LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) 10-K 17 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 13, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document period end date	31-Dec-14
Amendment flag	FALSE
Document Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Current fiscal year end date	-19
Entity central index key	1489393
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity filer category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity registrant name	LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
Entity voluntary filers	No
Entity well known seasoned issuer	Yes
Entity common stock shares outstanding		477,142,443
Entity public float			$41.80

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Sales and other operating revenues:
Trade	$44,714	$43,052	$44,315
Related parties	894	1,010	1,037
Sales revenue net	45,608	44,062	45,352
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	38,939	37,940	39,595
Selling, general and administrative expenses	806	870	909
Research and development expenses	127	150	172
Costs and expenses	39,872	38,960	40,676
Operating income	5,736	5,102	4,676
Interest expense	-352	-309	-655
Interest income	33	15	15
Other income (expense), net	38	-15	6
Income from continuing operations before equity investments and income taxes	5,455	4,793	4,042
Income from equity investments	257	203	143
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	5,712	4,996	4,185
Provision for income taxes	1,540	1,136	1,327
Income from continuing operations	4,172	3,860	2,858
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-4	-7	-24
Net income	4,168	3,853	2,834
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	6	4	14
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders	$4,174	$3,857	$2,848
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders - Basic:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$8.04	$6.81	$5.01
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.04)
Basic (in dollars per share)	$8.03	$6.80	$4.97
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders - Diluted:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$8	$6.76	$4.96
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.04)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$7.99	$6.75	$4.92

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$4,168	$3,853	$2,834
Financial derivatives:
Loss on forward-starting interest rate swaps	-17	0	0
Changes due to cross currency-swaps	30	0	0
Reclassification adjustment included in net income	-89	0	0
Income tax expense	4	0	0
Financial derivatives, net of tax	-80	0	0
Defined pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Prior service cost arising during the period	5	-21	12
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of prior service cost included in net income	0	14	3
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period	-493	411	-198
Reclassification adjustment for net actuarial loss included in net income	7	30	24
Reclassification adjustment for settlement gain included in net income	0	-3	0
Defined pension and other postretirement benefit plans, before tax	-481	431	-159
Income tax expense (benefit)	-172	149	-38
Defined pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	-309	282	-121
Foreign currency translations adjustments:
Unrealized net change arising during the period	-733	217	136
Reclassification adjustment included in net income	0	4	0
Foreign currency translations adjustments, before tax	-733	221	136
Income tax benefit	0	-4	-1
Foreign currency translations, net of tax	-733	225	137
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,122	507	16
Comprehensive income	3,046	4,360	2,850
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	6	4	14
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company shareholders	$3,052	$4,364	$2,864

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,031	$4,450
Restricted cash	2	10
Short-term investments	1,593	0
Accounts receivable:
Trade, net	3,226	3,828
Related parties	222	202
Inventories	4,517	5,279
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,054	830
Total current assets	11,645	14,599
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,758	8,457
Investments and long-term receivables:
Investment in PO joint ventures	384	421
Equity investments	1,636	1,629
Other investments and long-term receivables	44	64
Goodwill	566	605
Intangible assets, net	769	904
Other assets	481	619
Total assets	24,283	27,298
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	4	1
Short-term debt	346	58
Accounts payable:
Trade	2,239	2,822
Related parties	825	750
Accrued liabilities	1,554	1,299
Deferred income taxes	469	580
Total current liabilities	5,437	5,510
Long-term debt	6,757	5,776
Other liabilities	2,122	1,839
Deferred income taxes	1,623	1,659
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Ordinary shares, EUR0.04 par value, 1,275 million shares authorized, 486,969,402 and 548,824,138 shares outstanding, respectively	31	31
Additional paid-in capital	10,387	10,382
Retained earnings	6,775	4,004
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,026	96
Treasury stock, at cost, 91,463,729 and 29,607,877 ordinary shares, respectively	-7,853	-2,035
Total Company share of stockholders' equity	8,314	12,478
Non-controlling interests	30	36
Total equity	8,344	12,514
Total liabilities and equity	$24,283	$27,298

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (EUR €)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' equity:
Ordinary shares par value (in euros per share)	€ 0.04	€ 0.04
Ordinary shares, shares authorized (in shares)	1,275,000,000	1,275,000,000
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	486,969,402	548,824,138
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	91,463,729	29,607,877

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$4,168	$3,853	$2,834
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,019	1,021	983
Asset impairments	0	0	22
Amortization of debt-related costs	20	21	58
Inventory valuation adjustment	760	0	0
Equity investments -
Equity income	-257	-203	-143
Distribution of earnings, net of tax	156	186	147
Deferred income taxes	177	-46	715
Changes in assets and liabilities that provided (used) cash:
Accounts receivable	358	-64	-101
Inventories	-205	-151	441
Accounts payable	-378	275	-189
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	156	-165	-98
Other, net	74	108	118
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,048	4,835	4,787
Cash flows from investing activities:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	-1,499	-1,561	-1,060
Payments for repurchase agreements	-425	0	0
Proceeds from repurchase agreements	75	0	0
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-3,439	0	0
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	1,751	0	0
Change in restricted cash	8	-5	48
Other, net	-2	-36	-1
Net cash used in investing activities	-3,531	-1,602	-1,013
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares	-5,788	-1,949	0
Dividends paid	-1,403	-1,127	-2,415
Issuance of long-term debt	992	1,472	3,000
Repayments of long-term debt	0	0	-2,679
Net proceeds from commercial paper	262	0	0
Payments of debt issuance costs	-18	-23	-53
Other, net	48	38	2
Net cash used in financing activities	-5,907	-1,589	-2,145
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-29	74	38
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-3,419	1,718	1,667
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	4,450	2,732	1,065
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,031	4,450	2,732
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	343	266	665
Net income taxes paid	$1,167	$1,213	$261

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Ordinary Shares	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Company Share of Stockholders' Equity	Non-Controlling Interests
In Millions
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011		$31	($124)	$10,272	$841	($427)	$10,593	$54
Net income (loss)	2,834	0	0	0	2,848	0	2,848	-14
Other comprehensive income (loss)	16	0	0	0	0	16	16	0
Warrants exercised		0	0	43	0	0	43	0
Share-based compensation		0	31	36	0	0	67	0
Special dividend		0	0	0	-1,582	0	-1,582	0
Dividends		0	0	0	-833	0	-833	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares		0	-13	0	0	0	-13	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012		31	-106	10,351	1,274	-411	11,139	40
Net income (loss)	3,853	0	0	0	3,857	0	3,857	-4
Other comprehensive income (loss)	507	0	0	0	0	507	507	0
Share-based compensation		0	20	31	0	0	51	0
Dividends	-1,127	0	0	0	-1,127	0	-1,127	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares		0	-1,949	0	0	0	-1,949	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	12,514	31	-2,035	10,382	4,004	96	12,478	36
Net income (loss)	4,168	0	0	0	4,174	0	4,174	-6
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,122	0	0	0	0	-1,122	-1,122	0
Share-based compensation		0	55	5	0	0	60	0
Dividends	-1,403	0	0	0	-1,403	0	-1,403	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares	-5,873	0	-5,873	0	0	0	-5,873	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$8,344	$31	($7,853)	$10,387	$6,775	($1,026)	$8,314	$30

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)			$2.75
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$2.70	$2	$1.45

Description_of_Company_and_Ope

Description of Company and Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Description of Company and Operations [Abstract]
Description of Company and Operations [Text Block]	1.       Description of Company and Operations
	LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is a limited liability company (Naamloze Vennootschap) incorporated under Dutch law by deed of incorporation dated October 15, 2009. Unless otherwise indicated, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar words are used to refer to LyondellBasell Industries N.V. together with its consolidated subsidiaries (“LyondellBasell N.V.”).
	LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is the successor to the combination in December 2007 of Lyondell Chemical Company (“Lyondell Chemical”) and Basell AF S.C.A. (“Basell”), which created one of the world's largest private petrochemical companies with significant worldwide scale and leading product positions. LyondellBasell Industries AF S.C.A. (“LyondellBasell AF”), the predecessor of LyondellBasell N.V., is no longer part of the Company.
	LyondellBasell N.V. is a worldwide manufacturer of chemicals and polymers, a refiner of crude oil, a significant producer of gasoline blending components and a developer and licensor of technologies for production of polymers.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2.       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	The following significant accounting policies were applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Basis of Preparation and Consolidation
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared from the books and records of LyondellBasell N.V. under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). Subsidiaries are defined as being those companies over which we, either directly or indirectly, have control through a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise control or to obtain the majority of the benefits and be exposed to the majority of the risks. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is obtained until the date that such control ceases. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for the accounting of financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss. Consolidated financial information, including subsidiaries, equity investments, has been prepared using uniform accounting policies for similar transactions and other events in similar circumstances.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper and money market accounts. Cash equivalents include instruments with maturities of three months or less when acquired. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash and cash equivalents exclude restricted cash. Our cash equivalents are placed in certificates of deposit, high-quality commercial paper and money market accounts with major international banks and financial institutions.
	We have no requirements for compensating balances in a specific amount at a specific point in time. We maintain compensating balances for some of our banking services and products. Such balances are maintained solely at our discretion.
	Short-Term Investments
	We also have investments in marketable securities classified as available-for-sale. These securities, which are included in Short-term investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). We periodically review our available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis, and when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, the investment is written down to fair value, establishing a new cost basis.
	Trade Receivables
	Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
	We calculate provisions for doubtful accounts receivable based on our estimates of amounts that we believe are unlikely to be collected. Collectability of receivables is reviewed and the provision calculated for doubtful accounts is adjusted at least quarterly, based on aging of specific accounts and other available information about the associated customers. Provisions for doubtful accounts are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
	Inventories
	Inventories are carried at the lower of current market value or cost. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for raw materials, work in progress (“WIP”) and finished goods, and the moving average cost method for materials and supplies.
	Inventory exchange transactions, which involve fungible commodities, are not accounted for as purchases and sales. Any resulting volumetric exchange balances are accounted for as inventory, with cost determined using the LIFO method.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost. Historical cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Costs may also include borrowing costs incurred on debt during construction or major projects exceeding one year, costs of major maintenance arising from turnarounds of major units relating to betterments and committed decommission costs. Routine maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful asset lives to their residual values.
	The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.
	We evaluate property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which, for us, is generally at the plant group level (or, at times, individual plants in certain circumstances where we have isolated production units with separately identifiable cash flows). When it is probable that an asset or asset group's undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover the carrying amount, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value.
	Upon retirement or sale, we remove the cost of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation from the accounts and reflect any resulting gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Equity Investments
	We account for equity investments using the equity method of accounting if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if we have an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated initially at cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and our proportionate share of profit or losses and distributions.
	We record our share of the profits or losses of the equity method investments, net of income taxes, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When our share of losses in an equity investment equals or exceeds our interest in the equity investment, including any other unsecured receivables, we do not recognize further losses, unless we have incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the equity investment.
	We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management's judgment, that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, management compares the estimated fair value of investment to the carrying value of investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and management considers the decline in value to be other-than temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as an impairment.
	Goodwill
	We recorded goodwill upon our application of fresh-start accounting on May 1, 2010. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable.
	We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors assessed for each of the reporting units include, but are not limited to, changes in long-term commodity prices, discount rates, competitive environments, planned capacity, cost factors such as raw material prices, and financial performance of the reporting units. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a two-step quantitative test is required.
	For 2013, management performed qualitative impairment assessments of our reporting units which indicated that the fair value of our reporting units was greater than their carrying value. Accordingly, a quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test was not required. In 2014, management voluntarily performed a quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test for all reporting units. The results of step one of the quantitative impairment test indicated that the fair value of each of our reporting units was substantially in excess of their carrying value. Accordingly, no goodwill impairment was recognized in 2014.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible Assets—Intangible assets primarily consist of emission allowances, various contracts, in-process research and development and software costs. These assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or over the term of the related agreement, if shorter. We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.
	Research and Development—Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed when incurred. Subsidies for research and development are included in Other income (expense), net. Depreciation expense related to R&D assets is included as a cost of R&D.
	Income Taxes
	The income tax for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In these cases, the applicable tax amount is recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the net tax effects of net operating loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	We recognize uncertain income tax positions in our financial statements when we believe it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position or a portion thereof will be sustained upon examination.
	Employee Benefits
	Pension Plans—We have both defined benefit (funded and unfunded) and defined contribution plans. For the defined benefit plans, a projected benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. Pension costs primarily represent the increase in the actuarial present value of the obligation for pension benefits based on employee service during the year and the interest on this obligation in respect of employee service in previous years, net of expected return on plan assets.
	Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity and are reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.
	For defined contribution plans, we pay contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expense when due.
	Other Post-Employment Obligations—Certain employees are entitled to postretirement medical benefits upon retirement. The entitlement to these benefits is usually conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and the completion of a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment applying the same accounting methodology used for defined benefit plans.
	Termination Benefits—Contractual termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated due to an event specified in the provisions of a social/labor plan or statutory law. A liability is recognized for one time termination benefits when we are committed to i) make payments and the number of affected employees and the benefits received are known to both parties, and ii) terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal and can reasonably estimate such amount. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the balance sheet date are discounted to present value.
	Other Provisions
	Environmental Remediation Costs—Environmental remediation liabilities include liabilities related to sites we currently own, sites we no longer own, as well as sites where we have operated that belong to other parties. Liabilities for anticipated expenditures related to investigation and remediation of contaminated sites are accrued when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated.  Only ongoing operating and monitoring costs, the timing of which can be determined with reasonable certainty, are discounted to present value.  Future legal costs associated with such matters, which generally are not estimable, are not included in these liabilities.
	Asset Retirement Obligations—At some sites, we are contractually obligated to decommission our plants upon site exit. Asset retirement obligations are recorded at the present value of the estimated costs to retire the asset at the time the obligation is incurred. That cost, which is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the related asset. Accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability is also recognized over the useful life of the related asset. Such depreciation and accretion expenses are included in Cost of sales.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Functional and Reporting Currency—Items included in the financial information of each of LyondellBasell N.V.'s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”) and then translated to the U.S. dollar reporting currency through Other comprehensive income.
	Transactions and Balances—Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	In the Consolidated Financial Statements, the results and financial position of all subsidiaries that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the reporting currency as follows:
	Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;
	Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates; and
	All resulting exchange differences are recognized as a separate component within Other comprehensive income (foreign currency translation).
	Revenue Recognition
	Substantially all of the Company's revenue is derived from product sales. Revenues are recognized when sales are realized or realizable, and the earnings process is complete. Revenue from product sales is recognized when the price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and the customer has an obligation to pay at the time of transfer of title and risk of loss to the customer, which usually occurs at the time of shipment. Revenue is recognized at the time of delivery if we retain the risk of loss during shipment.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company grants stock-based compensation awards that vest over a specified period upon employees meeting certain service criteria. The fair value of equity instruments issued to employees is measured on the grant date and is recognized over the vesting period.
	Obligations related to cash-settled awards are recognized as a liability and re-measured at each balance sheet date through the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Leases
	We lease land and other assets for use in our operations. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or a capital lease. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the lessee by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to 75% or greater of the asset's useful economic life; or the present value of the future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the total amount of rent payable under the leasing agreement (excluding finance charges) or fair market value of the leased asset. Capital lease assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, over a period consistent with our normal depreciation policy for tangible fixed assets, but generally not exceeding the lease term. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the entire lease term.
	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We selectively enter into derivative transactions to manage volatility related to market risks associated with changes in commodity pricing, currency exchange rates and interest rates. We categorize assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroborated inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability reflecting significant modifications to observable related market data or our assumptions about pricing by market participants. For a discussion related to financial instruments and derivatives policies, see Note 14.
	Non-Controlling Interests
	Non-controlling interests primarily represent the interests of unaffiliated investors in a partnership that owns our PO/SM II plant at the Channelview, Texas complex and a subsidiary owning an equity investment in Al-Waha Petrochemicals Ltd.
	Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Guidance
Obligations from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements—In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date. This ASU defines how entities measure obligations from joint and several liability arrangements which are fixed at the reporting date and for which no U.S. GAAP guidance currently exists. The guidance requires entities to disclose the nature, amount and other information about those obligations. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required. The ASU was effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the presentation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit—In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). Previous guidance did not explicitly address the balance sheet presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss (“NOL”) or similar tax loss carryforward, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments to the guidance require an entity to net its unrecognized tax benefits against the deferred tax assets for all same jurisdiction NOLs or similar tax loss carryforwards, or tax credit carryforwards. A gross presentation will be required only if such carryforwards are not available or would not be used by the entity to settle any additional income taxes resulting from disallowance of the uncertain tax position. This ASU requires prospective application and was effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective presentation is permitted but not required. Our prospective adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the presentation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Discontinued Operations—In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The amendments in this ASU revise the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under this new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have or will have a major effect on a company's operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Additional disclosures about the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of discontinued operations will also be required. Prospective application of this ASU is required for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and early adoption is permitted. Our early adoption of this amendment did not have any impact on the presentation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Adopted as of December 31, 2014
Revenue Recognition—In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the current revenue recognition requirements in ASC 606, Revenue Recognition. Under this new guidance, entities should recognize revenues to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires enhanced disclosures. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Retrospective and modified retrospective application is allowed. We are currently assessing the impact of this amendment on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Repurchase Agreements—In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosure, which changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and other similar transactions. The amendments in this ASU require repurchase-to-maturity transactions to be accounted for as secured borrowings rather than as sales with forward repurchase commitments. In addition, this ASU requires new and expanded disclosures about repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The application of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Compensation—In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. Under this new guidance, entities are required to treat performance targets that affect vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. The amendments in this ASU will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The application of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Going Concern—In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. Under this new guidance, management is required to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued when applicable). Additionally, the entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The application of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Extraordinary and Unusual Items—In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20), Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items, which eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. Under this new guidance, entities will no longer be required to separately classify, present and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently assessing the impact of this amendment on our Consolidated Financial Statements but do not believe the application of this amendment will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations [Text Block]	3.       Discontinued Operations
	In September 2011, we reported that the management of certain of our indirect subsidiaries intended to initiate consultations with their works councils on the probable cessation of refinery operations at our refinery in Berre and of the associated refined products business. In connection with the intended closure, we recorded pretax charges totaling $136 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, primarily related to the estimated cost of the social plan for the affected employees. In 2013 and 2012, we reduced the estimated cost of the social plan by $5 million and $25 million, respectively.
	On January 4, 2012, these operations were suspended in accordance with an agreement with the relevant works councils. Notwithstanding the suspension of the operations and the recording of the charges related to the costs of the social plan for employees and inventory write-downs, we began reporting the Berre refinery as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of 2012. Our determination that the Berre refinery met the definition of a “discontinued operation” in the second quarter of 2012 was based on (i) the ongoing cash flows of the refinery, which became insignificant in the second quarter of 2012 as residual inventory from the refinery was liquidated, and (ii) we and our subsidiaries ceasing to have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the refinery during the second quarter of 2012.
	The amounts included in Loss from discontinued operations of the Berre refinery are summarized as follows:
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014		2013		2012
	Sales and other operating revenues				$	1	$	9	$	278
	Loss from discontinued operations
		before income taxes			$	-7	$	-13	$	-24
	Benefit from income taxes					-3		-6		- -
	Loss from discontinued operations,
		net of tax			$	-4	$	-7	$	-24
	Losses from discontinued operations for 2013 and 2012 include benefits related to the liquidation of LIFO-valued inventory of $9 million and $73 million, respectively.
	Future cash outflows will occur for exit or disposal activities and for payments made to severed employees. Exit and disposal costs are expected to be incurred through the end of 2017. Payments to the affected employees are expected to be substantially complete by 2019. There is uncertainty in the manner, scope and timing of potential future asset disposal or dismantlement activities and their related cash flows.  Although some dismantling and remediation activities may be considered or required at a future date, the amounts associated with such activities are not determinable at this time due to such uncertainties.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the accrual for the social plan for employees affected by the closure of the Berre refinery at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Beginning balance		$	42	$	59
	Accretion expense			2		5
	Cash payments			-13		-20
	Adjustment for change in estimates			- -		-5
	Effect of exchange rate changes			-5		3
	Ending balance		$	26	$	42
	There are no significant assets or liabilities related to the Berre refinery other than those discussed above.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions [Text Block]	4.       Related Party Transactions
	We have related party transactions with affiliates of one of our major shareholders, Access Industries (“Access”) and with the Company's joint venture partners (see Notes 8 and 9). We also had related party transactions with affiliates of Apollo Management LLC (“Apollo”), who was a significant shareholder of the Company until the third quarter of 2013.
	Access―In December 2010, we entered into a tax cooperation agreement with Access. The tax cooperation agreement allows either party to provide the other with information and support in connection with tax return preparation and audits on a time and materials basis through 2014. No payments were made to or received from Access under this agreement during 2014, 2013 and 2012. The agreement terminated as of December 31, 2014.
	In December 2010, one of our subsidiaries received demand letters from affiliates of Access demanding (i) indemnity for losses, including attorney's fees and expenses, arising out of a pending lawsuit and (ii) payment of (a) $100 million in management fees under a 2007 management agreement between an Access affiliate and the predecessor of LyondellBasell AF and (b) other unspecified amounts related to advice purportedly given in connection with financing and other strategic transactions. For additional information related to this matter, see Note 19.
	Apollo—Transactions with Apollo affiliates include the sales of product under a long-term contract that renews automatically each year, unless a 90 day notice of termination has been received, and other product sales made on the spot market in the ordinary course of business.
	Joint Venture Partners—We have related party transactions with our equity investees. These related party transactions include the sales and purchases of goods in the normal course of business as well as certain financing arrangements. In addition, under contractual arrangements with certain of our equity investees, we receive certain services, utilities and materials at some of our manufacturing sites and we provide certain services to our equity investees.
	We have guaranteed $27 million of the indebtedness of one of our joint ventures as of December 31, 2014. In December 2013, we received payments totaling $9 million from our joint venture, Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company Ltd., in connection with the repayment of a loan made in 2006.
	Related party transactions are summarized as follows:
				Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars			2014		2013		2012
	The Company billed related parties for:
		Sales of products –
			Apollo affiliates	$	- -	$	224	$	299
			Joint venture partners		894		786		738
		Shared service agreements –
			Apollo affiliates		- -		7		15
			Joint venture partners		18		19		1
	Related parties billed the Company for:
		Sales of products –
			Joint venture partners		3,507		3,340		3,260
		Shared service agreements –
			Joint venture partners		85		94		107

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable [Text Block]	5.       Accounts Receivable
	We sell our products primarily to other industrial concerns in the petrochemicals and refining industries. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers' financial conditions and, in certain circumstances, require letters of credit or corporate guarantees from them. Our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, which is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction of accounts receivable, was $29 million and $43 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We recorded provisions for doubtful accounts receivable, which are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income, of $1 million, $14 million and $7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In 2014, we wrote off approximately $10 million of accounts receivable reserved in prior years.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories [Text Block]
	6.       Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following components at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Finished goods		$	2,919	$	3,297
	Work-in-process			304		253
	Raw materials and supplies			1,294		1,729
		Total inventories	$	4,517	$	5,279
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately 88% and 89%, respectively, of our inventories were valued using the LIFO method and the remainder, excluding materials and supplies, was valued using the first-in, first-out method. The excess of current replacement cost over LIFO cost of inventories amounted to $270 million and $688 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	For information related to lower of cost or market inventory valuation charges recognized during 2014, see Note 22.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_G

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangibles Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Text Block]
	7.       Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Property, Plant and Equipment—The components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation are as follows at December 31:
					Estimated
					Useful Lives
	Millions of dollars				(in Years)		2014			2013
	Land						$	297		$	320
	Major manufacturing equipment				25			7,268			6,835
	Buildings				30			628			642
	Light equipment and instrumentation				20-May			1,467			1,315
	Office furniture				15			15			16
	Turnarounds of major units				7-Apr			1,185			1,029
	Information system equipment				5-Mar			47			32
	Construction in progress							1,143			962
		Total property, plant and equipment						12,050			11,151
	Less accumulated depreciation							-3,292			-2,694
		Property, plant and equipment, net					$	8,758		$	8,457
	In 2012, we recognized impairment charges of $22 million, primarily related to damage to our low density polyethylene (“LDPE”) plant in Wesseling, Germany resulting from an explosion in a reactor bay.
	Intangible Assets―The components of identifiable intangible assets, at cost, and the related accumulated amortization are as follows at December 31:
					2014									2013
								Accumulated								Accumulated
	Millions of dollars				Cost			Amortization			Net			Cost		Amortization		Net
	In-process research and
		development costs			$	119		$	-44		$	75		$	136	$	-40	$	96
	Emission allowances					730			-330			400			728		-263		465
	Various contracts					542			-269			273			567		-251		316
	Software costs					104			-83			21			103		-76		27
			Total intangible assets		$	1,495		$	-726		$	769		$	1,534	$	-630	$	904
	Amortization of these identifiable intangible assets for the next five years is expected to be $117 million in 2015, $113 million in 2016, $112 million in 2017, $107 million in 2018 and $106 million in 2019.
	Depreciation and Amortization Expense―Depreciation and amortization expense is summarized as follows:
						Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars					2014			2013			2012
	Property, plant and equipment					$	865		$	854		$	808
	Investment in PO joint ventures						29			32			30
	Emission allowances						69			68			70
	Various contracts						38			47			51
	In-process research and development costs						10			9			11
	Software costs						8			11			13
			Total depreciation and amortization			$	1,019		$	1,021		$	983
	Asset Retirement Obligations―In certain cases, we are contractually obligated to decommission our plants upon site exit. In such cases, we have accrued the net present value of the estimated costs. The majority of our asset retirement obligations are related to facilities in Europe. The changes in our asset retirement obligations are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	92		$	106
	Provisions			2			-
	Payments			-4			-14
	Changes in estimates			4			-6
	Accretion expense			3			3
	Effects of exchange rate changes			-9			3
	Ending balance		$	88		$	92
	We believe that there are asset retirement obligations associated with some of our other facilities, but the present value of those obligations is not material in the context of an indefinite expected life of the facilities. We continually review the optimal future alternatives for our facilities. Any decision to retire one or more facilities may result in an increase in the present value of such obligations.
	Goodwill―Goodwill was $566 million at December 31, 2014, $605 million at December 31, 2013 and $591 million at December 31, 2012. All movements were due to foreign exchange impacts.

Investment_in_PO_Joint_Venture

Investment in PO Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment in PO Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment in PO Joint Ventures [Text Block]	8.       Investment in PO Joint Ventures
	We, together with Bayer AG and Bayer Corporation (collectively “Bayer”), share ownership in a U.S. propylene oxide (“PO”) manufacturing joint venture (the “U.S. PO joint venture”). The U.S. PO joint venture owns a PO/styrene monomer (“SM” or “styrene”) and a PO tertiary butyl alcohol (“TBA”) manufacturing facility. Bayer's ownership interest represents an undivided interest in certain U.S. PO joint venture assets with correlative PO capacity reservation that resulted in ownership of annual in-kind cost-based PO production of 1.5 billion pounds in 2014 and 2013. We take in kind the remaining cost-based PO and co-product production.
	In addition, we and Bayer each have a 50% interest in a separate manufacturing joint venture (the “European PO joint venture”), which owns a PO/SM plant at Maasvlakte near Rotterdam, The Netherlands. In substance, each partner's ownership interest represents an undivided interest in all of the European PO joint venture assets with correlative capacity reservation that resulted in ownership of annual in-kind cost-based PO and SM production.
	We and Bayer do not share marketing or product sales under the U.S. PO joint venture. We operate the U.S. PO joint venture's and the European PO joint venture's (collectively the “PO joint ventures”) plants and arrange and coordinate the logistics of product delivery. The partners share in the cost of production and logistics is based on their product offtake.
	We account for both the U.S. PO joint venture and the European PO joint venture using the equity method. We report the cost of our product offtake as inventory and equity loss as cost of sales in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Related production cash flows are reported in the operating cash flow section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Our equity investment in the PO joint ventures represents our share of the manufacturing plants and is decreased by recognition of our share of equity loss, which is equal to the depreciation and amortization of the assets of the PO joint ventures. Other changes in the investment balance are principally due to our additional capital contributions to the PO joint ventures to fund capital expenditures. Such contributions are reported in the investing cash flow section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Our product offtake was 5,878 million, 4,986 million and 5,170 million of pounds of PO and its co-products for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Changes in our investments in the U.S. and European PO joint ventures for 2014 and 2013 are summarized below:
			U.S. PO		European PO		Total PO
	Millions of dollars		Joint Venture		Joint Venture		Joint Ventures
	Investments in PO joint ventures - January 1, 2014		$	269	$	152	$	421
		Cash contributions		9		1		10
		Depreciation and amortization		-19		-10		-29
		Effect of exchange rate changes		- -		-18		-18
	Investments in PO joint ventures - December 31, 2014		$	259	$	125	$	384
	Investments in PO joint ventures - January 1, 2013		$	262	$	135	$	397
		Cash contributions		28		21		49
		Depreciation and amortization		-21		-11		-32
		Effect of exchange rate changes		- -		7		7
	Investments in PO joint ventures - December 31, 2013		$	269	$	152	$	421

Equity_Investments

Equity Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Investments [Abstract]
Equity Investments [Text Block]	9.       Equity Investments
	Our PO joint ventures, which are also accounted for using the equity method of accounting, are discussed in Note 8 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and are, therefore, not included in the following discussion.
	Our remaining direct and indirect equity investments are as follows at December 31:
	Percent of Ownership					2014			2013
	Basell Orlen Polyolefins Sp. Z.o.o.					50.00%			50.00%
	PolyPacific Pty. Ltd.					50.00%			50.00%
	SunAllomer Ltd.					50.00%			50.00%
	Saudi Polyolefins Company					25.00%			25.00%
	Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company Ltd.					25.00%			25.00%
	Al-Waha Petrochemicals Ltd.					20.95%			20.95%
	PolyMirae Co. Ltd.					42.59%			42.59%
	HMC Polymers Company Ltd.					28.56%			28.56%
	Indelpro S.A. de C.V.					49.00%			49.00%
	Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Co. Ltd.					26.65%			26.65%
	Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Marketing Co.					50.00%			50.00%
	NOC Asia Ltd.					40.00%			40.00%
	Geosel					27.00%			27.00%
	The changes in our equity investments are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	1,629		$	1,583
	Investee net income			257			213
	Impairment recognized by investor			- -			-10
		Income from equity investments		257			203
	Distribution of earnings, net of tax			-156			-186
	Contributions to joint ventures			- -			1
	Divestiture			- -			-18
	Currency exchange effects			-94			16
	Other			- -			30
	Ending balance		$	1,636		$	1,629
	In December 2013, we sold our 40% interest in Nihon Oxirane Company. We recognized a $16 million loss in connection with this sale, which is reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Income in Other income (expense), net.
	In connection with this sale, we and our joint venture partner revised the terms of the agreement governing our NOC Asia Ltd. joint venture. Under the new terms of the agreement, our participation in the joint venture is limited to a finite period. To determine whether the change in terms of the agreement gave rise to an impairment of our investment, we assessed the fair value of the investment by using discounted cash flows. The assessment concluded that the excess of carrying value of the investment over its fair value was other than temporary, resulting in the impairment charge indicated above.
	The subsidiary that holds the Company's equity interest in Al-Waha Petrochemicals Ltd. has a minority shareholder, which holds 16.21% of its equity. The equity interest held by the minority shareholder can be called by the Company or can be put to the Company by the minority interest shareholder at any time. The price of the call option is the nominal value of the shares (initial $18 million investment) plus accrued interest based on LIBOR plus 40 basis points, less paid dividends. The price of the put option is €1 plus the minority shareholder's undistributed pro-rata earnings. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the put would have a minimal redemption amount and the call could be redeemed for $22 million, the value of the initial investment plus accrued interest.
	Summarized balance sheet information and our share of the Company's investments accounted for under the equity method are as follows at December 31:
					2014						2013
								Company						Company
	Millions of dollars				100%			Share			100%			Share
	Current assets				$	3,069		$	1,030		$	3,049		$	1,032
	Noncurrent assets					5,298			1,728			5,930			1,929
		Total assets				8,367			2,758			8,979			2,961
	Current liabilities					2,433			791			2,152			755
	Noncurrent liabilities					2,208			615			2,366			643
		Net assets			$	3,726		$	1,352		$	4,461		$	1,563
	Summarized income statement information and our share of the Company's investments accounted for under the equity method are set forth below:
						Year Ended December 31,
						2014						2013					2012
									Company						Company				Company
	Millions of dollars					100%			Share			100%			Share		100%		Share
	Revenues					$	9,824		$	3,177		$	11,017		$	3,565	$	10,961	$	3,650
	Cost of sales						-8,366			-2,744			-9,526			-3,152		-9,902		-3,328
			Gross profit				1,458			433			1,491			413		1,059		322
	Net operating expenses						-220			-70			-246			-83		-258		-91
			Operating income				1,238			363			1,245			330		801		231
	Interest income						6			3			5			2		6		3
	Interest expense						-83			-46			-97			-75		-180		-76
	Foreign currency translation						-13			-4			-2			-1		74		21
	Other income (expense), net						27			8			25			7		-9		-2
			Income before income taxes				1,175			324			1,176			263		692		177
	Provision for income taxes						-229			-67			-229			-50		-130		-34
			Net income			$	946		$	257		$	947		$	213	$	562	$	143
	The difference between our carrying value and the underlying equity in the net assets of our equity investments are assigned to the investment's assets and liabilities based on an analysis of the factors giving rise to the basis difference. The amortization of the basis difference is included in Income from equity investments in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Text Block]	10.       Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets
	The components of Prepaid expenses and other current assets were as follows at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Repurchase agreements		$	350	$	- -
	Advances to suppliers			264		180
	Income taxes			126		103
	VAT receivables			76		351
	Deferred tax assets			67		24
	Prepaid insurance			42		49
	Other taxes			16		17
	Other			113		106
		Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	1,054	$	830
	For information related to our repurchase agreements, see Note 14.
	The components of Other assets were as follows at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets		$	271	$	357
	Debt issuance costs			89		103
	Company-owned life insurance			53		54
	Financial derivatives			40		- -
	Pension assets			11		73
	Other			17		32
		Total other assets	$	481	$	619

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities [Text Block]	11.       Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following components at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Payroll and benefits		$	426	$	409
	Renewable identification numbers			223		124
	Product sales rebates			187		211
	Taxes other than income taxes			187		207
	Income taxes			153		5
	Interest			111		83
	Share repurchases			85		- -
	Deferred revenues			73		107
	Restructuring			25		58
	Priority and administrative claims			13		15
	Other			71		80
		Total accrued liabilities	$	1,554	$	1,299
	For information related to the increase in income taxes, see Note 18. For information related to share repurchases, see Note 20.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Debt [Text Block]	12.       Debt
	Long-term loans, notes and other long-term debt consisted of the following:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Senior Notes due 2019, $2,000 million, 5.0%		$	1,993	$	2,000
	Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0%			1,000		1,000
	Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75%			1,000		1,000
	Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% ($12 million of discount)			988		- -
	Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4% ($9 million of discount)			741		740
	Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($22 million of discount)			728		728
	Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1%			300		300
	Other			11		9
		Total		6,761		5,777
	Less current maturities			-4		-1
		Long-term debt	$	6,757	$	5,776
	At December 31, 2014, our 5% Senior Notes due 2019 include a $7 million adjustment related to our fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps, which is recognized in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Short-term loans, notes and other short-term debt consisted of the following:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	$2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility		$	- -	$	- -
	$1,000 million U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility			- -		- -
	€450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility			- -		- -
	Commercial paper			262		- -
	Financial payables to equity investees			6		9
	Precious metal financings			77		48
	Other			1		1
		Total short-term debt	$	346	$	58
	Aggregate maturities of debt during the next five years are $350 million in 2015, $5 million in 2016, $1 million in 2017, $2,000 million in 2019 and $4,801 million thereafter. There are no scheduled maturities of debt in 2018.
	Long-Term Debt
	Guaranteed Notes due 2044—In February 2014, LYB International Finance B.V. (“LYB Finance”), a direct, 100% owned finance subsidiary of LyondellBasell Industries N.V., as defined in Rule 3-10(b) of Regulation S-X, issued $1,000 million of 4.875% Notes due 2044 at a discounted price of 98.831%.
	These unsecured notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell Industries N.V., rank equally in right of payment to all of LYB Finance's existing and future unsecured indebtedness and to all of LyondellBasell's existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness. There are no significant restrictions that would impede the Guarantor from obtaining funds by dividend or loan from its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are generally prohibited from entering into arrangements that would limit their ability to make dividends to or enter into loans with the Guarantor.
	The indenture governing these notes contains limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness secured by significant property or by capital stock of subsidiaries that own significant property, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any significant property or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets.
	The notes may be redeemed before the date that is six months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 20 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is six months prior to the final maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	Guaranteed Notes due 2023 and 2043—In July 2013, LYB Finance issued $750 million of 4% Notes due 2023 and $750 million of 5.25% Notes due 2043 at discounted prices of 98.678% and 97.004%, respectively.
	These unsecured notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell Industries N.V., rank equally in right of payment to all of LYB Finance's existing and future unsecured indebtedness and to all of LyondellBasell's existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness. There are no significant restrictions that would impede the Guarantor from obtaining funds by dividend or loan from its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are generally prohibited from entering into arrangements that would limit their ability to make dividends to or enter into loans with the Guarantor.
	The indenture governing these notes contains limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness secured by significant property or by capital stock of subsidiaries that own significant property, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any significant property or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets.
	The notes may be redeemed and repaid, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed. Such interest will be discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 25 basis points in the case of the 4% Notes due 2023 and plus 30 basis points in the case of the 5.25% Notes due 2043.
	Senior Notes due 2019, 2021 and 2024—In April 2012, we issued $2,000 million aggregate principal amount of 5% senior notes due 2019 and $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% senior notes due 2024, each at an issue price of 100%. In November 2011, we issued $1,000 million of 6% senior notes due 2021.
	The indentures governing the 5%, 5.75% and 6% Senior Notes contain limited covenants, including those restricting the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness and our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness secured by any property or assets, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any assets or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. The covenants contained in the indentures governing the 5%, 5.75% and 6% Senior Notes are different and more restrictive than the covenants contained in the indenture governing the 4% and 5.25% Notes in certain respects.
	These notes may be redeemed and repaid, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to the date that is 90 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a premium for each note redeemed equal to the greater of 1.00% of the then outstanding principal amount of the note and the excess of: (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the principal amount of the note at maturity plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the note through maturity (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the outstanding principal amount of the note. These notes may also be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after the date which is 90 days prior to the final maturity date of the notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date.
	Short-Term Debt
	Senior Revolving Credit Facility— In June 2014, we amended and restated our revolving credit facility to, among other things, reduce undrawn pricing and extend the term of the facility to June 2019. This facility, which may be used for dollar and euro denominated borrowings, has a $700 million sublimit for dollar and euro denominated letters of credit and supports our commercial paper program. The aggregate balance of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit under the facility may not exceed $2,000 million at any given time. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a Base Rate or LIBOR, plus an applicable margin. Additional fees are incurred for the average daily unused commitments.
	The facility contains customary covenants and warranties, including specified restrictions on indebtedness and liens. In addition, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters. We are in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2014.
	At December 31, 2014, availability under this facility, which backs our $2,000 million commercial paper program discussed below, was $1,712 million. Availability under this facility is reduced by outstanding borrowings, outstanding letters of credit provided under the facility and notes issued under our $2,000 million commercial paper program. At December 31, 2014, we had $262 million of outstanding commercial paper, no outstanding letters of credit and no outstanding borrowings under the facility.
	U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility—In September 2012, we entered into a three-year, $1,000 million accounts receivable securitization facility. Pursuant to the facility, certain of our subsidiaries sell or contribute their trade receivables to a wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary on an ongoing basis and without recourse. The bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, which was formed solely to purchase or receive such contributions of receivables from these subsidiaries, may then, at its option and subject to a borrowing base of eligible receivables, sell undivided interests in the pool of trade receivables together with all related security and interests in the proceeds thereof to financial institutions participating in the facility. The receivables sold to the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary are reserved only to satisfy claims of its creditors and are not available to satisfy the claims of creditors of the company and its subsidiaries. In the event of a liquidation, the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary's assets will be used to satisfy the claims of its creditors prior to any assets or value in the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary becoming available to us. We are responsible for servicing the receivables. The facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to $200 million. The term of the securitization facility may be extended in accordance with the provisions of the agreement.
	The facility is also subject to customary warranties and covenants, including limits and reserves and the maintenance of specified financial ratios. We are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters. Performance obligations under the facility are guaranteed by our parent company.
	At December 31, 2014, availability under this facility was $994 million. There were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the facility.
	European Receivables Securitization Facility―In April 2013, we amended and restated our €450 million European receivables securitization facility to obtain more favorable terms and conditions, including reduced pricing, and to extend the maturity date of the facility to April 2016. Under the terms of the amendment, we must maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters. Failure to maintain the ratio within the stated parameters constitutes a termination event, which left uncured, may result in the termination of the program. At December 31, 2014, availability under this facility was $547 million.
	Commercial Paper Program―In October 2014, we entered into a commercial paper program under which we may issue up to $2,000 million of privately placed, unsecured, short-term promissory notes (“commercial paper”). This program is backed by our $2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility. Proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper may be used for general corporate purposes, including dividends and share repurchases.
	Precious Metal Financings—We enter into lease agreements for precious metals which are used in our production processes.  All precious metal borrowings are classified as Short-term debt.
	Other—Our weighted average interest rate on outstanding short-term debt was 0.4% in 2014 and 2.1% in 2013.
	Debt Issuance Costs Included in Interest Expense
	Amortization of debt issuance costs resulted in amortization expense of $20 million, $21 million and $58 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which is included in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Amortization expense for 2012 includes the $35 million write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the repayment of previously existing 8% and 11% senior notes and the termination of our asset-based credit facility during that period.

Lease_Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Lease Commitments [Abstract]
Lease Commitments [Text Block]	13.       Lease Commitments
	We lease office facilities, railcars, vehicles, and other equipment under operating leases. Some leases contain renewal provisions, purchase options and escalation clauses.
	The aggregate future estimated payments under these commitments are:
	Millions of dollars
	2015		$	333
	2016			271
	2017			236
	2018			207
	2019			142
	Thereafter			616
		Total minimum lease payments	$	1,805
	Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $412 million, $328 million and $313 million, respectively.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments [Text Block]	14.       Financial Instruments
	Cash Concentration―Our cash equivalents are placed in high-quality commercial paper, money market funds and time deposits with major international banks and financial institutions.
	Market Risks—We are exposed to market risks, such as changes in commodity pricing, currency exchange rates and interest rates. To manage the volatility related to these exposures, we selectively enter into derivative transactions pursuant to our risk management policies. Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedges are recorded in earnings. For derivatives that have been designated as fair value hedges, the gains and losses of the derivatives and hedged instruments are recorded in earnings. For derivatives that have been designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gains and losses is recorded through Other comprehensive income. The ineffective portion of cash flow hedges is recorded in earnings.
	Marketable Securities—We invest cash in investment-grade securities for periods not exceeding two years. Investments in securities with original maturities of three months or less are classified as Cash and cash equivalents. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had marketable securities classified as Cash and cash equivalents of $431 million and $3,482 million, respectively.
	Repurchase Agreements—In 2014, we invested in tri-party repurchase agreements. Under these agreements, we make cash purchases of securities according to a pre-agreed profile from our counterparties. The counterparties have an obligation to repurchase, and we have an obligation to sell, the same or substantially the same securities at a pre-defined date for a price equal to the purchase price plus interest. These securities, which pursuant to our policy are held by a third-party custodian and must generally have a minimum collateral value of 102%, secure the counterparty's obligation to repurchase the securities. Our investment in these tri-party repurchase agreements, which mature within the next twelve months, are treated as short-term loans receivable and are reflected in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The balance of our investment at December 31, 2014 was $350 million.
	Commodity Prices―We are exposed to commodity price volatility related to anticipated purchases of natural gas liquids, crude oil and other raw materials and sales of our products. We selectively use over-the-counter commodity swaps, options and exchange traded futures contracts with various terms to manage the volatility related to these risks. In addition, we are exposed to volatility on the prices of precious metals to the extent that we have obligations, classified as embedded derivatives, tied to the price of precious metals associated with secured borrowings. All aforementioned contracts are generally limited to durations of one year or less.
	Foreign Currency Rates―We have significant worldwide operations. The functional currencies of our consolidated subsidiaries through which we operate are primarily the U.S. dollar and the euro. We enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our designated functional currencies. As a result, we are exposed to foreign currency risk on receivables and payables. We maintain risk management control policies intended to monitor foreign currency risk attributable to both our outstanding foreign currency balances and future commitments. These control policies involve the centralization of foreign currency exposure management, the offsetting of exposures and the estimating of expected impacts of changes in foreign currency rates on our earnings. We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the effects of our net currency exchange exposures. At December 31, 2014, foreign currency forward contracts in the notional amount of $787 million, maturing in January 2015 to June 2015, were outstanding.
	For forward contracts that economically hedge recognized monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, no hedge accounting is applied. Changes in the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts, which are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income, are offset in part by the currency translation results recognized on the assets and liabilities.
	Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)―Other income (expense), net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income reflected a gain of $15 million and losses of $4 million and $21 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Cross-Currency Swaps—In October 2014, to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk associated with certain intercompany loans, we entered into cross-currency swap contracts with an aggregate notional value of $2,000 million. Under the terms of these contracts, which have been designated as cash flow hedges, we will make interest payments in euros and receive interest in U.S. dollars. Upon the maturities of these contracts, we will pay the principal amount of the loans in euros and receive U.S. dollars from our counterparties.
	We use the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness using a regression analysis approach under the hypothetical derivative method. We perform the regression analysis over an observation period of three years, utilizing data that is relevant to the hedge duration. We use the dollar offset method under the hypothetical derivative method to measure ineffectiveness.
	In accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, the effective portion of the unrealized gains and losses on these cross-currency swap contracts will be reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to earnings over the period that the hedged intercompany loans affect earnings based on changes in spot rates. The ineffective portion of the unrealized gains and losses will be recorded directly to Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, the swaps will be marked-to-market each reporting period with the euro notional values measured based on the current foreign exchange spot rate.
	There was no ineffectiveness recorded during the period.
	The following table summarizes our cross-currency swaps outstanding:
						31-Dec-14
						Expiration			Average			Notional			Fair
	Millions of dollars, except expiration date and rates					Date			Interest Rate			Value			Value
	Pay Euro					2021			4.55%		$	1,000		$	19
	Receive U.S. dollars					0			6.00%
	Pay Euro					2024			4.37%			1,000			16
	Receive U.S. dollars					0			5.75%						0
	Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps—In July 2013, we entered into forward-starting interest rate swaps with notional values totaling $1,500 million to hedge the intra-day risk of changes in the forward U.S. Treasury rates for fixed-rate debt issuances in 2013. These forward starting interest rate swaps were terminated contemporaneously with the pricing of $750 million of guaranteed notes due 2023 and $750 million of guaranteed notes due 2043. In February 2014, we entered into forward-starting interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $500 million to hedge the risk of fluctuations in the forward USD 30 Year LIBOR Swap rate for anticipated fixed-rate debt issuances in 2014. The swap was terminated upon issuance of the $1,000 million of guaranteed notes due 2044. We designated these forward-starting interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges.
	We paid cash of $17 million to settle the liabilities related to these swaps agreements. The related deferred losses were recognized in AOCI and are being amortized as an increase to interest expense over the life of the related guaranteed note issuances using the effective interest method.
	As of December 31, 2014, less than $1 million (on a pretax basis) is scheduled to be reclassified as an increase to interest expense over the next twelve months.
	Fixed-for-Floating Interest Rate Swaps—During the third quarter of 2014, we entered into U.S. dollar fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps with third party financial institutions to mitigate changes in the fair value of our $2,000 million 5% senior notes due 2019 associated with the risk of variability in the 3 Month USD LIBOR rate (the benchmark interest rate). These interest rate swaps are used as part of our current interest rate risk management strategy to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt.
	Under these arrangements, we exchange fixed-for-floating rate interest payments to effectively convert our fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt. The fixed and variable cash payments related to the interest rate swaps are net settled semi-annually and classified as Other, net, in the Cash flows from operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	In accordance with ASC 815, we have elected to designate these fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges. We use the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness using a regression analysis approach. We perform the regression analysis over an observation period of three years, utilizing data that is relevant to the hedge duration. We use the dollar offset method to measure ineffectiveness.
	Changes in the fair value of the derivatives and changes in the value of the hedged items based on changes in the benchmark interest rate are recorded as Interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We evaluate the effectiveness of the hedging relationship periodically and calculate the changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the underlying hedged items separately. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a net gain of $17 million, related to the ineffectiveness of our hedging relationships.
	At December 31, 2014, we had outstanding interest rate swap agreements with notional amounts of $2,000 million, maturing in April 15, 2019.
	Available-for-Sale Securities—The following table summarizes the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities measured on a recurring basis that are outstanding as of December 31, 2014. Refer to Note 15 for additional information regarding the fair value of available-for-sale securities.
							31-Dec-14
										Gross			Gross
										Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	Millions of dollars						Cost			Gains			Losses			Value
	Commercial paper						$	1,029		$	1		$	- -		$	1,030
	Bonds							414			- -			-1			413
	Certificates of deposit							150			- -			- -			150
		Total available-for-sale securities					$	1,593		$	1		$	-1		$	1,593
	As of December 31, 2014, the commercial paper securities held by the Company had maturities between one and twelve months, bonds had maturities between less than one and thirty-three months and certificates of deposit mature in thirteen months.
	The fair value and unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of December 31, 2014 were $489 million and $1 million, respectively.
	We received gross proceeds of $1,751 million related to the maturity of certain available-for-sale securities during the year ended December 31, 2014. None of our available-for-sale securities were sold during 2014 and accordingly, there were no related realized gains or realized losses recognized during that time.
	In addition, no losses related to other-than-temporary impairments of our available-for-sale investments have been recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Derivatives—The following table summarizes financial instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Refer to Note 15, Fair Value Measurement, for additional information regarding the fair value of derivative financial instruments.
								31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
						Balance Sheet		Notional			Fair			Notional			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Classification		Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	Assets -
		Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
			Cross-currency swaps			Other assets		$	2,000		$	30		$	- -		$	- -
			Cross-currency swaps			Prepaid expenses			- -			5			- -			- -
						and other
						current assets
		Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
			Fixed-for-floating interest rate			Other assets			2,000			10			- -			- -
				swaps
			Fixed-for-floating interest rate			Prepaid expenses			- -			6			- -			- -
				swaps		and other
						current assets
		Derivatives not designated as hedges:
			Commodities			Prepaid expenses			- -			2			- -			- -
						and other
						current assets
			Embedded derivatives			Prepaid expenses			77			3			47			3
						and other
					current assets
		Foreign currency			Prepaid expenses			107			- -			155			1
					and other
					current assets
	Non-derivatives:
		Available-for-sale securities			Short-term			1,587			1,593			- -			- -
					investments
							$	5,771		$	1,649		$	202		$	4
Liabilities -
	Derivatives not designated as hedges:
		Commodities			Accrued liabilities		$	28		$	1		$	646		$	4
		Foreign currency			Accrued liabilities			680			13			17			- -
	Non-derivatives:
		Performance share awards			Accrued liabilities			22			22			- -			- -
		Performance share awards			Other liabilities			14			14			14			14
							$	744		$	50		$	677		$	18
The following table summarizes the pretax effect of derivative instruments charged directly to income:
				Effect of Financial Instruments
				Year Ended December 31, 2014
							Gain (Loss)			Additional
				Gain (Loss)			Reclassified			Gain (Loss)
				Recognized			from AOCI			Recognized			Income Statement
Millions of dollars				in AOCI			to Income			in Income			Classification
Derivatives designated as cash-flow hedges:
	Cross-currency swaps			$	30		$	-89		$	- -			Other income
														(expense), net
	Forward-starting interest rate swaps				-17			- -			-1		Interest expense
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
	Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps				- -			- -			16		Interest expense
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
	Commodities				- -			- -			-8		Cost of sales
	Embedded derivatives				- -			- -			2		Cost of sales
	Foreign currency				- -			- -			-54		Other income
													(expense), net
				$	13		$	-89		$	-45
				Year Ended December 31, 2013
							Gain (Loss)			Additional
				Gain (Loss)			Reclassified			Gain (Loss)
				Recognized			from AOCI			Recognized			Income Statement
Millions of dollars				in AOCI			to Income			in Income			Classification
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
	Commodities			$	- -		$	- -		$	-12		Cost of sales
	Embedded derivatives				- -			- -			25		Cost of sales
	Foreign currency				- -			- -			6		Other income
													(expense), net
				$	- -		$	- -		$	19
				Year Ended December 31, 2012
							Gain (Loss)			Additional
				Gain (Loss)			Reclassified			Gain (Loss)
				Recognized			from AOCI			Recognized			Income Statement
Millions of dollars				in AOCI			to Income			in Income			Classification
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
	Commodities			$	- -		$	- -		$	-23		Cost of sales
	Embedded derivatives				- -			- -			5		Cost of sales
	Foreign currency				- -			- -			-15		Other income
													(expense), net
				$	- -		$	- -		$	-33
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the pretax effect of additional gain (loss) recognized in income for the fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps includes the net value for accrued interest of $6 million.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement [Text Block]	15.       Fair Value Measurement
	The following table presents the financial instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
						31-Dec-14
						Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets–
		Derivatives:
			Cross-currency swaps			$	35		$	- -		$	35	$	- -
			Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps				16			- -			16		- -
			Commodities				2			2			- -		- -
			Embedded derivatives				3			- -			3		- -
		Non-derivatives:
			Available-for-sale securities				1,593			- -			1,593		- -
						$	1,649		$	2		$	1,647	$	0
	Liabilities–
		Derivatives:
			Commodities			$	1		$	1		$	- -	$	- -
			Foreign currency				13			- -			13		- -
		Non-derivatives:
			Performance share awards				36			36			- -		- -
						$	50		$	37		$	13	$	- -
						31-Dec-13
						Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets–
		Derivatives:
			Embedded derivatives			$	3		$	- -		$	3	$	- -
			Foreign currency				1			- -			1		- -
						$	4		$	- -		$	4	$	- -
	Liabilities–
		Derivatives:
			Commodities			$	4		$	4		$	- -	$	- -
		Non-derivatives:
			Performance share awards				14			14			- -		- -
						$	18		$	18		$	- -	$	- -
	There were no financial instruments measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs and no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Short-term loans receivable and short-term and long-term debt are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying and fair value of short-term and long-term debt excludes capital leases.
						31-Dec-14
						Carrying			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Non-derivatives:
		Assets:
			Short-term loans receivables			$	350		$	350		$	- -	$	350	$	- -
		Liabilities
			Short-term debt			$	77		$	74		$	- -	$	74	$	- -
			Long-term debt				6,756			7,529			- -		7,523		6
				Total		$	6,833		$	7,603		$	- -	$	7,597	$	6
						31-Dec-13
						Carrying			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Non-derivatives:
		Liabilities
			Short-term debt			$	48		$	45		$	- -	$	44	$	1
			Long-term debt				5,772			6,382			- -		6,378		4
				Total		$	5,820		$	6,427		$	- -	$	6,422	$	5
	The fair value of all non-derivative financial instruments included in Current assets, including Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and Accounts receivable, and Current liabilities, including Short-term debt excluding precious metal financings, and Accounts payable, approximates the applicable carrying value due to the short maturity of those instruments.
	We use the following inputs and valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments:
	Cross-Currency Swaps―The fair value of our cross-currency swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows discounted using observable inputs with the foreign currency leg revalued using published spot exchange rates on the valuation date.
	Fixed-for-Floating Interest Rate Swaps—The fair value of our fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows method and is based on observable inputs such as interest rates and market yield curves.
	Commodity and Embedded Derivatives―The fair value of our commodity and embedded derivatives is measured using the closing market price at the end of the reporting period obtained from the New York Mercantile Exchange and from third-party broker quotes and pricing providers.
	Foreign Currency Derivatives―The fair value of our foreign currency derivatives is based on forward market rates.
	Available-for-Sale Securities—Fair value is calculated using observable market data for similar securities and broker quotes from recognized purveyors of market data.
	Performance Share Awards—Fair value is determined using the quoted market price of our stock.
	Short-Term Loans Receivable—Valuations are based on discounted cash flows, which consider prevailing market rates for the respective instrument maturity in addition to corroborative support from the minimum underlying collateral requirements.
Short-Term Debt―Fair value of short-term borrowings related to precious metal financing arrangements are determined based on the price of the associated precious metal.
Long-Term Debt―Fair value is calculated using pricing data obtained from well-established and recognized vendors of market data for debt valuations.
The following table summarizes the basis used to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	31-Dec-13
Millions of dollars	Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Equity investment	$	20		$	- -		$	- -		$	20
	31-Dec-12
Millions of dollars	Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Property, plant and equipment (held and used)	$	6		$	- -		$	- -		$	6
In accordance with ASC 323-10, Equity Method and Joint Ventures, our NOC Asia Limited joint venture was written down to a fair value of $20 million following a revision to the terms of the agreement governing the joint venture. As a result, a non-cash impairment charge of $10 million was included in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013. For additional information related to this impairment, see Note 9 to these Consolidated Financial Statements.
In accordance with ASC 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment, property, plant and equipment (held and used) at one of our LDPE plants in Wesseling, Germany was written down to a fair value of $6 million resulting in an impairment charge of $22 million, which was included in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012. This asset impairment is related to damage to this LDPE plant in Wesseling, Germany resulting from an explosion in the reactor bay.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Text Block]	16.       Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
	We have defined benefit pension plans which cover employees in the U.S. and various non-U.S. countries. We also sponsor postretirement benefit plans other than pensions that provide medical benefits to certain of our U.S., Canadian, and French employees. In addition, we provide other postemployment benefits such as early retirement and deferred compensation severance benefits to employees of certain non-U.S. countries. We use a measurement date of December 31 for all of our benefit plans.
	Most employees in the U.S. and certain non-U.S. countries are eligible to participate in defined contribution plans (“Employee Savings Plans”) by contributing a portion of their compensation. We also make employer contributions, such as matching contributions, to certain of these plans. The Company also sponsors a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that covers senior management in the U.S.
	For 2014, the actual return was a gain of 3.50% and a gain of 28.28% for U.S. and non-U.S. plan assets, respectively.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of projected benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of our U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans:
						Year Ended December 31,
						2014						2013
	Millions of dollars					U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Change in benefit obligation:
		Benefit obligation, beginning of period				$	1,932		$	1,362		$	2,156		$	1,288
		Service cost					43			29			44			30
		Interest cost					88			48			80			45
		Actuarial loss (gain)					249			188			-226			13
		Plan amendments					0			-9			4			18
		Benefits paid					-120			-40			-126			-72
		Participant contributions					0			3			0			3
		Settlement					-14			-23			0			0
		Curtailment					0			0			0			-1
		Foreign exchange effects					0			-150			0			38
				Benefit obligation, end of period			2,178			1,408			1,932			1,362
	Change in plan assets:
		Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period					1,959			667			1,698			625
		Actual return on plan assets					65			117			301			12
		Company contributions					8			86			86			86
		Benefits paid					-120			-40			-126			-72
		Participant contributions					0			3			0			3
		Settlement					-14			-23			0			0
		Foreign exchange effects					0			-75			0			13
				Fair value of plan assets, end of period			1,898			735			1,959			667
				Funded status of continuing operations,
					end of period	$	-280		$	-673		$	27		$	-695
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
		Balance Sheets consist of:
			Prepaid benefit cost, long-term		$	1		$	9		$	68		$	5
			Accrued benefit liability, current			0			-22			0			-56
			Accrued benefit liability, long-term			-281			-660			-41			-644
				Funded status, end of period	$	-280		$	-673		$	27		$	-695
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Amounts recognized in Accumulated other
		comprehensive income (loss):
	Actuarial and investment loss				$	348		$	230		$	11		$	132
	Prior service cost					3			8			4			13
			Balance, end of period		$	351		$	238		$	15		$	145
	The following additional information is presented for our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans as of December 31:
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Accumulated benefit obligation for defined
		benefit plans			$	2,150		$	1,288		$	1,910		$	1,233
	Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets are summarized as follows at December 31:
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Projected benefit obligations				$	2,110		$	1,307		$	632		$	1,229
	Fair value of assets					1,829			624			591			528
	Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets are summarized as follows at December 31:
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Accumulated benefit obligations				$	1,998		$	696		$	615		$	660
	Fair value of assets					1,742			106			591			53
	The following table provides the components of net periodic pension costs:
					U.S. Plans
					Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
Net Periodic Pension Cost:
	Service cost			$	43		$	44		$	44
	Interest cost				88			80			80
	Actual return on plan assets				-65			-301			-182
	Less – return in excess of (less than) expected return				-90			168			63
	Expected return on plan assets				-155			-133			-119
	Settlement and curtailment loss				2			0			0
	Actuarial and investment loss amortization				0			26			23
			Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	-22		$	17		$	28
				Non-U.S. Plans
				Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
Net Periodic Pension Cost:
	Service cost			$	29		$	30		$	26
	Interest cost				48			45			51
	Actual return on plan assets				-117			-12			-26
	Less – return less than expected return				91			-11			-3
	Expected return on plan assets				-26			-23			-29
	Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss				1			-4			-4
	Prior service cost amortization				0			14			3
	Actuarial and investment loss amortization				4			2			0
			Net periodic benefit cost	$	56		$	64		$	47
Our goal is to manage pension investments over the longer term to achieve optimal returns with an acceptable level of risk and volatility. The assets are externally managed by professional investment firms and performance is evaluated continuously against specific benchmarks.
The actual and target asset allocation for our plans are as follows:
					2014				2013
Millions of dollars					Actual		Target		Actual		Target
Canada
		Equity securities			49%		50%		63%		60%
		Fixed income			51%		50%		37%		40%
United Kingdom - Lyondell Chemical Plans
		Equity securities			53%		50%		54%		50%
		Fixed income			47%		50%		46%		50%
United Kingdom - Basell Plans
		Equity securities			57%		60%		58%		60%
		Fixed income			43%		40%		42%		40%
United States
		Equity securities			54%		51%		59%		51%
		Fixed income			33%		30%		29%		30%
		Alternatives			13%		19%		12%		19%
Netherlands - Lyondell Chemical Plans
		Fixed income			100%		100%		100%		100%
Netherlands - Basell Plans
		Equity securities			10%		10%		10%		18%
		Fixed income			90%		90%		90%		82%
We estimate the following contributions to our pension plans in 2015:
Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.
Defined benefit plans				$	43		$	67
Multi-employer plans					0			7
		Total		$	43		$	74
As of December 31, 2014, future expected benefit payments by our pension plans which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows:
Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.
2015				$	136		$	64
2016					136			64
2017					142			61
2018					144			59
2019					143			55
2020 through 2024					697			286
The following tables set forth the principal assumptions on discount rates, projected rates of compensation increase and expected rates of return on plan assets, where applicable. These assumptions vary for the different plans, as they are determined in consideration of the local conditions.
The assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities for our pension plans were as follows at December 31:
				2014				2013
				U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
Weighted average assumptions:
Discount rate				4.04%		2.84%		4.73%		3.78%
Rate of compensation increase				4.00%		3.19%		4.00%		3.37%
The assumptions used in determining net benefit costs for our pension plans were as follows:
				Year Ended
				December 31,
				2014				2013				2012
				U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
Weighted average assumptions
	for the year:
Discount rate				4.73%		3.78%		3.82%		3.63%		4.07%		4.83%
Expected return on plan assets				8.00%		4.12%		8.00%		3.73%		8.00%		4.84%
Rate of compensation increase				4.00%		3.37%		4.00%		3.12%		4.00%		3.17%
The discount rate assumptions reflect the rates at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled, based on the yields of high quality long-term bonds where the term closely matches the term of the benefit obligations. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our U.S. plans of 8.00% is based on the average level of earnings that our independent pension investment advisor had advised could be expected to be earned over a fifteen to twenty year time period consistent with the plans' target asset allocation, historical capital market performance, historical plan performance (since the 1997 inception of the U.S. Master Trust) and a forecast of expected future asset returns. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our non-U.S. plans of 4.12% is based on expectations and asset allocations that vary by region. We review these long-term assumptions on a periodic basis.
In the U.S. plans, the expected rate of return was derived based on the target asset allocation of 51% equity securities (7.9% expected return), 30% fixed income securities (5.8% expected return), and 19% alternative investments (9.5% expected return). In the non-U.S. plans, the investments consist primarily of fixed income securities whose expected rates of return range from 2.45% to 5.75%.
The following table reflects the actual annualized total returns for the periods ended December 31, 2014:
						Annualized
				December 31,		One		Three		Five		Ten
				2014		Year		Years		Years		Years
U.S. plan assets				3.50%		3.50%		11.61%		9.81%		6.20%
Non-U.S. plan assets				28.28%		28.28%		9.87%		6.37%		4.64%
Actual rates of return may differ from the expected rate due to the volatility normally experienced in capital markets. The goal is to manage the investments over the long term to achieve optimal returns with an acceptable level of risk and volatility in order to meet the benefit obligations of the plans as they come due.
Our pension plans have not directly invested in securities of LyondellBasell N.V., and there have been no significant transactions between any of the pension plans and the Company or related parties thereof.
In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, fair value measurements are classified using the following hierarchy:
Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3—Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable.
When available, quoted market prices are used to determine fair value and such measurements are classified within Level 1.  In some cases where market prices are not available, observable market-based inputs are used to calculate fair value, in which case the measurements are classified within Level 2.  If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally-developed models that use, where possible, current market-based parameters such as interest rates, yield curves and currency rates.  These measurements are classified within Level 3.
Fair value measurements are classified according to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation.  A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable.
Changes in fair value levels—Management reviews the disclosures regarding fair value measurements annually at year end. If an instrument classified as Level 1 subsequently ceases to be actively traded, it is transferred out of Level 1. In such cases, instruments are reclassified as Level 2, unless the measurement of its fair value requires the use of significant unobservable inputs, in which case it is reclassified as Level 3.
The major classes of the pension assets are measured at fair value using the following valuation methodologies:
Common and preferred stock—Valued at the closing price reported on the market on which the individual securities are traded.
Fixed income securities—Certain securities that are not traded on an exchange are valued at the closing price reported by pricing services. Other securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
Commingled funds—Valued based upon the unit values of such collective trust funds held at year end by the pension plans. Unit values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the fund derived from inputs principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means.
Real estate—Valued on the basis of a discounted cash flow approach, which includes the future rental receipts, expenses, and residual values as the highest and best use of the real estate from a market participant view as rental property.
Hedge funds—Valued based upon the unit values of such alternative investments held at year end by the pension plans. Unit values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the fund.
Private equity—Valued based upon the unit values of such alternative investments held at year end by the pension plans. Unit values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the fund. Certain securities held in the fund are valued at the closing price reported on the exchange or other established quotation service for over-the-counter securities. Other assets held in the fund are valued based on the most recent financial statements prepared by the fund manager.
Convertible securities—Valued at the quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.
U.S. government securities—Certain securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. Other securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
Cash and cash equivalents—Valued at the quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.
John Hancock group annuity contracts (“GAC”)—Valued at fair value by discounting the related cash flows based on current yields of similar instruments with comparable durations considering the credit-worthiness of the issuer.
Metropolitan Life Insurance guaranteed investment group annuity contract (“GIC”)—Valued at fair value as calculated by the Company. The market value of the GIC is estimated as the present value of its future expected cash flows, discounted at an appropriate interest rate. This contract was settled in 2012.
The pension investments that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 are summarized below:
				31-Dec-14
				Fair
Millions of dollars				Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
U.S.
Common and preferred stock
	Domestic			$	404		$	402		$	2		$	0
	International				323			322			1			0
Commingled funds
	Domestic equity				76			0			76			0
	International equity				258			0			258			0
	Fixed income				242			0			242			0
Fixed income securities
	Corporate bonds				201			0			201			0
	Mortgage-backed securities				13			0			13			0
	Municipal bonds				6			0			6			0
	Foreign government issued bonds				10			0			10			0
	Asset-backed securities				4			0			4			0
Real estate					89			0			0			89
Hedge funds					129			0			0			129
Private equity					32			0			0			32
Convertible securities					1			0			1			0
U.S. government securities
	Agency securities				95			0			95			0
	U.S. Treasury securities				41			41			0			0
Cash and cash equivalents					25			25			0			0
John Hancock GACs					6			0			0			6
Total U.S. Pension Assets				$	1,955		$	790		$	909		$	256
				31-Dec-14
				Fair
Millions of dollars				Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Non-U.S.
Common stock				$	2		$	2		$	0		$	0
Commingled funds
	Domestic equity				29			0			29			0
	International equity				130			0			130			0
	Fixed income				178			0			178			0
Fixed income securities					365			0			365			0
Cash and cash equivalents					32			32			0			0
Total Non-U.S. Pension Assets				$	736		$	34		$	702		$	0
The pension investments that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2013 are summarized below:
				31-Dec-13
				Fair
Millions of dollars				Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
U.S.
Common and preferred stock
	Domestic			$	454		$	454		$	0		$	0
	International				156			156			0			0
Commingled funds
	Domestic equity				109			0			109			0
	International equity				462			0			462			0
	Fixed income				189			0			189			0
Fixed income securities
	Corporate bonds				177			0			177			0
	Mortgage-backed securities				16			0			16			0
	Municipal bonds				7			0			7			0
	Foreign government issued bonds				5			0			5			0
	Asset-backed securities				2			0			2			0
Real estate					75			0			0			75
Hedge funds					124			0			0			124
Private equity					26			0			0			26
Convertible securities					1			0			1			0
U.S. government securities
	Agency securities				67			0			67			0
	U.S. Treasury securities				75			75			0			0
Cash and cash equivalents					38			38			0			0
John Hancock GACs					6			0			0			6
Total U.S. Pension Assets				$	1,989		$	723		$	1,035		$	231
				31-Dec-13
				Fair
Millions of dollars				Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Non-U.S.
Common stock				$	2		$	2		$	0		$	0
Commingled funds
	Domestic equity				35			0			35			0
	International equity				144			0			144			0
	Fixed income				159			0			159			0
Fixed income securities					313			0			313			0
Cash and cash equivalents					14			14			0			0
Total Non-U.S. Pension Assets				$	667		$	16		$	651		$	0
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
				U.S. Pension Level 3 Assets
																John
				Real			Hedge			Private			Metropolitan			Hancock
Millions of dollars				Estate			Funds			Equity			Life GIC			GACs		Total
Balance at January 1, 2013				$	59			73			10			15			6	$	163
	Realized gain				3			0			0			0			0		3
	Unrealized gain (loss) related to
		investments still held at the
		reporting date			7			7			-1			0			0		13
	Purchases, sales, and settlements
		Purchases			9			44			21			0			0		74
		Sales			-3			0			-4			0			0		-7
		Settlements			0			0			0			-15			0		-15
Balance at December 31, 2013					75			124			26			0			6		231
	Realized gain				3			1			0			0			0		4
	Unrealized gain related to
		investments still held at the
		reporting date			8			1			0			0			0		9
	Purchases and sales
		Purchases			8			25			17			0			0		50
		Sales			-5			-22			-11			0			0		-38
Balance at December 31, 2014				$	89		$	129		$	32		$	0		$	6	$	256
The fair value measurements of the investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
										Redemption
										Frequency		Trade to		Redemption
						Unfunded		Remaining		(if currently		Settlement		Notice
Millions of dollars			Fair Value			Commitments		Life		eligible)		Terms		Period
U.S.
										daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Domestic Equity	$	76		$	0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 to 4 days
										daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in International Equity		258			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 days
										daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Fixed Income		242			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 to 7 days
										quarterly,
										pending
										market		15 to 25		45 to 90
Real Estate			89			13		10 years		condition		days		days
										monthly,
										pending
										market		10 to 30		20 to 90
Hedge Funds			129			0		N/A		condition		days		days
										quarterly,
										pending
										market
Private Equity			32			114		10 years		condition		N/A		N/A
Total U.S.		$	826		$	127
										Redemption
										Frequency		Trade to		Redemption
						Unfunded		Remaining		(if currently		Settlement		Notice
Millions of dollars			Fair Value			Commitments		Life		eligible)		Terms		Period
Non-U.S.
										1 to 7 days,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Domestic Equity	$	29		$	0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		1 to 3 days
										1 to 7 days,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in International Equity		130			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		1 to 3 days
										daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Fixed Income		178			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 days
Total Non-U.S.		$	337		$	0
The fair value measurements of the investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
										Redemption
										Frequency		Trade to		Redemption
						Unfunded		Remaining		(if currently		Settlement		Notice
Millions of dollars			Fair Value			Commitments		Life		eligible)		Terms		Period
U.S.
										daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Domestic Equity	$	109		$	0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 to 4 days
										daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in International Equity		462			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 days
										daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Fixed Income		189			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 to 7 days
										quarterly,
										pending
										market		15 to 25		45 to 90
Real Estate			75			39		10 years		condition		days		days
										monthly,
										pending
										market		10 to 30		20 to 90
Hedge Funds			124			0		N/A		condition		days		days
										quarterly,
										pending
										market
Private Equity			26			91		10 years		condition		N/A		N/A
Total U.S.		$	985		$	130
										Redemption
										Frequency		Trade to		Redemption
						Unfunded		Remaining		(if currently		Settlement		Notice
Millions of dollars			Fair Value			Commitments		Life		eligible)		Terms		Period
Non-U.S.
										1 to 7 days,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Domestic Equity	$	35		$	0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		1 to 3 days
										1 to 7 days,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in International Equity		144			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		1 to 3 days
										daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Fixed Income		159			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 days
Total Non-U.S.		$	338		$	0
The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
Multi-employer Plan―The Company participates in a multi-employer plan, Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaG, which provides for benefits to the majority of our employees in Germany. Up to a certain salary level, the benefit obligations are covered by contributions of the Company and the employees to the plan. Contributions made to the multi-employer plan are expensed as incurred.
The following table provides disclosure related to the Company's multi-employer plan:
			Company Contributions
Millions of dollars			2014			2013			2012
Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaG (a)			$	7		$	8		$	8
(a) The plan information for the Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaG is not publicly available and the plan is not subject to a collective-bargaining agreement.  The plan provides fixed, monthly retirement payments on the basis of the credits earned by the participating employees.  To the extent that the plan is underfunded, the future contributions to the plan may increase and may be used to fund retirement benefits for employees related to other employers.  The Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaG's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 indicated total assets of $8,004 million and $8,163 million, respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $7,639 million and $7,785 million, respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $254 million and $223 million, respectively.  Our plan contributions did not exceed 5 percent of the total contributions in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Other Postretirement Benefits―We sponsor unfunded health care and life insurance plans covering certain eligible retired employees and their eligible dependents. Generally, the medical plans pay a stated percentage of medical expenses reduced by deductibles and other coverage. Life insurance benefits are generally provided by insurance contracts. We retain the right, subject to existing agreements, to modify or eliminate these benefits.
The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations of our unfunded other postretirement benefit plans:
				Year Ended December 31,
				2014						2013
Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of period				$	310		$	41		$	352		$	39
Service cost					4			1			5			1
Interest cost					15			2			12			1
Plan amendments					1			0			0			0
Actuarial (gain) loss					32			24			-42			1
Benefits paid					-22			-1			-24			-1
Participant contributions					7			0			7			0
Foreign exchange effects					0			-7			0			0
		Benefit obligation, end of period			347			60			310			41
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period					0			0			0			0
Employer contributions					15			1			17			1
Participant contributions					7			0			7			0
Benefits paid					-22			-1			-24			-1
		Fair value of plan assets, end of period			0			0			0			0
		Funded status, end of period		$	-347		$	-60		$	-310		$	-41
				31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
	Balance Sheets consist of:
Accrued benefit liability, current				$	-24		$	-1		$	-20		$	-1
Accrued benefit liability, long-term					-323			-59			-290			-40
		Funded status, end of period		$	-347		$	-60		$	-310		$	-41
				31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
Amounts recognized in the Accumulated
	other comprehensive income (loss):
Actuarial and investment loss				$	48		$	31		$	16		$	12
Prior service credit					0			0			-1			0
		Balance, end of period		$	48		$	31		$	15		$	12
The following table provides the components of net periodic other postretirement benefit costs:
				U.S. Plans
				Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
Net Periodic Other Postretirement Cost:
	Service cost			$	4		$	5		$	5
	Interest cost				15			12			13
	Actuarial loss amortization				2			1			1
		Net periodic benefit cost		$	21		$	18		$	19
				Non-U.S. Plans
				Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
Net Periodic Other Postretirement Cost:
	Service cost			$	1		$	1		$	1
	Interest cost				1			1			1
	Actuarial loss amortization				1			1			0
		Net periodic benefit cost		$	3		$	3		$	2
The following table sets forth the assumed health care cost trend rates:
								U.S. Plans
								At December 31,
								2014		2013
Assumed heath care trend rate:
	Immediate trend rate							7.30%		7.60%
	Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost
		trend rate is assumed to decline)						4.50%		4.50%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate							2027		2027
				Non-U.S. Plans
				Canada				France
				At December 31,				At December 31,
				2014		2013		2014		2013
Assumed heath care trend rate:
	Immediate trend rate			6.50%		7.00%		5.00%		3.50%
	Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost
		trend rate is assumed to decline)		5.00%		5.00%		5.00%		0
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate			2018		2018		0		0
The health care cost trend rate assumption does not typically have a significant effect on the amounts reported due to limits on maximum contribution levels to the medical plans. However, changing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would increase or decrease the accumulated other postretirement benefit liability as of December 31, 2014 by $17 million and $12 million, respectively, for non-U.S. plans and by less than $1 million for U.S. plans and would not have a material effect on the aggregate service and interest cost components of the net periodic other postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended.
The assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities for our other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
				At December 31,
				2014				2013
				U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
Weighted average assumptions:
Discount rate				3.85%		2.92%		4.53%		3.99%
Rate of compensation increase				4.00%		0.00%		4.00%		3.00%
The assumptions used in determining the net benefit costs for our other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
				Year Ended December 31,
				2014				2013				2012
				U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
Weighted average assumptions
	for the year:
Discount rate				4.53%		3.99%		3.73%		3.80%		3.98%		5.03%
Rate of compensation increase				4.00%		3.00%		4.00%		3.00%		4.00%		3.00%
As of December 31, 2014, future expected benefit payments by our other postretirement benefit plan, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, were as follows:
Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.
2015				$	24		$	1
2016					25			1
2017					25			1
2018					25			1
2019					26			1
2020 through 2024					122			8
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)―The following pretax amounts were recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
				Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
				Actuarial			Prior Service			Actuarial			Prior Service
Millions of dollars				(Gain) Loss			Cost (Credit)			(Gain) Loss			Cost (Credit)
31-Dec-12				$	537		$	10		$	72		$	-1
	Arising during the period				-369			21			-42			0
	Amortization				-28			-14			-2			0
	Settlement gains				3			0			0			0
31-Dec-13					143			17			28			-1
	Arising during the period				439			-6			54			1
	Amortization				-4			0			-3			0
31-Dec-14				$	578		$	11		$	79		$	0
In 2014, $493 million of actuarial losses primarily reflect $409 million of discount rate assumption changes, $84 million of losses resulting from adoption of a new mortality table in the U.S., and other immaterial liability experience gains and losses. In 2013, $411 million of actuarial gains primarily reflect $254 million of discount rate assumption changes and other immaterial liability experience gains and losses and $157 million resulting from asset return in excess of expected return.
Deferred income taxes related to amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) include provisions of $220 million and $48 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
At December 31, 2014, AOCI included $2 million of prior service cost and $9 million of net actuarial and investment loss related to non-U.S. pension plans that are expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2015. There are $13 million of net actuarial and investment losses in AOCI at December 31, 2014 for U.S. pension plans expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in 2015. At December 31, 2014, AOCI included $3 million of net actuarial loss related to non-U.S. other postretirement benefits that is expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in 2015. There are $2 million of net actuarial losses in AOCI at December 31, 2014 for U.S. other postretirement benefits expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in 2015.
Defined Contribution Plans―Most employees in the U.S. and certain non-U.S. countries are eligible to participate in defined contribution plans by contributing a portion of their compensation. We also make employer contributions, such as matching contributions, to certain of these plans. The Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that covers senior management in the U.S. The plan was amended on April 29, 2013 to provide for company contributions on behalf of certain eligible employees who earn base pay above the IRS annual compensation limit. We recognized less than one million of compensation expense related to the plan amendment in 2014 and 2013.
The following table provides the company contributions to the Employee Savings Plans:
					Company Contributions
					2014						2013						2012
Millions of dollars					U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.		Non-U.S.
Employee Savings Plans				$	32		$	5		$	30		$	3		$	27	$	4

Incentive_and_ShareBased_Compe

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Incentive and Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Incentive and Share-Based Compensation [Text Block]	17.       Incentive and Share-Based Compensation
	Under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTI”), which was approved by shareholders in 2012, the Compensation Committee is authorized to grant restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, qualified performance awards, stock appreciation rights and other types of equity-based awards. The Compensation Committee determines the recipients of the equity awards, the type of award(s) made, the required performance measures, and the timing and duration of each grant. The maximum number of shares of LyondellBasell N.V. stock reserved for issuance under the LTI is 22,000,000. As of December 31, 2014, there were 9,055,398 shares remaining available for issuance. Upon share exercise or payment, shares are issued from our treasury shares.
	Total share-based compensation expense and the associated tax benefits for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	Compensation Expense:
		Restricted Stock Units		$	11		$	16		$	7
		Stock Options			5			10			22
		Restricted Stock			- -			5			10
		Qualified Performance Awards			15			11			3
		Performance Share Units			6			- -			- -
			Total	$	37		$	42		$	42
	Tax Benefit:
		Restricted Stock Units		$	4		$	6		$	2
		Stock Options			2			4			8
		Restricted Stock			- -			2			4
		Qualified Performance Awards			5			4			1
		Performance Share Units			2			- -			- -
			Total	$	13		$	16		$	15
	Restricted Stock Unit Awards—Restricted stock unit awards (“RSUs”) generally entitle the recipient to be paid out an equal number of ordinary shares on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. In connection with the special dividend declared on November 19, 2012, the Compensation Committee authorized a grant of RSUs to each unvested stock option holder, which will vest ratably with the underlying options. RSUs, which are subject to customary accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events, are accounted for as an equity award with compensation cost recognized in the income statement ratably over the vesting period.
	The holders of RSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents to be settled no later than March 15, following the year in which dividends are paid, as long as the participant is in full employment at the time of the dividend payment. See the “Dividend Distribution” section of Note 20 for the per share amount of dividend equivalent payments made during 2014, 2013 and 2012 to holders of RSUs. Total dividend equivalent payments were $4 million, $3 million and $7 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	RSUs are valued at the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value for RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $91.66, $63.26 and $51.06, respectively. The total fair value of vested RSUs was $30 million, $11 million and $5 million for years then ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes RSUs activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 in thousands of units:
								Weighted
								Average Grant
					Number of			Date Fair Value
					Units			(per share)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014					1,717		$	23
	Granted					75			91.66
	Paid					-329			33.08
	Forfeited					-38			21.72
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014					1,425		$	24.3
	As of December 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs was $7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year.
	Stock Options—Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our ordinary shares at the date of grant. The stock options are accounted for as an equity award with compensation cost recognized using the graded vesting method. We issued stock options to purchase 5,639,020 of our ordinary shares to our former Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) on April 30, 2010. These options vested in five equal, annual installments beginning on May 14, 2010 and may be exercised for a period ending April 30, 2017. The options were granted with an exercise price of $17.61 per share, which was the fair value of the Company's ordinary shares based on its reorganized value at the date of emergence. All other stock options granted before May 4, 2011 vest in equal increments on the second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date, and options granted on and after May 4, 2011 vest in equal increments on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date. These other options have a contractual term of ten years and are subject to customary accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events. Exercise prices for these other options range from $11.95 to $113.03.
	The Company's Supervisory Board authorized, and the Management Board declared, a special dividend of $2.75 per share to all shareholders of record on November 19, 2012. In connection with the special dividend, the Compensation Committee authorized a cash payment equal to the special dividend on each underlying share outstanding for vested employee stock options. The dividend equivalent payments for the vested stock options resulted in compensation expense of $7 million in 2012.
	No other terms of the Company's employee stock options, including those held by named executive officers, have been changed.
	The fair value of each stock option award is estimated, based on several assumptions, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The principal assumptions utilized in valuing stock options include the expected stock price volatility (based on the historic average of the common stock of our peer companies and the Company's historic stock price volatility over the expected term); the expected dividend yield; and the risk-free interest rate (an estimate based on the yield of United States Treasury zero coupon bond with a maturity equal to the expected life of the option).
	The expected term of all options granted is an estimate based on a simplified approach. In 2010, when the majority of our options were granted, we determined that the simplified method was appropriate because of the life of the Company and its relative stage of development. Similarly, we did not possess exercise patterns in similar situations as the Company's situation. The option grants that have been made since 2010 have been limited in number, and those grants have occurred during a time of substantial share price escalation.
	Weighted average fair values of stock options granted in each respective year and the assumptions used in estimating those fair values are as follows:
				2014			2013			2012
	Weighted average fair value:		$	33.06		$	22.16		$	16.22
	Fair value assumptions:
		Dividend yield		3.00%			3.00%			3.00%
		Expected volatility		46.0-49.0%			51.00%			51.00%
		Risk-free interest rate		1.81-1.98%			0.95-1.27%			0.80-1.11%
		Weighted average expected term, in years		6			6			6
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 in thousands of shares for the non-qualified stock options:
													Aggregate
								Weighted			Weighted		Intrinsic
					Number			Average			Average		Value
					of			Exercise			Remaining		(millions of
					Shares			Price			Term		dollars)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014					5,215		$	15.62
	Granted					143			92.72
	Exercised					-1,169			13.9
	Forfeited					-4			26.85
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014					4,185		$	18.74		2.7	years	$	256
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014					3,949		$	15.2		2.5	years	$	253
	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $98 million, $71 million and $39 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost related to non-qualified stock options was $2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year. During 2014, cash received from option exercises was $16 million and tax benefits realized from stock options exercised was $33 million.
	Restricted Stock—On April 30, 2010, we issued 1,771,794 restricted shares to our former CEO. The terms of the restricted stock award provided that the holder was entitled to receive dividends when and if paid on the Company's ordinary shares and that the holder had full voting rights during the restricted period. The holder could not sell or transfer the restricted shares until the restrictions lapsed on May 14, 2014 or such earlier date as provided in the award agreement. Pursuant to these vesting provisions, all of the restricted shares were vested as of December 31, 2013. An aggregate of 439,085 and 264,297 of the vested restricted shares were withheld in payment of withholding tax obligations during 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Restricted stock was valued at the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. No restricted stock was granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The total fair value of restricted stock vested during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $69 million and $38 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, all restricted stock shares were vested and fully expensed.
	Medium-Term Incentive Program (“MTI”), Qualified Performance Awards (“QPA”) and Performance Share Units (“PSU”)—Our MTI is designed to link the interests of senior management with the interests of shareholders by tying incentives to measurable corporate performance. The MTI awards provide payouts based on our return on assets and cost improvements over a three-calendar year performance period. Subject to customary accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events, the awards will vest on the date following the end of the applicable performance period on which the Compensation Committee of the Supervisory Board certifies the performance results and will be paid by March 31 following the end of the applicable performance period. Awards granted under the MTI in 2010 and 2011 are cash-based awards. For grants made in 2012 and 2013, eligible employees other than executive officers could elect to receive share-based awards and executive officers were only eligible for the share-based awards. Beginning in 2014, all new awards under this program are share-based awards and are no longer elective. These awards are the same as the share-based QPA but are termed PSU. Shares issued in satisfaction of MTI awards are issued through QPA granted under our 2012 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was approved by shareholders at our 2012 annual meeting. Awards under the MTI are accounted for as a liability and classified in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recorded compensation expense for cash MTI awards of $9 million, $17 million and $18 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, based on the expected achievement of performance results.
	The number of target QPA and PSU is established at the beginning of a three-calendar year performance period. Each unit is equivalent to one share of LyondellBasell N.V. common stock. The final number of LyondellBasell N.V. shares payable is determined at the end of the three-calendar year performance period by the Compensation Committee of the Supervisory Board.  Since the service-inception date precedes the grant date, the Company estimates the number of target units each reporting period, accounts for this award as a liability award until the grant date and accrues compensation expense during the three-calendar year performance period on a straight-line basis subject to fair value adjustments. The QPA/PSU is subject to customary accelerated vesting and forfeiture in the event of certain termination events.  The QPA/PSU is classified in Accrued and Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the fair value of the QPA/PSU, see Note 15.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Beginning October 1, 2012, the Company offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) which enables certain employees to make quarterly purchases of shares of LyondellBasell N.V. common stock at a 5% discount off the fair market value on the date of purchase. The ESPP is a non-compensatory plan under generally accepted accounting principles. As a result, no compensation expense is recognized in conjunction with this Plan.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	18.       Income Taxes
	LyondellBasell N.V. moved its tax residence from The Netherlands, where LyondellBasell N.V. is incorporated, to the United Kingdom effective as of July 1, 2013 pursuant to a mutual agreement procedure determination ruling between the Dutch and United Kingdom competent authorities. Pursuant to this ruling, LyondellBasell N.V. is treated solely as a tax resident in the United Kingdom and is subject to the United Kingdom corporate income tax system. As a result of the United Kingdom tax residence, dividend distributions by LyondellBasell N.V. to its shareholders are not subject to withholding tax, as the United Kingdom currently does not levy a withholding tax on dividend distributions.
	We, through our subsidiaries, have substantial operations world-wide and in recent years have earned significant income in the United States. Taxes are primarily paid on the earnings generated in various jurisdictions, including the United States, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy and other countries. LyondellBasell N.V. has little or no taxable income of its own because, as a holding company, it does not conduct any operations. Instead, the subsidiaries through which we operate incur tax obligations in the jurisdictions in which they operate. Our provision for income taxes as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2014 of $1.5 billion consists almost entirely of the income taxes owed by the subsidiaries of LyondellBasell N.V.
	We monitor income tax legislative developments in countries where we are tax resident. Management does not believe that recent changes in income tax laws in our tax resident countries will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	The significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars					2014		2013			2012
	Current:
		U.S. federal			$	985		$	969		$	464
		Non-U.S.				277			135			78
		State				101			78			70
			Total current			1,363			1,182			612
	Deferred:
		U.S. federal				122			218			607
		Non-U.S.				50			-270			73
		State				5			6			35
			Total deferred			177			-46			715
	Provision for income taxes before tax effects
		of other comprehensive income				1,540			1,136			1,327
	Tax effects of elements of other
		comprehensive income:
		Pension and postretirement liabilities				-172			149			-38
		Financial derivatives				4			- -			- -
		Foreign currency translation				- -			-4			-1
	Total income tax expense in
		comprehensive income			$	1,372		$	1,281		$	1,288
	We are incorporated in The Netherlands and are a tax resident of the United Kingdom. However, since the proportion of U.S. revenues, assets, operating income and associated tax provisions is significantly greater than any other single taxing jurisdiction within the worldwide group, the reconciliation of the differences between the provision for income taxes and the statutory rate is presented on the basis of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as opposed to the United Kingdom statutory rate of 21% to provide a more meaningful insight into those differences. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 is 27.0%. This summary is shown below:
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	Income before income taxes:
		U.S.			$	3,743		$	3,912		$	3,313
		Non-U.S.				1,969			1,084			872
				Total	$	5,712		$	4,996		$	4,185
	Income tax at U.S. statutory rate				$	1,999		$	1,749		$	1,465
		Increase (reduction) resulting from:
			Non-U.S. income taxed at lower statutory rates			-61			-60			-53
			State income taxes, net of federal benefit			64			58			67
			Changes in valuation allowances			3			-353			-72
			Exempt income			-275			-109			-53
			U.S. manufacturing deduction			-106			-96			-42
			Other, net			-84			-53			15
			Income tax provision		$	1,540		$	1,136		$	1,327
	The deferred tax effects of tax loss and credit carryforwards (“tax attributes”) and the tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements, reduced by a valuation allowance where appropriate, are presented below:
						December 31,
	Millions of dollars					2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities:
		Accelerated tax depreciation				$	1,464		$	1,455
		Investment in joint venture partnerships					276			176
		Intangible assets					264			317
		Inventory					528			597
		Other liabilities					58			117
			Total deferred tax liabilities				2,590			2,662
	Deferred tax assets:
		Tax attributes					409			514
		Employee benefit plans					468			348
		Other assets					93			109
			Total deferred tax assets				970			971
		Deferred tax asset valuation allowances					-134			-167
			Net deferred tax assets				836			804
	Net deferred tax liabilities					$	1,754		$	1,858
	Balance sheet classifications:
		Deferred tax assets - current				$	67		$	24
		Deferred tax assets - long-term					271			357
		Deferred tax liability - current					469			580
	Deferred tax liability - long-term					1,623			1,659
		Net deferred tax liabilities			$	1,754		$	1,858
In the table above, we reclassified our 2013 deferred tax effects to conform to our current year presentation.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had total tax attributes available in the amount of $1,340 million and $1,692 million, respectively, for which a deferred tax asset was recognized at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $409 million and $514 million, respectively.
The expiration of the tax attributes and the related deferred tax asset, before valuation allowance, as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
							Deferred Tax
				Tax			on Tax
Millions of dollars				Attributes			Attributes
2015				$	- -		$	- -
2016					4			1
2017					1			- -
2018					31			12
2019					50			13
Thereafter					184			41
Indefinite					1,070			342
				$	1,340		$	409
The tax attributes are primarily related to operations in France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, The Netherlands and the United States. The deferred tax assets by primary jurisdictions are shown below:
				December 31,
Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
France				$	261		$	323		$	332
Canada					38			70			93
United Kingdom					25			27			33
Spain					52			56			35
The Netherlands					13			13			30
United States					15			15			2
Other					5			10			30
				$	409		$	514		$	555
In order to fully realize these net deferred tax assets, we will need to generate sufficient future taxable income in the countries where these tax attributes exist during the periods in which the attributes can be utilized. Based upon projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the attributes can be utilized and/or temporary differences can be reversed, management believes it is more likely than not that only $249 million of these deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014 will be realized.
Prior to the close of each reporting period, management considers the weight of all evidence, both positive and negative, to determine if a valuation allowance is necessary for each jurisdictions' net deferred tax assets. We place greater weight on historical evidence over future predictions of our ability to utilize net deferred tax assets. We consider future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences, and taxable income in prior carryback year(s) if carryback is permitted under applicable law, as well as available prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that would, if necessary, be implemented to ensure realization of the net deferred tax asset.
A summary of the valuation allowances by primary jurisdiction is shown below, reflecting the valuation allowances for all the net deferred tax assets, including deferred tax assets for tax attributes and other temporary differences.
				December 31,
Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
France				$	29		$	34		$	378
Canada					41			78			103
United Kingdom					13			14			43
Spain					24			16			22
The Netherlands					13			13			- -
United States					14			12			1
Other					- -			- -			4
				$	134		$	167		$	551
During 2014, the change in our valuation allowances primarily related to the expiration of $99 million Canadian tax loss carryforwards for which a full valuation allowance had been provided on the associated deferred tax asset of $26 million. Additionally, our valuation allowances were impacted by adjustments related to current year activity.
During 2013, we released approximately $344 million of our valuation allowance related to our French operations. Of this amount, approximately $52 million was related to 2013 activity. The remaining $292 million of valuation allowance was released to earnings in the fourth quarter of 2013. In regard to this decision, management considered the following new evidence related to our French operations:
Beginning in the second quarter of 2013, we began generating cumulative three-year pretax income;
During 2013, we had three consecutive quarters of cumulative three-year pretax income and had reported two consecutive years of pretax income, a sufficient trend of sustained profitability to establish an expectation that the valuation allowance will more likely than not be realized;
Existence of cumulative pretax income from core operations for the prior three years (2011-2013); exclusive of results related to discontinued operations;
Existence of taxable income for 2013 before utilization of tax loss carryforwards;
2013 projections of significant pretax income for years 2014-2018; and
2013 projections of significant taxable income for years 2014-2018, exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences.
French tax law provides for an indefinite carryforward of tax losses; however, losses allowed in any particular year may not exceed fifty percent of taxable income. With respect to our French operations, we have a total net deferred tax asset of $243 million, of which we retain a valuation allowance of $29 million relating to losses that the Company does not expect to realize a future benefit due to limitations imposed by French tax law. The remaining portion of the net deferred tax asset of $214 million was previously covered by a valuation allowance primarily related to French tax losses. In order to fully realize the $214 million deferred tax asset, the French tax group will be required to generate approximately $1.4 billion of taxable income in the future.
For 2013, in addition to the release of $344 million of our valuation allowance related to our French operation, the Canadian valuation allowance was reduced due to the expiration of certain tax loss carryforwards as well as a true-up of the impact of provincial tax rates.
For 2012, although the French operations were profitable, these operations had a cumulative three-year loss (primarily attributable to the restructuring and the economic downturn in Europe) and were projected to generate tax losses, providing sufficient negative evidence as of December 31, 2012 to preclude a determination that it was more likely than not that all of the deferred tax asset would be realized.
We continue to provide a valuation allowance associated with non-operating losses for the United Kingdom. However, we no longer provide a valuation allowance against United Kingdom net deferred tax assets associated with operating losses as the United Kingdom operations are not in a three-year cumulative loss position and our projections indicate and management now expects the operating losses will be fully utilized within the next ten years.
For valuation allowances in Canada and Spain, we continue to maintain valuation allowances against the net deferred tax assets in these jurisdictions given their cumulative three year losses, the projection of future losses and/or limited future reversal of deferred tax liabilities. This consideration precludes a determination that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized.
Deferred taxes on the unremitted earnings of certain equity joint ventures and subsidiaries of $52 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, have been provided to the extent that such earnings are subject to taxation on their future remittance.
Tax benefits totaling $475 million, $495 million and $548 million relating to uncertain tax positions were unrecognized as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:
				Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
Balance, beginning of period				$	495		$	548		$	483
Additions for tax positions of current year					12			11			15
Additions for tax positions of prior years					12			7			50
Reductions for tax positions of prior years					-40			-66			- -
Settlements (payments/refunds)					-4			-5			- -
		Balance, end of period		$	475		$	495		$	548
The majority of the 2014, 2013 and 2012 balances, if recognized, will affect the effective tax rate. We operate in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world, and our tax returns are periodically audited or subjected to review by tax authorities. We are no longer subject to any significant income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years prior to 2012 in The Netherlands, prior to 2010 in Italy, prior to 2007 in Germany, prior to 2006 in France and prior to 2011 in the U.S., our principal tax jurisdictions. We do not expect any significant changes in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12 months.
We recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized approximately $15 million, $7 million and $4 million, respectively, for interest and penalties. We had accrued approximately $26 million, $11 million and $4 million for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	19.       Commitments and Contingencies
	Commitments―We have various purchase commitments for materials, supplies and services incident to the ordinary conduct of business, generally for quantities required for our businesses and at prevailing market prices. These commitments are designed to assure sources of supply and are not expected to be in excess of normal requirements. Our capital expenditure commitments at December 31, 2014 were in the normal course of business.
	Financial Assurance Instruments—We have obtained letters of credit, performance and surety bonds and have issued financial and performance guarantees to support trade payables, potential liabilities and other obligations. Considering the frequency of claims made against the financial instruments we use to support our obligations, and the magnitude of those financial instruments in light of our current financial position, management does not expect that any claims against or draws on these instruments would have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. We have not experienced any unmanageable difficulty in obtaining the required financial assurance instruments for our current operations.
	Environmental Remediation—Our accrued liability for future environmental remediation costs at current and former plant sites and other remediation sites totaled $106 million as of December 31, 2014. The accrued liabilities for individual sites range from less than $1 million to $21 million. The remediation expenditures are expected to occur over a number of years, and not to be concentrated in any single year. In our opinion, it is reasonably possible that losses in excess of the liabilities recorded may have been incurred. However, we cannot estimate any amount or range of such possible additional losses. New information about sites, new technology or future developments such as involvement in investigations by regulatory agencies, could require us to reassess our potential exposure related to environmental matters.
	The following table summarizes the activity in our accrued environmental liability included in “Accrued liabilities” and “Other liabilities:”
			Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Balance at beginning of period		$	120	$	126
	Additional provisions			6		7
	Amounts paid			-8		-11
	Foreign exchange effects			-9		3
	Other			-3		-5
		Balance at end of period	$	106	$	120
	Access Indemnity Demand—In December 2010, one of our subsidiaries received demand letters from affiliates of Access Industries (collectively, “Access Entities”), a more than five percent shareholder of the Company, demanding indemnity for losses, including attorney's fees and expenses, arising out of a pending lawsuit styled Edward S. Weisfelner, as Litigation Trustee of the LB Litigation Trust v. Leonard Blavatnik, et al., Adversary Proceeding No. 09-1375 (REG), in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. In the Weisfelner lawsuit, the plaintiffs seek to recover from Access, the return of all amounts earned by the Access Entities related to their purchase of shares of Lyondell Chemical prior to its acquisition by Basell AF S.C.A.; distributions by Basell AF S.C.A. to its shareholders before it acquired Lyondell Chemical, and management and transaction fees and expenses. The trial that was scheduled for October 2011 has been postponed.
	The Access Entities have also demanded $100 million in management fees under a 2007 management agreement between an Access affiliate and the predecessor of LyondellBasell AF, as well as other unspecified amounts relating to advice purportedly given in connection with financing and other strategic transactions. In June 2009, an Access affiliate filed a proof of claim in Bankruptcy Court against LyondellBasell AF seeking “no less than” $723 thousand for amounts allegedly owed under the 2007 management agreement. In April 2011, Lyondell Chemical filed an objection to the claim and brought a declaratory judgment action for a determination that the demands are not valid. The declaratory judgment action is stayed pending the outcome of the Weisfelner lawsuit.
	We do not believe that the 2007 management agreement is in effect or that the Company or any Company-affiliated entity owes any obligations under the management agreement, including for management fees or for indemnification. We intend to vigorously defend our position in any proceedings and against any claims or demands that may be asserted.
	We cannot at this time estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss that may be incurred in the Weisfelner lawsuit; therefore, we cannot estimate the loss that may be sought by way of indemnity.
	Indemnification—We are parties to various indemnification arrangements, including arrangements entered into in connection with acquisitions, divestitures and the formation and dissolution of joint ventures. Pursuant to these arrangements, we provide indemnification to and/or receive indemnification from other parties in connection with liabilities that may arise in connection with the transactions and in connection with activities prior to completion of the transactions. These indemnification arrangements typically include provisions pertaining to third party claims relating to environmental and tax matters and various types of litigation. As of December 31, 2014, we had not accrued any significant amounts for our indemnification obligations, and we are not aware of other circumstances that would likely lead to significant future indemnification obligations. We cannot determine with certainty the potential amount of future payments under the indemnification arrangements until events arise that would trigger a liability under the arrangements.
	As part of our technology licensing contracts, we give indemnifications to our licensees for liabilities arising from possible patent infringement claims with respect to certain proprietary licensed technologies. Such indemnifications have a stated maximum amount and generally cover a period of five to ten years.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity [Text Block]	20.       Stockholders' Equity
	Dividend Distribution―The following table summarizes the dividends paid in the periods presented:
			Dividend Per			Aggregate
			Ordinary			Dividends
	Millions of dollars, except per share amounts		Share			Paid			Date of Record
	For the year 2014:
		March	$	0.6		$	327		3-Mar-14
		May		0.7			370		28-Apr-14
		September		0.7			358		25-Aug-14
		December		0.7			348		24-Nov-14
			$	2.7		$	1,403
	For the year 2013:
		March	$	0.4		$	229		25-Feb-13
		June		0.5			288		3-Jun-13
		September		0.5			280		23-Sep-13
		December		0.6			330		25-Nov-13
			$	2		$	1,127
	Share Repurchase Program—In May 2013, our Supervisory Board announced a share repurchase program (“May 2013 Share Repurchase Program”), under which we could repurchase up to 10% of our outstanding ordinary shares. During the second quarter of 2014, we completed the repurchase of shares authorized under this program. In April 2014, our shareholders approved a proposal to authorize us to repurchase up to an additional 10% of our outstanding ordinary shares through October 2015 (“April 2014 Share Repurchase Program”). These repurchases, which are determined at the discretion of our Management Board, may be executed from time to time through open market or privately negotiated transactions. The repurchased shares are recorded as Treasury stock and may be retired or used for general corporate purposes, including for various employee benefit and compensation plans.
	The following table summarizes our share repurchase activity for the periods presented:
						Average			Total Purchase
			Shares			Purchase			Price, Including
	Millions of dollars, except shares and per share amounts		Repurchased			Price			Commissions
	For the year 2014:
	May 2013 Share Repurchase Program			30,225,236		$	90.31		$	2,730
	April 2014 Share Repurchase Program			33,070,101			95.08			3,143
				63,295,337		$	92.8		$	5,873
	For the year 2013:
	May 2013 Share Repurchase Program			27,359,002		$	71.22		$	1,949
	Due to the timing of settlements, total cash paid for share repurchases under the April 2014 Share Repurchase Program was $3,058 million during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Ordinary Shares―The changes in the outstanding amounts of ordinary shares are as follows:
				Year Ended December 31,
				2014		2013
	Ordinary shares outstanding:
		Beginning balance		548,824,138		575,216,709
		Share-based compensation		1,411,837		931,125
		Warrants exercised		1,116		7,666
		Employee stock purchase plan		27,648		27,640
		Purchase of ordinary shares		-63,295,337		-27,359,002
		Ending balance		486,969,402		548,824,138
	Treasury Shares—The changes in the amounts of treasury shares held by the Company are as follows:
				Year Ended December 31,
				2014		2013
	Ordinary shares held as treasury shares:
		Beginning balance		29,607,877		3,206,033
		Share-based compensation		-1,411,837		-931,126
		Warrants exercised		- -		1,608
		Employee stock purchase plan		-27,648		-27,640
		Purchase of ordinary shares		63,295,337		27,359,002
		Ending balance		91,463,729		29,607,877
	Treasury shares include 63,295,337 and 27,359,002 shares repurchased during 2014 and 2013, respectively, under our share repurchase programs discussed above. The repurchased shares are recorded at cost.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)―The components of, and after-tax changes in, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table:
								Defined Pension			Foreign
								and Other			Currency
					Financial			Postretirement			Translations
	Millions of dollars				Derivatives			Benefit Plans			Adjustments			Total
	Balance – January 1, 2014				$	- -		$	-140		$	236		$	96
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
		before reclassifications				9			-316			-733			-1,040
	Amounts reclassified from
		accumulated other
		comprehensive loss				-89			7			- -			-82
	Net other comprehensive loss					-80			-309			-733			-1,122
	Balance – December 31, 2014				$	-80		$	-449		$	-497		$	-1,026
	Balance – January 1, 2013				$	- -		$	-422		$	11		$	-411
Other comprehensive income
	before reclassifications				- -			251			221			472
Amounts reclassified from
	accumulated other
	comprehensive income				- -			31			4			35
Net other comprehensive income					- -			282			225			507
Balance – December 31, 2013				$	- -		$	-140		$	236		$	96
The amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
															Affected Line Item on
						Year Ended December 31,									the Consolidated
Millions of dollars						2014			2013			2012			Statements of Income
Reclassification adjustments for:
	Foreign currency translations					$	- -		$	4		$	- -		Other income (expense), net
	Defined pension and other
		postretirement benefit plan items:
		Amortization of:
			Prior service cost				- -			14			3
			Actuarial loss				7			30			24
		Settlement gain					- -			-3			- -
	Financial derivatives:
		Cross-currency swaps					-89			- -			- -		Other income (expense), net
Reclassifications, before tax							-82			45			27
Income tax expense							- -			10			9		Provision for income taxes
Amounts reclassified out of
	Accumulated other comprehensive
		income (loss)				$	-82		$	35		$	18
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial loss as well as settlement gain are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs (see Note 16).

Per_Share_Data

Per Share Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Per Share Data [Abstract]
Per Share Data [Text Block]
	21.       Per Share Data
	Basic earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of certain stock options awards and other equity-based compensation awards. We have unvested restricted stock units that are considered participating securities for earnings per share.
	Earnings per share data and dividends declared per share of common stock are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
			Continuing		Discontinued		Continuing		Discontinued		Continuing		Discontinued
	Millions of dollars		Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations
	Net income (loss)		$	4,172	$	-4	$	3,860	$	-7	$	2,858	$	-24
	Less: net loss attributable to
		non-controlling interests		6		- -		4		- -		14		- -
	Net income (loss) attributable
		to the Company shareholders		4,178		-4		3,864		-7		2,872		-24
	Net income attributable to
		participating securities		-12		- -		-11		- -		-3		- -
	Net income (loss) attributable
		to ordinary shareholders –
		basic and diluted	$	4,166	$	-4	$	3,853	$	-7	$	2,869	$	-24
	Millions of shares,
		except per share amounts
	Basic weighted average common
		stock outstanding		518		518		566		566		573		573
	Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options		3		3		3		3		3		3
		MTI, QPA and PSU awards		- -		- -		1		1		1		1
	Potential dilutive shares			521		521		570		570		577		577
	Earnings (loss) per share:
		Basic	$	8.04	$	-0.01	$	6.81	$	-0.01	$	5.01	$	-0.04
		Diluted	$	8	$	-0.01	$	6.76	$	-0.01	$	4.96	$	-0.04
	Participating securities			1.4		1.4		1.7		1.7		3		3
	Dividends declared per share of
		common stock	$	2.7	$	- -	$	2	$	- -	$	4.2	$	- -

Segment_and_Related_Informatio

Segment and Related Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment and Related Information [Abstract]
Segment and Related Information [Text Block]	22.       Segment and Related Information
	Our operations are managed through five operating segments, as shown below. We disclose the results of each of our operating segments in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting. Each of the operating segments is separately managed by a senior executive reporting directly to our Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker. Discrete financial information is available for each of the segments, and our Chief Executive Officer uses the operating results of each of the operating segments for performance evaluation and resource allocation. The activities of each of our segments from which they earn revenues and incur expenses are described below:
	Olefins and Polyolefins–Americas (“O&P–Americas”). Our O&P–Americas segment produces and markets olefins, including ethylene and ethylene co-products, and polyolefins.
	Olefins and Polyolefins–Europe, Asia, and International (“O&P–EAI”). Our O&P–EAI segment produces and markets olefins, including ethylene and ethylene co-products, polyolefins and specialty products, including polybutene-1 and polypropylene compounds.
	Intermediates and Derivatives (“I&D”). Our I&D segment produces and markets propylene oxide and its co-products and derivatives, acetyls, including methanol, ethylene oxide and its derivatives, ethanol and oxygenated fuels, or oxyfuels.
	Refining. Our Refining segment refines heavy, high-sulfur crude oils and other crude oils of varied types and sources available on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
	Technology. Our Technology segment develops and licenses chemical and polyolefin process technologies and manufactures and sells polyolefin catalysts.
	In the first quarter of 2014, the chief operating decision maker began using EBITDA as the primary measure for reviewing our segments' profitability and therefore, in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, we have presented EBITDA for all segments. We define EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization. All periods have been restated to reflect this change.
	Intersegment eliminations and items that are not directly related or allocated to business operations are included in “Other.” Sales between segments are made primarily at prices approximating prevailing market prices.
	Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments is shown in the following table for the periods presented:
				Year Ended December 31, 2014
				O&P –			O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas			EAI			I&D			Refining			Technology			Other			Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	9,608		$	14,861		$	9,985		$	10,768		$	385		$	1		$	45,608
			Intersegment		4,340			342			145			942			112			-5,881			- -
					13,948			15,203			10,130			11,710			497			-5,880			45,608
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			316			248			225			169			61			- -			1,019
	Other income, net				2			5			7			2			- -			22			38
	Income from equity
		investments			21			229			7			- -			- -			- -			257
	Capital expenditures				912			191			241			123			25			7			1,499
	EBITDA				3,911			1,366			1,459			65			232			17			7,050
				Year Ended December 31, 2013
				O&P –			O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas			EAI			I&D			Refining			Technology			Other			Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	9,174		$	14,480		$	9,337		$	10,656		$	414		$	1		$	44,062
			Intersegment		3,915			205			135			1,042			118			-5,415			- -
					13,089			14,685			9,472			11,698			532			-5,414			44,062
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			293			287			204			160			75			2			1,021
	Other income (expense),
		net			2			1			-16			- -			- -			-2			-15
	Income from equity
		investments			25			174			4			- -			- -			- -			203
	Capital expenditures				645			229			443			209			30			5			1,561
	EBITDA				3,573			839			1,492			182			232			-7			6,311
				Year Ended December 31, 2012
				O&P –			O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas			EAI			I&D			Refining			Technology			Other			Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	8,987		$	14,203		$	9,280		$	12,490		$	377		$	15		$	45,352
			Intersegment		3,947			318			378			801			121			-5,565			- -
					12,934			14,521			9,658			13,291			498			-5,550			45,352
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			281			285			194			148			73			2			983
	Other income (expense),
		net			12			15			- -			-1			2			-22			6
	Income (loss) from
		equity investments			25			121			-3			- -			- -			- -			143
	Capital expenditures				468			254			159			136			43			- -			1,060
	EBITDA				2,968			548			1,621			481			197			-7			5,808
	In 2014, operating results for the O&P–Americas, O&P–EAI, I&D and Refining segments include non-cash charges of $279 million, $44 million, $93 million and $344 million, respectively, related to lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustments, primarily driven by a decline in the price of crude oil and a related decline in the prices of heavy liquids and other correlated products. The O&P–EAI segment operating results for 2014 include a $52 million benefit from a settlement under a 2005 indemnification agreement for certain existing and future environmental liabilities.
	Our O&P–EAI segment operating results for 2013 included a $25 million benefit from an insurance settlement related to the damage in 2012 to our LDPE plant in Wesseling, Germany described below. The Refining segment's operating results for 2013 also included benefits of $14 million for recoveries and a settlement associated with a former employee who pled guilty to fraud in 2010.
	In 2012, we recognized benefits of $29 million, $18 million and $53 million associated with insurance settlements related to Hurricane Ike for the O&P–Americas, I&D and Refining segments, respectively. Operating results for the Refining segment also include a benefit of $24 million for the recovery related to a former employee who pled guilty to fraud in 2010. In addition, we recognized a $28 million benefit in our O&P–EAI segment related to the reversal of a reserve established in 2010 for an unfavorable monomer contract. These benefits were partially offset by charges of $22 million in our O&P–EAI segment for the impairment of assets at our LDPE plant in Wesseling, Germany resulting from an explosion in a reactor bay and $35 million and $18 million in our O&P–EAI and Technology segments, respectively, for restructuring activities in Europe. In addition, the O&P–EAI segment operating results included $22 million of charges associated with closure costs for facilities in Australia and Italy.
	A reconciliation of EBITDA to Income from continuing operations before income taxes is shown in the following table for each of the periods presented:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2012
	EBITDA:
Total segment EBITDA	$	7,033		$	6,318		$	5,815
Other EBITDA		17			-7			-7
Less:
Depreciation and amortization expense		-1,019			-1,021			-983
Interest expense		-352			-309			-655
Add:
Interest income		33			15			15
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	5,712		$	4,996		$	4,185
Long-lived assets of continuing operations, including goodwill, are summarized and reconciled to consolidated totals in the following table:
		O&P –			O&P –
Millions of dollars		Americas			EAI			I&D			Refining			Technology				Other			Total
31-Dec-14
Property, plant and
	equipment, net	$	3,260		$	2,102		$	2,121		$	1,036		$	237		$	2		$	8,758
Investment in PO
	joint ventures		- -			- -			384			- -			- -			- -			384
Equity investments			149			1,396			91			- -			- -			- -			1,636
Goodwill			162			160			235			- -			9			- -			566
31-Dec-13
Property, plant and
	equipment, net	$	2,614		$	2,412		$	2,109		$	1,045		$	275		$	2		$	8,457
Investment in PO
	joint ventures		- -			- -			421			- -			- -			- -			421
Equity investments			156			1,381			92			- -			- -			- -			1,629
Goodwill			162			182			251			- -			10			- -			605
Property, plant and equipment, net, included in the “Other” column above includes assets related to corporate and support functions.
The following geographic data for revenues are based upon the delivery location of the product and for long-lived assets, the location of the assets:
					Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars					2014			2013			2012
Sales and other operating revenues:
	United States				$	23,574		$	21,940		$	23,622
	Germany					4,231			4,128			3,660
	Italy					1,617			1,560			1,551
	France					1,591			1,777			1,633
	Mexico					1,361			1,478			1,519
	The Netherlands					1,206			1,049			1,032
	Other					12,028			12,130			12,335
		Total			$	45,608		$	44,062		$	45,352
					Long-Lived Assets
Millions of dollars					2014			2013
United States					$	6,657		$	6,046
Germany						1,513			1,791
The Netherlands						708			767
France						501			567
Italy						400			489
Mexico						161			161
Other						1,607			1,590
	Total				$	11,547		$	11,411
Long-lived assets include Property, plant and equipment, net, Intangible assets, net, Equity investments, and Investments in PO joint ventures (see Notes 7, 8 and 9).

Unaudited_Quarterly_Results

Unaudited Quarterly Results	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Unaudited Quarterly Results [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Results [Text Block]	23.       Unaudited Quarterly Results
	The following table presents selected financial data for the quarterly periods in 2014 and 2013:
				For the Quarter Ended
	Millions of dollars			31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		31-Dec
	2014
		Sales and other operating revenues		$	11,135	$	12,117	$	12,066	$	10,290
		Gross profit(a)			1,558		1,862		1,948		1,301
		Operating income (b)			1,340		1,613		1,706		1,077
		Income from equity investments			61		68		64		64
		Income from continuing operations(b)			943		1,173		1,260		796
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			1		3		-3		-5
		Net income(b)			944		1,176		1,257		791
		Earnings per share:
			Basic		1.73		2.25		2.46		1.59
			Diluted		1.72		2.23		2.45		1.54
				For the Quarter Ended
	Millions of dollars			31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		31-Dec
	2013
		Sales and other operating revenues		$	10,669	$	11,103	$	11,152	$	11,138
		Gross profit(a)			1,516		1,607		1,462		1,537
		Operating income			1,267		1,364		1,207		1,264
		Income from equity investments			59		43		61		40
		Income from continuing operations(c)			906		923		854		1,177
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			-6		4		-3		-2
		Net income(c)			900		927		851		1,175
		Earnings per share:
			Basic		1.56		1.62		1.51		2.13
			Diluted		1.55		1.61		1.5		2.11
	Represents Sales and other operating revenues less Cost of sales.
	Includes lower of cost or market inventory valuation pretax adjustments of $45 million ($28 million after tax) and $715 million ($455 million after tax) in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively. For additional information related to these adjustments, see Note 22.
	Includes a $353 million benefit for the three months ended December 31, 2013 related to the release of valuation allowances primarily associated with tax losses in our French tax group.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of preparation and consolidation [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Preparation and Consolidation
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared from the books and records of LyondellBasell N.V. under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). Subsidiaries are defined as being those companies over which we, either directly or indirectly, have control through a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise control or to obtain the majority of the benefits and be exposed to the majority of the risks. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is obtained until the date that such control ceases. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for the accounting of financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss. Consolidated financial information, including subsidiaries, equity investments, has been prepared using uniform accounting policies for similar transactions and other events in similar circumstances.
Cash and cash equivalents [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper and money market accounts. Cash equivalents include instruments with maturities of three months or less when acquired. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash and cash equivalents exclude restricted cash. Our cash equivalents are placed in certificates of deposit, high-quality commercial paper and money market accounts with major international banks and financial institutions.
	We have no requirements for compensating balances in a specific amount at a specific point in time. We maintain compensating balances for some of our banking services and products. Such balances are maintained solely at our discretion.
Short-term investments [Policy Text Block]	Short-Term Investments
	We also have investments in marketable securities classified as available-for-sale. These securities, which are included in Short-term investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). We periodically review our available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis, and when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, the investment is written down to fair value, establishing a new cost basis.
Trade receivables [Policy Text Block]	Trade Receivables
	Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
	We calculate provisions for doubtful accounts receivable based on our estimates of amounts that we believe are unlikely to be collected. Collectability of receivables is reviewed and the provision calculated for doubtful accounts is adjusted at least quarterly, based on aging of specific accounts and other available information about the associated customers. Provisions for doubtful accounts are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
Inventories [Policy Text Block]	Inventories
	Inventories are carried at the lower of current market value or cost. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for raw materials, work in progress (“WIP”) and finished goods, and the moving average cost method for materials and supplies.
	Inventory exchange transactions, which involve fungible commodities, are not accounted for as purchases and sales. Any resulting volumetric exchange balances are accounted for as inventory, with cost determined using the LIFO method.
Property, plant and equipment [Policy Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost. Historical cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Costs may also include borrowing costs incurred on debt during construction or major projects exceeding one year, costs of major maintenance arising from turnarounds of major units relating to betterments and committed decommission costs. Routine maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful asset lives to their residual values.
	The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.
	We evaluate property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which, for us, is generally at the plant group level (or, at times, individual plants in certain circumstances where we have isolated production units with separately identifiable cash flows). When it is probable that an asset or asset group's undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover the carrying amount, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value.
	Upon retirement or sale, we remove the cost of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation from the accounts and reflect any resulting gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Equity investments [Policy Text Block]	Equity Investments
	We account for equity investments using the equity method of accounting if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if we have an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated initially at cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and our proportionate share of profit or losses and distributions.
	We record our share of the profits or losses of the equity method investments, net of income taxes, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When our share of losses in an equity investment equals or exceeds our interest in the equity investment, including any other unsecured receivables, we do not recognize further losses, unless we have incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the equity investment.
	We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management's judgment, that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, management compares the estimated fair value of investment to the carrying value of investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and management considers the decline in value to be other-than temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as an impairment.
Goodwill [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill
	We recorded goodwill upon our application of fresh-start accounting on May 1, 2010. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable.
	We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors assessed for each of the reporting units include, but are not limited to, changes in long-term commodity prices, discount rates, competitive environments, planned capacity, cost factors such as raw material prices, and financial performance of the reporting units. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a two-step quantitative test is required.
	For 2013, management performed qualitative impairment assessments of our reporting units which indicated that the fair value of our reporting units was greater than their carrying value. Accordingly, a quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test was not required. In 2014, management voluntarily performed a quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test for all reporting units. The results of step one of the quantitative impairment test indicated that the fair value of each of our reporting units was substantially in excess of their carrying value. Accordingly, no goodwill impairment was recognized in 2014.
Intangible assets [Policy Text Block]	Intangible Assets—Intangible assets primarily consist of emission allowances, various contracts, in-process research and development and software costs. These assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or over the term of the related agreement, if shorter. We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.
Research and development [Policy Text Block]	Research and Development—Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed when incurred. Subsidies for research and development are included in Other income (expense), net. Depreciation expense related to R&D assets is included as a cost of R&D.
Income taxes [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes
	The income tax for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In these cases, the applicable tax amount is recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the net tax effects of net operating loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	We recognize uncertain income tax positions in our financial statements when we believe it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position or a portion thereof will be sustained upon examination.
Pension plans [Policy Text Block]	Pension Plans—We have both defined benefit (funded and unfunded) and defined contribution plans. For the defined benefit plans, a projected benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. Pension costs primarily represent the increase in the actuarial present value of the obligation for pension benefits based on employee service during the year and the interest on this obligation in respect of employee service in previous years, net of expected return on plan assets.
	Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity and are reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.
	For defined contribution plans, we pay contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expense when due.
Other post-employment obligations [Policy Text Block]	Other Post-Employment Obligations—Certain employees are entitled to postretirement medical benefits upon retirement. The entitlement to these benefits is usually conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and the completion of a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment applying the same accounting methodology used for defined benefit plans.
Termination benefits [Policy Text Block]	Termination Benefits—Contractual termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated due to an event specified in the provisions of a social/labor plan or statutory law. A liability is recognized for one time termination benefits when we are committed to i) make payments and the number of affected employees and the benefits received are known to both parties, and ii) terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal and can reasonably estimate such amount. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the balance sheet date are discounted to present value.
Environmental remediation costs [Policy Text Block]	Environmental Remediation Costs—Environmental remediation liabilities include liabilities related to sites we currently own, sites we no longer own, as well as sites where we have operated that belong to other parties. Liabilities for anticipated expenditures related to investigation and remediation of contaminated sites are accrued when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated.  Only ongoing operating and monitoring costs, the timing of which can be determined with reasonable certainty, are discounted to present value.  Future legal costs associated with such matters, which generally are not estimable, are not included in these liabilities.
Asset retirement obligation [Policy Text Block]	Asset Retirement Obligations—At some sites, we are contractually obligated to decommission our plants upon site exit. Asset retirement obligations are recorded at the present value of the estimated costs to retire the asset at the time the obligation is incurred. That cost, which is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the related asset. Accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability is also recognized over the useful life of the related asset. Such depreciation and accretion expenses are included in Cost of sales.
Foreign currency translation [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation
	Functional and Reporting Currency—Items included in the financial information of each of LyondellBasell N.V.'s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”) and then translated to the U.S. dollar reporting currency through Other comprehensive income.
	Transactions and Balances—Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	In the Consolidated Financial Statements, the results and financial position of all subsidiaries that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the reporting currency as follows:
	Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;
	Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates; and
	All resulting exchange differences are recognized as a separate component within Other comprehensive income (foreign currency translation).
Revenue recognition [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition
	Substantially all of the Company's revenue is derived from product sales. Revenues are recognized when sales are realized or realizable, and the earnings process is complete. Revenue from product sales is recognized when the price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and the customer has an obligation to pay at the time of transfer of title and risk of loss to the customer, which usually occurs at the time of shipment. Revenue is recognized at the time of delivery if we retain the risk of loss during shipment.
Share-based compensation [Policy Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company grants stock-based compensation awards that vest over a specified period upon employees meeting certain service criteria. The fair value of equity instruments issued to employees is measured on the grant date and is recognized over the vesting period.
	Obligations related to cash-settled awards are recognized as a liability and re-measured at each balance sheet date through the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Leases [Policy Text Block]	Leases
	We lease land and other assets for use in our operations. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or a capital lease. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the lessee by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to 75% or greater of the asset's useful economic life; or the present value of the future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the total amount of rent payable under the leasing agreement (excluding finance charges) or fair market value of the leased asset. Capital lease assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, over a period consistent with our normal depreciation policy for tangible fixed assets, but generally not exceeding the lease term. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the entire lease term.
Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We selectively enter into derivative transactions to manage volatility related to market risks associated with changes in commodity pricing, currency exchange rates and interest rates. We categorize assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroborated inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability reflecting significant modifications to observable related market data or our assumptions about pricing by market participants. For a discussion related to financial instruments and derivatives policies, see Note 14.
Non-controlling interests [Policy Text Block]	Non-Controlling Interests
	Non-controlling interests primarily represent the interests of unaffiliated investors in a partnership that owns our PO/SM II plant at the Channelview, Texas complex and a subsidiary owning an equity investment in Al-Waha Petrochemicals Ltd.
Use of estimates [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently adopted guidance and accounting guidance issued but not adopted as of December 31, 2014 [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Guidance
	Obligations from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements—In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date. This ASU defines how entities measure obligations from joint and several liability arrangements which are fixed at the reporting date and for which no U.S. GAAP guidance currently exists. The guidance requires entities to disclose the nature, amount and other information about those obligations. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required. The ASU was effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the presentation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit—In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). Previous guidance did not explicitly address the balance sheet presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss (“NOL”) or similar tax loss carryforward, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments to the guidance require an entity to net its unrecognized tax benefits against the deferred tax assets for all same jurisdiction NOLs or similar tax loss carryforwards, or tax credit carryforwards. A gross presentation will be required only if such carryforwards are not available or would not be used by the entity to settle any additional income taxes resulting from disallowance of the uncertain tax position. This ASU requires prospective application and was effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective presentation is permitted but not required. Our prospective adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the presentation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Discontinued Operations—In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The amendments in this ASU revise the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under this new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have or will have a major effect on a company's operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Additional disclosures about the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of discontinued operations will also be required. Prospective application of this ASU is required for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and early adoption is permitted. Our early adoption of this amendment did not have any impact on the presentation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Adopted as of December 31, 2014
	Revenue Recognition—In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the current revenue recognition requirements in ASC 606, Revenue Recognition. Under this new guidance, entities should recognize revenues to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires enhanced disclosures. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Retrospective and modified retrospective application is allowed. We are currently assessing the impact of this amendment on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Repurchase Agreements—In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosure, which changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and other similar transactions. The amendments in this ASU require repurchase-to-maturity transactions to be accounted for as secured borrowings rather than as sales with forward repurchase commitments. In addition, this ASU requires new and expanded disclosures about repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The application of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Compensation—In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. Under this new guidance, entities are required to treat performance targets that affect vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. The amendments in this ASU will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The application of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Going Concern—In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. Under this new guidance, management is required to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued when applicable). Additionally, the entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The application of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Extraordinary and Unusual Items—In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20), Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items, which eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. Under this new guidance, entities will no longer be required to separately classify, present and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently assessing the impact of this amendment on our Consolidated Financial Statements but do not believe the application of this amendment will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investment_in_PO_Joint_Venture1

Investment in PO Joint Ventures (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment in PO Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment in PO joint ventures [Policy Text Block]	We and Bayer do not share marketing or product sales under the U.S. PO joint venture. We operate the U.S. PO joint venture's and the European PO joint venture's (collectively the “PO joint ventures”) plants and arrange and coordinate the logistics of product delivery. The partners share in the cost of production and logistics is based on their product offtake.
	We account for both the U.S. PO joint venture and the European PO joint venture using the equity method. We report the cost of our product offtake as inventory and equity loss as cost of sales in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Related production cash flows are reported in the operating cash flow section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Our equity investment in the PO joint ventures represents our share of the manufacturing plants and is decreased by recognition of our share of equity loss, which is equal to the depreciation and amortization of the assets of the PO joint ventures. Other changes in the investment balance are principally due to our additional capital contributions to the PO joint ventures to fund capital expenditures. Such contributions are reported in the investing cash flow section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Financial_Instruments_Policies

Financial Instruments (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Minimum required value of collateral held by third-party custodian [Policy Text Block]	These securities, which pursuant to our policy are held by a third-party custodian and must generally have a minimum collateral value of 102%, secure the counterparty's obligation to repurchase the securities.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued operations [Table Text Block]	The amounts included in Loss from discontinued operations of the Berre refinery are summarized as follows:
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014		2013		2012
	Sales and other operating revenues				$	1	$	9	$	278
	Loss from discontinued operations
		before income taxes			$	-7	$	-13	$	-24
	Benefit from income taxes					-3		-6		- -
	Loss from discontinued operations,
		net of tax			$	-4	$	-7	$	-24
	Losses from discontinued operations for 2013 and 2012 include benefits related to the liquidation of LIFO-valued inventory of $9 million and $73 million, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the accrual for the social plan for employees affected by the closure of the Berre refinery at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Beginning balance		$	42	$	59
	Accretion expense			2		5
	Cash payments			-13		-20
	Adjustment for change in estimates			- -		-5
	Effect of exchange rate changes			-5		3
	Ending balance		$	26	$	42

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of related party transactions [Table Text Block]	Related party transactions are summarized as follows:
				Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars			2014		2013		2012
	The Company billed related parties for:
		Sales of products –
			Apollo affiliates	$	- -	$	224	$	299
			Joint venture partners		894		786		738
		Shared service agreements –
			Apollo affiliates		- -		7		15
			Joint venture partners		18		19		1
	Related parties billed the Company for:
		Sales of products –
			Joint venture partners		3,507		3,340		3,260
		Shared service agreements –
			Joint venture partners		85		94		107

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of inventory, current [Table Text Block]	Inventories consisted of the following components at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Finished goods		$	2,919	$	3,297
	Work-in-process			304		253
	Raw materials and supplies			1,294		1,729
		Total inventories	$	4,517	$	5,279

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_G1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangibles Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation [Table Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment—The components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation are as follows at December 31:
					Estimated
					Useful Lives
	Millions of dollars				(in Years)		2014			2013
	Land						$	297		$	320
	Major manufacturing equipment				25			7,268			6,835
	Buildings				30			628			642
	Light equipment and instrumentation				20-May			1,467			1,315
	Office furniture				15			15			16
	Turnarounds of major units				7-Apr			1,185			1,029
	Information system equipment				5-Mar			47			32
	Construction in progress							1,143			962
		Total property, plant and equipment						12,050			11,151
	Less accumulated depreciation							-3,292			-2,694
		Property, plant and equipment, net					$	8,758		$	8,457
Components of intangible assets, at cost, and the related amortization [Table Text Block]	Intangible Assets―The components of identifiable intangible assets, at cost, and the related accumulated amortization are as follows at December 31:
					2014									2013
								Accumulated								Accumulated
	Millions of dollars				Cost			Amortization			Net			Cost		Amortization		Net
	In-process research and
		development costs			$	119		$	-44		$	75		$	136	$	-40	$	96
	Emission allowances					730			-330			400			728		-263		465
	Various contracts					542			-269			273			567		-251		316
	Software costs					104			-83			21			103		-76		27
			Total intangible assets		$	1,495		$	-726		$	769		$	1,534	$	-630	$	904
Depreciation and amortization by major asset class [Table Text Block]	Depreciation and Amortization Expense―Depreciation and amortization expense is summarized as follows:
						Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars					2014			2013			2012
	Property, plant and equipment					$	865		$	854		$	808
	Investment in PO joint ventures						29			32			30
	Emission allowances						69			68			70
	Various contracts						38			47			51
	In-process research and development costs						10			9			11
	Software costs						8			11			13
			Total depreciation and amortization			$	1,019		$	1,021		$	983
Changes in asset retirement obligations [Table Text Block]	Asset Retirement Obligations―In certain cases, we are contractually obligated to decommission our plants upon site exit. In such cases, we have accrued the net present value of the estimated costs. The majority of our asset retirement obligations are related to facilities in Europe. The changes in our asset retirement obligations are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	92		$	106
	Provisions			2			-
	Payments			-4			-14
	Changes in estimates			4			-6
	Accretion expense			3			3
	Effects of exchange rate changes			-9			3
	Ending balance		$	88		$	92

Investment_in_PO_Joint_Venture2

Investment in PO Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment in PO Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in our investments in PO joint ventures [Table Text Block]	Changes in our investments in the U.S. and European PO joint ventures for 2014 and 2013 are summarized below:
			U.S. PO		European PO		Total PO
	Millions of dollars		Joint Venture		Joint Venture		Joint Ventures
	Investments in PO joint ventures - January 1, 2014		$	269	$	152	$	421
		Cash contributions		9		1		10
		Depreciation and amortization		-19		-10		-29
		Effect of exchange rate changes		- -		-18		-18
	Investments in PO joint ventures - December 31, 2014		$	259	$	125	$	384
	Investments in PO joint ventures - January 1, 2013		$	262	$	135	$	397
		Cash contributions		28		21		49
		Depreciation and amortization		-21		-11		-32
		Effect of exchange rate changes		- -		7		7
	Investments in PO joint ventures - December 31, 2013		$	269	$	152	$	421

Equity_Investments_Tables

Equity Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of equity method investments [Table Text Block]	Our remaining direct and indirect equity investments are as follows at December 31:
	Percent of Ownership					2014			2013
	Basell Orlen Polyolefins Sp. Z.o.o.					50.00%			50.00%
	PolyPacific Pty. Ltd.					50.00%			50.00%
	SunAllomer Ltd.					50.00%			50.00%
	Saudi Polyolefins Company					25.00%			25.00%
	Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company Ltd.					25.00%			25.00%
	Al-Waha Petrochemicals Ltd.					20.95%			20.95%
	PolyMirae Co. Ltd.					42.59%			42.59%
	HMC Polymers Company Ltd.					28.56%			28.56%
	Indelpro S.A. de C.V.					49.00%			49.00%
	Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Co. Ltd.					26.65%			26.65%
	Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Marketing Co.					50.00%			50.00%
	NOC Asia Ltd.					40.00%			40.00%
	Geosel					27.00%			27.00%
Schedule of changes in equity investments [Table Text Block]	The changes in our equity investments are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	1,629		$	1,583
	Investee net income			257			213
	Impairment recognized by investor			- -			-10
		Income from equity investments		257			203
	Distribution of earnings, net of tax			-156			-186
	Contributions to joint ventures			- -			1
	Divestiture			- -			-18
	Currency exchange effects			-94			16
	Other			- -			30
	Ending balance		$	1,636		$	1,629
Schedule of balance sheet information of equity investments [Table Text Block]	Summarized balance sheet information and our share of the Company's investments accounted for under the equity method are as follows at December 31:
					2014						2013
								Company						Company
	Millions of dollars				100%			Share			100%			Share
	Current assets				$	3,069		$	1,030		$	3,049		$	1,032
	Noncurrent assets					5,298			1,728			5,930			1,929
		Total assets				8,367			2,758			8,979			2,961
	Current liabilities					2,433			791			2,152			755
	Noncurrent liabilities					2,208			615			2,366			643
		Net assets			$	3,726		$	1,352		$	4,461		$	1,563
Schedule of income statement information of equity method investments [Table Text Block]	Summarized income statement information and our share of the Company's investments accounted for under the equity method are set forth below:
						Year Ended December 31,
						2014						2013					2012
									Company						Company				Company
	Millions of dollars					100%			Share			100%			Share		100%		Share
	Revenues					$	9,824		$	3,177		$	11,017		$	3,565	$	10,961	$	3,650
	Cost of sales						-8,366			-2,744			-9,526			-3,152		-9,902		-3,328
			Gross profit				1,458			433			1,491			413		1,059		322
	Net operating expenses						-220			-70			-246			-83		-258		-91
			Operating income				1,238			363			1,245			330		801		231
	Interest income						6			3			5			2		6		3
	Interest expense						-83			-46			-97			-75		-180		-76
	Foreign currency translation						-13			-4			-2			-1		74		21
	Other income (expense), net						27			8			25			7		-9		-2
			Income before income taxes				1,175			324			1,176			263		692		177
	Provision for income taxes						-229			-67			-229			-50		-130		-34
			Net income			$	946		$	257		$	947		$	213	$	562	$	143

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets disclosure [Table Text Block]	The components of Prepaid expenses and other current assets were as follows at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Repurchase agreements		$	350	$	- -
	Advances to suppliers			264		180
	Income taxes			126		103
	VAT receivables			76		351
	Deferred tax assets			67		24
	Prepaid insurance			42		49
	Other taxes			16		17
	Other			113		106
		Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	1,054	$	830
	For information related to our repurchase agreements, see Note 14.
	The components of Other assets were as follows at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets		$	271	$	357
	Debt issuance costs			89		103
	Company-owned life insurance			53		54
	Financial derivatives			40		- -
	Pension assets			11		73
	Other			17		32
		Total other assets	$	481	$	619

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of accrued liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following components at December 31:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Payroll and benefits		$	426	$	409
	Renewable identification numbers			223		124
	Product sales rebates			187		211
	Taxes other than income taxes			187		207
	Income taxes			153		5
	Interest			111		83
	Share repurchases			85		- -
	Deferred revenues			73		107
	Restructuring			25		58
	Priority and administrative claims			13		15
	Other			71		80
		Total accrued liabilities	$	1,554	$	1,299
	For information related to the increase in income taxes, see Note 18. For information related to share repurchases, see Note 20.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt [Table Text Block]	Long-term loans, notes and other long-term debt consisted of the following:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Senior Notes due 2019, $2,000 million, 5.0%		$	1,993	$	2,000
	Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0%			1,000		1,000
	Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75%			1,000		1,000
	Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% ($12 million of discount)			988		- -
	Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4% ($9 million of discount)			741		740
	Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($22 million of discount)			728		728
	Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1%			300		300
	Other			11		9
		Total		6,761		5,777
	Less current maturities			-4		-1
		Long-term debt	$	6,757	$	5,776
Schedule of short-term debt [Table Text Block]	Short-term loans, notes and other short-term debt consisted of the following:
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	$2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility		$	- -	$	- -
	$1,000 million U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility			- -		- -
	€450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility			- -		- -
	Commercial paper			262		- -
	Financial payables to equity investees			6		9
	Precious metal financings			77		48
	Other			1		1
		Total short-term debt	$	346	$	58

Lease_Commitments_Tables

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Lease Commitments [Abstract]
Schedule of future estimated minimum rental payments for operating leases [Table Text Block]	The aggregate future estimated payments under these commitments are:
	Millions of dollars
	2015		$	333
	2016			271
	2017			236
	2018			207
	2019			142
	Thereafter			616
		Total minimum lease payments	$	1,805

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Summary of cross-currency swaps [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our cross-currency swaps outstanding:
						31-Dec-14
						Expiration			Average			Notional			Fair
	Millions of dollars, except expiration date and rates					Date			Interest Rate			Value			Value
	Pay Euro					2021			4.55%		$	1,000		$	19
	Receive U.S. dollars					0			6.00%
	Pay Euro					2024			4.37%			1,000			16
	Receive U.S. dollars					0			5.75%						0
Summary of available-for-sale securities [Table Text Block]	Available-for-Sale Securities—The following table summarizes the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities measured on a recurring basis that are outstanding as of December 31, 2014. Refer to Note 15 for additional information regarding the fair value of available-for-sale securities.
							31-Dec-14
										Gross			Gross
										Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	Millions of dollars						Cost			Gains			Losses			Value
	Commercial paper						$	1,029		$	1		$	- -		$	1,030
	Bonds							414			- -			-1			413
	Certificates of deposit							150			- -			- -			150
		Total available-for-sale securities					$	1,593		$	1		$	-1		$	1,593
Summary of fair value of outstanding financial instruments [Table Text Block]	Derivatives—The following table summarizes financial instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Refer to Note 15, Fair Value Measurement, for additional information regarding the fair value of derivative financial instruments.
								31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
						Balance Sheet		Notional			Fair			Notional			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Classification		Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	Assets -
		Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
			Cross-currency swaps			Other assets		$	2,000		$	30		$	- -		$	- -
			Cross-currency swaps			Prepaid expenses			- -			5			- -			- -
						and other
						current assets
		Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
			Fixed-for-floating interest rate			Other assets			2,000			10			- -			- -
				swaps
			Fixed-for-floating interest rate			Prepaid expenses			- -			6			- -			- -
				swaps		and other
						current assets
		Derivatives not designated as hedges:
			Commodities			Prepaid expenses			- -			2			- -			- -
						and other
						current assets
			Embedded derivatives			Prepaid expenses			77			3			47			3
						and other
						current assets
			Foreign currency			Prepaid expenses			107			- -			155			1
						and other
						current assets
		Non-derivatives:
			Available-for-sale securities			Short-term			1,587			1,593			- -			- -
						investments
								$	5,771		$	1,649		$	202		$	4
	Liabilities -
		Derivatives not designated as hedges:
			Commodities			Accrued liabilities		$	28		$	1		$	646		$	4
			Foreign currency			Accrued liabilities			680			13			17			- -
		Non-derivatives:
			Performance share awards			Accrued liabilities			22			22			- -			- -
			Performance share awards			Other liabilities			14			14			14			14
								$	744		$	50		$	677		$	18
Summary of the pretax effect of derivative instruments charged directly to income [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the pretax effect of derivative instruments charged directly to income:
					Effect of Financial Instruments
					Year Ended December 31, 2014
								Gain (Loss)			Additional
					Gain (Loss)			Reclassified			Gain (Loss)
					Recognized			from AOCI			Recognized			Income Statement
	Millions of dollars				in AOCI			to Income			in Income			Classification
	Derivatives designated as cash-flow hedges:
		Cross-currency swaps			$	30		$	-89		$	- -			Other income
															(expense), net
		Forward-starting interest rate swaps				-17			- -			-1		Interest expense
	Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
		Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps				- -			- -			16		Interest expense
	Derivatives not designated as hedges:
		Commodities				- -			- -			-8		Cost of sales
		Embedded derivatives				- -			- -			2		Cost of sales
		Foreign currency				- -			- -			-54		Other income
														(expense), net
					$	13		$	-89		$	-45
					Year Ended December 31, 2013
								Gain (Loss)			Additional
					Gain (Loss)			Reclassified			Gain (Loss)
					Recognized			from AOCI			Recognized			Income Statement
	Millions of dollars				in AOCI			to Income			in Income			Classification
	Derivatives not designated as hedges:
		Commodities			$	- -		$	- -		$	-12		Cost of sales
		Embedded derivatives				- -			- -			25		Cost of sales
		Foreign currency				- -			- -			6		Other income
														(expense), net
					$	- -		$	- -		$	19
					Year Ended December 31, 2012
								Gain (Loss)			Additional
					Gain (Loss)			Reclassified			Gain (Loss)
					Recognized			from AOCI			Recognized			Income Statement
	Millions of dollars				in AOCI			to Income			in Income			Classification
	Derivatives not designated as hedges:
		Commodities			$	- -		$	- -		$	-23		Cost of sales
		Embedded derivatives				- -			- -			5		Cost of sales
		Foreign currency				- -			- -			-15		Other income
														(expense), net
					$	- -		$	- -		$	-33

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Schedule of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the financial instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
						31-Dec-14
						Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets–
		Derivatives:
			Cross-currency swaps			$	35		$	- -		$	35	$	- -
			Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps				16			- -			16		- -
			Commodities				2			2			- -		- -
			Embedded derivatives				3			- -			3		- -
		Non-derivatives:
			Available-for-sale securities				1,593			- -			1,593		- -
						$	1,649		$	2		$	1,647	$	0
	Liabilities–
		Derivatives:
			Commodities			$	1		$	1		$	- -	$	- -
			Foreign currency				13			- -			13		- -
		Non-derivatives:
			Performance share awards				36			36			- -		- -
						$	50		$	37		$	13	$	- -
						31-Dec-13
						Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets–
		Derivatives:
			Embedded derivatives			$	3		$	- -		$	3	$	- -
			Foreign currency				1			- -			1		- -
						$	4		$	- -		$	4	$	- -
	Liabilities–
		Derivatives:
			Commodities			$	4		$	4		$	- -	$	- -
		Non-derivatives:
			Performance share awards				14			14			- -		- -
						$	18		$	18		$	- -	$	- -
	There were no financial instruments measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs and no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Schedule of the carrying value and estimated fair value of non-derivative financial instruments [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Short-term loans receivable and short-term and long-term debt are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying and fair value of short-term and long-term debt excludes capital leases.
						31-Dec-14
						Carrying			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Non-derivatives:
		Assets:
			Short-term loans receivables			$	350		$	350		$	- -	$	350	$	- -
		Liabilities
			Short-term debt			$	77		$	74		$	- -	$	74	$	- -
			Long-term debt				6,756			7,529			- -		7,523		6
				Total		$	6,833		$	7,603		$	- -	$	7,597	$	6
						31-Dec-13
						Carrying			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Non-derivatives:
		Liabilities
			Short-term debt			$	48		$	45		$	- -	$	44	$	1
			Long-term debt				5,772			6,382			- -		6,378		4
				Total		$	5,820		$	6,427		$	- -	$	6,422	$	5
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the basis used to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
		31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars	Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Equity investment	$	20		$	- -		$	- -		$	20
		31-Dec-12
	Millions of dollars	Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Property, plant and equipment (held and used)	$	6		$	- -		$	- -		$	6

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Reconciliation of projected benefit obligations, schedule of plan assets and the funded status of defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a reconciliation of projected benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of our U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans:
						Year Ended December 31,
						2014						2013
	Millions of dollars					U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Change in benefit obligation:
		Benefit obligation, beginning of period				$	1,932		$	1,362		$	2,156		$	1,288
		Service cost					43			29			44			30
		Interest cost					88			48			80			45
		Actuarial loss (gain)					249			188			-226			13
		Plan amendments					0			-9			4			18
		Benefits paid					-120			-40			-126			-72
		Participant contributions					0			3			0			3
		Settlement					-14			-23			0			0
		Curtailment					0			0			0			-1
		Foreign exchange effects					0			-150			0			38
				Benefit obligation, end of period			2,178			1,408			1,932			1,362
	Change in plan assets:
		Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period					1,959			667			1,698			625
		Actual return on plan assets					65			117			301			12
		Company contributions					8			86			86			86
		Benefits paid					-120			-40			-126			-72
		Participant contributions					0			3			0			3
		Settlement					-14			-23			0			0
		Foreign exchange effects					0			-75			0			13
				Fair value of plan assets, end of period			1,898			735			1,959			667
				Funded status of continuing operations,
					end of period	$	-280		$	-673		$	27		$	-695
	The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations of our unfunded other postretirement benefit plans:
					Year Ended December 31,
					2014						2013
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of period				$	310		$	41		$	352		$	39
	Service cost					4			1			5			1
	Interest cost					15			2			12			1
	Plan amendments					1			0			0			0
	Actuarial (gain) loss					32			24			-42			1
	Benefits paid					-22			-1			-24			-1
	Participant contributions					7			0			7			0
	Foreign exchange effects					0			-7			0			0
			Benefit obligation, end of period			347			60			310			41
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period					0			0			0			0
	Employer contributions					15			1			17			1
	Participant contributions					7			0			7			0
	Benefits paid					-22			-1			-24			-1
			Fair value of plan assets, end of period			0			0			0			0
			Funded status, end of period		$	-347		$	-60		$	-310		$	-41
Schedule of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets [Table Text Block]					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
		Balance Sheets consist of:
			Prepaid benefit cost, long-term		$	1		$	9		$	68		$	5
			Accrued benefit liability, current			0			-22			0			-56
			Accrued benefit liability, long-term			-281			-660			-41			-644
				Funded status, end of period	$	-280		$	-673		$	27		$	-695
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
		Balance Sheets consist of:
	Accrued benefit liability, current				$	-24		$	-1		$	-20		$	-1
	Accrued benefit liability, long-term					-323			-59			-290			-40
			Funded status, end of period		$	-347		$	-60		$	-310		$	-41
Schedule of amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Amounts recognized in Accumulated other
		comprehensive income (loss):
	Actuarial and investment loss				$	348		$	230		$	11		$	132
	Prior service cost					3			8			4			13
			Balance, end of period		$	351		$	238		$	15		$	145
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Amounts recognized in the Accumulated
		other comprehensive income (loss):
	Actuarial and investment loss				$	48		$	31		$	16		$	12
	Prior service credit					0			0			-1			0
			Balance, end of period		$	48		$	31		$	15		$	12
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)―The following pretax amounts were recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
					Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
					Actuarial			Prior Service			Actuarial			Prior Service
	Millions of dollars				(Gain) Loss			Cost (Credit)			(Gain) Loss			Cost (Credit)
	31-Dec-12				$	537		$	10		$	72		$	-1
		Arising during the period				-369			21			-42			0
		Amortization				-28			-14			-2			0
		Settlement gains				3			0			0			0
	31-Dec-13					143			17			28			-1
		Arising during the period				439			-6			54			1
		Amortization				-4			0			-3			0
	31-Dec-14				$	578		$	11		$	79		$	0
Schedule of accumulated benefit obligations for defined benefit plans [Table Text Block]	The following additional information is presented for our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans as of December 31:
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Accumulated benefit obligation for defined
		benefit plans			$	2,150		$	1,288		$	1,910		$	1,233
Schedule of projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Table Text Block]	Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets are summarized as follows at December 31:
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Projected benefit obligations				$	2,110		$	1,307		$	632		$	1,229
	Fair value of assets					1,829			624			591			528
Schedule of accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Table Text Block]	Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets are summarized as follows at December 31:
					31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Accumulated benefit obligations				$	1,998		$	696		$	615		$	660
	Fair value of assets					1,742			106			591			53
Schedule of the components of net periodic costs [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the components of net periodic pension costs:
					U.S. Plans
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	Net Periodic Pension Cost:
		Service cost			$	43		$	44		$	44
		Interest cost				88			80			80
		Actual return on plan assets				-65			-301			-182
		Less – return in excess of (less than) expected return				-90			168			63
		Expected return on plan assets				-155			-133			-119
		Settlement and curtailment loss				2			0			0
		Actuarial and investment loss amortization				0			26			23
				Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	-22		$	17		$	28
					Non-U.S. Plans
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	Net Periodic Pension Cost:
		Service cost			$	29		$	30		$	26
		Interest cost				48			45			51
		Actual return on plan assets				-117			-12			-26
		Less – return less than expected return				91			-11			-3
		Expected return on plan assets				-26			-23			-29
		Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss				1			-4			-4
		Prior service cost amortization				0			14			3
		Actuarial and investment loss amortization				4			2			0
				Net periodic benefit cost	$	56		$	64		$	47
	The following table provides the components of net periodic other postretirement benefit costs:
					U.S. Plans
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	Net Periodic Other Postretirement Cost:
		Service cost			$	4		$	5		$	5
		Interest cost				15			12			13
		Actuarial loss amortization				2			1			1
			Net periodic benefit cost		$	21		$	18		$	19
					Non-U.S. Plans
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	Net Periodic Other Postretirement Cost:
		Service cost			$	1		$	1		$	1
		Interest cost				1			1			1
		Actuarial loss amortization				1			1			0
			Net periodic benefit cost		$	3		$	3		$	2
Schedule of actual and target allocation of plan assets [Table Text Block]	The actual and target asset allocation for our plans are as follows:
						2014				2013
	Millions of dollars					Actual		Target		Actual		Target
	Canada
			Equity securities			49%		50%		63%		60%
			Fixed income			51%		50%		37%		40%
	United Kingdom - Lyondell Chemical Plans
			Equity securities			53%		50%		54%		50%
			Fixed income			47%		50%		46%		50%
	United Kingdom - Basell Plans
			Equity securities			57%		60%		58%		60%
			Fixed income			43%		40%		42%		40%
	United States
			Equity securities			54%		51%		59%		51%
			Fixed income			33%		30%		29%		30%
			Alternatives			13%		19%		12%		19%
	Netherlands - Lyondell Chemical Plans
			Fixed income			100%		100%		100%		100%
	Netherlands - Basell Plans
			Equity securities			10%		10%		10%		18%
			Fixed income			90%		90%		90%		82%
Schedule of estimated contributions of the plans in the next fiscal year [Table Text Block]	We estimate the following contributions to our pension plans in 2015:
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.
	Defined benefit plans				$	43		$	67
	Multi-employer plans					0			7
			Total		$	43		$	74
Schedule of future expected benefit payments [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2014, future expected benefit payments by our pension plans which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows:
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.
	2015				$	136		$	64
	2016					136			64
	2017					142			61
	2018					144			59
	2019					143			55
	2020 through 2024					697			286
	As of December 31, 2014, future expected benefit payments by our other postretirement benefit plan, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, were as follows:
	Millions of dollars				U.S.			Non-U.S.
	2015				$	24		$	1
	2016					25			1
	2017					25			1
	2018					25			1
	2019					26			1
	2020 through 2024					122			8
Schedule of assumptions used [Table Text Block]	The assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities for our pension plans were as follows at December 31:
					2014				2013
					U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
	Weighted average assumptions:
	Discount rate				4.04%		2.84%		4.73%		3.78%
	Rate of compensation increase				4.00%		3.19%		4.00%		3.37%
	The assumptions used in determining net benefit costs for our pension plans were as follows:
					Year Ended
					December 31,
					2014				2013				2012
					U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
	Weighted average assumptions
		for the year:
	Discount rate				4.73%		3.78%		3.82%		3.63%		4.07%		4.83%
	Expected return on plan assets				8.00%		4.12%		8.00%		3.73%		8.00%		4.84%
	Rate of compensation increase				4.00%		3.37%		4.00%		3.12%		4.00%		3.17%
	The following table reflects the actual annualized total returns for the periods ended December 31, 2014:
							Annualized
					December 31,		One		Three		Five		Ten
					2014		Year		Years		Years		Years
	U.S. plan assets				3.50%		3.50%		11.61%		9.81%		6.20%
	Non-U.S. plan assets				28.28%		28.28%		9.87%		6.37%		4.64%
	The following table sets forth the assumed health care cost trend rates:
									U.S. Plans
									At December 31,
									2014		2013
	Assumed heath care trend rate:
		Immediate trend rate							7.30%		7.60%
		Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost
			trend rate is assumed to decline)						4.50%		4.50%
		Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate							2027		2027
					Non-U.S. Plans
					Canada				France
					At December 31,				At December 31,
					2014		2013		2014		2013
	Assumed heath care trend rate:
		Immediate trend rate			6.50%		7.00%		5.00%		3.50%
		Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost
			trend rate is assumed to decline)		5.00%		5.00%		5.00%		0
		Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate			2018		2018		0		0
	The assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities for our other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
					At December 31,
					2014				2013
					U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
	Weighted average assumptions:
	Discount rate				3.85%		2.92%		4.53%		3.99%
	Rate of compensation increase				4.00%		0.00%		4.00%		3.00%
	The assumptions used in determining the net benefit costs for our other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
					Year Ended December 31,
					2014				2013				2012
					U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
	Weighted average assumptions
		for the year:
	Discount rate				4.53%		3.99%		3.73%		3.80%		3.98%		5.03%
	Rate of compensation increase				4.00%		3.00%		4.00%		3.00%		4.00%		3.00%
Schedule of pension investments measured at fair value [Table Text Block]	The pension investments that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 are summarized below:
					31-Dec-14
					Fair
	Millions of dollars				Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	U.S.
	Common and preferred stock
		Domestic			$	404		$	402		$	2		$	0
		International				323			322			1			0
	Commingled funds
		Domestic equity				76			0			76			0
		International equity				258			0			258			0
		Fixed income				242			0			242			0
	Fixed income securities
		Corporate bonds				201			0			201			0
		Mortgage-backed securities				13			0			13			0
		Municipal bonds				6			0			6			0
		Foreign government issued bonds				10			0			10			0
		Asset-backed securities				4			0			4			0
	Real estate					89			0			0			89
	Hedge funds					129			0			0			129
	Private equity					32			0			0			32
	Convertible securities					1			0			1			0
	U.S. government securities
		Agency securities				95			0			95			0
		U.S. Treasury securities				41			41			0			0
	Cash and cash equivalents					25			25			0			0
	John Hancock GACs					6			0			0			6
	Total U.S. Pension Assets				$	1,955		$	790		$	909		$	256
					31-Dec-14
					Fair
	Millions of dollars				Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Non-U.S.
	Common stock				$	2		$	2		$	0		$	0
	Commingled funds
		Domestic equity				29			0			29			0
		International equity				130			0			130			0
		Fixed income				178			0			178			0
	Fixed income securities					365			0			365			0
	Cash and cash equivalents					32			32			0			0
	Total Non-U.S. Pension Assets				$	736		$	34		$	702		$	0
	The pension investments that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2013 are summarized below:
					31-Dec-13
					Fair
	Millions of dollars				Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	U.S.
	Common and preferred stock
		Domestic			$	454		$	454		$	0		$	0
		International				156			156			0			0
	Commingled funds
		Domestic equity				109			0			109			0
		International equity				462			0			462			0
		Fixed income				189			0			189			0
	Fixed income securities
		Corporate bonds				177			0			177			0
		Mortgage-backed securities				16			0			16			0
		Municipal bonds				7			0			7			0
		Foreign government issued bonds				5			0			5			0
		Asset-backed securities				2			0			2			0
	Real estate					75			0			0			75
	Hedge funds					124			0			0			124
	Private equity					26			0			0			26
	Convertible securities					1			0			1			0
	U.S. government securities
		Agency securities				67			0			67			0
	U.S. Treasury securities				75			75			0			0
Cash and cash equivalents					38			38			0			0
John Hancock GACs					6			0			0			6
Total U.S. Pension Assets				$	1,989		$	723		$	1,035		$	231
				31-Dec-13
				Fair
Millions of dollars				Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Non-U.S.
Common stock				$	2		$	2		$	0		$	0
Commingled funds
	Domestic equity				35			0			35			0
	International equity				144			0			144			0
	Fixed income				159			0			159			0
Fixed income securities					313			0			313			0
Cash and cash equivalents					14			14			0			0
Total Non-U.S. Pension Assets				$	667		$	16		$	651		$	0
Schedule of changes in the fair value of the level 3 plan assets [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
					U.S. Pension Level 3 Assets
																	John
					Real			Hedge			Private			Metropolitan			Hancock
	Millions of dollars				Estate			Funds			Equity			Life GIC			GACs		Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013				$	59			73			10			15			6	$	163
		Realized gain				3			0			0			0			0		3
		Unrealized gain (loss) related to
			investments still held at the
			reporting date			7			7			-1			0			0		13
		Purchases, sales, and settlements
			Purchases			9			44			21			0			0		74
			Sales			-3			0			-4			0			0		-7
			Settlements			0			0			0			-15			0		-15
	Balance at December 31, 2013					75			124			26			0			6		231
		Realized gain				3			1			0			0			0		4
		Unrealized gain related to
			investments still held at the
			reporting date			8			1			0			0			0		9
		Purchases and sales
			Purchases			8			25			17			0			0		50
			Sales			-5			-22			-11			0			0		-38
	Balance at December 31, 2014				$	89		$	129		$	32		$	0		$	6	$	256
Fair value measurements of investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share [Table Text Block]	The fair value measurements of the investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
											Redemption
											Frequency		Trade to		Redemption
							Unfunded		Remaining		(if currently		Settlement		Notice
	Millions of dollars			Fair Value			Commitments		Life		eligible)		Terms		Period
	U.S.
											daily,
											pending
	Commingled fund investing										market
		in Domestic Equity	$	76		$	0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 to 4 days
											daily,
											pending
	Commingled fund investing										market
		in International Equity		258			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 days
											daily,
											pending
	Commingled fund investing										market
		in Fixed Income		242			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 to 7 days
											quarterly,
											pending
											market		15 to 25		45 to 90
	Real Estate			89			13		10 years		condition		days		days
											monthly,
											pending
											market		10 to 30		20 to 90
	Hedge Funds			129			0		N/A		condition		days		days
											quarterly,
											pending
											market
	Private Equity			32			114		10 years		condition		N/A		N/A
	Total U.S.		$	826		$	127
											Redemption
											Frequency		Trade to		Redemption
							Unfunded		Remaining		(if currently		Settlement		Notice
	Millions of dollars			Fair Value			Commitments		Life		eligible)		Terms		Period
	Non-U.S.
											1 to 7 days,
											pending
	Commingled fund investing										market
		in Domestic Equity	$	29		$	0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		1 to 3 days
											1 to 7 days,
											pending
	Commingled fund investing										market
		in International Equity		130			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		1 to 3 days
											daily,
											pending
	Commingled fund investing										market
		in Fixed Income		178			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 days
	Total Non-U.S.		$	337		$	0
	The fair value measurements of the investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
											Redemption
											Frequency		Trade to		Redemption
							Unfunded		Remaining		(if currently		Settlement		Notice
	Millions of dollars			Fair Value			Commitments		Life		eligible)		Terms		Period
	U.S.
											daily,
											pending
	Commingled fund investing										market
		in Domestic Equity	$	109		$	0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 to 4 days
											daily,
											pending
	Commingled fund investing										market
		in International Equity		462			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 days
											daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Fixed Income		189			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 to 7 days
										quarterly,
										pending
										market		15 to 25		45 to 90
Real Estate			75			39		10 years		condition		days		days
										monthly,
										pending
										market		10 to 30		20 to 90
Hedge Funds			124			0		N/A		condition		days		days
										quarterly,
										pending
										market
Private Equity			26			91		10 years		condition		N/A		N/A
Total U.S.		$	985		$	130
										Redemption
										Frequency		Trade to		Redemption
						Unfunded		Remaining		(if currently		Settlement		Notice
Millions of dollars			Fair Value			Commitments		Life		eligible)		Terms		Period
Non-U.S.
										1 to 7 days,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Domestic Equity	$	35		$	0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		1 to 3 days
										1 to 7 days,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in International Equity		144			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		1 to 3 days
										daily,
										pending
Commingled fund investing										market
	in Fixed Income		159			0		N/A		condition		1 to 3 days		3 days
Total Non-U.S.		$	338		$	0
Company contributions to multi-employer plan [Table Text Block]	The following table provides disclosure related to the Company's multi-employer plan:
				Company Contributions
	Millions of dollars			2014			2013			2012
	Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaG (a)			$	7		$	8		$	8
	(a) The plan information for the Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaG is not publicly available and the plan is not subject to a collective-bargaining agreement.  The plan provides fixed, monthly retirement payments on the basis of the credits earned by the participating employees.  To the extent that the plan is underfunded, the future contributions to the plan may increase and may be used to fund retirement benefits for employees related to other employers.  The Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaG's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 indicated total assets of $8,004 million and $8,163 million, respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $7,639 million and $7,785 million, respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $254 million and $223 million, respectively.  Our plan contributions did not exceed 5 percent of the total contributions in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Company contributions to employee savings plans [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the company contributions to the Employee Savings Plans:
						Company Contributions
						2014						2013						2012
	Millions of dollars					U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.		Non-U.S.
	Employee Savings Plans				$	32		$	5		$	30		$	3		$	27	$	4

Incentive_and_ShareBased_Compe1

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Incentive and Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of compensation expense and associated tax benefits [Table Text Block]	Total share-based compensation expense and the associated tax benefits for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	Compensation Expense:
		Restricted Stock Units		$	11		$	16		$	7
		Stock Options			5			10			22
		Restricted Stock			- -			5			10
		Qualified Performance Awards			15			11			3
		Performance Share Units			6			- -			- -
			Total	$	37		$	42		$	42
	Tax Benefit:
		Restricted Stock Units		$	4		$	6		$	2
		Stock Options			2			4			8
		Restricted Stock			- -			2			4
		Qualified Performance Awards			5			4			1
		Performance Share Units			2			- -			- -
			Total	$	13		$	16		$	15
Summary of restricted stock unit activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes RSUs activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 in thousands of units:
								Weighted
								Average Grant
					Number of			Date Fair Value
					Units			(per share)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014					1,717		$	23
	Granted					75			91.66
	Paid					-329			33.08
	Forfeited					-38			21.72
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014					1,425		$	24.3
Fair value assumptions used to value stock options [Table Text Block]	Weighted average fair values of stock options granted in each respective year and the assumptions used in estimating those fair values are as follows:
				2014			2013			2012
	Weighted average fair value:		$	33.06		$	22.16		$	16.22
	Fair value assumptions:
		Dividend yield		3.00%			3.00%			3.00%
		Expected volatility		46.0-49.0%			51.00%			51.00%
		Risk-free interest rate		1.81-1.98%			0.95-1.27%			0.80-1.11%
		Weighted average expected term, in years		6			6			6
Summary of stock option activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 in thousands of shares for the non-qualified stock options:
													Aggregate
								Weighted			Weighted		Intrinsic
					Number			Average			Average		Value
					of			Exercise			Remaining		(millions of
					Shares			Price			Term		dollars)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014					5,215		$	15.62
	Granted					143			92.72
	Exercised					-1,169			13.9
	Forfeited					-4			26.85
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014					4,185		$	18.74		2.7	years	$	256
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014					3,949		$	15.2		2.5	years	$	253

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of components of the provision for income taxes [Table Text Block]	The significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars					2014		2013			2012
	Current:
		U.S. federal			$	985		$	969		$	464
		Non-U.S.				277			135			78
		State				101			78			70
			Total current			1,363			1,182			612
	Deferred:
		U.S. federal				122			218			607
		Non-U.S.				50			-270			73
		State				5			6			35
			Total deferred			177			-46			715
	Provision for income taxes before tax effects
		of other comprehensive income				1,540			1,136			1,327
	Tax effects of elements of other
		comprehensive income:
		Pension and postretirement liabilities				-172			149			-38
		Financial derivatives				4			- -			- -
		Foreign currency translation				- -			-4			-1
	Total income tax expense in
		comprehensive income			$	1,372		$	1,281		$	1,288
Schedule of income before income taxes and schedule of effective income tax reconciliation [Table Text Block]	We are incorporated in The Netherlands and are a tax resident of the United Kingdom. However, since the proportion of U.S. revenues, assets, operating income and associated tax provisions is significantly greater than any other single taxing jurisdiction within the worldwide group, the reconciliation of the differences between the provision for income taxes and the statutory rate is presented on the basis of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as opposed to the United Kingdom statutory rate of 21% to provide a more meaningful insight into those differences. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 is 27.0%. This summary is shown below:
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	Income before income taxes:
		U.S.			$	3,743		$	3,912		$	3,313
		Non-U.S.				1,969			1,084			872
				Total	$	5,712		$	4,996		$	4,185
	Income tax at U.S. statutory rate				$	1,999		$	1,749		$	1,465
		Increase (reduction) resulting from:
			Non-U.S. income taxed at lower statutory rates			-61			-60			-53
			State income taxes, net of federal benefit			64			58			67
			Changes in valuation allowances			3			-353			-72
			Exempt income			-275			-109			-53
			U.S. manufacturing deduction			-106			-96			-42
			Other, net			-84			-53			15
			Income tax provision		$	1,540		$	1,136		$	1,327
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Table Text Block]
	The deferred tax effects of tax loss and credit carryforwards (“tax attributes”) and the tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements, reduced by a valuation allowance where appropriate, are presented below:
						December 31,
	Millions of dollars					2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities:
		Accelerated tax depreciation				$	1,464		$	1,455
		Investment in joint venture partnerships					276			176
		Intangible assets					264			317
		Inventory					528			597
		Other liabilities					58			117
			Total deferred tax liabilities				2,590			2,662
	Deferred tax assets:
		Tax attributes					409			514
		Employee benefit plans					468			348
		Other assets					93			109
			Total deferred tax assets				970			971
		Deferred tax asset valuation allowances					-134			-167
			Net deferred tax assets				836			804
	Net deferred tax liabilities					$	1,754		$	1,858
	Balance sheet classifications:
		Deferred tax assets - current				$	67		$	24
		Deferred tax assets - long-term					271			357
		Deferred tax liability - current					469			580
		Deferred tax liability - long-term					1,623			1,659
			Net deferred tax liabilities			$	1,754		$	1,858
	In the table above, we reclassified our 2013 deferred tax effects to conform to our current year presentation.
Schedule of the expiration of the tax attributes and the related deferred tax assets [Table Text Block]	The expiration of the tax attributes and the related deferred tax asset, before valuation allowance, as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
								Deferred Tax
					Tax			on Tax
	Millions of dollars				Attributes			Attributes
	2015				$	- -		$	- -
	2016					4			1
	2017					1			- -
	2018					31			12
	2019					50			13
	Thereafter					184			41
	Indefinite					1,070			342
					$	1,340		$	409
Schedule of deferred tax assets of tax attributes by jurisdiction [Table Text Block]	The tax attributes are primarily related to operations in France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, The Netherlands and the United States. The deferred tax assets by primary jurisdictions are shown below:
					December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	France				$	261		$	323		$	332
	Canada					38			70			93
	United Kingdom					25			27			33
	Spain					52			56			35
	The Netherlands					13			13			30
	United States					15			15			2
	Other					5			10			30
					$	409		$	514		$	555
Schedule of valuation allowances by jurisdiction [Table Text Block]	A summary of the valuation allowances by primary jurisdiction is shown below, reflecting the valuation allowances for all the net deferred tax assets, including deferred tax assets for tax attributes and other temporary differences.
					December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	France				$	29		$	34		$	378
	Canada					41			78			103
	United Kingdom					13			14			43
	Spain					24			16			22
	The Netherlands					13			13			- -
	United States					14			12			1
	Other					- -			- -			4
					$	134		$	167		$	551
Schedule of unrecognized tax benefits [Table Text Block]	Tax benefits totaling $475 million, $495 million and $548 million relating to uncertain tax positions were unrecognized as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:
					Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period				$	495		$	548		$	483
	Additions for tax positions of current year					12			11			15
	Additions for tax positions of prior years					12			7			50
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years					-40			-66			- -
	Settlements (payments/refunds)					-4			-5			- -
			Balance, end of period		$	475		$	495		$	548

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of environmental loss contingencies [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity in our accrued environmental liability included in “Accrued liabilities” and “Other liabilities:”
			Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2014		2013
	Balance at beginning of period		$	120	$	126
	Additional provisions			6		7
	Amounts paid			-8		-11
	Foreign exchange effects			-9		3
	Other			-3		-5
		Balance at end of period	$	106	$	120

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared [Table Text Block]	Dividend Distribution―The following table summarizes the dividends paid in the periods presented:
			Dividend Per			Aggregate
			Ordinary			Dividends
	Millions of dollars, except per share amounts		Share			Paid			Date of Record
	For the year 2014:
		March	$	0.6		$	327		3-Mar-14
		May		0.7			370		28-Apr-14
		September		0.7			358		25-Aug-14
		December		0.7			348		24-Nov-14
			$	2.7		$	1,403
	For the year 2013:
		March	$	0.4		$	229		25-Feb-13
		June		0.5			288		3-Jun-13
		September		0.5			280		23-Sep-13
		December		0.6			330		25-Nov-13
			$	2		$	1,127
Schedule of share repurchase programs [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our share repurchase activity for the periods presented:
						Average			Total Purchase
			Shares			Purchase			Price, Including
	Millions of dollars, except shares and per share amounts		Repurchased			Price			Commissions
	For the year 2014:
	May 2013 Share Repurchase Program			30,225,236		$	90.31		$	2,730
	April 2014 Share Repurchase Program			33,070,101			95.08			3,143
				63,295,337		$	92.8		$	5,873
	For the year 2013:
	May 2013 Share Repurchase Program			27,359,002		$	71.22		$	1,949
	Due to the timing of settlements, total cash paid for share repurchases under the April 2014 Share Repurchase Program was $3,058 million during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Schedule of changes in ordinary and treasury shares outstanding during the period [Table Text Block]	Ordinary Shares―The changes in the outstanding amounts of ordinary shares are as follows:
				Year Ended December 31,
				2014		2013
	Ordinary shares outstanding:
		Beginning balance		548,824,138		575,216,709
		Share-based compensation		1,411,837		931,125
		Warrants exercised		1,116		7,666
		Employee stock purchase plan		27,648		27,640
		Purchase of ordinary shares		-63,295,337		-27,359,002
		Ending balance		486,969,402		548,824,138
	Treasury Shares—The changes in the amounts of treasury shares held by the Company are as follows:
				Year Ended December 31,
				2014		2013
	Ordinary shares held as treasury shares:
		Beginning balance		29,607,877		3,206,033
		Share-based compensation		-1,411,837		-931,126
		Warrants exercised		- -		1,608
		Employee stock purchase plan		-27,648		-27,640
		Purchase of ordinary shares		63,295,337		27,359,002
		Ending balance		91,463,729		29,607,877
	Treasury shares include 63,295,337 and 27,359,002 shares repurchased during 2014 and 2013, respectively, under our share repurchase programs discussed above. The repurchased shares are recorded at cost.
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)―The components of, and after-tax changes in, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table:
								Defined Pension			Foreign
								and Other			Currency
					Financial			Postretirement			Translations
	Millions of dollars				Derivatives			Benefit Plans			Adjustments			Total
	Balance – January 1, 2014				$	- -		$	-140		$	236		$	96
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
		before reclassifications				9			-316			-733			-1,040
	Amounts reclassified from
		accumulated other
		comprehensive loss				-89			7			- -			-82
	Net other comprehensive loss					-80			-309			-733			-1,122
	Balance – December 31, 2014				$	-80		$	-449		$	-497		$	-1,026
	Balance – January 1, 2013				$	- -		$	-422		$	11		$	-411
	Other comprehensive income
		before reclassifications				- -			251			221			472
	Amounts reclassified from
		accumulated other
		comprehensive income				- -			31			4			35
	Net other comprehensive income					- -			282			225			507
	Balance – December 31, 2013				$	- -		$	-140		$	236		$	96
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	The amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
																Affected Line Item on
							Year Ended December 31,									the Consolidated
	Millions of dollars						2014			2013			2012			Statements of Income
	Reclassification adjustments for:
		Foreign currency translations					$	- -		$	4		$	- -		Other income (expense), net
		Defined pension and other
			postretirement benefit plan items:
			Amortization of:
				Prior service cost				- -			14			3
				Actuarial loss				7			30			24
			Settlement gain					- -			-3			- -
		Financial derivatives:
			Cross-currency swaps					-89			- -			- -		Other income (expense), net
	Reclassifications, before tax							-82			45			27
	Income tax expense							- -			10			9		Provision for income taxes
	Amounts reclassified out of
		Accumulated other comprehensive
			income (loss)				$	-82		$	35		$	18
	Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial loss as well as settlement gain are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs (see Note 16).

Per_Share_Data_Tables

Per Share Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Per Share Data [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share, basic and diluted [Table Text Block]	Earnings per share data and dividends declared per share of common stock are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
			Continuing		Discontinued		Continuing		Discontinued		Continuing		Discontinued
	Millions of dollars		Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations
	Net income (loss)		$	4,172	$	-4	$	3,860	$	-7	$	2,858	$	-24
	Less: net loss attributable to
		non-controlling interests		6		- -		4		- -		14		- -
	Net income (loss) attributable
		to the Company shareholders		4,178		-4		3,864		-7		2,872		-24
	Net income attributable to
		participating securities		-12		- -		-11		- -		-3		- -
	Net income (loss) attributable
		to ordinary shareholders –
		basic and diluted	$	4,166	$	-4	$	3,853	$	-7	$	2,869	$	-24
	Millions of shares,
		except per share amounts
	Basic weighted average common
		stock outstanding		518		518		566		566		573		573
	Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options		3		3		3		3		3		3
		MTI, QPA and PSU awards		- -		- -		1		1		1		1
	Potential dilutive shares			521		521		570		570		577		577
	Earnings (loss) per share:
		Basic	$	8.04	$	-0.01	$	6.81	$	-0.01	$	5.01	$	-0.04
		Diluted	$	8	$	-0.01	$	6.76	$	-0.01	$	4.96	$	-0.04
	Participating securities			1.4		1.4		1.7		1.7		3		3
	Dividends declared per share of
		common stock	$	2.7	$	- -	$	2	$	- -	$	4.2	$	- -

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment and Related Information [Abstract]
Summary of financial information concerning reportable segments [Table Text Block]	Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments is shown in the following table for the periods presented:
				Year Ended December 31, 2014
				O&P –			O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas			EAI			I&D			Refining			Technology			Other			Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	9,608		$	14,861		$	9,985		$	10,768		$	385		$	1		$	45,608
			Intersegment		4,340			342			145			942			112			-5,881			- -
					13,948			15,203			10,130			11,710			497			-5,880			45,608
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			316			248			225			169			61			- -			1,019
	Other income, net				2			5			7			2			- -			22			38
	Income from equity
		investments			21			229			7			- -			- -			- -			257
	Capital expenditures				912			191			241			123			25			7			1,499
	EBITDA				3,911			1,366			1,459			65			232			17			7,050
				Year Ended December 31, 2013
				O&P –			O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas			EAI			I&D			Refining			Technology			Other			Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	9,174		$	14,480		$	9,337		$	10,656		$	414		$	1		$	44,062
			Intersegment		3,915			205			135			1,042			118			-5,415			- -
					13,089			14,685			9,472			11,698			532			-5,414			44,062
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			293			287			204			160			75			2			1,021
	Other income (expense),
		net			2			1			-16			- -			- -			-2			-15
	Income from equity
		investments			25			174			4			- -			- -			- -			203
	Capital expenditures				645			229			443			209			30			5			1,561
	EBITDA				3,573			839			1,492			182			232			-7			6,311
				Year Ended December 31, 2012
				O&P –			O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas			EAI			I&D			Refining			Technology			Other			Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	8,987		$	14,203		$	9,280		$	12,490		$	377		$	15		$	45,352
			Intersegment		3,947			318			378			801			121			-5,565			- -
					12,934			14,521			9,658			13,291			498			-5,550			45,352
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			281			285			194			148			73			2			983
	Other income (expense),
		net			12			15			- -			-1			2			-22			6
	Income (loss) from
		equity investments			25			121			-3			- -			- -			- -			143
	Capital expenditures				468			254			159			136			43			- -			1,060
	EBITDA				2,968			548			1,621			481			197			-7			5,808
Reconciliation of EBITDA to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of EBITDA to Income from continuing operations before income taxes is shown in the following table for each of the periods presented:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars	2014			2013			2012
	EBITDA:
	Total segment EBITDA	$	7,033		$	6,318		$	5,815
	Other EBITDA		17			-7			-7
	Less:
	Depreciation and amortization expense		-1,019			-1,021			-983
	Interest expense		-352			-309			-655
	Add:
	Interest income		33			15			15
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	5,712		$	4,996		$	4,185
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated, including goodwill [Table Text Block]	Long-lived assets of continuing operations, including goodwill, are summarized and reconciled to consolidated totals in the following table:
			O&P –			O&P –
	Millions of dollars		Americas			EAI			I&D			Refining			Technology				Other			Total
	31-Dec-14
	Property, plant and
		equipment, net	$	3,260		$	2,102		$	2,121		$	1,036		$	237		$	2		$	8,758
	Investment in PO
		joint ventures		- -			- -			384			- -			- -			- -			384
	Equity investments			149			1,396			91			- -			- -			- -			1,636
	Goodwill			162			160			235			- -			9			- -			566
	31-Dec-13
	Property, plant and
		equipment, net	$	2,614		$	2,412		$	2,109		$	1,045		$	275		$	2		$	8,457
	Investment in PO
		joint ventures		- -			- -			421			- -			- -			- -			421
	Equity investments			156			1,381			92			- -			- -			- -			1,629
	Goodwill			162			182			251			- -			10			- -			605
	Property, plant and equipment, net, included in the “Other” column above includes assets related to corporate and support functions.
Schedule of revenues from external customers and long-lived assets by geographical area [Table Text Block]	The following geographic data for revenues are based upon the delivery location of the product and for long-lived assets, the location of the assets
						Year Ended December 31,
	Millions of dollars					2014			2013			2012
	Sales and other operating revenues:
		United States				$	23,574		$	21,940		$	23,622
		Germany					4,231			4,128			3,660
		Italy					1,617			1,560			1,551
		France					1,591			1,777			1,633
		Mexico					1,361			1,478			1,519
		The Netherlands					1,206			1,049			1,032
		Other					12,028			12,130			12,335
			Total			$	45,608		$	44,062		$	45,352
						Long-Lived Assets
	Millions of dollars					2014			2013
	United States					$	6,657		$	6,046
	Germany						1,513			1,791
	The Netherlands						708			767
	France						501			567
	Italy						400			489
	Mexico						161			161
	Other						1,607			1,590
		Total				$	11,547		$	11,411
	Long-lived assets include Property, plant and equipment, net, Intangible assets, net, Equity investments, and Investments in PO joint ventures (see Notes 7, 8 and 9).

Unaudited_Quarterly_Results_Ta

Unaudited Quarterly Results (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Unaudited Quarterly Results [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial information [Table Text Block]	The following table presents selected financial data for the quarterly periods in 2014 and 2013:
				For the Quarter Ended
	Millions of dollars			31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		31-Dec
	2014
		Sales and other operating revenues		$	11,135	$	12,117	$	12,066	$	10,290
		Gross profit(a)			1,558		1,862		1,948		1,301
		Operating income (b)			1,340		1,613		1,706		1,077
		Income from equity investments			61		68		64		64
		Income from continuing operations(b)			943		1,173		1,260		796
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			1		3		-3		-5
		Net income(b)			944		1,176		1,257		791
		Earnings per share:
			Basic		1.73		2.25		2.46		1.59
			Diluted		1.72		2.23		2.45		1.54
				For the Quarter Ended
	Millions of dollars			31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		31-Dec
	2013
		Sales and other operating revenues		$	10,669	$	11,103	$	11,152	$	11,138
		Gross profit(a)			1,516		1,607		1,462		1,537
		Operating income			1,267		1,364		1,207		1,264
		Income from equity investments			59		43		61		40
		Income from continuing operations(c)			906		923		854		1,177
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			-6		4		-3		-2
		Net income(c)			900		927		851		1,175
		Earnings per share:
			Basic		1.56		1.62		1.51		2.13
			Diluted		1.55		1.61		1.5		2.11
	Represents Sales and other operating revenues less Cost of sales.
	Includes lower of cost or market inventory valuation pretax adjustments of $45 million ($28 million after tax) and $715 million ($455 million after tax) in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively. For additional information related to these adjustments, see Note 22.
	Includes a $353 million benefit for the three months ended December 31, 2013 related to the release of valuation allowances primarily associated with tax losses in our French tax group.

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax [Abstract]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	($5)	($3)	$3	$1	($2)	($3)	$4	($6)	($4)	($7)	($24)
Berre refinery [Member]
Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Estimated cost of social plan												136
Reduction in estimate of cost of social plan for the Berre refinery closure									0	5	25
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									1	9	278
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes									-7	-13	-24
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									-3	-6	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									-4	-7	-24
(Charge) benefit included in income (loss) from discontinued operations related to the liquidation of LIFO-valued inventory										9	73
Discontinued operations, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Description of future cash outflows									Future cash outflows will occur for exit or disposal activities and for payments made to severed employees.
Timing of future cash outflows									Exit and disposal costs are expected to be incurred through the end of 2017. Payments to the affected employees are expected to be substantially complete by 2019.
Social plan liability, Berre refinery [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				42				59	42	59
Accretion expense									2	5
Cash payments									-13	-20
Adjustment for change in estimates									0	-5	-25
Effect of exchange rate changes									-5	3
Ending balance	$26				$42				$26	$42	$59

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
The Company billed related parties for: [Abstract]
Sales of products	$894	$1,010	$1,037
Access [Member] | Tax cooperation agreement [Member]
Related party [Line Items]
Description of transaction	we entered into a tax cooperation agreement with Access. The tax cooperation agreement allows either party to provide the other with information and support in connection with tax return preparation and audits on a time and materials basis through 2014.
Payments made or received under a related party agreement during the period	0	0	0
Access [Member] | Demand letters [Member]
Related party [Line Items]
Description of transaction	one of our subsidiaries received demand letters from affiliates of Access demanding (i) indemnity for losses, including attorney’s fees and expenses, arising out of a pending lawsuit and (ii) payment of (a) $100 million in management fees under a 2007 management agreement between an Access affiliate and the predecessor of LyondellBasell AF and (b) other unspecified amounts related to advice purportedly given in connection with financing and other strategic transactions.
Amount of management fees demanded				100
Apollo [Member]
Related party [Line Items]
Description of transaction	Transactions with Apollo affiliates include the sales of product under a long-term contract that renews automatically each year, unless a 90 day notice of termination has been received, and other product sales made on the spot market in the ordinary course of business.
The Company billed related parties for: [Abstract]
Sales of products	0	224	299
Shared services agreements	0	7	15
Joint venture partners [Member]
Related party [Line Items]
Description of transaction	These related party transactions include the sales and purchases of goods in the normal course of business as well as certain financing arrangements. In addition, under contractual arrangements with certain of our equity investees, we receive certain services, utilities and materials at some of our manufacturing sites and we provide certain services to our equity investees.
The Company billed related parties for: [Abstract]
Sales of products	894	786	738
Shared services agreements	18	19	1
Related parties billed the Company for: [Abstract]
Sales of products	3,507	3,340	3,260
Shared service agreements	85	94	107
Joint venture partners [Member] | Financial guarantee [Member]
Related party [Line Items]
Guarantee of joint venture indebtedness	27
Joint venture partners [Member] | Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company Ltd. [Member]
Related party [Line Items]
Proceeds from collection of joint venture loan		$9

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$29	$43
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	1	14	7
Accounts receivable written off	$10

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, finished goods, work-in-process, and raw materials and supplies [Abstract]
Finished goods	$2,919	$3,297
Work-in-process	304	253
Raw materials and supplies	1,294	1,729
Total inventories	4,517	5,279
LIFO method related items [Abstract]
Percentage of inventories valued using the LIFO method (in hundredths)	88.00%	89.00%
Excess of current replacement cost over LIFO cost of inventories	$270	$688

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_G2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Property, plant and equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment		$12,050	$11,151
Less accumulated depreciation		-3,292	-2,694
Property, plant and equipment, net		8,758	8,457
LDPE plant in Wessling, Germany [Member]
Impaired long-lived assets held and used [Line Items]
Asset impairment	22
Land [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment		297	320
Major manufacturing equipment [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		25 years
Total property, plant and equipment		7,268	6,835
Buildings [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		30 years
Total property, plant and equipment		628	642
Light equipment and instrumentation [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment		1,467	1,315
Light equipment and instrumentation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		5 years
Light equipment and instrumentation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		20 years
Office furniture [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		15 years
Total property, plant and equipment		15	16
Turnarounds of major units [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment		1,185	1,029
Turnarounds of major units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		4 years
Turnarounds of major units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		7 years
Information system equipment [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment		47	32
Information system equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		3 years
Information system equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		5 years
Construction in progress [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment		$1,143	$962

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_G3

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite lived intangible assets [Line Items]
Cost	$1,495	$1,534
Accumulated amortization	-726	-630
Net	769	904
Amortization of identifiable intangible assets for the next five years [Abstract]
2015	117
2016	113
2017	112
2018	107
2019	106
In-process research and development costs [Member]
Finite lived intangible assets [Line Items]
Cost	119	136
Accumulated amortization	-44	-40
Net	75	96
Emission allowances [Member]
Finite lived intangible assets [Line Items]
Cost	730	728
Accumulated amortization	-330	-263
Net	400	465
Various contracts [Member]
Finite lived intangible assets [Line Items]
Cost	542	567
Accumulated amortization	-269	-251
Net	273	316
Software costs [Member]
Finite lived intangible assets [Line Items]
Cost	104	103
Accumulated amortization	-83	-76
Net	$21	$27

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_G4

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Depreciation and amortization expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	$1,019	$1,021	$983
Property, plant and equipment [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	865	854	808
Investment in PO joint ventures [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	29	32	30
Emission allowances [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	69	68	70
Various contracts [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	38	47	51
In-process research and development costs [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	10	9	11
Software costs [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	$8	$11	$13

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_G5

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Asset retirement obligations and goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset retirement obligation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$92	$106
Provisions	2	0
Payments	-4	-14
Changes in estimates	4	-6
Accretion expense	3	3
Effects of exchange rate changes	-9	3
Ending balance	88	92
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	$566	$605	$591

Investment_in_PO_Joint_Venture3

Investment in PO Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	BLbs	BLbs	MMLbs
	MMLbs	MMLbs
Investment in PO joint ventures supplemental information [Abstract]
Joint venture partner right to annual in-kind propylene oxide production (in billions of pounds)	1.5	1.5
Product offtake (in millions of pounds)	5,878	4,986	5,170
Schedule of changes in the investment in POJVs [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$421
Cash contributions	0	1
Depreciation and amortization	-1,019	-1,021	-983
Effect of exchange rate changes	-94	16
Ending balance	384	421
U.S. PO joint venture [Member]
Schedule of changes in the investment in POJVs [Abstract]
Beginning balance	269	262
Cash contributions	9	28
Depreciation and amortization	-19	-21
Effect of exchange rate changes	0	0
Ending balance	259	269
European PO joint venture [Member]
Investment in PO joint ventures supplemental information [Abstract]
Ownership percentage in the PO joint venture (in hundredths)	50.00%
Schedule of changes in the investment in POJVs [Abstract]
Beginning balance	152	135
Cash contributions	1	21
Depreciation and amortization	-10	-11
Effect of exchange rate changes	-18	7
Ending balance	125	152
Total PO joint ventures [Member]
Schedule of changes in the investment in POJVs [Abstract]
Beginning balance	421	397
Cash contributions	10	49
Depreciation and amortization	-29	-32
Effect of exchange rate changes	-18	7
Ending balance	$384	$421

Equity_Investments_Direct_and_

Equity Investments, Direct and indirect equity investments (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Basell Orlen Polyolefins SP.Z.o.o [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
PolyPacific Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
SunAllomer Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Saudi Polyolefins Company [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	25.00%	25.00%
Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	25.00%	25.00%
Al-Waha Petrochemicals Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	20.95%	20.95%
PolyMirae Co. Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	42.59%	42.59%
HMC Polymers Company Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	28.56%	28.56%
Indelpro S.A. de C.V. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	49.00%	49.00%
Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Co. Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	26.65%	26.65%
Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Marketing Co. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
NOC Asia Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	40.00%	40.00%
Geosel [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	27.00%	27.00%

Equity_Investments_Changes_in_

Equity Investments, Changes in equity investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in equity investments [Abstract]
Beginning balance				$1,629				$1,583	$1,629	$1,583
Investee net income (loss)									257	213
Impairment recognized by investor									0	-10
Income (loss) from equity investments	64	64	68	61	40	61	43	59	257	203	143
Distributions of earnings, net of tax									-156	-186	-147
Contributions to joint ventures									0	1
Divestiture									0	-18
Currency exchange effects									-94	16
Other									0	30
Ending balance	1,636				1,629				1,636	1,629	1,583
Other disclosures [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners of subsidiary with equity interest in Al Waha Petrochemicals Ltd. (in hundredths)	16.21%								16.21%
Amount of initial investment by minority interest shareholder in consolidated subsidiary									18
Description of call option price									The price of the call option is the nominal value of the shares (initial $18 million investment) plus accrued interest based on LIBOR plus 40 basis points, less paid dividends.
Description of put option price									The price of the put option is €1 plus the minority shareholder’s undistributed pro-rata earnings.
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	22				22				22	22
Nihon Oxirane Company [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)					40.00%					40.00%
Gain (loss) recognized in connection with sale										$16

Equity_Investments_Balance_she

Equity Investments, Balance sheet (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Total share [Member]
Equity method investment summarized financial information assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Current assets	$3,069	$3,049
Noncurrent assets	5,298	5,930
Total assets	8,367	8,979
Current liabilities	2,433	2,152
Noncurrent liabilities	2,208	2,366
Net assets	3,726	4,461
Company share [Member]
Equity method investment summarized financial information assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Current assets	1,030	1,032
Noncurrent assets	1,728	1,929
Total assets	2,758	2,961
Current liabilities	791	755
Noncurrent liabilities	615	643
Net assets	$1,352	$1,563

Equity_Investments_Income_stat

Equity Investments, Income statement (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total share [Member]
Equity method investment summarized financial information income statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$9,824	$11,017	$10,961
Cost of sales	-8,366	-9,526	-9,902
Gross profit	1,458	1,491	1,059
Net operating expenses	-220	-246	-258
Operating income (loss)	1,238	1,245	801
Interest income	6	5	6
Interest expense	-83	-97	-180
Foreign currency translation	-13	-2	74
Other income (expense), net	27	25	-9
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,175	1,176	692
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	-229	-229	-130
Net income (loss)	946	947	562
Company share [Member]
Equity method investment summarized financial information income statement [Abstract]
Revenues	3,177	3,565	3,650
Cost of sales	-2,744	-3,152	-3,328
Gross profit	433	413	322
Net operating expenses	-70	-83	-91
Operating income (loss)	363	330	231
Interest income	3	2	3
Interest expense	-46	-75	-76
Foreign currency translation	-4	-1	21
Other income (expense), net	8	7	-2
Income (loss) before income taxes	324	263	177
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	-67	-50	-34
Net income (loss)	$257	$213	$143

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Components of prepaid expenses and other current assets [Abstract]
Repurchase agreements	$350	$0
Advances to suppliers	264	180
Income taxes	126	103
VAT receivables	76	351
Deferred tax assets	67	24
Prepaid insurance	42	49
Other taxes	16	17
Other	113	106
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,054	830
Components of other assets [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets	271	357
Debt issuance costs	89	103
Company-owned life insurance	53	54
Financial derivatives	40	0
Pension assets	11	73
Other	17	32
Total other assets	$481	$619

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accrued liabilities [Abstract]
Payroll and benefits	$426	$409
Renewable identification numbers	223	124
Product sales rebates	187	211
Taxes other than income taxes	187	207
Income taxes	153	5
Interest	111	83
Share repurchases	85	0
Deferred revenues	73	107
Restructuring	25	58
Priority and administrative claims	13	15
Other	71	80
Total accrued liabilities	$1,554	$1,299

Debt_Longterm_debt_Details

Debt, Long-term debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$6,761	$5,777
Long-term debt, current portion	-4	-1
Long-term debt, noncurrent portion	6,757	5,776
Senior Notes due 2019, $2,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2019	2019
Face amount	2,000	2,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%	5.00%
Long-term debt	1,993	2,000
Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2021	2021
Face amount	1,000	1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	6.00%	6.00%
Long-term debt	1,000	1,000
Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2024	2024
Face amount	1,000	1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.75%	5.75%
Long-term debt	1,000	1,000
Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% ($12 million of discount) [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2044
Face amount	1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	4.88%
Unamortized discount	12
Long-term debt	988
Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% ($9 million of discount) [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2023	2023
Face amount	750	750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%
Unamortized discount	9
Long-term debt	741	740
Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($22 million of discount) [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2043	2043
Face amount	750	750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.25%	5.25%
Unamortized discount	22
Long-term debt	728	728
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2027	2027
Face amount	300	300
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	8.10%	8.10%
Long-term debt	300	300
Other long-term debt [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$11	$9

Debt_Description_of_5_Senior_N

Debt, Description of 5% Senior Notes interest rate swap fair value adjustments (Details) (Senior Notes due 2019, $2,000 million, 5.0% [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Senior Notes due 2019, $2,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Interest rate swap fair value adjustment related to long-term debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%	5.00%
Maturity year	2019	2019
Interest rate swap fair value adjustment related to long-term debt, recognized	$7

Debt_Shortterm_debt_Details

Debt, Short-term debt (Details)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

USD ($)

USD ($)

$2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

$2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

$1,000 million U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

$1,000 million U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Commercial paper [Member]

Commercial paper [Member]

Financial payables to equity investees [Member]

Financial payables to equity investees [Member]

Precious metal financings [Member]

Precious metal financings [Member]

Other short-term debt [Member]

Other short-term debt [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Short-term debt [Line Items]

Maximum borrowing capacity on line of credit

$2,000

$2,000

$1,000

$1,000

€ 450

€ 450

$2,000

Short-term debt

$346

$58

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$262

$0

$6

$9

$77

$48

$1

$1

Debt_Description_of_longterm_d

Debt, Description of long-term debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Aggregate maturities of debt during the next five years and thereafter [Abstract]
2015	$350
2016	5
2017	1
2018	0
2019	2,000
Aggregate maturities of debt after 2019	4,801
Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date	Feb-14
Percentage ownership by parent of finance subsidiary (in hundredths)	100.00%
Face amount	1,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.88%
Maturity year	2044
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)	98.83%
Description of debt redemption terms	The notes may be redeemed before the date that is six months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 20 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is six months prior to the final maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jul-13
Face amount	750	750
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%
Maturity year	2023	2023
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)	98.68%
Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jul-13
Face amount	750	750
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.25%	5.25%
Maturity year	2043	2043
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)	97.00%
Guaranteed Notes due 2023 and 2043 [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Description of debt redemption terms	The notes may be redeemed and repaid, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed. Such interest will be discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 25 basis points in the case of the 4% Notes due 2023 and plus 30 basis points in the case of the 5.25% Notes due 2043.
Senior Notes due 2019, $2,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date	Apr-12
Face amount	2,000	2,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%	5.00%
Maturity year	2019	2019
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)	100.00%
Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date	Apr-12
Face amount	1,000	1,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.75%	5.75%
Maturity year	2024	2024
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)	100.00%
Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date	Nov-11
Face amount	$1,000	$1,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.00%	6.00%
Maturity year	2021	2021
Senior Notes due 2019, 2021 and 2024 [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Description of debt redemption terms	These notes may be redeemed and repaid, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to the date that is 90 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a premium for each note redeemed equal to the greater of 1.00% of the then outstanding principal amount of the note and the excess of: (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the principal amount of the note at maturity plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the note through maturity (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the outstanding principal amount of the note. These notes may also be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after the date which is 90 days prior to the final maturity date of the notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date.

Debt_Description_of_shortterm_

Debt, Description of short-term debt (Details)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

$2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

$2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

$2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

$1,000 million U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

$1,000 million U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Commercial paper [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Description of short-term debt [Line Items]

Agreement date

Sep-12

Oct-14

Term of credit facility

3 years

Expiration date

2019-06

2016-04

Borrowing capacity description

This facility, which may be used for dollar and euro denominated borrowings, has a $700 million sublimit for dollar and euro denominated letters of credit and supports our commercial paper program.

Maximum borrowing capacity

$2,000

$2,000

$1,000

$1,000

€ 450

€ 450

$2,000

Maximum allowed letters of credit

700

200

Terms of debt covenants

we are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters.

We are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters.

we must maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters.

we must maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters.

Current availability under facility

1,712

994

547

Outstanding borrowings

0

0

262

Outstanding letters of credit

$0

$0

Weighted average interest rate, short-term debt (in hundredths)

0.40%

2.10%

Debt_Debt_issuance_costs_inclu

Debt, Debt issuance costs included in interest expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt issuance costs included in interest expense [Abstract]
Amortization of debt issuance costs	$20	$21	$58
8.0% senior notes [Member]
Extinguishment of debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		8.00%
11.0% senior notes [Member]
Extinguishment of debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		11.00%
Senior notes, 8% and 11%, and asset-based credit facility [Member]
Extinguishment of debt [Line Items]
Capitalized unamortized debt issuance costs written off			$35

Lease_Commitments_Details

Lease Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating leases future minimum payments due [Abstract]
2015	$333
2016	271
2017	236
2018	207
2019	142
Thereafter	616
Total minimum lease payments	1,805
Operating leases rent expense, net [Abstract]
Operating leases rent expense, net	$412	$328	$313

Financial_Instruments_Marketab

Financial Instruments, Marketable securities, repurchase agreements, foreign currency rates and cross currency swaps (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2014
Marketable securities [Abstract]
Amount of marketable securities classified as cash and cash equivalents	$431	$3,482
Repurchase agreements [Abstract]
Amount of repurchase agreements	350	0
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign currency gain (loss)	15	-4	-21
Foreign currency rates [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	787
Derivative, maturity date	January 2015 to June 2015
Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Cash-flow hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value				2,000
Gain (loss) recognized related to the ineffectiveness of hedging relationship	0
Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Pay euro, expiration in 2021 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	1,000
Expiration date	2021
Average interest rate (in hundredths)	4.55%
Fair value	19
Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Receive U.S. dollars, expiration in 2021 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration date	2021
Average interest rate (in hundredths)	6.00%
Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Pay euro, expiration in 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	1,000
Expiration date	2024
Average interest rate (in hundredths)	4.37%
Fair value	$16
Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Receive U.S. dollars, expiration in 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration date	2024
Average interest rate (in hundredths)	5.75%

Financial_Instruments_Summary_

Financial Instruments, Summary of forward-starting and fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Guaranteed Notes due 2023 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount	$750	$750
Maturity year	2023	2023
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%
Guaranteed Notes due 2043 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount	750	750
Maturity year	2043	2043
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.25%	5.25%
Guaranteed Notes due 2044 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount	1,000
Maturity year	2044
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	4.88%
Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount	2,000	2,000
Maturity year	2019	2019
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%	5.00%
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Cash-flow hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value			500	1,500
Cash paid to settle liabilities related to termination of swaps	17
Pre-tax deferred losses scheduled to be reclassified from AOCI to interest expense over the next twelve months	less than $1 million
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Guaranteed Notes due 2023 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount	750
Maturity year	2023
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Guaranteed Notes due 2043 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount	750
Maturity year	2043
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Guaranteed Notes due 2044 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount	1,000
Maturity year	2044
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Fair value hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	2,000
Gain (loss) recognized related to the ineffectiveness of hedging relationship	17
Derivative, maturity date	15-Apr-19
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Fair value hedge [Member] | Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	$2,000
Maturity year	2019
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%

Financial_Instruments_Summary_1

Financial Instruments, Summary of available-for-sale securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Cost	$1,593
Gross unrealized gains	1
Gross unrealized losses	-1
Fair value	1,593
Available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Fair value of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months	489
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months	$1 million
Proceeds from maturities and the related gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from maturity of securities	1,751
Gross realized gains	0
Gross realized losses	0
Available-for-sale securities, additional information [Abstract]
Amount of losses related to other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities	0
Commercial paper [Member]
Schedule of available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Cost	1,029
Gross unrealized gains	1
Gross unrealized losses	0
Fair value	1,030
Commercial paper [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity period	1 month
Commercial paper [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity period	12 months
Bonds [Member]
Schedule of available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Cost	414
Gross unrealized gains	0
Gross unrealized losses	-1
Fair value	413
Bonds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity period	Less than one month
Bonds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity period	33 months
Certificates of deposit [Member]
Schedule of available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Cost	150
Gross unrealized gains	0
Gross unrealized losses	0
Fair value	$150
Investment maturity period	13 months

Financial_Instruments_Summary_2

Financial Instruments, Summary of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments outstanding measured at fair value on a recurring basis (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	$5,771	$202
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	744	677
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	1,649	4
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	50	18
Derivatives: [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges: [Member] | Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: [Member] | Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	2,000	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	30	0
Derivatives: [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges: [Member] | Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: [Member] | Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	0	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	5	0
Derivatives: [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges: [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges: [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	2,000	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	10	0
Derivatives: [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges: [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges: [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	0	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	6	0
Derivatives: [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	0	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	2	0
Derivatives: [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	28	646
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	1	4
Derivatives: [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges: [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	77	47
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	3	3
Derivatives: [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	107	155
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	0	1
Derivatives: [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	680	17
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	13	0
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Available-for-sale securities [Member] | Short-term investments [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	1,587	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	1,593	0
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Performance share awards [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	22	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	22	0
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Performance share awards [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	14	14
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	$14	$14

Financial_Instruments_Pretax_e

Financial Instruments, Pretax effect of derivative instruments charged directly to income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$13	$0	$0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	-89	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	-45	19	-33
Net value for accrued interest	6
Derivatives designated as hedges: [Member] | Derivatives designated as cash-flow hedges [Member] | Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Other income (expense), net [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	30
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	-89
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	0
Derivatives designated as hedges: [Member] | Derivatives designated as cash-flow hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	-17
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	-1
Derivatives designated as hedges: [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	16
Derivatives not designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	0	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	-8	-12	-23
Derivatives not designated as hedges: [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	0	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	2	25	5
Derivatives not designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Other income (expense), net [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	0	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	($54)	$6	($15)

Fair_Value_Measurement_Schedul

Fair Value Measurement, Schedule financial instruments outstanding (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	$1,649	$4
Liabilities at fair value	50	18
Recurring [Member]
Fair value transfers [Abstract]
Amount of transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	1,649	4
Liabilities at fair value	50	18
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	2	0
Liabilities at fair value	37	18
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	1,647	4
Liabilities at fair value	13	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	35
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	35
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	16
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	16
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	2
Liabilities at fair value	1	4
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	2
Liabilities at fair value	1	4
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	3	3
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	3	3
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value		1
Liabilities at fair value	13
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value		0
Liabilities at fair value	0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value		1
Liabilities at fair value	13
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value		0
Liabilities at fair value	0
Recurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member] | Available-for-sale securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	1,593
Recurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member] | Available-for-sale securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0
Recurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member] | Available-for-sale securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	1,593
Recurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member] | Available-for-sale securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0
Recurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member] | Performance share awards [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	36	14
Recurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member] | Performance share awards [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	36	14
Recurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member] | Performance share awards [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member] | Performance share awards [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurement_Carryin

Fair Value Measurement, Carrying value and estimated fair value of non-derivative financial instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, carrying value	$346	$58
Non-derivatives: [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Short-term loans receivable, carrying value	350
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, carrying value	77	48
Long-term debt, carrying value	6,756	5,772
Total liabilities, carrying value	6,833	5,820
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Short-term loans receivable, fair value	350
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, fair value	74	45
Long-term debt, fair value	7,529	6,382
Total liabilities, fair value	7,603	6,427
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Short-term loans receivable, fair value	0
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, fair value	0	0
Long-term debt, fair value	0	0
Total liabilities, fair value	0	0
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Short-term loans receivable, fair value	350
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, fair value	74	44
Long-term debt, fair value	7,523	6,378
Total liabilities, fair value	7,597	6,422
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Short-term loans receivable, fair value	0
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, fair value	0	1
Long-term debt, fair value	6	4
Total liabilities, fair value	$6	$5

Fair_Value_Measurement_Fair_va

Fair Value Measurement, Fair value of long-lived assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis [Abstract]
Impairment of equity investment	$0	$10
Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of equity investment		20
Fair value of property, plant and equipment (held and used)			6
Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of equity investment		0
Fair value of property, plant and equipment (held and used)			0
Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of equity investment		0
Fair value of property, plant and equipment (held and used)			0
Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of equity investment		20
Fair value of property, plant and equipment (held and used)			6
Nonrecurring [Member] | NOC Asia Ltd. [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of equity investment		20
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis [Abstract]
Impairment of equity investment		10
Nonrecurring [Member] | LDPE plant in Wessling, Germany [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of property, plant and equipment (held and used)			6
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis [Abstract]
Impairment of property, plant and equipment (held and used)			$22

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, General information regarding various existing and terminated plans (Details)	12 Months Ended	36 Months Ended	60 Months Ended	120 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Defined benefit plan actual return on plan assets [Abstract]
Actual return on plan assets (in hundredths)	3.50%	11.61%	9.81%	6.20%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Defined benefit plan actual return on plan assets [Abstract]
Actual return on plan assets (in hundredths)	28.28%	9.87%	6.37%	4.64%

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension changes in PBO and plan assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	$1,932	$2,156
Service cost	43	44	44
Interest cost	88	80	80
Actuarial loss (gain)	249	-226
Plan amendments	0	4
Benefits paid	-120	-126
Participant contributions	0	0
Settlement	-14	0
Curtailment	0	0
Foreign exchange effects	0	0
Benefit obligation, end of period	2,178	1,932	2,156
Change in plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	1,959	1,698
Actual return on plan assets	65	301	182
Company contributions	8	86
Benefits paid	-120	-126
Participant contributions	0	0
Settlement	-14	0
Foreign exchange effects	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	1,898	1,959	1,698
Funded status of continuing operations [Abstract]
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	-280	27
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	1,362	1,288
Service cost	29	30	26
Interest cost	48	45	51
Actuarial loss (gain)	188	13
Plan amendments	-9	18
Benefits paid	-40	-72
Participant contributions	3	3
Settlement	-23	0
Curtailment	0	-1
Foreign exchange effects	-150	38
Benefit obligation, end of period	1,408	1,362	1,288
Change in plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	667	625
Actual return on plan assets	117	12	26
Company contributions	86	86
Benefits paid	-40	-72
Participant contributions	3	3
Settlement	-23	0
Foreign exchange effects	-75	13
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	735	667	625
Funded status of continuing operations [Abstract]
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	($673)	($695)

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension amounts recognized on the balance sheet and in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Prepaid benefit cost, long-term	$11	$73
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Prepaid benefit cost, long-term	1	68
Accrued benefit liability, current	0	0
Accrued benefit liability, long-term	-281	-41
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	-280	27
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss	348	11
Prior service (credit) cost	3	4
Balance, end of period	351	15
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Prepaid benefit cost, long-term	9	5
Accrued benefit liability, current	-22	-56
Accrued benefit liability, long-term	-660	-644
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	-673	-695
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss	230	132
Prior service (credit) cost	8	13
Balance, end of period	$238	$145

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme5

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension additional information (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans	$2,150	$1,910
Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligations	2,110	632
Fair value of assets	1,829	591
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligations	1,998	615
Fair value of assets	1,742	591
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans	1,288	1,233
Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligations	1,307	1,229
Fair value of assets	624	528
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligations	696	660
Fair value of assets	$106	$53

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme6

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension periodic costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Net periodic pension cost: [Abstract]
Service cost	$43	$44	$44
Interest cost	88	80	80
Actual return on plan assets	-65	-301	-182
Less - return in excess of (less than) expected return	-90	168	63
Expected return on plan assets	-155	-133	-119
Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss	2	0	0
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss amortization	0	26	23
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	-22	17	28
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Net periodic pension cost: [Abstract]
Service cost	29	30	26
Interest cost	48	45	51
Actual return on plan assets	-117	-12	-26
Less - return in excess of (less than) expected return	91	-11	-3
Expected return on plan assets	-26	-23	-29
Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss	1	-4	-4
Prior service cost (benefit) amortization	0	14	3
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss amortization	4	2	0
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$56	$64	$47

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme7

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension actual and target asset allocations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	51.00%
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	30.00%
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Alternatives [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	19.00%
U.S. pension plans [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	54.00%	59.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	51.00%	51.00%
U.S. pension plans [Member] | United States [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	33.00%	29.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%
U.S. pension plans [Member] | United States [Member] | Alternatives [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	13.00%	12.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	19.00%	19.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Canada [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	49.00%	63.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	60.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Canada [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	51.00%	37.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	40.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | United Kingdom - Lyondell Chemical Plans [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	53.00%	54.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | United Kingdom - Lyondell Chemical Plans [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	47.00%	46.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | United Kingdom - Basell Plans [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	57.00%	58.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	60.00%	60.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | United Kingdom - Basell Plans [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	43.00%	42.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	40.00%	40.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Netherlands - Lyondell Chemical Plans [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Netherlands - Basell Plans [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	10.00%	10.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	10.00%	18.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Netherlands - Basell Plans [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	90.00%	90.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	90.00%	82.00%

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme8

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension contributions in the next twelve months (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Contributions to the various plans in the next twelve months [Abstract]
Defined benefit plans	$43
Multi-employer plans	0
Total estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year for defined benefit plans and multi-employer plans	43
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Contributions to the various plans in the next twelve months [Abstract]
Defined benefit plans	67
Multi-employer plans	7
Total estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year for defined benefit plans and multi-employer plans	$74

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme9

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension future expected benefit payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Future expected benefit payments by our plans which reflect expected future service [Abstract]
2015	$136
2016	136
2017	142
2018	144
2019	143
2020 through 2024	697
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Future expected benefit payments by our plans which reflect expected future service [Abstract]
2015	64
2016	64
2017	61
2018	59
2019	55
2020 through 2024	$286

Recovered_Sheet1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension weighted average assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended	60 Months Ended	120 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.04%	4.73%		4.04%	4.04%	4.04%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%		4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.73%	3.82%	4.07%
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Description of basis used to determine overall expected long term rate of return on assets assumption	The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our U.S. plans of 8.00% is based on the average level of earnings that our independent pension investment advisor had advised could be expected to be earned over a fifteen to twenty year time period consistent with the plans’ target asset allocation, historical capital market performance, historical plan performance (since the 1997 inception of the U.S. Master Trust) and a forecast of expected future asset returns. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our non-U.S. plans of 4.12% is based on expectations and asset allocations that vary by region. We review these long-term assumptions on a periodic basis.
Actual return on plan assets (in hundredths)	3.50%			11.61%	9.81%	6.20%
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	7.90%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	51.00%
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	5.80%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	30.00%
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Alternatives [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	9.50%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	19.00%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	2.84%	3.78%		2.84%	2.84%	2.84%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	3.19%	3.37%		3.19%	3.19%	3.19%
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.78%	3.63%	4.83%
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	4.12%	3.73%	4.84%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	3.37%	3.12%	3.17%
Actual return on plan assets (in hundredths)	28.28%			9.87%	6.37%	4.64%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fixed income [Member] | Minimum return [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	2.45%
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fixed income [Member] | Maximum return [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	5.75%

Recovered_Sheet2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension fair value of plan assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$1,898	$1,959	$1,698
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	1,955	1,989
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member] | Domestic [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	404	454
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member] | International [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	323	156
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	76	109
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	258	462
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	242	189
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	201	177
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	13	16
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	6	7
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Foreign government issued bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	10	5
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	4	2
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	89	75
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	129	124
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Private equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	32	26
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Convertible securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	1	1
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member] | Agency securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	95	67
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	41	75
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	25	38
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | John Hancock GACs [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	6	6
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	790	723
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member] | Domestic [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	402	454
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member] | International [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	322	156
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Foreign government issued bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Private equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Convertible securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member] | Agency securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	41	75
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	25	38
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | John Hancock GACs [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	909	1,035
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member] | Domestic [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	2	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member] | International [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	1	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	76	109
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	258	462
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	242	189
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	201	177
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	13	16
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	6	7
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Foreign government issued bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	10	5
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	4	2
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Private equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Convertible securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	1	1
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member] | Agency securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	95	67
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | John Hancock GACs [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	256	231	163
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member] | Domestic [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member] | International [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Foreign government issued bonds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	89	75	59
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	129	124	73
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Private equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	32	26	10
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Convertible securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member] | Agency securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | John Hancock GACs [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	6	6	6
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	735	667	625
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	736	667
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	2	2
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	29	35
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	130	144
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	178	159
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	365	313
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	32	14
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	34	16
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	2	2
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	32	14
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	702	651
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	29	35
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	130	144
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	178	159
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	365	313
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension changes in fair value of plan assets (Details) (U.S. pension plans basis of fair value measurement [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period			$1,698
Purchases, sales and settlements [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	1,898	1,959	1,698
Level 3 [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	231	163
Realized gain	4	3
Unrealized gain (loss) related to investments still held at reporting date	9	13
Purchases, sales and settlements [Abstract]
Purchases	50	74
Sales	-38	-7
Settlements		-15
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	256	231
Level 3 [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	75	59
Realized gain	3	3
Unrealized gain (loss) related to investments still held at reporting date	8	7
Purchases, sales and settlements [Abstract]
Purchases	8	9
Sales	-5	-3
Settlements		0
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	89	75
Level 3 [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	124	73
Realized gain	1	0
Unrealized gain (loss) related to investments still held at reporting date	1	7
Purchases, sales and settlements [Abstract]
Purchases	25	44
Sales	-22	0
Settlements		0
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	129	124
Level 3 [Member] | Private equity [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	26	10
Realized gain	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) related to investments still held at reporting date	0	-1
Purchases, sales and settlements [Abstract]
Purchases	17	21
Sales	-11	-4
Settlements		0
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	32	26
Level 3 [Member] | Metropolitan Life Insurance GIC [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	0	15
Realized gain	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) related to investments still held at reporting date	0	0
Purchases, sales and settlements [Abstract]
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements		-15
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | John Hancock GACs [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	6	6
Realized gain	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) related to investments still held at reporting date	0	0
Purchases, sales and settlements [Abstract]
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements		0
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$6	$6

Recovered_Sheet4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	$826	$985
Unfunded commitments	127	130
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	76	109
Unfunded commitments	0	0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency (if currently eligible)	daily, pending market condition	daily, pending market condition
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	4 days	4 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	258	462
Unfunded commitments	0	0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency (if currently eligible)	daily, pending market condition	daily, pending market condition
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	242	189
Unfunded commitments	0	0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency (if currently eligible)	daily, pending market condition	daily, pending market condition
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	7 days	7 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	89	75
Unfunded commitments	13	39
Remaining life	10 years	10 years
Redemption frequency (if currently eligible)	quarterly, pending market condition	quarterly, pending market condition
Trade to settlement terms	15 to 25 days	15 to 25 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Real estate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	45 days	45 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Real estate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	90 days	90 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	129	124
Unfunded commitments	0	0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency (if currently eligible)	monthly, pending market condition	monthly, pending market condition
Trade to settlement terms	10 to 30 days	10 to 30 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Hedge funds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	20 days	20 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Hedge funds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	90 days	90 days
U.S. pension plans [Member] | Private equity [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	32	26
Unfunded commitments	114	91
Remaining life	10 years	10 years
Redemption frequency (if currently eligible)	quarterly, pending market condition	quarterly, pending market condition
Trade to settlement terms	N/A	N/A
Redemption notice period
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	337	338
Unfunded commitments	0	0
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	29	35
Unfunded commitments	0	0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency (if currently eligible)	1 to 7 days, pending market condition	1 to 7 days, pending market condition
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	1 day	1 day
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Domestic equity [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	130	144
Unfunded commitments	0	0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency (if currently eligible)	1 to 7 days, pending market condition	1 to 7 days, pending market condition
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	1 day	1 day
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | International equity [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member] | Commingled funds [Member] | Fixed income [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share	178	159
Unfunded commitments	$0	$0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency (if currently eligible)	daily, pending market condition	daily, pending market condition
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days

Recovered_Sheet5

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension multi-employer plans (Details) (Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V. VaG [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V. VaG [Member]
Multi-employer plans [Line Items]
Company contributions to multi-employer plans	$7	[1]	$8	[1]	$8	[1]
Multi-employer plans, plan assets			8,004		8,163
Multi-employer plans, actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits			7,639		7,785
Multi-employer plans, total contributions for all participating employers			$254		$223
Description of whether our contributions represent more than five percent of total contributions to the multi-employer plan	FALSE		FALSE		FALSE
[1]	The plan information for the Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaG is not publicly available and the plan is not subject to a collective-bargaining agreement.B The plan provides fixed, monthly retirement payments on the basis of the credits earned by the participating employees.B To the extent that the plan is underfunded, the future contributions to the plan may increase and may be used to fund retirement benefits for employees related to other employers.B The Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaGbs financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 indicated total assets of $8,004 million and $8,163 million, respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $7,639 million and $7,785 million, respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $254 million and $223 million, respectively.B Our plan contributions did not exceed 5 percent of the total contributions in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Recovered_Sheet6

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement plan changes in benefit obligation and plan assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	$310	$352
Service cost	4	5	5
Interest cost	15	12	13
Plan amendments	1	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	32	-42
Benefits paid	-22	-24
Participant contributions	7	7
Foreign exchange effects	0	0
Benefit obligation, end of period	347	310	352
Change in plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	0	0
Employer contributions	15	17
Participant contributions	7	7
Benefits paid	-22	-24
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	0	0	0
Funded status of plan assets [Abstract]
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	-347	-310
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	41	39
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	2	1	1
Plan amendments	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	24	1
Benefits paid	-1	-1
Participant contributions	0	0
Foreign exchange effects	-7	0
Benefit obligation, end of period	60	41	39
Change in plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	0	0
Employer contributions	1	1
Participant contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	-1	-1
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	0	0	0
Funded status of plan assets [Abstract]
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	($60)	($41)

Recovered_Sheet7

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement plan amounts recognized on the balance sheet and in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Accrued benefit liability, current	($24)	($20)
Accrued benefit liability, long-term	-323	-290
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	-347	-310
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss	48	16
Prior service (credit) cost	0	-1
Balance, end of period	48	15
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Accrued benefit liability, current	-1	-1
Accrued benefit liability, long-term	-59	-40
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	-60	-41
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss	31	12
Prior service (credit) cost	0	0
Balance, end of period	$31	$12

Recovered_Sheet8

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement plan net periodic costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Net periodic other postretirement costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	$4	$5	$5
Interest cost	15	12	13
Actuarial loss amortization	2	1	1
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	21	18	19
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Net periodic other postretirement costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	2	1	1
Actuarial loss amortization	1	1	0
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$3	$3	$2

Recovered_Sheet9

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement plan assumed health care cost trend rates (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Assumed health care trend rate: [Abstract]
Immediate trend rate (in hundredths)	7.30%	7.60%
Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) (in hundredths)	4.50%	4.50%
Year that the rate reaches ultimate trend rate	2027	2027
Effect of one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	less than $1 million
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	less than $1 million
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Effect of one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$17 million
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$12 million
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans [Member] | Canada [Member]
Assumed health care trend rate: [Abstract]
Immediate trend rate (in hundredths)	6.50%	7.00%
Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) (in hundredths)	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches ultimate trend rate	2018	2018
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans [Member] | France [Member]
Assumed health care trend rate: [Abstract]
Immediate trend rate (in hundredths)	5.00%	3.50%
Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) (in hundredths)	5.00%	0.00%

Recovered_Sheet10

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement plan assumptions used to determine net benefit liabilities and costs (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.85%	4.53%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs for the year [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.53%	3.73%	3.98%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	2.92%	3.99%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	0.00%	3.00%
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs for the year [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.99%	3.80%	5.03%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%

Recovered_Sheet11

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement plan future expected benefit payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Future expected benefit payments by our plans which reflect expected future service [Abstract]
2015	$24
2016	25
2017	25
2018	25
2019	26
2020 through 2024	122
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Future expected benefit payments by our plans which reflect expected future service [Abstract]
2015	1
2016	1
2017	1
2018	1
2019	1
2020 through 2024	$8

Recovered_Sheet12

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	$493	($411)	$198
Actuarial (gain) loss	7	30	24
Actuarial (gain) loss - settlement gains	0	3	0
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period	-5	21	-12
Prior service cost (credit) amortization included in net periodic benefit cost	0	14	3
Deferred income tax provision related to AOCI [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes provision related to pension and other postretirement benefit amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	220	48
Discount rate assumption changes and other immaterial liability experience gains and losses [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	409	-254
Asset return in excess of expected return [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss		-157
Base mortality assumption changes losses [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	84
Pension Plan [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	143	537
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	439	-369
Actuarial (gain) loss	-4	-28
Actuarial (gain) loss - settlement gains		3
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	578	143
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	17	10
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period	-6	21
Prior service cost (credit) amortization included in net periodic benefit cost	0	-14
Prior service cost (credit) - settlement gains		0
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	11	17
Other Postretirement Plan [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	28	72
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	54	-42
Actuarial (gain) loss	-3	-2
Actuarial (gain) loss - settlement gains		0
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	79	28
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	-1	-1
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period	1	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization included in net periodic benefit cost	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) - settlement gains		0
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	0	-1
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	11
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	348
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	4
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	3
Amounts amortized from AOCI next fiscal year [Abstract]
Net actuarial and investment loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost next fiscal year	13
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	132
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	230
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	13
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	8
Amounts amortized from AOCI next fiscal year [Abstract]
Prior service cost included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost next fiscal year	2
Net actuarial and investment loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost next fiscal year	9
U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	16
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	48
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	-1
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	0
Amounts amortized from AOCI next fiscal year [Abstract]
Net actuarial and investment loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost next fiscal year	2
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	12
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	31
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	0
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	0
Amounts amortized from AOCI next fiscal year [Abstract]
Net actuarial and investment loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost next fiscal year	$3

Recovered_Sheet13

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Defined contribution plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined contribution plan disclosure [Line Items]
Compensation expense recognized related to the amendment of the deferred compensation plan	less than one million	less than one million
U.S. Employee Savings Plan [Member]
Defined contribution plan disclosure [Line Items]
Company contributions	$32	$30	$27
Non-U.S. Employee Savings Plan [Member]
Defined contribution plan disclosure [Line Items]
Company contributions	$5	$3	$4

Incentive_and_ShareBased_Compe2

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details) (Long-term incentive plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance (in shares)	22,000,000
Number of shares available for issuance (in shares)	9,055,398
Compensation expense	$37	$42	$42
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	13	16	15
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Compensation expense	11	16	7
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	4	6	2
Stock options [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Compensation expense	5	10	22
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	2	4	8
Restricted stock [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Compensation expense	0	5	10
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	0	2	4
Qualified performance awards [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Compensation expense	15	11	3
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	5	4	1
Performance share units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Compensation expense	6	0	0
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	$2	$0	$0

Incentive_and_ShareBased_Compe3

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Restricted stock unit awards (Details) (Restricted stock units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Description of award	Restricted stock unit awards (“RSUs”) generally entitle the recipient to be paid out an equal number of ordinary shares on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. In connection with the special dividend declared on November 19, 2012, the Compensation Committee authorized a grant of RSUs to each unvested stock option holder, which will vest ratably with the underlying options. RSUs, which are subject to customary accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events, are accounted for as an equity award with compensation cost recognized in the income statement ratably over the vesting period. The holders of RSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents to be settled no later than March 15, following the year in which dividends are paid, as long as the participant is in full employment at the time of the dividend payment.
Dividend equivalent payments relating to award	$4	$3	$7
Weighted average grant date fair value for restricted stock units (in dollars per share)	$91.66	$63.26	$51.06
Total fair value of vested restricted stock	30	11	5
Restricted stock units activity, number of units [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	1,717,000
Granted (in shares)	75,000
Paid (in shares)	-329,000
Forfeited (in shares)	-38,000
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1,425,000	1,717,000
Weighted average grant date fair value, restricted stock units [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$23
Granted (in dollars per share)	$91.66	$63.26	$51.06
Paid (in dollars per share)	$33.08
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$21.72
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$24.30	$23
Additional disclosures, restricted stock units [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to award, restricted stock units	$7
Weighted average remaining contractual term, restricted stock units	1 year

Incentive_and_ShareBased_Compe4

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Stock options (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended								12 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2010	Nov. 19, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)									$2.75
Record date for dividends declared	24-Nov-14	25-Aug-14	28-Apr-14	3-Mar-14	25-Nov-13	23-Sep-13	3-Jun-13	25-Feb-13
Stock options [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Description of award												Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our ordinary shares at the date of grant. The stock options are accounted for as an equity award with compensation cost recognized using the graded vesting method. We issued stock options to purchase 5,639,020 of our ordinary shares to our former Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) on April 30, 2010. These options vested in five equal, annual installments beginning on May 14, 2010 and may be exercised for a period ending April 30, 2017. The options were granted with an exercise price of $17.61 per share, which was the fair value of the Company’s ordinary shares based on its reorganized value at the date of emergence. All other stock options granted before May 4, 2011 vest in equal increments on the second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date, and options granted on and after May 4, 2011 vest in equal increments on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date. These other options have a contractual term of ten years and are subject to customary accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events. Exercise prices for these other options range from $11.95 to $113.03.
Initial number of stock options issued (in shares)										5,639,020		143,000
Original exercise price (in dollars per share)										$17.61		$92.72
Exercise price range for options other than initial grant, minimum (in dollars per share)												$11.95
Exercise price range for options other than initial grant, maximum (in dollars per share)												$113.03
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)											$2.75
Record date for dividends declared											19-Nov-12
Dividend compensation expense recognized relating to award									$7
Weighted average fair value per share of options granted (in dollars per share)									$16.22			$33.06	$22.16
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]
Dividend yield (in hundredths)									3.00%			3.00%	3.00%
Expected volatility, minimum (in hundredths)												46.00%
Expected volatility, maximum (in hundredths)									51.00%			49.00%	51.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum (in hundredths)									0.80%			1.81%	0.95%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum (in hundredths)									1.11%			1.98%	1.27%
Weighted average expected term (in years)									6 years			6 years	6 years
Stock options activity, number of shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)												5,215,000
Granted (in shares)										5,639,020		143,000
Exercised (in shares)												-1,169,000
Forfeited (in shares)												-4,000
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	4,185,000				5,215,000							4,185,000	5,215,000
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	3,949,000											3,949,000
Weighted average exercise price, stock options [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)												$15.62
Granted (in dollars per share)										$17.61		$92.72
Exercised (in dollars per share)												$13.90
Forfeited (in dollars per share)												$26.85
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	18.74				15.62							$18.74	$15.62
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)	15.2											$15.20
Additional disclosures, stock options [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining term, outstanding options												2 years 8 months 21 days
Weighted average remaining term, exercisable options												2 years 6 months 15 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding options	256											256
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable options	253											253
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the period									39			98	71
Unrecognized compensation cost related to award, stock options	2											2
Weighted average remaining contractual term, stock options												1 year
Cash received from stock option exercises												16
Tax benefits realized from stock option exercises												$33

Incentive_and_ShareBased_Compe5

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Restricted stock (Details) (Restricted stock [Member], USD $)	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Number of restricted shares issued (in shares)	1,771,794
Description of award		The terms of the restricted stock award provided that the holder was entitled to receive dividends when and if paid on the Company’s ordinary shares and that the holder had full voting rights during the restricted period. The holder could not sell or transfer the restricted shares until the restrictions lapsed on May 14, 2014 or such earlier date as provided in the award agreement.
Shares withheld for taxes upon restricted stock vesting (in shares)			439,085	264,297
Additional disclosures, restricted stock [Abstract]
Number of restricted shares granted (in shares)		0	0	0
Total fair value of vested restricted stock			$69	$38

Incentive_and_ShareBased_Compe6

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Medium-Term Incentive Program ("MTI"), Qualified Performance Awards ("QPA") and Performance Share Units ("PSU") (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Medium-Term Incentive Program [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Description of award	The MTI awards provide payouts based on our return on assets and cost improvements over a three-calendar year performance period. Subject to customary accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events, the awards will vest on the date following the end of the applicable performance period on which the Compensation Committee of the Supervisory Board certifies the performance results and will be paid by March 31 following the end of the applicable performance period. Awards granted under the MTI in 2010 and 2011 are cash-based awards. For grants made in 2012 and 2013, eligible employees other than executive officers could elect to receive share-based awards and executive officers were only eligible for the share-based awards.
Compensation expense, Medium-Term Incentive Program	$9	$17	$18
Qualified performance awards and Performance share units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement [Line Items]
Description of award	The number of target QPA and PSU is established at the beginning of a three-calendar year performance period. Each unit is equivalent to one share of LyondellBasell N.V. common stock. The final number of LyondellBasell N.V. shares payable is determined at the end of the three-calendar year performance period by the Compensation Committee of the Supervisory Board.  Since the service-inception date precedes the grant date, the Company estimates the number of target units each reporting period, accounts for this award as a liability award until the grant date and accrues compensation expense during the three-calendar year performance period on a straight-line basis subject to fair value adjustments. The QPA/PSU is subject to customary accelerated vesting and forfeiture in the event of certain termination events.

Incentive_and_ShareBased_Compe7

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Employee stock purchase plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Incentive and Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Discount rate for purchases made under the employee stock purchase plan (in hundredths)	5.00%

Income_Taxes_Components_of_inc

Income Taxes, Components of income tax provision (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Provision for income taxes [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$1,540	$1,136	$1,327
Current: [Abstract]
U.S. federal	985	969	464
Non-U.S.	277	135	78
State	101	78	70
Total current	1,363	1,182	612
Deferred: [Abstract]
U.S. federal	122	218	607
Non-U.S.	50	-270	73
State	5	6	35
Total deferred	177	-46	715
Income tax provision (benefit)	1,540	1,136	1,327
Tax effects of elements of other comprehensive income: [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement liabilities	-172	149	-38
Financial derivatives	4	0	0
Foreign currency translation	0	-4	-1
Total income tax expense in comprehensive income	$1,372	$1,281	$1,288

Income_Taxes_Statutory_tax_rat

Income Taxes, Statutory tax rates and income tax provision (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Corporate income tax rate [Line Items]
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	27.00%
United States [Member]
Corporate income tax rate [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%
United Kingdom [Member]
Corporate income tax rate [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate (in hundredths)	21.00%

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes, Reconciliation of tax expense at US statutory rate and provision for taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (loss) before income taxes: [Abstract]
U.S.	$3,743	$3,912	$3,313
Non-U.S.	1,969	1,084	872
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	5,712	4,996	4,185
Income tax expense (benefit), continuing operations, income tax reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax at U.S. statutory rate	1,999	1,749	1,465
Increase (reduction) resulting from: [Abstract]
Non-U.S. income taxed at lower statutory rates	-61	-60	-53
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	64	58	67
Changes in valuation allowances	3	-353	-72
Exempt income	-275	-109	-53
U.S. manufacturing deduction	-106	-96	-42
Other, net	-84	-53	15
Income tax provision (benefit)	$1,540	$1,136	$1,327

Income_Taxes_Components_of_def

Income Taxes, Components of deferred tax liabilities and assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax liabilities: [Abstract]
Accelerated tax depreciation	$1,464	$1,455
Investments in joint venture partnerships	276	176
Intangible assets	264	317
Inventory	528	597
Other liabilities	58	117
Total deferred tax liabilities	2,590	2,662
Deferred tax assets: [Abstract]
Tax attributes	409	514	555
Employee benefit plans	468	348
Other assets	93	109
Total deferred tax assets	970	971
Deferred tax asset valuation allowances	-134	-167	-551
Net deferred tax assets	836	804
Net deferred tax liabilities	1,754	1,858
Balance sheet classifications: [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets - current	67	24
Deferred tax assets - long-term	271	357
Deferred tax liability - current	469	580
Deferred tax liability - long-term	1,623	1,659
Net deferred tax liabilities	$1,754	$1,858

Income_Taxes_Net_operating_los

Income Taxes, Net operating loss carry forwards and related deferred tax asset (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	$1,340	$1,692
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	409	514	555
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes that more likely than not will be realized	249
France [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	261	323	332
Canada [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	38	70	93
United Kingdom [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	25	27	33
Spain [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	52	56	35
The Netherlands [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	13	13	30
United States [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	15	15	2
Other [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	5	10	30
2015 [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	0
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	0
2016 [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	4
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	1
2017 [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	1
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	0
2018 [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	31
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	12
2019 [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	50
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	13
Thereafter [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	184
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	41
Indefinite [Member]
Tax attributes and deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	1,070
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	$342

Income_Taxes_Valuation_allowan

Income Taxes, Valuation allowances (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$134	$167	$551
France [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	29	34	378
Canada [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	41	78	103
United Kingdom [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	13	14	43
Spain [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	24	16	22
The Netherlands [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	13	13	0
United States [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	14	12	1
Other [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$0	$0	$4

Income_Taxes_Discussion_of_val

Income Taxes, Discussion of valuation allowances by jurisdiction (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset	$971,000,000	$970,000,000	$971,000,000
Valuation allowance	167,000,000	134,000,000	167,000,000	551,000,000
Net deferred tax asset	804,000,000	836,000,000	804,000,000
Deferred taxes on unremitted earnings of certain equity joint ventures	52,000,000	52,000,000	52,000,000
Canada [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards		99,000,000
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance		26,000,000
Valuation allowance	78,000,000	41,000,000	78,000,000	103,000,000
France [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Change in amount of valuation allowance			344,000,000
Change in amount of valuation allowance related to current year activity			52,000,000
Change in amount of valuation allowance related to other activity	292,000,000
Description of tax loss carry forward limitations		French tax law provides for an indefinite carryforward of tax losses; however, losses allowed in any particular year may not exceed fifty percent of taxable income.
Deferred tax asset		243,000,000
Valuation allowance	34,000,000	29,000,000	34,000,000	378,000,000
Net deferred tax asset		214,000,000
Taxable income needed in the future to utilize the $214 million deferred tax asset		$1,400,000,000

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_tax_

Income Taxes, Unrecognized tax benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions	$475	$495	$548
Unrecognized tax benefits [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	495	548	483
Additions for tax positions of current year	12	11	15
Additions for tax positions of prior years	12	7	50
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-40	-66	0
Settlements (payments/refunds)	-4	-5	0
Balance, end of period	475	495	548
Interest and penalties recognized on uncertain tax positions	15	7	4
Interest and penalties accrued on uncertain tax positions	$26	$11	$4

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2009
Environmental remediation [Abstract]
Total accrued liability for future environmental remediation costs	$106,000,000	$120,000,000
Accrued liability for individual site range	less than $1 million to $21 million
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	120,000,000	126,000,000
Additional provisions	6,000,000	7,000,000
Amounts paid	-8,000,000	-11,000,000
Foreign exchange effects	-9,000,000	3,000,000
Other	-3,000,000	-5,000,000
Ending balance	106,000,000	120,000,000
Pending or threatened litigation [Member] | Affiliates of Access Industries indemnity demand letter [Member]
Loss contingencies [Line Items]
Description of parties who issued the demand letters	affiliates of Access Industries (collectively, “Access Entities”), a more than five percent shareholder of the Company
Description of indemnity demanded	demanding indemnity for losses, including attorney’s fees and expenses, arising out of a pending lawsuit styled Edward S. Weisfelner, as Litigation Trustee of the LB Litigation Trust v. Leonard Blavatnik, et al., Adversary Proceeding No. 09-1375 (REG), in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York.
Pending or threatened litigation [Member] | Affiliates of Access Industries management agreement fee demand letters [Member]
Loss contingencies [Line Items]
Description of parties who issued the demand letters	affiliates of Access Industries (collectively, “Access Entities”), a more than five percent shareholder of the Company
Amount of management fees demanded	100,000,000
Pending or threatened litigation [Member] | Affiliates of Access Industries management agreement fee demand letters [Member] | Predecessor [Member]
Loss contingencies [Line Items]
Description of parties who issued the demand letters			affiliates of Access Industries (collectively, “Access Entities”), a more than five percent shareholder of the Company
Proof of claim for management fees previously filed in Bankruptcy Court			$723,000

Stockholders_Equity_Dividend_d

Stockholders' Equity, Dividend distribution (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of dividend payments [Abstract]
Dividend per ordinary share (per share)	$0.70	$0.70	$0.70	$0.60	$0.60	$0.50	$0.50	$0.40	$2.70	$2
Aggregate dividends paid	$348	$358	$370	$327	$330	$280	$288	$229	$1,403	$1,127
Date of record	24-Nov-14	25-Aug-14	28-Apr-14	3-Mar-14	25-Nov-13	23-Sep-13	3-Jun-13	25-Feb-13

Stockholders_Equity_Share_repu

Stockholders' Equity, Share repurchase programs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-13	Apr. 30, 2014
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)	63,295,337
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)	$92.80
Total purchase price, including commissions	$5,873
Cash paid during the period for shares repurchased	5,788	1,949	0
May 2013 share repurchase program [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Announcement date of share repurchase program				2013-05
Percent of outstanding shares authorized to be repurchased under a share repurchase program (in hundredths)				10.00%
Shares repurchased (in shares)	30,225,236	27,359,002
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)	$90.31	$71.22
Total purchase price, including commissions	2,730	1,949
April 2014 share repurchase program [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Announcement date of share repurchase program					2014-04
Percent of outstanding shares authorized to be repurchased under a share repurchase program (in hundredths)					10.00%
The date through which shares are authorized for repurchase under a share repurchase program					2015-10
Shares repurchased (in shares)	33,070,101
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)	$95.08
Total purchase price, including commissions	3,143
Cash paid during the period for shares repurchased	$3,058

Stockholders_Equity_Ordinary_s

Stockholders' Equity, Ordinary shares (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Ordinary shares outstanding: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)	548,824,138
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	-63,295,337
Ending balance (in shares)	486,969,402
Ordinary shares [Member]
Ordinary shares outstanding: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)	548,824,138	575,216,709
Share-based compensation (in shares)	1,411,837	931,125
Warrants exercised (in shares)	1,116	7,666
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	27,648	27,640
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	-63,295,337	-27,359,002
Ending balance (in shares)	486,969,402	548,824,138

Stockholders_Equity_Treasury_s

Stockholders' Equity, Treasury shares (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)	29,607,877
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	-63,295,337
Ending balance (in shares)	91,463,729
Shares repurchased (in shares)	63,295,337
Treasury shares [Member]
Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)	29,607,877	3,206,033
Share-based compensation (in shares)	-1,411,837	-931,126
Warrants exercised (in shares)	0	1,608
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	-27,648	-27,640
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	-63,295,337	-27,359,002
Ending balance (in shares)	91,463,729	29,607,877
Shares repurchased (in shares)	63,295,337	27,359,002
Treasury shares [Member] | Repurchases related to share repurchase program [Member]
Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: [Abstract]
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	-63,295,337	-27,359,002
Shares repurchased (in shares)	63,295,337	27,359,002

Stockholders_Equity_Components

Stockholders' Equity, Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	$96	($411)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-1,040	472
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-82	35
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,122	507	16
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	-1,026	96	-411
Financial derivatives [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	9	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-89	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-80	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	-80	0
Defined pension and other postretirement benefit plans [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	-140	-422
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-316	251
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7	31
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-309	282
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	-449	-140
Foreign currency translations adjustments [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	236	11
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-733	221
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	4
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-733	225
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	($497)	$236

Stockholders_Equity_Reclassifi

Stockholders' Equity, Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	$38	($15)	$6
Prior service cost (benefit)	0	14	3
Actuarial (gain) loss	7	30	24
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	5,712	4,996	4,185
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	1,540	1,136	1,327
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders	4,174	3,857	2,848
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-82	45	27
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0	10	9
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders	-82	35	18
Foreign currency translations [Member] | Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	0	4	0
Defined pension and other postretirement benefit plan items [Member] | Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Prior service cost (benefit)	0	14	3
Actuarial (gain) loss	7	30	24
Settlement (gain) loss	0	-3	0
Financial derivatives [Member] | Cross-currency swaps [Member] | Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	($89)	$0	$0

Per_Share_Data_Details

Per Share Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$791	[1]	$1,257	[1]	$1,176	[1]	$944	[1]	$1,175	[2]	$851	[2]	$927	[2]	$900	[2]	$4,168	$3,853	$2,834
Less: net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests																	6	4	14
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders																	4,174	3,857	2,848
Earnings (loss) per share: [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.59		$2.46		$2.25		$1.73		$2.13		$1.51		$1.62		$1.56		$8.03	$6.80	$4.97
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.54		$2.45		$2.23		$1.72		$2.11		$1.50		$1.61		$1.55		$7.99	$6.75	$4.92
Continuing operations [Member]
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)																	4,172	3,860	2,858
Less: net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests																	6	4	14
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders																	4,178	3,864	2,872
Net (income) loss attributable to participating securities																	-12	-11	-3
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Basic																	4,166	3,853	2,869
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Diluted																	4,166	3,853	2,869
Weighted average number of shares outstanding reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding (in shares)																	518,000,000	566,000,000	573,000,000
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]
Stock options (in shares)																	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
MTI, QPA and PSU awards (in shares)																	0	1,000,000	1,000,000
Potential dilutive shares (in shares)																	521,000,000	570,000,000	577,000,000
Earnings (loss) per share: [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)																	$8.04	$6.81	$5.01
Diluted (in dollars per share)																	$8	$6.76	$4.96
Earnings per share, basic and diluted, other disclosures [Abstract]
Participating securities (in shares)	1,400,000								1,700,000								1,400,000	1,700,000	3,000,000
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)																	$2.70	$2	$4.20
Discontinued operations [Member]
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)																	-4	-7	-24
Less: net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests																	0	0	0
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders																	-4	-7	-24
Net (income) loss attributable to participating securities																	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Basic																	-4	-7	-24
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Diluted																	($4)	($7)	($24)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding (in shares)																	518,000,000	566,000,000	573,000,000
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]
Stock options (in shares)																	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
MTI, QPA and PSU awards (in shares)																	0	1,000,000	1,000,000
Potential dilutive shares (in shares)																	521,000,000	570,000,000	577,000,000
Earnings (loss) per share: [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)																	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.04)
Diluted (in dollars per share)																	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.04)
Earnings per share, basic and diluted, other disclosures [Abstract]
Participating securities (in shares)	1,400,000								1,700,000								1,400,000	1,700,000	3,000,000
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)																	$0	$0	$0
[1]	Includes lower of cost or market inventory valuation pretax adjustments of $45 million ($28 million after tax) and $715 million ($455 million after tax) in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively. For additional information related to these adjustments, see Note 22.
[2]	Includes a $353 million benefit for the three months ended December 31, 2013 related to the release of valuation allowances primarily associated with tax losses in our French tax group.

Segment_and_Related_Informatio2

Segment and Related Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
									OperatingSegments
Segment and Related Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments									5
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$10,290	$12,066	$12,117	$11,135	$11,138	$11,152	$11,103	$10,669	$45,608	$44,062	$45,352
Depreciation and amortization expense									1,019	1,021	983
Other income (expense), net									38	-15	6
Income (loss) from equity investments	64	64	68	61	40	61	43	59	257	203	143
Capital expenditures									1,499	1,561	1,060
EBITDA									7,050	6,311	5,808
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment	-715	-45							-760	0	0
O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									13,948	13,089	12,934
Depreciation and amortization expense									316	293	281
Other income (expense), net									2	2	12
Income (loss) from equity investments									21	25	25
Capital expenditures									912	645	468
EBITDA									3,911	3,573	2,968
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment									-279
O&P - Americas [Member] | Benefits associated with insurance settlements related to Hurricane Ike [Member]
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Insurance recoveries											29
O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									15,203	14,685	14,521
Depreciation and amortization expense									248	287	285
Other income (expense), net									5	1	15
Income (loss) from equity investments									229	174	121
Capital expenditures									191	229	254
EBITDA									1,366	839	548
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment									-44
Settlement of certain existing and future environmental liabilities under a 2005 indemnification agreement									52
Reversal of unfavorable contract reserve											28
O&P - EAI [Member] | LDPE plant in Wessling, Germany [Member]
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Asset impairment											-22
O&P - EAI [Member] | LDPE plant in Wessling, Germany [Member] | Benefit from an insurance settlement related to property damages [Member]
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Insurance recoveries										25
O&P - EAI [Member] | Europe [Member]
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Restructuring charges											-35
O&P - EAI [Member] | Australia and Italy [Member]
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Restructuring charges											-22
I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									10,130	9,472	9,658
Depreciation and amortization expense									225	204	194
Other income (expense), net									7	-16	0
Income (loss) from equity investments									7	4	-3
Capital expenditures									241	443	159
EBITDA									1,459	1,492	1,621
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment									-93
I&D [Member] | Benefits associated with insurance settlements related to Hurricane Ike [Member]
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Insurance recoveries											18
Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									11,710	11,698	13,291
Depreciation and amortization expense									169	160	148
Other income (expense), net									2	0	-1
Income (loss) from equity investments									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									123	209	136
EBITDA									65	182	481
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment									-344
Benefits for recoveries and a settlement associated with a former employee who pled guilty to fraud in 2010										14	24
Refining [Member] | Benefits associated with insurance settlements related to Hurricane Ike [Member]
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Insurance recoveries											53
Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									497	532	498
Depreciation and amortization expense									61	75	73
Other income (expense), net									0	0	2
Income (loss) from equity investments									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									25	30	43
EBITDA									232	232	197
Technology [Member] | Europe [Member]
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Restructuring charges											-18
Operating segments [Member] | O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									9,608	9,174	8,987
Operating segments [Member] | O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									14,861	14,480	14,203
Operating segments [Member] | I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									9,985	9,337	9,280
Operating segments [Member] | Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									10,768	10,656	12,490
Operating segments [Member] | Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									385	414	377
Other [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									1	1	15
Depreciation and amortization expense									0	2	2
Other income (expense), net									22	-2	-22
Income (loss) from equity investments									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									7	5	0
EBITDA									17	-7	-7
Intersegment eliminations [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									-5,881	-5,415	-5,565
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									-4,340	-3,915	-3,947
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									-342	-205	-318
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									-145	-135	-378
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									-942	-1,042	-801
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									-112	-118	-121
Other and total intersegment eliminations [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									($5,880)	($5,414)	($5,550)

Segment_and_Related_Informatio3

Segment and Related Information, Reconciliation of EBITDA to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
EBITDA: [Abstract]
Total segment EBITDA	$7,033	$6,318	$5,815
Other EBITDA	17	-7	-7
Less: [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization expense	-1,019	-1,021	-983
Interest expense	-352	-309	-655
Add: [Abstract]
Interest income	33	15	15
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$5,712	$4,996	$4,185

Segment_and_Related_Informatio4

Segment and Related Information, Long-lived assets by segments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$8,758	$8,457
Investment in PO joint ventures	384	421
Equity investments	1,636	1,629	1,583
Goodwill	566	605	591
Operating segments [Member] | O&P - Americas [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,260	2,614
Investment in PO joint ventures	0	0
Equity investments	149	156
Goodwill	162	162
Operating segments [Member] | O&P - EAI [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,102	2,412
Investment in PO joint ventures	0	0
Equity investments	1,396	1,381
Goodwill	160	182
Operating segments [Member] | I&D [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,121	2,109
Investment in PO joint ventures	384	421
Equity investments	91	92
Goodwill	235	251
Operating segments [Member] | Refining [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,036	1,045
Investment in PO joint ventures	0	0
Equity investments	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Operating segments [Member] | Technology [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	237	275
Investment in PO joint ventures	0	0
Equity investments	0	0
Goodwill	9	10
Other [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	2	2
Investment in PO joint ventures	0	0
Equity investments	0	0
Goodwill	$0	$0

Segment_and_Related_Informatio5

Segment and Related Information, Revenues and long-lived assets by geographic location (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Sales and other operating revenues: [Abstract]
Revenues	$10,290	$12,066	$12,117	$11,135	$11,138	$11,152	$11,103	$10,669	$45,608	$44,062	$45,352
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	11,547				11,411				11,547	11,411
Reportable geographical components [Member] | United States [Member]
Sales and other operating revenues: [Abstract]
Revenues									23,574	21,940	23,622
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	6,657				6,046				6,657	6,046
Reportable geographical components [Member] | Germany [Member]
Sales and other operating revenues: [Abstract]
Revenues									4,231	4,128	3,660
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	1,513				1,791				1,513	1,791
Reportable geographical components [Member] | Italy [Member]
Sales and other operating revenues: [Abstract]
Revenues									1,617	1,560	1,551
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	400				489				400	489
Reportable geographical components [Member] | France [Member]
Sales and other operating revenues: [Abstract]
Revenues									1,591	1,777	1,633
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	501				567				501	567
Reportable geographical components [Member] | Mexico [Member]
Sales and other operating revenues: [Abstract]
Revenues									1,361	1,478	1,519
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	161				161				161	161
Reportable geographical components [Member] | The Netherlands [Member]
Sales and other operating revenues: [Abstract]
Revenues									1,206	1,049	1,032
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	708				767				708	767
Other [Member]
Sales and other operating revenues: [Abstract]
Revenues									12,028	12,130	12,335
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	$1,607				$1,590				$1,607	$1,590

Unaudited_Quarterly_Results_De

Unaudited Quarterly Results (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected financial data [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$10,290		$12,066		$12,117		$11,135		$11,138		$11,152		$11,103		$10,669		$45,608	$44,062	$45,352
Gross profit	1,301	[1]	1,948	[1]	1,862	[1]	1,558	[1]	1,537	[1]	1,462	[1]	1,607	[1]	1,516	[1]
Operating income	1,077	[2]	1,706	[2]	1,613	[2]	1,340	[2]	1,264		1,207		1,364		1,267		5,736	5,102	4,676
Income from equity investments	64		64		68		61		40		61		43		59		257	203	143
Income from continuing operations	796	[2]	1,260	[2]	1,173	[2]	943	[2]	1,177	[3]	854	[3]	923	[3]	906	[3]	4,172	3,860	2,858
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-5		-3		3		1		-2		-3		4		-6		-4	-7	-24
Net income (loss)	791	[2]	1,257	[2]	1,176	[2]	944	[2]	1,175	[3]	851	[3]	927	[3]	900	[3]	4,168	3,853	2,834
Earnings (loss) per share: [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.59		$2.46		$2.25		$1.73		$2.13		$1.51		$1.62		$1.56		$8.03	$6.80	$4.97
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.54		$2.45		$2.23		$1.72		$2.11		$1.50		$1.61		$1.55		$7.99	$6.75	$4.92
Quarterly financial information, explanatory disclosures [Abstract]
Benefit from release of valuation allowances																	3	-353	-72
Charge (benefit) related to lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment	715		45														760	0	0
Charge (benefit) related to lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment, net of tax	455		28
France [Member]
Quarterly financial information, explanatory disclosures [Abstract]
Benefit from release of valuation allowances									$353
[1]	Represents Sales and other operating revenues less Cost of sales.
[2]	Includes lower of cost or market inventory valuation pretax adjustments of $45 million ($28 million after tax) and $715 million ($455 million after tax) in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively. For additional information related to these adjustments, see Note 22.
[3]	Includes a $353 million benefit for the three months ended December 31, 2013 related to the release of valuation allowances primarily associated with tax losses in our French tax group.