yield		1.40%		1.40%	1.30%
Expected volatility		24.20%		32.10%	37.60%
Expected life (in years)		3 years		3 years	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weigthed Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock appreciation rights, awards and options		$ 8
Weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation costs related to Stock appreciation rights (in years)		1 year 9 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested - beginning of year (in shares)		368,000		433,000	480,000
Granted (in shares)	[2]	103,000		155,000	152,000
Vested (in shares)	[2]	(133,000)		(183,000)	(175,000)
Forfeitures (in shares)		(134,000)		(37,000)	(24,000)
Nonvested - end of year (in shares)		204,000		368,000	433,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted-average grant date fair value, nonvested - beginning of year (in usd per share)		$ 72.20		$ 65.05	$ 54.39
Weighted-average grant date fair value, granted (in usd per share)		115.19		81.09	69.74
Weighted-average grant date fair value, vested (in usd per share)		68.18		62.05	39.55
Weighted-average grant date fair value, forfeitures (in usd per share)		74.79		75.02	67.06
Weighted-average grant date fair value, nonvested - end of year (in usd per share)		$ 93.79		$ 72.20	$ 65.05
Nonvested stock awards [Abstract]
Share-based compensation, performance cycle covered by performance based awards		3 years
Number of common shares for each converted performance share		1
Performance Shares/Units Granted, Common Stock [Abstract]
Target shares granted	[3]	77,000		110,000	134,000
Weighted-average fair value per share		$ 121.87		$ 85.84	$ 73.50
Actual to Target Number of Shares Issued, Minimum		0.00%
Actual to Target Number of Shares Issued, Maximum		200.00%
Target Number of Shares Issued Percentage		100.00%
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Grants In Perior Relating to Prior Periods		26		45	18
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member]
Stock incentive expense recognized in income [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 1
[1]	Exercise prices per share for SARs outstanding at September 30, 2015 ranged from $9.49 to $49.79 for 139 shares, from $51.86 to $55.73 for 329 shares, from $64.92 to $89.69 for 652 shares, and from $112.91 to $117.38 for 263 shares. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding SARs and stock options was 6.8 years and exercisable SARs and stock options was 5.9 years.
[2]	The current year includes 26 additional shares from the fiscal 2012 through 2014 plan, 2014 includes 45 additional shares from the fiscal 2011 through 2013 plan and 2013 includes 18 additional shares from the fiscal 2010 through 2012 plan since a portion of each plans payout was in excess of the initial 100% target.
[3]	At the end of the performance period, the actual number of shares issued can range from zero to 200% of the target shares granted, which is assumed to be 100%.

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Details

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Details 2) - Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015$ / sharesshares
Exercise Price Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price per share range, minimum (in usd per share)	$ 9.49
Exercise price per share range, maximum (in usd per share)	$ 49.79
Exercise price per share range, number of exercisable SARs and options | shares	139,000
Exercise Price Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price per share range, minimum (in usd per share)	$ 51.86
Exercise price per share range, maximum (in usd per share)	$ 55.73
Exercise price per share range, number of exercisable SARs and options | shares	329,000
Exercise Price Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price per share range, minimum (in usd per share)	$ 64.92
Exercise price per share range, maximum (in usd per share)	$ 89.69
Exercise price per share range, number of exercisable SARs and options | shares	652,000
Exercise Price Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price per share range, minimum (in usd per share)	$ 112.91
Exercise price per share range, maximum (in usd per share)	$ 117.38
Exercise price per share range, number of exercisable SARs and options | shares	263,000

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATIO78

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)site	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3
Maximum percentage of sales which exceeds sales to any single customer	10.00%
Sales from external customers	$ 5,387	$ 6,121	$ 6,091
Net assets (liabilities)	3,037	3,583
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,182	2,414	2,507
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales from external customers	2,715	3,076	3,130
Net assets (liabilities)	(575)	(160)
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,569	1,721
International [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales from external customers	2,672	3,045	2,961
Net assets (liabilities)	3,612	3,743
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 613	693
Valvoline [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of franchises | site	940
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 253	$ 272	$ 270

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATIO79

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2)	Sep. 30, 2015
Specialty Ingredients [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	100.00%
Specialty Ingredients [Member] | Cellulosics [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	37.00%
Specialty Ingredients [Member] | Poly vinyl pyrrolidones [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	18.00%
Specialty Ingredients [Member] | Adhesives [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	13.00%
Specialty Ingredients [Member] | Actives [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	6.00%
Specialty Ingredients [Member] | Vinyl Ethers [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	7.00%
Specialty Ingredients [Member] | Guar [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	2.00%
Specialty Ingredients [Member] | Other Products [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	17.00%	[1]
Performance Materials [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	100.00%
Performance Materials [Member] | Composites [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	68.00%
Performance Materials [Member] | Intermediates/Solvents [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	28.00%
Performance Materials [Member] | Elastomers [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	4.00%	[2]
Valvoline [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	100.00%
Valvoline [Member] | Lubricants [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	86.00%
Valvoline [Member] | Chemicals [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	7.00%	[3]
Valvoline [Member] | Antifreeze [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	5.00%
Valvoline [Member] | Filters [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue by Product Category	2.00%
[1]	Includes sales for biocides through July 1, 2015 sale.
[2]	Includes sales only through December 1, 2014 sale.
[3]	Includes sales for car care products through June 30, 2015 sale.

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATIO80

REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		$ 5,387		$ 6,121		$ 6,091
Equity income (expense)		1	[1]	(25)	[1]	26
Other Income (expense)		22		27		38
Equity and other Income		23		2		64
Operating Income (loss)		458		46		1,039
Assets		10,064		10,920		12,051
Investment in equity affiliates		65		81		213
Depreciation and Amortization		341		393		356
Property, plant and equipment, net		2,182		2,414		2,507
Additions to property, plant and equipment		265		248		264
Specialty Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		2,263		2,498		2,478
Equity income (expense)		1		2		4
Other Income (expense)		(1)		(2)		14
Operating Income (loss)		239		253		243
Assets		5,365		5,756		5,994
Investment in equity affiliates		9		10		12
Depreciation and Amortization		244		262		242
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,383		1,433		1,445
Additions to property, plant and equipment		171		159		144
Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		1,157		1,582		1,617
Equity income (expense)		2		(38)		10
Other Income (expense)		5		5		6
Operating Income (loss)		87		7		106
Assets		1,079		1,395		1,518
Investment in equity affiliates	[2]	24		23		157
Depreciation and Amortization		59		91		75
Property, plant and equipment, net		358		508		551
Additions to property, plant and equipment		33		38		43
Valvoline [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		1,967		2,041		1,996
Equity income (expense)		(2)		10		13
Other Income (expense)		10		20		11
Operating Income (loss)		359		323		295
Assets		976		1,073		1,051
Investment in equity affiliates	[3]	29		44		40
Depreciation and Amortization		38		37		35
Property, plant and equipment, net		253		272		270
Additions to property, plant and equipment		45		36		41
Unallocated and other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity income (expense)		0		1		(1)
Other Income (expense)		8		4		7
Operating Income (loss)		(227)		(537)		395
Assets		2,644		2,696		3,488
Investment in equity affiliates		3		4		4
Depreciation and Amortization		0		3		4
Property, plant and equipment, net		188		201		241
Additions to property, plant and equipment		$ 16		$ 15		$ 36
[1]	The results in 2015 and 2014 include a $14 million and $50 million impairment on the Valvoline joint venture in Venezuela and the ASK joint venture, respectively.
[2]	ASK joint venture sold during 2014.
[3]	Venezuela joint venture sold during 2015.