LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) 10-Q 29 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document period end date	30-Sep-13
Amendment flag	FALSE
Document Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
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 common stock shares outstanding		553,627,113

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Sales and other operating revenues:
Trade	$10,871	$11,009	$32,115	$33,461
Related parties	281	264	809	794
Sales revenue net	11,152	11,273	32,924	34,255
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	9,690	9,670	28,339	29,763
Selling, general and administrative expenses	220	236	641	660
Research and development expenses	35	39	106	115
Costs and expenses	9,945	9,945	29,086	30,538
Operating income	1,207	1,328	3,838	3,717
Interest expense	-81	-71	-222	-581
Interest income	5	4	12	10
Other income (expense), net	1	-7	-2	4
Income from continuing operations before equity investments and income taxes	1,132	1,254	3,626	3,150
Income from equity investments	61	32	163	105
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	1,193	1,286	3,789	3,255
Provision for income taxes	339	435	1,106	1,042
Income from continuing operations	854	851	2,683	2,213
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-3	-7	-5	-2
Net income	851	844	2,678	2,211
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	2	2	5	5
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders	$853	$846	$2,683	$2,216
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders - Basic:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.52	$1.48	$4.70	$3.85
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.51	$1.47	$4.69	$3.85
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders - Diluted:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.51	$1.47	$4.67	$3.83
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.50	$1.46	$4.66	$3.83

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$851	$844	$2,678	$2,211
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans:
Prior service cost arising during the period	0	-2	-2	0
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of prior service cost included in net income	1	2	3	2
Reclassification adjustment for net actuarial loss included in net income	7	6	21	18
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	8	6	22	20
Income tax expense	2	2	8	6
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax	6	4	14	14
Foreign currency translations adjustments:
Unrealized net change arising during the period	198	184	94	11
Income tax benefit	-2	0	-4	-1
Foreign currency translations, net of tax	200	184	98	12
Total other comprehensive income	206	188	112	26
Comprehensive income	1,057	1,032	2,790	2,237
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	2	2	5	5
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company shareholders	$1,059	$1,034	$2,795	$2,242

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,414	$2,732
Restricted cash	4	5
Accounts receivable:
Trade, net	3,766	3,720
Related parties	275	184
Inventories	5,382	5,075
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	784	570
Total current assets	14,625	12,286
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,223	7,696
Investments and long-term receivables:
Investment in PO joint ventures	423	397
Equity investments	1,615	1,583
Other investments and long-term receivables	164	383
Goodwill	598	591
Intangible assets, net	934	1,038
Other assets	229	246
Total assets	26,811	24,220
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	1	1
Short-term debt	114	95
Accounts payable:
Trade	2,486	2,440
Related parties	755	845
Accrued liabilities	1,528	1,157
Deferred income taxes	494	558
Total current liabilities	5,378	5,096
Long-term debt	5,774	4,304
Other liabilities	2,278	2,327
Deferred income taxes	1,472	1,314
Commitment and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Ordinary shares, EUR0.04 par value, 1,275 million shares authorized, 557,039,409 and 575,216,709 shares outstanding, respectively	31	31
Additional paid-in capital	10,380	10,351
Retained earnings	3,160	1,274
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-299	-411
Treasury stock, at cost, 21,392,607 and 3,206,033 ordinary shares, respectively	-1,398	-106
Total Company share of stockholders' equity	11,874	11,139
Non-controlling interests	35	40
Total equity	11,909	11,179
Total liabilities and equity	$26,811	$24,220

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (EUR €)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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)	557,039,409	575,216,709
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	21,392,607	3,206,033

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$2,678	$2,211
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	769	717
Asset impairments	0	22
Amortization of debt-related costs	16	52
Equity investments -
Equity income	-163	-105
Distributions of earnings	135	97
Deferred income taxes	172	574
Changes in assets and liabilities that provided (used) cash:
Accounts receivable	-106	-314
Inventories	-282	254
Accounts payable	16	-100
Contributions to pension plans	-147	-133
Income tax refunds	5	291
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-179	-136
Other, net	280	29
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,194	3,459
Cash flows from investing activities:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	-1,201	-727
Restricted cash	2	34
Other	-36	-3
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,235	-696
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares	-1,251	0
Dividends paid	-517	-603
Issuance of long-term debt	1,471	3,000
Repayments of long-term debt	0	-2,679
Payments of debt issuance costs	-23	-53
Other, net	-3	16
Net cash used in financing activities	-323	-319
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	46	18
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,682	2,462
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,732	1,065
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$4,414	$3,527

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Ordinary Shares	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total Stockholders' Equity	Non-controlling Interests
In Millions
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$11,179	$31	($106)	$10,351	$1,274	($411)	$11,139	$40
Net income (loss)	2,678	0	0	0	2,683	0	2,683	-5
Other comprehensive income	112	0	0	0	0	112	112	0
Share-based compensation		0	11	29	0	0	40	0
Dividends ($1.40 per share)	-517	0	0	0	-797	0	-797	0
Repurchase of Company ordinary shares		0	-1,303	0	0	0	-1,303	0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$11,909	$31	($1,398)	$10,380	$3,160	($299)	$11,874	$35

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc1

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$1.40

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	1.       Basis of Presentation
	LyondellBasell Industries N.V., together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively “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 and other chemicals. When we use the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar words, unless the context otherwise requires, we are referring to LyondellBasell N.V.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared from the books and records of LyondellBasell N.V. in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-1 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2013.

Accounting_and_Reporting_Chang

Accounting and Reporting Changes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting and Reporting Changes [Abstract]
Accounting and Reporting Changes [Text Block]	2.       Accounting and Reporting Changes
	Recently Adopted Guidance
	Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities—In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This ASU requires entities to provide disclosures to reconcile differences in the offsetting requirements under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The new disclosure requirements mandate that entities disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position, as well as instruments similar to a master netting arrangement. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of collateral received and posted in connection with master netting agreements or similar arrangements. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which clarifies the scope of the offsetting disclosures required by ASU 2011-11, which was effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required. The adoption of this amendment did not materially impact the presentation of our consolidated financial statements.
	Comprehensive Income—In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either in the financial statements or in the accompanying footnotes, amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income. For public entities, this ASU was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. See Note 15 for the disclosures required by this ASU.
	Derivatives and Hedging—In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force), which permits the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (OIS) as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to the interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government (UST) and the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The amendments in this update also remove the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The ASU was effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Adopted as of September 30, 2013
	Obligations from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements—In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 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 exists. The guidance also requires entities to disclose the nature, amount and other information about those obligations. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the presentation of our consolidated financial statements.
	Cumulative Translation Adjustments—In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. This ASU requires the release of cumulative translation adjustments into net income when a reporting entity sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity, if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Prospective application of this ASU is required and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on 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 NOL 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 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective presentation is permitted but not required. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations [Text Block]	3.       Discontinued Operations
	The amounts included in Loss from discontinued operations of the Berre refinery are summarized as follows:
					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
					September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars				2013		2012		2013		2012
	Sales and other operating revenues				$	1	$	56	$	9	$	243
	Loss from discontinued operations
		before income taxes			$	-3	$	-8	$	-5	$	-17
	Benefit from income taxes					0		-1		0		-15
	Loss from discontinued operations,
		net of tax			$	-3	$	-7	$	-5	$	-2
	Loss from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes a $9 million benefit related to the liquidation of LIFO-valued inventory. Benefits related to the liquidation of LIFO-valued inventory of $16 million and $65 million, respectively, are included in loss from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of the Berre refinery that are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These amounts were derived from historical financial information and adjusted to exclude intercompany receivables and payables between the Berre refinery and other subsidiaries of the Company.
					September 30,		December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2013		2012
	Current assets related to discontinued operations:
		Accounts receivable trade, net			$	1	$	16
		Inventories				6		34
			Total current assets related to discontinued operations		$	7	$	50
	Current liabilities related to discontinued operations:
		Accounts payable trade			$	4	$	19
		Accrued liabilities				9		21
			Total current liabilities related to discontinued operations		$	13	$	40
	Long-term liabilities related to discontinued operations:
		Other liabilities			$	42	$	48
			Total long-term liabilities related to discontinued operations		$	42	$	48
	Future cash outflows will occur for activities associated with exit or disposal activities and for payments made to severed employees. Exit and disposal related costs are expected to be incurred through the end of 2013. Payments to the affected employees are expected to be substantially complete by 2019.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the accrual for the social plan for employees affected by the closure of the Berre refinery.
			Nine Months Ended
			September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012
	Beginning balance		$	59	$	130
	Accretion expense			3		0
	Cash payments			-16		-33
	Adjustment for change in estimates			-5		-23
	Effect of exchange rate changes			2		-2
	Ending balance		$	43	$	72

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable [Text Block]	4.       Accounts Receivable
	Our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, which is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction of accounts receivable, totaled $41 million and $29 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories [Text Block]	5.       Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following components:
			September 30,		December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012
	Finished goods		$	3,309	$	3,194
	Work-in-process			299		266
	Raw materials and supplies			1,774		1,615
		Total inventories	$	5,382	$	5,075

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangibles Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets [Text Block]	6.       Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets
	The components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation are as follows:
				September 30,		December 31,
	Millions of dollars			2013		2012
	Land			$	309	$	304
	Manufacturing facilities and equipment				9,239		8,335
	Construction in progress				1,216		987
		Total property, plant and equipment			10,764		9,626
	Less accumulated depreciation				-2,541		-1,930
		Property, plant and equipment, net		$	8,223	$	7,696
	Depreciation and amortization expense is summarized as follows:
				Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Property, plant and equipment			$	224	$	192	$	644	$	585
	Investment in PO joint ventures				7		7		22		22
	Emission allowances				17		17		51		51
	Various contracts				10		13		36		38
	In-process research and development costs				2		3		7		9
	Software costs				2		4		8		12
	Other				0		0		1		0
			Total depreciation and amortization	$	262	$	236	$	769	$	717
	Asset Retirement Obligations―The liabilities recognized for all asset retirement obligations were $102 million and $106 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Investment_in_PO_Joint_Venture

Investment in PO Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investment in PO Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment in PO Joint Ventures [Text Block]	7.       Investment in PO Joint Ventures
	Changes in our investments in the U.S. and European PO joint ventures for 2013 and 2012 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, 2013		$	262	$	135	$	397
		Cash contributions		27		16		43
		Depreciation and amortization		-16		-6		-22
		Effect of exchange rate changes		0		5		5
	Investments in PO joint ventures - September 30, 2013		$	273	$	150	$	423
	Investments in PO joint ventures - January 1, 2012		$	274	$	138	$	412
		Cash contributions		6		9		15
		Depreciation and amortization		-16		-6		-22
	Investments in PO joint ventures - September 30, 2012		$	264	$	141	$	405

Equity_Investments

Equity Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Investments [Abstract]
Equity Investments [Text Block]	8.       Equity Investments
	The changes in our equity investments are as follows:
					Nine Months Ended
					September 30,
	Millions of dollars				2013			2012
	Beginning balance				$	1,583		$	1,559
	Income from equity investments					163			105
	Distributions of earnings					-135			-97
	Contributions to joint ventures					0			8
	Currency exchange effects					4			-2
	Other					0			8
	Ending balance				$	1,615		$	1,581
	Summarized income statement information and our share of our investments accounted for under the equity method are set forth below:
				Three Months Ended September 30,
				2013						2012
							Company						Company
	Millions of dollars			100%			Share			100%			Share
	Revenues			$	2,791		$	906		$	2,489		$	831
	Cost of sales				-2,422			-804			-2,237			-751
		Gross profit			369			102			252			80
	Net operating expenses				-40			-15			-82			-26
		Operating income			329			87			170			54
	Interest income				1			0			1			1
	Interest expense				-57			-15			-61			-15
	Foreign currency translation				2			1			-5			0
	Other income				11			3			10			3
		Income before income taxes			286			76			115			43
	Provision for income taxes				57			15			31			11
		Net income		$	229		$	61		$	84		$	32
						Nine Months Ended September 30,
						2013						2012
									Company						Company
	Millions of dollars					100%			Share			100%			Share
	Revenues					$	8,385		$	2,721		$	8,121		$	2,719
	Cost of sales						-7,308			-2,420			-7,332			-2,472
			Gross profit				1,077			301			789			247
	Net operating expenses						-185			-64			-221			-78
			Operating income				892			237			568			169
	Interest income						4			1			4			2
	Interest expense						-182			-46			-188			-47
	Foreign currency translation						2			1			16			6
	Other income						20			6			14			4
			Income before income taxes				736			199			414			134
	Provision for income taxes						133			36			83			29
			Net income			$	603		$	163		$	331		$	105

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt [Abstract]
Debt [Text Block]	9.       Debt
	Long-term loans, notes and other long-term debt consisted of the following:
			September 30,			December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2013			2012
	Senior Notes due 2019, $2,000 million, 5.0%		$	2,000		$	2,000
	Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0%			1,000			1,000
	Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4% ($10 million of discount)			740			0
	Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75%			1,000			1,000
	Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1%			300			300
	Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($22 million of discount)			728			0
	Other			7			5
		Total		5,775			4,305
	Less current maturities			-1			-1
		Long-term debt	$	5,774		$	4,304
	Short-term loans, notes, and other short-term debt consisted of the following:
				September 30,			December 31,
	Millions of dollars			2013			2012
	$2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility			$	0		$	0
	$1,000 million U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility				0			0
	€450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility				0			0
	Financial payables to equity investees				8			9
	Precious metal financings				106			74
	Other				0			12
		Total short-term debt		$	114		$	95
	Long-Term Debt
	In July 2013, 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 $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.
	The indenture governing these notes contains limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur secured indebtedness, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. The restrictions on secured indebtedness and sale and lease-back covenants contain exceptions that will allow us and our subsidiaries to incur liens with respect to material assets.
	The notes may be redeemed or repaid at any time and from time to time prior to maturity at an amount equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and repaid, 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.
	Short-Term Debt
	Senior Revolving Credit Facility―In May 2013, we extended the term of our existing $2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility for one year until May 2018 pursuant to an extension agreement.
	U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility―Our U.S. accounts receivable securitization facility provides for up to $1,000 million of liquidity through the sale or contribution of trade receivables by certain of our U.S. subsidiaries to a wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary on an ongoing basis and without recourse. The bankruptcy-remote subsidiary may, at its option and subject to a borrowing base of eligible receivables, sell undivided interests in the pool of trade receivables to financial institutions participating in the facility. We retain responsibility for servicing the receivables. 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. The facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to $200 million. At September 30, 2013, availability under this facility was $965 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.
	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―At September 30, 2013 and 2012, our weighted average interest rates on outstanding short-term debt were 1.1% and 3.5%, respectively.
	Debt Discount and Issuance Costs Included in Interest Expense
	Amortization of debt discounts and debt issuance costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 resulted in amortization expense of $16 million and $52 million, respectively, which is included in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 includes a $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 facility during that period.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Financial instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments [Text Block]	10.       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. Since the duration of our derivative contracts are typically short, we have chosen not to elect hedge accounting, and therefore, changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in earnings.
	Commodity Prices―We are exposed to commodity price volatility related to anticipated purchases of natural gas, 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 operations in numerous countries. 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 the 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 September 30, 2013, foreign currency forward contracts in the notional amount of $61 million, maturing in October 2013 through December 2013, were outstanding.
	Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)―Other income (expense), net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income reflected a gain of $1 million and a loss of $3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and losses of $6 million and $15 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	Derivatives―The following table summarizes financial instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Refer to Note 11, Fair Value Measurement, for additional information regarding the fair value of derivative financial instruments.
						September 30, 2013				31-Dec-12
					Balance Sheet	Notional		Fair		Notional		Fair
	Millions of dollars				Classification	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets–
		Derivatives:
			Commodities		Prepaid expenses	$	32	$	1	$	134	$	6
					and other
					current assets
			Embedded derivatives		Prepaid expenses		106		25		59		5
					and other
					current assets
			Foreign currency		Prepaid expenses		36		0		772		9
					and other
					current assets
						$	174	$	26	$	965	$	20
	Liabilities–
		Derivatives:
			Commodities		Accrued liabilities	$	156	$	3	$	94	$	7
			Foreign currency		Accrued liabilities		25		0		192		1
						$	181	$	3	$	286	$	8
	The following table summarizes the pretax effect of derivative instruments charged directly to income:
				Effect of Financial Instruments
				Three Months Ended September 30, 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		$	0	$	0	$	-2	Cost of sales
		Embedded derivatives			0		0		-5	Cost of sales
										Other income
		Foreign currency			0		0		20	(expense), net
				$	0	$	0	$	13
				Three Months Ended September 30, 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:
										Other income
		Warrants		$	0	$	0	$	-1	(expense), net
		Commodities			0		0		-36	Cost of sales
										Other income
		Foreign currency			0		0		-3	(expense), net
				$	0	$	0	$	-40
				Effect of Financial Instruments
				Nine Months Ended September 30, 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		$	0	$	0	$	-10	Cost of sales
		Embedded derivatives			0		0		22	Cost of sales
		Foreign currency			0		0		5	Other income
										(expense), net
				$	0	$	0	$	17
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 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		$	0	$	0	$	-63	Cost of sales
	Warrants			0		0		-11	Other income
									(expense), net
	Foreign currency			0		0		-23	Other income
									(expense), net
			$	0	$	0	$	-97

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement [Text Block]	11.       Fair Value Measurement
	The following table presents the derivative financial instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
						September 30, 2013
						Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets–
			Derivatives:
				Commodities		$	1		$	1		$	0	$	0
				Embedded derivatives			25			0			25		0
						$	26		$	1		$	25	$	0
	Liabilities–
			Derivatives:
				Commodities		$	3		$	3		$	0	$	0
						$	3		$	3		$	0	$	0
						31-Dec-12
						Fair
	Assets–					Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
			Derivatives:
				Commodities		$	6		$	1		$	5	$	0
				Embedded derivatives			5			0			5		0
				Foreign currency			9			0			9		0
						$	20		$	1		$	19	$	0
	Liabilities–
			Derivatives:
				Commodities		$	7		$	7		$	0	$	0
				Foreign currency			1			0			1		0
						$	8		$	7		$	1	$	0
	There were no derivative financial instruments measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of our non-derivative financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Short-term and long-term debt are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying and fair values of short-term and long-term debt exclude capital leases.
						September 30, 2013
						Carrying			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Short-term debt					$	114		$	89		$	0	$	81	$	8
	Long-term debt						5,771			6,320			0		6,317		3
	Short-term and long-term debt,
		including current maturities				$	5,885		$	6,409		$	0	$	6,398	$	11
						31-Dec-12
						Carrying			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Short-term debt					$	95		$	95		$	0	$	74	$	21
	Long-term debt						4,300			4,935			0		4,935		0
	Short-term and long-term debt,
		including current maturities				$	4,395		$	5,030		$	0	$	5,009	$	21
	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 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:
	Derivatives—The fair value of our commodity derivatives and embedded derivatives are 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. The fair value of our foreign currency derivatives is based on forward market rates.
	Long-Term Debt—Fair value is calculated based on non-binding broker quotes obtained from well-established and recognized vendors of market data for debt valuations.
	Short-Term Debt—Fair values of short-term borrowings related to precious metal financing arrangements are determined in part based on the future price of the associated precious metal.
	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.
		September 30, 2012
	Millions of dollars	Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Property, plant and equipment (held and used)	$	6		$	0		$	0		$	6
	In accordance with ASC 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment, property, plant and equipment (held and used) 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 nine months ended September 30, 2012. This asset impairment is related to damage to our LDPE plant in Wesseling, Germany resulting from an explosion in the reactor bay.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits [Text Block]	12.       Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits
	Net periodic pension benefits included the following cost components for the periods presented:
			U.S. Plans
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost		$	10	$	11	$	32	$	34
	Interest cost			20		20		60		59
	Expected return on plan assets			-33		-30		-99		-89
	Actuarial and investment loss amortization			7		7		20		17
		Net periodic benefit costs	$	4	$	8	$	13	$	21
			Non-U.S. Plans
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost		$	8	$	7	$	33	$	24
	Interest cost			10		12		31		37
	Expected return on plan assets			-5		-6		-16		-19
	Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss			-1		- -		1		- -
	Prior service cost amortization			1		1		3		2
		Net periodic benefit costs	$	13	$	14	$	52	$	44
	Net periodic other post-retirement benefits included the following cost components for the periods presented:
			U.S. Plans
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost		$	2	$	2	$	4	$	4
	Interest cost			3		3		9		10
	Actuarial loss amortization			- -		- -		1		1
		Net periodic benefit costs	$	5	$	5	$	14	$	15
			Non-U.S. Plans
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost		$	1	$	- -	$	1	$	- -
	Interest cost			- -		- -		1		- -
		Net periodic benefit costs	$	1	$	- -	$	2	$	- -
	The Company contributed $147 million to its pension plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which consisted of $86 million and $61 million to its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans, respectively. We expect an additional $16 million of contributions to our non-U.S defined benefit plans in 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	13.       Income Taxes
	Our effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 was 28.4% compared with 33.8% for the third quarter of 2012. For the first nine months of 2013, our effective income tax rate was 29.2% compared with 32.0% for the first nine months of 2012. Our effective tax rate fluctuates based on, among other factors, changes in pretax income in countries with varying statutory tax rates, the U.S. domestic production activity deduction, changes in valuation allowances and changes in unrecognized tax benefits. Compared with the third quarter of 2012, the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 was lower primarily due to the recognition of certain previously unrecognized tax benefits and an increase in the U.S. domestic production activity deduction, which was partially offset by changes in valuation allowances. Compared with the nine months of 2012, the effective tax rate for the nine months of 2013 was lower primarily due to the recognition of certain previously unrecognized tax benefits and an increase in the U.S. domestic production activity deduction, which was partially offset by changes in valuation allowances.
	With the migration of the tax domicile of the group's parent company, LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (“LYB”), to the U.K., discussed more fully below, we determined that certain Dutch tax losses would require a valuation allowance. The resulting increase in the effective tax rate related to the valuation allowance on the Dutch tax losses was partially offset with a release of the valuation allowance on financial earnings of the French operations for the first nine months of 2013. Although our French operations were profitable for 2012, these operations had a cumulative three year book loss and are expected to generate tax losses in 2013. These negative circumstances preclude a determination that it is more likely than not that any of the remaining deferred tax asset would be realized. We continue to closely monitor positive and negative evidence supporting the realization, or lack thereof, of the French deferred tax asset associated with its cumulative tax losses. As business and economic conditions related to our French operations change, and as we wind down our discontinued operations associated with the Berre Refinery in 2013, it is possible that part, or all, of the deferred tax asset on our French operations could become realizable in the next twelve to twenty-four months.
	In May 2013, we announced the planned migration of LYB's tax domicile from The Netherlands, where LYB is incorporated, to the U.K. On August 28, 2013, the Dutch and U.K. competent authorities completed a mutual agreement procedure and issued a ruling that as of July 1, 2013 LYB should be treated solely as a tax resident in the U.K. and is subject to the U.K. corporate income tax system. Dividend distributions by LYB to its shareholders will not be subject to withholding tax, as the U.K. currently does not levy a withholding tax on dividend distributions. We do not expect a significant impact on LYB's income tax liabilities other than with respect to the realization of certain tax loss carryforwards in The Netherlands, described above. LYB's U.K. tax residency provides us flexibility in structuring subsidiary operations and enhanced financial flexibility for global cash management and repatriation strategies. Additionally, the general U.K. corporate income tax rate is currently lower than The Netherlands corporate tax rate (23% vs. 25%) and is scheduled to become more favorable in 2014 and 2015 (when the U.K. rate is scheduled to decrease to 21% and 20%, respectively). Such difference is not expected to provide significant reductions in our tax liabilities.
	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. LYB 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, 2012 of $1.3 billion consists almost entirely of the income taxes owed by LYB's subsidiaries.
	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.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	14.       Commitments and Contingencies
	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 $123 million and $126 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. At September 30, 2013, the accrued liabilities for individual sites range from less than $1 million to $23 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:”
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	Millions of dollars	2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	126	$	120
	Additional provisions		0		12
	Amounts paid		-5		-7
	Foreign exchange effects		2		0
	Ending balance	$	123	$	125
	Access Indemnity Demand―In December 2010, one of our subsidiaries received demand letters from affiliates of Access Industries (collectively, “Access”), 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 them 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 affiliates 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” $723,000 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 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 September 30, 2013, 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.
	In addition, at the time of Basell's formation in 2005, Basell entered into agreements with Shell and BASF whereby they agreed to indemnify Basell and its successors (including the Company) for a significant portion of the potential obligations that could arise with respect to costs relating to contamination at various sites. These indemnity obligations are currently in dispute. Also, the agreements involving the purchase of the Berre cracker and Berre refinery include similar indemnities from Shell to Basell and its successors. These indemnity obligations are also currently in dispute.
	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.
	Other—As disclosed in prior filings, we previously identified an agreement related to a former project in Kazakhstan under which a payment was made that raises compliance concerns under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”). We engaged outside counsel to investigate these activities, under the oversight of the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board, and to evaluate internal controls and compliance policies and procedures. In this respect, we may not have conducted business in compliance with the FCPA and may not have had policies and procedures in place adequate to ensure compliance. We made a voluntary disclosure of these matters to the U.S. Department of Justice in 2010 and continue to cooperate fully with that agency. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters at this time since our investigations are ongoing. Therefore, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of liability for any potential penalty resulting from these matters. Violations of these laws could result in criminal and civil liabilities and other forms of relief that could be material to us.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity [Text Block]	15.       Stockholders' Equity
	Dividend distribution―The following table presents the dividends paid in the periods presented:
		Dividend Per			Aggregate
		Ordinary			Dividends
	Millions of dollars, except per share amounts	Share			Paid			Date of Record
	March	$	0.4		$	229		25-Feb-13
	June		0.5			288		3-Jun-13
		$	0.9		$	517
	On September 23, 2013, our Management Board declared an interim dividend of $0.50 per ordinary share to be paid on October 7, 2013 to shareholders of record on September 23, 2013. Accordingly, the accrued dividend payments of $280 million have been charged to retained earnings.
	Share Repurchase Program—In May 2013, our Supervisory Board announced a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to 10% of our outstanding ordinary shares through May 21, 2014. 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. As of September 30, 2013, we have repurchased approximately 19 million shares for $1,303 million at an average price of $68.93 per share, including commissions. Due to the timing of settlements, total cash paid for these share repurchases through September 30, 2013 was $1,251 million.
	Ordinary shares—The changes in the outstanding amounts of ordinary shares issued are as follows:
				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,
				2013		2012
	Ordinary shares outstanding:
		Beginning balance		575,216,709		573,390,514
		Share-based compensation		691,183		1,169,884
		Warrants exercised		7,666		620,520
		Employee stock purchase plan		19,952		0
		Purchase of ordinary shares		-18,896,101		0
		Ending balance		557,039,409		575,180,918
	Ordinary shares held as treasury shares:
		Beginning balance		3,206,033		4,051,013
		Warrants exercised		1,608		271,885
		Share-based compensation		-691,183		-1,169,884
		Employee stock purchase plan		-19,952		0
		Purchase of ordinary shares		18,896,101		0
		Ending balance		21,392,607		3,153,014
	Ordinary shares issued at end of period			578,432,016		578,333,932
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss—The components of, and after-tax changes in, Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are presented in the following table:
					Defined Benefit
					Pension			Foreign
					and Other			Currency
					Postretirement			Translations
	Millions of dollars				Benefit Plans			Adjustments			Total
	Balance – January 1, 2013				$	-422		$	11		$	-411
			Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-2			98			96
			Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
				comprehensive loss		16			0			16
			Net other comprehensive income			14			98			112
	Balance – September 30, 2013				$	-408		$	109		$	-299
	The amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
							Three Months			Nine Months			Affected line item on the
							Ended			Ended			Consolidated
	Millions of dollars						30-Sep-13			30-Sep-13			Statements of Income
	Amortization of defined benefit pension
		and other postretirement plan items:
			Prior service cost				$	1		$	3		(a)
			Actuarial loss					7			21		(a)
			Defined benefit pension and other
				postretirement benefit plans
				reclassifications, before tax				8			24
			Income tax expense					2			8		Provision for income taxes
			Defined benefit pension and other
				postretirement benefit plans
				reclassifications, net of tax			$	6		$	16
	These Accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other post-retirement benefit costs (see Note 12).

Per_Share_Data

Per Share Data	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Per Share Data [Abstract]
Per Share Data [Text Block]	16.       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 option awards and other equity-based compensation awards. We have unvested restricted stock and 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:
					Three Months Ended September 30,
					2013				2012
					Continuing		Discontinued		Continuing		Discontinued
	Millions of dollars				Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations
	Net income (loss)				$	854	$	-3	$	851	$	-7
	Less: net loss attributable to
		non-controlling interests				2		0		2		0
	Net income (loss) attributable to the
		Company shareholders				856		-3		853		-7
	Net income attributable to
		participating securities				-2		0		-4		0
	Net income (loss) attributable to
		ordinary shareholders –
		basic and diluted			$	854	$	-3	$	849	$	-7
	Millions of shares
	Basic weighted average common stock
		outstanding				563		563		573		573
			Effect of dilutive securities:
				MTI		0		0		1		1
				Stock options		4		4		3		3
	Potential dilutive shares					567		567		577		577
	Earnings (loss) per share:
			Basic		$	1.52	$	-0.01	$	1.48	$	-0.01
			Diluted		$	1.51	$	-0.01	$	1.47	$	-0.01
	Millions of shares
	Participating securities					1.7		1.7		3.3		3.3
	Dividends declared per share of
		common stock			$	0.5	$	0	$	0.4	$	0
					Nine Months Ended September 30,
					2013				2012
					Continuing		Discontinued		Continuing		Discontinued
	Millions of dollars				Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations
	Net income (loss)				$	2,683	$	-5	$	2,213	$	-2
	Less: net loss attributable to
		non-controlling interests				5		0		5		0
	Net income (loss) attributable to the
		Company shareholders				2,688		-5		2,218		-2
	Net income attributable to
		participating securities				-8		0		-10		0
	Net income (loss) attributable to
		ordinary shareholders –
		basic and diluted			$	2,680	$	-5	$	2,208	$	-2
	Millions of shares
	Basic weighted average common stock
		outstanding				571		571		573		573
			Effect of dilutive securities:
				MTI		0		0		1		1
				Stock options		4		4		3		3
	Potential dilutive shares					575		575		577		577
	Earnings (loss) per share:
			Basic		$	4.7	$	-0.01	$	3.85	$	0
			Diluted		$	4.67	$	-0.01	$	3.83	$	0
	Millions of shares
	Participating securities					1.7		1.7		3.3		3.3
	Dividends declared per share of
		common stock			$	1.4	$	0	$	1.05	$	0

Segment_and_Related_Informatio

Segment and Related Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment and Related Information [Abstract]
Segment and Related Information [Text Block]
	17.       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 under a structure that includes senior executives who report directly to our Chief Executive Officer and discrete financial information for each of the segments is available. Our Chief Executive Officer uses the operating results of each of the five operating segments for performance evaluation and resource allocation and, as such, is the chief operating decision maker. 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 polypropylene compounds.
	Intermediates and Derivatives (“I&D”). Our I&D segment produces and markets propylene oxide (“PO”) and its co-products and derivatives, acetyls, ethanol, ethylene oxide (“EO”) and its derivatives, and oxygenated fuels, or oxyfuels.
	Refining. Our Refining segment refines heavy, high-sulfur crude oils and other crude oils of varied types and sources on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
	Technology. Our Technology segment develops and licenses chemical and polyolefin process technologies and manufactures and sells polyolefin catalysts.
	Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments is shown in the following table for the periods presented:
				Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
				O&P–		O&P–
	Millions of dollars			Americas		EAI		I&D		Refining		Technology		Other		Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	2,271	$	3,532	$	2,423	$	2,835	$	91	$	0	$	11,152
			Intersegment		1,044		62		29		342		33		-1,510		0
					3,315		3,594		2,452		3,177		124		-1,510		11,152
	Operating income (loss)				759		78		371		-37		35		1		1,207
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			73		78		50		45		16		0		262
	Other income (expense)				2		0		0		0		1		-2		1
	Income from equity
		investments			7		48		6		0		0		0		61
				Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
				O&P–		O&P–
	Millions of dollars			Americas		EAI		I&D		Refining		Technology		Other		Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	2,189	$	3,387	$	2,521	$	3,080	$	93	$	3	$	11,273
			Intersegment		1,028		61		116		192		31		-1,428		0
					3,217		3,448		2,637		3,272		124		-1,425		11,273
	Operating income				738		15		424		114		31		6		1,328
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			69		63		49		36		18		1		236
	Other income (expense)				0		1		0		0		0		-8		-7
	Income from equity
		investments			7		23		2		0		0		0		32
				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
				O&P –		O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas		EAI		I&D		Refining		Technology		Other		Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	6,890	$	10,943	$	6,836	$	7,953	$	302	$	0	$	32,924
			Intersegment		2,920		159		115		769		88		-4,051		0
					9,810		11,102		6,951		8,722		390		-4,051		32,924
	Operating income (loss)				2,452		360		979		-70		124		-7		3,838
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			217		231		148		118		53		2		769
	Other income (expense)				2		0		0		0		0		-4		-2
	Income from equity
		investments			19		133		11		0		0		0		163
				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
				O&P –		O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas		EAI		I&D		Refining		Technology		Other		Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	6,776	$	10,687	$	7,108	$	9,402	$	268	$	14	$	34,255
			Intersegment		3,073		234		299		569		90		-4,265		0
					9,849		10,921		7,407		9,971		358		-4,251		34,255
	Operating income				1,957		221		1,184		248		99		8		3,717
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			205		201		144		111		55		1		717
	Other income (expense)				11		8		0		-1		1		-15		4
	Income (loss) from
	equity investments		17			92		-4		0		0		0		105
Sales and other operating revenues and operating income in the “Other” column above include elimination of intersegment transactions.
Operating results for our O&P–Americas segment in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 include charges of $54 million and $135 million, respectively, related to the interim liquidation of LIFO inventory. Inventory levels, which were increased in the fourth quarter 2011 in preparation for a turnaround at our Channelview, Texas facility, decreased during the first nine months of 2012 following the commencement of the turnaround.
Third quarter 2012 operating results for the O&P–Americas segment also include a $71 million non-cash benefit from the reversal of the $71 million second quarter 2012 lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment due to the recovery of market price.
The O&P–EAI segment operating results for the first nine months of 2012 include a $22 million impairment charge related to damage sustained at our LDPE plant in Wesseling, Germany resulting from an explosion in a reactor bay. In addition, O&P–EAI segment operating results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 included $22 million of charges associated with closure costs for facilities in Australia and Italy.
Refining segment's operating results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 included benefits totaling $10 million related to the resolution of property tax assessments for the three year period beginning 2011. The Refining segment's operating results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 also included benefits of $5 million and $10 million, respectively, for recoveries and a settlement associated with a former employee who pled guilty to fraud in 2010. A $24 million recovery related to this same matter was included in operating income for the third quarter of 2012.
Operating results for the first nine months of 2012 include 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.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued operations [Table Text Block]	The amounts included in Loss from discontinued operations of the Berre refinery are summarized as follows:
					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
					September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars				2013		2012		2013		2012
	Sales and other operating revenues				$	1	$	56	$	9	$	243
	Loss from discontinued operations
		before income taxes			$	-3	$	-8	$	-5	$	-17
	Benefit from income taxes					0		-1		0		-15
	Loss from discontinued operations,
		net of tax			$	-3	$	-7	$	-5	$	-2
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of the Berre refinery that are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These amounts were derived from historical financial information and adjusted to exclude intercompany receivables and payables between the Berre refinery and other subsidiaries of the Company.
					September 30,		December 31,
	Millions of dollars				2013		2012
	Current assets related to discontinued operations:
		Accounts receivable trade, net			$	1	$	16
		Inventories				6		34
			Total current assets related to discontinued operations		$	7	$	50
	Current liabilities related to discontinued operations:
		Accounts payable trade			$	4	$	19
		Accrued liabilities				9		21
			Total current liabilities related to discontinued operations		$	13	$	40
	Long-term liabilities related to discontinued operations:
		Other liabilities			$	42	$	48
			Total long-term liabilities related to discontinued operations		$	42	$	48
	The following table summarizes the changes in the accrual for the social plan for employees affected by the closure of the Berre refinery.
			Nine Months Ended
			September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012
	Beginning balance		$	59	$	130
	Accretion expense			3		0
	Cash payments			-16		-33
	Adjustment for change in estimates			-5		-23
	Effect of exchange rate changes			2		-2
	Ending balance		$	43	$	72

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of inventory, current [Table Text Block]	Inventories consisted of the following components:
			September 30,		December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012
	Finished goods		$	3,309	$	3,194
	Work-in-process			299		266
	Raw materials and supplies			1,774		1,615
		Total inventories	$	5,382	$	5,075

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a1

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation [Table Text Block]	The components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation are as follows:
				September 30,		December 31,
	Millions of dollars			2013		2012
	Land			$	309	$	304
	Manufacturing facilities and equipment				9,239		8,335
	Construction in progress				1,216		987
		Total property, plant and equipment			10,764		9,626
	Less accumulated depreciation				-2,541		-1,930
		Property, plant and equipment, net		$	8,223	$	7,696
Depreciation and amortization by major asset class [Table Text Block]	Depreciation and amortization expense is summarized as follows:
				Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Property, plant and equipment			$	224	$	192	$	644	$	585
	Investment in PO joint ventures				7		7		22		22
	Emission allowances				17		17		51		51
	Various contracts				10		13		36		38
	In-process research and development costs				2		3		7		9
	Software costs				2		4		8		12
	Other				0		0		1		0
			Total depreciation and amortization	$	262	$	236	$	769	$	717

Investment_in_PO_Joint_Venture1

Investment in PO Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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 2013 and 2012 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, 2013		$	262	$	135	$	397
		Cash contributions		27		16		43
		Depreciation and amortization		-16		-6		-22
		Effect of exchange rate changes		0		5		5
	Investments in PO joint ventures - September 30, 2013		$	273	$	150	$	423
	Investments in PO joint ventures - January 1, 2012		$	274	$	138	$	412
		Cash contributions		6		9		15
		Depreciation and amortization		-16		-6		-22
	Investments in PO joint ventures - September 30, 2012		$	264	$	141	$	405

Equity_Investments_Tables

Equity Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in equity investments [Table Text Block]	The changes in our equity investments are as follows:
					Nine Months Ended
					September 30,
	Millions of dollars				2013			2012
	Beginning balance				$	1,583		$	1,559
	Income from equity investments					163			105
	Distributions of earnings					-135			-97
	Contributions to joint ventures					0			8
	Currency exchange effects					4			-2
	Other					0			8
	Ending balance				$	1,615		$	1,581
Schedule of income statement information of equity method investments [Table Text Block]	Summarized income statement information and our share of our investments accounted for under the equity method are set forth below:
				Three Months Ended September 30,
				2013						2012
							Company						Company
	Millions of dollars			100%			Share			100%			Share
	Revenues			$	2,791		$	906		$	2,489		$	831
	Cost of sales				-2,422			-804			-2,237			-751
		Gross profit			369			102			252			80
	Net operating expenses				-40			-15			-82			-26
		Operating income			329			87			170			54
	Interest income				1			0			1			1
	Interest expense				-57			-15			-61			-15
	Foreign currency translation				2			1			-5			0
	Other income				11			3			10			3
		Income before income taxes			286			76			115			43
	Provision for income taxes				57			15			31			11
		Net income		$	229		$	61		$	84		$	32
						Nine Months Ended September 30,
						2013						2012
									Company						Company
	Millions of dollars					100%			Share			100%			Share
	Revenues					$	8,385		$	2,721		$	8,121		$	2,719
	Cost of sales						-7,308			-2,420			-7,332			-2,472
			Gross profit				1,077			301			789			247
	Net operating expenses						-185			-64			-221			-78
			Operating income				892			237			568			169
	Interest income						4			1			4			2
	Interest expense						-182			-46			-188			-47
	Foreign currency translation						2			1			16			6
	Other income						20			6			14			4
			Income before income taxes				736			199			414			134
	Provision for income taxes						133			36			83			29
			Net income			$	603		$	163		$	331		$	105

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt [Table Text Block]	Long-term loans, notes and other long-term debt consisted of the following:
			September 30,			December 31,
	Millions of dollars		2013			2012
	Senior Notes due 2019, $2,000 million, 5.0%		$	2,000		$	2,000
	Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0%			1,000			1,000
	Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4% ($10 million of discount)			740			0
	Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75%			1,000			1,000
	Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1%			300			300
	Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($22 million of discount)			728			0
	Other			7			5
		Total		5,775			4,305
	Less current maturities			-1			-1
		Long-term debt	$	5,774		$	4,304
Schedule of short-term debt [Table Text Block]	Short-term loans, notes, and other short-term debt consisted of the following:
				September 30,			December 31,
	Millions of dollars			2013			2012
	$2,000 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility			$	0		$	0
	$1,000 million U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility				0			0
	€450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility				0			0
	Financial payables to equity investees				8			9
	Precious metal financings				106			74
	Other				0			12
		Total short-term debt		$	114		$	95

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Financial instruments [Abstract]
Summary of fair value of outstanding financial instruments [Table Text Block]	Derivatives―The following table summarizes financial instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Refer to Note 11, Fair Value Measurement, for additional information regarding the fair value of derivative financial instruments.
						September 30, 2013				31-Dec-12
					Balance Sheet	Notional		Fair		Notional		Fair
	Millions of dollars				Classification	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets–
		Derivatives:
			Commodities		Prepaid expenses	$	32	$	1	$	134	$	6
					and other
					current assets
			Embedded derivatives		Prepaid expenses		106		25		59		5
					and other
					current assets
			Foreign currency		Prepaid expenses		36		0		772		9
					and other
					current assets
						$	174	$	26	$	965	$	20
	Liabilities–
		Derivatives:
			Commodities		Accrued liabilities	$	156	$	3	$	94	$	7
			Foreign currency		Accrued liabilities		25		0		192		1
						$	181	$	3	$	286	$	8
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
				Three Months Ended September 30, 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		$	0	$	0	$	-2	Cost of sales
		Embedded derivatives			0		0		-5	Cost of sales
										Other income
		Foreign currency			0		0		20	(expense), net
				$	0	$	0	$	13
				Three Months Ended September 30, 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:
										Other income
		Warrants		$	0	$	0	$	-1	(expense), net
		Commodities			0		0		-36	Cost of sales
										Other income
		Foreign currency			0		0		-3	(expense), net
				$	0	$	0	$	-40
				Effect of Financial Instruments
				Nine Months Ended September 30, 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		$	0	$	0	$	-10	Cost of sales
		Embedded derivatives			0		0		22	Cost of sales
		Foreign currency			0		0		5	Other income
										(expense), net
				$	0	$	0	$	17
				Nine Months Ended September 30, 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		$	0	$	0	$	-63	Cost of sales
		Warrants			0		0		-11	Other income
										(expense), net
		Foreign currency			0		0		-23	Other income
										(expense), net
				$	0	$	0	$	-97

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Schedule of derivative financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the derivative financial instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
						September 30, 2013
						Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets–
			Derivatives:
				Commodities		$	1		$	1		$	0	$	0
				Embedded derivatives			25			0			25		0
						$	26		$	1		$	25	$	0
	Liabilities–
			Derivatives:
				Commodities		$	3		$	3		$	0	$	0
						$	3		$	3		$	0	$	0
						31-Dec-12
						Fair
	Assets–					Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
			Derivatives:
				Commodities		$	6		$	1		$	5	$	0
				Embedded derivatives			5			0			5		0
				Foreign currency			9			0			9		0
						$	20		$	1		$	19	$	0
	Liabilities–
			Derivatives:
				Commodities		$	7		$	7		$	0	$	0
				Foreign currency			1			0			1		0
						$	8		$	7		$	1	$	0
	There were no derivative financial instruments measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Schedule of non-derivative financial instruments measured at fair value and carrying value [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of our non-derivative financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Short-term and long-term debt are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying and fair values of short-term and long-term debt exclude capital leases.
						September 30, 2013
						Carrying			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Short-term debt					$	114		$	89		$	0	$	81	$	8
	Long-term debt						5,771			6,320			0		6,317		3
	Short-term and long-term debt,
		including current maturities				$	5,885		$	6,409		$	0	$	6,398	$	11
						31-Dec-12
						Carrying			Fair
	Millions of dollars					Value			Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Short-term debt					$	95		$	95		$	0	$	74	$	21
	Long-term debt						4,300			4,935			0		4,935		0
	Short-term and long-term debt,
		including current maturities				$	4,395		$	5,030		$	0	$	5,009	$	21
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.
		September 30, 2012
	Millions of dollars	Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Property, plant and equipment (held and used)	$	6		$	0		$	0		$	6

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of the components of net periodic benefit costs [TableText Block]	Net periodic pension benefits included the following cost components for the periods presented:
			U.S. Plans
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost		$	10	$	11	$	32	$	34
	Interest cost			20		20		60		59
	Expected return on plan assets			-33		-30		-99		-89
	Actuarial and investment loss amortization			7		7		20		17
		Net periodic benefit costs	$	4	$	8	$	13	$	21
			Non-U.S. Plans
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost		$	8	$	7	$	33	$	24
	Interest cost			10		12		31		37
	Expected return on plan assets			-5		-6		-16		-19
	Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss			-1		- -		1		- -
	Prior service cost amortization			1		1		3		2
		Net periodic benefit costs	$	13	$	14	$	52	$	44
	Net periodic other post-retirement benefits included the following cost components for the periods presented:
			U.S. Plans
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost		$	2	$	2	$	4	$	4
	Interest cost			3		3		9		10
	Actuarial loss amortization			- -		- -		1		1
		Net periodic benefit costs	$	5	$	5	$	14	$	15
			Non-U.S. Plans
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions of dollars		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost		$	1	$	- -	$	1	$	- -
	Interest cost			- -		- -		1		- -
		Net periodic benefit costs	$	1	$	- -	$	2	$	- -

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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:”
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	Millions of dollars	2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	126	$	120
	Additional provisions		0		12
	Amounts paid		-5		-7
	Foreign exchange effects		2		0
	Ending balance	$	123	$	125

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of dividends paid [Table Text Block]	Dividend distribution―The following table presents the dividends paid in the periods presented:
		Dividend Per			Aggregate
		Ordinary			Dividends
	Millions of dollars, except per share amounts	Share			Paid			Date of Record
	March	$	0.4		$	229		25-Feb-13
	June		0.5			288		3-Jun-13
		$	0.9		$	517
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 issued are as follows:
				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,
				2013		2012
	Ordinary shares outstanding:
		Beginning balance		575,216,709		573,390,514
		Share-based compensation		691,183		1,169,884
		Warrants exercised		7,666		620,520
		Employee stock purchase plan		19,952		0
		Purchase of ordinary shares		-18,896,101		0
		Ending balance		557,039,409		575,180,918
	Ordinary shares held as treasury shares:
		Beginning balance		3,206,033		4,051,013
		Warrants exercised		1,608		271,885
		Share-based compensation		-691,183		-1,169,884
		Employee stock purchase plan		-19,952		0
		Purchase of ordinary shares		18,896,101		0
		Ending balance		21,392,607		3,153,014
	Ordinary shares issued at end of period			578,432,016		578,333,932
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss—The components of, and after-tax changes in, Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are presented in the following table:
					Defined Benefit
					Pension			Foreign
					and Other			Currency
					Postretirement			Translations
	Millions of dollars				Benefit Plans			Adjustments			Total
	Balance – January 1, 2013				$	-422		$	11		$	-411
			Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-2			98			96
			Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
				comprehensive loss		16			0			16
			Net other comprehensive income			14			98			112
	Balance – September 30, 2013				$	-408		$	109		$	-299
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	The amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
							Three Months			Nine Months			Affected line item on the
							Ended			Ended			Consolidated
	Millions of dollars						30-Sep-13			30-Sep-13			Statements of Income
	Amortization of defined benefit pension
		and other postretirement plan items:
			Prior service cost				$	1		$	3		(a)
			Actuarial loss					7			21		(a)
			Defined benefit pension and other
				postretirement benefit plans
				reclassifications, before tax				8			24
			Income tax expense					2			8		Provision for income taxes
			Defined benefit pension and other
				postretirement benefit plans
				reclassifications, net of tax			$	6		$	16
	These Accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other post-retirement benefit costs (see Note 12).

Per_Share_Data_Tables

Per Share Data (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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:
					Three Months Ended September 30,
					2013				2012
					Continuing		Discontinued		Continuing		Discontinued
	Millions of dollars				Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations
	Net income (loss)				$	854	$	-3	$	851	$	-7
	Less: net loss attributable to
		non-controlling interests				2		0		2		0
	Net income (loss) attributable to the
		Company shareholders				856		-3		853		-7
	Net income attributable to
		participating securities				-2		0		-4		0
	Net income (loss) attributable to
		ordinary shareholders –
		basic and diluted			$	854	$	-3	$	849	$	-7
	Millions of shares
	Basic weighted average common stock
		outstanding				563		563		573		573
			Effect of dilutive securities:
				MTI		0		0		1		1
				Stock options		4		4		3		3
	Potential dilutive shares					567		567		577		577
	Earnings (loss) per share:
			Basic		$	1.52	$	-0.01	$	1.48	$	-0.01
			Diluted		$	1.51	$	-0.01	$	1.47	$	-0.01
	Millions of shares
	Participating securities					1.7		1.7		3.3		3.3
	Dividends declared per share of
		common stock			$	0.5	$	0	$	0.4	$	0
					Nine Months Ended September 30,
					2013				2012
					Continuing		Discontinued		Continuing		Discontinued
	Millions of dollars				Operations		Operations		Operations		Operations
	Net income (loss)				$	2,683	$	-5	$	2,213	$	-2
	Less: net loss attributable to
		non-controlling interests				5		0		5		0
	Net income (loss) attributable to the
		Company shareholders				2,688		-5		2,218		-2
	Net income attributable to
		participating securities				-8		0		-10		0
	Net income (loss) attributable to
		ordinary shareholders –
		basic and diluted			$	2,680	$	-5	$	2,208	$	-2
	Millions of shares
	Basic weighted average common stock
		outstanding				571		571		573		573
			Effect of dilutive securities:
				MTI		0		0		1		1
				Stock options		4		4		3		3
	Potential dilutive shares					575		575		577		577
	Earnings (loss) per share:
			Basic		$	4.7	$	-0.01	$	3.85	$	0
			Diluted		$	4.67	$	-0.01	$	3.83	$	0
	Millions of shares
	Participating securities					1.7		1.7		3.3		3.3
	Dividends declared per share of
		common stock			$	1.4	$	0	$	1.05	$	0

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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:
				Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
				O&P–		O&P–
	Millions of dollars			Americas		EAI		I&D		Refining		Technology		Other		Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	2,271	$	3,532	$	2,423	$	2,835	$	91	$	0	$	11,152
			Intersegment		1,044		62		29		342		33		-1,510		0
					3,315		3,594		2,452		3,177		124		-1,510		11,152
	Operating income (loss)				759		78		371		-37		35		1		1,207
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			73		78		50		45		16		0		262
	Other income (expense)				2		0		0		0		1		-2		1
	Income from equity
		investments			7		48		6		0		0		0		61
				Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
				O&P–		O&P–
	Millions of dollars			Americas		EAI		I&D		Refining		Technology		Other		Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	2,189	$	3,387	$	2,521	$	3,080	$	93	$	3	$	11,273
			Intersegment		1,028		61		116		192		31		-1,428		0
					3,217		3,448		2,637		3,272		124		-1,425		11,273
	Operating income				738		15		424		114		31		6		1,328
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			69		63		49		36		18		1		236
	Other income (expense)				0		1		0		0		0		-8		-7
	Income from equity
		investments			7		23		2		0		0		0		32
				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
				O&P –		O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas		EAI		I&D		Refining		Technology		Other		Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	6,890	$	10,943	$	6,836	$	7,953	$	302	$	0	$	32,924
			Intersegment		2,920		159		115		769		88		-4,051		0
					9,810		11,102		6,951		8,722		390		-4,051		32,924
	Operating income (loss)				2,452		360		979		-70		124		-7		3,838
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			217		231		148		118		53		2		769
	Other income (expense)				2		0		0		0		0		-4		-2
	Income from equity
		investments			19		133		11		0		0		0		163
				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
				O&P –		O&P –
	Millions of dollars			Americas		EAI		I&D		Refining		Technology		Other		Total
	Sales and other
		operating revenues:
			Customers	$	6,776	$	10,687	$	7,108	$	9,402	$	268	$	14	$	34,255
			Intersegment		3,073		234		299		569		90		-4,265		0
					9,849		10,921		7,407		9,971		358		-4,251		34,255
	Operating income				1,957		221		1,184		248		99		8		3,717
	Depreciation and
		amortization expense			205		201		144		111		55		1		717
	Other income (expense)				11		8		0		-1		1		-15		4
	Income (loss) from
		equity investments			17		92		-4		0		0		0		105
	Sales and other operating revenues and operating income in the “Other” column above include elimination of intersegment transactions.

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax [Abstract]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	($3)	($7)	($5)	($2)
Berre refinery [Member]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	1	56	9	243
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	-3	-8	-5	-17
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0	-1	0	-15
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-3	-7	-5	-2
Benefit included in income (loss) from discontinued operations related to the liquidation of LIFO-valued inventory		16	9	65
Current assets related to discontinued operations: [Abstract]
Accounts receivable trade, net	1		1		16
Inventories	6		6		34
Total current assets related to discontinued operations	7		7		50
Current liabilities related to discontinued operations: [Abstract]
Accounts payable trade	4		4		19
Accrued liabilities	9		9		21
Total current liabilities related to discontinued operations	13		13		40
Long-term liabilities related to discontinued operations: [Abstract]
Other liabilities	42		42		48
Total long-term liabilities related to discontinued operations	42		42		48
Discontinued operations, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Description of future cash outflows			Future cash outflows will occur for activities associated with exit or disposal activities and for payments made to severed employees.
Timing of future cash outflows			Exit and disposal related costs are expected to be incurred through the end of 2013. Payments to the affected employees are expected to be substantially complete by 2019.
Social plan liability, Berre refinery [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			59	130
Accretion expense			3	0
Cash payments			-16	-33
Adjustment for change in estimates			-5	-23
Effect of exchange rate changes			2	-2
Ending balance	$43	$72	$43	$72

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$41	$29

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, finished goods, work-in-process, and raw materials and supplies [Abstract]
Finished goods	$3,309	$3,194
Work-in-process	299	266
Raw materials and supplies	1,774	1,615
Total inventories	$5,382	$5,075

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a2

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets, Components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$10,764	$9,626
Less accumulated depreciation	-2,541	-1,930
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,223	7,696
Land [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	309	304
Manufacturing facilities and equipment [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	9,239	8,335
Construction in progress [Member]
Total property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$1,216	$987

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a3

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets, Depreciation and amortization expense and asset retirement obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Depreciation and amortization [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	$262	$236	$769	$717
Asset retirement obligations [Abstract]
Asset retirement obligations	102		102		106
Property, plant and equipment [Member]
Depreciation and amortization [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	224	192	644	585
Investment in PO joint ventures [Member]
Depreciation and amortization [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	7	7	22	22
Emission allowances [Member]
Depreciation and amortization [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	17	17	51	51
Various contracts [Member]
Depreciation and amortization [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	10	13	36	38
In-process research and development costs [Member]
Depreciation and amortization [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	2	3	7	9
Software costs [Member]
Depreciation and amortization [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	2	4	8	12
Other [Member]
Depreciation and amortization [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	$0	$0	$1	$0

Investment_in_PO_Joint_Venture2

Investment in PO Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Investments in PO joint ventures [Line Items]
Beginning balance			$397
Depreciation and amortization	-262	-236	-769	-717
Ending balance	423		423
U.S. PO joint venture [Member]
Investments in PO joint ventures [Line Items]
Beginning balance			262	274
Cash contributions			27	6
Depreciation and amortization			-16	-16
Effect of exchange rate changes			0
Ending balance	273	264	273	264
European PO joint venture [Member]
Investments in PO joint ventures [Line Items]
Beginning balance			135	138
Cash contributions			16	9
Depreciation and amortization			-6	-6
Effect of exchange rate changes			5
Ending balance	150	141	150	141
Total PO joint ventures [Member]
Investments in PO joint ventures [Line Items]
Beginning balance			397	412
Cash contributions			43	15
Depreciation and amortization			-22	-22
Effect of exchange rate changes			5
Ending balance	$423	$405	$423	$405

Equity_Investments_Details

Equity Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Changes in equity investments [Abstract]
Beginning balance			$1,583	$1,559
Income (loss) from equity investments	61	32	163	105
Distributions of earnings			-135	-97
Contributions to joint ventures			0	8
Currency exchange effects			4	-2
Other			0	8
Ending balance	1,615	1,581	1,615	1,581
100% [Member]
Equity method investments summarized income statement information [Abstract]
Revenues	2,791	2,489	8,385	8,121
Cost of sales	-2,422	-2,237	-7,308	-7,332
Gross profit	369	252	1,077	789
Net operating expenses	-40	-82	-185	-221
Operating income (loss)	329	170	892	568
Interest income	1	1	4	4
Interest expense	-57	-61	-182	-188
Foreign currency translation	2	-5	2	16
Other income (expense)	11	10	20	14
Income (loss) before income taxes	286	115	736	414
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	57	31	133	83
Net income (loss)	229	84	603	331
Company share [Member]
Equity method investments summarized income statement information [Abstract]
Revenues	906	831	2,721	2,719
Cost of sales	-804	-751	-2,420	-2,472
Gross profit	102	80	301	247
Net operating expenses	-15	-26	-64	-78
Operating income (loss)	87	54	237	169
Interest income	0	1	1	2
Interest expense	-15	-15	-46	-47
Foreign currency translation	1	0	1	6
Other income (expense)	3	3	6	4
Income (loss) before income taxes	76	43	199	134
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	15	11	36	29
Net income (loss)	$61	$32	$163	$105

Debt_Longterm_debt_Details

Debt, Long-term debt (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$5,775	$4,305
Long-term debt, current portion	-1	-1
Long-term debt, noncurrent portion	5,774	4,304
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	2,000	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
Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% ($10 million of discount) [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2023
Face amount	750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Unamortized discount	10
Long-term debt	740
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 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
Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($22 million of discount) [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2043
Face amount	750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.25%
Unamortized discount	22
Long-term debt	728
Other long-term debt [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$7	$5

Debt_Shortterm_debt_Details

Debt, Short-term debt (Details)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

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]

Financial payables to equity investees [Member]

Financial payables to equity investees [Member]

Precious metals financings [Member]

Precious metals 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 ($)

Short-term debt [Line Items]

Maximum borrowing capacity on line of credit

$2,000

$2,000

$1,000

$1,000

€ 450

€ 450

Short-term debt

$114

$95

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$8

$9

$106

$74

$0

$12

Debt_Description_of_longterm_d

Debt, Description of long-term debt (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Percentage ownership by Parent of finance subsidiary (in hundredths)	100.00%
Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jul-13
Face value	$750
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Maturity year	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 value	$750
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.25%
Maturity year	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 indenture governing these notes contains limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur secured indebtedness, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. The restrictions on secured indebtedness and sale and lease-back covenants contain exceptions that will allow us and our subsidiaries to incur liens with respect to material assets. The notes may be redeemed or repaid at any time and from time to time prior to maturity at an amount equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and repaid, 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.

Debt_Description_of_shortterm_

Debt, Description of short-term debt (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	31-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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]	$1,000 million U.S. Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]	Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]	Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]	Euro 450 million European Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]
				USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)		EUR (€)	EUR (€)
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$2,000	$2,000	$1,000	$1,000		€ 450	€ 450
Extension of term			1 year
Expiration date			2018-05					2016-04
Maximum allowed letters of credit						200
Current availability under facility						965
Outstanding borrowings						0
Outstanding letters of credit						$0
Weighted average interest rate, short-term debt (in hundredths)	1.10%	3.50%

Debt_Debt_discount_and_issuanc

Debt, Debt discount and issuance costs included in interest expense (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Debt discount and issuance costs included in interest expense [Abstract]
Amortization of debt-related costs	$16	$52
Senior Notes due 2017, 8.0% [Member]
Extinguishment of debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		8.00%
Senior Notes due 2018, $3,240 million, 11.0% [Member]
Extinguishment of debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		11.00%
Senior notes due 2017 and 2018 and asset-based loan credit facility [Member]
Extinguishment of debt [Line Items]
Capitalized unamortized debt issuance costs written off		$35

Financial_Instruments_Foreign_

Financial Instruments, Foreign currency rates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign currency gain (loss)	$1	($6)	($3)	($15)
Foreign currency rates [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	$61		$61
Derivative, maturity date	October 2013 through December 2013		October 2013 through December 2013

Financial_Instruments_Summary_

Financial Instruments, Summary of derivative financial instruments outstanding measured at fair value (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative assets (liabilities), net, at fair value, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative assets	$174	$965
Notional amount, derivative liabilities	181	286
Fair value, derivative assets	26	20
Fair value, derivative liabilities	3	8
Commodities [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivative assets (liabilities), net, at fair value, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative assets	32	134
Fair value, derivative assets	1	6
Commodities [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivative assets (liabilities), net, at fair value, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative liabilities	156	94
Fair value, derivative liabilities	3	7
Embedded derivatives [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivative assets (liabilities), net, at fair value, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative assets	106	59
Fair value, derivative assets	25	5
Foreign currency [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivative assets (liabilities), net, at fair value, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative assets	36	772
Fair value, derivative assets	0	9
Foreign currency [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivative assets (liabilities), net, at fair value, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative liabilities	25	192
Fair value, derivative liabilities	$0	$1

Financial_Instruments_Pretax_e

Financial Instruments, Pretax effect of derivative instruments charged directly to income (Details) (Derivatives not designated as hedges: [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$0	$0	$0	$0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	13	-40	17	-97
Commodities [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	-2	-36	-10	-63
Warrants [Member] | Other income (expense), net [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI		0		0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income		0		0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income		-1		-11
Embedded derivatives [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0		0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0		0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	-5		22
Foreign currency [Member] | Other income (expense), net [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	$20	($3)	$5	($23)

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	$26	$20
Liabilities at fair value	3	8
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]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	26	20
Liabilities at fair value	3	8
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	1	1
Liabilities at fair value	3	7
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	25	19
Liabilities at fair value	0	1
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Fair value [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	1	6
Liabilities at fair value	3	7
Recurring [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	1	1
Liabilities at fair value	3	7
Recurring [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0	5
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Fair value [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	25	5
Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	25	5
Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Fair value [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value		9
Liabilities at fair value		1
Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value		0
Liabilities at fair value		0
Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value		9
Liabilities at fair value		1
Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Assets at fair value		0
Liabilities at fair value		$0

Fair_Value_Measurement_Fair_va

Fair Value Measurement, Fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Short-term debt, carrying value	$114	$95
Long-term debt, carrying value	5,771	4,300
Short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, carrying value	5,885	4,395
Fair value [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Short-term debt, fair value	89	95
Long-term debt, fair value	6,320	4,935
Short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	6,409	5,030
Level 1 [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Short-term debt, fair value	0	0
Long-term debt, fair value	0	0
Short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Short-term debt, fair value	81	74
Long-term debt, fair value	6,317	4,935
Short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	6,398	5,009
Level 3 [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of non-derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Short-term debt, fair value	8	21
Long-term debt, fair value	3	0
Short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	$11	$21

Fair_Value_Measurement_Fair_va1

Fair Value Measurement, Fair value of long-lived assets (Details) (Nonrecurring [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Fair value [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Fair value of property, plant and equipment (held and used)	$6
Level 1 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Fair value of property, plant and equipment (held and used)	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Fair value of property, plant and equipment (held and used)	0
Level 3 [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [Line Items]
Fair value of property, plant and equipment (held and used)	6
LDPE plant in Wesseling, Germany [Member]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis [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 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Contributions by employer [Abstract]
Company contributions			$147	$133
U.S. pension plans [Member]
Net periodic pension costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	10	11	32	34
Interest cost	20	20	60	59
Expected return on plan assets	-33	-30	-99	-89
Actuarial and investment loss amortization	7	7	20	17
Net periodic benefit costs (benefits)	4	8	13	21
Contributions by employer [Abstract]
Company contributions			86
Non-U.S. pension plans [Member]
Net periodic pension costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	8	7	33	24
Interest cost	10	12	31	37
Expected return on plan assets	-5	-6	-16	-19
Settlement and curtailment (gain) loss	-1	0	1	0
Prior service cost amortization	1	1	3	2
Net periodic benefit costs (benefits)	13	14	52	44
Contributions by employer [Abstract]
Company contributions			61
Expected Company contributions in remaining fiscal year			16
U.S. other post-retirement benefit plans [Member]
Net periodic pension costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	2	2	4	4
Interest cost	3	3	9	10
Actuarial and investment loss amortization	0	0	1	1
Net periodic benefit costs (benefits)	5	5	14	15
Non-U.S. other post-retirement benefit plans [Member]
Net periodic pension costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	1	0	1	0
Interest cost	0	0	1	0
Net periodic benefit costs (benefits)	$1	$0	$2	$0

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective tax rate [Abstract]
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	28.40%	33.80%	29.20%	32.00%
Provision for income taxes [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$339	$435	$1,106	$1,042	$1,300
United Kingdom [Member]
Corporate income tax rate [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate (in hundredths)	23.00%		23.00%
Corporate income tax rate, one year from now (in hundredths)	21.00%		21.00%
Corporate income tax rate, two years from now (in hundredths)	20.00%		20.00%
Netherlands [Member]
Corporate income tax rate [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate (in hundredths)	25.00%		25.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2009
			Pending or threatened litigation [Member]	Pending or threatened litigation [Member]	Pending or threatened litigation [Member]
			Affiliates of Access Industries indemnity demand letter [Member]	Affiliates of Access Industries management agreement fee demand letters [Member]	Affiliates of Access Industries management agreement fee demand letters [Member]
					Predecessor [Member]
Environmental remediation [Abstract]
Total accrued liability for future environmental remediation costs	$123,000,000	$125,000,000
Accrued liability for individual site range	less than $1 million to $23 million
Accrual for environmental liabilities [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	126,000,000	120,000,000
Additional provisions	0	12,000,000
Amounts paid	-5,000,000	-7,000,000
Foreign exchange effects	2,000,000	0
Ending balance	123,000,000	125,000,000
Loss contingencies [Line Items]
Description of parties who issued the demand letters			affiliates of Access Industries (collectively, “Access”), a more than five percent shareholder of the Company	affiliates of Access Industries (collectively, “Access”), a more than five percent shareholder of the Company	affiliates of Access Industries (collectively, “Access”), 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.
Amount of management fees demanded				100,000,000
Proof of claim for management fees previously filed in Bankruptcy Court					$723,000

Stockholders_Equity_Dividend_d

Stockholders' Equity, Dividend distribution (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 23, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
		40 cent dividend [Member]	50 cent dividend [Member]	50 cent dividend [Member]
Dividends paid [Line Items]
Dividend per ordinary share (in dollars per share)	$0.90	$0.40	$0.50	$0.50
Aggregate dividends paid	$517	$229		$288
Date of record		25-Feb-13	23-Sep-13	3-Jun-13
Dividends declared, but not paid [Abstract]
Declaration date			23-Sep-13
Payment date			7-Oct-13
Dividend record date		25-Feb-13	23-Sep-13	3-Jun-13
Aggregate dividends to be paid			$280

Stockholders_Equity_Ordinary_s

Stockholders' Equity, Ordinary shares including share repurchase program (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Percent of outstanding shares authorized to be repurchased under a share repurchase program	10.00%
The date through which shares are authorized for repurchase under a share repurchase program	21-May-14
Cash paid for shares repurchased		$1,251	$0
Ordinary shares outstanding: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)		575,216,709
Ending balance (in shares)		557,039,409
Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)		3,206,033
Ending balance (in shares)		21,392,607
Ordinary shares issued at end of period (in shares)		578,432,016	578,333,932
Ordinary shares [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)		18,896,101	0
Total purchase price of shares repurchased		0
Ordinary shares outstanding: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)		575,216,709	573,390,514
Share-based compensation (in shares)		691,183	1,169,884
Warrants exercised (in shares)		7,666	620,520
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		19,952	0
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)		-18,896,101	0
Ending balance (in shares)		557,039,409	575,180,918
Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: [Abstract]
Warrants exercised (in shares)		7,666	620,520
Share-based compensation (in shares)		-691,183	-1,169,884
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		-19,952	0
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)		18,896,101	0
Treasury shares [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)		18,896,101	0
Total purchase price of shares repurchased		$1,303
Average price of shares repurchased		$68.93
Ordinary shares outstanding: [Abstract]
Share-based compensation (in shares)		691,183	1,169,884
Warrants exercised (in shares)		1,608	271,885
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		19,952	0
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)		-18,896,101	0
Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)		3,206,033	4,051,013
Warrants exercised (in shares)		1,608	271,885
Share-based compensation (in shares)		-691,183	-1,169,884
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		-19,952	0
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)		18,896,101	0
Ending balance (in shares)		21,392,607	3,153,014

Stockholders_Equity_Components

Stockholders' Equity, Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) beginning of period			($411)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			96
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			16
Total other comprehensive income	206	188	112	26
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) end of period	-299		-299
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) beginning of period			-422
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			16
Total other comprehensive income			14
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) end of period	-408		-408
Foreign currency translations adjustments [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) beginning of period			11
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			98
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			0
Total other comprehensive income			98
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) end of period	$109		$109

Stockholders_Equity_Reclassifi

Stockholders' Equity, Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification adjustment out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Prior service cost (benefit)	$1		$2	$3		$2
Actuarial (gain) loss	7		6	21		18
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	1,193		1,286	3,789		3,255
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	339		435	1,106		1,042	1,300
Income from continuing operations	854		851	2,683		2,213
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans [Member] | Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustment out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Prior service cost (benefit)	1	[1]		3	[1]
Actuarial (gain) loss	7	[1]		21	[1]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	8			24
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	2			8
Income from continuing operations	$6			$16
[1]	These Accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other post-retirement benefit costs (see Note 12).

Per_Share_Data_Details

Per Share Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$851	$844	$2,678	$2,211
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	2	2	5	5
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders	853	846	2,683	2,216
Earnings (loss) per share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.51	$1.47	$4.69	$3.85
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.50	$1.46	$4.66	$3.83
Earnings per share, basic and diluted, other disclosures [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)			$1.40
Continuing operations [Member]
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	854	851	2,683	2,213
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	2	2	5	5
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders	856	853	2,688	2,218
Net income attributable to participating securities	-2	-4	-8	-10
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Basic	854	849	2,680	2,208
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Diluted	854	849	2,680	2,208
Weighted average number of shares outstanding reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding (in shares)	563	573	571	573
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]
MTI (in shares)	0	1	0	1
Stock options (in shares)	4	3	4	3
Potential dilutive shares (in shares)	567	577	575	577
Earnings (loss) per share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.52	$1.48	$4.70	$3.85
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.51	$1.47	$4.67	$3.83
Earnings per share, basic and diluted, other disclosures [Abstract]
Participating securities (in shares)	1.7	3.3	1.7	3.3
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.40	$1.40	$1.05
Discontinued operations [Member]
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	-3	-7	-5	-2
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders	-3	-7	-5	-2
Net income attributable to participating securities	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Basic	-3	-7	-5	-2
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Diluted	($3)	($7)	($5)	($2)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding (in shares)	563	573	571	573
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]
MTI (in shares)	0	1	0	1
Stock options (in shares)	4	3	4	3
Potential dilutive shares (in shares)	567	577	575	577
Earnings (loss) per share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0
Earnings per share, basic and diluted, other disclosures [Abstract]
Participating securities (in shares)	1.7	3.3	1.7	3.3
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0

Segment_and_Related_Informatio2

Segment and Related Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment and Related Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments				5
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$11,152	$11,273		$32,924	$34,255
Operating income (loss)	1,207	1,328		3,838	3,717
Depreciation and amortization expense	262	236		769	717
Other income (expense)	1	-7		-2	4
Income (loss) from equity investments	61	32		163	105
O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	2,271	2,189		6,890	6,776
Operating income (loss)	759	738		2,452	1,957
Depreciation and amortization expense	73	69		217	205
Other income (expense)	2	0		2	11
Income (loss) from equity investments	7	7		19	17
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Benefits (charges) due to liquidations of LIFO inventory layers		-54			-135
Lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment		71	-71
Benefits associated with insurance settlements related to Hurricane Ike					29
O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	3,532	3,387		10,943	10,687
Operating income (loss)	78	15		360	221
Depreciation and amortization expense	78	63		231	201
Other income (expense)	0	1		0	8
Income (loss) from equity investments	48	23		133	92
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Charges associated with closure costs for facilities in Australia and Italy		-22			-22
O&P - EAI [Member] | LDPE plant in Wesseling, Germany [Member]
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Asset impairment					-22
I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	2,423	2,521		6,836	7,108
Operating income (loss)	371	424		979	1,184
Depreciation and amortization expense	50	49		148	144
Other income (expense)	0	0		0	0
Income (loss) from equity investments	6	2		11	-4
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Benefits associated with insurance settlements related to Hurricane Ike					18
Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	2,835	3,080		7,953	9,402
Operating income (loss)	-37	114		-70	248
Depreciation and amortization expense	45	36		118	111
Other income (expense)	0	0		0	-1
Income (loss) from equity investments	0	0		0	0
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Benefits related to the resolution of property tax assessments for the three year period beginning 2011	10			10
Benefits for recoveries and a settlement associated with a former employee who pled guilty to fraud in 2010	5	24		10
Benefits associated with insurance settlements related to Hurricane Ike					53
Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	91	93		302	268
Operating income (loss)	35	31		124	99
Depreciation and amortization expense	16	18		53	55
Other income (expense)	1	0		0	1
Income (loss) from equity investments	0	0		0	0
Intersegment eliminations [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	-1,510	-1,428		-4,051	-4,265
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	-1,044	-1,028		-2,920	-3,073
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	-62	-61		-159	-234
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	-29	-116		-115	-299
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	-342	-192		-769	-569
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	-33	-31		-88	-90
Other [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	0	3		0	14
Operating income (loss)	1	6		-7	8
Depreciation and amortization expense	0	1		2	1
Other income (expense)	-2	-8		-4	-15
Income (loss) from equity investments	0	0		0	0
Operating segments [Member] | O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	3,315	3,217		9,810	9,849
Operating segments [Member] | O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	3,594	3,448		11,102	10,921
Operating segments [Member] | I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	2,452	2,637		6,951	7,407
Operating segments [Member] | Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	3,177	3,272		8,722	9,971
Operating segments [Member] | Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	124	124		390	358
Other and total intersegment eliminations [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	($1,510)	($1,425)		($4,051)	($4,251)