LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) 10-Q 1 Nov 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 30, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-34726
Entity Registrant Name	LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	P7
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-0646235
Title of 12(b) Security	Ordinary Shares, €0.04 Par Value
Trading Symbol	LYB
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		333,410,824
Entity Central Index Key	0001489393
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
United States [Member]
Entity Addresses [Line Items]
Entity Address, Address Line One	1221 McKinney St.,
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 300
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston,
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Country	US
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77010
City Area Code	(713)
Local Phone Number	309-7200
United Kingdom [Member]
Entity Addresses [Line Items]
Entity Address, Address Line One	4th Floor, One Vine Street
Entity Address, City or Town	London
Entity Address, Country	GB
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	W1J0AH
Country Region	+44 (0)
City Area Code	207
Local Phone Number	220 2600
Netherlands [Member]
Entity Addresses [Line Items]
Entity Address, Address Line One	Delftseplein 27E
Entity Address, City or Town	Rotterdam
Entity Address, Country	NL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	3013AA
Country Region	+31 (0)
City Area Code	10
Local Phone Number	2755 500

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Sales and other operating revenues:
Trade	$ 8,527	$ 9,926	$ 25,920	$ 29,441
Related parties	195	229	628	687
Sales revenue, net	8,722	10,155	26,548	30,128
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	7,269	8,499	22,257	24,801
Selling, general and administrative expenses	303	309	892	803
Research and development expenses	26	30	81	87
Costs and expenses	7,598	8,838	23,230	25,691
Operating income	1,124	1,317	3,318	4,437
Interest expense	(86)	(90)	(259)	(272)
Interest income	5	14	16	40
Other income, net	11	17	46	57
Income from continuing operations before equity investments and income taxes	1,054	1,258	3,121	4,262
Income from equity investments	51	89	179	253
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	1,105	1,347	3,300	4,515
Provision for income taxes	136	232	508	514
Income from continuing operations	969	1,115	2,792	4,001
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	(4)	(2)	(7)	(3)
Net income	965	1,113	2,785	3,998
Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock	(2)		(5)
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders	$ 963	$ 1,113	$ 2,780	$ 3,998
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders - Basic:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 2.86	$ 2.86	$ 7.74	$ 10.21
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0	(0.02)	(0.01)
Basic (in dollars per share)	2.85	2.86	7.72	10.20
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders - Diluted:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	2.86	2.85	7.74	10.19
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0	(0.02)	(0.01)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.85	$ 2.85	$ 7.72	$ 10.18

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net income	$ 965	$ 1,113	$ 2,785	$ 3,998
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax –
Financial derivatives	(112)	51	(230)	89
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale debt securities	0	0	1	0
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans	5	6	15	20
Foreign currency translations	(114)	(8)	(106)	(63)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(221)	49	(320)	46
Comprehensive income	744	1,162	2,465	4,044
Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock	(2)		(5)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company shareholders	$ 742	$ 1,162	$ 2,460	$ 4,044

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 476	$ 332
Restricted cash	36	69
Short-term investments	53	892
Accounts receivable:
Trade, net	3,331	3,355
Related parties	138	148
Inventories	4,446	4,515
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,150	1,255
Total current assets	9,630	10,566
Operating lease assets	1,510
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	20,528	18,701
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(6,859)	(6,224)
Property, plant and equipment, net	13,669	12,477
Investments and long-term receivables:
Investment in PO joint ventures	486	469
Equity investments	1,609	1,611
Other investments and long-term receivables	24	23
Goodwill	1,848	1,814
Intangible assets, net	841	965
Other assets	497	353
Total assets	30,114	28,278
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	4	5
Short-term debt	2,438	885
Accounts payable:
Trade	2,687	2,560
Related parties	514	527
Accrued liabilities	1,745	1,536
Total current liabilities	7,388	5,513
Long-term debt	9,628	8,497
Operating lease liabilities	1,257
Other liabilities	1,801	1,897
Deferred income taxes	2,018	1,975
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable non-controlling interests	116	116
Stockholders’ equity:
Ordinary shares, €0.04 par value, 1,275 million shares authorized, 333,407,876 and 375,696,661 shares outstanding, respectively	22	22
Additional paid-in capital	7,017	7,041
Retained earnings	8,430	6,763
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,683)	(1,363)
Treasury stock, at cost, 66,802,404 and 24,513,619 ordinary shares, respectively	(5,898)	(2,206)
Total Company share of stockholders’ equity	7,888	10,257
Non-controlling interests	18	23
Total equity	7,906	10,280
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and equity	$ 30,114	$ 28,278

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - € / shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders’ equity:
Ordinary shares par value (in euros per share)	€ 0.04	€ 0.04
Ordinary shares, shares authorized (in shares)	1,275,000,000	1,275,000,000
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	333,407,876	375,696,661
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	66,802,404	24,513,619

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 2,785	$ 3,998
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	977	908
Amortization of debt-related costs	7	11
Share-based compensation	36	33
Equity investments -
Equity income	(179)	(253)
Distributions of earnings, net of tax	159	200
Deferred income taxes	189	111
Changes in assets and liabilities that provided (used) cash:
Accounts receivable	(46)	(128)
Inventories	(12)	(202)
Accounts payable	(7)	257
Other, net	(190)	(761)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,719	4,174
Cash flows from investing activities:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(1,963)	(1,407)
Acquisition of A. Schulman, net of cash acquired	0	(1,776)
Purchases of available-for-sale debt securities	0	(50)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale debt securities	511	410
Purchases of equity securities	0	(64)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of equity securities	332	64
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedges	0	872
Payments for settlement of net investment hedges	0	(850)
Other, net	(90)	(100)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,210)	(2,901)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares	(3,752)	(801)
Dividends paid - common stock	(1,111)	(1,176)
Purchase of non-controlling interest	(63)	0
Issuance of short-term debt	2,500	0
Issuance of long-term debt	2,096	0
Repayments of long-term debt	(2,000)	(394)
Payments of debt issuance costs	(12)	0
Net (repayments of) proceeds from commercial paper	(23)	140
Other, net	(17)	(11)
Net cash used in financing activities	(2,382)	(2,242)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(16)	(27)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	111	(996)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	401	1,528
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 512	$ 532

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, 2017		$ 31	$ (15,749)	$ 10,206	$ 15,746	$ (1,285)	$ 8,949	$ 1
Net income	$ 3,998	0	0	0	3,998	0	3,998	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	46	0	0	0	0	46	46	0
Share-based compensation		0	31	20	0	0	51	0
Dividends - common stock		0	0	0	(1,176)	0	(1,176)	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares	(821)	0	(821)	0	0	0	(821)	0
Purchase of non-controlling interest		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	24
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018		22	(1,155)	7,033	6,453	(1,309)	11,044	25
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2018		31	(16,200)	10,190	17,939	(1,358)	10,602	1
Net income	1,113	0	0	0	1,113	0	1,113	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	49	0	0	0	0	49	49	0
Share-based compensation		0	4	8	0	0	12	0
Dividends - common stock		0	0	0	(389)	0	(389)	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares		0	(343)	0	0	0	(343)	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	24
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018		22	(1,155)	7,033	6,453	(1,309)	11,044	25
Adoption of accounting standards	(70)	0	0	0	95	(70)	25	0
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	10,280	22	(2,206)	7,041	6,763	(1,363)	10,257	23
Net income	2,785	0	0	0	2,785	0	2,785	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(320)	0	0	0	0	(320)	(320)	0
Share-based compensation		0	36	23	(2)	0	57	0
Dividends - common stock	(1,111)	0	0	0	(1,111)	0	(1,111)	0
Dividends - A. Schulman Special Stock	(5)	0	0	0	(5)	0	(5)	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares	(3,728)	0	(3,728)	0	0	0	(3,728)	0
Purchase of non-controlling interest		0	0	(47)	0	0	(47)	(5)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	7,906	22	(5,898)	7,017	8,430	(1,683)	7,888	18
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019		22	(2,663)	7,006	7,818	(1,462)	10,721	22
Net income	965	0	0	0	965	0	965	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(221)	0	0	0	0	(221)	(221)	0
Share-based compensation		0	5	11	0	0	16	0
Dividends - common stock		0	0	0	(351)	0	(351)	0
Dividends - A. Schulman Special Stock	(2)	0	0	0	(2)	0	(2)	0
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares		0	(3,240)	0	0	0	(3,240)	0
Purchase of non-controlling interest		0	0	0	0	0	0	(4)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 7,906	$ 22	$ (5,898)	$ 7,017	$ 8,430	$ (1,683)	$ 7,888	$ 18

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, dividends per share (in dollars per share)				$ 1.05	$ 1	$ 3.10	$ 3
Special stock, dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 15	$ 15	$ 15	$ 15		$ 45

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	1. Basis of Presentation LyondellBasell Industries N.V., together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively “LyondellBasell N.V.”), is a worldwide manufacturer of chemicals and polymers, a refiner of crude oil, a significant producer of gasoline blending components and a developer and licensor of technologies for production of polymers. Unless otherwise indicated, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar words are used to refer to LyondellBasell N.V. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and have been prepared from the books and records of LyondellBasell N.V. in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 .

Accounting and Reporting Change

Accounting and Reporting Changes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Accounting and Reporting Changes [Text Block]	2. Accounting and Reporting Changes Recently Adopted Guidance The following table provides a brief description of recently adopted Accounting Standard Updates (“ASU”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). With the exception of the new lease standard, the adoption of the new standards listed below did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Standard Description ASU 2016-02, Leases (including subsequent amendments) This guidance establishes a right-of-use model that requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. Leases are classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the timing and classification of expense recognition. This guidance also enhances disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted the new standard in the first quarter of 2019. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the disclosures related to the adoption of this guidance. ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (including subsequent amendments) This guidance 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 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. Standard Description ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements This guidance makes minor improvements in various subtopics. Some of the amendments within the ASU do not require transition and are effective upon issuance. However, many of the amendments do have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 for public entities. Our early adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of 2019 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Credit Losses on Financial Instruments; Derivatives and Hedging; and Financial Instruments This guidance makes minor clarifications and minor improvements to certain aspects of accounting for credit losses, hedging activities and financial instruments. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Our early adoption of this guidance on a modified-retrospective basis in the second quarter of 2019 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Adopted as of September 30, 2019 We are currently assessing the impact of the standards listed below on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Standard Description ASU 2018-13, 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. This guidance will be effective for all entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2018-14, 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 eliminates the requirement of certain disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial; however, it adds more pertinent disclosures. This guidance will be effective for public entities for annual periods ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2018-15, 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 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. This guidance will be effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.

Business Combination

Business Combination	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination [Text Block]	3. Business Combination On August 21, 2018 , we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of A. Schulman Inc. , a Delaware corporation for an adjusted aggregate purchase price of $1,933 million . The purchase price was adjusted during the third quarter of 2019 as a result of the resolution of certain contingencies. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and non-controlling interests assumed. During 2019, we made certain measurement period adjustments resulting in a $86 million increase of goodwill with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, contingencies and deferred taxes.

Revenues

Revenues	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues [Text Block]	4 . Revenues Contract Balances— Contract liabilities were $143 million and $138 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. Revenue recognized in the reporting period, included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period, was immaterial. Disaggregation of Revenues— The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by key products for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Sales and other operating revenues: Polyethylene $ 1,509 $ 1,830 $ 4,713 $ 5,765 Polypropylene 1,251 1,414 3,883 4,405 Olefins and co-products 709 1,021 2,202 2,987 Oxyfuels and related products 837 934 2,298 2,670 Intermediate chemicals 655 905 2,000 2,756 Propylene oxide and derivatives 481 603 1,498 1,828 Compounding and solutions 991 797 3,193 1,990 Advanced polymers 194 240 588 718 Refined products 1,952 2,236 5,706 6,536 Other 143 175 467 473 Total $ 8,722 $ 10,155 $ 26,548 $ 30,128 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geography, based upon the location of the customer, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Sales and other operating revenues: United States $ 4,190 $ 5,011 $ 12,333 $ 14,528 Germany 671 741 2,112 2,326 Mexico 390 627 1,349 1,705 Italy 361 376 1,133 1,203 France 324 371 1,049 1,118 China 299 289 895 850 The Netherlands 226 259 748 835 Japan 282 297 740 952 Other 1,979 2,184 6,189 6,611 Total $ 8,722 $ 10,155 $ 26,548 $ 30,128

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable [Text Block]	5 . Accounts Receivable Our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, which is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction of accounts receivable, was $15 million and $16 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories [Text Block]	6 . Inventories Inventories consisted of the following components: Millions of dollars September 30, December 31, Finished goods $ 3,008 $ 3,066 Work-in-process 177 138 Raw materials and supplies 1,261 1,311 Total inventories $ 4,446 $ 4,515

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt [Text Block]	7 . Debt Long-term loans, notes and other debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance cost, consisted of the following: Millions of dollars September 30, December 31, Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% $ — $ 988 Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% ($4 million of debt issuance cost) 999 975 Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75% ($6 million of debt issuance cost) 994 993 Senior Notes due 2055, $1,000 million, 4.625% ($16 million of discount; $11 million of debt issuance cost) 973 973 Term Loan due 2020, $2,000 million 974 — Term Loan due 2022, $4,000 million — — Guaranteed Notes due 2022, €750 million, 1.875% ($1 million of discount; $2 million of debt issuance cost) 817 855 Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% ($4 million of discount; $3 million of debt issuance cost) 743 742 Guaranteed Notes due 2026, €500 million, 0.875% ($2 million of discount; $4 million of debt issuance cost) 539 — Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% ($8 million of discount; $6 million of debt issuance cost) 1,043 964 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1% 300 300 Guaranteed Notes due 2031, €500 million, 1.625% ($6 million of discount; $3 million of debt issuance cost) 536 — Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($20 million of discount; $7 million of debt issuance cost) 723 722 Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% ($11 million of discount; $9 million of debt issuance cost) 980 980 Other 11 10 Total 9,632 8,502 Less current maturities (4 ) (5 ) Long-term debt $ 9,628 $ 8,497 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: Gains (Losses) Cumulative Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Carrying Amount of Debt Inception Year Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, December 31, Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Senior Notes due 2019, 5.0% 2014 $ — $ (7 ) $ (11 ) $ (16 ) $ — $ 11 Senior Notes due 2021, 6.0% 2016 (3 ) 2 (23 ) 22 (3 ) 20 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, 3.5% 2017 (21 ) 12 (78 ) 54 (57 ) 21 Guaranteed Notes due 2022, 1.875% 2018 — 1 (1 ) — (2 ) (1 ) Total $ (24 ) $ 8 $ (113 ) $ 60 $ (62 ) $ 51 The cumulative fair value hedging adjustments remaining at December 31, 2018 associated with our Senior Notes due 2019 included $7 million for hedges that were discontinued. Fair value adjustments are recognized in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Short-term loans, notes and other debt consisted of the following: Millions of dollars September 30, December 31, Term Loan due 2020, $2,000 million $ 1,026 $ — Senior Revolving Credit Facility, $2,500 million — — U.S. Receivables Facility, $900 million 500 — Commercial paper 786 809 Precious metal financings 124 71 Other 2 5 Total short-term debt $ 2,438 $ 885 Long-Term Debt Guaranteed Notes due 2026 and 2031 —In September 2019 , LYB International Finance II B.V. (“LYB Finance II”), a wholly owned finance subsidiary of LyondellBasell N.V., as defined in Rule 3-10(b) of Regulation S-X, issued €500 million of 0.875% guaranteed notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) at a discounted price of 99.642% , and €500 million of 1.625% guaranteed notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”) at a discounted price of 98.924% . In September 2019, we used the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay $1,000 million of indebtedness outstanding under the $4,000 million three-year Term Loan due 2022 and a portion of borrowings from our commercial paper program. These unsecured notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell 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 30 basis points in the case of the 2026 Notes and 35 basis points in the case of the 2031 Notes) 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. Three-Year Term Loan due 2022 —In March 2019 , LYB Americas Finance Company LLC (“LYB Americas Finance”), a wholly owned subsidiary of LyondellBasell N.V., entered into a three-year $4,000 million senior unsecured delayed draw term loan credit facility that matures in March 2022 . As of September 30, 2019, borrowings under the credit agreement may be made on up to five occasions through December 31, 2019. Proceeds under this credit agreement, which is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell N.V., may be used for general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at either a base rate or LIBOR rate, as defined, plus in each case, an applicable margin determined by reference to LyondellBasell N.V.’s current credit ratings. The credit agreement contains customary representations and warranties and contains certain restrictive covenants regarding, among other things, secured indebtedness, subsidiary indebtedness, mergers 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, for the period covering the most recent four quarters. Senior Notes due 2019 —In February 2019, proceeds from the new senior unsecured term loan 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 for unamortized debt issuance costs and $8 million for the write-off of the cumulative fair value hedge accounting adjustment related to the redeemed notes. Guaranteed Notes due 2049 — In October 2019 , LYB International Finance III, LLC (“LYB Finance III”), a wholly owned finance subsidiary of LyondellBasell N.V., as defined in Rule 3-10(b) of Regulation S-X, issued $1,000 million of 4.2% guaranteed notes due 2049 at a discounted price of 98.488% . Net proceeds from the sale of the notes totaled $974 million . In October 2019, we repaid $2,000 million of the indebtedness outstanding under our Term Loan due 2020 using the net proceeds from the sale of the Guaranteed Notes due 2049, $300 million of operating cash and $726 million of additional borrowings of commercial paper. These unsecured notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell N.V., rank equally in right of payment to all of LYB Finance III’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 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 or 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. The notes are also redeemable upon certain tax events. Short-Term Debt Term Loan due 2020— In February 2019 , LYB Americas Finance, 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 N.V., were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of debt. Borrowings under the credit agreement will bear interest at either a base rate or LIBOR rate, as defined, plus in each case, an applicable margin determined by reference to LyondellBasell 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, for the period covering the most recent four quarters. Senior Revolving Credit Facility —Our $2,500 million revolving credit facility, which expires in June 2022 , 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, including amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program, and letters of credit under this facility may not exceed $2,500 million at any given time. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at either a base rate or LIBOR rate, 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. 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”). This 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 September 30, 2019 are based on the terms of the notes and range from 2.17% to 2.35%. U.S. Receivables Facility —Our U.S. accounts receivable facility, which expires in July 2021 , has a purchase limit of $900 million in addition to a $300 million uncommitted accordion feature. This facility is secured by $1,270 million of accounts receivable as of September 30, 2019. 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 (“Purchasers”). The sale of the undivided interest in the pool of trade receivables is accounted for as a secured borrowing in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The receivables held by our bankruptcy-remote subsidiary are available first to satisfy our creditors, including the Purchasers. We are responsible for servicing the receivables. We pay variable interest rates on our secured borrowings. As of September 30, 2019, the interest rate under the facility was 2.83% . In the event of liquidation, the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary’s assets will be used to satisfy the claims of the Purchasers prior to any assets or value in the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary becoming available to us. 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 terms 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 LyondellBasell N.V. Additional fees are incurred for the average daily unused commitments. At September 30, 2019 , there was $500 million of borrowings and no letters of credit outstanding under the facility. Weighted Average Interest Rate —At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , our weighted average interest rate on outstanding short-term debt was 2.8% and 3.1% , respectively. Debt Discount and Issuance Costs —For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , amortization of debt discounts and debt issuance costs resulted in amortization expense of $7 million and $11 million , 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. In July 2019, we repurchased 35.1 million ordinary shares upon completion of the modified Dutch Auction tender offer (“tender offer”). Concurrently, we financed the share repurchase by utilizing $1,000 million from our Term Loan due 2022, $500 million from our U.S. Receivables Facility, and $1,280 million from our commercial paper program, with the remainder funded by operating cash. As of September 30, 2019 , we are in compliance with our debt covenants.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases [Text Block]	8 . Leases Adoption of the New Lease Accounting Guidance— On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, including subsequent amendments , using the modified retrospective method. Upon adoption, we recognized Operating lease assets and Operating lease liabilities of $1,533 million and $1,553 million , respectively. We also reduced Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities by $2 million and $18 million , respectively. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income or Cash Flows. We 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 accounted for as leases under previous accounting standards are, or contain a lease under the new standard. We also elected the practical expedient to account for lease and associated non-lease components as a single lease component for all asset classes with the exception of utilities and pipeline assets within major manufacturing equipment, which do not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Comparative financial information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. At inception of a contract, we determine if the contract contains a lease. When a lease is identified, we recognize a lease asset and a corresponding lease liability based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term discounted using our incremental borrowing rate, unless an implicit rate is readily determinable. Lease payments include fixed and variable lease components. Variable components are derived from usage or market-based indices, such as the consumer price index. Options to extend or terminate the lease are reflected in the lease payments and lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. We recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating Leases— The majority of our leases are operating leases. We lease storage tanks, terminal facilities, land, office facilities, railcars, pipelines, barges, plant equipment and other equipment. As of September 30, 2019 , our Operating lease assets were $1,510 million . Operating lease liabilities totaled $1,531 million of which $274 million are current and recorded in Accrued liabilities. These values were derived using a weighted average discount rate of 4.2% . Our operating leases have remaining lease terms ranging from less than 1 year to 30 years and have a weighted-average remaining lease term of 8 years . While extension clauses included in our leases do not materially impact our Operating lease assets or Operating lease liabilities, certain leases include options to extend the lease for up to 20 years . Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 are as follows: Millions of dollars Last three months of 2019 $ 88 2020 317 2021 267 2022 226 2023 197 Thereafter 701 Total lease payments 1,796 Less: Imputed interest (265 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 1,531 The following table presents the components of operating lease cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 : Millions of dollars Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Operating lease cost $ 90 $ 270 Short-term lease cost 41 114 Variable lease cost 12 48 Net operating lease cost $ 143 $ 432 Cash paid for operating lease liabilities totaled $273 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 . Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities, including all leases recognized upon adoption of the new lease accounting standard, totaled $1,801 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 . As of September 30, 2019 , we have entered into additional operating leases, with an undiscounted value of $556 million , primarily for storage tanks related to our new PO/TBA plant at our Channelview, Texas facility. These leases, which will commence between the last quarter of 2019 and 2022 , have lease terms ranging from 2 to 20 years . Lease Commitments— As of December 31, 2018, the undiscounted aggregate future estimated payments for our operating lease commitments, including those which have not commenced, and those with an initial term of 12 months or less, were as follows: Millions of dollars 2019 $ 365 2020 288 2021 256 2022 236 2023 204 Thereafter 1,126 Total minimum lease payments $ 2,475

Financial Instruments and Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Financial Instruments and Fair Value [Abstract]
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]	9 . Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements We are exposed to market risks, such as changes in commodity pricing, currency exchange rates and interest rates. To manage the volatility related to these exposures, we selectively enter into derivative transactions pursuant to our risk management policies. A summary of our financial instruments, risk management policies, derivative instruments, hedging activities and fair value measurement can be found in Notes 2 and 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 . If applicable, updates have been included in the respective sections below. At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , we had marketable securities classified as Cash and cash equivalents of $78 million and $19 million , respectively. Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) —Other income, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income reflected foreign currency gains of $2 million and $16 million , and $6 million and $14 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis —The following table summarizes financial instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Notional Amount Fair Value Notional Amount Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Assets– Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ — $ — $ 472 $ 12 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency — 52 — 27 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency 2,000 261 2,000 117 Other assets Interest rates — 27 600 33 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Interest rates 2,136 62 143 1 Other assets Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities 53 3 35 5 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency 91 — 599 3 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Non-derivatives: Available-for-sale debt securities 53 53 567 567 Short-term investments Equity securities — — 322 325 Short-term investments Total $ 4,333 $ 458 $ 4,738 $ 1,090 Liabilities– Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ — $ — $ 4 $ — Accrued liabilities Foreign currency — 32 — 17 Accrued liabilities Foreign currency 950 28 950 75 Other liabilities Interest rates 1,000 232 1,400 16 Accrued liabilities Interest rates 500 117 2,500 45 Other liabilities Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities 192 19 63 14 Accrued liabilities Foreign currency 75 — 1,165 7 Accrued liabilities Non-derivatives: Performance share units — — 29 29 Accrued liabilities Total $ 2,717 $ 428 $ 6,111 $ 203 Commodity derivatives designated as hedges are classified as Level 1. Our investments in 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 debt securities in the tables above are classified as Level 2. At September 30, 2019 , our outstanding foreign currency contracts, not designated as hedges, mature from October 2019 to January 2020 . Our commodity contracts, not designated as hedges, mature in October 2019 . Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis —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 commercial paper. 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . 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 of long-term debt exclude finance leases and commercial paper. September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Non-derivatives: Assets: Short-term loans receivable $ 518 $ 518 $ 544 $ 544 Liabilities: Short-term debt $ 1,650 $ 1,667 $ 71 $ 77 Long-term debt 9,621 10,309 8,492 8,476 Total $ 11,271 $ 11,976 $ 8,563 $ 8,553 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 nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 . Net Investment Hedges— At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , we had outstanding foreign currency contracts with an aggregate notional value of €617 million ( $650 million ) designated as net investment hedges. We also had outstanding foreign-currency denominated debt designated as a net investment hedge with notional amounts totaling €750 million ( $818 million ) and €750 million ( $858 million ), respectively, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . Cash Flow Hedges— The following table summarizes our cash flow hedges outstanding at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Notional Value Notional Value Expiration Date Foreign currency $ 2,300 $ 2,300 2021 to 2027 Interest rates 1,500 1,500 2020 to 2021 Commodities — 476 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 a $1,000 million debt issuance initially expected by February 2020. These swaps were designated as cash flow hedges. In September 2019, concurrent with the offering of our guaranteed notes due 2049 issued in October 2019, we dedesignated the hedging relationship. The forward-starting interest rate swaps scheduled to settle in February 2020 were redesignated as cash flow hedges of forecasted interest payments related to expected debt issuances to be completed by July 2023 and April 2024. In February 2019, concurrent with the redemption of $1,000 million of our then outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019 , we received $4 million in settlement of $1,000 million of forward-starting interest rate swaps that we designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted interest payments. During the first quarter of 2019, we entered into commodity futures contracts to mitigate the risk of variability in feedstock prices and product sales prices for 2019 with total notional amounts of $78 million and $97 million , respectively. The cash flow hedges were dedesignated in September 2019 by unwinding these commodities futures contracts. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we paid $20 million in settlement of commodity futures contracts that hedge the risk of variability in feedstock prices with a total notional amount of $310 million . Additionally, we received $26 million in settlement of commodity futures contracts that hedge the risk of variability in product sales prices with a total notional amount of $408 million . As of September 30, 2019 , on a pre-tax basis, $7 million , $8 million , and $8 million are expected to be reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss as increases to interest expense, revenues and 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 then outstanding 5% senior notes due 2019 , we paid $5 million in settlement of $1,000 million of fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps. We had outstanding interest rate contracts with aggregate notional amounts of $2,136 million and $3,143 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. These fair value hedges have maturities ranging from 2021 to 2027 as of September 30, 2019 . Impact on Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income —The following tables summarize the pre-tax effects of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments on Other comprehensive income and earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 : Effects of Financial Instruments Three Months Ended September 30, Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 7 $ — $ (10 ) $ — $ — $ — Sales and other operating revenues Commodities (10 ) 30 8 (11 ) — — Cost of sales Foreign currency 141 15 (86 ) (13 ) 18 19 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates (163 ) 48 (1 ) — 23 (12 ) Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — — — (1 ) 2 Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — — — 1 7 Cost of sales Foreign currency — — — — 14 12 Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt 35 5 — — — — Other income, net Total $ 10 $ 98 $ (89 ) $ (24 ) $ 55 $ 28 Effects of Financial Instruments Nine Months Ended September 30, Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ (34 ) $ — $ (18 ) $ — $ — $ — Sales and other operating revenues Commodities 28 36 12 (7 ) — — Cost of sales Foreign currency 192 102 (99 ) (75 ) 50 50 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates (342 ) 115 (5 ) — 96 (74 ) Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — — — 2 1 Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — — — (18 ) 16 Cost of sales Foreign currency — — — — 30 28 Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt 40 31 — — — — Other income, net Total $ (116 ) $ 284 $ (110 ) $ (82 ) $ 160 $ 21 The derivative amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for foreign currency contracts designated as net investment hedges recognized in other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were gains of $3 million and less than $1 million , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were losses of $1 million and gains of $14 million , respectively. The derivative amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for foreign currency contracts designated as net investment hedges recognized in interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were gains of $5 million and $15 million , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were gains of $8 million and $21 million , respectively. 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 a $1 million and $7 million increase in interest expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 , respectively, and a $3 million and $1 million increase in interest expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 . Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities —The following tables summarize the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of our available-for-sale debt securities that are outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : September 30, 2019 Millions of dollars Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale debt securities: Bonds $ 52 $ 1 $ — $ 53 December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale debt securities: Bonds $ 567 $ — $ — $ 567 No allowance for credit losses related to our available-for-sale debt securities was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 . No losses related to other-than-temporary impairments of our available-for-sale debt securities were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2018. The proceeds from maturities and sales of our available-for-sale-debt securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are summarized in the following table: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale debt securities $ — $ — $ 331 $ 410 Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities — — 180 — The gross realized gains and losses associated with the sale of available-for-debt securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were less than $1 million in each respective period. We had no available-for-sale debt securities which were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than or greater than twelve months, respectively, as of September 30, 2019 . 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 : 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 $ — Investments in Equity Securities —We received proceeds of $332 million and $64 million related to the sale of our investments in equity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. No proceeds were received related to the sale of our investments in equity securities during the three months ended September 30, 2019. We received proceeds of $32 million related to the sale of our investments in equity securities during the three months ended September 30, 2018. At September 30, 2019 , we had no outstanding investment in equity securities. At December 31, 2018 , we had investments in equity securities with a notional amount of $322 million and a fair value of $325 million . The following table summarizes the portion of unrealized gains and losses for the equity securities that are outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and 2018: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net gains (losses) recognized during the period $ — $ (8 ) $ 6 $ 1 Less: Net gains recognized during the period on securities sold — 1 9 2 Unrealized losses recognized during the period $ — $ (9 ) $ (3 ) $ (1 )

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	10 . Income Taxes Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was 12.3% compared with 17.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 . For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the effective income tax rate was 15.4% compared with 11.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . Our effective income tax rate fluctuates based on, among other factors, changes in statutory tax rates, changes in pretax income in countries with varying statutory tax rates, changes in valuation allowances, changes in foreign exchange gains/losses, changes in the amount of exempt income and changes in unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions. Compared with the three months ended September 30, 2018 , the lower effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to changes in unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, partially offset by decreased exempt income. Compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the higher effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to changes in unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions and decreases in exempt income, partially offset by a tax benefit related to research and development activities. 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. Positions challenged by the tax authorities may be settled or appealed by us. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , we had unrecognized tax benefits of $199 million and $269 million , respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 , a statute of limitation expired and resulted in a $85 million non-cash benefit to our effective tax rate consisting of the recognition of $72 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction for tax positions of a prior year and the release of $13 million of previously accrued interest. Additionally, during 2018, we entered into an audit settlement impacting specific uncertain tax positions. This audit settlement resulted in a $346 million non-cash benefit to our effective tax rate consisting of the recognition of $288 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction for tax positions of prior years and the release of $58 million of previously accrued interest. These non-cash reductions in unrecognized tax benefits are reflected on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Other operating activities. 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 $45 million . 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. To determine the full effects of the tax law, we are awaiting the finalization of several proposed U.S. Treasury regulations under the Tax Act that were issued during 2018 and 2019. In prior years, the Company did not assert permanent reinvestment of our foreign earnings. However, as a result of the U.S. Section 245A temporary regulations, the Company does intend to permanently reinvest approximately $550 million of our non-U.S. earnings. Repatriation of these earnings to the U.S. in the future could result in a tax impact of approximately $60 million . Prior to the issuance of the retroactive temporary regulations, the non-U.S. earnings on the permanent reinvestment could have been distributed tax free.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	11 . Commitments and Contingencies Commitments —We have various purchase commitments for materials, supplies and services incidental 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. As of September 30, 2019 , we had capital expenditure commitments, which we incurred in our normal course of business , including commitments of approximately $429 million related to building our new PO/TBA plant on the Texas Gulf Coast and Hyperzone polyethylene plant in La Porte, Texas. 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 $130 million and $90 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. At September 30, 2019 , the accrued liabilities for individual sites range from less than $1 million to $16 million . The remediation expenditures are expected to occur over a number of years, and not 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. 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 September 30, 2019 , 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 and Redeem

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests Disclosure [Text Block]	12 . Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests Stockholders’ Equity Dividend Distributions —The following table summarized the dividends paid in the periods presented: Millions of dollars, except per share amounts Dividend Per Ordinary Share Aggregate Dividends Paid Date of Record March $ 1.00 $ 372 March 4, 2019 June 1.05 388 June 10, 2019 September 1.05 351 September 4, 2019 $ 3.10 $ 1,111 In February, May and August 2019, we paid a cash dividend of $15.00 per share to A. Schulman Special Stock shareholders of record as of January 15, 2019 , April 15, 2019 , and July 15, 2019 , respectively. Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock totaled $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Share Repurchase Authorization In May 2019 , our shareholders approved a proposal to authorize us to repurchase up to 37.0 million of our ordinary shares through November 30, 2020 (“ May 2019 Share Repurchase Authorization ”), which superseded the remaining authorization under our June 2018 Share Repurchase Authorization. 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. Upon the completion of the tender offer in July 2019, we repurchased 35.1 million ordinary shares, under the May 2019 Share Repurchase Authorization, at a tender offer price of $88.00 per share for a total of $3,099 million , including $6 million of fees and expenses related to the tender offer. The remaining 1.9 million shares under the May 2019 Share Repurchase Authorization were repurchased from the open market in August 2019. In September 2019, our shareholders approved a proposal to authorize us to repurchase up to 33.3 million ordinary shares, through March 12, 2021 (“ September 2019 Share Repurchase Authorization ”), which superseded any prior repurchase authorizations. The following tables summarize our share repurchase activity for the periods presented: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Millions of dollars, except shares and per share amounts Shares Repurchased Average Purchase Price Total Purchase Price, Including Commissions and Fees June 2018 Share Repurchase Authorization 5,648,900 $ 86.38 $ 488 May 2019 Share Repurchase Authorization 37,032,594 87.50 3,240 42,681,494 $ 87.35 $ 3,728 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Millions of dollars, except shares and per share amounts Shares Repurchased Average Purchase Price Total Purchase Price, Including Commissions and Fees May 2017 Share Repurchase Authorization 4,004,753 $ 106.05 $ 425 June 2018 Share Repurchase Authorization 3,674,062 107.89 396 7,678,815 $ 106.93 $ 821 Due to the timing of settlements, total cash paid for share repurchases for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $3,752 million and $801 million , respectively. Ordinary Shares —The changes in the outstanding amounts of ordinary shares are as follows: Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 Ordinary shares outstanding: Beginning balance 375,696,661 394,512,054 Share-based compensation 268,851 285,186 Employee stock purchase plan 123,869 82,758 Purchase of ordinary shares (42,681,505 ) (7,702,222 ) Ending balance 333,407,876 387,177,776 Treasury Shares— The changes in the amounts of treasury shares held by the Company are as follows: Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: Beginning balance 24,513,619 183,928,109 Share-based compensation (268,851 ) (285,186 ) Employee stock purchase plan (123,869 ) (82,758 ) Purchase of ordinary shares 42,681,505 7,702,222 Treasury shares canceled — (178,229,883 ) Ending balance 66,802,404 13,032,504 In September 2019, our Board authorized the cancellation of approximately 60.2 million ordinary shares held in treasury, as approved by the shareholders. In accordance with cancellation procedures under Dutch law, the cancellation will become effective only following the conclusion of a two-month creditor opposition period and contingent upon the resolution of any objections that may be raised. We expect the cancellation to be effective during the fourth quarter of 2019. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, following approval by our Board and shareholders, we canceled 178,229,883 ordinary shares held in our treasury account. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, purchase of ordinary shares includes 11 shares and 23,407 shares, respectively, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are presented in the following tables: Millions of dollars Financial Derivatives Unrealized Gains on Available -for-Sale Debt Securities Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance – January 1, 2019 $ (68 ) $ — $ (442 ) $ (853 ) $ (1,363 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (184 ) 1 — (92 ) (275 ) Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications 36 — — (14 ) 22 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (110 ) — 20 — (90 ) Tax (expense) benefit 28 — (5 ) — 23 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (230 ) 1 15 (106 ) (320 ) Balance – September 30, 2019 $ (298 ) $ 1 $ (427 ) $ (959 ) $ (1,683 ) Millions of dollars Financial Derivatives Unrealized 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 186 — — (48 ) 138 Tax expense before reclassifications (36 ) — — (15 ) (51 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (81 ) — 26 — (55 ) Tax (expense) benefit 20 — (6 ) — 14 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 89 — 20 (63 ) 46 Balance – September 30, 2018 $ (33 ) $ — $ (452 ) $ (824 ) $ (1,309 ) The amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Item on the Consolidated Statements of Income Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Reclassification adjustments for: Financial derivatives: Foreign currency $ (86 ) $ (13 ) $ (99 ) $ (75 ) Other income, net Commodities (10 ) — (18 ) — Sales and other operating revenue Commodities 8 (10 ) 12 (6 ) Cost of sales Interest rates (1 ) — (5 ) — Interest expense Income tax expense (benefit) (25 ) (5 ) (28 ) (20 ) Provision for income taxes Financial derivatives, net of tax (64 ) (18 ) (82 ) (61 ) Amortization of defined pension items: Prior service cost — — 1 — Other income, net Actuarial loss 6 9 19 25 Other income, net Settlement loss — — — 1 Other income, net Income tax expense 1 3 5 6 Provision for income taxes Defined pension items, net of tax 5 6 15 20 Total reclassifications, before tax (83 ) (14 ) (90 ) (55 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (24 ) (2 ) (23 ) (14 ) Provision for income taxes Total reclassifications, after tax $ (59 ) $ (12 ) $ (67 ) $ (41 ) Amount included in net income Purchase of Non-controlling Interest— In February 2019, we increased our interest in our subsidiary La Porte Methanol Company, L.P., from 85% to 100% , for cash consideration of $63 million . Redeemable Non-controlling Interests Our redeemable non-controlling interests relate to 115,374 shares of A. Schulman Special Stock which were outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 .

Per Share Data

Per Share Data	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Per Share Data [Text Block]	13 . Per Share Data Basic earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of certain stock option awards and other equity-based compensation awards. We have unvested restricted stock units that are considered participating securities for earnings per share. Earnings per share data and dividends declared per share of common stock are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Millions of dollars Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Net income (loss) $ 969 $ (4 ) $ 1,115 $ (2 ) Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock (2 ) — — — Net income attributable to participating securities (2 ) — (2 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders – basic and diluted $ 965 $ (4 ) $ 1,113 $ (2 ) Millions of shares, except per share amounts Basic weighted average common stock outstanding 337 337 389 389 Effect of dilutive securities: Performance share units — — 1 1 Potential dilutive shares 337 337 390 390 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 2.86 $ (0.01 ) $ 2.86 $ — Diluted $ 2.86 $ (0.01 ) $ 2.85 $ — Participating securities 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 Dividends declared per share of common stock $ 1.05 $ — $ 1.00 $ — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Millions of dollars Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Net income (loss) $ 2,792 $ (7 ) $ 4,001 $ (3 ) Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock (5 ) — — — Net income attributable to participating securities (5 ) — (4 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders – basic and diluted $ 2,782 $ (7 ) $ 3,997 $ (3 ) Millions of shares, except per share amounts Basic weighted average common stock outstanding 360 360 391 391 Effect of dilutive securities: Performance share units — — 1 1 Potential dilutive shares 360 360 392 392 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 7.74 $ (0.02 ) $ 10.21 $ (0.01 ) Diluted $ 7.74 $ (0.02 ) $ 10.19 $ (0.01 ) Participating securities 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 Dividends declared per share of common stock $ 3.10 $ — $ 3.00 $ —

Segment and Related Information

Segment and Related Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Related Information [Text Block]	14 . Segment and Related Information Our operating segments are managed by senior executives who report 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 oils 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, we have presented EBITDA for all segments. We define EBITDA as earnings before interest, income 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 cost. 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: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Millions of dollars O&P– O&P– I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 1,337 $ 2,138 $ 1,988 $ 1,186 $ 1,952 $ 121 $ — $ 8,722 Intersegment 800 171 58 — 182 25 (1,236 ) — 2,137 2,309 2,046 1,186 2,134 146 (1,236 ) 8,722 Income from equity investments 12 36 1 2 — — — 51 EBITDA 653 291 390 102 (6 ) 83 — 1,513 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Millions of dollars O&P– O&P– I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 1,843 $ 2,434 $ 2,463 $ 1,038 $ 2,236 $ 141 $ — $ 10,155 Intersegment 927 209 46 1 263 30 (1,476 ) — 2,770 2,643 2,509 1,039 2,499 171 (1,476 ) 10,155 Income from equity investments 18 69 2 — — — — 89 EBITDA 704 262 504 70 84 98 10 1,732 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Millions of dollars O&P– Americas O&P– EAI I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 4,055 $ 6,764 $ 5,860 $ 3,781 $ 5,706 $ 382 $ — $ 26,548 Intersegment 2,307 585 142 2 490 78 (3,604 ) — 6,362 7,349 6,002 3,783 6,196 460 (3,604 ) 26,548 Income from equity investments 35 139 5 — — — — 179 EBITDA 1,804 918 1,228 370 (87 ) 273 14 4,520 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Millions of dollars O&P– Americas O&P– EAI I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 5,324 $ 7,866 $ 7,314 $ 2,709 $ 6,536 $ 379 $ — $ 30,128 Intersegment 2,634 637 122 1 789 89 (4,272 ) — 7,958 8,503 7,436 2,710 7,325 468 (4,272 ) 30,128 Income from equity investments 50 199 4 — — — — 253 EBITDA 2,131 1,036 1,632 314 251 267 24 5,655 Our APS segment results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 include $43 million and $78 million , respectively, of integration costs associated with our August 2018 acquisition of A. Schulman. In 2018, the third quarter and first nine months include $49 million of transaction and integration costs. A reconciliation of EBITDA to Income from continuing operations before income taxes is shown in the following table for each of the periods presented: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 EBITDA: Total segment EBITDA $ 1,513 $ 1,722 $ 4,506 $ 5,631 Other EBITDA — 10 14 24 Less: Depreciation and amortization expense (327 ) (309 ) (977 ) (908 ) Interest expense (86 ) (90 ) (259 ) (272 ) Add: Interest income 5 14 16 40 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 1,105 $ 1,347 $ 3,300 $ 4,515

Leases (Policies)

Leases (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases [Policy Text Block]	We 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 accounted for as leases under previous accounting standards are, or contain a lease under the new standard. We also elected the practical expedient to account for lease and associated non-lease components as a single lease component for all asset classes with the exception of utilities and pipeline assets within major manufacturing equipment, which do not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Comparative financial information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. At inception of a contract, we determine if the contract contains a lease. When a lease is identified, we recognize a lease asset and a corresponding lease liability based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term discounted using our incremental borrowing rate, unless an implicit rate is readily determinable. Lease payments include fixed and variable lease components. Variable components are derived from usage or market-based indices, such as the consumer price index. Options to extend or terminate the lease are reflected in the lease payments and lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. We recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Accounting and Reporting Chan_2

Accounting and Reporting Changes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Schedule of accounting and reporting changes [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a brief description of recently adopted Accounting Standard Updates (“ASU”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). With the exception of the new lease standard, the adoption of the new standards listed below did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Standard Description ASU 2016-02, Leases (including subsequent amendments) This guidance establishes a right-of-use model that requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. Leases are classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the timing and classification of expense recognition. This guidance also enhances disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted the new standard in the first quarter of 2019. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the disclosures related to the adoption of this guidance. ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (including subsequent amendments) This guidance 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 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. Standard Description ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements This guidance makes minor improvements in various subtopics. Some of the amendments within the ASU do not require transition and are effective upon issuance. However, many of the amendments do have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 for public entities. Our early adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of 2019 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Credit Losses on Financial Instruments; Derivatives and Hedging; and Financial Instruments This guidance makes minor clarifications and minor improvements to certain aspects of accounting for credit losses, hedging activities and financial instruments. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Our early adoption of this guidance on a modified-retrospective basis in the second quarter of 2019 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Adopted as of September 30, 2019 We are currently assessing the impact of the standards listed below on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Standard Description ASU 2018-13, 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. This guidance will be effective for all entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2018-14, 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 eliminates the requirement of certain disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial; however, it adds more pertinent disclosures. This guidance will be effective for public entities for annual periods ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2018-15, 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 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. This guidance will be effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of revenue [Table Text Block]	Disaggregation of Revenues— The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by key products for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Sales and other operating revenues: Polyethylene $ 1,509 $ 1,830 $ 4,713 $ 5,765 Polypropylene 1,251 1,414 3,883 4,405 Olefins and co-products 709 1,021 2,202 2,987 Oxyfuels and related products 837 934 2,298 2,670 Intermediate chemicals 655 905 2,000 2,756 Propylene oxide and derivatives 481 603 1,498 1,828 Compounding and solutions 991 797 3,193 1,990 Advanced polymers 194 240 588 718 Refined products 1,952 2,236 5,706 6,536 Other 143 175 467 473 Total $ 8,722 $ 10,155 $ 26,548 $ 30,128 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geography, based upon the location of the customer, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Sales and other operating revenues: United States $ 4,190 $ 5,011 $ 12,333 $ 14,528 Germany 671 741 2,112 2,326 Mexico 390 627 1,349 1,705 Italy 361 376 1,133 1,203 France 324 371 1,049 1,118 China 299 289 895 850 The Netherlands 226 259 748 835 Japan 282 297 740 952 Other 1,979 2,184 6,189 6,611 Total $ 8,722 $ 10,155 $ 26,548 $ 30,128

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventory [Table Text Block]	Inventories consisted of the following components: Millions of dollars September 30, December 31, Finished goods $ 3,008 $ 3,066 Work-in-process 177 138 Raw materials and supplies 1,261 1,311 Total inventories $ 4,446 $ 4,515

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt [Table Text Block]	Long-term loans, notes and other debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance cost, consisted of the following: Millions of dollars September 30, December 31, Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% $ — $ 988 Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% ($4 million of debt issuance cost) 999 975 Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75% ($6 million of debt issuance cost) 994 993 Senior Notes due 2055, $1,000 million, 4.625% ($16 million of discount; $11 million of debt issuance cost) 973 973 Term Loan due 2020, $2,000 million 974 — Term Loan due 2022, $4,000 million — — Guaranteed Notes due 2022, €750 million, 1.875% ($1 million of discount; $2 million of debt issuance cost) 817 855 Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% ($4 million of discount; $3 million of debt issuance cost) 743 742 Guaranteed Notes due 2026, €500 million, 0.875% ($2 million of discount; $4 million of debt issuance cost) 539 — Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% ($8 million of discount; $6 million of debt issuance cost) 1,043 964 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1% 300 300 Guaranteed Notes due 2031, €500 million, 1.625% ($6 million of discount; $3 million of debt issuance cost) 536 — Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($20 million of discount; $7 million of debt issuance cost) 723 722 Guaranteed Notes due 2044, $1,000 million, 4.875% ($11 million of discount; $9 million of debt issuance cost) 980 980 Other 11 10 Total 9,632 8,502 Less current maturities (4 ) (5 ) Long-term debt $ 9,628 $ 8,497 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: Gains (Losses) Cumulative Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Carrying Amount of Debt Inception Year Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, December 31, Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Senior Notes due 2019, 5.0% 2014 $ — $ (7 ) $ (11 ) $ (16 ) $ — $ 11 Senior Notes due 2021, 6.0% 2016 (3 ) 2 (23 ) 22 (3 ) 20 Guaranteed Notes due 2027, 3.5% 2017 (21 ) 12 (78 ) 54 (57 ) 21 Guaranteed Notes due 2022, 1.875% 2018 — 1 (1 ) — (2 ) (1 ) Total $ (24 ) $ 8 $ (113 ) $ 60 $ (62 ) $ 51 The cumulative fair value hedging adjustments remaining at December 31, 2018 associated with our Senior Notes due 2019 included $7 million for hedges that were discontinued. Fair value adjustments are recognized in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Schedule of short-term debt [Table Text Block]	Short-term loans, notes and other debt consisted of the following: Millions of dollars September 30, December 31, Term Loan due 2020, $2,000 million $ 1,026 $ — Senior Revolving Credit Facility, $2,500 million — — U.S. Receivables Facility, $900 million 500 — Commercial paper 786 809 Precious metal financings 124 71 Other 2 5 Total short-term debt $ 2,438 $ 885

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Maturities of operating lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 are as follows: Millions of dollars Last three months of 2019 $ 88 2020 317 2021 267 2022 226 2023 197 Thereafter 701 Total lease payments 1,796 Less: Imputed interest (265 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 1,531
Schedule of operating lease cost [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the components of operating lease cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 : Millions of dollars Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Operating lease cost $ 90 $ 270 Short-term lease cost 41 114 Variable lease cost 12 48 Net operating lease cost $ 143 $ 432
Schedule of future estimated minimum rental payments for operating leases [Table Text Block]	Lease Commitments— As of December 31, 2018, the undiscounted aggregate future estimated payments for our operating lease commitments, including those which have not commenced, and those with an initial term of 12 months or less, were as follows: Millions of dollars 2019 $ 365 2020 288 2021 256 2022 236 2023 204 Thereafter 1,126 Total minimum lease payments $ 2,475

Financial Instruments and Fai_2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Notional Amount Fair Value Notional Amount Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Assets– Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ — $ — $ 472 $ 12 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency — 52 — 27 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency 2,000 261 2,000 117 Other assets Interest rates — 27 600 33 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Interest rates 2,136 62 143 1 Other assets Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities 53 3 35 5 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign currency 91 — 599 3 Prepaid expenses and other current assets Non-derivatives: Available-for-sale debt securities 53 53 567 567 Short-term investments Equity securities — — 322 325 Short-term investments Total $ 4,333 $ 458 $ 4,738 $ 1,090 Liabilities– Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ — $ — $ 4 $ — Accrued liabilities Foreign currency — 32 — 17 Accrued liabilities Foreign currency 950 28 950 75 Other liabilities Interest rates 1,000 232 1,400 16 Accrued liabilities Interest rates 500 117 2,500 45 Other liabilities Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities 192 19 63 14 Accrued liabilities Foreign currency 75 — 1,165 7 Accrued liabilities Non-derivatives: Performance share units — — 29 29 Accrued liabilities Total $ 2,717 $ 428 $ 6,111 $ 203 Commodity derivatives designated as hedges are classified as Level 1. Our investments in 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 debt securities in the tables above are classified as Level 2.
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 —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 commercial paper. 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . 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 of long-term debt exclude finance leases and commercial paper. September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Non-derivatives: Assets: Short-term loans receivable $ 518 $ 518 $ 544 $ 544 Liabilities: Short-term debt $ 1,650 $ 1,667 $ 71 $ 77 Long-term debt 9,621 10,309 8,492 8,476 Total $ 11,271 $ 11,976 $ 8,563 $ 8,553 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 nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 .
Summary of cash flow hedges [Table Text Block]	Cash Flow Hedges— The following table summarizes our cash flow hedges outstanding at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Notional Value Notional Value Expiration Date Foreign currency $ 2,300 $ 2,300 2021 to 2027 Interest rates 1,500 1,500 2020 to 2021 Commodities — 476 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 effects of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments on Other comprehensive income and earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 : Effects of Financial Instruments Three Months Ended September 30, Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ 7 $ — $ (10 ) $ — $ — $ — Sales and other operating revenues Commodities (10 ) 30 8 (11 ) — — Cost of sales Foreign currency 141 15 (86 ) (13 ) 18 19 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates (163 ) 48 (1 ) — 23 (12 ) Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — — — (1 ) 2 Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — — — 1 7 Cost of sales Foreign currency — — — — 14 12 Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt 35 5 — — — — Other income, net Total $ 10 $ 98 $ (89 ) $ (24 ) $ 55 $ 28 Effects of Financial Instruments Nine Months Ended September 30, Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Income Statement Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Classification Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodities $ (34 ) $ — $ (18 ) $ — $ — $ — Sales and other operating revenues Commodities 28 36 12 (7 ) — — Cost of sales Foreign currency 192 102 (99 ) (75 ) 50 50 Other income, net; Interest expense Interest rates (342 ) 115 (5 ) — 96 (74 ) Interest expense Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodities — — — — 2 1 Sales and other operating revenues Commodities — — — — (18 ) 16 Cost of sales Foreign currency — — — — 30 28 Other income, net Non-derivatives designated as hedges: Long-term debt 40 31 — — — — Other income, net Total $ (116 ) $ 284 $ (110 ) $ (82 ) $ 160 $ 21
Schedule of available-for-sale debt securities reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities —The following tables summarize the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of our available-for-sale debt securities that are outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : September 30, 2019 Millions of dollars Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale debt securities: Bonds $ 52 $ 1 $ — $ 53 December 31, 2018 Millions of dollars Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale debt securities: Bonds $ 567 $ — $ — $ 567
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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are summarized in the following table: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale debt securities $ — $ — $ 331 $ 410 Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities — — 180 —
Summary of available-for-sale debt securities, continuous unrealized loss position, fair value [Table Text Block]	We had no available-for-sale debt securities which were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than or greater than twelve months, respectively, as of September 30, 2019 . 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 : 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 $ —
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 September 30, 2019 and 2018: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net gains (losses) recognized during the period $ — $ (8 ) $ 6 $ 1 Less: Net gains recognized during the period on securities sold — 1 9 2 Unrealized losses recognized during the period $ — $ (9 ) $ (3 ) $ (1 )

Stockholders' Equity and Rede_2

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests, Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests [Abstract]
Dividends declared [Table Text Block]	Dividend Distributions —The following table summarized the dividends paid in the periods presented: Millions of dollars, except per share amounts Dividend Per Ordinary Share Aggregate Dividends Paid Date of Record March $ 1.00 $ 372 March 4, 2019 June 1.05 388 June 10, 2019 September 1.05 351 September 4, 2019 $ 3.10 $ 1,111 In February, May and August 2019, we paid a cash dividend of $15.00 per share to A. Schulman Special Stock shareholders of record as of January 15, 2019 , April 15, 2019 , and July 15, 2019 , respectively. Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock totaled $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Schedule of share repurchase programs [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize our share repurchase activity for the periods presented: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Millions of dollars, except shares and per share amounts Shares Repurchased Average Purchase Price Total Purchase Price, Including Commissions and Fees June 2018 Share Repurchase Authorization 5,648,900 $ 86.38 $ 488 May 2019 Share Repurchase Authorization 37,032,594 87.50 3,240 42,681,494 $ 87.35 $ 3,728 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Millions of dollars, except shares and per share amounts Shares Repurchased Average Purchase Price Total Purchase Price, Including Commissions and Fees May 2017 Share Repurchase Authorization 4,004,753 $ 106.05 $ 425 June 2018 Share Repurchase Authorization 3,674,062 107.89 396 7,678,815 $ 106.93 $ 821 Due to the timing of settlements, total cash paid for share repurchases for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $3,752 million and $801 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: Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 Ordinary shares outstanding: Beginning balance 375,696,661 394,512,054 Share-based compensation 268,851 285,186 Employee stock purchase plan 123,869 82,758 Purchase of ordinary shares (42,681,505 ) (7,702,222 ) Ending balance 333,407,876 387,177,776 Treasury Shares— The changes in the amounts of treasury shares held by the Company are as follows: Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 Ordinary shares held as treasury shares: Beginning balance 24,513,619 183,928,109 Share-based compensation (268,851 ) (285,186 ) Employee stock purchase plan (123,869 ) (82,758 ) Purchase of ordinary shares 42,681,505 7,702,222 Treasury shares canceled — (178,229,883 ) Ending balance 66,802,404 13,032,504 In September 2019, our Board authorized the cancellation of approximately 60.2 million ordinary shares held in treasury, as approved by the shareholders. In accordance with cancellation procedures under Dutch law, the cancellation will become effective only following the conclusion of a two-month creditor opposition period and contingent upon the resolution of any objections that may be raised. We expect the cancellation to be effective during the fourth quarter of 2019. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, following approval by our Board and shareholders, we canceled 178,229,883 ordinary shares held in our treasury account. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, purchase of ordinary shares includes 11 shares and 23,407 shares, respectively, that were returned to us at no cost resulting from unclaimed distributions to creditors.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are presented in the following tables: Millions of dollars Financial Derivatives Unrealized Gains on Available -for-Sale Debt Securities Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance – January 1, 2019 $ (68 ) $ — $ (442 ) $ (853 ) $ (1,363 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (184 ) 1 — (92 ) (275 ) Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications 36 — — (14 ) 22 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (110 ) — 20 — (90 ) Tax (expense) benefit 28 — (5 ) — 23 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (230 ) 1 15 (106 ) (320 ) Balance – September 30, 2019 $ (298 ) $ 1 $ (427 ) $ (959 ) $ (1,683 ) Millions of dollars Financial Derivatives Unrealized 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 186 — — (48 ) 138 Tax expense before reclassifications (36 ) — — (15 ) (51 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (81 ) — 26 — (55 ) Tax (expense) benefit 20 — (6 ) — 14 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 89 — 20 (63 ) 46 Balance – September 30, 2018 $ (33 ) $ — $ (452 ) $ (824 ) $ (1,309 )
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: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Item on the Consolidated Statements of Income Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 Reclassification adjustments for: Financial derivatives: Foreign currency $ (86 ) $ (13 ) $ (99 ) $ (75 ) Other income, net Commodities (10 ) — (18 ) — Sales and other operating revenue Commodities 8 (10 ) 12 (6 ) Cost of sales Interest rates (1 ) — (5 ) — Interest expense Income tax expense (benefit) (25 ) (5 ) (28 ) (20 ) Provision for income taxes Financial derivatives, net of tax (64 ) (18 ) (82 ) (61 ) Amortization of defined pension items: Prior service cost — — 1 — Other income, net Actuarial loss 6 9 19 25 Other income, net Settlement loss — — — 1 Other income, net Income tax expense 1 3 5 6 Provision for income taxes Defined pension items, net of tax 5 6 15 20 Total reclassifications, before tax (83 ) (14 ) (90 ) (55 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (24 ) (2 ) (23 ) (14 ) Provision for income taxes Total reclassifications, after tax $ (59 ) $ (12 ) $ (67 ) $ (41 ) Amount included in net income

Per Share Data (Tables)

Per Share Data (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Millions of dollars Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Net income (loss) $ 969 $ (4 ) $ 1,115 $ (2 ) Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock (2 ) — — — Net income attributable to participating securities (2 ) — (2 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders – basic and diluted $ 965 $ (4 ) $ 1,113 $ (2 ) Millions of shares, except per share amounts Basic weighted average common stock outstanding 337 337 389 389 Effect of dilutive securities: Performance share units — — 1 1 Potential dilutive shares 337 337 390 390 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 2.86 $ (0.01 ) $ 2.86 $ — Diluted $ 2.86 $ (0.01 ) $ 2.85 $ — Participating securities 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 Dividends declared per share of common stock $ 1.05 $ — $ 1.00 $ — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Millions of dollars Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Net income (loss) $ 2,792 $ (7 ) $ 4,001 $ (3 ) Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock (5 ) — — — Net income attributable to participating securities (5 ) — (4 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders – basic and diluted $ 2,782 $ (7 ) $ 3,997 $ (3 ) Millions of shares, except per share amounts Basic weighted average common stock outstanding 360 360 391 391 Effect of dilutive securities: Performance share units — — 1 1 Potential dilutive shares 360 360 392 392 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 7.74 $ (0.02 ) $ 10.21 $ (0.01 ) Diluted $ 7.74 $ (0.02 ) $ 10.19 $ (0.01 ) Participating securities 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 Dividends declared per share of common stock $ 3.10 $ — $ 3.00 $ —

Segment and Related Informati_2

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information, by segment [Table Text Block]	Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments is shown in the following table for the periods presented: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Millions of dollars O&P– O&P– I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 1,337 $ 2,138 $ 1,988 $ 1,186 $ 1,952 $ 121 $ — $ 8,722 Intersegment 800 171 58 — 182 25 (1,236 ) — 2,137 2,309 2,046 1,186 2,134 146 (1,236 ) 8,722 Income from equity investments 12 36 1 2 — — — 51 EBITDA 653 291 390 102 (6 ) 83 — 1,513 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Millions of dollars O&P– O&P– I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 1,843 $ 2,434 $ 2,463 $ 1,038 $ 2,236 $ 141 $ — $ 10,155 Intersegment 927 209 46 1 263 30 (1,476 ) — 2,770 2,643 2,509 1,039 2,499 171 (1,476 ) 10,155 Income from equity investments 18 69 2 — — — — 89 EBITDA 704 262 504 70 84 98 10 1,732 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Millions of dollars O&P– Americas O&P– EAI I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 4,055 $ 6,764 $ 5,860 $ 3,781 $ 5,706 $ 382 $ — $ 26,548 Intersegment 2,307 585 142 2 490 78 (3,604 ) — 6,362 7,349 6,002 3,783 6,196 460 (3,604 ) 26,548 Income from equity investments 35 139 5 — — — — 179 EBITDA 1,804 918 1,228 370 (87 ) 273 14 4,520 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Millions of dollars O&P– Americas O&P– EAI I&D APS Refining Technology Other Total Sales and other operating revenues: Customers $ 5,324 $ 7,866 $ 7,314 $ 2,709 $ 6,536 $ 379 $ — $ 30,128 Intersegment 2,634 637 122 1 789 89 (4,272 ) — 7,958 8,503 7,436 2,710 7,325 468 (4,272 ) 30,128 Income from equity investments 50 199 4 — — — — 253 EBITDA 2,131 1,036 1,632 314 251 267 24 5,655 Our APS segment results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 include $43 million and $78 million , respectively, of integration costs associated with our August 2018 acquisition of A. Schulman. In 2018, the third quarter and first nine months include $49 million of transaction and integration costs.
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: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Millions of dollars 2019 2018 2019 2018 EBITDA: Total segment EBITDA $ 1,513 $ 1,722 $ 4,506 $ 5,631 Other EBITDA — 10 14 24 Less: Depreciation and amortization expense (327 ) (309 ) (977 ) (908 ) Interest expense (86 ) (90 ) (259 ) (272 ) Add: Interest income 5 14 16 40 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 1,105 $ 1,347 $ 3,300 $ 4,515

Business Combination, Summary o

Business Combination, Summary of consideration transferred (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 21, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019
Adjustment disclosure for business combination completed in previous reporting period [Abstract]
Business acquisition, effective date of acquisition	Aug. 21, 2018
Business acquisition, name of acquired entity	A. Schulman Inc.
Adjusted aggregate purchase price	$ 1,933
Goodwill, period increase (decrease)		$ 86

Revenues (Details)

Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Contract with customer, liability [Abstract]
Contract with customer liability	$ 143	$ 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 8,722	$ 10,155	$ 26,548	$ 30,128
Polyethylene [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,509	1,830	4,713	5,765
Polypropylene [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,251	1,414	3,883	4,405
Olefins & co-products [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	709	1,021	2,202	2,987
Oxyfuels and related products [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	837	934	2,298	2,670
Intermediate chemicals [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	655	905	2,000	2,756
Propylene oxide and derivatives [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	481	603	1,498	1,828
Compounding and solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	991	797	3,193	1,990
Advanced polymers [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	194	240	588	718
Refined products [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,952	2,236	5,706	6,536
Other [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 143	$ 175	$ 467	$ 473

Revenues, Geographic location (

Revenues, Geographic location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 8,722	$ 10,155	$ 26,548	$ 30,128
United States [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	4,190	5,011	12,333	14,528
Germany [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	671	741	2,112	2,326
Mexico [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	390	627	1,349	1,705
Italy [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	361	376	1,133	1,203
France [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	324	371	1,049	1,118
China [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	299	289	895	850
The Netherlands [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	226	259	748	835
Japan [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	282	297	740	952
Other [Member]
Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 1,979	$ 2,184	$ 6,189	$ 6,611

Accounts Receivable (Details)

Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 15	$ 16

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory, finished goods, work-in-process, and raw materials and supplies [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 3,008	$ 3,066
Work-in-process	177	138
Raw materials and supplies	1,261	1,311
Total inventories	$ 4,446	$ 4,515

Debt, Long-term debt (Details)

Debt, Long-term debt (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 9,632		$ 9,632		$ 8,502
Current maturities of long-term debt	(4)		(4)		(5)
Long-term debt, non-current portion	9,628		$ 9,628		8,497
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0%
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year			2019
Face amount	$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%		5.00%	5.00%
Long-term debt	$ 0		$ 0		988
Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% ($4 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year			2021
Face amount	$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	6.00%		6.00%	6.00%
Unamortized debt issuance cost	$ 4		$ 4
Long-term debt	999		$ 999		975
Senior Notes due 2024, $1,000 million, 5.75% ($6 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year			2024
Face amount	$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.75%		5.75%	5.75%
Unamortized debt issuance cost	$ 6		$ 6
Long-term debt	994		$ 994		993
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			2055
Face amount	$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	4.625%		4.625%	4.625%
Unamortized discount	$ 16		$ 16
Unamortized debt issuance cost	11		11
Long-term debt	973		$ 973		973
Term Loan due 2020, $2,000 million
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year			2020
Maximum borrowing capacity	2,000		$ 2,000
Long-term debt	974		$ 974
Term Loan due 2022, $4,000 million
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year		2022	2022
Maximum borrowing capacity	4,000	$ 4,000	$ 4,000
Long-term debt	$ 0		$ 0
Guaranteed Notes due 2022, €750 million, 1.875% ($1 million of discount; $2 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year			2022
Face amount | €				€ 750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	1.875%		1.875%	1.875%
Unamortized discount	$ 1		$ 1
Unamortized debt issuance cost	2		2
Long-term debt	817		$ 817		855
Guaranteed Notes due 2023, $750 million, 4.0% ($4 million of discount; $3 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year			2023
Face amount	$ 750		$ 750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%		4.00%	4.00%
Unamortized discount	$ 4		$ 4
Unamortized debt issuance cost	3		3
Long-term debt	$ 743		$ 743		742
Guaranteed Notes due 2026, €500 million, 0.875% ($2 million of discount; $4 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2026		2026
Face amount | €				€ 500
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	0.875%		0.875%	0.875%
Unamortized discount	$ 2		$ 2
Unamortized debt issuance cost	4		4
Long-term debt	539		$ 539
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% ($8 million of discount; $6 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year			2027
Face amount	$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%
Unamortized discount	$ 8		$ 8
Unamortized debt issuance cost	6		6
Long-term debt	1,043		$ 1,043		964
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $300 million, 8.1%
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year			2027
Face amount	$ 300		$ 300
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	8.10%		8.10%	8.10%
Long-term debt	$ 300		$ 300		300
Guaranteed Notes due 2031, €500 million, 1.625% ($6 million of discount; $3 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year	2031		2031
Face amount | €				€ 500
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	1.625%		1.625%	1.625%
Unamortized discount	$ 6		$ 6
Unamortized debt issuance cost	3		3
Long-term debt	536		$ 536
Guaranteed Notes due 2043, $750 million, 5.25% ($20 million of discount; $7 million of debt issuance cost)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Maturity year			2043
Face amount	$ 750		$ 750
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.25%		5.25%	5.25%
Unamortized discount	$ 20		$ 20
Unamortized debt issuance cost	7		7
Long-term debt	723		$ 723		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			2044
Face amount	$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	4.875%		4.875%	4.875%
Unamortized discount	$ 11		$ 11
Unamortized debt issuance cost	9		9
Long-term debt	980		980		980
Other long-term debt [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 11		$ 11		$ 10

Debt, Description of fair value

Debt, Description of fair value adjustments for senior and guaranteed notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	21 Months Ended	24 Months Ended	33 Months Ended	36 Months Ended	45 Months Ended	60 Months Ended	69 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps	$ (24)	$ 8	$ (113)	$ 60							$ 51	$ (62)
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year			2019
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%		5.00%			5.00%		5.00%		5.00%		5.00%
Inception year			2014
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps	$ 0	(7)	$ (11)	(16)							11	$ 0
Cumulative fair value hedging adjustment remaining for discontinued hedges					$ 7		$ 7		$ 7		$ 7
Senior Notes due 2021, $1,000 million, 6.0% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year			2021
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	6.00%		6.00%			6.00%		6.00%		6.00%		6.00%
Inception year			2016
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps	$ (3)	2	$ (23)	22					$ 20	$ (3)
Guaranteed Notes due 2027, $1,000 million, 3.5% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year			2027
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	3.50%		3.50%			3.50%		3.50%		3.50%		3.50%
Inception year			2017
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps	$ (21)	12	$ (78)	54			$ 21	$ (57)
Guaranteed Notes due 2022, Euro 750 million, 1.875% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year			2022
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	1.875%		1.875%			1.875%		1.875%		1.875%		1.875%
Inception year			2018
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments of the hedged item related to interest rate swaps	$ 0	$ 1	$ (1)	$ 0	$ (1)	$ (2)

Debt, Short-term debt (Details)

Debt, Short-term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt		$ 2,438	$ 885
Term Loan due 2020, $2,000 million
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Face amount senior unsecured term loan	$ 2,000	2,000
Short-term debt		1,026
Senior Revolving Credit Facility, $2,500 million [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		2,500
Short-term debt		0	0
U.S. Receivables Facility, $900 million [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		900
Short-term debt		500	0
Commercial paper [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		2,500
Short-term debt		786	809
Precious metal financings [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt		124	71
Other short-term debt [Member]
Short-term debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt		$ 2	$ 5

Debt, Description of long-term

Debt, Description of long-term debt (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019EUR (€)
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt							$ 2,000	$ 394
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt							2,096	0
Proceeds from commercial paper							(23)	140
Proceeds from operating cash							$ 3,719	$ 4,174
Guaranteed Notes due 2026, €500 million, 0.875%
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Issuance date		September 2019
Interest rate		0.875%		0.875%			0.875%		0.875%
Maturity year				2026			2026
Face amount | €									€ 500
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in thousandths)		99.642%		99.642%			99.642%		99.642%
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 30 basis points in the case of the 2026 Notes and 35 basis points in the case of the 2031 Notes) 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.
Guaranteed Notes due 2031, €500 million, 1.625%
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Issuance date				September 2019
Interest rate		1.625%		1.625%			1.625%		1.625%
Maturity year				2031			2031
Face amount | €									€ 500
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in thousandths)		98.924%		98.924%			98.924%		98.924%
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 30 basis points in the case of the 2026 Notes and 35 basis points in the case of the 2031 Notes) 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.
Term Loan due 2022, $4,000 million
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Issuance date					March 2019
Long-term debt, term					3 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 4,000		$ 4,000		$ 4,000	$ 4,000
Description of interest rate							Borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at either a base rate or LIBOR rate, as defined, plus in each case, an applicable margin determined by reference to LyondellBasell N.V.’s current credit ratings.
Terms of debt covenants							The credit agreement contains customary representations and warranties and contains certain restrictive covenants regarding, among other things, secured indebtedness, subsidiary indebtedness, mergers 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, for the period covering the most recent four quarters.
Repayments of long-term debt		$ 1,000
Maturity year						2022	2022
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt			$ 1,000
Interest rate		5.00%		5.00%			5.00%		5.00%
Maturity year							2019
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
Face amount		$ 1,000		$ 1,000			$ 1,000
Guaranteed Notes due 2049, $1,000, 4.2% | Subsequent event [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Issuance date	October 2019
Interest rate	4.20%
Maturity year	2049
Face amount	$ 1,000
Discounted prices at which long-term debt was issued (in thousandths)	98.488%
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 or 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. The notes are also redeemable upon certain tax events.
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	$ 974
Term Loan due 2020, $2,000 million | Subsequent event [Member]
Long-term debt [Line Items]
Repayments of short-term debt	2,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	974
Proceeds from commercial paper	726
Proceeds from operating cash	$ 300

Debt, Description of short-term

Debt, Description of short-term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, short-term debt (in hundredths)		2.80%	3.10%
Term Loan due 2020, $2,000 million [Member]
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Issuance date	February 2019
Terms senior unsecured term loan credit agreement	364-day
Face amount senior unsecured term loan	$ 2,000	$ 2,000
Description of interest rate		Borrowings under the credit agreement will bear interest at either a base rate or LIBOR rate, as defined, plus in each case, an applicable margin determined by reference to LyondellBasell 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, for the period covering the most recent four quarters.
Senior Revolving Credit Facility, $2,500 million [Member]
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Description of interest rate		Borrowings under the facility bear interest at either a base rate or LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin. Additional fees are incurred for the average daily unused commitments.
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.
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 2,500
Expiration date		June 2022
Maximum allowed letters of credit		$ 500
Additional borrowing capacity, uncommitted loans		$ 1,000
Commercial paper [Member]
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
Description of interest rate		Interest rates on the commercial paper outstanding at September 30, 2019 are based on the terms of the notes and range from 2.17% to 2.35%.
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 2,500
U.S. Receivables Facility, $900 million [Member]
Description of short-term debt [Line Items]
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.
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 900
Expiration date		July 2021
Maximum allowed letters of credit		$ 200
Additional borrowing capacity, uncommitted loans		300
Outstanding borrowings		500
Outstanding letters of credit		$ 0
Weighted average interest rate, short-term debt (in hundredths)		2.83%
Collateral amount		$ 1,270

Debt, Debt issuance costs inclu

Debt, Debt issuance costs included in interest expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt discount and issuance costs [Abstract]
Amortization of debt discounts and debt issuance costs	$ 7	$ 11

Debt, Formation of LYB Internat

Debt, Formation of LYB International Finance III, LLC (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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.

Debt, Dutch Tender Offer (Detai

Debt, Dutch Tender Offer (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Dutch tender offer [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)		42,681,494	7,678,815
Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer [Member]
Dutch tender offer [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)	35,100,000
Term Loan due 2022, $4,000 million | Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer [Member]
Dutch tender offer [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 1,000
U.S. Receivables Facility, $900 million [Member] | Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer [Member]
Dutch tender offer [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt	500
Commercial paper [Member] | Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer [Member]
Dutch tender offer [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 1,280

Leases, Adoption of the new lea

Leases, Adoption of the new lease accounting guidance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 1,510
Operating lease liabilities	1,531
Accrued liabilities	1,745		$ 1,536
Other liabilities	$ 1,801		$ 1,897
ASU 2016-02 adoption [Member]
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Operating lease assets		$ 1,533
Operating lease liabilities		1,553
Accrued liabilities		(2)
Other liabilities		$ (18)

Leases, Operating leases (Detai

Leases, Operating leases (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Lease description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 1,510
Operating lease liabilities	$ 1,531
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate	4.20%
Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term	8 years
Operating lease, extension term	20 years
Accrued liabilities [Member]
Lease description [Line Items]
Operating lease liability, current	$ 274
Minimum [Member]
Lease description [Line Items]
Operating lease, lessee, term of contract	less than 1 year
Maximum [Member]
Lease description [Line Items]
Operating lease, lessee, term of contract	30 years

Leases, Maturities of operating

Leases, Maturities of operating lease liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Maturities of operating lease liabilities [Abstract]
Last three months of 2019	$ 88
2020	317
2021	267
2022	226
2023	197
Thereafter	701
Total lease payments	1,796
Less: Imputed Interest	(265)
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 1,531

Leases, Operating lease cost (D

Leases, Operating lease cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 90	$ 270
Short-term lease cost	41	114
Variable lease cost	12	48
Net operating lease cost	$ 143	$ 432

Leases, Other Information (Deta

Leases, Other Information (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Leases, Other information [Line Items]
Cash paid for operating leases	$ 273
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	1,801
Additional operating leases, not yet commenced	$ 556
Minimum [Member]
Leases, Other information [Line Items]
Additional operating leases, not yet commenced, term of contract	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Leases, Other information [Line Items]
Additional operating leases, not yet commenced, term of contract	20 years

Leases, Lease commitments, futu

Leases, Lease commitments, future operating lease commitments (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2019	$ 365
2020	288
2021	256
2022	236
2023	204
Thereafter	1,126
Total minimum lease payments	$ 2,475

Financial Instruments and Fai_3

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Market risks, commodity prices and foreign currency rates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Amount of marketable securities classified as cash and cash equivalents	$ 78		$ 78		$ 19
Foreign currency [Abstract]
Foreign currency gain (loss)	$ 2	$ 6	$ 16	$ 14

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	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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	$ 4,333	$ 4,738
Notional amount, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	2,717	6,111
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	458	1,090
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	428	203
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	0	472
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	0	12
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	0	4
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	52	27
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	261	117
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	0
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	32	17
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	28	75
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rate contract [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	600
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	27	33
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rate contract [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	2,136	143
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	62	1
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rate contract [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	1,000	1,400
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	232	16
Derivative [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rate contract [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	500	2,500
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	117	45
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	53	35
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	3	5
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	192	63
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	19	14
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	91	599
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	0	3
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	75	1,165
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	0	7
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	53	567
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	53	567
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	0	322
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments assets	0	325
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Performance share units [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	0	29
Fair value, derivative and non-derivative financial instruments liabilities	$ 0	$ 29

Financial Instruments and Fai_5

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Outstanding foreign currency and commodity contracts (Details) - Not designated as hedges: [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Foreign currency rates [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date	October 2019
Foreign currency rates [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date	January 2020
Commodities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date	October 2019

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	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, carrying value	$ 2,438	$ 885
Nonrecurring [Member] | Non-derivatives: [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Short-term loans receivable, carrying value	518	544
Short-term loans receivable, fair value	518	544
Liabilities: [Abstract]
Short-term debt, carrying value	1,650	71
Long-term debt, carrying value	9,621	8,492
Total liabilities, carrying value	11,271	8,563
Short-term debt, fair value	1,667	77
Long-term debt, fair value	10,309	8,476
Total liabilities, fair value	$ 11,976	8,553
Non-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 nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018.
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) - Net investment hedging [Member] € in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)
Derivative [Member] | Foreign currency contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	$ 650	€ 617	$ 650	€ 617
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Foreign-currency denominated debt [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	$ 818	€ 750	$ 858	€ 750

Financial Instruments and Fai_8

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Summary of cash flow hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019			$ 2,000	$ 394
Proceeds from settlement of hedges			0	872
Payments for settlement of hedges			0	$ 850
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pre-tax unrealized gain (loss) to be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months	$ 7		7
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Sales revenue, net [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pre-tax unrealized gain (loss) to be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months	8		8
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	8		8
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Foreign currency [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	2,300		$ 2,300			$ 2,300
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration date			2021
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration date			2027
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	$ 1,500	$ 1,000	$ 1,500			1,500
Description of interest rate cash flow hedge activity		mitigate the risk of variability in interest rates for a $1,000 million debt issuance initially expected by February 2020.
Discontinuation of interest rate cash flow hedge	In September 2019, concurrent with the offering of our guaranteed notes due 2049 issued in October 2019, we dedesignated the hedging relationship. The forward-starting interest rate swaps scheduled to settle in February 2020 were redesignated as cash flow hedges of forecasted interest payments related to expected debt issuances to be completed by July 2023 and April 2024.
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [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		2019
Proceeds from settlement of hedges		$ 4
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration date			2020
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Interest rates [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Expiration date			2021
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Commodities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	$ 0		$ 0			$ 476
Expiration date			2019
Discontinuation of interest rate cash flow hedge	The cash flow hedges were dedesignated in September 2019 by unwinding these commodities futures contracts.
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Commodity feedstock price [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	$ 310		$ 310		$ 78
Payments for settlement of hedges			20
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Commodity product sale price [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value	$ 408		408		$ 97
Proceeds from settlement of hedges			$ 26
Senior Notes due 2019, $1,000 million, 5.0% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%		5.00%
Maturity year			2019

Financial Instruments and Fai_9

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Summary of fair value hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019		$ 2,000	$ 394
Payments for settlement of hedges		0	$ 850
Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)		5.00%
Maturity year		2019
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019	$ 1,000
Fair value hedge [Member] | Interest rate contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts value		$ 2,136		$ 3,143
Fair value hedge [Member] | Interest rate contract [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date		2021
Fair value hedge [Member] | Interest rate contract [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date		2027
Fair value hedge [Member] | Interest rate contract [Member] | Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%
Maturity year	2019
Notional amounts value	$ 1,000
Redemption of 5% Senior Notes due 2019	1,000
Payments for settlement of hedges	$ 5

Financial Instruments and Fa_10

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Pretax effect of derivative instruments charged directly to income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$ 10	$ 98	$ (116)	$ 284
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	(89)	(24)	(110)	(82)
Gain (loss) recognized in income	55	28	160	21
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative amount excluded for effectiveness testing	3	(1)		14
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivative amount excluded for effectiveness testing	5	8	15	21
Pretax effect of the periodic receipt of fixed interest and payment of variable interest	1	3	7	1
Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative amount excluded for effectiveness testing			0
Maximum [Member]
Derivative Instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative amount excluded for effectiveness testing			1
Derivatives: [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Sales and other operating revenues [Member]
Derivative Instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	7	0	(34)	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	(10)	0	(18)	0
Gain (loss) recognized in income	0	0	0	0
Derivatives: [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	(10)	30	28	36
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	8	(11)	12	(7)
Gain (loss) recognized in income	0	0	0	0
Derivatives: [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	141	15	192	102
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	(86)	(13)	(99)	(75)
Gain (loss) recognized in income	18	19	50	50
Derivatives: [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Interest rate contract [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	(163)	48	(342)	115
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	(1)	0	(5)	0
Gain (loss) recognized in income	23	(12)	96	(74)
Derivatives: [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	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0	0
Gain (loss) recognized in income	(1)	2	2	1
Derivatives: [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	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0	0
Gain (loss) recognized in income	1	7	(18)	16
Derivatives: [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	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0	0
Gain (loss) recognized in income	14	12	30	28
Non-derivatives: [Member] | Designated as hedges: [Member] | Long-term debt [Member] | Other income (expense), net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	35	5	40	31
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income	0	0	0	0
Gain (loss) recognized in income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Financial Instruments and Fa_11

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Summary of available-for-sale debt securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Available-for-sale debt securities, additional information [Abstract]
Allowance for credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities			$ 0
Amount of losses related to other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale debt securities					$ 0
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities and the related gross realized gains and losses [Abstract]
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale debt securities	$ 0	$ 0	331	$ 410
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities	0	$ 0	180	$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities and the related gross realized gains and losses [Abstract]
Gross realized gains	0		0
Gross realized losses	0		0
Maximum [Member]
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities and the related gross realized gains and losses [Abstract]
Gross realized gains	1		1
Gross realized losses	1		1
Bonds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Cost	52		52		567
Gross unrealized gains			1		0
Gross unrealized losses			0		0
Fair value	53		53		567
Available-for-sale debt securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Fair value of available-for-sale debt securities in continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months	0		0		118
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities in continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months	0		0		(1)
Fair value of available-for-sale debt securities in continuous unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months	0		0		45
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities in continuous unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

Financial Instruments and Fa_12

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, Equity securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Proceeds from sale of equity securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	$ 0	$ 32	$ 332	$ 64
Unrealized gains and losses for equity securities [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period	0	(8)	6	1
Less: Net gains (losses) during the period on securities sold	0	1	9	2
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities	0	$ (9)	(3)	$ (1)
Equity securities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 0		$ 0		$ 322
Fair value					$ 325

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, percent [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate (in hundredths)	12.30%	17.20%	15.40%	11.40%

Income Taxes, Unrecognized tax

Income Taxes, Unrecognized tax benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Income tax uncertainties [Abstract]
Non-cash benefit of reductions for tax positions of prior years including released interest	$ 85	$ 346
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	72	288
Released interest expense recognized on uncertain tax positions	13	$ 58
Unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions	199		$ 269
Reasonably possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months	$ 45

Income Taxes, Deferred tax liab

Income Taxes, Deferred tax liabilities not recognized, Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 550
Unrecognized deferred tax liability of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 60

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Capital purchase commitment	$ 429
Site contingency [Line Items]
Future environmental remediation costs	$ 130	$ 90
Minimum [Member]
Site contingency [Line Items]
Minimum accrued liability for individual site range	less than $1 million
Maximum [Member]
Site contingency [Line Items]
Maximum accrued liability for individual site range	$ 16

Commitments and Contingencies,

Commitments and Contingencies, Indemnification (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Indemnification arrangement period	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Indemnification arrangement period	10 years

Stockholders' Equity and Rede_3

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests, Stockholders' Equity, Dividend distributions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	May 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Summary of dividend payments [Abstract]
Dividend per ordinary share (per share)	$ 1.05		$ 1.05		$ 1			$ 3.10
Aggregate dividends paid	$ 351		$ 388		$ 372			$ 1,111
Date of record common stock shareholders	Sep. 4, 2019		Jun. 10, 2019		Mar. 4, 2019
Dividend on A. Schulman Special Stock (per share)		$ 15		$ 15		$ 15	$ 15	$ 45
Date of record Special Stock of Subsidiary shareholders		Jul. 15, 2019		Apr. 15, 2019		Jan. 15, 2019
Aggregate dividends on Special Stock of Subsidiary paid							$ 2	$ 5

Stockholders' Equity and Rede_4

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests, Stockholders' Equity, Share repurchase programs (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)					42,681,494	7,678,815
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)					$ 87.35	$ 106.93
Total purchase price, including commissions and fees					$ 3,728	$ 821
Cash paid for shares repurchased					$ 3,752	$ 801
May 2019 Share Repurchase Authorization [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Stock repurchase authorization shares authorized to be repurchased				37,000,000
Stock repurchase authorization expiration date				Nov. 30, 2020
Shares repurchased (in shares)		1,900,000			37,032,594
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)					$ 87.50
Total purchase price, including commissions and fees					$ 3,240
June 2019 Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)			35,100,000
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)			$ 88
Total purchase price, including commissions and fees			$ 3,099
Tender offer fees and expenses			$ 6
Sept 2019 Share Repurchase Authorization [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Stock repurchase authorization shares authorized to be repurchased	33,300,000				33,300,000
Stock repurchase authorization expiration date	Mar. 12, 2021
June 2018 Share Repurchase Authorization [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)					5,648,900	3,674,062
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)					$ 86.38	$ 107.89
Total purchase price, including commissions and fees					$ 488	$ 396
May 2017 Share Repurchase Authorization [Member]
Share repurchase programs [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)						4,004,753
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)						$ 106.05
Total purchase price, including commissions and fees						$ 425

Stockholders' Equity and Rede_5

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests, Stockholders' Equity, Ordinary shares (Details) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Ordinary share outstanding [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)	375,696,661
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	(42,681,494)	(7,678,815)
Ending balance (in shares)	333,407,876
Ordinary shares [Member]
Ordinary share outstanding [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in shares)	375,696,661	394,512,054
Share-based compensation (in shares)	268,851	285,186
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	123,869	82,758
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	(42,681,505)	(7,702,222)
Ending balance (in shares)	333,407,876	387,177,776

Stockholders' Equity and Rede_6

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests, Stockholders' Equity, Treasury shares (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	66,802,404			24,513,619
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)				42,681,494	7,678,815
Ending balance (in shares)		66,802,404		66,802,404
Treasury shares [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	66,802,404			24,513,619	183,928,109
Share-based compensation (in shares)				(268,851)	(285,186)
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)				(123,869)	(82,758)
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares)		11	23,407	42,681,505	7,702,222
Treasury shares canceled			(178,229,883)	0	(178,229,883)
Ending balance (in shares)		66,802,404	13,032,504	66,802,404	13,032,504
Subsequent event [Member] | Treasury shares [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Treasury shares canceled	(60,200,000)

Stockholders' Equity and Rede_7

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests, Stockholders' Equity, Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	$ (1,363)	$ (1,285)
Adoption of accounting standards		(70)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(275)	138
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	22	(51)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(90)	(55)
Tax (expense) benefit	23	14
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(320)	46
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	(1,683)	(1,309)
Financial derivatives [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	(68)	(120)
Adoption of accounting standards		(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(184)	186
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	36	(36)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(110)	(81)
Tax (expense) benefit	28	20
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(230)	89
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	(298)	(33)
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
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Tax (expense) benefit	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	1
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	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
Adoption of accounting standards		(17)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		0
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Tax (expense) benefit		0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period		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	(442)	(421)
Adoption of accounting standards		(51)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	20	26
Tax (expense) benefit	(5)	(6)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	15	20
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	(427)	(452)
Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period	(853)	(761)
Adoption of accounting standards		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(92)	(48)
Tax (expense) benefit before reclassifications	(14)	(15)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Tax (expense) benefit	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(106)	(63)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	$ (959)	$ (824)

Stockholders' Equity and Rede_8

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests, Stockholders' Equity, Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	$ 11	$ 17	$ 46	$ 57
Sales and other operating revenues	8,722	10,155	26,548	30,128
Cost of sales	7,269	8,499	22,257	24,801
Interest expense (income)	86	90	259	272
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,105	1,347	3,300	4,515
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	136	232	508	514
Net income	965	1,113	2,785	3,998
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	(83)	(14)	(90)	(55)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(24)	(2)	(23)	(14)
Net income	(59)	(12)	(67)	(41)
Financial derivatives [Member] | Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(25)	(5)	(28)	(20)
Net income	(64)	(18)	(82)	(61)
Financial derivatives [Member] | Foreign currency [Member] | Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	(86)	(13)	(99)	(75)
Financial derivatives [Member] | Commodities [Member] | Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues	(10)		(18)
Cost of sales	8	(10)	12	(6)
Financial derivatives [Member] | Interest rate contract [Member] | Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Interest expense (income)	(1)		(5)
Amortization of defined pension items [Member] | Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	0	0	1	0
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	6	9	19	25
Settlement (gain) loss	0	0	0	1
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	1	3	5	6
Net income	$ 5	$ 6	$ 15	$ 20

Stockholders' Equity and Rede_9

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests, Stockholders' Equity, Purchase of non-controlling interest (Details) - Lyondell Basell N.V. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Non-controlling interest, ownership percentage by parent	100.00%	85.00%
Purchase of non-controlling interest in subsidiary La Porte Methanol Company, L.P.	$ 63

Stockholders' Equity and Red_10

Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests, Redeemable non-controlling interests (Details) - shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Temporary Equity [Abstract]
Cumulative perpetual special stock, shares outstanding	115,374	115,374

Per Share Data (Details)

Per Share Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 965	$ 1,113	$ 2,785	$ 3,998
Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock	$ (2)		$ (5)
Earnings (loss) per share: [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.85	$ 2.86	$ 7.72	$ 10.20
Diluted (in dollars per share)	2.85	2.85	7.72	10.18
Earnings per share, basic and diluted, other disclosures [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.05	$ 1	$ 3.10	$ 3
Continuing operations [Member]
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 969	$ 1,115	$ 2,792	$ 4,001
Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock	(2)		(5)
Net income attributable to participating securities	(2)	(2)	(5)	(4)
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Basic	965	1,113	2,782	3,997
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Diluted	$ 965	$ 1,113	$ 2,782	$ 3,997
Weighted average number of shares outstanding reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding (in shares)	337	389	360	391
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]
Performance shares units (in shares)	0	1	0	1
Potential dilutive shares (in shares)	337	390	360	392
Earnings (loss) per share: [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.86	$ 2.86	$ 7.74	$ 10.21
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.86	$ 2.85	$ 7.74	$ 10.19
Earnings per share, basic and diluted, other disclosures [Abstract]
Participating securities (in shares)	0.6	0.5	0.6	0.5
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.05	$ 1	$ 3.10	$ 3
Discontinued operations [Member]
Earnings per share reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (4)	$ (2)	$ (7)	$ (3)
Dividends on A. Schulman Special Stock	0		0
Net income attributable to participating securities	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Basic	(4)	(2)	(7)	(3)
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - Diluted	$ (4)	$ (2)	$ (7)	$ (3)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding (in shares)	337	389	360	391
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]
Performance shares units (in shares)	0	1	0	1
Potential dilutive shares (in shares)	337	390	360	392
Earnings (loss) per share: [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ 0	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ 0	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)
Earnings per share, basic and diluted, other disclosures [Abstract]
Participating securities (in shares)	0.6	0.5	0.6	0.5
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment and Related Informati_3

Segment and Related Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 8,722	$ 10,155	$ 26,548	$ 30,128
Income (loss) from equity investments	51	89	179	253
EBITDA	1,513	1,732	4,520	5,655
O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,337	1,843	4,055	5,324
Income (loss) from equity investments	12	18	35	50
EBITDA	653	704	1,804	2,131
O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	2,138	2,434	6,764	7,866
Income (loss) from equity investments	36	69	139	199
EBITDA	291	262	918	1,036
I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,988	2,463	5,860	7,314
Income (loss) from equity investments	1	2	5	4
EBITDA	390	504	1,228	1,632
APS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
A. Schulman integration costs	43		78
A. Schulman combined transaction and integration costs		49		49
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,186	1,038	3,781	2,709
Income (loss) from equity investments	2	0	0	0
EBITDA	102	70	370	314
Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,952	2,236	5,706	6,536
Income (loss) from equity investments	0	0	0	0
EBITDA	(6)	84	(87)	251
Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	121	141	382	379
Income (loss) from equity investments	0	0	0	0
EBITDA	83	98	273	267
Other [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) from equity investments	0	0	0	0
EBITDA	0	10	14	24
Intersegment elimination [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Intersegment elimination [Member] | O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	800	927	2,307	2,634
Intersegment elimination [Member] | O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	171	209	585	637
Intersegment elimination [Member] | I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	58	46	142	122
Intersegment elimination [Member] | APS [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	0	1	2	1
Intersegment elimination [Member] | Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	182	263	490	789
Intersegment elimination [Member] | Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	25	30	78	89
Intersegment elimination [Member] | Other [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	(1,236)	(1,476)	(3,604)	(4,272)
Operating segments [Member] | O&P - Americas [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	2,137	2,770	6,362	7,958
Operating segments [Member] | O&P - EAI [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	2,309	2,643	7,349	8,503
Operating segments [Member] | I&D [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	2,046	2,509	6,002	7,436
Operating segments [Member] | APS [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,186	1,039	3,783	2,710
Operating segments [Member] | Refining [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	2,134	2,499	6,196	7,325
Operating segments [Member] | Technology [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	146	171	460	468
Operating segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments: [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ (1,236)	$ (1,476)	$ (3,604)	$ (4,272)

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	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
EBITDA: [Abstract]
Total segment EBITDA	$ 1,513	$ 1,722	$ 4,506	$ 5,631
Other EBITDA	0	10	14	24
Less: [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization expense	(327)	(309)	(977)	(908)
Interest expense	(86)	(90)	(259)	(272)
Add: [Abstract]
Interest income	5	14	16	40
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 1,105	$ 1,347	$ 3,300	$ 4,515