LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) 10-K 21 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 19, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Central Index Key	1,489,393
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Registrant Name	LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
Trading Symbol	LYB
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		371,156,998
Entity Public Float			$ 35

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Sales and other operating revenues:
Trade	$ 38,126	$ 33,705	$ 28,454
Related parties	878	779	729
Sales revenue net	39,004	34,484	29,183
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	32,529	28,059	23,191
Selling, general and administrative expense	1,129	859	833
Research and development expense	115	106	99
Costs and expenses	33,773	29,024	24,123
Operating income	5,231	5,460	5,060
Interest expense	(360)	(491)	(322)
Interest income	45	24	17
Other income, net	106	179	111
Income from continuing operations before equity investments and income taxes	5,022	5,172	4,866
Income from equity investments	289	321	367
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	5,311	5,493	5,233
Provision for income taxes	613	598	1,386
Income from continuing operations	4,698	4,895	3,847
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	(8)	(18)	(10)
Net income	4,690	4,877	3,837
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	0	2	(1)
Net income attributable to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.	4,690	4,879	3,836
Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock	2	0	0
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders	$ 4,688	$ 4,879	$ 3,836
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders - Basic:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 12.06	$ 12.28	$ 9.17
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.02)	(0.05)	(0.02)
Basic (in dollars in per share)	12.04	12.23	9.15
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders - Diluted:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	12.03	12.28	9.15
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.02)	(0.05)	(0.02)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 12.01	$ 12.23	$ 9.13

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income	$ 4,690	$ 4,877	$ 3,837
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax -
Financial derivatives	54	(45)	4
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities	0	(1)	6
Unrealized gains on equity securities and equity securities held by equity investees	0	17	0
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans	30	77	(70)
Foreign currency translations	(92)	178	(13)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(8)	226	(73)
Comprehensive Income	4,682	5,103	3,764
Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock	(2)	0	0
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	0	2	(1)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company shareholders	$ 4,680	$ 5,105	$ 3,763

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets: [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 332	$ 1,523
Restricted cash	69	5
Short-term investments	892	1,307
Accounts receivable: [Abstract]
Trade, net	3,355	3,359
Related parties	148	180
Inventories	4,515	4,217
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,255	1,147
Total current assets	10,566	11,738
Property, plant and equipment, net	12,477	10,997
Investments and long-term receivables:
Investment in PO joint ventures	469	420
Equity investments	1,611	1,635
Other investments and long-term receivables	23	17
Goodwill	1,814	570
Intangible assets, net	965	568
Other assets	353	261
Total assets	28,278	26,206
Current liabilities: [Abstract]
Current maturities of long-term debt	5	2
Short-term debt	885	68
Accounts payable: [Abstract]
Trade	2,560	2,258
Related parties	527	637
Accrued liabilities	1,536	1,812
Total current liabilities	5,513	4,777
Long-term debt	8,497	8,549
Other liabilities	1,897	2,275
Deferred income taxes	1,975	1,655
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	116	0
Stockholders' equity:
Ordinary shares, EUR0.04 par value, 1,275 million shares authorized, 375,696,661 and 394,512,054 shares outstanding, respectively	22	31
Additional paid-in capital	7,041	10,206
Retained earnings	6,763	15,746
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,363)	(1,285)
Treasury stock, at cost, 24,513,619 and 183,928,109 ordinary shares, respectively	(2,206)	(15,749)
Total Company share of stockholders' equity	10,257	8,949
Non-controlling interests	23	1
Total equity	10,280	8,950
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ 28,278	$ 26,206

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
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
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	24,513,619	183,928,109

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 4,690	$ 4,877	$ 3,837
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,241	1,174	1,064
Amortization of debt-related costs	14	15	16
Charges related to repayment of debt	0	49	0
Share-based compensation	39	55	38
Inventory valuation adjustment	0	0	29
Equity investments -
Equity income	(289)	(321)	(367)
Distribution of earnings, net of tax	307	309	385
Deferred income taxes	260	(587)	357
Gain on sales of business and equity investments	(36)	(108)	(84)
Changes in assets and liabilities that provided (used) cash:
Accounts receivable	433	(521)	(383)
Inventories	(141)	(237)	123
Accounts payable	(199)	165	383
Other, net	(848)	336	208
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,471	5,206	5,606
Cash flows from investing activities:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(2,105)	(1,547)	(2,243)
Acquisition of A. Schulman, net of cash acquired	(1,776)	0	0
Payments for repurchase agreements	0	(512)	(674)
Proceeds from repurchase agreements	0	381	685
Purchases of available-for-sale debt securities	(50)	(653)	(688)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale debt securities	423	499	674
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities	0	0	(76)
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities	0	75	0
Purchases of equity securities	(64)	0	0
Proceeds from sales and maturities of equity securities	97	0	0
Net proceeds from sales of business and equity investments	37	155	209
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedges	1,108	609	1,295
Payments for settlement of net investment hedges	(1,078)	(658)	(1,356)
Other, net	(151)	(105)	(127)
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,559)	(1,756)	(2,301)
Cash flows from financing activities [Abstract]
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares	(1,854)	(866)	(2,938)
Dividends paid - common stock	(1,554)	(1,415)	(1,395)
Issuance of long-term debt	0	990	812
Repayment of long-term debt	(394)	(1,000)	0
Debt extinguishment costs	0	(65)	0
Payments of debt issuance costs	0	(8)	(5)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) commercial paper	810	(493)	177
Other, net	(16)	(2)	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,008)	(2,859)	(3,349)
Effect of exchange rate on cash	(31)	59	(9)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(1,127)	650	(53)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	1,528	878	931
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	401	1,528	878
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	333	333	313
Net income taxes paid	$ 1,209	$ 1,044	$ 741

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Ordinary shares	Treasury stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Company Share of Stockholders' Equity	Non-Controlling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015		$ 31	$ (12,086)	$ 10,202	$ 9,841	$ (1,438)	$ 6,550	$ 24
Net income (loss)	$ 3,837	0	0	0	3,836	0	3,836	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(73)	0	0	0	0	(73)	(73)	0
Share-based compensation		0	55	(11)	0	0	44	0
Dividends- common stock		0	0	0	(1,395)	0	(1,395)	0
Dividends- A. Schulman Special Stock	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares		0	(2,914)	0	0	0	(2,914)	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016		31	(14,945)	10,191	12,282	(1,511)	6,048	25
Net income (loss)	4,877	0	0	0	4,879	0	4,879	(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	226	0	0	0	0	226	226	0
Share-based compensation		0	41	14	0	0	55	0
Dividends- common stock	(1,415)	0	0	0	(1,415)	0	(1,415)	0
Dividends- A. Schulman Special Stock	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares		0	(845)	0	0	0	(845)	0
Purchase of non-controlling interests		0	0	1	0	0	1	(22)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	8,950	31	(15,749)	10,206	15,746	(1,285)	8,949	1
Adoption of accounting standards		0	0	0	95	(70)	25	0
Net income (loss)	4,690	0	0	0	4,690	0	4,690	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(8)	0	0	0	0	(8)	(8)	0
Share-based compensation		0	37	28	(2)	0	63	0
Dividends- common stock	(1,554)	0	0	0	(1,554)	0	(1,554)	0
Dividends- A. Schulman Special Stock	(2)	0	0	0	(2)	0	(2)	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares		0	(1,878)	0	0	0	(1,878)	0
Purchase of non-controlling interests		0	0	(28)	0	0	(28)	0
Cancellation of Treasury shares		(9)	15,384	(3,165)	(12,210)	0	0	0
Acquisition of A. Schulman, Inc.		0	0	0	0	0	0	22
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 10,280	$ 22	$ (2,206)	$ 7,041	$ 6,763	$ (1,363)	$ 10,257	$ 23

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common stock, dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 4	$ 3.55	$ 3.33
Special stock, dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 15	$ 0	$ 0

Description of Company and Oper

Description of Company and Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Company and Operations [Text Block]	1 . Description of Company and Operations LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is a limited liability company ( Naamloze Vennootschap ) incorporated under Dutch law by deed of incorporation dated October 15, 2009. Unless otherwise indicated, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar words are used to refer to LyondellBasell Industries N.V. together with its consolidated subsidiaries (“LyondellBasell N.V.”). LyondellBasell 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 the production of polymers.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2 . Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The following significant accounting policies were applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements: Basis of Preparation and Consolidation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared from the books and records of LyondellBasell N.V. under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). Subsidiaries are defined as being those companies over which we, either directly or indirectly, have control through a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise control or to obtain the majority of the benefits and be exposed to the majority of the risks. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is obtained until the date that such control ceases. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for the accounting of certain financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value. Consolidated financial information, including subsidiaries and equity investments, has been prepared using uniform accounting policies for similar transactions and other events in similar circumstances. Cash and Cash Equivalents Our cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper and money market accounts with major international banks and financial institutions. Cash equivalents include instruments with maturities of three months or less when acquired and exclude restricted cash. Although, we have no current requirements for compensating balances in a specific amount at a specific point in time, we maintain compensating balances at our discretion for some of our banking services and products. Short-Term Investments Investments in debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity. Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). Investments classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost. We periodically review our available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis, and when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, the investment is written down to fair value, establishing a new cost basis. We account for investments in equity securities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Trade Receivables Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. We calculate provisions for doubtful accounts receivable based on our estimates of amounts that we believe are unlikely to be collected. Collectability of receivables is reviewed and the provision calculated for doubtful accounts is adjusted at least quarterly, based on aging of specific accounts and other available information about the associated customers. Provisions for doubtful accounts are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Loans Receivable We invest in tri-party repurchase agreements. Under these agreements, we make cash purchases of securities according to a pre-agreed profile from our counterparties. The counterparties have an obligation to repurchase, and we have an obligation to sell, the same or substantially the same securities at a pre-defined date for a price equal to the purchase price plus interest. These securities, which pursuant to our internal policies are held by a third-party custodian and must generally have a minimum collateral value of 102%, secure the counterparty’s obligation to repurchase the securities. These tri-party repurchase agreements are carried at amortized cost. Depending upon maturity, these agreements are treated as short-term loans receivable and are reflected in Prepaid expenses and other current assets or as long-term loans receivable reflected in Other investments and long-term receivables on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Inventories Cost of our raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method and is carried at the lower of cost or market value. Cost of our materials and supplies inventory is determined using the moving average cost method and is carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Inventory exchange transactions, which involve fungible commodities, are not accounted for as purchases and sales. Any resulting volumetric exchange balances are accounted for as inventory, with cost determined using the LIFO method. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost. Historical cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Costs may also include borrowing costs incurred on debt during construction or major projects exceeding one year, costs of major maintenance arising from turnarounds of major units and committed decommission costs. Routine maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful asset lives to their residual values. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. We evaluate property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which, for us, is generally at the plant group level (or, at times, individual plants in certain circumstances where we have isolated production units with separately identifiable cash flows). When it is probable that an asset or asset group’s undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover the carrying amount, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Upon retirement or sale, we remove the cost of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation from the accounts and reflect any resulting gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Equity Investments We account for equity method investments (“equity investments”) using the equity method of accounting if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if we have an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated initially at cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and our proportionate share of profit or losses and distributions. We record our share of the profits or losses of the equity investments, net of income taxes, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When our share of losses in an equity investment equals or exceeds our interest in the equity investment, including any other unsecured receivables, we do not recognize further losses, unless we have incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the equity investments. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, management compares the estimated fair value of investment to the carrying value of investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and management considers the decline in value to be other-than temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as an impairment. Business Combination We recognize and measure the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with any remaining difference compared to the purchase consideration recorded as goodwill or gain from a bargain purchase. Subsequent to the acquisition, and no later than one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments of the estimated fair values are recorded to earnings. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Redeemable Non-controlling Interests Our redeemable non-controlling interests relate to shares of cumulative perpetual special stock (“A. Schulman Special Stock”) issued by our consolidated subsidiary, A. Schulman, Inc. (“A. Schulman”). Holders of A. Schulman Special Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 6% per share on the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. A. Schulman Special Stock may be redeemed at any time at the discretion of the holders and is reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets outside of permanent equity. The redeemable non-controlling interests were recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and is subsequently carried at the greater of estimated redemption value at the end of each reporting period or the initial amount recorded at the date of acquisition adjusted for subsequent redemptions. Dividends on these shares are deducted from or added to the amount of Income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders if and when declared by the Company. Goodwill Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested annually for impairment. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors assessed for each of the reporting units include, but are not limited to, changes in long-term commodity prices, discount rates, competitive environments, planned capacity, cost factors such as raw material prices, and financial performance of the reporting units. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a quantitative test is required. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge equal to the excess would be recognized up to a maximum amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In 2018 and 2017, management performed qualitative impairment assessments of our reporting units which indicated that the fair value of our reporting units was greater than their carrying value. Accordingly, a quantitative goodwill impairment test was not required and no goodwill impairment was recognized. Intangible Assets Intangible Assets —Intangible assets consist of customer relationships, trade names and trademarks, know-how, emission allowances, various contracts, in-process research and development and software costs. These assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or over the term of the related agreement. We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Research and Development —Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed when incurred. Subsidies for research and development are included in Other income (expense), net. Depreciation expense related to assets employed in R&D is included as a cost of R&D. Income Taxes The income tax for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In these cases, the applicable tax amount is recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the net tax effects of net operating loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We recognize uncertain income tax positions in our financial statements when we believe it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position or a portion thereof will be sustained upon examination. For a position that is more likely than not to be sustained, the benefit recognized is measured at the largest cumulative amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized. Other Provisions Environmental Remediation Costs —Environmental remediation liabilities include liabilities related to sites we currently own, sites we no longer own, as well as sites where we have operated that belong to other parties. Liabilities for anticipated expenditures related to investigation and remediation of contaminated sites are accrued when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Only ongoing operating and monitoring costs, the timing of which can be determined with reasonable certainty, are discounted to present value. Future legal costs associated with such matters, which generally are not estimable, are not included in these liabilities. Asset Retirement Obligations— At some sites, we are contractually obligated to decommission our plants upon site exit. Asset retirement obligations are recorded at the present value of the estimated costs to retire the asset at the time the obligation is incurred. That cost, which is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability is also recognized over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Such depreciation and accretion expenses are included in Cost of sales. Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement Functional and Reporting Currency —Items included in the financial information of each of LyondellBasell N.V.’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”) and then translated to the U.S. dollar (“the reporting currency”) through Other comprehensive income as follows: • Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet; • Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at monthly average exchange rates; and • All resulting exchange differences are recognized as a separate component within Other comprehensive income (foreign currency translation). Transactions and Balances —Foreign currency transactions are recorded in their respective functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenue Recognition Substantially all our revenues are derived from contracts with customers. We account for contracts when both parties have approved the contract and are committed to perform, the rights of the parties and payment terms have been identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability is probable. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied. This generally occurs at the point in time when performance obligations are fulfilled and control transfers to the customer. In most instances, control transfers upon transfer of risk of loss and title to the customer, which usually occurs when we ship products to the customer from our manufacturing facility. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. Customer incentives are generally based on volumes purchased and recognized over the period earned. Sales, value added, and other taxes that we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from the transaction price as they represent amounts collected on behalf of third parties. We apply the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Shipping and handling costs are treated as a fulfillment cost and not a separate performance obligation. Payments are typically required within a short period following the transfer of control of the product to the customer. We occasionally require customers to prepay purchases to ensure collectability. Such prepayments do not represent financing arrangements, since payment and fulfillment of the performance obligation occurs within a short time frame. We apply the practical expedient which permits us not to adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when, at contract inception, we expect that payment will occur in one year or less. Contract balances typically arise when a difference in timing between the transfer of control to the customer and receipt of consideration occurs. Our contract liabilities, which are reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements as Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, consist primarily of customer payments for products or services received before the transfer of control to the customer occurs. Share-Based Compensation The Company recognizes compensation expense in the financial statements for share-based compensation awards based upon the grant date fair value over the vesting period. Contingent share awards are recognized ratably over the vesting period as a liability and re-measured, at fair value, at the balance sheet date, see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Leases We lease land and other assets for use in our operations. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or a capital lease. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the lessee by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to 75% or greater of the asset’s useful economic life; or the present value of the future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset’s fair market value. Capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the total amount of rent payable under the leasing agreement (excluding finance charges) or fair market value of the leased asset. Capital lease assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, over a period consistent with our normal depreciation policy for tangible fixed assets, but generally not exceeding the lease term. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the entire lease term. Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Pursuant to our risk management policies, we selectively enter into derivative transactions to manage market risk volatility associated with changes in commodity pricing, currency exchange rates and interest rates. Derivatives used for this purpose are generally designated as net investment hedges, cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedges are recorded in earnings. For derivatives designated as net investment hedges and cash flow hedges, the gains and losses are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and released to earnings in the period when the hedged item affects earnings in the same line item. For derivatives designated as net investment hedges, gains or losses are reflected in foreign currency translations adjustments in Other comprehensive income (loss). For derivatives that have been designated as fair value hedges, the gains and losses of the derivatives and hedged items are recorded in earnings. Net Investment Hedges— We enter into foreign currency contracts and foreign currency denominated debt to reduce the volatility in stockholders’ equity resulting from changes in currency exchange rates of our foreign subsidiaries with respect to the U.S. dollar. Our foreign currency derivatives consist of cross-currency basis swap contracts and forward exchange contracts. We use the spot method to assess hedge effectiveness. Changes to the value from changes in spot foreign exchange rates over the designation period and recorded within Other comprehensive income. For our basis swaps, the associated interest receipts and payments are recorded to Interest expense. For our foreign currency forward contracts, we amortize initial forward point values on a straight-line basis to Interest expense over the tenor of the hedge accounting designation. We monitor on a quarterly basis for any over-hedged positions requiring de-designation and re-designation of the hedge to remove such over-hedged condition. Cash flows related to our foreign currency contracts are reported in Cash flows from investing activities and related interest payments are reported in Cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash flows related to our foreign currency denominated debt designated as net investment hedges are reported in Cash flows from financing activities and related interest payments are reported in Cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash Flow Hedges— Our cash flow hedges include cross currency swaps, forward starting interest rate swaps and commodity futures and swaps. We have cross-currency swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges to reduce our exposure to the foreign currency exchange risk associated with certain intercompany loans. Under the terms of these contracts, we make interest payments in euros and receive interest in U.S. dollars. Upon the maturities of these contracts, we will pay the principal amount of the loans in euros and receive U.S. dollars from our counterparties. We enter into forward-starting interest rate contracts to mitigate the risk of adverse changes in benchmark interest rates on future anticipated debt issuances. We also execute commodity futures and swaps to manage the volatility of the commodity price related to anticipated purchases of raw materials and product sales. We enter into over-the-counter commodity swaps with one or more counterparties whereby we pay a predetermined fixed price and receive a price based on the average monthly rate of a specified index for the specified nominated volumes. We use the critical terms and the quantitative long haul methods to assess hedge effectiveness and monitor, at least quarterly, any change in effectiveness. Fair Value Hedges— We use interest rate swaps as part of our current interest rate risk management strategy to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. Under these arrangements, we exchange fixed-rate for floating-rate interest payments to effectively convert our fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt. These payments are classified as Other, net, in the Cash flows from operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We use the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness using a regression analysis approach. We perform the regression analysis over an observation period of three years, utilizing data that is relevant to the hedge duration. We evaluate these hedging relationships for effectiveness utilizing the quantitative long haul approach at least quarterly and calculate the changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the underlying hedged items separately. Fair Value Measurements We categorize assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement: Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable. Level 3—Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable. Fair value measurements are classified according to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation. A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable. Changes in fair value levels —Management reviews the disclosures regarding fair value measurements at least quarterly. If an instrument classified as Level 1 subsequently ceases to be actively traded, it is transferred out of Level 1. In such cases, instruments are reclassified as Level 2, unless the measurement of its fair value requires the use of significant unobservable inputs, in which case it is reclassified as Level 3. We use the following inputs and valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments disclosed in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements: Basis Swaps— The fair value of our basis swap contracts is calculated using the present value of future cash flows discounted using observable inputs such as known notional value amounts, yield curves, and spot and forward exchange rates . Cross-Currency Swaps —The fair value of our cross-currency swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows discounted using observable inputs with the foreign currency leg revalued using published spot and future exchange rates on the valuation date. Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps— The fair value of our forward-starting interest rate swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows method and based on observable inputs such as benchmark interest rates. Fixed-for-Floating Interest Rate Swaps —The fair value of our fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows using observable inputs such as interest rates and market yield curves. Commodity and Embedded Derivatives —The fair values of our commodity derivatives classified as Level 1 and embedded derivatives are measured using closing market prices of public exchanges and from third-party broker quotes and pricing providers. The fair value of our commodity swaps classified as Level 2 is determined using a combination of observable and unobservable inputs. The observable inputs consist of future market values of various crude and heavy fuel oils, which are readily available through public data sources. The unobservable input, which is the estimated discount or premium used in the market pricing, is calculated using an internally-developed, multi-linear regression model based on the observable prices of the known components and their relationships to historical prices. A significant change in this unobservable input would not have a material impact on the fair value measurement of our Level 2 commodity swaps. Forward Exchange Contracts —The fair value of our forward exchange contracts is based on forward market rates. Available-for-Sale and Equity Securities— The fair value of our available-for-sale securities is calculated using observable market data for similar securities and broker quotes from recognized purveyors of market data or the net asset value for limited partnership investments provided by the fund administrator. Our limited partnership investments include investments in, among other things, equities and equity related securities, debt securities, credit instruments, global interest rate products, currencies, commodities, futures, options, warrants and swaps. These investments, which include both long and short positions, may be redeemed at least monthly with advance notice ranging up to ninety days. Loans Receivable— The fair value of our tri-party repurchase agreements are based on discounted cash flows, which consider prevailing market rates for the respective instrument maturity in addition to corroborative support from the minimum underlying collateral requirements. Short-Term Debt —Fair values of short-term borrowings related to precious metal financing arrangements are determined based on the current market price of the associated precious metal. Long-Term Debt —Fair value is calculated using pricing data obtained from well-established and recognized vendors of market data for debt valuations. Due to the short maturity, the fair value of all non-derivative financial instruments included in Current assets and Current liabilities approximates the applicable carrying value. Current assets include Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash, held-to-maturity time deposits and Accounts receivable. Current liabilities include Accounts payable and Short-term debt excluding precious metal financings. We use the following inputs and valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of our pension assets disclosed in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements: Common and preferred stock— Valued at the closing price reported on the market on which the individual securities are traded. Fixed income securities— Certain securities that are not traded on an exchange are valued at the closing price reported by pricing services. Other securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. Commingled funds— Valued based upon the unit values of such collective trust funds held at year end by the pension plans. Unit values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the fund derived from inputs principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means. Real estate— Valued on the basis of a discounted cash flow approach, which includes the future rental receipts, expenses, and residual values as the highest and best use of the real estate from a market participant view as rental property. Hedge funds— Valued based upon the unit values of such alternative investments held at year end by the pension plans. Unit values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the fund. Private equity— Valued based upon the unit values of such alternative investments held at year end by the pension plans. Unit values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the fund. Certain securities held in the fund are valued at the closing price reported on the exchange or other established quotation service for over-the-counter securities. Other assets held in the fund are valued based on the most recent financial statements prepared by the fund manager. Convertible securities— Valued at the quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. U.S. government securities— Certain securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. Other securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. Cash and cash equivalents— Valued at the quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. Non-U.S. insurance arrangements —Valued based upon the estimated cash surrender value of the underlying insurance contract, which is derived from an actuarial determination of the discounted benefits cash flows. Employee Benefits Pension Plans— We have both defined benefit (funded and unfunded) and defined contribution plans. For the defined benefit plans, a projected benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. Pension costs primarily repres

Business Combination and Dispos

Business Combination and Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combination and Dispositions [Abstract]
Business Combination and Disposal Groups Disclosure [Text Block]	3 . Business Combination and Dispositions Business Combination On August 21, 2018 , through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of A. Schulman , a Delaware corporation for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1,940 million , including a $1,240 million cash payment to the former common stock holders, $594 million for the repayment of A. Schulman debt and $106 million for the settlement of stock-based compensation plans and other purchase consideration. As of December 31, 2018 , there has been no material changes in purchase consideration. The acquisition of A. Schulman, a global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders, builds upon our already existing platform in this space, allowing us to create our Advanced Polymer Solutions business with broad geographic reach, leading technologies and a diverse product portfolio. Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation— The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and non-controlling interests assumed on the acquisition date, as adjusted for all measurement period adjustments. Millions of dollars Cash and cash equivalents $ 71 Restricted cash 10 Accounts receivable 407 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 100 Inventories 300 Property, plant and equipment 448 Equity investments 16 Goodwill 1,271 Intangible assets 505 Other assets 58 Total assets $ 3,186 Current maturities of long-term debt $ 397 Accounts payable 317 Accrued liabilities 109 Other liabilities 164 Deferred income taxes 112 Total liabilities 1,099 Redeemable non-controlling interests 125 Non-controlling interests 22 Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and non-controlling interests $ 1,246 Total net assets acquired $ 1,940 In determining the fair value, we utilized various forms of the income, cost and market approaches depending on the asset or liability being fair valued, primarily using Level 3 inputs. The estimation of fair value required significant judgment related to future net cash flows (including net sales, cost of products sold, selling and marketing costs, and working capital/contributory asset charges), discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in each cash flow stream, competitive trends, market comparisons and other factors. Inputs were generally determined by taking into account historical data, supplemented by current and anticipated market conditions, and growth rates. The primary areas of the preliminary purchase price allocation that have not been finalized relate to the fair value of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, contingencies and the related impacts on deferred income taxes and cumulative translation adjustments. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we made certain measurement period adjustments resulting in a $12 million increase of goodwill. This was primarily due to changes in intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and deferred taxes. Inventories— The acquired inventory of $300 million comprises $180 million of finished goods, $8 million of work-in-process and $112 million of raw materials and supplies. Fair value of finished goods was based on the estimated selling price of finished goods on hand less costs to sell, including disposal and holding period costs, and a reasonable profit margin on the selling and disposal effort for each specific category of finished goods being evaluated. Fair value of work in process was based on the estimated selling price once completed less total costs to complete the manufacturing process, costs to sell including disposal and holding period costs, a reasonable profit margin on the remaining manufacturing, selling, and disposal effort. Raw materials were valued based on current replacement cost. Other Current Assets and Current Liabilities— Due to the short maturity of these assets and liabilities, their fair values closely approximate their carrying values; therefore, their fair values are deemed to be their respective carrying values. The gross contractual amount of the receivables presented in the table above is $415 million . Property, Plant and Equipment— The fair value of the components of property, plant and equipment acquired are represented in the table below: Millions of dollars Land $ 56 Major manufacturing equipment 211 Buildings 141 Light equipment and instrumentation 13 Office furniture 9 Information system equipment 2 Construction in progress 16 Total $ 448 Fair value for the acquired property, plant and equipment was determined using two valuation methods: the market approach and the replacement cost approach. The market approach represents a sales comparison that measures the value of an asset through an analysis of sales and offerings of comparable assets. The replacement cost approach measures the value of an asset by estimating the cost to acquire or construct comparable assets adjusted for the age and condition of the asset. Goodwill— Goodwill represents the excess of consideration over the net fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and non-controlling interest assumed. The acquisition resulted in $1,271 million of goodwill, most of which will not be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recognized in this transaction largely consists of the acquired workforce and expected synergies resulting from the acquisition. Cost synergies will be achieved through a combination of workforce consolidations, savings from procurement synergies, optimizing warehouse and logistic footprints, implementing systems and processes best practices and leveraging existing research and development knowledge management systems. All of the goodwill was assigned to our APS segment. As a result of the reorganization of our operating segments, an additional $41 million of goodwill attributed to the polypropylene compounds, Catalloy and polybutene-1 businesses previously reported in our O&P–EAI segment was assigned to our APS segment at the acquisition date. Intangible Assets —The fair value, weighted average useful life and useful life of each class of intangible asset acquired are presented in the following table: Millions of dollars Fair Value Weighted Average Life (Years) Useful Life (Years) Customer relationships $ 300 15 15 Trade name and trademarks 104 5 5 Know-how 84 8 5-8 Various contracts 17 1 1-2 Total $ 505 Know-how in the table above represents formulations, know-how and trade secrets associated with manufacturing processes. The fair values of know-how and trade name and trademarks were determined using the relief from royalty method. The excess earnings method was used to determine the fair value of customer relationships. These methods are all variations of the income approach. The total weighted-average life of the acquired intangible assets that are subject to amortization is 11 years . Other Assets and Other Liabilities— Other assets include deferred tax assets and pension assets while other liabilities are primarily related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Long-Term Debt— In August 2018, we notified bondholders that we would call the assumed $375 million 6.875% Senior Notes due June 2023 at a price of 105.156% of par. In conjunction with the repayment of the debt in September 2018, we paid a make-whole premium of $19 million . These notes were recognized at redemption value which approximates fair value at the acquisition date. Redeemable Non-controlling Interests— Our redeemable non-controlling interests relate to 124,347 shares of cumulative perpetual special stock issued by our consolidated subsidiary, A. Schulman, Inc. acquired in the acquisition. Holders of A. Schulman Special Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 6% per share on the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. These shares may be redeemed at any time at the discretion of the holders. In 2018, 8,973 shares of A. Schulman Special Stock were redeemed for approximately $9 million . As of December 31, 2018, 115,374 shares of A. Schulman Special Stock were outstanding. At the acquisition date, the fair value was estimated using the Black Derman Toy binomial lattice technique, which models the decision to redeem or hold by considering the maximum of the redemption value and the hold value throughout the term of the instrument and chooses the action that maximizes the return to the holder. This model requires assumptions on credit spread, yield volatility and risk-free rates. Acquisition Costs —We incurred approximately $30 million of acquisition-related transaction costs in connection with the acquisition of A. Schulman during the year ended December 31, 2018 . These costs comprising banker, legal and consulting fees were classified in our Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2018 , as selling, general and administrative expenses. Pro forma Information— Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the operating results of A. Schulman from August 21, 2018 to December 31, 2018, including revenues of $846 million and loss from continuing operations before income taxes of $6 million . Pro forma results of operations for this acquisition have not been presented because the effects of the acquisition were not material to our pre-acquisition financial results. Dispositions In October 2018, we received net cash proceeds of $37 million , upon the sale of our carbon black subsidiary in France. The net cash proceeds are reflected in Cash flows from investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In connection with the sale, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $36 million , which is reflected in Other Income, net in the Consolidated Income Statements. Upon the sale of our wholly owned subsidiary, Petroken Petroquimica Ensenada S.A. in February 2016, we received net proceeds of $137 million , which is reflected in Cash flows from investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In connection with the sale, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $78 million , which is reflected in Other Income, net in the Consolidated Income Statements.

Revenues

Revenues	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues [Text Block]	4 . Revenues We adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers on January 1, 2018. For further information related to the adoption of the new standard, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Contract Balances— Our contract liabilities were $138 million as of December 31, 2018 . Revenue recognized in the reporting period included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period was immaterial. Disaggregation of Revenues —We participate globally across the petrochemical value chain and are an industry leader in many of our product lines. Our chemical businesses consist primarily of large processing plants that convert large volumes of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon feedstocks into plastic resins and other chemicals. Our chemical products tend to be basic building blocks for other chemicals and plastics, while our plastic products are typically used in large volume applications as well as smaller specialty applications. Our refining business consists of our Houston refinery, which processes crude oil into refined products such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Revenues disaggregated by key products are summarized below: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Sales and other operating revenues: Olefins & co-products $ 3,679 $ 4,304 $ 3,215 Polyethylene 7,439 7,368 6,903 Polypropylene 5,703 5,005 4,414 PO & derivatives 2,530 2,204 1,852 Oxyfuels and related products 3,399 3,022 2,676 Intermediate chemicals 3,416 3,051 2,483 Compounding and solutions 3,091 2,139 1,910 Advanced polymers 930 783 692 Refined products 8,221 6,165 4,559 Other 596 443 479 Total $ 39,004 $ 34,484 $ 29,183 Compounding and solutions revenues include the product portfolio from the A. Schulman acquisition and legacy polypropylene compounds. Polybutene-1 and Catalloy revenues are now reflected in our new advanced polymers revenue stream. To reflect this change, polypropylene compounds and Catalloy have been recast from the polypropylene product line to the compounding and solutions and advanced polymers respectively for the periods presented. Additionally, polybutene-1 has been moved from other revenues to advanced polymers. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geography, based upon the location of the customer: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Sales and other operating revenues: United States $ 18,671 $ 16,618 $ 13,962 Germany 2,949 2,746 2,474 Mexico 2,308 1,504 1,026 Italy 1,582 1,352 1,203 France 1,460 1,306 1,055 Japan 1,257 1,185 934 China 1,137 1,024 939 The Netherlands 1,050 1,069 727 Other 8,590 7,680 6,863 Total $ 39,004 $ 34,484 $ 29,183 Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations —We have elected to exclude contracts which have an initial term of one year or less from this disclosure. Our contracts with customers are commodity supply arrangements that settle based on market prices at future delivery dates; therefore, transaction prices are entirely variable. Transaction prices are known at the time revenue is recognized since they are generally determined by the commodity price index at a specific date, at month-end or at the month average once products are shipped to our customers. Future estimates of transaction prices for disclosure purposes are substantially constrained as they are highly susceptible to factors outside our influence, including volatility in commodity markets, industry production capacities and operating rates, planned and unplanned industry operating interruptions, foreign exchange rates and worldwide geopolitical trends.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions [Text Block]	5 . Related Party Transactions We have related party transactions with our joint venture partners, which are classified as equity investees (see Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). These related party transactions include the sales and purchases of goods in the normal course of business as well as certain financing arrangements. In addition, under contractual arrangements with certain of our equity investees, we receive certain services, utilities and materials at some of our manufacturing sites and we provide certain services to our equity investees. We have guaranteed $34 million of the indebtedness of two of our joint ventures as of December 31, 2018 . Related party transactions are summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 The Company billed related parties for: Sales of products— Joint venture partners $ 878 $ 779 $ 729 Shared service agreements— Joint venture partners 9 16 18 Related parties billed the Company for: Sales of products— Joint venture partners $ 2,999 $ 2,759 $ 2,402 Shared service agreements— Joint venture partners 70 75 71

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable [Text Block]	6 . Accounts Receivable We sell our products primarily to other industrial concerns in the petrochemicals and refining industries. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial conditions and, in certain circumstances, require letters of credit or corporate guarantees from them. Our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, which is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction of accounts receivable, was $16 million and $17 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. We recorded provisions for doubtful accounts receivable, which are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income, of less than $1 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 .

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories [Text Block]	7 . Inventories Inventories consisted of the following components at December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Finished goods $ 3,066 $ 2,932 Work-in-process 138 142 Raw materials and supplies 1,311 1,143 Total inventories $ 4,515 $ 4,217 At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , approximately 85% and 86% , respectively, of our inventories were valued using the last in, first out (“LIFO”) method and the remaining inventories, consisting primarily of materials and supplies, were valued at the moving average cost method. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , our LIFO cost exceeded current replacement cost under the first-in first-out method. The excess of our inventories at estimated net realizable value over LIFO cost after lower of cost or market charges was approximately $798 million and $1,194 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment,

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Property, Plant And Equipment Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	8 . Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Property, Plant and Equipment —The components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation are as follows at December 31: Millions of dollars Estimated Useful Lives (in Years) 2018 2017 Land $ 364 $ 313 Major manufacturing equipment 25 10,684 10,029 Buildings 30 924 826 Light equipment and instrumentation 5 - 20 2,639 2,141 Office furniture 15 25 16 Major turnarounds 4 - 7 1,750 1,765 Information system equipment 3 - 5 60 59 Construction in progress 2,255 1,421 Total property, plant and equipment 18,701 16,570 Less accumulated depreciation (6,224 ) (5,573 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 12,477 $ 10,997 Capitalized Interest— We capitalize interest costs incurred on funds used to construct property, plant and equipment. In 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , we capitalized interest of $45 million , $20 million and $33 million , respectively. Intangible Assets —The components of identifiable intangible assets, at cost, and the related accumulated amortization are as follows at December 31: 2018 2017 Millions of dollars Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Emission allowances $ 807 $ (531 ) $ 276 $ 786 $ (468 ) $ 318 Various contracts 508 (329 ) 179 552 (356 ) 196 Customer relationships 300 (8 ) 292 — — — In-process research and development costs 111 (75 ) 36 117 (70 ) 47 Trade name and trademarks 104 (7 ) 97 — — — Know-how 84 (4 ) 80 — — — Software costs 64 (59 ) 5 73 (66 ) 7 Total intangible assets $ 1,978 $ (1,013 ) $ 965 $ 1,528 $ (960 ) $ 568 Amortization of these identifiable intangible assets for the next five years is expected to be $163 million in 2019 , $141 million in 2020 , $87 million in 2021 , $82 million in 2022 and $70 million in 2023 . Depreciation and Amortization Expense —Depreciation and amortization expense is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Property, plant and equipment $ 1,075 $ 1,023 $ 920 Investment in PO joint ventures 41 41 40 Emission allowances 63 67 62 Various contracts 31 27 27 Customer relationships 8 — — In-process research and development costs 7 9 8 Trade name and trademarks 7 — — Know-how 4 — — Software costs 5 7 7 Total depreciation and amortization $ 1,241 $ 1,174 $ 1,064 Asset Retirement Obligations —In certain cases, we are contractually obligated to decommission our plants upon site exit. In such cases, we have accrued the net present value of the estimated costs. The majority of our asset retirement obligations are related to facilities in Europe. The changes in our asset retirement obligations are as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 58 $ 77 Payments (2 ) (3 ) Changes in estimates 2 (26 ) Accretion expense 2 2 Effects of exchange rate changes (2 ) 8 Ending balance $ 58 $ 58 Although, we may have asset retirement obligations associated with some of our other facilities, the present value of those obligations is not material in the context of an indefinite expected life of the facilities. We continually review the optimal future alternatives for our facilities. Any decision to retire one or more facilities may result in an increase in the present value of such obligations. In May 2016, we received a notice pertaining to the final closure of our Berre refinery from the Prefect of Bouches du Rhone. This notice outlines the requirements to dismantle the refinery facilities. At this time, the estimated cost and associated cash flows to fulfill these requirements are not deemed to be material. We began reporting the Berre refinery as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of 2012. The impact of this discontinued operation is immaterial to our consolidated results. Goodwill —The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Millions of dollars O&P – Americas O&P – EAI I&D APS Technology Total December 31, 2016 $ 162 $ 98 $ 219 $ 41 $ 8 $ 528 Foreign currency translation adjustments — 23 18 — 1 42 December 31, 2017 $ 162 $ 121 $ 237 $ 41 $ 9 $ 570 Acquisition of A. Schulman — — — 1,259 — 1,259 Measurement period adjustments — — — 12 — 12 Foreign currency translation adjustments — (7 ) (8 ) (12 ) — (27 ) December 31, 2018 $ 162 $ 114 $ 229 $ 1,300 $ 9 $ 1,814 For additional information related to goodwill, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investment in PO Joint Ventures

Investment in PO Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investment in PO Joint Ventures [Text Block]	9 . Investment in PO Joint Ventures We, together with Covestro PO LLC, a subsidiary of Covestro AG (collectively “Covestro”), share ownership in a U.S. propylene oxide (“PO”) manufacturing joint venture (the “U.S. PO joint venture”). The U.S. PO joint venture owns a PO/styrene monomer (“SM” or “styrene”) and a PO tertiary butyl alcohol (“TBA”) manufacturing facility. Covestro’s ownership interest represents an undivided interest in certain U.S. PO joint venture assets with correlative PO capacity reservation that resulted in ownership of annual in-kind cost-based PO production of approximately 1.5 billion pounds in 2018 and 2017 . We take in-kind the remaining cost-based PO and co-product production. In addition, we and Covestro each have a 50% interest in a separate manufacturing joint venture (the “European PO joint venture”), which owns a PO/SM plant at Maasvlakte near Rotterdam, The Netherlands. In substance, each partner’s ownership interest represents an undivided interest in all of the European PO joint venture assets with correlative capacity reservation that resulted in ownership of annual in-kind cost-based PO and SM production. We and Covestro do not share marketing or product sales under the U.S. PO joint venture. We operate the U.S. PO joint venture’s and the European PO joint venture’s (collectively the “PO joint ventures”) plants and arrange and coordinate the logistics of product delivery. The partners share in the cost of production and logistics is based on their product offtake. Our product offtake of PO and its co-products was 5,783 million pounds in 2018, 6,189 million pounds in 2017 and 6,024 million pounds in 2016. Changes in our investments in the U.S. and European PO joint ventures for 2018 and 2017 are summarized below: Millions of dollars U.S. PO Joint Venture European PO Joint Venture Total PO Joint Ventures Investments in PO joint ventures—January 1, 2018 $ 310 $ 110 $ 420 Cash contributions 85 10 95 Depreciation and amortization (32 ) (9 ) (41 ) Effect of exchange rate changes — (5 ) (5 ) Investments in PO joint ventures—December 31, 2018 $ 363 $ 106 $ 469 Investments in PO joint ventures—January 1, 2017 $ 316 $ 99 $ 415 Cash contributions 26 6 32 Depreciation and amortization (32 ) (9 ) (41 ) Effect of exchange rate changes — 14 14 Investments in PO joint ventures—December 31, 2017 $ 310 $ 110 $ 420

Equity Investments

Equity Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Investments [Text Block]	10 . Equity Investments Our PO joint ventures, which are also accounted for using the equity method of accounting, are discussed in Note 9 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and are, therefore, not included in the following discussion. Our remaining principal direct and indirect equity investments are as follows at December 31: Percent of Ownership 2018 2017 Basell Orlen Polyolefins Sp. Z.o.o. 50.00 % 50.00 % PolyPacific Pty. Ltd. 50.00 % 50.00 % Saudi Polyolefins Company 25.00 % 25.00 % Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company Ltd. 25.00 % 25.00 % Al-Waha Petrochemicals Ltd. 25.00 % 25.00 % Polymirae Co. Ltd. 50.00 % 50.00 % HMC Polymers Company Ltd. 28.56 % 28.56 % Indelpro S.A. de C.V. 49.00 % 49.00 % Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Co. Ltd. 26.65 % 26.65 % Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Marketing Co. 50.00 % 50.00 % NOC Asia Ltd. 40.00 % 40.00 % The changes in our equity investments are as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 1,635 $ 1,575 Income from equity investments 289 321 Distribution of earnings, net of tax (307 ) (309 ) Business combination 16 — Sale of equity investments — (35 ) Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities — 19 Currency exchange effects (28 ) 68 Other 6 (4 ) Ending balance $ 1,611 $ 1,635 In September 2017, we sold our 27% interest in our Geosel joint venture and received proceeds of $155 million . Summarized balance sheet information of the Company’s investments accounted for under the equity method are as follows at December 31: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Current assets $ 2,824 $ 2,844 Noncurrent assets 4,625 4,541 Total assets 7,449 7,385 Current liabilities 1,485 1,607 Noncurrent liabilities 1,592 1,418 Net assets $ 4,372 $ 4,360 Summarized income statement information of the Company’s investments accounted for under the equity method are set forth below: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Revenues $ 7,449 $ 6,632 $ 6,608 Cost of sales (5,899 ) (5,119 ) (4,933 ) Gross profit 1,550 1,513 1,675 Net operating expenses (310 ) (223 ) (229 ) Operating income 1,240 1,290 1,446 Interest income 6 7 8 Interest expense (70 ) (74 ) (79 ) Foreign currency translation 1 11 (13 ) Other income, net 25 11 23 Income before income taxes 1,202 1,245 1,385 Provision for income taxes (260 ) (153 ) (303 ) Net income $ 942 $ 1,092 $ 1,082 The difference between our carrying value and the underlying equity in the net assets of our equity investments are assigned to the investment’s assets and liabilities based on an analysis of the factors giving rise to the basis difference. The amortization of the basis difference is included in Income from equity investments in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Prepaid Expenses, Other Current

Prepaid Expenses, Other Current Assets and Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses, Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Text Block]	11 . Prepaid Expenses, Other Current Assets and Other Assets The components of Prepaid expenses and Other current assets were as follows at December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Loans receivable $ 544 $ 570 Renewable identification numbers 65 117 Advances to suppliers 57 35 Income tax receivable 169 29 VAT receivables 218 184 Prepaid insurance 25 25 Financial derivatives 80 66 Other 97 121 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 1,255 $ 1,147 The renewable identification numbers reflected above represent a U.S. government established credit used to show compliance in meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard. The components of Other assets were as follows at December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets $ 31 $ 90 Debt issuance costs 12 15 Company-owned life insurance 62 56 Derivative contracts 118 26 Pension assets 39 33 Other 91 41 Total other assets $ 353 $ 261

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities [Text Block]	12 . Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities consisted of the following components at December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Payroll and benefits $ 534 $ 442 Renewable identification numbers 72 130 Product sales rebates 163 166 Taxes other than income taxes 186 199 Income taxes 16 386 Interest 154 151 Deferred revenues 128 61 Other 283 277 Total accrued liabilities $ 1,536 $ 1,812

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt [Text Block]	13 . Debt Long-term loans, notes and other long-term debt net of unamortized discount and debt issuance cost consisted of the following as of December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% ($1 million of debt issuance cost) $ 988 $ 961 Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% ($5 million of debt issuance cost) 975 981 Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75% ($7 million of debt issuance cost) 993 992 Senior Notes due 2055, $1,000 million, 4.625% ($16 million of discount; $11 million of debt issuance cost) 973 973 Guaranteed Notes due 2022, €750 million, 1.875% ($2 million of discount; $2 million of debt issuance cost) 855 894 Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% ($5 million of discount; $3 million of debt issuance cost) 742 740 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% ($8 million of discount; $7 million of debt issuance cost) 964 984 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1% 300 300 Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($21 million of discount; $7 million of debt issuance cost) 722 722 Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% ($11 million of discount; $9 million of debt issuance cost) 980 979 Other 10 25 Total 8,502 8,551 Less current maturities (5 ) (2 ) Long-term debt $ 8,497 $ 8,549 Fair value hedging adjustments associated with the fair value hedge accounting of our fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps for the applicable periods are as follows: Millions of dollars Inception Year Gains (Losses) Cumulative Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Carrying Amount of Debt Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Senior Notes due 2019, 5.0% 2014 $ (25 ) $ (48 ) $ 11 $ 36 Senior Notes due 2021, 6.0% 2016 8 9 20 12 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, 3.5% 2017 22 (1 ) 21 (1 ) Guaranteed Notes due 2022, 1.875% 2018 (1 ) — (1 ) — Total $ 4 $ (40 ) $ 51 $ 47 The cumulative fair value hedging adjustments remaining at December 31, 2018 and 2017 associated with our Senior Notes due 2019 included $7 million and $31 million , respectively, for hedges that have been discontinued. The $48 million loss in the year ended December 31, 2017 included a $44 million charge for the write-off of the cumulative fair value hedging adjustment related to our 5% Senior Notes due 2019 described below. These fair value adjustments are recognized in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Short-term loans, notes and other short-term debt consisted of the following as of December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 $2,500 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility $ — $ — $900 million U.S. Receivables Facility — — Commercial paper 809 — Precious metal financings 71 64 Other 5 4 Total short-term debt $ 885 $ 68 After giving consideration to the refinancing in February 2019 of our 5% Senior Notes due 2019 with our new Senior Credit Agreement discussed below, the aggregate maturities of debt during the next five years are $891 million in 2019 , $1,001 million in 2020 , $1,001 million in 2021 , $859 million in 2022 , $751 million in 2023 and $5,051 million thereafter. Long-Term Debt Guaranteed Notes due 2027— In March 2017 , LYB International Finance II B.V. (“LYB Finance II”), a direct, 100% owned finance subsidiary of LyondellBasell Industries N.V., as defined in Rule 3-10(b) of Regulation S-X, issued $1,000 million of 3.5% guaranteed notes due 2027 at a discounted price of 98.968% . In March 2017, the net proceeds from these notes, together with available cash, were used to redeem $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019 . 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 II’s existing and future unsecured indebtedness and to all of LyondellBasell N.V.’s existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness. There are no significant restrictions that would impede LyondellBasell N.V., as guarantor, from obtaining funds by dividend or loan from its subsidiaries. The indenture governing these notes contains limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness secured by significant property or by capital stock of subsidiaries that own significant property, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any significant property or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. The notes may be redeemed before the date that is three months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 20 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is three months prior to the scheduled maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. Senior Notes due 2019, 2021 and 2024 —In February 2019, proceeds from the new Senior Credit Agreement discussed below were used to redeem the remaining $1,000 million outstanding of our 5% Senior Notes due 2019 at par. In conjunction with the redemption of these notes, we recognized non-cash charges of less than $1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs and $8 million for the write-off of the cumulative fair value hedge accounting adjustment related to the redeemed notes. In March 2017 , we redeemed $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019 , and paid $65 million in make-whole premiums. In conjunction with the redemption of these notes, we recognized non-cash charges of $4 million for the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and $44 million for the write-off of the cumulative fair value hedge accounting adjustment related to the redeemed notes. We have outstanding $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% senior notes due 2024 , and $1,000 million of 6% senior notes due 2021 . The indentures governing the 5%, 5.75% and 6% Senior Notes contain limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness secured by any property or assets, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any assets or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. These notes may be redeemed and repaid, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to the date that is 90 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a premium for each note redeemed equal to the greater of 1.00% of the then outstanding principal amount of the note and the excess of: (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the principal amount of the note at maturity plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the note through maturity (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the outstanding principal amount of the note. These notes may also be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after the date which is 90 days prior to the final maturity date of the notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. Guaranteed Notes due 2022— In March 2016 , LYB Finance II issued €750 million of 1.875% guaranteed notes due 2022 at a discounted price of 99.607% . 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 II’s existing and future unsecured indebtedness and to all of LyondellBasell N.V.’s existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness. There are no significant restrictions that would impede LyondellBasell N.V., as guarantor, from obtaining funds by dividend or loan from its subsidiaries. The indenture governing these notes contains limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness secured by significant property or by capital stock of subsidiaries that own significant property, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any significant property or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. The notes may be redeemed before the date that is three months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate plus 35 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is three months prior to the scheduled maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes are also redeemable upon certain tax events. Senior Notes due 2055 —In March 2015 , we issued $1,000 million of 4.625% Notes due 2055 at a discounted price of 98.353% . These unsecured notes rank equally in right of payment to all of LyondellBasell N.V.’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 indebtedness secured by significant property or by capital stock of subsidiaries that own significant property, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any significant property or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. The notes may be redeemed before the date that is six months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 35 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is six months prior to the final maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. Guaranteed Notes due 2044 —In February 2014 , LYB International Finance B.V. (“LYB Finance”), a direct, 100% owned finance subsidiary of LyondellBasell Industries N.V., as defined in Rule 3-10(b) of Regulation S-X, issued $1,000 million of 4.875% guaranteed notes due 2044 at a discounted price of 98.831% . These unsecured notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell Industries N.V., rank equally in right of payment to all of LYB Finance’s existing and future unsecured indebtedness and to all of LyondellBasell’s existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness. There are no significant restrictions that would impede the Guarantor from obtaining funds by dividend or loan from its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are generally prohibited from entering into arrangements that would limit their ability to make dividends to or enter into loans with the Guarantor. The indenture governing these notes contains limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness secured by significant property or by capital stock of subsidiaries that own significant property, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any significant property or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. The notes may be redeemed before the date that is six months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 20 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is six months prior to the final maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. Guaranteed Notes due 2023 and 2043 —In July 2013 , LYB Finance issued $750 million of 4% guaranteed notes due 2023 and $750 million of 5.25% Notes due 2043 at discounted prices of 98.678% and 97.004% , respectively. These unsecured notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell Industries N.V., rank equally in right of payment to all of LYB Finance’s existing and future unsecured indebtedness and to all of LyondellBasell’s existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness. There are no significant restrictions that would impede the Guarantor from obtaining funds by dividend or loan from its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are generally prohibited from entering into arrangements that would limit their ability to make dividends to or enter into loans with the Guarantor. The indenture governing these notes contains limited covenants, including those restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness secured by significant property or by capital stock of subsidiaries that own significant property, enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any significant property or enter into consolidations, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. The notes may be redeemed and repaid, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed. Such interest will be discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 25 basis points in the case of the 4% Notes due 2023 and plus 30 basis points in the case of the 5.25% Notes due 2043. Guaranteed Notes due 2027 —We have outstanding $300 million aggregate principal amount of 8.1% Guaranteed Notes due 2027 . These notes, which are guaranteed by LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., a subsidiary of LyondellBasell N.V., contain certain restrictions with respect to the level of maximum debt that can be incurred and security that can be granted by certain operating companies that are direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. The 2027 Notes contain customary provisions for default, including, among others, the non-payment of principal and interest, certain failures to perform or observe obligations under the Agreement on the notes, the occurrence of certain defaults under other indebtedness, failure to pay certain indebtedness and the insolvency or bankruptcy of certain LyondellBasell N.V. subsidiaries. Short-Term Debt Senior Credit Agreement— In February 2019 , LYB Americas Finance Company LLC (“LYB Americas Finance”), a wholly owned subsidiary of LyondellBasell Industries N.V., entered into a 364-day , $2,000 million senior unsecured term loan credit agreement and borrowed the entire amount. The proceeds of this term loan, which is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell Industries N.V. are intended for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of debt. Borrowings under the credit agreement will bear interest at either a LIBOR rate or a base rate, as defined, plus in each case, an applicable margin determined by reference to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.’s current credit ratings. The credit agreement contains customary covenants and warranties, including specified restrictions on indebtedness, including secured and subsidiary indebtedness, and merger and sales of assets. In addition, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less. Senior Revolving Credit Facility— In June 2017, the term of our $2,500 million revolving credit facility was extended for one year to June 2022 pursuant to a consent agreement. All other material terms of the revolving credit facility remained unchanged. The revolving credit facility may be used for dollar and euro denominated borrowings, has a $500 million sublimit for dollar and euro denominated letters of credit, a $1,000 million uncommitted accordion feature, and supports our commercial paper program. The aggregate balance of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit under the facility may not exceed $2,500 million at any given time. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a Base Rate or LIBOR, plus an applicable margin. Additional fees are incurred for the average daily unused commitments. The facility contains customary covenants and warranties, including specified restrictions on indebtedness and liens. In addition, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters. We are in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2018 . At December 31, 2018 , we had $809 million of outstanding commercial paper, no outstanding letters of credit and no outstanding borrowings under the facility. Commercial Paper Program —We have a commercial paper program under which we may issue up to $2,500 million of privately placed, unsecured, short-term promissory notes (“commercial paper”). The program is backed by our $2,500 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility. Proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper may be used for general corporate purposes, including dividends and share repurchases. Interest rates on the commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2018 are based on the terms of the notes and range from 2.65% to 3.12%. U.S. Receivables Facility— In July 2018, we amended our $900 million U.S. accounts receivable facility to, among other things, extend the term of the facility to July 2021 . The facility has a purchase limit of $900 million in addition to a $300 million uncommitted accordion feature. This facility provides 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 then, 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. In the event of liquidation, the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary’s assets will be used to satisfy the claims of its creditors prior to any assets or value in the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary becoming available to us. We are responsible for servicing the receivables. This facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to $200 million . The term of the facility may be extended in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. The facility is also subject to customary warranties and covenants, including limits and reserves and the maintenance of specified financial ratios. We are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters. Performance obligations under the facility are guaranteed by our parent company. Additional fees are incurred for the average daily unused commitments. At December 31, 2018 , there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the facility. 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. Weighted Average Interest Rate —At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , our weighted average interest rates on outstanding short-term debt were 3.1% and 1.8% , respectively. Debt Discount and Issuance Costs— Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs resulted in amortization expense of $14 million , $15 million and $16 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, which is included in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Other Information — LYB International Finance III, LLC is a direct, 100% owned finance subsidiary of LyondellBasell N.V., as defined in Rule 3-10(b) of Regulation S-X. Any debt securities issued by LYB International Finance III, LLC will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell N.V.

Lease Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Commitments [Text Block]	14 . Lease Commitments We lease office facilities, railcars, vehicles, and other equipment under operating leases. Some leases contain renewal provisions, purchase options and escalation clauses. The aggregate future estimated payments under these commitments are: Millions of dollars 2019 $ 365 2020 288 2021 256 2022 236 2023 204 Thereafter 1,126 Total minimum lease payments $ 2,475 Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $496 million , $440 million and $426 million , respectively.

Financial Instruments and Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Financial Instruments and Fair Value [Abstract]
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]	15 . Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements 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 contracts pursuant to our risk management policies. Commodity Prices —We are exposed to commodity price volatility related to purchases of various feedstocks 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. Foreign Currency Rates —We have significant worldwide operations. The functional currencies of our consolidated subsidiaries through which we operate are primarily the U.S. dollar and the euro. We enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our designated functional currencies. As a result, we are exposed to foreign currency risk on receivables and payables. We maintain risk management control policies intended to monitor foreign currency risk attributable to our outstanding foreign currency balances. 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 Comprehensive income. We enter into foreign currency forward and swap contracts to reduce the effects of our net currency exchange exposures. For foreign currency forward and swap contracts that economically hedge recognized foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities, hedge accounting is not applied. Changes in the fair value of such forward and swap contracts, which are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income, are offset in part by the currency remeasurement results recognized within earnings on the assets and liabilities. Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) —Other income, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income reflected foreign currency gains of $24 million in 2018 , and foreign currency losses of $1 million in 2017 , and $4 million in 2016 . Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis —The following table summarizes financial instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Notional Amount Fair Value Notional Amount Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Millions of dollars Assets— Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 472 $ 12 $ — $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency — 27 — 26 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency 2,000 117 2,000 25 Other assets Interest rates 600 33 — 20 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Interest rates 143 1 650 1 Other assets Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities 35 5 77 20 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency 599 3 19 — Prepaid expenses and other current assets Non-derivatives: Available-for-sale debt securities 567 567 960 960 Short-term investments Equity securities 322 325 350 347 Short-term investments Total $ 4,738 $ 1,090 $ 4,056 $ 1,399 Liabilities— Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 4 $ — $ 97 $ 8 Accrued liabilities Commodities — — 5 — Other liabilities Foreign currency — 17 139 29 Accrued liabilities Foreign currency 950 75 950 140 Other liabilities Interest rates 1,400 16 — 5 Accrued liabilities Interest rates 2,500 45 3,350 58 Other liabilities Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities 63 14 108 29 Accrued liabilities Foreign currency 1,165 7 995 11 Accrued liabilities Non-derivatives: Performance share awards 29 29 23 23 Accrued liabilities Performance share awards — — 27 27 Other liabilities Total $ 6,111 $ 203 $ 5,694 $ 330 Commodity derivatives designated as hedges are classified as Level 1. As of December 31, 2018, these commodity derivatives had notional and fair value of $472 million and $12 million , respectively. Fair value includes the net of a $60 million derivative asset and a $48 million derivative liability. Our limited partnership investments equity securities discussed below are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. All other derivatives and available-for-sale securities in the tables above are classified as Level 2. At December 31, 2018 , our outstanding foreign currency and commodity contracts not designated as hedges mature from January 2019 to August 2019 and from January 2019 to February 2019 , respectively. Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis —The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Short-term loans receivable, which represent our repurchase agreements, and 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 and commercial paper. December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Millions of dollars Non-derivatives: Assets: Short-term loans receivable $ 544 $ 544 $ 570 $ 570 Liabilities: Short-term debt $ 70 $ 77 $ 64 $ 75 Long-term debt 8,492 8,476 8,526 9,442 Total $ 8,562 $ 8,553 $ 8,590 $ 9,517 All financial instruments in the table above are classified as Level 2 . There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for any of our financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Net Investment Hedges— In 2018 we entered into €800 million of foreign currency contracts that were designated as net investment hedges. In 2018 foreign currency contracts with an aggregate notional value of €925 million expired. Upon settlement of these foreign currency contracts in 2018 , we paid €925 million ( $1,078 million at the expiry spot rate) to our counterparties and received $1,108 million from our counterparties. In 2017 , we entered into €617 million of foreign currency contracts that were designated as net investment hedges. In 2017 , foreign currency contracts with an aggregate notional value of €550 million expired. Upon settlement of these foreign currency contracts in 2017 , we paid €550 million ( $658 million at the expiry spot rate) to our counterparties and received $609 million from our counterparties. In 2016, we also issued euro denominated notes payable due 2022 with notional amounts totaling €750 million that were designated as a net investment hedge. In May 2018, we dedesignated and redesignated a €125 million tranche of these notes as a net investment hedge. At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we had outstanding foreign currency contracts with an aggregate notional value of €617 million ( $650 million ) and €742 million ( $789 million ), respectively, designated as net investment hedges. In addition, at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we had outstanding foreign-currency denominated debt, with notional amounts totaling €750 million ( $858 million ) and €750 million ( $899 million ), respectively, designated as a net investment hedge. There was no ineffectiveness recorded for any of these net investment hedging relationships during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Cash Flow Hedges— The following table summarizes our cash flow hedges outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Notional Value Notional Value Expiration Date Foreign currency $ 2,300 $ 2,300 2021 to 2027 Interest rates 1,500 1,000 2019 to 2021 Commodities 476 102 2019 In February 2019 we entered into forward-starting interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $1,000 million to mitigate the risk of variability in interest rates for an expected debt issuance by February 2020 . These swaps were designated as cash flow hedges and will be terminated upon debt issuance. Additionally, concurrent with the redemption of $1,000 million of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019 , we received $4 million in settlement of $1,000 million of forward-starting interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges of forecast interest payments to begin on or before April 15, 2019. In 2018 we entered into commodity futures contracts with a total notional amount of $198 million to mitigate the risk of variability in feedstock prices for the year 2019. Additionally in 2018, we entered into commodity futures contracts with a total notional amount of $274 million to mitigate the risk of variability in product sales prices for the year 2019. In 2018 we entered into forward-starting interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $500 million to mitigate the risk of variability in interest rates for an expected debt issuance by November 2021. These swaps were designated as cash flow hedges and will be terminated upon debt issuance. In 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , there were no settlements of our forward-starting swap agreements. The ineffectiveness recorded for these hedging relationships was less than $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . As of December 31, 2018 , on a pre-tax basis, less than $1 million , $60 million , and $48 million is scheduled to be reclassified as a decrease to interest expense, increase to sales, and increase to cost of sales, respectively, over the next twelve months. Fair Value Hedges— In February 2019, concurrent with the redemption of $1,000 million of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019 , we paid $5 million in settlement of $1,000 million of fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps. In 2018 we entered into a euro fixed-for-floating interest rate swap to mitigate the change in the fair value of €125 million ( $147 million ) of our €750 million notes payable due 2022 associated with the risk of variability in the 6-month EURIBOR rate (the benchmark interest rate). The fixed-rate and variable-rate are settled annually and semi-annually, respectively. In 2017, we entered into U.S. dollar fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps to mitigate changes in fair value of our $1,000 million 3.5% guaranteed notes due 2027 associated with the risk of variability in the 3 Month USD LIBOR rate. The fixed-rate and variable-rate are settled semi-annually and quarterly, respectively. In 2014, we entered into U.S. dollar fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps to mitigate changes in the fair value of our $2,000 million 5% senior notes due 2019 . In March 2017, concurrent with the redemption of $1,000 million of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019, we dedesignated the related $2,000 million fair value hedge and terminated swaps in the notional amount of $1,000 million. At the same time, we redesignated the remaining $1,000 million notional amount of swaps as a fair value hedge of the remaining $1,000 million of 5% senior notes outstanding. In 2017 , we entered into U.S. dollar fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps with aggregate notional value of $400 million to mitigate changes in the fair value of our $1,000 million 6% senior notes due 2021 associated with the risk of variability in the 1 Month USD LIBOR rate. The fixed and variable payments for the interest rate swaps related to our 6% senior notes due 2021 are settled semi-annually and monthly, respectively. At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we had outstanding fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps with aggregate notional amounts of $3,143 million and $3,000 million , respectively, designated as fair value hedges. The fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2018 mature from 2019 to 2027 . We recognized net losses of $16 million and net gains of $32 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, related to the ineffectiveness of our fair value hedges. Impact on Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income— The following tables summarize the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments on Other comprehensive income and earnings for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Effect of Financial Instruments Year Ended December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Additional Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 60 $ — $ — Sales and other operating revenues Commodities (30 ) (11 ) — Cost of sales Foreign currency 190 (100 ) 68 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates 43 (1 ) (30 ) Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — 3 Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — 1 Cost of sales Foreign currency — — 43 Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt 41 — — Other income, net Total $ 304 $ (112 ) $ 85 Effect of Financial Instruments Year Ended December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Additional Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ (11 ) $ — $ — Cost of sales Foreign currency (466 ) 265 42 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates (25 ) (1 ) 2 Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — (18 ) Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — (23 ) Cost of sales Foreign currency — — (23 ) Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt (109 ) — — Other income, net Total $ (611 ) $ 264 $ (20 ) Effect of Financial Instruments Year Ended December 31, 2016 Millions of dollars Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Additional Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 3 $ — $ — Cost of sales Foreign currency (30 ) (63 ) 46 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates (17 ) — 8 Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — 12 Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — 6 Cost of sales Foreign currency — — 16 Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt 58 — — Other income, net Total $ 14 $ (63 ) $ 88 The derivative amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for foreign currency contracts designated as net investment hedges recognized in other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2018 were gains of $19 million . The derivative amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for foreign currency contracts designated as net investment hedges recognized in interest expense for year ended December 31, 2018 were gains of $27 million . The pre-tax effect of the periodic receipt of fixed interest and payment of variable interest associated with our fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps resulted in an interest expense of $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and reduced interest expense by $23 million and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities— The following table summarizes the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of our available-for-sale debt securities that are outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale debt securities: Bonds $ 567 $ — $ — $ 567 Total available-for-sale debt securities $ 567 $ — $ — $ 567 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Commercial paper $ 180 $ — $ — $ 180 Bonds 630 — — 630 Certificates of deposit 150 — — 150 Limited partnership investments 350 2 (5 ) 347 Total available-for-sale securities $ 1,310 $ 2 $ (5 ) $ 1,307 In 2017 our equity securities classified as available-for-sale primarily consist of our limited partnership investments, which include investments in, among other things, equities and equity related securities, debt securities, credit instruments, global interest rate products, currencies, commodities, futures, options, warrants and swaps. These investments may be redeemed at least monthly with advance notice ranging up to ninety days. The fair value of these funds uses net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the respective pooled fund investment. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we had marketable securities classified as Cash and cash equivalents of $19 million and $1,035 million , respectively. No losses related to other-than-temporary impairments of our debt security investments have been recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . As of December 31, 2018 , bonds classified as available-for-sale debt securities had maturities between two and twenty-five months . The proceeds from maturities and sales of our available-for-sale debt securities during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 are summarized in the following table: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Proceeds from maturities of securities $ 423 $ 499 $ 674 No gain or loss was realized in connection with the sales of our available-for-sale debt securities during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. We use the specific identification method to identify the cost of the securities we sell and the amounts we reclassify out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings. The following table summarizes the fair value and unrealized losses related to available-for-sale debt securities that were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than and greater than twelve months as of December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Millions of dollars Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale debt securities: Bonds $ 118 $ (1 ) $ 45 $ — December 31, 2017 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Millions of dollars Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale securities: Limited partnership investments $ 117 $ (5 ) $ — $ — December 31, 2016 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Millions of dollars Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale securities: Limited partnership investments $ — $ — $ 105 $ (3 ) Investments in Equity Securities —Our equity securities primarily consist of our limited partnership investments, which include investments in, among other things, equities and equity related securities, debt securities, credit instruments, global interest rate products, currencies, commodities, futures, options, warrants and swaps. These investments may be redeemed at least monthly with advance notice ranging up to ninety days. The fair value of these funds uses net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the respective pooled fund investment. These investments had a notional amount of $322 million and a fair value of $325 million at December 31, 2018 . The following table summarizes the portion of unrealized gains and losses for the equity securities that are outstanding as of December 31, 2018 : Millions of dollars Net gains recognized during the period $ 11 Less: Net gains recognized during the period on securities sold 5 Unrealized gains recognized during the period $ 6

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Text Block]	16 . Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits We have defined benefit pension plans which cover employees in the U.S. and various non-U.S. countries. We also sponsor postretirement benefit plans other than pensions that provide medical benefits to certain of our U.S., Canadian, and French employees. In addition, we provide other postemployment benefits such as early retirement and deferred compensation severance benefits to employees of certain non-U.S. countries. We use a measurement date of December 31 for all of our benefit plans. The following table provides a reconciliation of projected benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of our U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 1,924 $ 1,511 $ 1,846 $ 1,491 Service cost 51 35 47 39 Interest cost 60 32 60 23 Actuarial loss (gain) (147 ) 23 104 (174 ) Plan amendments — 4 — 12 Benefits paid (129 ) (38 ) (133 ) (31 ) Participant contributions — 1 — 1 Settlement (10 ) (20 ) — (30 ) Business combination 3 192 — — Foreign exchange effects — (81 ) — 180 Benefit obligation, end of period 1,752 1,659 1,924 1,511 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period 1,680 852 1,571 824 Actual return on plan assets (37 ) 18 195 (60 ) Company contributions 44 56 47 56 Benefits paid (129 ) (38 ) (133 ) (31 ) Participant contributions — 1 — 1 Settlement (10 ) (20 ) — (30 ) Business combination — 48 — — Foreign exchange effects — (46 ) — 92 Fair value of plan assets, end of period 1,548 871 1,680 852 Funded status of continuing operations, end of period $ (204 ) $ (788 ) $ (244 ) $ (659 ) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of: Prepaid benefit cost, long-term $ 10 $ 29 $ 8 $ 25 Accrued benefit liability, current — (27 ) — (24 ) Accrued benefit liability, long-term (214 ) (790 ) (252 ) (660 ) Funded status of continuing operations, end of period $ (204 ) $ (788 ) $ (244 ) $ (659 ) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial and investment loss $ 374 $ 251 $ 385 $ 234 Prior service cost 2 11 2 8 Balance, end of period $ 376 $ 262 $ 387 $ 242 The following additional information is presented for our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans as of December 31: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans $ 1,708 $ 1,528 $ 1,887 $ 1,406 Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets are summarized as follows at December 31: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Projected benefit obligations $ 1,618 $ 1,456 $ 1,776 $ 1,285 Fair value of assets 1,404 639 1,524 601 Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets are summarized as follows at December 31: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Accumulated benefit obligations $ 1,578 $ 904 $ 1,742 $ 1,190 Fair value of assets 1,404 198 1,524 601 The following table provides the components of net periodic pension costs: U.S. Plans Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Net Periodic Pension Cost: Service cost $ 51 $ 47 $ 44 Interest cost 60 60 88 Actual return on plan assets 37 (195 ) (100 ) Less—return in excess of (less than) expected return (159 ) 74 (39 ) Expected return on plan assets (122 ) (121 ) (139 ) Settlement loss 2 — 58 Prior service cost amortization — 1 1 Actuarial and investment loss amortization 21 20 20 Net periodic benefit cost $ 12 $ 7 $ 72 Non-U.S. Plans Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Net Periodic Pension Cost: Service cost $ 35 $ 39 $ 32 Interest cost 32 23 32 Actual return on plan assets (18 ) 60 (146 ) Less—return in excess of (less than) expected return (6 ) (79 ) 122 Expected return on plan assets (24 ) (19 ) (24 ) Settlement loss 1 2 3 Prior service cost amortization 1 2 — Actuarial and investment loss amortization 10 16 8 Net periodic benefit cost $ 55 $ 63 $ 51 Lump sum benefit payments of $288 million were made from existing plan assets in 2016. These payments in total exceeded annual service and interest cost, resulting in pension settlement expense of $58 million . A significant portion of the lump sum payments were due to a voluntary lump sum program to certain former employees in select U.S. pension plans. Our goal is to manage pension investments over the longer term to achieve optimal returns with an acceptable level of risk and volatility. The assets are externally managed by professional investment firms and performance is evaluated continuously against specific benchmarks. The actual and target asset allocations for our plans are as follows: 2018 2017 Millions of dollars Actual Target Actual Target Canada Equity securities 49 % 50 % 50 % 50 % Fixed income 51 % 50 % 50 % 50 % United Kingdom—Lyondell Chemical Plans Equity securities 49 % 50 % 49 % 50 % Fixed income 51 % 50 % 51 % 50 % United Kingdom—Basell Plans Equity securities 49 % 50 % 49 % 50 % Fixed income 51 % 50 % 51 % 50 % United Kingdom—A. Schulman Plans Growth assets 94 % 89 % — — Matching assets 6 % 11 % — — United States Equity securities 32 % 32 % 36 % 32 % Fixed income 39 % 38 % 37 % 38 % Alternatives 29 % 30 % 27 % 30 % During 2017, Netherlands Defined Benefits pension plans modified their insurance arrangements. As a result, the plan assets were transferred to the insurer for investment in its pooled asset portfolio, and treated as a nonparticipating insurance contract. The associated plan assets underlying the insurance arrangement are measured at the cash surrender value, which is derived primarily from an actuarial determination of the discounted benefits cash flows. The transfer of plan assets resulted in a change in classification in the fair value hierarchy from Level 2 in 2016 for fixed income securities to Level 3 in 2017. These plan assets at December 31, 2017 were valued at $527 million and has reduced to $524 million at December 31, 2018. The change is due to actual return on plan assets of $10 million , contributions net of benefit payments of $12 million offset by $25 million of foreign exchange depreciation. We estimate the following contributions to our pension plans in 2019 : Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. Defined benefit plans $ 46 $ 62 Multi-employer plans — 8 Total $ 46 $ 70 As of December 31, 2018 , future expected benefit payments by our pension plans which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows: Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. 2019 $ 140 $ 59 2020 140 56 2021 141 57 2022 141 58 2023 141 61 2024 through 2028 677 329 The following tables set forth the principal assumptions on discount rates, projected rates of compensation increase and expected rates of return on plan assets, where applicable. These assumptions vary for the different plans, as they are determined in consideration of local conditions. The assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities for our pension plans were as follows at December 31: 2018 2017 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions: Discount rate 4.51 % 2.07 % 3.73 % 2.13 % Rate of compensation increase 4.83 % 2.54 % 4.00 % 2.94 % The assumptions used in determining net benefit costs for our pension plans were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions for the year: Discount rate 3.73 % 2.13 % 4.20 % 1.52 % 4.38 % 2.70 % Expected return on plan assets 7.50 % 2.92 % 8.00 % 2.15 % 8.00 % 3.37 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 2.94 % 4.00 % 2.93 % 4.00 % 3.15 % The discount rate assumptions reflect the rates at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled, based on the yields of high quality long-term bonds where the term closely matches the term of the benefit obligations. At the beginning of 2017, we changed the approach used to measure service and interest costs for pension and other postretirement benefits under significant U.S. plans. For 2016, we measured service and interest costs utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the plan obligations. For 2017, we measured service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along that same yield curve to the plans’ projected cash flows. We believe the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. This change did not affect the measurement of our plan obligations. We will account for this change as a change in accounting estimate and, accordingly, will account for it on a prospective basis. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our U.S. plans of 7.50% is based on the average level of earnings that our independent pension investment adviser had advised could be expected to be earned over a fifteen to twenty year time period consistent with the plans’ target asset allocation, historical capital market performance, historical plan performance (since the 1997 inception of the U.S. Master Trust) and a forecast of expected future asset returns. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our non-U.S. plans of 2.92% is based on expectations and asset allocations that vary by region. We review these long-term assumptions on a periodic basis. In the U.S. plans, the expected rate of return was derived based on the target asset allocation of 32% equity securities ( 7.5% expected return), 38% fixed income securities ( 5.5% expected return), and 30% alternative investments ( 9.5% expected return). In the non-U.S. plans, the investments consist primarily of fixed income securities whose expected rates of return range from 2.50% to 5.75% . The following table reflects the actual annualized total returns for the periods ended December 31, 2018 : Annualized December 31, 2018 One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years U.S. plan assets (1.91 )% (1.91 )% 5.81 % 4.65 % 9.31 % Non-U.S. plan assets 0.89 % 0.89 % 9.65 % 8.97 % 8.60 % Actual rates of return may differ from the expected rate due to the volatility normally experienced in capital markets. The goal is to manage the investments over the long term to achieve optimal returns with an acceptable level of risk and volatility in order to meet the benefit obligations of the plans as they come due. Our pension plans have not directly invested in securities of LyondellBasell N.V., and there have been no significant transactions between any of the pension plans and the Company or related parties thereof. The pension investments that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized below: December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 U.S. Common and preferred stock $ 330 $ 330 $ — $ — Commingled funds measured at net asset value 411 Fixed income securities 204 — 204 — Real estate measured at net asset value 107 Hedge funds measured at net asset value 241 Private equity measured at net asset value 108 U.S. government securities 133 133 — — Cash and cash equivalents 26 26 — — Total U.S. Pension Assets $ 1,560 $ 489 $ 204 $ — December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Non-U.S. Common stock $ — $ — $ — $ — Commingled funds measured at net asset value 298 Fixed income securities — — — — Insurance arrangements 570 — — 570 Cash and cash equivalents 2 2 — — Total Non-U.S. Pension Assets $ 870 $ 2 $ — $ 570 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 U.S. Common and preferred stock $ 410 $ 410 $ — $ — Commingled funds measured at net asset value 410 Fixed income securities 225 — 225 — Real estate measured at net asset value 102 Hedge funds measured at net asset value 253 Private equity measured at net asset value 94 U.S. government securities 148 148 — — Cash and cash equivalents 34 34 — — Total U.S. Pension Assets $ 1,676 $ 592 $ 225 $ — December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Non-U.S. Common stock $ — $ — $ — $ — Commingled funds measured at net asset value 297 Fixed income securities — — — — Insurance arrangements 549 — — 549 Cash and cash equivalents 5 5 — — Total Non-U.S. Pension Assets $ 851 $ 5 $ — $ 549 The fair value measurements of the investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Millions of dollars Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Remaining Life Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Trade to Settlement Terms Redemption Notice Period U.S. Commingled fund investing in Domestic Equity $ 112 $ — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 to 4 days Commingled fund investing in International Equity 58 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 days Commingled fund investing in Fixed Income 241 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 to 7 days Real Estate 107 8 10 years quarterly 15 to 25 days 45 to 90 days Hedge Funds 241 — N/A quarterly 10 to 30 days 20 to 90 days Private Equity 108 76 10 years Not eligible N/A N/A Total U.S. $ 867 $ 84 Millions of dollars Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Remaining Life Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Trade to Settlement Terms Redemption Notice Period Non-U.S. Commingled fund investing in Domestic Equity $ 33 $ — N/A 1 to 7 days 1 to 3 days 1 to 3 days Commingled fund investing in International Equity 122 — N/A 1 to 7 days 1 to 3 days 1 to 3 days Commingled fund investing in Fixed Income 143 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 days Total Non-U.S. $ 298 $ — The fair value measurements of the investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: Millions of dollars Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Remaining Life Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Trade to Settlement Terms Redemption Notice Period U.S. Commingled fund investing in Domestic Equity $ 106 $ — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 to 4 days Commingled fund investing in International Equity 61 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 days Commingled fund investing in Fixed Income 243 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 to 7 days Real Estate 102 12 10 years quarterly 15 to 25 days 45 to 90 days Hedge Funds 253 — N/A quarterly 10 to 30 days 20 to 90 days Private Equity 94 92 10 years Not eligible N/A N/A Total U.S. $ 859 $ 104 Millions of dollars Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Remaining Life Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Trade to Settlement Terms Redemption Notice Period Non-U.S. Commingled fund investing in Domestic Equity $ 29 $ — N/A 1 to 7 days 1 to 3 days 1 to 3 days Commingled fund investing in International Equity 119 — N/A 1 to 7 days 1 to 3 days 1 to 3 days Commingled fund investing in Fixed Income 149 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 days Total Non-U.S. $ 297 $ — Multi-employer Plan —The Company participates in a multi-employer arrangement with Pensionskasse der BASF WaG V.VaG (“Pensionskasse”) which provides for benefits to the majority of our employees in Germany. Up to a certain salary level, the benefit obligations are covered by contributions of the Company and the employees to the plan. Contributions made to the multi-employer plan are expensed as incurred. The following table provides disclosure related to the Company’s multi-employer plan: Company Contributions Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Pensionskasse (a) $ 8 $ 27 $ 7 (a) The Company-specific plan information for the Pensionskasse is not publicly available and the plan is not subject to a collective-bargaining agreement. The plan provides fixed, monthly retirement payments on the basis of the credits earned by the participating employees. To the extent that the Pensionskasse is underfunded, the future contributions to the plan may increase and may be used to fund retirement benefits for employees related to other employers. The Pensionskasse financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 indicated total assets of $9,093 million and $7,897 million , respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $8,747 million and $7,559 million , respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $653 million and $246 million , respectively. Our plan contributions did not exceed 5 percent of the total contributions in 2018, 2017 or 2016. Other Postretirement Benefits —We sponsor unfunded health care and life insurance plans covering certain eligible retired employees and their eligible dependents. Generally, the medical plans pay a stated percentage of medical expenses reduced by deductibles and other coverage. Life insurance benefits are generally provided by insurance contracts. We retain the right, subject to existing agreements, to modify or eliminate these benefits. The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations of our unfunded other postretirement benefit plans: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 280 $ 62 $ 276 $ 67 Service cost 2 2 3 2 Interest cost 9 1 9 1 Actuarial (gain) loss (46 ) (3 ) 6 (15 ) Benefits paid (26 ) (1 ) (21 ) (1 ) Participant contributions 6 — 7 — Business combination 9 — — — Foreign exchange effects — (2 ) — 8 Benefit obligation, end of period 234 59 280 62 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period — — — — Employer contributions 21 1 14 1 Participant contributions 5 — 7 — Benefits paid (26 ) (1 ) (21 ) (1 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of period — — — — Funded status, end of period $ (234 ) $ (59 ) $ (280 ) $ (62 ) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of: Accrued benefit liability, current $ (18 ) $ (1 ) $ (18 ) $ (1 ) Accrued benefit liability, long-term (216 ) (58 ) (262 ) (61 ) Funded status, end of period $ (234 ) $ (59 ) $ (280 ) $ (62 ) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial and investment income (loss) $ 65 $ (15 ) $ 19 $ (19 ) Balance, end of period $ 65 $ (15 ) $ 19 $ (19 ) The following table provides the components of net periodic other postretirement benefit costs: U.S. Plans Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Net Periodic Other Postretirement Cost: Service cost $ 2 $ 3 $ 3 Interest cost 9 9 11 Actuarial loss amortization — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 11 $ 12 $ 14 Non-U.S. Plans Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Net Periodic Other Postretirement Cost: Service cost $ 2 $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost 1 1 2 Actuarial loss amortization 1 3 2 Net periodic benefit cost $ 4 $ 6 $ 6 The following table sets forth the assumed health care cost trend rates: U.S. Plans December 31, 2018 2017 Assumed health care trend rate: Immediate trend rate 6.4 % 6.7 % Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) 4.5 % 4.5 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2038 2038 Non-U.S. Plans Canada France December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Assumed health care trend rate: Immediate trend rate 5.5 % 6.0 % 4.5 % 4.7 % Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.7 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2021 2021 — — The health care cost trend rate assumption does not typically have a significant effect on the amounts reported due to limits on maximum contribution levels to the medical plans. However, changing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would increase or decrease the accumulated other postretirement benefit liability as of December 31, 2018 by $17 million and $12 million , respectively, for non-U.S. plans and by less than $1 million for U.S. plans and would not have a material effect on the aggregate service and interest cost components of the net periodic other postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended. The assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities for our other postretirement benefit plans were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions: Discount rate 4.47 % 2.30 % 3.66 % 2.48 % Rate of compensation increase 4.50 % — 4.00 % — The assumptions used in determining the net benefit costs for our other postretirement benefit plans were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions for the year: Discount rate 3.66 % 2.48 % 4.07 % 1.69 % 4.23 % 2.69 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % — 4.00 % — 4.00 % — As of December 31, 2018 , future expected benefit payments by our other postretirement benefit plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, were as follows: Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. 2019 $ 18 $ 1 2020 18 1 2021 18 1 2022 18 1 2023 18 1 2024 through 2028 84 8 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss —The following pre-tax amounts were recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Pension Benefits Other Benefits Millions of dollars Actuarial (Gain) Loss Prior Service Cost (Credit) Actuarial (Gain) Loss Prior Service Cost (Credit) December 31, 2016 $ 722 $ 1 $ 12 $ — Arising during the period (65 ) 12 (9 ) — Amortization (36 ) (3 ) (3 ) — Settlement loss (2 ) — — — December 31, 2017 619 10 — — Arising during the period 40 4 (49 ) — Amortization (31 ) (1 ) (1 ) — Settlement loss (3 ) — — — December 31, 2018 $ 625 $ 13 $ (50 ) $ — In 2018 , $40 million of pension benefits actuarial loss primarily reflects $126 million of gains due to changes in discount rate assumption offset by $166 million of losses due to asset experience. There were $49 million of other postretirement benefits actuarial gains primarily due to $19 million of discount rate assumption changes and $30 million of changes due to favorable liability experience, and other immaterial items. In 2017 , $65 million of pension benefits actuarial gain primarily reflects $72 million of gains due to changes in discount rate assumption offset by $7 million of losses due to asset experience (actual asset return compared to expected return). There were $9 million of other postretirement benefits actuarial gains due to $2 million of discount rate assumption changes, offset by a gain of $6 million of changes due to favorable liability experience, and other immaterial items. Deferred income taxes related to amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) include provisions of $144 million and $208 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. At December 31, 2018 , Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $12 million represents net actuarial and investment losses and $1 million of prior service cost related to non-U.S. pension plans that are expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2019 . There are $18 million of net actuarial and investment losses in AOCI at December 31, 2018 for U.S. pension plans expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in 2019 . At December 31, 2018 , AOCI included $1 million of net actuarial loss related to non-U.S. other postretirement benefits and $5 million net actuarial gain related to U.S. other post-retirement benefits that is expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in 2019 . Defined Contribution Plans —Most employees in the U.S. and certain non-U.S. countries are eligible to participate in defined contribution plans (“Employee Savings Plan”) by contributing a portion of their compensation. We make employer contributions, such as matching contributions, to certain of these plans. The Company also has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that covers senior management in the U.S. This plan was amended in April 2013 to provide for company contributions on behalf of certain eligible employees who earn base pay above the IRS annual compensation limit. The following table provides the company contributions to the Employee Savings Plans: Company Contributions 2018 2017 2016 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Employee Savings Plans $ 40 $ 5 $ 36 $ 5 $ 35 $ 7

Incentive and Share-Based Compe

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Incentive and Share-Based Compensation [Text Block]	17 . Incentive and Share-Based Compensation We are authorized to grant restricted stock units, stock options, performance share units, and other cash and stock awards under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). The Compensation Committee oversees our equity award grants, the type of awards, the required performance measures, and the timing and duration of each grant. The maximum number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the LTIP is 22,000,000 . As of December 31, 2018 , there were 4,992,577 shares remaining available for issuance assuming maximum payout for performance share units awards. When options are exercised and awards are paid out, shares are issued from our treasury shares. Total share-based compensation expense and the associated tax benefits are as follows for the years ended December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Compensation Expense: Restricted stock units $ 15 $ 13 $ 10 Stock options 7 7 7 Qualified performance awards — — (3 ) Performance share units 17 35 24 Total $ 39 $ 55 $ 38 Tax Benefit: Restricted stock units $ 4 $ 5 $ 4 Stock options 2 2 2 Qualified performance awards — — (1 ) Performance share units 4 12 8 Total $ 10 $ 19 $ 13 Beginning in 2017 , we elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur for stock-based compensation. Restricted Stock Unit Awards (“RSUs”) —RSUs generally entitle the recipient to be paid out an equal number of ordinary shares on the third anniversary of the grant date. RSUs, which are subject to customary partial or accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events, are accounted for as an equity award with compensation cost recognized in the income statement ratably over the vesting period. In 2015 , 190,399 RSUs were granted to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and three other executive officers. These RSUs vest in annual tranches with 10% vested after one year and an additional 15% vested after two years and the remaining vesting in equal tranches after each of the third, fourth and fifth years. Compensation cost for these awards is recognized using the graded vesting method. The holders of all RSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents settled in the form of cash payments to the holder no later than March 15, following the year in which dividends are paid, as long as the participant remains employed at the time of the dividend payment. See the “Dividend Distribution” section of Note 20 for the per share amount of dividend equivalent payments made to the holders of RSUs during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . Total dividend equivalent payments were $2 million in 2018 and $1 million in 2017 and 2016 . RSUs are valued at the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value for RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $108.52 , $91.14 and $79.77 , respectively. The total fair value of RSUs vested during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $13 million , $8 million and $16 million , respectively. The following table summarizes RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share) Thousands of units, except per share amounts Outstanding at January 1, 2018 377 $ 85.17 Granted 213 108.52 Vested (115 ) 84.27 Forfeited (13 ) 101.67 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 462 $ 95.69 As of December 31, 2018 , the unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs was $21 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years. Stock Option Awards (“Stock Options”) —Stock Options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our ordinary shares at the date of grant. The awards generally have a three-year vesting period that vests in equal increments on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date. The awards have a contractual term of ten years, subject to customary partial or accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events. Stock Options are accounted for as equity awards with compensation cost recognized using the graded vesting method. None of the Stock Options are designed to qualify as incentive Stock Options as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. In 2015, 457,555 Stock Options were granted to the CEO and three other executive officers. These Stock Options vest in annual tranches with 10% vested after one year and an additional 15% vested after two years and the remaining vesting in equal tranches after each of the third, fourth, and fifth years. The fair value of each Stock Option is estimated, based on several assumptions, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The principal assumptions utilized in valuing Stock Options include the expected stock price volatility (based on our historical stock price volatility over the expected term); the expected dividend yield; and the risk-free interest rate (an estimate based on the yield of a United States Treasury zero coupon bond with a maturity equal to the expected life of the option). The expected term of all Stock Options granted is estimated based on a simplified approach. In 2010, when the majority of our Stock Options were granted, we determined that the simplified method was appropriate because of the life of LyondellBasell N.V. and its relative stage of development. Similarly, we did not possess exercise patterns similar to our situation. The Stock Options that have been granted since 2010 have been limited in number and have occurred during periods of substantial share price volatility. Weighted average fair values of Stock Options granted in each respective year and the assumptions used in estimating those fair values are as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average fair value $ 21.58 $ 21.55 $ 20.39 Fair value assumptions: Dividend yield 4.0 % 4.0 % 3.0-4.0% Expected volatility 27.8-29.0% 34.9-35.1% 35.3-36.0% Risk-free interest rate 2.6-2.9% 2.10-2.29% 1.14-1.93% Weighted average expected term, in years 6.0 6.0 6.0 The following table summarizes Stock Option activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Shares (in thousands) Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (millions of dollars) Outstanding at January 1, 2018 1,019 $ 82.93 Granted 336 109.03 Exercised (64 ) 69.36 Forfeited (9 ) 100.91 Expired (1 ) 109.09 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 1,281 $ 90.30 7.4 years $ 4 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 557 $ 83.00 6.5 years $ 3 The range of exercise prices for Stock Options outstanding as of December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $13.11 to $113.39 , $13.11 to $113.03 and $12.61 to $113.03 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of Stock Options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $3 million , $6 million and $1 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2018 , the unrecognized compensation cost related to Stock Options was $5 million , which is expected to be recognized over a one-year period. During 2018 , cash received from the exercise of Stock Options was $4 million . There was $1 million tax benefit associated with these exercises. Performance Share Units Awards (“PSUs”) and Qualified Performance Awards (“QPAs”) —PSUs and QPAs are granted under the LTIP and have three-calendar year performance periods. They are granted in the beginning of each performance period, provide a target number of share units, and ultimately payout between 0% and 200% of target. Each unit is equivalent to one share of our common stock. These share awards are subject to customary partial or accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events. For PSUs granted beginning in 2017 , the final number of shares payable is determined after the performance period based on the relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”). TSR is an objective calculation that takes into account LYB’s TSR rank within its peer group and whether LYB’s specific TSR is positive or negative. Since the final payout is based on objective criteria established at the grant date, the awards are treated as equity awards. Compensation expense during the three-calendar year performance period is accrued on a straight-line basis. PSUs are valued using a Monte-Carlo simulation payout value on grant date. For PSUs granted prior to 2017 and QPAs, the final number of shares payable is determined at the end of the performance period by the Compensation Committee based generally on subjective criteria established at the beginning of the performance period. Since the service-inception date precedes the grant date, these share awards are treated as a liability award until the grant date and compensation expense during the performance period is accrued on a straight-line basis subject to fair value adjustments. PSUs granted prior to 2017 and QPAs are valued at market price of the underlying stock on the date of payment. PSUs granted beginning in 2016 accrue dividend equivalent units. These dividend equivalent units will be converted to shares upon payment at the end of the performance period and are classified in Accrued and Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Dividend equivalents for PSUs granted in 2016 are recorded in compensation expense while PSUs granted beginning in 2017 are recorded in Retained earnings. The following table summarizes PSU activity classified as equity awards for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share) Thousands of units, except per share amounts Outstanding at January 1, 2018 224 $ 93.28 Granted 219 89.32 Forfeited (13 ) 91.36 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 430 $ 91.33 The assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of PSUs granted in 2017 and 2018 are as follows: 2018 2017 Expected volatility of LyondellBasell N.V. common stock 27.15 % 30.98 % Expected volatility of peer companies 17.45-42.99% 16.98-39.89% Average correlation coefficient of peer companies 0.50 0.51 Risk-free interest rate 2.40 % 1.46 % As of December 31, 2018 , the unrecognized compensation cost related to PSUs assuming target payout was $21 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years . The weighted average grant date fair value for PSUs classified as liability awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 109.09 and 92.69 respectively. The total fair value of PSUs vested during 2018 and 2017 was $25 million and $21 million , respectively. For grants made in 2013, executive officers were only eligible for QPAs while eligible employees could elect to receive QPAs. The weighted average grant date fair value for QPAs granted during the year ended December 31, 2016 was $77.93 . The total fair value of QPAs vested during 2016 was $20 million . Employee Stock Purchase Plan We have an Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) which includes a 10% discount and a look-back provision. These provisions allow participants to purchase our stock at a discount on the lower of the fair market value at the beginning or end of the purchase period. As a result of the 10% discount and the look-back provision, the ESPP is considered a compensatory plan under generally accepted accounting principles.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	18 . Income Taxes LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is tax resident in the United Kingdom pursuant to a mutual agreement procedure determination ruling between the Dutch and United Kingdom competent authorities and therefore subject solely to the United Kingdom corporate income tax system. Through our subsidiaries, we have substantial operations world-wide and earn significant income in the U.S. Taxes are primarily paid on the earnings generated in various jurisdictions, including the U.S., The Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and other countries. LyondellBasell Industries N.V. has little or no taxable income of its own because, as a holding company, it does not conduct any operations. Instead, the subsidiaries through which we operate incur tax obligations in the jurisdictions in which they operate. We monitor income tax developments in countries where we conduct business. In 2017 , the U.S. enacted “H.R.1”, also known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the “Tax Act”) materially impacting our Consolidated Financial Statements by, among other things, decreasing the tax rate, and significantly affecting future periods. The Tax Act reduced the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for years beginning after 2017 , which resulted in the remeasurement of our U.S. net deferred income tax liabilities. As a result, we recognized a tax benefit of $819 million in 2017. Following adjustments made in 2018, the cumulative impact of the remeasurement of our U.S. net deferred income tax liabilities and tax accruals was an $814 million income tax benefit. Adjustments to the 2017 provisional amount were reported as a component of income tax expense in the reporting period in which the adjustments were identified. To determine the full effects of the tax law for 2018 , we are awaiting the finalization of several proposed U.S. Treasury regulations under the Tax Act that were issued during 2018 , as well as additional regulations to be proposed and finalized pursuant to the U.S. Treasury’s expanded regulatory authority under the Tax Act. It is also possible that technical correction legislation concerning the Tax Act could retroactively affect tax liabilities for 2018 . We will continue to analyze the Tax Act to determine the full effects of the new law as additional regulations are proposed and finalized. Interest income earned by certain of our European subsidiaries through intercompany financings is either untaxed or taxed at rates substantially lower than the U.S. statutory rate. Tax regulations proposed in 2018 may affect tax deductible interest in the U.S. in future periods; however, we do not believe they will have a material impact as proposed. In addition, in 2016 the U.S. Treasury issued final Section 385 debt-equity regulations that impact our internal financings beginning in 2017. Pursuant to a 2017 Executive Order, the Treasury Department reviewed these regulations and determined that they should be retained, subject to further review following the enactment of U.S. tax reform. We are awaiting the U.S. Treasury’s review of the existing Section 385 debt-equity regulations which could impact our internal financings in future years as well as any final regulations impacting interest deductions under the Tax Act. In addition, there has been an increased attention, both in the U.S. and globally, to the tax practices of multinational companies, including the European Union’s state aid investigations, proposals by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development with respect to base erosion and profit shifting, and European Union tax directives. Such attention may result in further legislative changes that could adversely affect our tax rate. Other than the Tax Act, management does not believe that recent changes in income tax laws will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements, although new or proposed changes to tax laws could affect our tax liabilities in the future. The significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Current: U.S. federal $ (89 ) $ 543 $ 421 Non-U.S. 404 595 557 State 38 47 51 Total current 353 1,185 1,029 Deferred: U.S. federal 197 (637 ) 339 Non-U.S. 48 22 20 State 15 28 (2 ) Total deferred 260 (587 ) 357 Provision for income taxes before tax effects of other comprehensive income 613 598 1,386 Tax effects of elements of other comprehensive income: Pension and postretirement liabilities 63 29 (21 ) Financial derivatives 16 (14 ) (96 ) Foreign currency translation 18 (33 ) (7 ) Unrealized gains (losses) from available-for-sale debt securities — (3 ) 1 Total income tax expense in comprehensive income $ 710 $ 577 $ 1,263 Since the proportion of U.S. revenues, assets, operating income and associated tax provisions is significantly greater than any other single taxing jurisdiction within the worldwide group, the reconciliation of the differences between the provision for income taxes and the statutory rate is presented on the basis of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 21% as opposed to the United Kingdom statutory rate of 19% to provide a more meaningful insight into those differences. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018 is 11.5% . This summary is shown below: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Income before income taxes: U.S. $ 2,795 $ 2,438 $ 2,511 Non-U.S. 2,516 3,055 2,722 Total $ 5,311 $ 5,493 $ 5,233 Income tax at U.S. statutory rate $ 1,115 $ 1,923 $ 1,832 Increase (reduction) resulting from: Non-U.S. income taxed at different statutory rates 89 (164 ) (159 ) Remeasurement of U.S. net deferred tax liability — (819 ) — State income taxes, net of federal benefit 53 40 24 Exempt income (296 ) (385 ) (349 ) Uncertain tax positions (320 ) 28 39 U.S. manufacturing deduction — (57 ) (42 ) Other, net (28 ) 32 41 Income tax provision $ 613 $ 598 $ 1,386 Our 2016 income tax provision included a charge of $135 million for non-cash out of period adjustments from prior years which is reflected in Other, net in the table above. $74 million of the charge relates to a correction for the tax effects on our cross-currency swaps with the remainder relating primarily to adjustments for deferred tax liabilities associated with some of our consolidated subsidiaries. Management concluded that these adjustments were immaterial to all periods presented. The deferred tax effects of tax loss and credit carryforwards (“tax attributes”) and the tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements, reduced by a valuation allowance where appropriate, are presented below. The 2017 impact of re-measurement of the U.S. net deferred tax liability resulting from the U.S. enactment of the Tax Act is included in the various components of deferred income taxes. December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Deferred tax liabilities: Accelerated tax depreciation $ 1,809 $ 1,523 Investment in joint venture partnerships 147 214 Intangible assets 151 48 Inventory 285 266 Other liabilities 22 26 Total deferred tax liabilities 2,414 2,077 Deferred tax assets: Tax attributes 180 196 Employee benefit plans 334 315 Other assets 76 97 Total deferred tax assets 590 608 Deferred tax asset valuation allowances (120 ) (96 ) Net deferred tax assets 470 512 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 1,944 $ 1,565 December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Balance sheet classifications: Deferred tax assets—long-term $ 31 $ 90 Deferred tax liabilities—long-term 1,975 1,655 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 1,944 $ 1,565 Deferred taxes on the unremitted earnings of certain equity joint ventures and subsidiaries of $96 million and $51 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, have been provided. The increase is primarily related to the acquisition of A. Schulman subsidiaries for outside basis differences in jurisdictions without 100% participation exemptions and local withholding taxes. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we had total tax attributes available in the amount of $938 million and $784 million , respectively, for which a deferred tax asset was recognized at December 31, 2018 and 2017 of $180 million and $196 million , respectively. The scheduled expiration of the tax attributes and the related deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance, as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Millions of dollars Tax Attributes Deferred Tax on Tax Attributes 2019 $ 47 $ 9 2020 13 1 2021 32 2 2022 21 2 2023 34 2 Thereafter 289 39 Indefinite 502 125 Total $ 938 $ 180 The tax attributes are primarily related to operations in France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, The Netherlands and the United States. The related deferred tax assets by primary jurisdictions are shown below: December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 France $ 64 $ 92 $ 140 Canada 28 31 29 United Kingdom 36 17 16 Spain 11 32 33 The Netherlands 12 13 19 United States 14 10 16 Other 15 1 2 Total $ 180 $ 196 $ 255 To fully realize these net deferred tax assets, we will need to generate sufficient future taxable income in the countries where these tax attributes exist during the periods in which the attributes can be utilized. Based upon projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the attributes can be utilized and/or temporary differences can be reversed, management believes it is more likely than not that only $61 million of these deferred tax assets at December 31, 2018 will be realized. Prior to the close of each reporting period, management considers the weight of all evidence, both positive and negative, to determine if a valuation allowance is necessary for each jurisdictions’ net deferred tax assets. We place greater weight on historical evidence over future predictions of our ability to utilize net deferred tax assets. We consider future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences, and taxable income in prior carryback year(s) if carryback is permitted under applicable law, as well as available prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that would, if necessary, be implemented to ensure realization of the net deferred tax asset. A summary of the valuation allowances by primary jurisdiction is shown below, reflecting the valuation allowances for all the net deferred tax assets, including deferred tax assets for tax attributes and other temporary differences. December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 France $ 23 $ 25 $ 22 Canada 28 32 30 United Kingdom 33 17 16 The Netherlands 12 12 12 United States 13 10 16 Other 11 — — $ 120 $ 96 $ 96 During 2018 , the valuation allowance increased in the United Kingdom due to disallowed interest deductions where we do not expect to realize a future benefit. This increase also includes the addition of valuation allowances associated with A. Schulman entities where management assessed that deferred tax attributes are not likely to be realized. During 2017 , the valuation allowance decreased in the U.S. due to the remeasurement of our U.S. net deferred income tax liability. This reduction was offset by increases in the valuation allowances of other jurisdictions due primarily to currency translation adjustments. During 2016 , we released $19 million of our valuation allowance related to Spanish net deferred tax assets associated with operating losses, as Spanish operations were no longer in a three-year cumulative loss position and our projections indicated and management expected the operating losses to be fully utilized within the next nine years. We continue to maintain a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset in Canada. Given our operational structure in Canada and the relevant Canadian loss utilization rules, we do not expect to realize a future benefit related to the net deferred tax asset. We continue to maintain a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset in various immaterial jurisdictions based on recent cumulative book losses. Tax benefits totaling $269 million , $544 million and $546 million relating to uncertain tax positions, which are reflected in Other liabilities, were unrecognized as of December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 544 $ 546 $ 521 Additions for tax positions of current year 16 15 16 Additions for tax positions of prior years 23 3 11 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (299 ) (20 ) (2 ) Settlements (payments/refunds) (15 ) — — Balance, end of period $ 269 $ 544 $ 546 The majority of the 2018 , 2017 and 2016 balances, if recognized, will affect the effective tax rate. We operate in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world, and our tax returns are periodically audited or subjected to review by tax authorities. We are currently under examination in a number of tax jurisdictions. As a result, there is an uncertainty in income taxes recognized in our financial statements. We may settle or appeal positions challenged by the tax authorities. In 2018 , we entered into various audit settlements impacting specific uncertain tax positions. These audit settlements resulted in a $358 million non-cash benefit to our effective tax rate consisting of the recognition of $299 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction for tax positions of prior years and the release of $59 million of previously accrued interest. This non-cash reduction in unrecognized tax benefits is reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other liabilities and on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Other operating activities. The majority of the additions for tax positions of prior years are with respect to the A. Schulman acquisition on August 21, 2018 . We are no longer subject to any significant income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years prior to 2017 in the Netherlands, prior to 2010 in Italy, prior to 2005 in Germany, prior to 2010 in France, prior to 2016 in the United Kingdom, and prior to 2015 in the U.S., our principal tax jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that, within the next twelve months, due to the settlement of uncertain tax positions with various tax authorities and the expiration of statutes of limitations, unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by up to approximately $190 million . We recognize interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Income tax expense includes a benefit of interest and penalties totaling $47 million in the year ended December 31, 2018 and interest expense totaling $16 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . We had accrued approximately $16 million , $63 million and $47 million for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	19 . Commitments and Contingencies Commitments —We have various purchase commitments for materials, supplies and services incident to the ordinary conduct of business, generally for quantities required for our businesses and at prevailing market prices. These commitments are designed to assure sources of supply and are not expected to be in excess of normal requirements. At December 31, 2018 , capital expenditure commitments were in incurred in our normal course of business, including commitments of approximately $685 million primarily related to building our new Hyperzone high-density polyethylene plant in La Porte, Texas and a world-scale PO/TBA plant on the Texas Gulf Coast. 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 $90 million and $102 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. At December 31, 2018 , the accrued liabilities for individual sites range from less than $1 million to $17 million . The remediation expenditures are expected to occur over a number of years, and not to be concentrated in any single year. In our opinion, it is reasonably possible that losses in excess of the liabilities recorded may have been incurred. However, we cannot estimate any amount or range of such possible additional losses. New information about sites, new technology or future developments such as involvement in investigations by regulatory agencies, could require us to reassess our potential exposure related to environmental matters. The following table summarizes the activity in our accrued environmental liability included in “Accrued liabilities” and “Other liabilities:” Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 102 $ 95 Additional provisions — — Changes in estimates 4 11 Amounts paid (13 ) (13 ) Foreign exchange effects (3 ) 9 Ending balance $ 90 $ 102 Indemnification —We are parties to various indemnification arrangements, including arrangements entered into in connection with acquisitions, divestitures and the formation and dissolution of joint ventures. Pursuant to these arrangements, we provide indemnification to and/or receive indemnification from other parties in connection with liabilities that may arise in connection with the transactions and in connection with activities prior to completion of the transactions. These indemnification arrangements typically include provisions pertaining to third party claims relating to environmental and tax matters and various types of litigation. As of December 31, 2018 , we had not accrued any significant amounts for our indemnification obligations, and we are not aware of other circumstances that would likely lead to significant future indemnification obligations. We cannot determine with certainty the potential amount of future payments under the indemnification arrangements until events arise that would trigger a liability under the arrangements. As part of our technology licensing contracts, we give indemnifications to our licensees for liabilities arising from possible patent infringement claims with respect to certain proprietary licensed technologies. Such indemnifications have a stated maximum amount and generally cover a period of 5 to 10 years.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity [Text Block]	20 . Stockholders’ Equity Dividend Distributions —The following table summarizes the dividends paid to common shareholders in the periods presented: Millions of dollars, except per share amounts Dividend Per Ordinary Share Aggregate Dividends Paid Date of Record For the year 2018: March $ 1.00 $ 395 March 5, 2018 June 1.00 392 June 11, 2018 September 1.00 389 September 5, 2018 December 1.00 378 December 10, 2018 $ 4.00 $ 1,554 For the year 2017: March $ 0.85 $ 343 March 6, 2017 June 0.90 361 June 5, 2017 September 0.90 356 September 6, 2017 December 0.90 355 December 5, 2017 $ 3.55 $ 1,415 A. Schulman Special Stock — In November 2018, we paid a total of $2 million related to dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock. Share Repurchase Program —In 2018, our shareholders approved a proposal to authorize us to repurchase up to 57,844,016 of our outstanding ordinary shares through December 1, 2019 (“2018 Share Repurchase Program”), which superseded the remaining authorization under our 2017 Share Repurchase Program. The timing and amount of these repurchases, which are determined based on our evaluation of market conditions and other factors, may be executed from time to time through open market or privately negotiated transactions. The repurchased shares, which are recorded at cost, are classified as Treasury stock and may be retired or used for general corporate purposes, including for various employee benefit and compensation plans. The following table summarizes our share repurchase activity for the periods presented: Millions of dollars, except shares and per share amounts Shares Repurchased Average Purchase Price Total Purchase Price, Including Commissions For the year 2018: 2017 Share Repurchase Program 4,004,753 $ 106.05 $ 425 2018 Share Repurchase Program 15,215,966 95.49 1,453 19,220,719 $ 97.69 $ 1,878 For the year 2017: 2016 Share Repurchase Program 3,501,084 $ 85.71 $ 300 2017 Share Repurchase Program 6,516,917 83.54 545 10,018,001 $ 84.30 $ 845 For the year 2016: 2015 Share Repurchase Program 15,302,707 $ 80.15 $ 1,226 2016 Share Repurchase Program 21,316,627 79.18 1,688 36,619,334 $ 79.58 $ 2,914 Due to the timing of settlements, total cash paid for share repurchases for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $1,854 million , $866 million and $2,938 million , respectively. Ordinary Shares —The changes in the outstanding amounts of ordinary shares are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Ordinary shares outstanding: Beginning balance 394,512,054 404,046,331 440,150,069 Share-based compensation 307,335 371,980 418,892 Warrants exercised — 4,184 200 Employee stock purchase plan 121,398 107,560 96,504 Purchase of ordinary shares (19,244,126 ) (10,018,001 ) (36,619,334 ) Ending balance 375,696,661 394,512,054 404,046,331 Treasury Shares —The changes in the amounts of treasury shares held by the Company are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: Beginning balance 183,928,109 174,389,139 138,285,201 Share-based compensation (307,335 ) (371,980 ) (418,892 ) Warrants exercised — 509 — Employee stock purchase plan (121,398 ) (107,560 ) (96,504 ) Purchase of ordinary shares 19,244,126 10,018,001 36,619,334 Treasury shares canceled (178,229,883 ) — — Ending balance 24,513,619 183,928,109 174,389,139 During 2018, following approval by our management and shareholders, we canceled 178,229,883 ordinary shares held in our treasury account in accordance with cancellation requirements under Dutch law. Purchase of ordinary shares during 2018 includes 23,407 shares that were returned to us at no cost resulting from unclaimed distributions to creditors. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) —The components of, and after-tax changes in, Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 are presented in the following table: Millions of dollars Financial Derivatives Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Debt Securities Unrealized Gains on Equity Securities and Equity Securities Held by Equity Investees Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance—January 1, 2018 $ (120 ) $ — $ 17 $ (421 ) $ (761 ) $ (1,285 ) Adoption of accounting standards (2 ) — (17 ) (51 ) — (70 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 180 — — 5 (74 ) 111 Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications (43 ) — — 2 (18 ) (59 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (110 ) — — 36 — (74 ) Tax (expense) benefit 27 — — (13 ) — 14 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 54 — — 30 (92 ) (8 ) Balance—December 31, 2018 $ (68 ) $ — $ — $ (442 ) $ (853 ) $ (1,363 ) Balance—January 1, 2017 $ (75 ) $ 1 $ — $ (498 ) $ (939 ) $ (1,511 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (323 ) (2 ) 15 62 145 (103 ) Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications 86 1 2 (15 ) 33 107 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 264 — — 44 — 308 Tax expense (72 ) — — (14 ) — (86 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (45 ) (1 ) 17 77 178 226 Balance—December 31, 2017 $ (120 ) $ — $ 17 $ (421 ) $ (761 ) $ (1,285 ) Balance—January 1, 2016 $ (79 ) $ (5 ) $ — $ (428 ) $ (926 ) $ (1,438 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (29 ) 7 — (184 ) (27 ) (233 ) Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications 7 (1 ) — 37 7 50 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (63 ) — — 93 7 37 Tax (expense) benefit 89 — — (16 ) — 73 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 4 6 — (70 ) (13 ) (73 ) Balance—December 31, 2016 $ (75 ) $ 1 $ — $ (498 ) $ (939 ) $ (1,511 ) The amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: Millions of dollars Year Ended December 31, Affected Line Items on the Consolidated Statements of Income 2018 2017 2016 Reclassification adjustments for: Financial derivatives $ (110 ) $ 264 $ (63 ) Other income, net Income tax expense (benefit) (27 ) 72 (89 ) Provision for income taxes Financial derivatives, net of tax (83 ) 192 26 Amortization of defined pension items: Prior service cost 1 3 1 Actuarial loss 32 39 31 Settlement loss 3 2 61 Income tax expense 13 14 16 Defined pension items, net of tax 23 30 77 Foreign currency translations adjustments — — 7 Other income, net Income tax expense (benefit) — — — Provision for income taxes Foreign currency translations adjustments, net of tax — — 7 Total reclassifications, before tax (74 ) 308 37 Income tax expense (benefit) (14 ) 86 (73 ) Provision for income taxes Total reclassifications, after tax $ (60 ) $ 222 $ 110 Amount included in net income Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial loss are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Non-Controlling Interests —In April 2017, we increased our interest in the entity that holds our equity interest in Al Waha Petrochemicals Ltd. from 83.79% to 100% by paying $21 million to exercise a call option to purchase the remaining 16.21% interest held by a third party.

Per Share Data

Per Share Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Per Share Data [Text Block]	21 . Per Share Data Basic earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of certain stock options awards and other equity-based compensation awards. We have unvested restricted stock units that are considered participating securities for earnings per share. Earnings per share data and dividends declared per share of common stock are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Continuing Discontinued Continuing Discontinued Continuing Discontinued Millions of dollars Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Net income (loss) $ 4,698 $ (8 ) $ 4,895 $ (18 ) $ 3,847 $ (10 ) Less: net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests — — 2 — (1 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders 4,698 (8 ) 4,897 (18 ) 3,846 (10 ) Dividends on A.Schulman Special Stock (2 ) — — — — — Net income attributable to participating securities (6 ) — (5 ) — (4 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders—basic $ 4,690 $ (8 ) $ 4,892 $ (18 ) $ 3,842 $ (10 ) Potential diluted effect of PSUs (5 ) — — — — — Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders— diluted $ 4,685 $ (8 ) $ 4,892 $ (18 ) $ 3,842 $ (10 ) Millions of shares, except per share amounts Basic weighted average common stock outstanding 389 389 398 398 419 419 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options — — 1 1 — — QPA and PSU awards — — — — 1 1 Potential dilutive shares 389 389 399 399 420 420 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 12.06 $ (0.02 ) $ 12.28 $ (0.05 ) $ 9.17 $ (0.02 ) Diluted $ 12.03 $ (0.02 ) $ 12.28 $ (0.05 ) $ 9.15 $ (0.02 ) Participating securities 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 Dividends declared per share of common stock $ 4.00 $ — $ 3.55 $ — $ 3.33 $ —

Segment and Related Information

Segment and Related Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Related Information [Text Block]	22 . Segment and Related Information In conjunction with our acquisition of A. Schulman, we formed the Advanced Polymer Solutions business management function for the product lines acquired in the acquisition. In addition, the responsibility for business decisions relating to polypropylene compounds, Catalloy and polybutene-1, previously reflected in our O&P–EAI and O&P–Americas segments, were moved to our new Advanced Polymer Solutions business management function. These products are now reflected in our new Advanced Polymer Solutions segment. All comparable periods presented have been revised to reflect this change. Our operations are managed through six 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 managed by a senior executive reporting directly to our Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker. Discrete financial information is available for each of the segments, and our Chief Executive Officer uses the operating results of each of the operating segments for performance evaluation and resource allocation. The activities of each of our segments from which they earn revenues and incur expenses are described below: • Olefins and Polyolefins–Americas (“O&P–Americas”). Our O&P–Americas segment produces and markets olefins and co-products, polyethylene and polypropylene. • Olefins and Polyolefins–Europe, Asia, International (“O&P–EAI”). Our O&P–EAI segment produces and markets olefins and co-products, polyethylene, and polypropylene. • Intermediates and Derivatives (“I&D”). Our I&D segment produces and markets propylene oxide and its derivatives; oxyfuels and related products; and intermediate chemicals such as styrene monomer, acetyls, ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol. • Advanced Polymer Solutions (“APS”) . Our APS segment produces and markets compounding and solutions, such as polypropylene compounds, engineered plastics, masterbatches, engineered composites, colors and powders, and advanced polymers, which includes Catalloy and polybutene-1. • Refining . Our Refining segment refines heavy, high-sulfur crude oil and other crude oils of varied types and sources available on the U.S. Gulf Coast into refined products, including gasoline and distillates. • Technology . Our Technology segment develops and licenses chemical and polyolefin process technologies and manufactures and sells polyolefin catalysts. Our chief operating decision maker uses EBITDA as the primary measure for reviewing our segments’ profitability and therefore, in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting , we have presented EBITDA for all segments. We define EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization. “Other” includes intersegment eliminations and items that are not directly related or allocated to business operations, such as foreign exchange gains or losses and components of pension and other postretirement benefit costs other than service costs. Sales between segments are made primarily at prices approximating prevailing market prices. . Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments is shown in the following table for the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2018 O&P – O&P – I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Millions of dollars Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 6,883 $ 9,984 $ 9,426 $ 4,022 $ 8,221 $ 468 $ — $ 39,004 Intersegment 3,525 854 162 2 936 115 (5,594 ) — 10,408 10,838 9,588 4,024 9,157 583 (5,594 ) 39,004 Depreciation and amortization expense 442 208 287 69 192 43 — 1,241 Other income (expense), net 11 48 2 2 3 1 39 106 Income from equity investments 58 225 6 — — — — 289 Capital expenditures 1,079 248 409 62 250 48 9 2,105 EBITDA 2,762 1,163 2,011 400 167 328 36 6,867 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars O&P – O&P – I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 7,265 $ 9,445 $ 8,346 $ 2,922 $ 6,165 $ 341 $ — $ 34,484 Intersegment 2,739 773 126 — 683 109 (4,430 ) — 10,004 10,218 8,472 2,922 6,848 450 (4,430 ) 34,484 Depreciation and amortization expense 433 210 279 35 177 40 — 1,174 Other income (expense), net 42 138 1 (2 ) 2 — (2 ) 179 Income from equity investments 42 271 8 — — — — 321 Capital expenditures 741 163 332 55 213 32 11 1,547 EBITDA 2,899 1,927 1,490 438 157 223 — 7,134 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Millions of dollars O&P – Americas O&P – EAI I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 6,463 $ 8,097 $ 7,085 $ 2,601 $ 4,559 $ 378 $ — $ 29,183 Intersegment 2,259 621 141 — 576 101 (3,698 ) — 8,722 8,718 7,226 2,601 5,135 479 (3,698 ) 29,183 Depreciation and amortization expense 359 201 269 31 163 41 — 1,064 Other income (expense), net 62 19 — 24 8 — (2 ) 111 Income from equity investments 59 302 6 — — — — 367 Capital expenditures 1,370 229 333 38 224 36 13 2,243 EBITDA 2,788 1,729 1,333 427 72 262 (9 ) 6,602 In 2018 , EBITDA for our O&P–EAI segment includes a $36 million gain from the fourth quarter 2018 sale of our carbon black subsidiary in France. Our APS segment results include charges totaling $69 million for acquisition-related transaction and integration costs associated with our acquisition of A. Schulman. In 2017 , our O&P–Americas results include a $31 million gain on the first quarter sale of property in Lake Charles, Louisiana. EBITDA for our O&P–EAI segment includes a $108 million gain on the sale of our 27% interest in Geosel and also includes a $21 million non-cash gain stemming from the elimination of an obligation associated with a lease. In 2016 , operating results for our O&P–Americas segment includes a non-cash, LCM inventory valuation charge of $26 million due mainly to the drop in polypropylene prices. Our O&P–Americas and APS segments’ results benefited from gains of $57 million and $21 million , respectively, related to the 2016 sale of our wholly owned subsidiary, Petroken Petroquimica Ensenada S.A. A reconciliation of EBITDA to Income from continuing operations before income taxes is shown in the following table for each of the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 EBITDA: Total segment EBITDA $ 6,831 $ 7,134 $ 6,611 Other EBITDA 36 — (9 ) Less: Depreciation and amortization expense (1,241 ) (1,174 ) (1,064 ) Interest expense (360 ) (491 ) (322 ) Add: Interest income 45 24 17 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 5,311 $ 5,493 $ 5,233 The following assets are summarized and reconciled to consolidated totals in the following table: Millions of dollars O&P – Americas O&P – EAI I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total December 31, 2018 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 5,769 $ 1,745 $ 2,663 $ 818 $ 1,216 $ 266 $ — $ 12,477 Investment in PO joint ventures — — 469 — — — — 469 Equity investments 196 1,326 73 16 — — — 1,611 Goodwill 162 114 229 1,300 — 9 — 1,814 December 31, 2017 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 5,025 $ 1,794 $ 2,457 $ 350 $ 1,130 $ 241 $ — $ 10,997 Investment in PO joint ventures — — 420 — — — — 420 Equity investments 187 1,366 82 — — — — 1,635 Goodwill 162 121 237 41 — 9 — 570 As a result of the acquisition of A. Schulman, property, plant and equipment and goodwill attributable to the polypropylene compounds, Catalloy and polybutene-1 businesses previously reported in our O&P–Americas and O&P–EAI segments have been recast for all comparable periods presented. Long-lived assets include Property, plant and equipment, net, Intangible assets, net, Investments in PO joint ventures, and Equity investments, (see Notes 8 , 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The following long-lived assets data is based upon the location of the assets: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Long-lived assets: United States $ 10,346 $ 8,761 Germany 1,527 1,417 The Netherlands 757 779 France 565 551 Italy 343 329 Mexico 254 198 Other 1,730 1,585 Total $ 15,522 $ 13,620

Unaudited Quarterly Results

Unaudited Quarterly Results	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Results [Text Block]	23 . Unaudited Quarterly Results The following table presents selected financial data for the quarterly periods in 2018 and 2017 : For the Quarter Ended Millions of dollars, except per share amounts March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2018 Sales and other operating revenues $ 9,767 $ 10,206 $ 10,155 $ 8,876 Gross profit (a) 1,755 1,916 1,656 1,148 Operating income (b) 1,494 1,626 1,317 794 Income from equity investments 96 68 89 36 Income from continuing operations (b) (c) 1,231 1,655 1,115 697 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — (1 ) (2 ) (5 ) Net income (b) (c) 1,231 1,654 1,113 692 Earnings per share: Basic 3.12 4.23 2.86 1.81 Diluted 3.11 4.22 2.85 1.79 For the Quarter Ended Millions of dollars, except per share amounts March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2017 Sales and other operating revenues $ 8,430 $ 8,403 $ 8,516 $ 9,135 Gross profit (a) 1,439 1,802 1,577 1,607 Operating income (b) 1,210 1,577 1,332 1,341 Income from equity investments 81 78 81 81 Income from continuing operations (b) (c) 805 1,134 1,058 1,898 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (8 ) (4 ) (2 ) (4 ) Net income (b) (c) 797 1,130 1,056 1,894 Earnings per share: Basic 1.98 2.82 2.67 4.80 Diluted 1.98 2.81 2.67 4.79 (a) Represents Sales and other operating revenues less Cost of sales. (b) The three months ended September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018 include charges for acquisition-related transaction and integration costs associated with our acquisition of A. Schulman of $53 million ( $42 million , after tax) and $20 million ( $15 million , after tax), respectively. The three months ended December 31, 2018 also includes a gain of $36 million ( $34 million , after tax) on the sale of our carbon black subsidiary in France. The three months ended March 31, 2017 includes a gain of $31 million ( $20 million , after tax) on the sale of property in Lake Charles, Louisiana currently used as a logistic terminal. The three months ended June 30, 2017 includes a $21 million non-cash gain ( $14 million , after tax) stemming from the elimination of an obligation associated with a lease. The three months ended September 30, 2017 includes a $108 million gain ( $103 million , after tax) on the sale of our 27% interest in Geosel. (c) The three months ended June 30, 2018 includes a $346 million benefit related to $288 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits and the release of $58 million of associated accrued interest. The three months ended March 31, 2017 includes total charges to interest expense of $113 million ( $106 million , after tax) related to the redemption of $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019 . The three months ended December 31, 2017 includes an $819 million non-cash tax benefit related to the lower federal income tax rate resulting from the newly enacted U.S. Tax Act.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of preparation and consolidation [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Preparation and Consolidation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared from the books and records of LyondellBasell N.V. under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). Subsidiaries are defined as being those companies over which we, either directly or indirectly, have control through a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise control or to obtain the majority of the benefits and be exposed to the majority of the risks. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is obtained until the date that such control ceases. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for the accounting of certain financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value. Consolidated financial information, including subsidiaries and equity investments, has been prepared using uniform accounting policies for similar transactions and other events in similar circumstances.
Cash and cash equivalents [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents Our cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper and money market accounts with major international banks and financial institutions. Cash equivalents include instruments with maturities of three months or less when acquired and exclude restricted cash. Although, we have no current requirements for compensating balances in a specific amount at a specific point in time, we maintain compensating balances at our discretion for some of our banking services and products.
Short-term investments [Policy Text Block]	Short-Term Investments Investments in debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity. Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). Investments classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost. We periodically review our available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis, and when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, the investment is written down to fair value, establishing a new cost basis. We account for investments in equity securities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Trade receivables [Policy Text Block]	Trade Receivables Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. We calculate provisions for doubtful accounts receivable based on our estimates of amounts that we believe are unlikely to be collected. Collectability of receivables is reviewed and the provision calculated for doubtful accounts is adjusted at least quarterly, based on aging of specific accounts and other available information about the associated customers. Provisions for doubtful accounts are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
Loan receivables [Policy Text Block]	Loans Receivable We invest in tri-party repurchase agreements. Under these agreements, we make cash purchases of securities according to a pre-agreed profile from our counterparties. The counterparties have an obligation to repurchase, and we have an obligation to sell, the same or substantially the same securities at a pre-defined date for a price equal to the purchase price plus interest. These securities, which pursuant to our internal policies are held by a third-party custodian and must generally have a minimum collateral value of 102%, secure the counterparty’s obligation to repurchase the securities. These tri-party repurchase agreements are carried at amortized cost. Depending upon maturity, these agreements are treated as short-term loans receivable and are reflected in Prepaid expenses and other current assets or as long-term loans receivable reflected in Other investments and long-term receivables on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Inventories [Policy Text Block]	Inventories Cost of our raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method and is carried at the lower of cost or market value. Cost of our materials and supplies inventory is determined using the moving average cost method and is carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Inventory exchange transactions, which involve fungible commodities, are not accounted for as purchases and sales. Any resulting volumetric exchange balances are accounted for as inventory, with cost determined using the LIFO method.
Property, plant and equipment [Policy Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost. Historical cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Costs may also include borrowing costs incurred on debt during construction or major projects exceeding one year, costs of major maintenance arising from turnarounds of major units and committed decommission costs. Routine maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful asset lives to their residual values. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. We evaluate property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which, for us, is generally at the plant group level (or, at times, individual plants in certain circumstances where we have isolated production units with separately identifiable cash flows). When it is probable that an asset or asset group’s undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover the carrying amount, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Upon retirement or sale, we remove the cost of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation from the accounts and reflect any resulting gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Equity investments [Policy Text Block]	Equity Investments We account for equity method investments (“equity investments”) using the equity method of accounting if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if we have an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated initially at cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and our proportionate share of profit or losses and distributions. We record our share of the profits or losses of the equity investments, net of income taxes, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When our share of losses in an equity investment equals or exceeds our interest in the equity investment, including any other unsecured receivables, we do not recognize further losses, unless we have incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the equity investments. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, management compares the estimated fair value of investment to the carrying value of investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and management considers the decline in value to be other-than temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as an impairment.
Business combination [Policy Text Block]	Business Combination We recognize and measure the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with any remaining difference compared to the purchase consideration recorded as goodwill or gain from a bargain purchase. Subsequent to the acquisition, and no later than one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments of the estimated fair values are recorded to earnings. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests [Policy Text Block]	Redeemable Non-controlling Interests Our redeemable non-controlling interests relate to shares of cumulative perpetual special stock (“A. Schulman Special Stock”) issued by our consolidated subsidiary, A. Schulman, Inc. (“A. Schulman”). Holders of A. Schulman Special Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 6% per share on the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. A. Schulman Special Stock may be redeemed at any time at the discretion of the holders and is reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets outside of permanent equity. The redeemable non-controlling interests were recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and is subsequently carried at the greater of estimated redemption value at the end of each reporting period or the initial amount recorded at the date of acquisition adjusted for subsequent redemptions. Dividends on these shares are deducted from or added to the amount of Income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders if and when declared by the Company.
Goodwill [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested annually for impairment. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors assessed for each of the reporting units include, but are not limited to, changes in long-term commodity prices, discount rates, competitive environments, planned capacity, cost factors such as raw material prices, and financial performance of the reporting units. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a quantitative test is required. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge equal to the excess would be recognized up to a maximum amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In 2018 and 2017, management performed qualitative impairment assessments of our reporting units which indicated that the fair value of our reporting units was greater than their carrying value. Accordingly, a quantitative goodwill impairment test was not required and no goodwill impairment was recognized.
Intangible assets [Policy Text Block]	Intangible Assets —Intangible assets consist of customer relationships, trade names and trademarks, know-how, emission allowances, various contracts, in-process research and development and software costs. These assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or over the term of the related agreement. We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.
Research and development [Policy Text Block]	Research and Development —Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed when incurred. Subsidies for research and development are included in Other income (expense), net. Depreciation expense related to assets employed in R&D is included as a cost of R&D.
Income taxes [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes The income tax for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In these cases, the applicable tax amount is recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the net tax effects of net operating loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We recognize uncertain income tax positions in our financial statements when we believe it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position or a portion thereof will be sustained upon examination. For a position that is more likely than not to be sustained, the benefit recognized is measured at the largest cumulative amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized.
Environmental remediation costs [Policy Text Block]	Environmental Remediation Costs —Environmental remediation liabilities include liabilities related to sites we currently own, sites we no longer own, as well as sites where we have operated that belong to other parties. Liabilities for anticipated expenditures related to investigation and remediation of contaminated sites are accrued when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Only ongoing operating and monitoring costs, the timing of which can be determined with reasonable certainty, are discounted to present value. Future legal costs associated with such matters, which generally are not estimable, are not included in these liabilities.
Asset retirement obligations [Policy Text Block]	Asset Retirement Obligations— At some sites, we are contractually obligated to decommission our plants upon site exit. Asset retirement obligations are recorded at the present value of the estimated costs to retire the asset at the time the obligation is incurred. That cost, which is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability is also recognized over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Such depreciation and accretion expenses are included in Cost of sales.
Foreign currency translation [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement Functional and Reporting Currency —Items included in the financial information of each of LyondellBasell N.V.’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”) and then translated to the U.S. dollar (“the reporting currency”) through Other comprehensive income as follows: • Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet; • Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at monthly average exchange rates; and • All resulting exchange differences are recognized as a separate component within Other comprehensive income (foreign currency translation). Transactions and Balances —Foreign currency transactions are recorded in their respective functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenue from contract with customer [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition Substantially all our revenues are derived from contracts with customers. We account for contracts when both parties have approved the contract and are committed to perform, the rights of the parties and payment terms have been identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability is probable. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied. This generally occurs at the point in time when performance obligations are fulfilled and control transfers to the customer. In most instances, control transfers upon transfer of risk of loss and title to the customer, which usually occurs when we ship products to the customer from our manufacturing facility. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. Customer incentives are generally based on volumes purchased and recognized over the period earned. Sales, value added, and other taxes that we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from the transaction price as they represent amounts collected on behalf of third parties. We apply the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Shipping and handling costs are treated as a fulfillment cost and not a separate performance obligation. Payments are typically required within a short period following the transfer of control of the product to the customer. We occasionally require customers to prepay purchases to ensure collectability. Such prepayments do not represent financing arrangements, since payment and fulfillment of the performance obligation occurs within a short time frame. We apply the practical expedient which permits us not to adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when, at contract inception, we expect that payment will occur in one year or less. Contract balances typically arise when a difference in timing between the transfer of control to the customer and receipt of consideration occurs. Our contract liabilities, which are reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements as Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, consist primarily of customer payments for products or services received before the transfer of control to the customer occurs.
Share-based compensation [Policy Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation The Company recognizes compensation expense in the financial statements for share-based compensation awards based upon the grant date fair value over the vesting period. Contingent share awards are recognized ratably over the vesting period as a liability and re-measured, at fair value, at the balance sheet date, see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Lessee, leases [Policy Text Block]	Leases We lease land and other assets for use in our operations. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or a capital lease. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the lessee by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to 75% or greater of the asset’s useful economic life; or the present value of the future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset’s fair market value. Capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the total amount of rent payable under the leasing agreement (excluding finance charges) or fair market value of the leased asset. Capital lease assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, over a period consistent with our normal depreciation policy for tangible fixed assets, but generally not exceeding the lease term. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the entire lease term.
Financial instruments and hedging activities [Policy Text Block]	Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Pursuant to our risk management policies, we selectively enter into derivative transactions to manage market risk volatility associated with changes in commodity pricing, currency exchange rates and interest rates. Derivatives used for this purpose are generally designated as net investment hedges, cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedges are recorded in earnings. For derivatives designated as net investment hedges and cash flow hedges, the gains and losses are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and released to earnings in the period when the hedged item affects earnings in the same line item. For derivatives designated as net investment hedges, gains or losses are reflected in foreign currency translations adjustments in Other comprehensive income (loss). For derivatives that have been designated as fair value hedges, the gains and losses of the derivatives and hedged items are recorded in earnings. Net Investment Hedges— We enter into foreign currency contracts and foreign currency denominated debt to reduce the volatility in stockholders’ equity resulting from changes in currency exchange rates of our foreign subsidiaries with respect to the U.S. dollar. Our foreign currency derivatives consist of cross-currency basis swap contracts and forward exchange contracts. We use the spot method to assess hedge effectiveness. Changes to the value from changes in spot foreign exchange rates over the designation period and recorded within Other comprehensive income. For our basis swaps, the associated interest receipts and payments are recorded to Interest expense. For our foreign currency forward contracts, we amortize initial forward point values on a straight-line basis to Interest expense over the tenor of the hedge accounting designation. We monitor on a quarterly basis for any over-hedged positions requiring de-designation and re-designation of the hedge to remove such over-hedged condition. Cash flows related to our foreign currency contracts are reported in Cash flows from investing activities and related interest payments are reported in Cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash flows related to our foreign currency denominated debt designated as net investment hedges are reported in Cash flows from financing activities and related interest payments are reported in Cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash Flow Hedges— Our cash flow hedges include cross currency swaps, forward starting interest rate swaps and commodity futures and swaps. We have cross-currency swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges to reduce our exposure to the foreign currency exchange risk associated with certain intercompany loans. Under the terms of these contracts, we make interest payments in euros and receive interest in U.S. dollars. Upon the maturities of these contracts, we will pay the principal amount of the loans in euros and receive U.S. dollars from our counterparties. We enter into forward-starting interest rate contracts to mitigate the risk of adverse changes in benchmark interest rates on future anticipated debt issuances. We also execute commodity futures and swaps to manage the volatility of the commodity price related to anticipated purchases of raw materials and product sales. We enter into over-the-counter commodity swaps with one or more counterparties whereby we pay a predetermined fixed price and receive a price based on the average monthly rate of a specified index for the specified nominated volumes. We use the critical terms and the quantitative long haul methods to assess hedge effectiveness and monitor, at least quarterly, any change in effectiveness. Fair Value Hedges— We use interest rate swaps as part of our current interest rate risk management strategy to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. Under these arrangements, we exchange fixed-rate for floating-rate interest payments to effectively convert our fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt. These payments are classified as Other, net, in the Cash flows from operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We use the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness using a regression analysis approach. We perform the regression analysis over an observation period of three years, utilizing data that is relevant to the hedge duration. We evaluate these hedging relationships for effectiveness utilizing the quantitative long haul approach at least quarterly and calculate the changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the underlying hedged items separately. Fair Value Measurements We categorize assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement: Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable. Level 3—Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable. Fair value measurements are classified according to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation. A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable. Changes in fair value levels —Management reviews the disclosures regarding fair value measurements at least quarterly. If an instrument classified as Level 1 subsequently ceases to be actively traded, it is transferred out of Level 1. In such cases, instruments are reclassified as Level 2, unless the measurement of its fair value requires the use of significant unobservable inputs, in which case it is reclassified as Level 3. We use the following inputs and valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments disclosed in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements: Basis Swaps— The fair value of our basis swap contracts is calculated using the present value of future cash flows discounted using observable inputs such as known notional value amounts, yield curves, and spot and forward exchange rates . Cross-Currency Swaps —The fair value of our cross-currency swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows discounted using observable inputs with the foreign currency leg revalued using published spot and future exchange rates on the valuation date. Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps— The fair value of our forward-starting interest rate swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows method and based on observable inputs such as benchmark interest rates. Fixed-for-Floating Interest Rate Swaps —The fair value of our fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows using observable inputs such as interest rates and market yield curves. Commodity and Embedded Derivatives —The fair values of our commodity derivatives classified as Level 1 and embedded derivatives are measured using closing market prices of public exchanges and from third-party broker quotes and pricing providers. The fair value of our commodity swaps classified as Level 2 is determined using a combination of observable and unobservable inputs. The observable inputs consist of future market values of various crude and heavy fuel oils, which are readily available through public data sources. The unobservable input, which is the estimated discount or premium used in the market pricing, is calculated using an internally-developed, multi-linear regression model based on the observable prices of the known components and their relationships to historical prices. A significant change in this unobservable input would not have a material impact on the fair value measurement of our Level 2 commodity swaps. Forward Exchange Contracts —The fair value of our forward exchange contracts is based on forward market rates. Available-for-Sale and Equity Securities— The fair value of our available-for-sale securities is calculated using observable market data for similar securities and broker quotes from recognized purveyors of market data or the net asset value for limited partnership investments provided by the fund administrator. Our limited partnership investments include investments in, among other things, equities and equity related securities, debt securities, credit instruments, global interest rate products, currencies, commodities, futures, options, warrants and swaps. These investments, which include both long and short positions, may be redeemed at least monthly with advance notice ranging up to ninety days. Loans Receivable— The fair value of our tri-party repurchase agreements are based on discounted cash flows, which consider prevailing market rates for the respective instrument maturity in addition to corroborative support from the minimum underlying collateral requirements. Short-Term Debt —Fair values of short-term borrowings related to precious metal financing arrangements are determined based on the current market price of the associated precious metal. Long-Term Debt —Fair value is calculated using pricing data obtained from well-established and recognized vendors of market data for debt valuations. Due to the short maturity, the fair value of all non-derivative financial instruments included in Current assets and Current liabilities approximates the applicable carrying value. Current assets include Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash, held-to-maturity time deposits and Accounts receivable. Current liabilities include Accounts payable and Short-term debt excluding precious metal financings. We use the following inputs and valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of our pension assets disclosed in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements: Common and preferred stock— Valued at the closing price reported on the market on which the individual securities are traded. Fixed income securities— Certain securities that are not traded on an exchange are valued at the closing price reported by pricing services. Other securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. Commingled funds— Valued based upon the unit values of such collective trust funds held at year end by the pension plans. Unit values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the fund derived from inputs principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means. Real estate— Valued on the basis of a discounted cash flow approach, which includes the future rental receipts, expenses, and residual values as the highest and best use of the real estate from a market participant view as rental property. Hedge funds— Valued based upon the unit values of such alternative investments held at year end by the pension plans. Unit values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the fund. Private equity— Valued based upon the unit values of such alternative investments held at year end by the pension plans. Unit values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the fund. Certain securities held in the fund are valued at the closing price reported on the exchange or other established quotation service for over-the-counter securities. Other assets held in the fund are valued based on the most recent financial statements prepared by the fund manager. Convertible securities— Valued at the quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. U.S. government securities— Certain securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. Other securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. Cash and cash equivalents— Valued at the quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. Non-U.S. insurance arrangements —Valued based upon the estimated cash surrender value of the underlying insurance contract, which is derived from an actuarial determination of the discounted benefits cash flows.
Fair value measurement [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements We categorize assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement: Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable. Level 3—Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable. Fair value measurements are classified according to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation. A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable.
Pension plans [Policy Text Block]	Pension Plans— We have both defined benefit (funded and unfunded) and defined contribution plans. For the defined benefit plans, a projected benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. Pension costs primarily represent the increase in the actuarial present value of the obligation for pension benefits based on employee service during the year and the interest on this obligation in respect of employee service in previous years, net of expected return on plan assets. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity and are reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.
Other post-employment obligations [Policy Text Block]	Other Post-Employment Obligations— Certain employees are entitled to postretirement medical benefits upon retirement. The entitlement to these benefits is usually conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and the completion of a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment applying the same accounting methodology used for defined benefit plans.
Termination benefits [Policy Text Block]	Termination Benefits— Contractual termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated due to an event specified in the provisions of a social/labor plan or statutory law. A liability is recognized for one-time termination benefits when we are committed to i) make payments and the number of affected employees and the benefits received are known to both parties, and ii) terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal and can reasonably estimate such amount. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the balance sheet date are discounted to present value.
Use of estimates [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New accounting pronouncements, policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Guidance Revenue Recognition —In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Revenue Recognition . The FASB has also issued several amendments (ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20) clarifying different aspects of Topic 606. The new guidance requires entities to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance also enhances related disclosures and is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted the new standard and all related amendments from January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. We recognized an $18 million adjustment to the beginning retained earnings balance for the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard. Comparative information has not been restated and is reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The impact of the adoption of this new standard was immaterial for the year end December 31, 2018, and we expect the impact to be immaterial to our Consolidated Financial Statements on an ongoing basis. Financial Instruments —In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . The new guidance requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. We adopted this guidance prospectively from January 1, 2018 and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $15 million to beginning retained earnings. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments- Overall (Subtopic 825-10) as a part of its ongoing agenda to make improvements clarifying the ASC and provides technical corrections and improvements related to ASU 2016-01. The adoption of the new guidance from January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Income Taxes —In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory . Under current accounting standards, the tax effects of intra entity asset transfers (intercompany sales) are deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through use. This new guidance eliminates the exception for all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory. A reporting entity is required to recognize tax expense from the sale of assets in the seller’s tax jurisdiction when the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of that transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Any deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer’s jurisdiction is also be recognized at the time of the transfer. We early adopted this guidance from January 1, 2018 using the modified-retrospective method and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $9 million to beginning retained earnings. Business Combinations —In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business . This guidance clarifies the definition of a business in evaluating whether a transaction should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of an asset or a business. The prospective adoption of this guidance from January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Other Income — Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets— In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets . The guidance provides clarification about the term in substance nonfinancial asset , other aspects of the scope of Subtopic 610-20 Other Income , and how an entity should account for partial sales of nonfinancial assets once the amendments in ASU 2014-09 become effective. The retrospective adoption of this guidance from January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Compensation—Retirement Benefits —In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost . The guidance requires changes in presentation of current service cost and other components of net benefit cost. The retrospective adoption of this guidance from January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Derivatives and Hedging— In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This guidance makes more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, amends the presentation and disclosure requirements, and changes how companies assess effectiveness. The early adoption of this guidance from January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income— In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) : Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . This guidance permits entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of the U.S.-enacted “H.R.1,” also known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the “Tax Act”) to retained earnings. We early adopted this guidance from January 1, 2018 using the specific identification method and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $52 million to beginning retained earnings. Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Adopted as of December 31, 2018 Leases— In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . The FASB has also issued subsequent amendments: ASU 2018-01, Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842 , and ASU 2018-11, Leases, Targeted Improvements. The new guidance establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the timing and classification of expense recognition. The standard is effective from January 1, 2019 and requires a modified retrospective transition approach applying to all leases existing at the date of initial application. We adopted the new standard from January 1, 2019, using the effective date as our date of initial application. Comparative financial information will not be restated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be presented for periods prior to January 1, 2019. We have elected the practical expedients that permit us not to reassess our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, initial direct costs and whether existing land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under current accounting standards are or contain a lease under the new standard. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term of existing leases in assessing impairment of our ROU assets. We have implemented a lease accounting software solution and made the required updates to our systems and processes, including our internal control framework. The adoption of the new standard resulted in recording of additional ROU assets and lease liabilities of approximately $1.5 billion each, as of January 1, 2019. The new standard will not have a material impact our Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity on an ongoing basis. Financial Instruments— In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . This amendment requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, resulting in the use of a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model when measuring an impairment of financial instruments. Credit losses related to available-for-sale securities should be recorded in the consolidated income statement through an allowance for credit losses. Estimated credit losses utilizing the CECL model are based on historical experience, current conditions and forecasts that affect the collectability. This ASU also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities by eliminating the concept of “other than temporary” as well as providing a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We early adopted the standard from January 1, 2019 and its adoption did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Codification improvements— In July 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements . This guidance makes minor improvements in various subtopics. Many of the amendments within the ASU do not require transition and are effective upon issuance. However, some amendments are not effective until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We do not expect the adoption of the new guidance to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Fair Value Measurement— In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Change to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement . This guidance eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements as part of its disclosure framework project. It removes transfer disclosures between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, and adds disclosures for the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance will be effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the amendment on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Compensation— In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans— General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans . This guidance changes disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans. It provides clarification on certain disclosure requirements within Topic 715, eliminates certain disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial and add disclosures considered more pertinent. The guidance will be effective for public entities for annual periods ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the amendment on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Intangibles— In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract . This guidance requires a customer in a hosted, cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets (e.g. prepayment) or expense as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement when the recognized asset is ready for its intended use. The guidance will be effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the amendment on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investment in PO Joint Ventur_2

Investment in PO Joint Ventures (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investment in PO joint ventures [Policy Text Block]	We and Covestro do not share marketing or product sales under the U.S. PO joint venture. We operate the U.S. PO joint venture’s and the European PO joint venture’s (collectively the “PO joint ventures”) plants and arrange and coordinate the logistics of product delivery. The partners share in the cost of production and logistics is based on their product offtake. We account for both the U.S. PO joint venture and the European PO joint venture using the equity method. We report the cost of our product offtake as inventory and equity loss as cost of sales in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Related production cash flows are reported in the operating cash flow section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Our equity investment in the PO joint ventures represents our share of the manufacturing plants and is decreased by recognition of our share of equity loss, which is equal to the depreciation and amortization of the assets of the PO joint ventures. Other changes in the investment balance are principally due to our additional capital contributions to the PO joint ventures to fund capital expenditures. Such contributions are reported in the investing cash flow section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Business Combination and Disp_2

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Table Text Block]	Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation— The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and non-controlling interests assumed on the acquisition date, as adjusted for all measurement period adjustments. Millions of dollars Cash and cash equivalents $ 71 Restricted cash 10 Accounts receivable 407 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 100 Inventories 300 Property, plant and equipment 448 Equity investments 16 Goodwill 1,271 Intangible assets 505 Other assets 58 Total assets $ 3,186 Current maturities of long-term debt $ 397 Accounts payable 317 Accrued liabilities 109 Other liabilities 164 Deferred income taxes 112 Total liabilities 1,099 Redeemable non-controlling interests 125 Non-controlling interests 22 Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and non-controlling interests $ 1,246 Total net assets acquired $ 1,940
Property, plant and equipment assets acquired as part of business combination [Table Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment— The fair value of the components of property, plant and equipment acquired are represented in the table below: Millions of dollars Land $ 56 Major manufacturing equipment 211 Buildings 141 Light equipment and instrumentation 13 Office furniture 9 Information system equipment 2 Construction in progress 16 Total $ 448
Schedule of finite lived intangible assets acquired as part of business combination [Table Text Block]	Intangible Assets —The fair value, weighted average useful life and useful life of each class of intangible asset acquired are presented in the following table: Millions of dollars Fair Value Weighted Average Life (Years) Useful Life (Years) Customer relationships $ 300 15 15 Trade name and trademarks 104 5 5 Know-how 84 8 5-8 Various contracts 17 1 1-2 Total $ 505

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of revenue [Table Text Block]	Revenues disaggregated by key products are summarized below: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Sales and other operating revenues: Olefins & co-products $ 3,679 $ 4,304 $ 3,215 Polyethylene 7,439 7,368 6,903 Polypropylene 5,703 5,005 4,414 PO & derivatives 2,530 2,204 1,852 Oxyfuels and related products 3,399 3,022 2,676 Intermediate chemicals 3,416 3,051 2,483 Compounding and solutions 3,091 2,139 1,910 Advanced polymers 930 783 692 Refined products 8,221 6,165 4,559 Other 596 443 479 Total $ 39,004 $ 34,484 $ 29,183 Compounding and solutions revenues include the product portfolio from the A. Schulman acquisition and legacy polypropylene compounds. Polybutene-1 and Catalloy revenues are now reflected in our new advanced polymers revenue stream. To reflect this change, polypropylene compounds and Catalloy have been recast from the polypropylene product line to the compounding and solutions and advanced polymers respectively for the periods presented. Additionally, polybutene-1 has been moved from other revenues to advanced polymers. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geography, based upon the location of the customer: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Sales and other operating revenues: United States $ 18,671 $ 16,618 $ 13,962 Germany 2,949 2,746 2,474 Mexico 2,308 1,504 1,026 Italy 1,582 1,352 1,203 France 1,460 1,306 1,055 Japan 1,257 1,185 934 China 1,137 1,024 939 The Netherlands 1,050 1,069 727 Other 8,590 7,680 6,863 Total $ 39,004 $ 34,484 $ 29,183

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of related party transactions [Table Text Block]	Related party transactions are summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 The Company billed related parties for: Sales of products— Joint venture partners $ 878 $ 779 $ 729 Shared service agreements— Joint venture partners 9 16 18 Related parties billed the Company for: Sales of products— Joint venture partners $ 2,999 $ 2,759 $ 2,402 Shared service agreements— Joint venture partners 70 75 71

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventory, current [Table Text Block]	Inventories consisted of the following components at December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Finished goods $ 3,066 $ 2,932 Work-in-process 138 142 Raw materials and supplies 1,311 1,143 Total inventories $ 4,515 $ 4,217

Property, Plant and Equipment_2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation [Table Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment —The components of property, plant and equipment, at cost, and the related accumulated depreciation are as follows at December 31: Millions of dollars Estimated Useful Lives (in Years) 2018 2017 Land $ 364 $ 313 Major manufacturing equipment 25 10,684 10,029 Buildings 30 924 826 Light equipment and instrumentation 5 - 20 2,639 2,141 Office furniture 15 25 16 Major turnarounds 4 - 7 1,750 1,765 Information system equipment 3 - 5 60 59 Construction in progress 2,255 1,421 Total property, plant and equipment 18,701 16,570 Less accumulated depreciation (6,224 ) (5,573 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 12,477 $ 10,997
Components of intangible assets, at cost, and the related amortization [Table Text Block]	Intangible Assets —The components of identifiable intangible assets, at cost, and the related accumulated amortization are as follows at December 31: 2018 2017 Millions of dollars Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Emission allowances $ 807 $ (531 ) $ 276 $ 786 $ (468 ) $ 318 Various contracts 508 (329 ) 179 552 (356 ) 196 Customer relationships 300 (8 ) 292 — — — In-process research and development costs 111 (75 ) 36 117 (70 ) 47 Trade name and trademarks 104 (7 ) 97 — — — Know-how 84 (4 ) 80 — — — Software costs 64 (59 ) 5 73 (66 ) 7 Total intangible assets $ 1,978 $ (1,013 ) $ 965 $ 1,528 $ (960 ) $ 568
Depreciation and amortization by major asset class [Table Text Block]	Depreciation and Amortization Expense —Depreciation and amortization expense is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Property, plant and equipment $ 1,075 $ 1,023 $ 920 Investment in PO joint ventures 41 41 40 Emission allowances 63 67 62 Various contracts 31 27 27 Customer relationships 8 — — In-process research and development costs 7 9 8 Trade name and trademarks 7 — — Know-how 4 — — Software costs 5 7 7 Total depreciation and amortization $ 1,241 $ 1,174 $ 1,064
Changes in asset retirement obligations [Table Text Block]	Asset Retirement Obligations —In certain cases, we are contractually obligated to decommission our plants upon site exit. In such cases, we have accrued the net present value of the estimated costs. The majority of our asset retirement obligations are related to facilities in Europe. The changes in our asset retirement obligations are as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 58 $ 77 Payments (2 ) (3 ) Changes in estimates 2 (26 ) Accretion expense 2 2 Effects of exchange rate changes (2 ) 8 Ending balance $ 58 $ 58
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Millions of dollars O&P – Americas O&P – EAI I&D APS Technology Total December 31, 2016 $ 162 $ 98 $ 219 $ 41 $ 8 $ 528 Foreign currency translation adjustments — 23 18 — 1 42 December 31, 2017 $ 162 $ 121 $ 237 $ 41 $ 9 $ 570 Acquisition of A. Schulman — — — 1,259 — 1,259 Measurement period adjustments — — — 12 — 12 Foreign currency translation adjustments — (7 ) (8 ) (12 ) — (27 ) December 31, 2018 $ 162 $ 114 $ 229 $ 1,300 $ 9 $ 1,814 For additional information related to goodwill, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investment in PO Joint Ventur_3

Investment in PO Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in investments in PO joint ventures [Table Text Block]	Changes in our investments in the U.S. and European PO joint ventures for 2018 and 2017 are summarized below: Millions of dollars U.S. PO Joint Venture European PO Joint Venture Total PO Joint Ventures Investments in PO joint ventures—January 1, 2018 $ 310 $ 110 $ 420 Cash contributions 85 10 95 Depreciation and amortization (32 ) (9 ) (41 ) Effect of exchange rate changes — (5 ) (5 ) Investments in PO joint ventures—December 31, 2018 $ 363 $ 106 $ 469 Investments in PO joint ventures—January 1, 2017 $ 316 $ 99 $ 415 Cash contributions 26 6 32 Depreciation and amortization (32 ) (9 ) (41 ) Effect of exchange rate changes — 14 14 Investments in PO joint ventures—December 31, 2017 $ 310 $ 110 $ 420

Equity Investments (Tables)

Equity Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of equity method investments [Table Text Block]	Our remaining principal direct and indirect equity investments are as follows at December 31: Percent of Ownership 2018 2017 Basell Orlen Polyolefins Sp. Z.o.o. 50.00 % 50.00 % PolyPacific Pty. Ltd. 50.00 % 50.00 % Saudi Polyolefins Company 25.00 % 25.00 % Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company Ltd. 25.00 % 25.00 % Al-Waha Petrochemicals Ltd. 25.00 % 25.00 % Polymirae Co. Ltd. 50.00 % 50.00 % HMC Polymers Company Ltd. 28.56 % 28.56 % Indelpro S.A. de C.V. 49.00 % 49.00 % Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Co. Ltd. 26.65 % 26.65 % Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Marketing Co. 50.00 % 50.00 % NOC Asia Ltd. 40.00 % 40.00 %
Schedule of changes in equity investments [Table Text Block]	The changes in our equity investments are as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 1,635 $ 1,575 Income from equity investments 289 321 Distribution of earnings, net of tax (307 ) (309 ) Business combination 16 — Sale of equity investments — (35 ) Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities — 19 Currency exchange effects (28 ) 68 Other 6 (4 ) Ending balance $ 1,611 $ 1,635
Schedule of balance sheet information of equity investments [Table Text Block]	Summarized balance sheet information of the Company’s investments accounted for under the equity method are as follows at December 31: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Current assets $ 2,824 $ 2,844 Noncurrent assets 4,625 4,541 Total assets 7,449 7,385 Current liabilities 1,485 1,607 Noncurrent liabilities 1,592 1,418 Net assets $ 4,372 $ 4,360
Schedule of income statement information of equity method investments [Table Text Block]	Summarized income statement information of the Company’s investments accounted for under the equity method are set forth below: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Revenues $ 7,449 $ 6,632 $ 6,608 Cost of sales (5,899 ) (5,119 ) (4,933 ) Gross profit 1,550 1,513 1,675 Net operating expenses (310 ) (223 ) (229 ) Operating income 1,240 1,290 1,446 Interest income 6 7 8 Interest expense (70 ) (74 ) (79 ) Foreign currency translation 1 11 (13 ) Other income, net 25 11 23 Income before income taxes 1,202 1,245 1,385 Provision for income taxes (260 ) (153 ) (303 ) Net income $ 942 $ 1,092 $ 1,082

Prepaid Expenses, Other Curre_2

Prepaid Expenses, Other Current Assets and Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets disclosure [Table Text Block]	The components of Prepaid expenses and Other current assets were as follows at December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Loans receivable $ 544 $ 570 Renewable identification numbers 65 117 Advances to suppliers 57 35 Income tax receivable 169 29 VAT receivables 218 184 Prepaid insurance 25 25 Financial derivatives 80 66 Other 97 121 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 1,255 $ 1,147 The renewable identification numbers reflected above represent a U.S. government established credit used to show compliance in meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard. The components of Other assets were as follows at December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets $ 31 $ 90 Debt issuance costs 12 15 Company-owned life insurance 62 56 Derivative contracts 118 26 Pension assets 39 33 Other 91 41 Total other assets $ 353 $ 261

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of accrued liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following components at December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Payroll and benefits $ 534 $ 442 Renewable identification numbers 72 130 Product sales rebates 163 166 Taxes other than income taxes 186 199 Income taxes 16 386 Interest 154 151 Deferred revenues 128 61 Other 283 277 Total accrued liabilities $ 1,536 $ 1,812

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt [Table Text Block]	Long-term loans, notes and other long-term debt net of unamortized discount and debt issuance cost consisted of the following as of December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% ($1 million of debt issuance cost) $ 988 $ 961 Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% ($5 million of debt issuance cost) 975 981 Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75% ($7 million of debt issuance cost) 993 992 Senior Notes due 2055, $1,000 million, 4.625% ($16 million of discount; $11 million of debt issuance cost) 973 973 Guaranteed Notes due 2022, €750 million, 1.875% ($2 million of discount; $2 million of debt issuance cost) 855 894 Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% ($5 million of discount; $3 million of debt issuance cost) 742 740 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% ($8 million of discount; $7 million of debt issuance cost) 964 984 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1% 300 300 Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($21 million of discount; $7 million of debt issuance cost) 722 722 Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% ($11 million of discount; $9 million of debt issuance cost) 980 979 Other 10 25 Total 8,502 8,551 Less current maturities (5 ) (2 ) Long-term debt $ 8,497 $ 8,549 Fair value hedging adjustments associated with the fair value hedge accounting of our fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps for the applicable periods are as follows: Millions of dollars Inception Year Gains (Losses) Cumulative Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Carrying Amount of Debt Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Senior Notes due 2019, 5.0% 2014 $ (25 ) $ (48 ) $ 11 $ 36 Senior Notes due 2021, 6.0% 2016 8 9 20 12 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, 3.5% 2017 22 (1 ) 21 (1 ) Guaranteed Notes due 2022, 1.875% 2018 (1 ) — (1 ) — Total $ 4 $ (40 ) $ 51 $ 47
Schedule of short-term debt [Table Text Block]	Short-term loans, notes and other short-term debt consisted of the following as of December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 $2,500 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility $ — $ — $900 million U.S. Receivables Facility — — Commercial paper 809 — Precious metal financings 71 64 Other 5 4 Total short-term debt $ 885 $ 68

Lease Commitments (Tables)

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of future estimated minimum rental payments for operating leases [Table Text Block]	The aggregate future estimated payments under these commitments are: Millions of dollars 2019 $ 365 2020 288 2021 256 2022 236 2023 204 Thereafter 1,126 Total minimum lease payments $ 2,475 Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $496 million , $440 million and $426 million , respectively.

Financial Instruments and Fai_2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Financial Instruments and Fair Value [Abstract]
Summary of fair value of outstanding financial instruments [Table Text Block]	Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis —The following table summarizes financial instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Notional Amount Fair Value Notional Amount Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Millions of dollars Assets— Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 472 $ 12 $ — $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency — 27 — 26 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency 2,000 117 2,000 25 Other assets Interest rates 600 33 — 20 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Interest rates 143 1 650 1 Other assets Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities 35 5 77 20 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency 599 3 19 — Prepaid expenses and other current assets Non-derivatives: Available-for-sale debt securities 567 567 960 960 Short-term investments Equity securities 322 325 350 347 Short-term investments Total $ 4,738 $ 1,090 $ 4,056 $ 1,399 Liabilities— Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 4 $ — $ 97 $ 8 Accrued liabilities Commodities — — 5 — Other liabilities Foreign currency — 17 139 29 Accrued liabilities Foreign currency 950 75 950 140 Other liabilities Interest rates 1,400 16 — 5 Accrued liabilities Interest rates 2,500 45 3,350 58 Other liabilities Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities 63 14 108 29 Accrued liabilities Foreign currency 1,165 7 995 11 Accrued liabilities Non-derivatives: Performance share awards 29 29 23 23 Accrued liabilities Performance share awards — — 27 27 Other liabilities Total $ 6,111 $ 203 $ 5,694 $ 330 Commodity derivatives designated as hedges are classified as Level 1. As of December 31, 2018, these commodity derivatives had notional and fair value of $472 million and $12 million , respectively. Fair value includes the net of a $60 million derivative asset and a $48 million derivative liability. Our limited partnership investments equity securities discussed below are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. All other derivatives and available-for-sale securities in the tables above are classified as Level 2. At December 31, 2018 , our outstanding foreign currency and commodity contracts not designated as hedges mature from January 2019 to August 2019 and from January 2019 to February 2019 , respectively.
Schedule of the carrying value and estimated fair value of non-derivative financial instruments [Table Text Block]	Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis —The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Short-term loans receivable, which represent our repurchase agreements, and 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 and commercial paper. December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Millions of dollars Non-derivatives: Assets: Short-term loans receivable $ 544 $ 544 $ 570 $ 570 Liabilities: Short-term debt $ 70 $ 77 $ 64 $ 75 Long-term debt 8,492 8,476 8,526 9,442 Total $ 8,562 $ 8,553 $ 8,590 $ 9,517 All financial instruments in the table above are classified as Level 2 . There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for any of our financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 .
Summary of cash flow hedges [Table Text Block]	Cash Flow Hedges— The following table summarizes our cash flow hedges outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Notional Value Notional Value Expiration Date Foreign currency $ 2,300 $ 2,300 2021 to 2027 Interest rates 1,500 1,000 2019 to 2021 Commodities 476 102 2019
Summary of the impact of financial instruments on earnings and other comprehensive income [Table Text Block]	Impact on Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income— The following tables summarize the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments on Other comprehensive income and earnings for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Effect of Financial Instruments Year Ended December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Additional Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 60 $ — $ — Sales and other operating revenues Commodities (30 ) (11 ) — Cost of sales Foreign currency 190 (100 ) 68 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates 43 (1 ) (30 ) Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — 3 Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — 1 Cost of sales Foreign currency — — 43 Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt 41 — — Other income, net Total $ 304 $ (112 ) $ 85 Effect of Financial Instruments Year Ended December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Additional Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ (11 ) $ — $ — Cost of sales Foreign currency (466 ) 265 42 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates (25 ) (1 ) 2 Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — (18 ) Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — (23 ) Cost of sales Foreign currency — — (23 ) Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt (109 ) — — Other income, net Total $ (611 ) $ 264 $ (20 ) Effect of Financial Instruments Year Ended December 31, 2016 Millions of dollars Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Additional Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 3 $ — $ — Cost of sales Foreign currency (30 ) (63 ) 46 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates (17 ) — 8 Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — 12 Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — 6 Cost of sales Foreign currency — — 16 Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt 58 — — Other income, net Total $ 14 $ (63 ) $ 88
Schedule of available-for-sale debt securities reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities— The following table summarizes the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of our available-for-sale debt securities that are outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale debt securities: Bonds $ 567 $ — $ — $ 567 Total available-for-sale debt securities $ 567 $ — $ — $ 567 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Commercial paper $ 180 $ — $ — $ 180 Bonds 630 — — 630 Certificates of deposit 150 — — 150 Limited partnership investments 350 2 (5 ) 347 Total available-for-sale securities $ 1,310 $ 2 $ (5 ) $ 1,307
Summary of proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale debt securities [Table Text Block]	The proceeds from maturities and sales of our available-for-sale debt securities during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 are summarized in the following table: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Proceeds from maturities of securities $ 423 $ 499 $ 674 No gain or loss was realized in connection with the sales of our available-for-sale debt securities during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively.
Summary of available-for-sale debt securities, continuous unrealized loss position, fair value [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the fair value and unrealized losses related to available-for-sale debt securities that were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than and greater than twelve months as of December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Millions of dollars Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale debt securities: Bonds $ 118 $ (1 ) $ 45 $ — December 31, 2017 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Millions of dollars Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale securities: Limited partnership investments $ 117 $ (5 ) $ — $ — December 31, 2016 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Millions of dollars Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale securities: Limited partnership investments $ — $ — $ 105 $ (3 )
Summary of the portion of unrealized gains and losses for equity securities outstanding [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the portion of unrealized gains and losses for the equity securities that are outstanding as of December 31, 2018 : Millions of dollars Net gains recognized during the period $ 11 Less: Net gains recognized during the period on securities sold 5 Unrealized gains recognized during the period $ 6

Pension and Other Postretirem_2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Reconciliation of projected benefit obligations, schedule of plan assets and the funded status of defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans[Table Text Block]	he following table provides a reconciliation of projected benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of our U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 1,924 $ 1,511 $ 1,846 $ 1,491 Service cost 51 35 47 39 Interest cost 60 32 60 23 Actuarial loss (gain) (147 ) 23 104 (174 ) Plan amendments — 4 — 12 Benefits paid (129 ) (38 ) (133 ) (31 ) Participant contributions — 1 — 1 Settlement (10 ) (20 ) — (30 ) Business combination 3 192 — — Foreign exchange effects — (81 ) — 180 Benefit obligation, end of period 1,752 1,659 1,924 1,511 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period 1,680 852 1,571 824 Actual return on plan assets (37 ) 18 195 (60 ) Company contributions 44 56 47 56 Benefits paid (129 ) (38 ) (133 ) (31 ) Participant contributions — 1 — 1 Settlement (10 ) (20 ) — (30 ) Business combination — 48 — — Foreign exchange effects — (46 ) — 92 Fair value of plan assets, end of period 1,548 871 1,680 852 Funded status of continuing operations, end of period $ (204 ) $ (788 ) $ (244 ) $ (659 ) The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations of our unfunded other postretirement benefit plans: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 280 $ 62 $ 276 $ 67 Service cost 2 2 3 2 Interest cost 9 1 9 1 Actuarial (gain) loss (46 ) (3 ) 6 (15 ) Benefits paid (26 ) (1 ) (21 ) (1 ) Participant contributions 6 — 7 — Business combination 9 — — — Foreign exchange effects — (2 ) — 8 Benefit obligation, end of period 234 59 280 62 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period — — — — Employer contributions 21 1 14 1 Participant contributions 5 — 7 — Benefits paid (26 ) (1 ) (21 ) (1 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of period — — — — Funded status, end of period $ (234 ) $ (59 ) $ (280 ) $ (62 )
Schedule of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of: Accrued benefit liability, current $ (18 ) $ (1 ) $ (18 ) $ (1 ) Accrued benefit liability, long-term (216 ) (58 ) (262 ) (61 ) Funded status, end of period $ (234 ) $ (59 ) $ (280 ) $ (62 ) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of: Prepaid benefit cost, long-term $ 10 $ 29 $ 8 $ 25 Accrued benefit liability, current — (27 ) — (24 ) Accrued benefit liability, long-term (214 ) (790 ) (252 ) (660 ) Funded status of continuing operations, end of period $ (204 ) $ (788 ) $ (244 ) $ (659 )
Schedule of amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss —The following pre-tax amounts were recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Pension Benefits Other Benefits Millions of dollars Actuarial (Gain) Loss Prior Service Cost (Credit) Actuarial (Gain) Loss Prior Service Cost (Credit) December 31, 2016 $ 722 $ 1 $ 12 $ — Arising during the period (65 ) 12 (9 ) — Amortization (36 ) (3 ) (3 ) — Settlement loss (2 ) — — — December 31, 2017 619 10 — — Arising during the period 40 4 (49 ) — Amortization (31 ) (1 ) (1 ) — Settlement loss (3 ) — — — December 31, 2018 $ 625 $ 13 $ (50 ) $ — December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial and investment loss $ 374 $ 251 $ 385 $ 234 Prior service cost 2 11 2 8 Balance, end of period $ 376 $ 262 $ 387 $ 242 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial and investment income (loss) $ 65 $ (15 ) $ 19 $ (19 ) Balance, end of period $ 65 $ (15 ) $ 19 $ (19 )
Schedule of accumulated benefit obligations for defined benefit plans [Table Text Block]	The following additional information is presented for our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans as of December 31: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans $ 1,708 $ 1,528 $ 1,887 $ 1,406
Schedule of projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Table Text Block]	Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets are summarized as follows at December 31: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Projected benefit obligations $ 1,618 $ 1,456 $ 1,776 $ 1,285 Fair value of assets 1,404 639 1,524 601
Schedule of accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Table Text Block]	Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets are summarized as follows at December 31: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Accumulated benefit obligations $ 1,578 $ 904 $ 1,742 $ 1,190 Fair value of assets 1,404 198 1,524 601
Schedule of the components of net periodic costs [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the components of net periodic pension costs: U.S. Plans Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Net Periodic Pension Cost: Service cost $ 51 $ 47 $ 44 Interest cost 60 60 88 Actual return on plan assets 37 (195 ) (100 ) Less—return in excess of (less than) expected return (159 ) 74 (39 ) Expected return on plan assets (122 ) (121 ) (139 ) Settlement loss 2 — 58 Prior service cost amortization — 1 1 Actuarial and investment loss amortization 21 20 20 Net periodic benefit cost $ 12 $ 7 $ 72 Non-U.S. Plans Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Net Periodic Pension Cost: Service cost $ 35 $ 39 $ 32 Interest cost 32 23 32 Actual return on plan assets (18 ) 60 (146 ) Less—return in excess of (less than) expected return (6 ) (79 ) 122 Expected return on plan assets (24 ) (19 ) (24 ) Settlement loss 1 2 3 Prior service cost amortization 1 2 — Actuarial and investment loss amortization 10 16 8 Net periodic benefit cost $ 55 $ 63 $ 51 The following table provides the components of net periodic other postretirement benefit costs: U.S. Plans Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Net Periodic Other Postretirement Cost: Service cost $ 2 $ 3 $ 3 Interest cost 9 9 11 Actuarial loss amortization — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 11 $ 12 $ 14 Non-U.S. Plans Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Net Periodic Other Postretirement Cost: Service cost $ 2 $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost 1 1 2 Actuarial loss amortization 1 3 2 Net periodic benefit cost $ 4 $ 6 $ 6
Schedule of actual and target allocation of plan assets [Table Text Block]	The actual and target asset allocations for our plans are as follows: 2018 2017 Millions of dollars Actual Target Actual Target Canada Equity securities 49 % 50 % 50 % 50 % Fixed income 51 % 50 % 50 % 50 % United Kingdom—Lyondell Chemical Plans Equity securities 49 % 50 % 49 % 50 % Fixed income 51 % 50 % 51 % 50 % United Kingdom—Basell Plans Equity securities 49 % 50 % 49 % 50 % Fixed income 51 % 50 % 51 % 50 % United Kingdom—A. Schulman Plans Growth assets 94 % 89 % — — Matching assets 6 % 11 % — — United States Equity securities 32 % 32 % 36 % 32 % Fixed income 39 % 38 % 37 % 38 % Alternatives 29 % 30 % 27 % 30 %
Schedule of estimated contributions of the plans in the next fiscal year [Table Text Block]	We estimate the following contributions to our pension plans in 2019 : Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. Defined benefit plans $ 46 $ 62 Multi-employer plans — 8 Total $ 46 $ 70
Schedule of future expected benefit payments [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2018 , future expected benefit payments by our pension plans which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows: Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. 2019 $ 140 $ 59 2020 140 56 2021 141 57 2022 141 58 2023 141 61 2024 through 2028 677 329 As of December 31, 2018 , future expected benefit payments by our other postretirement benefit plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, were as follows: Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. 2019 $ 18 $ 1 2020 18 1 2021 18 1 2022 18 1 2023 18 1 2024 through 2028 84 8
Schedule of assumptions used [Table Text Block]	The following table reflects the actual annualized total returns for the periods ended December 31, 2018 : Annualized December 31, 2018 One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years U.S. plan assets (1.91 )% (1.91 )% 5.81 % 4.65 % 9.31 % Non-U.S. plan assets 0.89 % 0.89 % 9.65 % 8.97 % 8.60 % The following table sets forth the assumed health care cost trend rates: U.S. Plans December 31, 2018 2017 Assumed health care trend rate: Immediate trend rate 6.4 % 6.7 % Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) 4.5 % 4.5 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2038 2038 Non-U.S. Plans Canada France December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Assumed health care trend rate: Immediate trend rate 5.5 % 6.0 % 4.5 % 4.7 % Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.7 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2021 2021 — — The assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities for our pension plans were as follows at December 31: 2018 2017 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions: Discount rate 4.51 % 2.07 % 3.73 % 2.13 % Rate of compensation increase 4.83 % 2.54 % 4.00 % 2.94 % The assumptions used in determining net benefit costs for our pension plans were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions for the year: Discount rate 3.73 % 2.13 % 4.20 % 1.52 % 4.38 % 2.70 % Expected return on plan assets 7.50 % 2.92 % 8.00 % 2.15 % 8.00 % 3.37 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 2.94 % 4.00 % 2.93 % 4.00 % 3.15 % The assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities for our other postretirement benefit plans were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions: Discount rate 4.47 % 2.30 % 3.66 % 2.48 % Rate of compensation increase 4.50 % — 4.00 % — The assumptions used in determining the net benefit costs for our other postretirement benefit plans were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions for the year: Discount rate 3.66 % 2.48 % 4.07 % 1.69 % 4.23 % 2.69 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % — 4.00 % — 4.00 % — The assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities for our pension plans were as follows at December 31: 2018 2017 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions: Discount rate 4.51 % 2.07 % 3.73 % 2.13 % Rate of compensation increase 4.83 % 2.54 % 4.00 % 2.94 % The assumptions used in determining net benefit costs for our pension plans were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Weighted average assumptions for the year: Discount rate 3.73 % 2.13 % 4.20 % 1.52 % 4.38 % 2.70 % Expected return on plan assets 7.50 % 2.92 % 8.00 % 2.15 % 8.00 % 3.37 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 2.94 % 4.00 % 2.93 % 4.00 % 3.15 %
Schedule of pension investments measured at fair value [Table Text Block]	The pension investments that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized below: December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 U.S. Common and preferred stock $ 330 $ 330 $ — $ — Commingled funds measured at net asset value 411 Fixed income securities 204 — 204 — Real estate measured at net asset value 107 Hedge funds measured at net asset value 241 Private equity measured at net asset value 108 U.S. government securities 133 133 — — Cash and cash equivalents 26 26 — — Total U.S. Pension Assets $ 1,560 $ 489 $ 204 $ — December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Non-U.S. Common stock $ — $ — $ — $ — Commingled funds measured at net asset value 298 Fixed income securities — — — — Insurance arrangements 570 — — 570 Cash and cash equivalents 2 2 — — Total Non-U.S. Pension Assets $ 870 $ 2 $ — $ 570 December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 U.S. Common and preferred stock $ 410 $ 410 $ — $ — Commingled funds measured at net asset value 410 Fixed income securities 225 — 225 — Real estate measured at net asset value 102 Hedge funds measured at net asset value 253 Private equity measured at net asset value 94 U.S. government securities 148 148 — — Cash and cash equivalents 34 34 — — Total U.S. Pension Assets $ 1,676 $ 592 $ 225 $ — December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Non-U.S. Common stock $ — $ — $ — $ — Commingled funds measured at net asset value 297 Fixed income securities — — — — Insurance arrangements 549 — — 549 Cash and cash equivalents 5 5 — — Total Non-U.S. Pension Assets $ 851 $ 5 $ — $ 549
Fair value measurements of investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share [Table Text Block]	The fair value measurements of the investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Millions of dollars Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Remaining Life Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Trade to Settlement Terms Redemption Notice Period U.S. Commingled fund investing in Domestic Equity $ 112 $ — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 to 4 days Commingled fund investing in International Equity 58 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 days Commingled fund investing in Fixed Income 241 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 to 7 days Real Estate 107 8 10 years quarterly 15 to 25 days 45 to 90 days Hedge Funds 241 — N/A quarterly 10 to 30 days 20 to 90 days Private Equity 108 76 10 years Not eligible N/A N/A Total U.S. $ 867 $ 84 Millions of dollars Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Remaining Life Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Trade to Settlement Terms Redemption Notice Period Non-U.S. Commingled fund investing in Domestic Equity $ 33 $ — N/A 1 to 7 days 1 to 3 days 1 to 3 days Commingled fund investing in International Equity 122 — N/A 1 to 7 days 1 to 3 days 1 to 3 days Commingled fund investing in Fixed Income 143 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 days Total Non-U.S. $ 298 $ — The fair value measurements of the investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: Millions of dollars Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Remaining Life Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Trade to Settlement Terms Redemption Notice Period U.S. Commingled fund investing in Domestic Equity $ 106 $ — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 to 4 days Commingled fund investing in International Equity 61 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 days Commingled fund investing in Fixed Income 243 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 to 7 days Real Estate 102 12 10 years quarterly 15 to 25 days 45 to 90 days Hedge Funds 253 — N/A quarterly 10 to 30 days 20 to 90 days Private Equity 94 92 10 years Not eligible N/A N/A Total U.S. $ 859 $ 104 Millions of dollars Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Remaining Life Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Trade to Settlement Terms Redemption Notice Period Non-U.S. Commingled fund investing in Domestic Equity $ 29 $ — N/A 1 to 7 days 1 to 3 days 1 to 3 days Commingled fund investing in International Equity 119 — N/A 1 to 7 days 1 to 3 days 1 to 3 days Commingled fund investing in Fixed Income 149 — N/A daily 1 to 3 days 3 days Total Non-U.S. $ 297 $ —
Company contributions to multi-employer plan [Table Text Block]	The following table provides disclosure related to the Company’s multi-employer plan: Company Contributions Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Pensionskasse (a) $ 8 $ 27 $ 7 (a) The Company-specific plan information for the Pensionskasse is not publicly available and the plan is not subject to a collective-bargaining agreement. The plan provides fixed, monthly retirement payments on the basis of the credits earned by the participating employees. To the extent that the Pensionskasse is underfunded, the future contributions to the plan may increase and may be used to fund retirement benefits for employees related to other employers. The Pensionskasse financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 indicated total assets of $9,093 million and $7,897 million , respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $8,747 million and $7,559 million , respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $653 million and $246 million , respectively. Our plan contributions did not exceed 5 percent of the total contributions in 2018, 2017 or 2016
Company contributions to employee savings plans [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the company contributions to the Employee Savings Plans: Company Contributions 2018 2017 2016 Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. Employee Savings Plans $ 40 $ 5 $ 36 $ 5 $ 35 $ 7

Incentive and Share-Based Com_2

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of compensation expense and associated tax benefits [Table Text Block]	Total share-based compensation expense and the associated tax benefits are as follows for the years ended December 31: Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Compensation Expense: Restricted stock units $ 15 $ 13 $ 10 Stock options 7 7 7 Qualified performance awards — — (3 ) Performance share units 17 35 24 Total $ 39 $ 55 $ 38 Tax Benefit: Restricted stock units $ 4 $ 5 $ 4 Stock options 2 2 2 Qualified performance awards — — (1 ) Performance share units 4 12 8 Total $ 10 $ 19 $ 13
Summary of restricted stock unit activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share) Thousands of units, except per share amounts Outstanding at January 1, 2018 377 $ 85.17 Granted 213 108.52 Vested (115 ) 84.27 Forfeited (13 ) 101.67 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 462 $ 95.69
Weighted average fair value assumptions used to value stock options [Table Text Block]	Weighted average fair values of Stock Options granted in each respective year and the assumptions used in estimating those fair values are as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average fair value $ 21.58 $ 21.55 $ 20.39 Fair value assumptions: Dividend yield 4.0 % 4.0 % 3.0-4.0% Expected volatility 27.8-29.0% 34.9-35.1% 35.3-36.0% Risk-free interest rate 2.6-2.9% 2.10-2.29% 1.14-1.93% Weighted average expected term, in years 6.0 6.0 6.0
Summary of stock option activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes Stock Option activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Shares (in thousands) Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (millions of dollars) Outstanding at January 1, 2018 1,019 $ 82.93 Granted 336 109.03 Exercised (64 ) 69.36 Forfeited (9 ) 100.91 Expired (1 ) 109.09 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 1,281 $ 90.30 7.4 years $ 4 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 557 $ 83.00 6.5 years $ 3
Summary of performance share unit activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes PSU activity classified as equity awards for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share) Thousands of units, except per share amounts Outstanding at January 1, 2018 224 $ 93.28 Granted 219 89.32 Forfeited (13 ) 91.36 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 430 $ 91.33
Schedule of share based payment award performance share units valuation assumptions [Table Text Block]	The assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of PSUs granted in 2017 and 2018 are as follows: 2018 2017 Expected volatility of LyondellBasell N.V. common stock 27.15 % 30.98 % Expected volatility of peer companies 17.45-42.99% 16.98-39.89% Average correlation coefficient of peer companies 0.50 0.51 Risk-free interest rate 2.40 % 1.46 %

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of the provision for income taxes [Table Text Block]	The significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Current: U.S. federal $ (89 ) $ 543 $ 421 Non-U.S. 404 595 557 State 38 47 51 Total current 353 1,185 1,029 Deferred: U.S. federal 197 (637 ) 339 Non-U.S. 48 22 20 State 15 28 (2 ) Total deferred 260 (587 ) 357 Provision for income taxes before tax effects of other comprehensive income 613 598 1,386 Tax effects of elements of other comprehensive income: Pension and postretirement liabilities 63 29 (21 ) Financial derivatives 16 (14 ) (96 ) Foreign currency translation 18 (33 ) (7 ) Unrealized gains (losses) from available-for-sale debt securities — (3 ) 1 Total income tax expense in comprehensive income $ 710 $ 577 $ 1,263
Schedule of income before taxes and schedule of effective income tax reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Since the proportion of U.S. revenues, assets, operating income and associated tax provisions is significantly greater than any other single taxing jurisdiction within the worldwide group, the reconciliation of the differences between the provision for income taxes and the statutory rate is presented on the basis of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 21% as opposed to the United Kingdom statutory rate of 19% to provide a more meaningful insight into those differences. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018 is 11.5% . This summary is shown below: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Income before income taxes: U.S. $ 2,795 $ 2,438 $ 2,511 Non-U.S. 2,516 3,055 2,722 Total $ 5,311 $ 5,493 $ 5,233 Income tax at U.S. statutory rate $ 1,115 $ 1,923 $ 1,832 Increase (reduction) resulting from: Non-U.S. income taxed at different statutory rates 89 (164 ) (159 ) Remeasurement of U.S. net deferred tax liability — (819 ) — State income taxes, net of federal benefit 53 40 24 Exempt income (296 ) (385 ) (349 ) Uncertain tax positions (320 ) 28 39 U.S. manufacturing deduction — (57 ) (42 ) Other, net (28 ) 32 41 Income tax provision $ 613 $ 598 $ 1,386
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Table Text Block]	The deferred tax effects of tax loss and credit carryforwards (“tax attributes”) and the tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements, reduced by a valuation allowance where appropriate, are presented below. The 2017 impact of re-measurement of the U.S. net deferred tax liability resulting from the U.S. enactment of the Tax Act is included in the various components of deferred income taxes. December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Deferred tax liabilities: Accelerated tax depreciation $ 1,809 $ 1,523 Investment in joint venture partnerships 147 214 Intangible assets 151 48 Inventory 285 266 Other liabilities 22 26 Total deferred tax liabilities 2,414 2,077 Deferred tax assets: Tax attributes 180 196 Employee benefit plans 334 315 Other assets 76 97 Total deferred tax assets 590 608 Deferred tax asset valuation allowances (120 ) (96 ) Net deferred tax assets 470 512 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 1,944 $ 1,565 December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Balance sheet classifications: Deferred tax assets—long-term $ 31 $ 90 Deferred tax liabilities—long-term 1,975 1,655 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 1,944 $ 1,565
Schedule of the expiration of the tax attributes and the related deferred tax assets [Table Text Block]	The scheduled expiration of the tax attributes and the related deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance, as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Millions of dollars Tax Attributes Deferred Tax on Tax Attributes 2019 $ 47 $ 9 2020 13 1 2021 32 2 2022 21 2 2023 34 2 Thereafter 289 39 Indefinite 502 125 Total $ 938 $ 180
Schedule of deferred tax assets of tax attributes by jurisdiction [Table Text Block]	The tax attributes are primarily related to operations in France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, The Netherlands and the United States. The related deferred tax assets by primary jurisdictions are shown below: December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 France $ 64 $ 92 $ 140 Canada 28 31 29 United Kingdom 36 17 16 Spain 11 32 33 The Netherlands 12 13 19 United States 14 10 16 Other 15 1 2 Total $ 180 $ 196 $ 255
Schedule of valuation allowance by jurisdiction [Table Text Block]	A summary of the valuation allowances by primary jurisdiction is shown below, reflecting the valuation allowances for all the net deferred tax assets, including deferred tax assets for tax attributes and other temporary differences. December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 France $ 23 $ 25 $ 22 Canada 28 32 30 United Kingdom 33 17 16 The Netherlands 12 12 12 United States 13 10 16 Other 11 — — $ 120 $ 96 $ 96
Schedule of unrecognized tax benefits [Table Text Block]	Tax benefits totaling $269 million , $544 million and $546 million relating to uncertain tax positions, which are reflected in Other liabilities, were unrecognized as of December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 544 $ 546 $ 521 Additions for tax positions of current year 16 15 16 Additions for tax positions of prior years 23 3 11 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (299 ) (20 ) (2 ) Settlements (payments/refunds) (15 ) — — Balance, end of period $ 269 $ 544 $ 546

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of environmental loss contingencies [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity in our accrued environmental liability included in “Accrued liabilities” and “Other liabilities:” Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 102 $ 95 Additional provisions — — Changes in estimates 4 11 Amounts paid (13 ) (13 ) Foreign exchange effects (3 ) 9 Ending balance $ 90 $ 102

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Dividends declared [Table Text Block]	Dividend Distributions —The following table summarizes the dividends paid to common shareholders in the periods presented: Millions of dollars, except per share amounts Dividend Per Ordinary Share Aggregate Dividends Paid Date of Record For the year 2018: March $ 1.00 $ 395 March 5, 2018 June 1.00 392 June 11, 2018 September 1.00 389 September 5, 2018 December 1.00 378 December 10, 2018 $ 4.00 $ 1,554 For the year 2017: March $ 0.85 $ 343 March 6, 2017 June 0.90 361 June 5, 2017 September 0.90 356 September 6, 2017 December 0.90 355 December 5, 2017 $ 3.55 $ 1,415
Schedule of share repurchase programs [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our share repurchase activity for the periods presented: Millions of dollars, except shares and per share amounts Shares Repurchased Average Purchase Price Total Purchase Price, Including Commissions For the year 2018: 2017 Share Repurchase Program 4,004,753 $ 106.05 $ 425 2018 Share Repurchase Program 15,215,966 95.49 1,453 19,220,719 $ 97.69 $ 1,878 For the year 2017: 2016 Share Repurchase Program 3,501,084 $ 85.71 $ 300 2017 Share Repurchase Program 6,516,917 83.54 545 10,018,001 $ 84.30 $ 845 For the year 2016: 2015 Share Repurchase Program 15,302,707 $ 80.15 $ 1,226 2016 Share Repurchase Program 21,316,627 79.18 1,688 36,619,334 $ 79.58 $ 2,914 Due to the timing of settlements, total cash paid for share repurchases for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $1,854 million , $866 million and $2,938 million , respectively.
Schedule of changes in ordinary and treasury shares outstanding during the period [Table Text Block]	Ordinary Shares —The changes in the outstanding amounts of ordinary shares are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Ordinary shares outstanding: Beginning balance 394,512,054 404,046,331 440,150,069 Share-based compensation 307,335 371,980 418,892 Warrants exercised — 4,184 200 Employee stock purchase plan 121,398 107,560 96,504 Purchase of ordinary shares (19,244,126 ) (10,018,001 ) (36,619,334 ) Ending balance 375,696,661 394,512,054 404,046,331 Treasury Shares —The changes in the amounts of treasury shares held by the Company are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: Beginning balance 183,928,109 174,389,139 138,285,201 Share-based compensation (307,335 ) (371,980 ) (418,892 ) Warrants exercised — 509 — Employee stock purchase plan (121,398 ) (107,560 ) (96,504 ) Purchase of ordinary shares 19,244,126 10,018,001 36,619,334 Treasury shares canceled (178,229,883 ) — — Ending balance 24,513,619 183,928,109 174,389,139
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) —The components of, and after-tax changes in, Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 are presented in the following table: Millions of dollars Financial Derivatives Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Debt Securities Unrealized Gains on Equity Securities and Equity Securities Held by Equity Investees Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance—January 1, 2018 $ (120 ) $ — $ 17 $ (421 ) $ (761 ) $ (1,285 ) Adoption of accounting standards (2 ) — (17 ) (51 ) — (70 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 180 — — 5 (74 ) 111 Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications (43 ) — — 2 (18 ) (59 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (110 ) — — 36 — (74 ) Tax (expense) benefit 27 — — (13 ) — 14 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 54 — — 30 (92 ) (8 ) Balance—December 31, 2018 $ (68 ) $ — $ — $ (442 ) $ (853 ) $ (1,363 ) Balance—January 1, 2017 $ (75 ) $ 1 $ — $ (498 ) $ (939 ) $ (1,511 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (323 ) (2 ) 15 62 145 (103 ) Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications 86 1 2 (15 ) 33 107 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 264 — — 44 — 308 Tax expense (72 ) — — (14 ) — (86 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (45 ) (1 ) 17 77 178 226 Balance—December 31, 2017 $ (120 ) $ — $ 17 $ (421 ) $ (761 ) $ (1,285 ) Balance—January 1, 2016 $ (79 ) $ (5 ) $ — $ (428 ) $ (926 ) $ (1,438 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (29 ) 7 — (184 ) (27 ) (233 ) Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications 7 (1 ) — 37 7 50 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (63 ) — — 93 7 37 Tax (expense) benefit 89 — — (16 ) — 73 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 4 6 — (70 ) (13 ) (73 ) Balance—December 31, 2016 $ (75 ) $ 1 $ — $ (498 ) $ (939 ) $ (1,511 )
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	The amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: Millions of dollars Year Ended December 31, Affected Line Items on the Consolidated Statements of Income 2018 2017 2016 Reclassification adjustments for: Financial derivatives $ (110 ) $ 264 $ (63 ) Other income, net Income tax expense (benefit) (27 ) 72 (89 ) Provision for income taxes Financial derivatives, net of tax (83 ) 192 26 Amortization of defined pension items: Prior service cost 1 3 1 Actuarial loss 32 39 31 Settlement loss 3 2 61 Income tax expense 13 14 16 Defined pension items, net of tax 23 30 77 Foreign currency translations adjustments — — 7 Other income, net Income tax expense (benefit) — — — Provision for income taxes Foreign currency translations adjustments, net of tax — — 7 Total reclassifications, before tax (74 ) 308 37 Income tax expense (benefit) (14 ) 86 (73 ) Provision for income taxes Total reclassifications, after tax $ (60 ) $ 222 $ 110 Amount included in net income Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial loss are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

Per Share Data (Tables)

Per Share Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share, basic and diluted [Table Text Block]	Earnings per share data and dividends declared per share of common stock are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Continuing Discontinued Continuing Discontinued Continuing Discontinued Millions of dollars Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Net income (loss) $ 4,698 $ (8 ) $ 4,895 $ (18 ) $ 3,847 $ (10 ) Less: net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests — — 2 — (1 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders 4,698 (8 ) 4,897 (18 ) 3,846 (10 ) Dividends on A.Schulman Special Stock (2 ) — — — — — Net income attributable to participating securities (6 ) — (5 ) — (4 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders—basic $ 4,690 $ (8 ) $ 4,892 $ (18 ) $ 3,842 $ (10 ) Potential diluted effect of PSUs (5 ) — — — — — Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders— diluted $ 4,685 $ (8 ) $ 4,892 $ (18 ) $ 3,842 $ (10 ) Millions of shares, except per share amounts Basic weighted average common stock outstanding 389 389 398 398 419 419 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options — — 1 1 — — QPA and PSU awards — — — — 1 1 Potential dilutive shares 389 389 399 399 420 420 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 12.06 $ (0.02 ) $ 12.28 $ (0.05 ) $ 9.17 $ (0.02 ) Diluted $ 12.03 $ (0.02 ) $ 12.28 $ (0.05 ) $ 9.15 $ (0.02 ) Participating securities 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 Dividends declared per share of common stock $ 4.00 $ — $ 3.55 $ — $ 3.33 $ —

Segment and Related Informati_2

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of financial information concerning reportable segments [Table Text Block]	Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments is shown in the following table for the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2018 O&P – O&P – I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Millions of dollars Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 6,883 $ 9,984 $ 9,426 $ 4,022 $ 8,221 $ 468 $ — $ 39,004 Intersegment 3,525 854 162 2 936 115 (5,594 ) — 10,408 10,838 9,588 4,024 9,157 583 (5,594 ) 39,004 Depreciation and amortization expense 442 208 287 69 192 43 — 1,241 Other income (expense), net 11 48 2 2 3 1 39 106 Income from equity investments 58 225 6 — — — — 289 Capital expenditures 1,079 248 409 62 250 48 9 2,105 EBITDA 2,762 1,163 2,011 400 167 328 36 6,867 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Millions of dollars O&P – O&P – I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 7,265 $ 9,445 $ 8,346 $ 2,922 $ 6,165 $ 341 $ — $ 34,484 Intersegment 2,739 773 126 — 683 109 (4,430 ) — 10,004 10,218 8,472 2,922 6,848 450 (4,430 ) 34,484 Depreciation and amortization expense 433 210 279 35 177 40 — 1,174 Other income (expense), net 42 138 1 (2 ) 2 — (2 ) 179 Income from equity investments 42 271 8 — — — — 321 Capital expenditures 741 163 332 55 213 32 11 1,547 EBITDA 2,899 1,927 1,490 438 157 223 — 7,134 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Millions of dollars O&P – Americas O&P – EAI I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 6,463 $ 8,097 $ 7,085 $ 2,601 $ 4,559 $ 378 $ — $ 29,183 Intersegment 2,259 621 141 — 576 101 (3,698 ) — 8,722 8,718 7,226 2,601 5,135 479 (3,698 ) 29,183 Depreciation and amortization expense 359 201 269 31 163 41 — 1,064 Other income (expense), net 62 19 — 24 8 — (2 ) 111 Income from equity investments 59 302 6 — — — — 367 Capital expenditures 1,370 229 333 38 224 36 13 2,243 EBITDA 2,788 1,729 1,333 427 72 262 (9 ) 6,602
Reconciliation of EBITDA to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of EBITDA to Income from continuing operations before income taxes is shown in the following table for each of the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 2016 EBITDA: Total segment EBITDA $ 6,831 $ 7,134 $ 6,611 Other EBITDA 36 — (9 ) Less: Depreciation and amortization expense (1,241 ) (1,174 ) (1,064 ) Interest expense (360 ) (491 ) (322 ) Add: Interest income 45 24 17 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 5,311 $ 5,493 $ 5,233
Reconciliation of segment assets including goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following assets are summarized and reconciled to consolidated totals in the following table: Millions of dollars O&P – Americas O&P – EAI I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total December 31, 2018 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 5,769 $ 1,745 $ 2,663 $ 818 $ 1,216 $ 266 $ — $ 12,477 Investment in PO joint ventures — — 469 — — — — 469 Equity investments 196 1,326 73 16 — — — 1,611 Goodwill 162 114 229 1,300 — 9 — 1,814 December 31, 2017 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 5,025 $ 1,794 $ 2,457 $ 350 $ 1,130 $ 241 $ — $ 10,997 Investment in PO joint ventures — — 420 — — — — 420 Equity investments 187 1,366 82 — — — — 1,635 Goodwill 162 121 237 41 — 9 — 570
Schedule of Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]	Long-lived assets include Property, plant and equipment, net, Intangible assets, net, Investments in PO joint ventures, and Equity investments, (see Notes 8 , 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The following long-lived assets data is based upon the location of the assets: Year Ended December 31, Millions of dollars 2018 2017 Long-lived assets: United States $ 10,346 $ 8,761 Germany 1,527 1,417 The Netherlands 757 779 France 565 551 Italy 343 329 Mexico 254 198 Other 1,730 1,585 Total $ 15,522 $ 13,620

Unaudited Quarterly Results (Ta

Unaudited Quarterly Results (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial information [Table Text Block]	The following table presents selected financial data for the quarterly periods in 2018 and 2017 : For the Quarter Ended Millions of dollars, except per share amounts March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2018 Sales and other operating revenues $ 9,767 $ 10,206 $ 10,155 $ 8,876 Gross profit (a) 1,755 1,916 1,656 1,148 Operating income (b) 1,494 1,626 1,317 794 Income from equity investments 96 68 89 36 Income from continuing operations (b) (c) 1,231 1,655 1,115 697 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — (1 ) (2 ) (5 ) Net income (b) (c) 1,231 1,654 1,113 692 Earnings per share: Basic 3.12 4.23 2.86 1.81 Diluted 3.11 4.22 2.85 1.79 For the Quarter Ended Millions of dollars, except per share amounts March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2017 Sales and other operating revenues $ 8,430 $ 8,403 $ 8,516 $ 9,135 Gross profit (a) 1,439 1,802 1,577 1,607 Operating income (b) 1,210 1,577 1,332 1,341 Income from equity investments 81 78 81 81 Income from continuing operations (b) (c) 805 1,134 1,058 1,898 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (8 ) (4 ) (2 ) (4 ) Net income (b) (c) 797 1,130 1,056 1,894 Earnings per share: Basic 1.98 2.82 2.67 4.80 Diluted 1.98 2.81 2.67 4.79 (a) Represents Sales and other operating revenues less Cost of sales. (b) The three months ended September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018 include charges for acquisition-related transaction and integration costs associated with our acquisition of A. Schulman of $53 million ( $42 million , after tax) and $20 million ( $15 million , after tax), respectively. The three months ended December 31, 2018 also includes a gain of $36 million ( $34 million , after tax) on the sale of our carbon black subsidiary in France. The three months ended March 31, 2017 includes a gain of $31 million ( $20 million , after tax) on the sale of property in Lake Charles, Louisiana currently used as a logistic terminal. The three months ended June 30, 2017 includes a $21 million non-cash gain ( $14 million , after tax) stemming from the elimination of an obligation associated with a lease. The three months ended September 30, 2017 includes a $108 million gain ( $103 million , after tax) on the sale of our 27% interest in Geosel. (c) The three months ended June 30, 2018 includes a $346 million benefit related to $288 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits and the release of $58 million of associated accrued interest. The three months ended March 31, 2017 includes total charges to interest expense of $113 million ( $106 million , after tax) related to the redemption of $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019 . The three months ended December 31, 2017 includes an $819 million non-cash tax benefit related to the lower federal income tax rate resulting from the newly enacted U.S. Tax Act.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principle [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle, cumulative effect of change on equity or net assets		$ (70)
ASU 2014-09 adoption [Member]
New accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principle [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle, cumulative effect of change on equity or net assets			$ 18
ASU 2016-01 adoption [Member] | ASU 2016-01 prospective adoption [Member]
New accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principle [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement, description of prospective transition impact		We adopted this guidance prospectively from January 1, 2018 and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $15 million to beginning retained earnings.
New accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle, cumulative effect of change on equity or net assets			15
ASU 2016-16 adoption [Member]
New accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principle [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement, description of retrospective transition impact		We early adopted this guidance from January 1, 2018 using the modified-retrospective method and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $9 million to beginning retained earnings.
New accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle, cumulative effect of change on equity or net assets			9
ASU 2018-02 adoption [Member] | New accounting pronouncement, early adoption, effect [Member] | ASU 2018-02 prospective adoption [Member]
New accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principle [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement, description of prospective transition impact		We early adopted this guidance from January 1, 2018 using the specific identification method and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $52 million to beginning retained earnings.
New accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle, cumulative effect of change on equity or net assets			$ 52
ASU 2016-02 adoption[Member] | Subsequent event [Member]
New accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principle [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement, description of retrospective transition impact	The adoption of the new standard resulted in recording of additional ROU assets and lease liabilities of approximately $1.5 billion each, as of January 1, 2019. The new standard will not have a material impact our Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity on an ongoing basis.
Lease right-of-use assets	$ 1,500
Lease liabilities	$ 1,500

Business Combination and Disp_3

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Summary of consideration transferred (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 21, 2018USD ($)
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	Aug. 21, 2018
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	A. Schulman
Business Combination, Reason for Business Combination	The acquisition of A. Schulman, a global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders, builds upon our already existing platform in this space, allowing us to create our Advanced Polymer Solutions business with broad geographic reach, leading technologies and a diverse product portfolio.
A. Schulman Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract]
Total net assets acquired	$ 1,940
Consideration transferred to shareholders of acquiree for common stock	1,240
Consideration transferred for settlement of outstanding debt of acquiree	594
Consideration transferred for settlement of stock-based compensation plans and other purchase consideration	$ 106

Business Combination and Disp_4

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Summary of assets acquired and liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 21, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Preliminary purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Equity investments	$ 16		$ 0
Goodwill	$ 1,814		$ 570	$ 528
A. Schulman Inc. [Member]
Preliminary purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 71
Restricted cash		10
Accounts receivable		407
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		100
Inventories		300
Property, plant and equipment		448
Equity investments		16
Goodwill		1,271
Intangible assets		505
Other assets		58
Total assets		3,186
Current maturities of long-term debt		397
Accounts payable		317
Accrued liabilities		109
Other liabilities		164
Deferred income taxes		112
Total liabilities		1,099
Redeemable non-controlling interests		125
Non-controlling interests		22
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and non-controlling interests		1,246
Total net assets acquired		$ 1,940

Business Combination and Disp_5

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Summary of goodwill change during the period, acquired inventories by component and gross contractual cost of accounts receivable acquired (Details) - A. Schulman Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 21, 2018
Business combination, goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill, period increase (decrease)	$ 12
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods		$ 180
Work-in-process		8
Raw materials and supplies		112
Total inventory acquired		300
Business combination, acquired receivables [Abstract]
Acquired receivables, gross contractual amount		$ 415

Business Combination and Disp_6

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Summary of aquired property, plant and equipment by component (Details) - A. Schulman Inc. [Member] $ in Millions	Aug. 21, 2018USD ($)
Business combination, property, plant and equipment acquired by component [Abstract]
Land	$ 56
Major manufacturing equipment	211
Buildings	141
Light equipment and instrumentation	13
Office furniture	9
Information system equipment	2
Construction in progress	16
Total	$ 448

Business Combination and Disp_7

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Summary of goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 21, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business combination segment allocation [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 1,814	$ 570	$ 528
O&P - EAI [Member]
Business combination segment allocation [Line Items]
Goodwill		114	121	98
Goodwill transfers	$ (41)
Advanced Polymer Solutions [Member]
Business combination segment allocation [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,271	$ 1,300	$ 41	$ 41
Goodwill transfers	$ 41

Business Combination and Disp_8

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Summary of other identifiable intangible assets (Details) - A. Schulman Inc. [Member] $ in Millions	Aug. 21, 2018USD ($)
Other identifiable intangible assets [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 505
Weighted average life, in years	11 years
Customer relationships [Member]
Other identifiable intangible assets [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 300
Weighted average life, in years	15 years
Useful life, in years	15 years
Trade name and trademarks [Member]
Other identifiable intangible assets [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 104
Weighted average life, in years	5 years
Useful life, in years	5 years
Know-how [Member]
Other identifiable intangible assets [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 84
Weighted average life, in years	8 years
Know-how [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Other identifiable intangible assets [Line Items]
Useful life, in years	8 years
Know-how [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Other identifiable intangible assets [Line Items]
Useful life, in years	5 years
Various contracts [Member]
Other identifiable intangible assets [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 17
Weighted average life, in years	1 year
Various contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Other identifiable intangible assets [Line Items]
Useful life, in years	2 years
Various contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Other identifiable intangible assets [Line Items]
Useful life, in years	1 year

Business Combination and Disp_9

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Repayment of acquired debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 21, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)			5.00%
Premium paid on redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2023				$ 0	$ 65	$ 0
Repayments of long-term debt		$ 375	$ 1,000	$ 394	$ 1,000	$ 0
Senior Notes due 2023, $375 million, 6.875% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 375
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.875%
Maturity date	June 2,023
Redemption price, in hundredths	105.156%
Premium paid on redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2023		$ 19

Business Combination and Dis_10

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Redeemable non-controlling interests (Details) - USD ($)	4 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 21, 2018
Temporary equity [Line Items]
Cumulative perpetual special stock, shares outstanding	115,374	124,347
Cumulative dividends per share on liquidation preference of cumulative perpetual special stock, in hundredths		6.00%
Liquidation preference per share of cumulative perpetual special stock		$ 1,000
Cumulative perpetual special stock redeemed during the period, in shares	8,973
Cumulative perpetual special stock redeemed during the period, in value	$ 9,000,000

Business Combination and Dis_11

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Acquisition costs (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
A. Schulman Inc. [Member]
Business acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition costs	$ 30

Business Combination and Dis_12

Business Combination and Dispositions, Business Combination, Proforma information (Details) $ in Millions	4 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Business acquisition, Pro forma information [Abstract]
Actual revenue of acquiree since acquisition date	$ 846
Acutal earnings (loss) of acquiree since acquisition date	$ (6)

Business Combination and Dis_13

Business Combination and Dispositions, Dispositions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2018	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Additional disclosures by disposal groups [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of business				$ 37	$ 155	$ 209
Gain on sale of wholly owned subsidiary			$ 36
Disposal group disposed of by sale not discontinued operations [Member] | Carbon black subsidiary in France [Member]
Additional disclosures by disposal groups [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of business	$ 37
Gain on sale of wholly owned subsidiary	$ 36
Disposal group disposed of by sale not discontinued operations [Member] | Petroken Petroquimica Ensenada S.A. [Member]
Additional disclosures by disposal groups [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of business		$ 137
Gain on sale of wholly owned subsidiary		$ 78

Revenues (Details)

Revenues (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Contract with customer, liability [Abstract]
Contract with customer, liability	$ 138
Revenue recognized included in beginning contract liability	Revenue recognized in the reporting period included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period was immaterial.

Revenues, Key product revenues

Revenues, Key product revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 8,876	$ 10,155	$ 10,206	$ 9,767	$ 9,135	$ 8,516	$ 8,403	$ 8,430	$ 39,004	$ 34,484	$ 29,183
Olefins & co-products [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									3,679	4,304	3,215
Polyethylene [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									7,439	7,368	6,903
Polypropylene [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									5,703	5,005	4,414
PO & derivatives [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									2,530	2,204	1,852
Oxyfuels and related products [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									3,399	3,022	2,676
Intermediate chemicals [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									3,416	3,051	2,483
Compounding and solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									3,091	2,139	1,910
Advanced polymers [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									930	783	692
Refined products [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									8,221	6,165	4,559
Other [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									$ 596	$ 443	$ 479

Revenues, Geographic location (

Revenues, Geographic location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 8,876	$ 10,155	$ 10,206	$ 9,767	$ 9,135	$ 8,516	$ 8,403	$ 8,430	$ 39,004	$ 34,484	$ 29,183
U.S. [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									18,671	16,618	13,962
Germany [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									2,949	2,746	2,474
Mexico [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									2,308	1,504	1,026
Italy [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									1,582	1,352	1,203
France [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									1,460	1,306	1,055
Japan
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									1,257	1,185	934
China
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									1,137	1,024	939
The Netherlands [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									1,050	1,069	727
Other [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									$ 8,590	$ 7,680	$ 6,863

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
The Company billed related parties for: [Abstract]
Sales of products billed to related parties	$ 878	$ 779	$ 729
Joint venture partners [Member]
Related party [Line Items]
Description of transaction	These related party transactions include the sales and purchases of goods in the normal course of business as well as certain financing arrangements. In addition, under contractual arrangements with certain of our equity investees, we receive certain services, utilities and materials at some of our manufacturing sites and we provide certain services to our equity investees.
Guarantee of joint venture indebtedness	$ 34
The Company billed related parties for: [Abstract]
Sales of products billed to related parties	878	779	729
Shared service agreements billed to related parties	9	16	18
Related parties billed the Company for: [Abstract]
Sales of products billed the company	2,999	2,759	2,402
Shared service agreements billed the company	$ 70	$ 75	$ 71

Accounts Receivable (Details)

Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 16	$ 17
Provisions for doubtful accounts receivable	less than $1 million	less than $1 million	less than $1 million

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory, finished goods, work-in-process, and raw materials and supplies [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 3,066	$ 2,932
Work-in-process	138	142
Raw materials and supplies	1,311	1,143
Total inventories	$ 4,515	$ 4,217
LIFO Method Related Items [Abstract]
Percentage of inventories valued using the LIFO method (in hundredths)	85.00%	86.00%
Excess of inventories at estimated net realizable value over LIFO cost after lower of cost or market charges	$ 798	$ 1,194

Property, Plant and Equipment_3

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Components of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 18,701	$ 16,570
Less: accumulated depreciation	(6,224)	(5,573)
Property, plant and equipment, net	12,477	10,997
Capitalized Interest	45	20	$ 33
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 364	313
Major manufacturing equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life	25 years
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 10,684	10,029
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life	30 years
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 924	826
Light equipment and instrumentation [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 2,639	2,141
Light equipment and instrumentation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life	5 years
Light equipment and instrumentation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life	20 years
Office furniture [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life	15 years
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 25	16
Major turnarounds [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 1,750	1,765
Major turnarounds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life	4 years
Major turnarounds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life	7 years
Information system equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 60	59
Information system equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life	3 years
Information system equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life	5 years
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 2,255	$ 1,421

Property, Plant and Equipment_4

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$ 1,978	$ 1,528
Accumulated amortization	(1,013)	(960)
Net	965	568
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,019	163
2,020	141
2,021	87
2,022	82
2,023	70
Emission allowances [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	807	786
Accumulated amortization	(531)	(468)
Net	276	318
Various contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	508	552
Accumulated amortization	(329)	(356)
Net	179	196
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	300	0
Accumulated amortization	(8)	0
Net	292	0
In-process research and development costs [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	111	117
Accumulated amortization	(75)	(70)
Net	36	47
Trade name and trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	104	0
Accumulated amortization	(7)	0
Net	97	0
Know-how [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	84	0
Accumulated amortization	(4)	0
Net	80	0
Software costs [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	64	73
Accumulated amortization	(59)	(66)
Net	$ 5	$ 7

Property, Plant and Equipment_5

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Depreciation and amortization expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Depreciation and amortization by major asset class [Domain]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 1,241	$ 1,174	$ 1,064
Property, plant and equipment [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	1,075	1,023	920
Investment in PO joint ventures [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	41	41	40
Emission allowances [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	63	67	62
Various contracts [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	31	27	27
Customer relationships [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	8	0	0
In-process research and development costs [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	7	9	8
Trade name and trademarks [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	7	0	0
Know-how [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	4	0	0
Software costs [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 5	$ 7	$ 7

Property, Plant and Equipment_6

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Asset retirement obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Asset retirement obligation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 58	$ 77
Payments	(2)	(3)
Changes in estimates	2	(26)
Accretion expense	2	2
Effects of exchange rate changes	(2)	8
Ending balance	$ 58	$ 58

Property, Plant and Equipment_7

Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 21, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Document Period End Date		Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill	$ 1,814	$ 1,814	$ 570		$ 528
Acquisition of A. Schulman		1,259
Measurement period adjustments		12
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(27)	42
O&P - Americas [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	162	162	162		162
Acquisition of A. Schulman		0
Measurement period adjustments		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments		0	0
O&P - EAI [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	114	114	121		98
Acquisition of A. Schulman		0
Measurement period adjustments		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(7)	23
I&D [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	229	229	237		219
Acquisition of A. Schulman		0
Measurement period adjustments		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(8)	18
APS [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,300	1,300	41	$ 1,271	41
Acquisition of A. Schulman	1,259
Measurement period adjustments	12
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(12)	0
Technology [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 9	9	9		$ 8
Acquisition of A. Schulman		0
Measurement period adjustments		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments		$ 0	$ 1

Investment in PO Joint Ventur_4

Investment in PO Joint Ventures (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017
Investment in PO joint ventures supplemental information [Abstract]
Joint venture partner right to annual in-kind propylene oxide production (in billions of pounds)	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Ownership percentage in the PO joint venture (in hundredths)				27.00%
Product offtake (in millions of pounds)	5,783	6,189	6,024
Schedule of changes in the investment in POJVs [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 420
Depreciation and amortization	(1,241)	$ (1,174)	$ (1,064)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(28)	68
Period end	469	420
U S P O Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of changes in the investment in POJVs [Abstract]
Beginning balance	310	316
Cash contributions	85	26
Depreciation and amortization	(32)	(32)
Effect of exchange rate changes	0	0
Period end	$ 363	310	316
European PO joint venture [Member]
Investment in PO joint ventures supplemental information [Abstract]
Ownership percentage in the PO joint venture (in hundredths)	50.00%
Schedule of changes in the investment in POJVs [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 110	99
Cash contributions	10	6
Depreciation and amortization	(9)	(9)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(5)	14
Period end	106	110	99
Total PO joint ventures [Member]
Schedule of changes in the investment in POJVs [Abstract]
Beginning balance	420	415
Cash contributions	95	32
Depreciation and amortization	(41)	(41)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(5)	14
Period end	$ 469	$ 420	$ 415

Equity Investments, Direct and

Equity Investments, Direct and indirect equity investments (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)			27.00%
Basell Orlen Polyolefins Sp. Z.o.o. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
PolyPacific Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Saudi Polyolefins Company [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	25.00%	25.00%
Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	25.00%	25.00%
Al-Waha Petrochemicals Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	25.00%	25.00%
Polymirae Co. Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
HMC Polymers Company Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	28.56%	28.56%
Indelpro S.A. de C.V. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	49.00%	49.00%
Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Co. Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	26.65%	26.65%
Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Marketing Co. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
NOC Asia Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of equity method investments [Line Items]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	40.00%	40.00%

Equity Investments, Changes in

Equity Investments, Changes in equity investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in equity investments [Abstract]
Beginning balance		$ 1,635	$ 1,575
Income from equity investments		289	321
Distributions of earnings, net of tax		(307)	(309)	$ (385)
Business combination		16	0
Sale of equity investment		0	(35)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities		0	19
Currency exchange effects		(28)	68
Other		6	(4)
Ending balance		1,611	1,635	1,575
Other disclosures [Abstract]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	27.00%
Net proceeds from sale of business		$ 37	$ 155	$ 209
Geosel [Member]
Other disclosures [Abstract]
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	27.00%
Net proceeds from sale of business	$ 155

Equity Investments, Summarized

Equity Investments, Summarized balance sheet information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity method investment summarized financial information assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 2,824	$ 2,844
Noncurrent assets	4,625	4,541
Total assets	7,449	7,385
Current liabilities	1,485	1,607
Noncurrent liabilities	1,592	1,418
Net assets	$ 4,372	$ 4,360

Equity Investments,Summarized i

Equity Investments,Summarized income statement information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity method investment summarized financial information income statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 7,449	$ 6,632	$ 6,608
Cost of sales	(5,899)	(5,119)	(4,933)
Gross profit	1,550	1,513	1,675
Net operating expenses	(310)	(223)	(229)
Operating income	1,240	1,290	1,446
Interest income	6	7	8
Interest expense	(70)	(74)	(79)
Foreign currency translation	1	11	(13)
Other income, net	25	11	23
Income before income taxes	1,202	1,245	1,385
Provision for income taxes	(260)	(153)	(303)
Net income	$ 942	$ 1,092	$ 1,082

Prepaid Expenses, Other Curre_3

Prepaid Expenses, Other Current Assets and Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Components of prepaid expenses and other current assets [Abstract]
Loans receivable	$ 544	$ 570
Renewable identification numbers	65	117
Advances to suppliers	57	35
Income taxes	169	29
VAT receivables	218	184
Prepaid insurance	25	25
Financial derivatives	80	66
Other	97	121
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,255	1,147
Components of other assets [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets	31	90
Debt issuance costs	12	15
Company-owned life insurance	62	56
Derivative contracts	118	26
Pension assets	39	33
Other	91	41
Total other assets	$ 353	$ 261

Accrued Liabilities (Details)

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued liabilities [Abstract]
Payroll and benefits	$ 534	$ 442
Renewable identification numbers	72	130
Product sales rebates	163	166
Taxes other than income taxes	186	199
Income taxes	16	386
Interest	154	151
Deferred revenues	128	61
Other	283	277
Total accrued liabilities	$ 1,536	$ 1,812

Debt, Long-term debt (Details)

Debt, Long-term debt (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2,019
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%
Unamortized debt issuance cost		$ 12		$ 15
Long-term debt		8,502		8,551
Long-term debt, current portion		(5)		(2)
Long-term debt, noncurrent portion		$ 8,497		8,549
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% ($1 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,019
Face amount		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		5.00%	5.00%
Unamortized debt issuance cost		$ 1
Long-term debt		$ 988		961
Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% ($5 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,021
Face amount		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		6.00%	6.00%
Unamortized debt issuance cost		$ 5
Long-term debt		$ 975		981
Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75% ($7 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,024
Face amount		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		5.75%	5.75%
Unamortized debt issuance cost		$ 7
Long-term debt		$ 993		992
Senior Notes due 2055, $1,000 million, 4.625% ($16 million of discount; $11 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,055
Face amount		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		4.625%	4.625%
Unamortized discount		$ 16
Unamortized debt issuance cost		11
Long-term debt		$ 973		973
Guaranteed Notes due 2022, €750 million, 1.875% ($2 million of discount; $2 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,022
Face amount | €			€ 750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		1.875%	1.875%
Unamortized discount		$ 2
Unamortized debt issuance cost		2
Long-term debt		$ 855		894
Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% ($5 million of discount; $3 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,023
Face amount		$ 750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		4.00%	4.00%
Unamortized discount		$ 5
Unamortized debt issuance cost		3
Long-term debt		$ 742		740
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% ($8 million of discount; $7 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,027
Face amount		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		3.50%	3.50%
Unamortized discount		$ 8
Unamortized debt issuance cost		7
Long-term debt		$ 964		984
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1%
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,027
Face amount		$ 300
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		8.10%	8.10%
Long-term debt		$ 300		300
Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($21 million of discount; $7 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,043
Face amount		$ 750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		5.25%	5.25%
Unamortized discount		$ 21
Unamortized debt issuance cost		7
Long-term debt		$ 722		722
Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% ($11 million of discount; $9 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,044
Face amount		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		4.875%	4.875%
Unamortized discount		$ 11
Unamortized debt issuance cost		9
Long-term debt		980		979
Other long-term debt [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 10		$ 25

Debt, Description of fair value

Debt, Description of fair value adjustments for senior and guaranteed notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended		36 Months Ended	48 Months Ended	60 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2,019
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps		$ 4	$ (40)					$ 47	$ 51
Cumulative fair value hedging adjustment remaining for discontinued hedges		7	31
Charges associated with the redemption of Senior Notes due 2019	$ (44)	$ 0	(49)	$ 0
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,019
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		5.00%			5.00%		5.00%		5.00%
Inception year		2,014
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps		$ (25)	(48)					$ 36	$ 11
Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,021
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		6.00%			6.00%		6.00%		6.00%
Inception year		2,016
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps		$ 8	9			$ 12	$ 20
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,027
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		3.50%			3.50%		3.50%		3.50%
Inception year		2,017
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps		$ 22	$ (1)		$ 21
Guaranteed Notes due 2022, Euro 750 million, 1.875% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,022
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		1.875%			1.875%		1.875%		1.875%
Inception year		2,018
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps		$ (1)

Debt, Short-term debt (Details)

Debt, Short-term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt	$ 885	$ 68
$2,500 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on line of credit	2,500
Short-term debt	0	0
$900 million U.S. Receivables Facility [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on line of credit	900
Short-term debt	0	0
Commercial paper [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on line of credit	2,500
Short-term debt	809	0
Precious metal financings [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt	71	64
Other short-term debt [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt	$ 5	$ 4

Debt, Description of long-term

Debt, Description of long-term debt (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)
Aggregate maturities of debt during the next five years and thereafter [Abstract]
2,019					$ 891
2,020					1,001
2,021					1,001
2,022					859
2,023					751
Aggregate maturities of debt after 2023					5,051
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)			5.00%	5.00%
Maturity year				2,019
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019		$ 375		$ 1,000	394	$ 1,000	$ 0
Premium paid on redemption of Senior Notes due 2019					$ 0	$ (65)	$ 0
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date					March 2,017
Percentage ownership by parent of finance subsidiary (in hundredths)					100.00%			100.00%
Face amount					$ 1,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)					3.50%			3.50%
Maturity year					2,027
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)					98.968%			98.968%
Description of debt redemption terms					The notes may be redeemed before the date that is three months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 20 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is three months prior to the scheduled maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date					March 2,017
Face amount					$ 1,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)					5.00%			5.00%
Maturity year					2,019
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019			$ 1,000
Premium paid on redemption of Senior Notes due 2019			$ (65)
Write off of debt Issuance cost			4
Charges associated with the redemption of Senior Notes due 2019 before write off of debt issuance cost			$ (44)
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member] | Subsequent event [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%
Maturity year	2,019
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019	$ 1,000
Write off of debt Issuance cost	less than $1 million
Charges associated with the redemption of Senior Notes due 2019 before write off of debt issuance cost	$ 8
Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Face amount					$ 1,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)					5.75%			5.75%
Maturity year					2,024
Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Face amount					$ 1,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)					6.00%			6.00%
Maturity year					2,021
Senior Notes due 2019, 2021 and 2024 [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Description of debt redemption terms					These notes may be redeemed and repaid, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to the date that is 90 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a premium for each note redeemed equal to the greater of 1.00% of the then outstanding principal amount of the note and the excess of: (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the principal amount of the note at maturity plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the note through maturity (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the outstanding principal amount of the note. These notes may also be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after the date which is 90 days prior to the final maturity date of the notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Guaranteed Notes due 2022, Euro 750 million, 1.875% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date					March 2,016
Face amount | €								€ 750
Interest rate (in hundredths)					1.875%			1.875%
Maturity year					2,022
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)					99.607%			99.607%
Description of debt redemption terms					The notes may be redeemed before the date that is three months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate plus 35 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is three months prior to the scheduled maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes are also redeemable upon certain tax events.
Senior Notes due 2055, $1,000 million, 4.625% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date					March 2,015
Face amount					$ 1,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)					4.625%			4.625%
Maturity year					2,055
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)					98.353%			98.353%
Description of debt redemption terms					The notes may be redeemed before the date that is six months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 35 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is six months prior to the final maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date					February 2,014
Percentage ownership by parent of finance subsidiary (in hundredths)					100.00%			100.00%
Face amount					$ 1,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)					4.875%			4.875%
Maturity year					2,044
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)					98.831%			98.831%
Description of debt redemption terms					The notes may be redeemed before the date that is six months prior to the scheduled maturity date at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (discounted at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 20 basis points) on the notes to be redeemed. The notes may also be redeemed on or after the date that is six months prior to the final maturity date of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date					July 2,013
Face amount					$ 750
Interest rate (in hundredths)					4.00%			4.00%
Maturity year					2,023
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)					98.678%			98.678%
Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Issuance date					July 2,013
Face amount					$ 750
Interest rate (in hundredths)					5.25%			5.25%
Maturity year					2,043
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in hundredths)					97.004%			97.004%
Guaranteed Notes due 2023 and 2043 [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Description of debt redemption terms					The notes may be redeemed and repaid, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, and the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed. Such interest will be discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 25 basis points in the case of the 4% Notes due 2023 and plus 30 basis points in the case of the 5.25% Notes due 2043.
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1% [Member]
Description of long-term debt changes [Line Items]
Face amount					$ 300
Interest rate (in hundredths)					8.10%			8.10%
Maturity year					2,027

Debt, Description of short-term

Debt, Description of short-term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, short-term debt (in hundredths)		3.10%	1.80%
$2,000 million Senior Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent event [Member]
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Issuance date	February 2,019
Terms senior unsecured term loan	364-day
Face amount senior unsecured term loan	$ 2,000
Description of interest rate	Borrowings under the credit agreement will bear interest at either a LIBOR rate or a base rate, as defined, plus in each case, an applicable margin determined by reference to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.’s current credit ratings.
Terms of debt covenants	The credit agreement contains customary covenants and warranties, including specified restrictions on indebtedness, including secured and subsidiary indebtedness, and merger and sales of assets. In addition, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less.
$2,500 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Expiration date		June 2,022
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 2,500
Maximum allowed letters of credit		500
Additional borrowing capacity, uncommitted loans		$ 1,000
Terms of debt covenants		The facility contains customary covenants and warranties, including specified restrictions on indebtedness and liens. In addition, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters.
Outstanding borrowings		$ 0
Outstanding letters of credit		0
Commercial paper program [Member]
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 2,500
Description of interest rate		Interest rates on the commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2018 are based on the terms of the notes and range from 2.65% to 3.12%.
Outstanding borrowings		$ 809
$900 million U.S. Receivables Facility [Member]
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Expiration date		July 2,021
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 900
Maximum allowed letters of credit		200
Additional borrowing capacity, uncommitted loans		$ 300
Terms of debt covenants		We are required to maintain a leverage ratio at the end of every fiscal quarter of 3.50 to 1.00 or less for the period covering the most recent four quarters.
Outstanding borrowings		$ 0
Outstanding letters of credit		$ 0

Debt, Debt issuance costs inclu

Debt, Debt issuance costs included in interest expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt discount and issuance costs [Abstract]
Amortization of debt issuance costs	$ 14	$ 15	$ 16

Debt, Formation of LYB Internat

Debt, Formation of LYB International Finance III, LLC (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Formation of direct, 100% owned finance subsidiary [Abstract]
LYB International Finance III, LLC business activities and description	LYB International Finance III, LLC is a direct, 100% owned finance subsidiary of LyondellBasell N.V., as defined in Rule 3-10(b) of Regulation S-X. Any debt securities issued by LYB International Finance III, LLC will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell N.V.

Lease Commitments (Details)

Lease Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Leases, future minimum payments due [Abstract]
2,019	$ 365
2,020	288
2,021	256
2,022	236
2,023	204
Thereafter	1,126
Total minimum lease payments	2,475
Operating leases rent expense, net [Abstract]
Operating leases rent expense, net	$ 496	$ 440	$ 426

Financial Instruments and Fai_3

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Market risks, commodity prices and foreign currency rates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Foreign Currency [Abstract]
Foreign currency gain (loss)	$ 24	$ (1)	$ (4)

Financial Instruments and Fai_4

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Summary of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments outstanding measured at fair value on a recurring basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	$ 4,738	$ 4,056
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	6,111	5,694
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	1,090	1,399
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	203	330
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 1 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	472	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	12	0
Offsetting derivative assets [Abstract]
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset	60
Derivative asset, fair value, gross liability	48
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 1 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	4	97
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	0	8
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Other liabilities [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 1 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	0	5
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	0	0
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	0	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	27	26
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Other assets [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	2,000	2,000
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	117	25
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	0	139
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	17	29
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Other liabilities [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	950	950
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	75	140
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	600	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	33	20
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Other assets [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	143	650
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	1	1
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	1,400	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	16	5
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Other liabilities [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	2,500	3,350
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	45	58
Derivative [Member] | Not designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	35	77
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	5	20
Derivative [Member] | Not designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	63	108
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	14	29
Derivative [Member] | Not designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	599	19
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	3	0
Derivative [Member] | Not designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	1,165	995
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	7	11
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member] | Short-term investments [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	567	960
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	567	960
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Equity securities [Member] | Short-term investments [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	322	350
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	325	347
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Performance share awards [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	29	23
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	29	23
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Performance share awards [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivative and non-derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, net, by balance sheet classification [Abstract]
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	0	27
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	$ 0	$ 27

Financial Instruments and Fai_5

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Outstanding foreign currency and commodity contracts (Details) - Not designated as hedges: [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Foreign currency rates [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date	January 2,019
Foreign currency rates [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date	August 2,019
Commodities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date	January 2,019
Commodities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date	February 2,019

Financial Instruments and Fai_6

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Carrying value and estimated fair value of non-derivative financial instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, carrying value	$ 885	$ 68
Nonrecurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Short-term loans receivable, carrying value	544	570
Short-term loans receivable, fair value	544	570
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, carrying value	70	64
Long-term debt, carrying value	8,492	8,526
Total liabilities, carrying value	8,562	8,590
Short-term debt, fair value	77	75
Long-term debt, fair value	8,476	9,442
Total liabilities, fair value	$ 8,553	9,517
Derivative fair value level and transfers description	All financial instruments in the table above are classified as Level 2. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for any of our financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Amount of transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy	$ 0	$ 0

Financial Instruments and Fai_7

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Summary of net investment hedges (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)	May 31, 2018EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value		$ 322
Payments for settlement of net investment hedges		1,078		$ 658		$ 1,356
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedges		1,108		609		1,295
Maturity year	2,019
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized related to the ineffectiveness of net investment hedging relationship				0		$ 0
Derivative [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts, initial value of derivatives | €							€ 800		€ 617
Notional amounts, value of expired derivatives | €							925		550
Payments for settlement of net investment hedges		1,078	€ 925	658	€ 550
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedges		1,108		609
Derivative [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign-currency denominated debt [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value		650		789			617		742
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Euro denominated notes payable due 2022 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value		$ 858		$ 899			€ 750		€ 750
Maturity year						2,022
Notional amount of net investment hedge dedesignated as foreign-currency denominated debt and redesignated | €								€ 125

Financial Instruments and Fai_8

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Summary of cash flow hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value				$ 322
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019		$ 375	$ 1,000	394	$ 1,000	$ 0
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)			5.00%
Maturity year			2,019
Proceeds from settlement of cash flow hedge				$ 1,108	609	$ 1,295
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pre-tax deferred gains (losses) scheduled to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings over the next twelve months				less than $1 million
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Sales and other operating revenues [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pre-tax unrealized gain (loss) to be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months				$ 60
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pre-tax unrealized gain (loss) to be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months				48
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Foreign currency [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value				$ 2,300	2,300
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration Date				2,021
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration Date				2,027
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value				$ 1,500	$ 1,000
Gain (loss) recognized related to the ineffectiveness of cash flow hedging relationships					less than $1 million	less than $1 million
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Subsequent event [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	$ 1,000
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member] | Subsequent event [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	1,000
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019	$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%
Maturity year	2,019
Proceeds from settlement of cash flow hedge	$ 4
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value				$ 500
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration Date				2,019
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration Date				2,021
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Commodities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value				$ 476	$ 102
Expiration Date				2,019
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Commodity feedstock price [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value				$ 198
Cash-flow hedge [Member] | Commodity product sale price [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value				$ 274

Financial Instruments and Fai_9

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Summary of fair value hedges (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)
Derivative [Line Items]
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019		$ 375		$ 1,000	$ 394	$ 1,000	$ 0
Payments for settlement of fair value hedge					1,078	658	1,356
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)			5.00%	5.00%
Maturity year				2,019
Notional amounts value					$ 322
Guaranteed Notes due 2022, Euro 750 million, 1.875% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount | €									€ 750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)					1.875%				1.875%
Maturity year					2,022
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount					$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)					3.50%				3.50%
Maturity year					2,027
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019			$ 1,000
Face amount					$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)					5.00%				5.00%
Maturity year					2,019
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member] | Subsequent event [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019	$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%
Maturity year	2,019
Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount					$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)					6.00%				6.00%
Maturity year					2,021
Fair value hedge [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value					$ 3,143	3,000
Gain (loss) recognized related to the ineffectiveness of fair value hedging relationships						(16)	$ 32
Fair value hedge [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date					2,019
Fair value hedge [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date					2,027
Fair value hedge [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Guaranteed Notes due 2022, Euro 750 million, 1.875% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value					$ 147				€ 125
Fair value hedge [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount						$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)						3.50%
Maturity year						2,027
Fair value hedge [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount								$ 2,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)								5.00%
Maturity year								2,019
Dedesignation of fixed-for-floating interest rate swap hedging arrangement			In March 2017, concurrent with the redemption of $1,000 million of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019, we dedesignated the related $2,000 million fair value hedge and terminated swaps in the notional amount of $1,000 million. At the same time, we redesignated the remaining $1,000 million notional amount of swaps as a fair value hedge of the remaining $1,000 million of 5% senior notes outstanding.
Fair value hedge [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member] | Subsequent event [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019	$ 1,000
Payments for settlement of fair value hedge	$ 5
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%
Maturity year	2,019
Notional amounts value	$ 1,000
Fair value hedge [Member] | Fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount					$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)					6.00%				6.00%
Maturity year					2,021
Notional amounts value						$ 400

Financial Instruments and Fa_10

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Pretax impact of derivative instruments on earnings and other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$ 304	$ (611)	$ 14
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	(112)	264	(63)
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	85	(20)	88
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative amount excluded for effectiveness testing	19
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivative amount excluded for effectiveness testing	27
Pretax effect of the periodic receipt of fixed interest and payment of variable interest	(5)	23	21
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Sales and other operating revenues [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	60
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	0
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	(30)	(11)	3
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	(11)	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	0	0	0
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Other income (expense), net; Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	190	(466)	(30)
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	(100)	265	(63)
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	68	42	46
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	43	(25)	(17)
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	(1)	(1)	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	(30)	2	8
Derivative [Member] | Not designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Sales and other operating revenues [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	0	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	3	(18)	12
Derivative [Member] | Not designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	0	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	1	(23)	6
Derivative [Member] | Not designated as hedges: [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Other income (expense), net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	0	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	43	(23)	16
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Not designated as hedges: [Member] | Long-term debt [Member] | Other income (expense), net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	41	(109)	58
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0
Additional gain (loss) recognized in income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Financial Instruments and Fa_11

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Summary of available-for-sale securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Cost	$ 567	$ 1,310
Gross unrealized gains	0	2
Gross unrealized losses	0	(5)
Fair value	567	1,307
Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, additional information [Abstract]
Amount of marketable securities classified as cash and cash equivalents	19	1,035
Amount of losses related to other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities	0	0	$ 0
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities and the related gross realized gains and losses [Abstract]
Proceeds from maturities of securities	423	499	674
Gross realized gains	0	0	0
Gross realized losses	0	0	0
Commercial paper [Member]
Available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Cost		180
Gross unrealized gains		0
Gross unrealized losses		0
Fair value		180
Bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Cost	567	630
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	567	630
Available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Fair value of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months	118
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months	(1)
Fair value of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months	45
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months	$ 0
Bonds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, additional information [Abstract]
Investment maturity period	2 months
Bonds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, additional information [Abstract]
Investment maturity period	25 months
Certificates of deposit [Member]
Available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Cost		150
Gross unrealized gains		0
Gross unrealized losses		0
Fair value		150
Limited partnership investments [Member]
Available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Cost		350
Gross unrealized gains		2
Gross unrealized losses		(5)
Fair value		347
Available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Fair value of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months		117	0
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months		(5)	0
Fair value of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months		0	105
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months		$ 0	$ (3)

Financial Instruments and Fa_12

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Equity securities (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 322
Fair value	325
Unrealized gains and losses for equity securities [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) for equity securities	11
Less: Net gains (losses) on sale of equity securities net	5
Unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities	$ 6

Pension and Other Postretirem_3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension changes in PBO and plan assets (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. [Member]
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	$ 1,924	$ 1,846
Service cost	51	47	$ 44
Interest cost	60	60	88
Actuarial loss (gain)	(147)	104
Plan amendments	0	0
Benefits paid	(129)	(133)
Participant contributions	0	0
Settlement	(10)	0
Business combination	3	0
Foreign exchange effects	0	0
Benefit obligation, end of period	1,752	1,924	1,846
Change in plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	1,680	1,571
Actual return on plan assets	(37)	195	100
Company contributions	44	47
Benefits paid	(129)	(133)
Participant contributions	0	0
Settlement	(10)	0	(288)
Business combination	0	0
Foreign exchange effects	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	1,548	1,680	1,571
Funded status of continuing operations [Abstract]
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	(204)	(244)
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	1,511	1,491
Service cost	35	39	32
Interest cost	32	23	32
Actuarial loss (gain)	23	(174)
Plan amendments	4	12
Benefits paid	(38)	(31)
Participant contributions	1	1
Settlement	(20)	(30)
Business combination	192	0
Foreign exchange effects	(81)	180
Benefit obligation, end of period	1,659	1,511	1,491
Change in plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	852	824
Actual return on plan assets	18	(60)	146
Company contributions	56	56
Benefits paid	(38)	(31)
Participant contributions	1	1
Settlement	(20)	(30)
Business combination	48	0
Foreign exchange effects	(46)	92
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	871	852	$ 824
Funded status of continuing operations [Abstract]
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	$ (788)	$ (659)

Pension and Other Postretirem_4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Prepaid benefit cost, long-term	$ 39	$ 33
Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Prepaid benefit cost, long-term	10	8
Accrued benefit liability, current	0	0
Accrued benefit liability, long-term	(214)	(252)
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	(204)	(244)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss	374	385
Prior service cost (credit)	2	2
Balance, end of period	376	387
Pension Plan [Member] | Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Prepaid benefit cost, long-term	29	25
Accrued benefit liability, current	(27)	(24)
Accrued benefit liability, long-term	(790)	(660)
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	(788)	(659)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss	251	234
Prior service cost (credit)	11	8
Balance, end of period	$ 262	$ 242

Pension and Other Postretirem_5

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension additional information (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
U.S. [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans	$ 1,708	$ 1,887
Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligations	1,618	1,776
Fair value of assets	1,404	1,524
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligations	1,578	1,742
Fair value of assets	1,404	1,524
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans	1,528	1,406
Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligations	1,456	1,285
Fair value of assets	639	601
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of assets [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligations	904	1,190
Fair value of assets	$ 198	$ 601

Pension and Other Postretirem_6

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension periodic costs (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. [Member]
Net periodic pension cost: [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 51	$ 47	$ 44
Interest cost	60	60	88
Actual return on plan assets	37	(195)	(100)
Less - return in excess of (less than) expected return	(159)	74	(39)
Expected return on plan assets	(122)	(121)	(139)
Settlement (gain) loss	2	0	58
Prior service cost (benefit) amortization	0	1	1
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss amortization	21	20	20
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	12	7	72
Lump sum benefit payments	10	0	288
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Net periodic pension cost: [Abstract]
Service cost	35	39	32
Interest cost	32	23	32
Actual return on plan assets	(18)	60	(146)
Less - return in excess of (less than) expected return	(6)	(79)	122
Expected return on plan assets	(24)	(19)	(24)
Settlement (gain) loss	1	2	3
Prior service cost (benefit) amortization	1	2	0
Actuarial and investment (gain) loss amortization	10	16	8
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	55	63	$ 51
Lump sum benefit payments	$ 20	$ 30

Pension and Other Postretirem_7

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension actual and target asset allocations (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2018
Fixed income securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan assets transfer between level 2 and level 3 of the fair value hierarchy	The transfer of plan assets resulted in a change in classification in the fair value hierarchy from Level 2 in 2016 for fixed income securities to Level 3 in 2017.
U.S. [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Plan assets underlying insurance arrangements	$ 1,548	$ 1,680	$ 1,571	$ 1,680
Actual return on plan assets	37	(195)	(100)
Participant contributions	0	0
Foreign exchange effects	$ 0	$ 0
U.S. [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	32.00%
U.S. [Member] | Alternatives [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	30.00%
U.S. [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	32.00%	36.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	32.00%	32.00%
U.S. [Member] | United States [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	39.00%	37.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	38.00%	38.00%
U.S. [Member] | United States [Member] | Alternatives [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	29.00%	27.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Plan assets underlying insurance arrangements	$ 871	$ 852	824	$ 852
Actual return on plan assets	(18)	60	$ (146)
Participant contributions	1	1
Foreign exchange effects	$ (46)	$ 92
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Canada [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	49.00%	50.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Canada [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	51.00%	50.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | United Kingdom - Lyondell Chemical Plans [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	49.00%	49.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | United Kingdom - Lyondell Chemical Plans [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	51.00%	51.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | United Kingdom - Basell Plans [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	49.00%	49.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | United Kingdom - Basell Plans [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	51.00%	51.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | United Kingdom- A.Schulman Plans [Member] | Growth assets [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	94.00%	0.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	89.00%	0.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | United Kingdom- A.Schulman Plans [Member] | Matching assets [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Actual asset allocation (in hundredths)	6.00%	0.00%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	11.00%	0.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Netherlands - Basell Plans [Member] | Insurance arrangements [Member]
Actual and target asset allocation [Abstract]
Plan assets underlying insurance arrangements	$ 524	$ 527
Actual return on plan assets	10
Participant contributions	12
Foreign exchange effects	$ 25

Pension and Other Postretirem_8

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension contributions in the next twelve months (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
U.S. [Member]
Contributions to the various plans in the next twelve months [Abstract]
Defined benefit plans	$ 46
Multi-employer plans	0
Total estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year for defined benefit plans and multi-employer plans	46
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Contributions to the various plans in the next twelve months [Abstract]
Defined benefit plans	62
Multi-employer plans	8
Total estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year for defined benefit plans and multi-employer plans	$ 70

Pension and Other Postretirem_9

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension future expected benefit payments (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
U.S. [Member]
Future expected benefit payments by our plans which reflect expected future service [Abstract]
2,019	$ 140
2,020	140
2,021	141
2,022	141
2,023	141
2024 through 2028	677
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Future expected benefit payments by our plans which reflect expected future service [Abstract]
2,019	59
2,020	56
2,021	57
2,022	58
2,023	61
2024 through 2028	$ 329

Pension and Other Postretire_10

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension weighted average assumptions (Details) - Pension Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended	60 Months Ended	120 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Description of defined benefit plan related party transactions	Our pension plans have not directly invested in securities of LyondellBasell N.V., and there have been no significant transactions between any of the pension plans and the Company or related parties thereof.
U.S. [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.51%	3.73%		4.51%	4.51%	4.51%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.83%	4.00%		4.83%	4.83%	4.83%
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.73%	4.20%	4.38%
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	7.50%	8.00%	8.00%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Description of basis used to determine overall expected long term rate of return on assets assumption	At the beginning of 2017, we changed the approach used to measure service and interest costs for pension and other postretirement benefits under significant U.S. plans. For 2016, we measured service and interest costs utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the plan obligations. For 2017, we measured service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along that same yield curve to the plans’ projected cash flows. We believe the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. This change did not affect the measurement of our plan obligations. We will account for this change as a change in accounting estimate and, accordingly, will account for it on a prospective basis. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our U.S. plans of 7.50% is based on the average level of earnings that our independent pension investment adviser had advised could be expected to be earned over a fifteen to twenty year time period consistent with the plans’ target asset allocation, historical capital market performance, historical plan performance (since the 1997 inception of the U.S. Master Trust) and a forecast of expected future asset returns. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our non-U.S. plans of 2.92% is based on expectations and asset allocations that vary by region. We review these long-term assumptions on a periodic basis.
Actual return on plan assets (in hundredths)	(1.91%)			5.81%	4.65%	9.31%
U.S. [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	7.50%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	32.00%			32.00%	32.00%	32.00%
U.S. [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	5.50%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	38.00%			38.00%	38.00%	38.00%
U.S. [Member] | Alternatives [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	9.50%
Target asset allocation (in hundredths)	30.00%			30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	2.07%	2.13%		2.07%	2.07%	2.07%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	2.54%	2.94%		2.54%	2.54%	2.54%
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	2.13%	1.52%	2.70%
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	2.92%	2.15%	3.37%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	2.94%	2.93%	3.15%
Actual return on plan assets (in hundredths)	0.89%			9.65%	8.97%	8.60%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Minimum return [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	2.50%
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member] | Maximum return [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs [Abstract]
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	5.75%

Pension and Other Postretire_11

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension fair value of plan assets (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
U.S. [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	$ 489	$ 592
U.S. [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	330	410
U.S. [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
U.S. [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	133	148
U.S. [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	26	34
U.S. [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	204	225
U.S. [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
U.S. [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	204	225
U.S. [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
U.S. [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
U.S. [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
U.S. [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
U.S. [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
U.S. [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
U.S. [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	2	5
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Insurance arrangements [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	2	5
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Insurance arrangements [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	570	549
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Insurance arrangements [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	570	549
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	1,560	1,676
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	330	410
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	204	225
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	133	148
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	26	34
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	411	410
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Real estate measured at net asset value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	107	102
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Hedge funds measured at net asset value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	241	253
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Private equity measured at net asset value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	108	94
Fair Value [Member] | Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	870	851
Fair Value [Member] | Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Common and preferred stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Fair Value [Member] | Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	0	0
Fair Value [Member] | Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Insurance arrangements [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	570	549
Fair Value [Member] | Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	2	5
Fair Value [Member] | Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Alternative investment	$ 298	$ 297

Pension and Other Postretire_12

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, General information regarding various existing and terminated plans (Details) - Pension Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended	36 Months Ended	60 Months Ended	120 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
U.S. [Member]
Defined benefit plan actual return on plan assets [Abstract]
Actual return on plan assets (in hundredths)	(1.91%)	5.81%	4.65%	9.31%
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Defined benefit plan actual return on plan assets [Abstract]
Actual return on plan assets (in hundredths)	0.89%	9.65%	8.97%	8.60%

Pension and Other Postretire_13

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
U.S. [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan By Plan Asset Subcategories [Domain]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	$ 867	$ 859
Unfunded commitments	84	104
U.S. [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Equity Funds Domestic [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	112	106
Unfunded commitments	$ 0	$ 0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency	daily	daily
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
U.S. [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Equity Funds Foreign [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	$ 58	$ 61
Unfunded commitments	$ 0	$ 0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency	daily	daily
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
U.S. [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	$ 241	$ 243
Unfunded commitments	$ 0	$ 0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency	daily	daily
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
U.S. [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Equity Funds Domestic [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
U.S. [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
U.S. [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Equity Funds Domestic [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	4 days	4 days
U.S. [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	7 days	7 days
U.S. [Member] | Real estate measured at net asset value [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan By Plan Asset Subcategories [Domain]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	$ 107	$ 102
Unfunded commitments	$ 8	$ 12
Remaining life	10 years	10 years
Redemption frequency	quarterly	quarterly
Trade to settlement terms	15 to 25 days	15 to 25 days
U.S. [Member] | Real estate measured at net asset value [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan By Plan Asset Subcategories [Domain]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	45 days	45 days
U.S. [Member] | Real estate measured at net asset value [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan By Plan Asset Subcategories [Domain]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	90 days	90 days
U.S. [Member] | Hedge funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan By Plan Asset Subcategories [Domain]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	$ 241	$ 253
Unfunded commitments	$ 0	$ 0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency	quarterly	quarterly
Trade to settlement terms	10 to 30 days	10 to 30 days
U.S. [Member] | Hedge funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan By Plan Asset Subcategories [Domain]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	20 days	20 days
U.S. [Member] | Hedge funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan By Plan Asset Subcategories [Domain]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	90 days	90 days
U.S. [Member] | Private equity measured at net asset value [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan By Plan Asset Subcategories [Domain]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	$ 108	$ 94
Unfunded commitments	$ 76	$ 92
Remaining life	10 years	10 years
Redemption frequency	Not eligible	Not eligible
Trade to settlement terms
Redemption notice period
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan By Plan Asset Subcategories [Domain]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	$ 298	$ 297
Unfunded commitments	0	0
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Equity Funds Domestic [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	33	29
Unfunded commitments	$ 0	$ 0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency	1 to 7 days	1 to 7 days
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Equity Funds Foreign [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	$ 122	$ 119
Unfunded commitments	$ 0	$ 0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency	1 to 7 days	1 to 7 days
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Fixed income securities [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Alternative investment	$ 143	$ 149
Unfunded commitments	$ 0	$ 0
Remaining life
Redemption frequency	daily	daily
Trade to settlement terms	1 to 3 days	1 to 3 days
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Equity Funds Domestic [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	1 day	1 day
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Equity Funds Foreign [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	1 day	1 day
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Equity Funds Domestic [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Commingled funds measured at net asset value [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Equity Funds Foreign [Member]
Fair value of investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	3 days	3 days

Pension and Other Postretire_14

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension multi-employer plans (Details) - Pensionskasse [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Company contributions to multi-employer plans	[1]	$ 8	$ 27	$ 7
Multi-employer plans, plan assets			9,093	7,897
Multi-employer plans, actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits			8,747	7,559
Multi-employer plans, total contributions for all participating employers			$ 653	$ 246
Description of whether our contributions represent more than five percent of total contributions to the multi-employer plan		false	false	false
[1]	The Company-specific plan information for the Pensionskasse is not publicly available and the plan is not subject to a collective-bargaining agreement. The plan provides fixed, monthly retirement payments on the basis of the credits earned by the participating employees. To the extent that the Pensionskasse is underfunded, the future contributions to the plan may increase and may be used to fund retirement benefits for employees related to other employers. The Pensionskasse financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 indicated total assets of $9,093 million and $7,897 million, respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $8,747 million and $7,559 million, respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $653 million and $246 million, respectively. Our plan contributions did not exceed 5 percent of the total contributions in 2018, 2017 or 2016.

Pension and Other Postretire_15

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement benefits plans changes in benefit obligation and plan assets (Details) - Other postretirement benefits plans [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. [Member]
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	$ 280	$ 276
Service cost	2	3	$ 3
Interest cost	9	9	11
Actuarial (gain) loss	(46)	6
Benefits paid	(26)	(21)
Participant contributions	6	7
Business combination	9	0
Foreign exchange effects	0	0
Benefit obligation, end of period	234	280	276
Change in plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	0	0
Employer contributions	21	14
Participant contributions	5	7
Benefits paid	(26)	(21)
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	0	0	0
Funded status of plan assets [Abstract]
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	(234)	(280)
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	62	67
Service cost	2	2	2
Interest cost	1	1	2
Actuarial (gain) loss	(3)	(15)
Benefits paid	(1)	(1)
Participant contributions	0	0
Business combination	0	0
Foreign exchange effects	(2)	8
Benefit obligation, end of period	59	62	67
Change in plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	0	0
Employer contributions	1	1
Participant contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(1)	(1)
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	0	0	$ 0
Funded status of plan assets [Abstract]
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	$ (59)	$ (62)

Pension and Other Postretire_16

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement benefits plans amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - Other postretirement benefits plans [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
U.S. [Member]
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Accrued benefit liability, current	$ (18)	$ (18)
Accrued benefit liability, long-term	(216)	(262)
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	(234)	(280)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial and investment income (loss)	65	19
Balance, end of period	65	19
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: [Abstract]
Accrued benefit liability, current	(1)	(1)
Accrued benefit liability, long-term	(58)	(61)
Funded status of continuing operations, end of period	(59)	(62)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial and investment income (loss)	(15)	(19)
Balance, end of period	$ (15)	$ (19)

Pension and Other Postretire_17

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement benefits plans net periodic costs (Details) - Other postretirement benefits plans [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. [Member]
Net periodic other postretirement costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 2	$ 3	$ 3
Interest cost	9	9	11
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	11	12	14
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Net periodic other postretirement costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	2	2	2
Interest cost	1	1	2
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	1	3	2
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$ 4	$ 6	$ 6

Pension and Other Postretire_18

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement benefits plans assumed health care cost trend rates (Details) - Other postretirement benefits plans [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
U.S. [Member]
Assumed health care trend rate: [Abstract]
Immediate trend rate (in hundredths)	6.40%	6.70%
Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) (in hundredths)	4.50%	4.50%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2,038	2,038
Effect of one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	less than $1 million
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	less than $1 million
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Effect of one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	17,000,000
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	12,000,000
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Canada [Member]
Assumed health care trend rate: [Abstract]
Immediate trend rate (in hundredths)	5.50%	6.00%
Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) (in hundredths)	4.50%	4.50%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2,021	2,021
Non-U.S. plans [Member] | France [Member]
Assumed health care trend rate: [Abstract]
Immediate trend rate (in hundredths)	4.50%	4.70%
Ultimate trend rate (the rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline) (in hundredths)	4.50%	4.70%

Pension and Other Postretire_19

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement benefits plans assumptions used to determine net benefit liabilities and costs (Details) - Other postretirement benefits plans [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.47%	3.66%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.50%	4.00%
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs for the year [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.66%	4.07%	4.23%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used in determining the net benefit liabilities [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	2.30%	2.48%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average assumptions used in determining net benefit costs for the year [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	2.48%	1.69%	2.69%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Pension and Other Postretire_20

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Other postretirement benefits plans future expected benefit payments (Details) - Other postretirement benefits plans [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
U.S. [Member]
Future expected benefit payments by our plans which reflect expected future service [Abstract]
2,019	$ 18
2,020	18
2,021	18
2,022	18
2,023	18
2024 through 2028	84
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Future expected benefit payments by our plans which reflect expected future service [Abstract]
2,019	1
2,020	1
2,021	1
2,022	1
2,023	1
2024 through 2028	$ 8

Pension and Other Postretire_21

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Details of AOCI changes [Domain]
Deferred income tax provision related to AOCI [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes provision related to pension and other postretirement benefit amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 144	$ 208
Pension Plan [Member] | Details of AOCI changes [Domain]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	619	722
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	40	(65)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	(31)	(36)
Actuarial (gain) loss - settlement loss	(3)	(2)
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	625	619
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	10	1
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period	4	12
Prior service cost (credit) amortization included in net periodic benefit cost	(1)	(3)
Prior service cost (credit) - settlement loss	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	13	10
Pension Plan [Member] | Discount rate assumption changes [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	126	(72)
Pension Plan [Member] | Asset return in excess of expected return [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	166	7
Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Details of AOCI changes [Domain]
Amounts amortized from AOCI next fiscal year [Abstract]
Net actuarial and investment loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost next fiscal year	(18)
Pension Plan [Member] | Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Details of AOCI changes [Domain]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	1
Amounts amortized from AOCI next fiscal year [Abstract]
Net actuarial and investment loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost next fiscal year	(12)
Other postretirement benefits plans [Member] | Details of AOCI changes [Domain]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	0	12
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	(49)	(9)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	(1)	(3)
Actuarial (gain) loss - settlement loss	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	(50)	0
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization included in net periodic benefit cost	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) - settlement loss	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	0	0
Other postretirement benefits plans [Member] | Discount rate assumption changes [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	(19)	(2)
Other postretirement benefits plans [Member] | Liability experience gains and losses [Member]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	(30)	$ (6)
Other postretirement benefits plans [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Details of AOCI changes [Domain]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gain) loss arising during the period	(5)
Other postretirement benefits plans [Member] | Non-U.S. plans [Member] | Details of AOCI changes [Domain]
Amounts amortized from AOCI next fiscal year [Abstract]
Net actuarial and investment loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost next fiscal year	$ (1)

Pension and Other Postretire_22

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, Defined contribution plan (Details) - Contribution plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company contributions	$ 40	$ 36	$ 35
Non-U.S. plans [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company contributions	$ 5	$ 5	$ 7

Incentive and Share-Based Com_3

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details) - Long-term incentive plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based compensation arrangements [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance (in shares)	22,000,000
Number of shares available for issuance (in shares)	4,992,577
Compensation expense	$ 39	$ 55	$ 38
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	10	19	13
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangements [Line Items]
Compensation expense	15	13	10
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	4	5	4
Stock options [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangements [Line Items]
Compensation expense	7	7	7
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	2	2	2
Qualified performance awards [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangements [Line Items]
Compensation expense	0	0	(3)
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	0	0	(1)
Performance share units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangements [Line Items]
Compensation expense	17	35	24
Tax benefit of related compensation expense	$ 4	$ 12	$ 8

Incentive and Share-Based Com_4

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Restricted stock unit awards (Details) - Restricted stock units [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based compensation disclosures [Line Items]
Description of award	RSUs generally entitle the recipient to be paid out an equal number of ordinary shares on the third anniversary of the grant date. RSUs, which are subject to customary partial or accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events, are accounted for as an equity award with compensation cost recognized in the income statement ratably over the vesting period. In 2015, 190,399 RSUs were granted to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and three other executive officers. These RSUs vest in annual tranches with 10% vested after one year and an additional 15% vested after two years and the remaining vesting in equal tranches after each of the third, fourth, and fifth years. Compensation cost for these awards is recognized using the graded vesting method. The holders of all RSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents settled in the form of cash payments to the holder no later than March 15, following the year in which dividends are paid, as long as the participant remains employed at the time of the dividend payment.
Dividend equivalent payments relating to award	$ 2	$ 1	$ 1
Weighted average grant date fair value for restricted stock units (in dollars per share)	$ 108.52	$ 91.14	$ 79.77
Total fair value of vested restricted stock units	$ 13	$ 8	$ 16
Restricted stock units activity, number of units [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	377,000
Granted (in shares)	213,000			190,399
Vested (in shares)	(115,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(13,000)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	462,000	377,000
Weighted average grant date fair value, restricted stock units [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 85.17
Weighted average grant date fair value for restricted stock units (in dollars per share)	108.52	$ 91.14	$ 79.77
Vested (in dollars per share)	84.27
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	101.67
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 95.69	$ 85.17
Additional disclosures, restricted stock units [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to award, restricted stock units	$ 21
Weighted average remaining contractual term, restricted stock units	2 years

Incentive and Share-Based Com_5

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Stock options (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based compensation disclosures [Line Items]
Description of award	Stock Options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our ordinary shares at the date of grant. The awards generally have a three-year vesting period that vests in equal increments on the first, second, and third anniversary of the grant date. The awards have a contractual term of ten years, subject to customary partial or accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events. Stock Options are accounted for as equity awards with compensation cost recognized using the graded vesting method. None of the Stock Options are designed to qualify as incentive Stock Options as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. In 2015, 457,555 Stock Options were granted to the CEO and three other executive officers. These Stock Options vest in annual tranches with 10% vested after one year and an additional 15% vested after two years and the remaining vesting in equal tranches after each of the third, fourth, and fifth years.
Number of stock options issued (in shares)	336,000			457,555
Weighted average fair value per share of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 21.58	$ 21.55	$ 20.39
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%
Expected volatility, minimum (in hundredths)	27.80%	34.90%	35.30%
Expected volatility, maximum (in hundredths)	29.00%	35.10%	36.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum (in hundredths)	2.60%	2.10%	1.14%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum (in hundredths)	2.90%	2.29%	1.93%
Weighted average expected term, in years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Stock options activity, number of shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	1,019,000
Granted (in shares)	336,000			457,555
Exercised (in shares)	(64,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(9,000)
Expired (in shares)	(1,000)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1,281,000	1,019,000
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	557,000
Weighted average exercise price, stock options [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 82.93
Granted (in dollars per share)	109.03
Exercised (in dollars per share)	69.36
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	100.91
Expired (in shares)	109.09
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	90.30	$ 82.93
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 83
Additional disclosures, stock options [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining term, outstanding options	7 years 4 months 25 days
Weighted average remaining term, exercisable options	6 years 6 months
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding options	$ 4
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable options	$ 3
Exercise price range for options other than initial grant, minimum (in dollars per share)	$ 13.11	13.11	$ 12.61
Exercise price range for options other than initial grant, maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 113.39	$ 113.03	$ 113.03
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the period	$ 3	$ 6	$ 1
Unrecognized compensation cost related to award, stock options	$ 5
Weighted average remaining contractual term, stock options	1 year
Cash received from stock option exercises	$ 4
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	$ 1
Maximum [Member]
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]
Dividend yield (in hundredths)			4.00%
Minimum [Member]
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]
Dividend yield (in hundredths)			3.00%

Incentive and Share-Based Com_6

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Medium-Term Incentive Program ("MTI"), Qualified Performance Awards ("QPAs") and Performance Share Units ("PSUs") (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares
Performance share units [Member]
Performance share units activity, number of units [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	224
Granted (in shares) | shares	219
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(13)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | shares	430	224
Weighted average grant date fair value, performance share units [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 93.28
Granted (in dollars per share)	89.32
Vested (in dollars per share)	109.09	$ 92.69
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	91.36
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 91.33	$ 93.28
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]
Volatility of common stock (in hundredths)	27.15%	30.98%
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies	0.50	0.51
Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	2.40%	1.46%
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 21
Weighted average remaining contractual term	2 years
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 89.32
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 109.09	$ 92.69
Total fair value of shares vested in the period | $	$ 25	$ 21
Performance share units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]
Average volatility of peer companies (in hundredths)	42.99%	39.89%
Performance share units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]
Average volatility of peer companies (in hundredths)	17.45%	16.98%
Qualified performance awards [Member]
Weighted average grant date fair value, performance share units [Roll Forward]
Granted (in dollars per share)		$ 0	$ 77.93
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]
Granted (in dollars per share)		$ 0	$ 77.93
Total fair value of shares vested in the period | $		$ 0	$ 20
Qualified performance awards and medium-term incentive program [Member]
Share-based compensation disclosures [Line Items]
Description of award	PSUs and QPAs are granted under the LTIP and have three-calendar year performance periods. They are granted in the beginning of each performance period, provide a target number of share units, and ultimately payout between 0% and 200% of target. Each unit is equivalent to one share of our common stock. These share awards are subject to customary partial or accelerated vesting or forfeiture in the event of certain termination events. For PSUs granted beginning in 2017, the final number of shares payable is determined after the performance period based on the relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR). TSR is an objective calculation that takes into account LYB’s TSR rank within its peer group and whether LYB’s specific TSR is positive or negative. Since the final payout is based on objective criteria established at the grant date, the awards are treated as equity awards. Compensation expense during the three-calendar year performance period is accrued on a straight- line basis. PSUs are valued using a Monte-Carlo simulation payout value on grant date. For PSUs granted prior to 2017 and QPAs, the final number of shares payable is determined at the end of the performance period by the Compensation Committee based generally on subjective criteria established at the beginning of the performance period. Since the service-inception date precedes the grant date, these share awards are treated as a liability award until the grant date and compensation expense during the performance period is accrued on a straight-line basis subject to fair value adjustments. PSUs granted prior to 2017 are valued at market price of the underlying stock on the date of payment. PSUs granted beginning in 2016 accrue dividend equivalent units. These dividend equivalent units will be converted to shares upon payment at the end of the performance period and are classified in Accrued and Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Dividend equivalents for PSUs granted in 2016 are recorded in compensation expense while PSUs granted beginning in 2017 are recorded in retained earnings.

Incentive and Share-Based Com_7

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation, Employee stock purchase plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Discount rate for purchases made under the employee stock purchase plan (in hundredths)	10.00%

Income Taxes, Components of inc

Income Taxes, Components of income tax provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Corporate income tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	21.00%	35.00%
Remeasurement of U.S. net deferred tax liability	$ 819	$ 0	$ 819	$ 0
Cumulative remeasurement of U.S. net deferred tax liability and tax accruals		814
Current: [Abstract]
U.S. federal		(89)	543	421
Non-U.S.		404	595	557
State		38	47	51
Total current		353	1,185	1,029
Deferred: [Abstract]
U.S. federal		197	(637)	339
Non-U.S.		48	22	20
State		15	28	(2)
Total deferred		260	(587)	357
Provision (benefit) for income taxes before tax effects of other comprehensive income (loss)		613	598	1,386
Tax effects of elements of other comprehensive income: [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement liabilities		63	29	(21)
Financial derivatives		16	(14)	(96)
Foreign currency translation		18	(33)	(7)
Unrealized gains (losses) from available-for-sale debt securities		0	(3)	1
Total income tax expense (benefit) in comprehensive income		$ 710	$ 577	$ 1,263

Income Taxes, Statutory tax rat

Income Taxes, Statutory tax rates and income tax provision (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Corporate Income Tax Rate [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate (in hundredths)	21.00%	35.00%
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	11.50%
United States [Member]
Corporate Income Tax Rate [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate (in hundredths)	21.00%
United Kingdom [Member]
Corporate Income Tax Rate [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate (in hundredths)	19.00%

Income Taxes, Reconciliation of

Income Taxes, Reconciliation of tax expense at US statutory rate and provision for taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income (loss) before income taxes: [Abstract]
U.S.		$ 2,795	$ 2,438	$ 2,511
Non-U.S.		2,516	3,055	2,722
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		5,311	5,493	5,233
Income tax expense (benefit), continuing operations, income tax reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax at U.S. statutory rate		1,115	1,923	1,832
Increase (reduction) resulting from: [Abstract]
Non-U.S. income taxed at lower statutory rates		89	(164)	(159)
Remeasurement of U.S. net deferred tax liability	$ 819	0	819	0
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		53	40	24
Exempt income		(296)	(385)	(349)
Uncertain tax positions		(320)	28	39
U.S. manufacturing deduction		0	(57)	(42)
Other, net		(28)	32	41
Provision (benefit) for income taxes before tax effects of other comprehensive income (loss)		$ 613	$ 598	1,386
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, non-cash adjustments of prior year income taxes, amount				135
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, derivative non-cash adjustments of prior year income taxes, amount				$ 74

Income Taxes, Components of def

Income Taxes, Components of deferred tax liabilities and assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax liabilities: [Abstract]
Accelerated tax depreciation	$ 1,809	$ 1,523
Investments in joint venture partnerships	147	214
Intangible assets	151	48
Inventory	285	266
Other liabilities	22	26
Total deferred tax liabilities	2,414	2,077
Deferred tax assets: [Abstract]
Tax attributes	180	196	$ 255
Employee benefit plans	334	315
Other assets	76	97
Total deferred tax assets	590	608
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance	(120)	(96)	$ (96)
Net deferred tax assets	470	512
Net deferred tax liabilities	1,944	1,565
Balance sheet classifications: [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets - long-term	31	90
Deferred tax liabilities - long-term	1,975	1,655
Net deferred tax liabilities	1,944	1,565
Deferred tax liabilities on unremitted earnings of certain equity joint ventures and subsidiaries [Abstract]
Deferred taxes on unremitted earnings of certain equity joint ventures and subsidiaries	$ 96	$ 51

Income Taxes, Tax attributes an

Income Taxes, Tax attributes and related deferred tax asset (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	$ 938	$ 784
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	180	196	$ 255
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes that more likely than not will be realized	61
France [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	64	92	140
Canada [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	28	31	29
United Kingdom [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	36	17	16
Spain [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	11	32	33
The Netherlands [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	12	13	19
United States [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	14	10	16
Other [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	15	$ 1	$ 2
2019 [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	47
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	9
2020 [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	13
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	1
2021 [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	32
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	2
2022 [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	21
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	2
2023 [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	34
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	2
Thereafter [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	289
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	39
Indefinite [Member]
Tax attributes and related deferred tax assets [Line Items]
Tax attributes	502
Deferred tax asset on tax attributes	$ 125

Income Taxes, Valuation allowan

Income Taxes, Valuation allowances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$ 120	$ 96	$ 96
France [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	23	25	22
Canada [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	28	32	30
United Kingdom [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	33	17	16
The Netherlands [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	12	12	12
United States [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	13	10	16
Other [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$ 11	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes, Discussion of val

Income Taxes, Discussion of valuation allowances by jurisdiction (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Spain [Member]
Valuation allowance [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	$ 19

Income Taxes, Unrecognized tax

Income Taxes, Unrecognized tax benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions		$ 544	$ 546	$ 521	$ 269	$ 544	$ 546
Unrecognized tax benefits [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period		544	546	521
Additions for tax positions of current year		16	15	16
Additions for tax positions of prior years		23	3	11
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	$ (288)	(299)	(20)	(2)
Settlements (payments/refunds)		(15)	0	0
Balance, end of period		269	544	546
Non-cash benefit of reductions for tax positions of prior years including released interest	346	358
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(288)	(299)	(20)	(2)
Released interest expenses recognized in uncertain tax positions	$ 58	59
Reasonably possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months					190
Interest and penalties recognized on uncertain tax positions		$ 47	$ 16	$ 16
Interest and penalties accrued on uncertain tax positions					$ 16	$ 63	$ 47

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Environmental remediation [Abstract]
Total accrued liability for future environmental remediation costs	$ 102	$ 95
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	102	95
Additional provisions	0	0
Changes in estimates	4	11
Amounts paid	(13)	(13)
Foreign exchange effects	(3)	9
Ending balance	$ 90	$ 102
Minimum [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued liability for individual site range	less than $1 million
Maximum [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued liability for individual site range	$17 million
Capital addition purchase commitments [Member]
Long-term purchase commitment [Line Items]
Long-term purchase commitment, amount	$ 685

Commitments and Contingencies,

Commitments and Contingencies, Loss contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Technology licensing contracts indemnification period	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Technology licensing contracts indemnification period	10 years

Stockholders' Equity, Dividend

Stockholders' Equity, Dividend distribution (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	May 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Payments of Dividends [Abstract]
Dividend per ordinary share (per share)	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 0.90	$ 0.90	$ 0.90	$ 0.85	$ 4	$ 3.55
Aggregate dividends paid	$ 378	$ 389	$ 392	$ 395	$ 355	$ 356	$ 361	$ 343	$ 1,554	$ 1,415
Date of record	Dec. 10, 2018	Sep. 5, 2018	Jun. 11, 2018	Mar. 5, 2018	Dec. 5, 2017	Sep. 6, 2017	Jun. 5, 2017	Mar. 6, 2017
Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock									$ 2	$ 0	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity, Share rep

Stockholders' Equity, Share repurchase programs (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share repurchase program [Domain]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)		19,220,719	10,018,001	36,619,334
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)		$ 97.69	$ 84.30	$ 79.58
Total purchase price, including commissions		$ 1,878	$ 845	$ 2,914
Cash paid for shares repurchased		$ 1,854	$ 866	$ 2,938
May 2015 share repurchase program [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)				15,302,707
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)				$ 80.15
Total purchase price, including commissions				$ 1,226
May 2016 share repurchase program [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)			3,501,084	21,316,627
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)			$ 85.71	$ 79.18
Total purchase price, including commissions			$ 300	$ 1,688
May 2017 share repurchase program [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)		4,004,753	6,516,917
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)		$ 106.05	$ 83.54
Total purchase price, including commissions		$ 425	$ 545
June 2018 share repurchase program [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program shares authorized to be repurchased	57,844,016
Stock repurchase program expiration date	Dec. 1, 2019
Shares repurchased (in shares)		15,215,966
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)		$ 95.49
Total purchase price, including commissions		$ 1,453

Stockholders' Equity, Ordinary

Stockholders' Equity, Ordinary shares (Details) - Ordinary shares - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Ordinary shares outstanding: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)	394,512,054	404,046,331	440,150,069
Share-based compensation (in shares)	307,335	371,980	418,892
Warrants exercised (in shares)	0	4,184	200
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	121,398	107,560	96,504
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	(19,244,126)	(10,018,001)	(36,619,334)
Ending balance (in shares)	375,696,661	394,512,054	404,046,331

Stockholders' Equity, Treasury

Stockholders' Equity, Treasury shares (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)		183,928,109
Ending balance (in shares)		24,513,619	183,928,109
Treasury shares [Member]
Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)		183,928,109	174,389,139	138,285,201
Share-based compensation (in shares)		(307,335)	(371,980)	(418,892)
Warrants exercised (in shares)		0	509	0
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		(121,398)	(107,560)	(96,504)
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	23,407	19,244,126	10,018,001	36,619,334
Treasury shares canceled	(178,229,883)	(178,229,883)	0	0
Ending balance (in shares)		24,513,619	183,928,109	174,389,139

Stockholders' Equity, Component

Stockholders' Equity, Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	$ (1,285)	$ (1,511)	$ (1,438)
Adoption of accounting standards	(70)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	111	(103)	(233)
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	(59)	107	50
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(74)	308	37
Tax (expense) benefit	14	(86)	73
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(8)	226	(73)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	(1,363)	(1,285)	(1,511)
Financial derivatives [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	(120)	(75)	(79)
Adoption of accounting standards	(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	180	(323)	(29)
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	(43)	86	7
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(110)	264	(63)
Tax (expense) benefit	27	(72)	89
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	54	(45)	4
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	(68)	(120)	(75)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	0	1	(5)
Adoption of accounting standards	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	(2)	7
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	0	1	(1)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Tax (expense) benefit	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	(1)	6
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	0	0	1
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities and equity securities held by equity investees [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	17	0	0
Adoption of accounting standards	(17)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	15	0
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	0	2	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Tax (expense) benefit	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	17	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	0	17	0
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	(421)	(498)	(428)
Adoption of accounting standards	(51)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5	62	(184)
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	2	(15)	37
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	36	44	93
Tax (expense) benefit	(13)	(14)	(16)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	30	77	(70)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	(442)	(421)	(498)
Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	(761)	(939)	(926)
Adoption of accounting standards	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(74)	145	(27)
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	(18)	33	7
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	7
Tax (expense) benefit	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(92)	178	(13)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	$ (853)	$ (761)	$ (939)

Stockholders' Equity, Reclassif

Stockholders' Equity, Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	$ 106	$ 179	$ 111
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	5,311	5,493	5,233
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	613	598	1,386
Net income attributable to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.	4,690	4,879	3,836
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(74)	308	37
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(14)	86	(73)
Net income attributable to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.	(60)	222	110
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member] | Financial derivatives [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	(110)	264	(63)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(27)	72	(89)
Net income attributable to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.	(83)	192	26
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member] | Defined pension and other postretirement benefit plan items [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	1	3	1
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	32	39	31
Settlement (gain) loss	3	2	61
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	13	14	16
Net income attributable to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.	23	30	77
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member] | Foreign currency translations [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	0	0	7
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0	0	0
Net income attributable to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7

Stockholders' Equity, Non-contr

Stockholders' Equity, Non-controlling interests settlement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent	100.00%	83.79%
Purchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary holding equity interest in Al Waha Petrochemicals Ltd	$ 21
Purchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary holding equity interest in Al Waha Petrochemicals Ltd (in hundredths)	16.21%

Per Share Data (Details)

Per Share Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 692	[1],[2]	$ 1,113	[1],[2]	$ 1,654	[1],[2]	$ 1,231	[1],[2]	$ 1,894	[1],[2]	$ 1,056	[1],[2]	$ 1,130	[1],[2]	$ 797	[1],[2]	$ 4,690	$ 4,877	$ 3,837
Less: net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests																	0	2	(1)
Net income attributable to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.																	4,690	4,879	3,836
Dividends- A. Schulman Special Stock																	(2)	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Basic																	$ 4,688	$ 4,879	$ 3,836
Earnings (loss) per share: [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars in per share)			$ 2.86		$ 4.23		$ 3.12		$ 4.80		$ 2.67		$ 2.82		$ 1.98		$ 12.04	$ 12.23	$ 9.15
Diluted (in dollars per share)			$ 2.85		$ 4.22		$ 3.11		$ 4.79		$ 2.67		$ 2.81		$ 1.98		12.01	12.23	9.13
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)																	$ 4	$ 3.55	$ 3.33
Continuing Operations [Member]
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)																	$ 4,698	$ 4,895	$ 3,847
Less: net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests																	0	2	(1)
Net income attributable to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.																	4,698	4,897	3,846
Dividends- A. Schulman Special Stock																	(2)	0	0
Net (income) loss attributable to participating securities																	(6)	(5)	(4)
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Basic																	4,690	4,892	3,842
Potential diluted effects of PSUs																	(5)	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted																	$ 4,685	$ 4,892	$ 3,842
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding (in share)																	389	398	419
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Stock options (in shares)																	0	1	0
QPA and PSU awards (in shares)																	0	0	1
Potential dilutive shares (in shares)																	389	399	420
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Participating securities (in shares)	0.5								0.4								0.5	0.4	0.3
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)																	$ 4	$ 3.55	$ 3.33
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)																	$ (8)	$ (18)	$ (10)
Less: net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests																	0	0	0
Net income attributable to LyondellBasell Industries N.V.																	(8)	(18)	(10)
Dividends- A. Schulman Special Stock																	0	0	0
Net (income) loss attributable to participating securities																	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Basic																	(8)	(18)	(10)
Potential diluted effects of PSUs																	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted																	$ (8)	$ (18)	$ (10)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding (in share)																	389	398	419
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Stock options (in shares)																	0	1	0
QPA and PSU awards (in shares)																	0	0	1
Potential dilutive shares (in shares)																	389	399	420
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Participating securities (in shares)	0.5								0.4								0.5	0.4	0.3
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)																	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	The three months ended June 30, 2018 includes a $346 million benefit related to $288 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits and the release of $58 million of associated accrued interest. The three months ended March 31, 2017 includes total charges to interest expense of $113 million ($106 million, after tax) related to the redemption of $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019. The three months ended December 31, 2017 includes an $819 million non-cash tax benefit related to the lower federal income tax rate resulting from the newly enacted U.S. Tax Act.
[2]	The three months ended September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018 include charges for acquisition-related transaction and integration costs associated with our acquisition of A. Schulman of $53 million ($42 million, after tax) and $20 million ($15 million, after tax), respectively. The three months ended December 31, 2018 also includes a gain of $36 million ($34 million, after tax) on the sale of our carbon black subsidiary in France. The three months ended March 31, 2017 includes a gain of $31 million ($20 million, after tax) on the sale of property in Lake Charles, Louisiana currently used as a logistic terminal. The three months ended June 30, 2017 includes a $21 million non-cash gain ($14 million, after tax) stemming from the elimination of an obligation associated with a lease. The three months ended September 30, 2017 includes a $108 million gain ($103 million, after tax) on the sale of our 27% interest in Geosel

Segment and Related Informati_3

Segment and Related Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)OperatingSegments	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | OperatingSegments									6
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 8,876	$ 10,155	$ 10,206	$ 9,767	$ 9,135	$ 8,516	$ 8,403	$ 8,430	$ 39,004	$ 34,484	$ 29,183
Depreciation and amortization expense									1,241	1,174	1,064
Other income (expense), net									106	179	111
Income (loss) from equity investments	36	89	$ 68	$ 96	$ 81	81	78	81	289	321	367
Capital expenditures									2,105	1,547	2,243
EBITDA									6,867	7,134	6,602
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
A. Schulman acquisition-related transactions and integration costs	20	$ 53
Gain on sale of assets								31
Gain on sale of equity method investment						$ 108
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)						27.00%
Noncash gain on elimination of a lease obligation							$ 21
Lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment									0	0	(29)
Gain on sale of wholly owned subsidiary	36
O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									6,883	7,265	6,463
Depreciation and amortization expense									442	433	359
Other income (expense), net									11	42	62
Income (loss) from equity investments									58	42	59
Capital expenditures									1,079	741	1,370
EBITDA									2,762	2,899	2,788
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Gain on sale of assets								$ 31
Lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment											(26)
Gain on sale of wholly owned subsidiary											57
O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									9,984	9,445	8,097
Depreciation and amortization expense									208	210	201
Other income (expense), net									48	138	19
Income (loss) from equity investments									225	271	302
Capital expenditures									248	163	229
EBITDA									1,163	1,927	1,729
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
Gain on sale of equity method investment										$ 108
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)					27.00%					27.00%
Noncash gain on elimination of a lease obligation										$ 21
Gain on sale of wholly owned subsidiary	$ 36
I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									9,426	8,346	7,085
Depreciation and amortization expense									287	279	269
Other income (expense), net									2	1	0
Income (loss) from equity investments									6	8	6
Capital expenditures									409	332	333
EBITDA									2,011	1,490	1,333
APS [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									4,022	2,922	2,601
Depreciation and amortization expense									69	35	31
Other income (expense), net									2	(2)	24
Income (loss) from equity investments									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									62	55	38
EBITDA									400	438	427
Additional benefits (charges) recognized in various segments [Abstract]
A. Schulman acquisition-related transactions and integration costs									69
Gain on sale of wholly owned subsidiary											21
Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									8,221	6,165	4,559
Depreciation and amortization expense									192	177	163
Other income (expense), net									3	2	8
Income (loss) from equity investments									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									250	213	224
EBITDA									167	157	72
Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									468	341	378
Depreciation and amortization expense									43	40	41
Other income (expense), net									1	0	0
Income (loss) from equity investments									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									48	32	36
EBITDA									328	223	262
Other [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization expense									0	0	0
Other income (expense), net									39	(2)	(2)
Income (loss) from equity investments									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									9	11	13
EBITDA									36	0	(9)
Operating Segments [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									39,004	34,484	29,183
Operating Segments [Member] | O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									10,408	10,004	8,722
Operating Segments [Member] | O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									10,838	10,218	8,718
Operating Segments [Member] | I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									9,588	8,472	7,226
Operating Segments [Member] | APS [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									4,024	2,922	2,601
Operating Segments [Member] | Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									9,157	6,848	5,135
Operating Segments [Member] | Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									583	450	479
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									(5,594)	(4,430)	(3,698)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									3,525	2,739	2,259
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									854	773	621
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									162	126	141
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | APS [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									2	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									936	683	576
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									115	109	101
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Other [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues									$ (5,594)	$ (4,430)	$ (3,698)

Segment and Related Informati_4

Segment and Related Information, Reconciliation of EBITDA to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
EBITDA: [Abstract]
Total segment EBITDA	$ 6,831	$ 7,134	$ 6,611
Other EBITDA	36	0	(9)
Less: [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization expense	(1,241)	(1,174)	(1,064)
Interest expense	(360)	(491)	(322)
Add: [Abstract]
Interest income	45	24	17
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 5,311	$ 5,493	$ 5,233

Segment and Related Informati_5

Segment and Related Information, Long-lived assets by segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 21, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 12,477		$ 10,997
Investment in PO joint ventures	469		420
Equity investments	1,611		1,635	$ 1,575
Goodwill	1,814		570	528
O&P - Americas [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	5,769		5,025
Investment in PO joint ventures	0		0
Equity investments	196		187
Goodwill	162		162	162
O&P - EAI [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,745		1,794
Investment in PO joint ventures	0		0
Equity investments	1,326		1,366
Goodwill	114		121	98
I&D [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,663		2,457
Investment in PO joint ventures	469		420
Equity investments	73		82
Goodwill	229		237	219
Advanced Polymer Solutions [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	818		350
Investment in PO joint ventures	0		0
Equity investments	16		0
Goodwill	1,300	$ 1,271	41	41
Refining [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,216		1,130
Investment in PO joint ventures	0		0
Equity investments	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Technology [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	266		241
Investment in PO joint ventures	0		0
Equity investments	0		0
Goodwill	9		9	$ 8
Other [Member]
Segment reporting asset reconciling items [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0
Investment in PO joint ventures	0		0
Equity investments	0		0
Goodwill	$ 0		$ 0

Segment and Related Informati_6

Segment and Related Information, Long-lived assets by geographic location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
United States [Member]
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	$ 10,346	$ 8,761
Germany [Member]
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	1,527	1,417
The Netherlands [Member]
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	757	779
France [Member]
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	565	551
Italy [Member]
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	343	329
Mexico [Member]
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	254	198
Other [Member]
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	1,730	1,585
Total long-lived assets [Member]
Long-lived assets by geographic locations [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	$ 15,522	$ 13,620

Unaudited Quarterly Results (De

Unaudited Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues		$ 8,876		$ 10,155		$ 10,206		$ 9,767		$ 9,135		$ 8,516		$ 8,403		$ 8,430		$ 39,004	$ 34,484	$ 29,183
Gross profit	[1]	1,148		1,656		1,916		1,755		1,607		1,577		1,802		1,439
Operating income		794	[2]	1,317	[2]	1,626	[2]	1,494	[2]	1,341	[2]	1,332	[2]	1,577	[2]	1,210	[2]	5,231	5,460	5,060
Income (loss) from equity investments		36		89		68		96		81		81		78		81		289	321	367
Income from continuing operations		697	[2],[3]	1,115	[2],[3]	1,655	[2],[3]	1,231	[2],[3]	1,898	[2],[3]	1,058	[2],[3]	1,134	[2],[3]	805	[2],[3]	4,698	4,895	3,847
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		(5)		(2)		(1)		0		(4)		(2)		(4)		(8)		(8)	(18)	(10)
Net income (loss)		$ 692	[2],[3]	$ 1,113	[2],[3]	$ 1,654	[2],[3]	$ 1,231	[2],[3]	$ 1,894	[2],[3]	$ 1,056	[2],[3]	$ 1,130	[2],[3]	$ 797	[2],[3]	$ 4,690	$ 4,877	$ 3,837
Earnings (loss) per share: [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars in per share)				$ 2.86		$ 4.23		$ 3.12		$ 4.80		$ 2.67		$ 2.82		$ 1.98		$ 12.04	$ 12.23	$ 9.15
Diluted (in dollars per share)				$ 2.85		$ 4.22		$ 3.11		$ 4.79		$ 2.67		$ 2.81		$ 1.98		$ 12.01	$ 12.23	$ 9.13
[1]	Represents Sales and other operating revenues less Cost of sales
[2]	The three months ended September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018 include charges for acquisition-related transaction and integration costs associated with our acquisition of A. Schulman of $53 million ($42 million, after tax) and $20 million ($15 million, after tax), respectively. The three months ended December 31, 2018 also includes a gain of $36 million ($34 million, after tax) on the sale of our carbon black subsidiary in France. The three months ended March 31, 2017 includes a gain of $31 million ($20 million, after tax) on the sale of property in Lake Charles, Louisiana currently used as a logistic terminal. The three months ended June 30, 2017 includes a $21 million non-cash gain ($14 million, after tax) stemming from the elimination of an obligation associated with a lease. The three months ended September 30, 2017 includes a $108 million gain ($103 million, after tax) on the sale of our 27% interest in Geosel
[3]	The three months ended June 30, 2018 includes a $346 million benefit related to $288 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits and the release of $58 million of associated accrued interest. The three months ended March 31, 2017 includes total charges to interest expense of $113 million ($106 million, after tax) related to the redemption of $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019. The three months ended December 31, 2017 includes an $819 million non-cash tax benefit related to the lower federal income tax rate resulting from the newly enacted U.S. Tax Act.

Unaudited Quarterly Results, Fo

Unaudited Quarterly Results, Footnotes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
A. Schulman acquisition-related transactions and integration costs		$ 20	$ 53
A. Schulman acquisition-related transactions and integration costs after tax	$ 42	15	$ 42						$ 15
Gain on sale of France business		36
Gain on sale of France business, after tax		$ 34
Gain on sale of Louisiana site								$ 31
Gain on sale of Louisiana site, net of tax								20
Noncash gain on elimination of a lease obligation							$ 21
Noncash gain on elimination of a lease obligation, net of tax							$ 14
Gain on sale of Geosel						$ 108
Gain on sale of Geosel, net of tax						$ 103
Equity investment, ownership percentage (in hundredths)						27.00%
Non-cash benefit of reductions for tax positions of prior years including released interest				$ 346					358
Reductions for tax positions of prior years				(288)					(299)	$ (20)	$ (2)
Released interest expenses recognized in uncertain tax positions				$ (58)					(59)
Total charges associated with the redemption of Senior Notes due 2019								113
Total charges associated with the redemption of Senior Notes due 2019, net of tax								$ 106
Remeasurement of U.S. net deferred tax liability					$ 819				0	819	0
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)								5.00%
Maturity year								2,019
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019	$ 375							$ 1,000	$ 394	$ 1,000	$ 0