Sigma Aldrich (SIAL) 10-Q 23 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Entity Registrant Name	'SIGMA ALDRICH CORP
Entity Central Index Key	'0000090185
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	119,085,357

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Sales	$690	$664	$2,080	$2,020
Cost of products and services sold	342	330	1,023	1,001
Gross profit	348	334	1,057	1,019
Selling, general and administrative expenses	152	150	469	458
Research and development expenses	17	16	49	49
Other charges	25	10	27	22
Operating income	154	158	512	490
Interest, net	2	1	3	3
Income before income taxes	152	157	509	487
Provision for income taxes	44	38	142	127
Net income	$108	$119	$367	$360
Net income per share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.91	$0.99	$3.08	$3
Net income per share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.90	$0.98	$3.06	$2.98
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic (in shares)	119	120	119	120
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	120	121	120	121
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.23	$0.22	$0.69	$0.65

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$108	$119	$367	$360
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation gain/(loss), net	-87	60	-57	-12
Pension and post retirement, net	-7	1	9	3
Unrealized (loss) on securities, net	0	-1	0	-3
Unrealized gain/(loss) on forward exchange contracts, net	20	-11	17	-1
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	-74	49	-31	-13
Comprehensive income	$34	$168	$336	$347

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$886	$722
Accounts receivable	401	382
Inventories	719	699
Deferred taxes	42	31
Other	134	87
Total current assets	2,182	1,921
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	2,113	2,098
Less - accumulated depreciation	-1,324	-1,292
Property, plant and equipment, net	789	806
Goodwill	681	691
Intangibles, net	235	255
Other	109	132
Total assets	3,996	3,805
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable	0	65
Accounts payable	181	152
Payroll	73	64
Income taxes	24	25
Other	97	77
Total current liabilities	375	383
Long-term debt	300	300
Pension and post-retirement benefits	53	73
Deferred taxes	80	74
Other	86	80
Total liabilities	894	910
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 10 million shares authorized at September 30, 2014, none authorized at December 31, 2013; none issued or outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	0	0
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 450 million shares authorized at September 30, 2014 and 300 million shares authorized at December 31, 2013; 202 million shares issued at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013; 119 million shares outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	202	202
Capital in excess of par value	358	322
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 83 million shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	-2,490	-2,407
Retained earnings	4,943	4,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	89	120
Total stockholders' equity	3,102	2,895
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,996	$3,805

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	'
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	0
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common Stock, shares authorized	450,000,000	300,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	202,000,000	202,000,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding	119,000,000	119,000,000
Common Stock in treasury, shares	83,000,000	83,000,000

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$367	$360
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	99	103
Deferred income taxes	-4	-2
Stock-based compensation expense	18	18
Restructuring, net of payments	9	8
Other	-3	-13
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-34	-39
Inventories	-28	-2
Accounts payable	33	6
Income taxes	5	5
Other, net	22	42
Net cash provided by operating activities	484	486
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-89	-75
Purchases of investments	-7	-96
Proceeds from sales of investments	8	74
Proceeds from sale of net assets	0	9
Other, net	-3	0
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-91	-88
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net issuance/(repayment) of short-term debt	-65	-269
Dividends	-82	-78
Share repurchases	-85	-115
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	19	25
Other, net	2	6
Net cash (used in) financing activities	-211	-431
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash	-18	-3
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	164	-36
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1	722	724
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30	886	688
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Income taxes paid	142	116
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$3	$4

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading Life Science and Technology company whose biochemical and organic chemical products, kits and services are used in scientific research, including genomic and proteomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and as key components in pharmaceutical, diagnostics and high technology manufacturing.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information, the SEC's instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, accordingly, do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of the Annual Report. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in these consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

Proposed_Merger_with_Merck_KGa

Proposed Merger with Merck KGaA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Proposed Merger with Merck KGaA	'
	Proposed Merger with Merck KGaA
	On September 22, 2014, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation entered into a Merger Agreement with Merck KGaA and Merger Sub. The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck KGaA at a price of $140 per share in cash, without interest.  The Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby were unanimously approved by the Board. The Merger Agreement remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified closing conditions, including the approval of the merger by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock entitled to vote thereon, the receipt of certain antitrust and governmental approvals and other customary closing conditions. In certain circumstances, upon termination of the Merger Agreement termination fees would be payable.
	For additional information related to the Merger Agreement, please refer to the September 22, 2014 Form 8-K.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU No. 2014-09 is intended to improve the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers by providing a principles-based approach to the recognition of revenue. The core principle of the standard is when an entity transfers goods or services to customers it will recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to for those goods or services. The update outlines a five-step model and related application guidance, which replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU No. 2014-09 also requires disclosures that will enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and it has not determined the effect, if any, of the standard on its ongoing financial condition and results of operations.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	The principal categories of inventories are:
		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Finished goods	$	582	$	575
	Work in process	33		27
	Raw materials	104		97
	Total	$	719	$	699

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	The Company's amortizable and unamortizable intangible assets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Cost					Accumulated Amortization
		September 30,			December 31, 2013		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014					2014
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Patents	$	15		$	14	$	10	$	9
	Licenses	48			48		25		22
	Customer relationships	251			254		88		77
	Technical knowledge	48			48		21		19
	Other	28			29		23		23
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	390		$	393	$	167	$	150
	Unamortizable intangible assets:
	Goodwill	$	707		$	717	$	26	$	26
	Trademarks and trade names	20			20		8		8
	Total unamortizable intangible assets	$	727		$	737	$	34	$	34
	The Company recorded amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets of $6 for both the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The Company recorded amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets of $19 and $20 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to twenty years, using the straight-line method. The Company expects to record annual amortization expense for all existing intangible assets in a range from approximately $22 to $24 from 2014 through 2018.
	The change in net goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is as follows:
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	691
	Impact of foreign currency exchange rates	(10		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	681

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	Notes payable and long-term debt consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Outstanding		Weighted		Outstanding		Weighted
				Average				Average
				Rate				Rate
	Notes payable
	Commercial paper (1)	$	—	—	%	$	65	0.1	%
	Sigma-Aldrich Japan GK credit facilities (2)	—		—		—		—
	Other short-term credit facilities (3)	—		—		—		—
	Total notes payable	$	—	—	%	$	65	0.1	%
	Long-term debt
	Senior notes, due November 1, 2020 (4)	$	300	3.4	%	$	300	3.4	%
	Total long-term debt	$	300	3.4	%	$	300	3.4	%
	-1	The Company has a $600 five-year revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks in the U.S. that supports the Company's commercial paper program. The facility matures on May 10, 2018. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any borrowings outstanding under the facility. The amount available under the facility is reduced by the amount of commercial paper outstanding. The facility contains financial covenants that require the maintenance of a ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization of no more than 65.0 percent and an aggregate amount of subsidiary debt plus consolidated secured debt of no more than 25.0 percent of total net worth. The Company's total consolidated debt as a percentage of total capitalization and aggregate amount of subsidiary debt plus consolidated secured debt as a percentage of total net worth, as defined in the underlying credit agreement, was 9 percent and 0.0 percent, respectively, at September 30, 2014.
	-2	Sigma-Aldrich Japan GK has two credit facilities with a total commitment of 2 billion Japanese Yen ($18), with one facility expiring April 30, 2015 and the other representing a line of credit with no expiration. There were no borrowings under the facilities at September 30, 2014.
	-3	There were no borrowings under these facilities, which have total commitments in U.S. Dollar equivalents of $3, at September 30, 2014.
	-4	The Company has $300 of 3.375 percent Senior Notes due November 1, 2020. Interest on the notes is payable May 1 and November 1 of each year. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part at the Company’s option, (i) at any time at specific redemption prices plus accrued interest or (ii) three months prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued interest.
	The Company has provided a guarantee for any outstanding borrowings from one of the short-term credit facilities of the wholly-owned Japanese subsidiary. At September 30, 2014, there were no existing events of default that would require the Company to honor this guarantee.
	Total interest expense incurred on short-term and long-term debt, net of amounts capitalized, was $2 for each of the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Total interest expense incurred on short-term and long-term debt, net of amounts capitalized, was $6 and $7 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The fair value of long-term debt was approximately $303 and $298 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt was based upon a discounted cash flow analysis that used the aggregate cash flows from principal and interest payments over the remaining life of the debt and current market interest rates.

Financial_Derivatives_and_Risk

Financial Derivatives and Risk Management	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financial Derivatives and Risk Management	'
	Financial Derivatives and Risk Management
	The Company conducts business in many parts of the world and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. Accordingly, the Company uses derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, as well as derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate this risk. These derivative instruments are primarily comprised of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy for which fair value is determined by using foreign currency market spot rates and forward points observable at commonly quoted intervals. The Company does not enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts for speculative trading purposes.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	A significant portion of the Company's cost of products and services sold is denominated in the U.S. Dollar, while approximately 60 percent of the Company's sales are denominated in other currencies. Intercompany inventory purchases, which are sourced primarily from subsidiaries with U.S. Dollar functional currencies, are sold to customers by international subsidiaries in other local currencies. The Company uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts to mitigate the foreign currency risk associated with these forecasted intercompany inventory purchases.
	These foreign currency forward exchange contracts have been designated as hedges of the variability of cash flows related to forecasted inventory purchases due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in fair value of these derivatives are deferred in AOCI within stockholders' equity until the underlying hedged items are recognized in net income. Accordingly, the Company records cash flow hedge gains or losses within cost of products and services sold when the related inventory is sold to a customer. To the extent any portion of the hedge contract is determined to be ineffective, the increase or decrease in value of the contract prior to maturity will be recognized in income immediately. The cash flow impact from these derivatives is classified in the operating activities section of the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows, which is the same category as the underlying items being hedged. Gains or losses related to the ineffective portion of these hedging instruments were not material for each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding notional principal amounts of $285 and $298, respectively, in foreign currency forward exchange contracts associated with cash flow hedging transactions.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Item	Reporting Location	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Forward exchange contracts asset derivative	Other current assets	$	20	$	5
	Forward exchange contracts liability derivative	Other current liabilities	—		6
	Gain recognized in AOCI, net	AOCI	19		2
	The following table summarizes the effect of the foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges on the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, net of immaterial tax effects.
	Item	Reporting Location	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Gain/(loss) recognized in OCI, net	OCI	$	20	$	(11	)
	Gain reclassified from AOCI into net income	Costs of products and services sold	—		3
	Item	Reporting Location	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Gain/(loss) recognized in OCI, net	OCI	$	17	$	(1	)
	Gain reclassified from AOCI into net income	Costs of products and services sold	—		5
	As of September 30, 2014, the majority of these contracts are in established currencies including the Euro, Japanese Yen and British Pound. During the next twelve months the Company expects $16 of unrealized gains included in AOCI, based on the value of these contracts as of September 30, 2014, will be reclassified into income. The Company generally does not hedge its exposure to the exchange rate variability of future cash flows beyond the next ensuing twenty-four months.
	Net Investment Hedges
	The Company also holds investments in international subsidiaries that own net assets denominated in foreign currencies. The U.S. Dollar value of these foreign currency denominated net assets fluctuate as the exchange rate fluctuates. From time to time the Company will enter into net investment hedges to reduce the variability in the U.S. Dollar equivalent of net asset values due to changes in exchange rates. During the first nine months of 2014, the Company has entered into foreign currency forward exchange contracts with third party banks to hedge certain net assets denominated in the Euro and Swiss Franc.
	These hedges have been designated as net investment hedges and qualify for hedge accounting treatment, whereby changes in fair value of the derivative are reported in OCI. To the extent any portion of the hedge contract is determined to be ineffective, the increase or decrease in value of the contract prior to maturity will be recognized in income immediately. The cash flow impact from these derivatives is classified in the investing activities section of the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. Gains or losses related to the ineffective portion of these hedging instruments were not material for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts associated with net investment hedging transactions.
	Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges
	The Company also uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are not designated as hedging instruments, primarily to hedge the value of certain intercompany receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies. The Company's objective is to minimize the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes during the period of time between the original transaction date and its cash settlement. Gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in SG&A, based on the difference in the contract rate and the fair value at the end of each month for all contracts still in force, and are typically offset either partially or completely by transaction gains and losses on the related intercompany receivables and payables. The duration of the contracts typically does not exceed six months. As of September 30, 2014, the majority of these contracts are in established currencies including the Euro, British Pound and Japanese Yen. The impact of these contracts was not material to the consolidated statement of income for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The notional amount of open foreign currency forward exchange contracts for derivatives not designated as hedges at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $181 and $199, respectively. The fair value of these contracts was not material at either date.

Company_Operations_By_Business

Company Operations By Business Unit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Company Operations by Business Unit	'
	Company Operations by Business Unit
	The business unit structure is the Company's approach to serving customers and reporting sales rather than any internal division
	used to allocate resources. Sales for the Company's business units are as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Research	$	347	$	341	$	1,063	$	1,055
	Applied	170		154		513		473
	SAFC Commercial	173		169		504		492
	Total	$	690	$	664	$	2,080	$	2,020
	The Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker is the CEO. The CEO and the Board review profit and loss information on a consolidated basis to assess performance and make overall operating decisions as well as resource allocations. The Company's business units are closely interrelated in their activities and share services such as order entry, billing, technical services, e-commerce, purchasing and inventory control, and also share production and distribution facilities. Additionally, these units are supported by centralized functional areas such as finance, human resources, quality, safety and compliance and information technology. Further, the Company's CEO, CFO and business unit Presidents participate in compensation programs in which a portion of their incentive compensation is based upon consolidated Company results for sales growth (and for the business unit Presidents, the sales growth in the business unit for which they are responsible), consolidated Company operating income, consolidated Company free cash flow and individual/business unit objectives which are funded based on achievement of consolidated adjusted Company EPS (and for the business unit Presidents, allocated based on achievement of certain financial metrics within their respective business unit). Based on these factors, the Company has concluded that it operates in one segment.
	Sales are attributed to countries based upon the location from which the product was shipped or services were performed. Geographic financial information is as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Sales to unaffiliated customers:
	United States	$	269	$	259	$	788	$	775
	International	421		405		1,292		1,245
	Total	$	690	$	664	$	2,080	$	2,020
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	528	$	523
	United Kingdom	86		84
	Other countries	254		273
	Total	$	868	$	880

Pension_And_PostRetirement_Ben

Pension And Post-Retirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits	'
	Pension and Post-retirement Benefits
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Pension Plans												Post-Retirement
		United States						International						Medical  Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	2		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	2			2			3			2			—			—
	Expected return on plan assets	(3		)	(3		)	(3		)	(2		)	—			—
	Amortization	—			—			—			1			(1		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	1		$	3		$	(1	)	$	—
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Pension Plans												Post-Retirement
		United States						International						Medical  Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	5		$	7		$	—		$	1
	Interest cost	6			5			7			7			—			1
	Expected return on plan assets	(10		)	(9		)	(9		)	(8		)	—			—
	Amortization	—			1			—			3			(3		)	(1		)
	Settlement Loss Recognized	1			—			—			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(3	)	$	(3	)	$	3		$	9		$	(3	)	$	1
	Pension and post-retirement benefits liabilities consisted of the following as of the dates noted:
		September 30,			December 31, 2013
		2014
	Retiree medical liability	$	22		$	39
	Pension liability	34			36
	Subtotal	56			75
	Less: current portion (included in other current liabilities)	(3		)	(2		)
	Pension and post-retirement benefits liabilities	$	53		$	73
	The U.S. defined benefit pension plan was frozen in 2012 and as a result, future retirement service costs are no longer being recorded. Further, as a result of the freeze, the Company will amortize accumulated unrecognized losses over the remaining estimated life of participants. Effective January 1, 2013, the affected employees were eligible for additional Company contributions under the Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan.
	The Company is not required to make a contribution to the U.S. defined benefit pension plan in 2014. The Company contributed $4 to its international pension plans in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. In total, the Company expects to contribute approximately $6 to its defined benefit pension plans in 2014.
	The Swiss defined benefit pension plan was amended in November 2013 from a final pay plan to a cash balance plan, effective January 1, 2014. The change resulted in a reduction of the Company's projected benefit obligation of $11, which is being accreted to operating income over the average future service period of participants expected to receive benefits.
	In February 2014, the Company amended the post-retirement medical benefit plan for certain participants, resulting in a reduction of the Company's projected benefit obligation of $17. This amount is being accreted to operating income over the average future service period of participants expected to receive benefits.
	The Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan provides retirement benefits to eligible U.S. employees in addition to those provided by the frozen defined benefit pension plan. The 401(k) plan permits participants to voluntarily defer a portion of their compensation, subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations. The Company also contributes a percentage of the employee's salary per year to the account of each eligible employee plus a percentage of the employee's salary deferral. The cost for this plan was $5 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $17 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Other_Assets_And_Liabilities

Other Assets And Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Other Assets And Liabilities	'
	Other Assets and Liabilities
	Other current assets
	Other current assets are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Other receivables	$	60	$	36
	Prepaid expenses	18		22
	Certificates of deposit	53		27
	Other current assets	3		2
	Total other current assets	$	134	$	87
	Other assets
	Other assets are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Other investments	$	12	$	11
	Cash value of life insurance policies	40		34
	Deferred taxes	11		11
	Long term certificates of deposit	—		33
	Pension and post-retirement asset	19		14
	Other non-current assets	27		29
	Total other assets	$	109	$	132
	Other current liabilities
	Other current liabilities are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Legal and professional	$	16	$	5
	Pension and post-retirement liability	3		2
	Freight	9		7
	Other accrued expenses	69		63
	Total other current liabilities	$	97	$	77
	Other liabilities
	Other liabilities are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Deferred compensation	$	35	$	31
	Non-current income taxes	39		37
	Other non-current liabilities	12		12
	Total other non-current liabilities	$	86	$	80

Other_Charges

Other Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Other Charges	'
	Other Charges
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Restructuring costs	$	14	$	10	$	16	$	10
	Licensing dispute settlement	—		—		—		7
	Costs related to mergers and acquisitions	11		—		11		5
	Total other charges	$	25	$	10	$	27	$	22
	Restructuring Costs
	In the third quarter of 2014, the Company committed to a facility consolidation restructuring plan in Europe. This consolidation is expected to impact approximately 80 employees and is intended to better align the Company's present supply chain with its long term strategy. Total restructuring costs are expected to be $16, comprised of $12 to reduce the value of the assets impacted by these restructuring activities and $4 of employee termination costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, $14 of these restructuring costs were recognized.
	In the third quarter of 2013, the Company committed to a restructuring plan to exit another manufacturing site in Europe. This exit activity impacted approximately 90 employees and was intended to further reduce the Company's fixed cost structure. Total restructuring costs were $12, comprised of $9 to reduce the value of the assets impacted by these restructuring activities and $3 of employee termination costs. During the year ended December 31, 2013, $10 of these restructuring costs were recognized. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the remaining $2 of restructuring costs were recognized.
	Licensing Dispute Settlement
	Costs of $7 were incurred during the second quarter of 2013 for the settlement of a licensing dispute associated with certain products.
	Costs Related to Mergers and Acquisitions
	Third party costs of $11 associated with the pending Merck KGaA merger were incurred during the third quarter of 2014. Third party costs of $5 associated with merger and acquisition activity were incurred during the second quarter of 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	Basic EPS is calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. The diluted EPS calculation includes the impact of dilutive equity compensation awards.
	EPS calculations have been made using the following share information (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted average shares
	Basic shares	119	120	119	120
	Effect of dilutive securities	1	1	1	1
	Diluted shares	120	121	120	121
	There were no potential common shares excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Potential common shares totaling 1 million were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 because their effects were antidilutive.

Share_Repurchases

Share Repurchases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Repurchase Agreements [Abstract]	'
Share Repurchases	'
	Share Repurchases
	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had repurchased a total of 102 and 101 million shares, respectively, of an authorized repurchase of up to 110 million shares.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table shows the components of AOCI for the three months ended September 30, 2014:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Income (Loss), Net			Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net			Total
	Beginning balance: June 30, 2014	$	171		$	(7	)	$	—		$	(1	)	$	163
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(87		)	(7		)	—			20			(74		)
	Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	—			—			—			—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(87		)	(7		)	—			20			(74		)
	Ending balance: September 30, 2014	$	84		$	(14	)	$	—		$	19		$	89
	The following table shows the components of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Income (Loss), Net			Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net			Total
	Beginning balance: December 31, 2013	$	141		$	(23	)	$	—		$	2		$	120
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(57		)	10			—			17			(30		)
	Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	—			1			—			—			1
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(57		)	9			—			17			(31		)
	Ending balance: September 30, 2014	$	84		$	(14	)	$	—		$	19		$	89
	The following table shows the components of AOCI for the three months ended September 30, 2013:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Income (Loss), Net			Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net			Total
	Beginning balance: June 30, 2013	$	69		$	(76	)	$	1		$	13		$	7
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	60			—			1			(8		)	53
	Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	—			(1		)	2			3			4
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	60			1			(1		)	(11		)	49
	Ending balance: September 30, 2013	$	129		$	(75	)	$	—		$	2		$	56
	The following table shows the components of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Income (Loss), Net			Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net			Total
	Beginning balance: December 31, 2012	$	141		$	(78	)	$	3		$	3		$	69
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(12		)	—			3			4			(5		)
	Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	—			(3		)	6			5			8
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(12		)	3			(3		)	(1		)	(13		)
	Ending balance: September 30, 2013	$	129		$	(75	)	$	—		$	2		$	56
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, amounts reclassified from AOCI included gains of $1 recognized into SG&A. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, amounts reclassified from AOCI included gains of $1 recognized into SG&A and gains of $3 recognized in cost of products and services sold. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, amounts reclassified from AOCI included gains of $3 recognized into SG&A and gains of $5 recognized in cost of products and services sold. These adjustments are net of immaterial tax effects.

Contingent_Liabilities_And_Com

Contingent Liabilities And Commitments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingent Liabilities And Commitments	'
	Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
	The Company is subject to potential liabilities arising out of present and future lawsuits and claims related to product liability, personal injury, contract, commercial, intellectual property, tax, environmental, employment, compliance and other matters that arise in the ordinary course of business, as well as putative state class action lawsuits arising out of the proposed merger transaction with Merck KGaA. The Company's operations and a number of its products are highly regulated by various governmental agencies around the world and the Company is periodically involved in reviews, investigations and proceedings by governmental agencies. Failure to meet the standards and licensing requirements of these agencies can lead to penalties which can include substantial fines and/or operating restrictions.
	The Company accrues for potential liabilities when it is probable that future costs (including legal fees and expenses) will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Although the Company believes the amounts reserved are probable and appropriate based on available information, the process of estimating losses involves a considerable degree of judgment by management and the ultimate amounts could vary materially. The Company has self-insured retention limits and has obtained insurance to provide coverage above the self-insured limits for claims made against it, subject to certain limitations and exclusions. At September 30, 2014, (i) reserves have been provided to cover expected payments for these self-insured amounts, (ii) there were no contingent liabilities that management believes are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity and (iii) there were no material commitments outside of the normal course of business. Material commitments in the normal course of business include notes payable, long-term debt, lease commitments and pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations which are disclosed in Note 7 - Notes Payable, Note 8 - Long-Term Debt, Note 10 - Lease Commitments and Note 16 - Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plans, respectively, to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of the Annual Report, as updated in Note 6 – Debt and Note 9 – Pension and Post-retirement Benefits to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	Subsequent Event
	On October 3, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Rocklin, California based Cell Marque. This acquisition is intended to strengthen the Company's antibody portfolio and better serve its IHC customers. Cell Marque designs, develops and manufactures antibody reagents and kits, an offering that will complement the Company's IHC product family. Cell Marque is well-recognized in IHC for its high quality products and technical expertise, including validated, fit-for-purpose antibodies and IHC staining kits aimed at pathologists and clinicians focused on patient management. Cell Marque employs more than 90 people. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is anticipated to close by the end of 2014. The purchase price is approximately $170.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Principal Categories Of Inventories	'
	The principal categories of inventories are:
		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Finished goods	$	582	$	575
	Work in process	33		27
	Raw materials	104		97
	Total	$	719	$	699

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	'
	The Company's amortizable and unamortizable intangible assets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Cost					Accumulated Amortization
		September 30,			December 31, 2013		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014					2014
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Patents	$	15		$	14	$	10	$	9
	Licenses	48			48		25		22
	Customer relationships	251			254		88		77
	Technical knowledge	48			48		21		19
	Other	28			29		23		23
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	390		$	393	$	167	$	150
	Unamortizable intangible assets:
	Goodwill	$	707		$	717	$	26	$	26
	Trademarks and trade names	20			20		8		8
	Total unamortizable intangible assets	$	727		$	737	$	34	$	34
Change In Net Goodwill	'
	The change in net goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is as follows:
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	691
	Impact of foreign currency exchange rates	(10		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	681

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Notes Payable And Long-Term Debt	'
	Notes payable and long-term debt consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Outstanding		Weighted		Outstanding		Weighted
				Average				Average
				Rate				Rate
	Notes payable
	Commercial paper (1)	$	—	—	%	$	65	0.1	%
	Sigma-Aldrich Japan GK credit facilities (2)	—		—		—		—
	Other short-term credit facilities (3)	—		—		—		—
	Total notes payable	$	—	—	%	$	65	0.1	%
	Long-term debt
	Senior notes, due November 1, 2020 (4)	$	300	3.4	%	$	300	3.4	%
	Total long-term debt	$	300	3.4	%	$	300	3.4	%
	-1	The Company has a $600 five-year revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks in the U.S. that supports the Company's commercial paper program. The facility matures on May 10, 2018. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any borrowings outstanding under the facility. The amount available under the facility is reduced by the amount of commercial paper outstanding. The facility contains financial covenants that require the maintenance of a ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization of no more than 65.0 percent and an aggregate amount of subsidiary debt plus consolidated secured debt of no more than 25.0 percent of total net worth. The Company's total consolidated debt as a percentage of total capitalization and aggregate amount of subsidiary debt plus consolidated secured debt as a percentage of total net worth, as defined in the underlying credit agreement, was 9 percent and 0.0 percent, respectively, at September 30, 2014.
	-2	Sigma-Aldrich Japan GK has two credit facilities with a total commitment of 2 billion Japanese Yen ($18), with one facility expiring April 30, 2015 and the other representing a line of credit with no expiration. There were no borrowings under the facilities at September 30, 2014.
	-3	There were no borrowings under these facilities, which have total commitments in U.S. Dollar equivalents of $3, at September 30, 2014.
	-4	The Company has $300 of 3.375 percent Senior Notes due November 1, 2020. Interest on the notes is payable May 1 and November 1 of each year. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part at the Company’s option, (i) at any time at specific redemption prices plus accrued interest or (ii) three months prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued interest.

Financial_Derivatives_and_Risk1

Financial Derivatives and Risk Management (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	'
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Item	Reporting Location	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Forward exchange contracts asset derivative	Other current assets	$	20	$	5
	Forward exchange contracts liability derivative	Other current liabilities	—		6
	Gain recognized in AOCI, net	AOCI	19		2
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	'
	The following table summarizes the effect of the foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges on the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, net of immaterial tax effects.
	Item	Reporting Location	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Gain/(loss) recognized in OCI, net	OCI	$	20	$	(11	)
	Gain reclassified from AOCI into net income	Costs of products and services sold	—		3
	Item	Reporting Location	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Gain/(loss) recognized in OCI, net	OCI	$	17	$	(1	)
	Gain reclassified from AOCI into net income	Costs of products and services sold	—		5

Company_Operations_By_Business1

Company Operations By Business Unit (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Net Sales For The Company's Business Units	'
	The business unit structure is the Company's approach to serving customers and reporting sales rather than any internal division
	used to allocate resources. Sales for the Company's business units are as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Research	$	347	$	341	$	1,063	$	1,055
	Applied	170		154		513		473
	SAFC Commercial	173		169		504		492
	Total	$	690	$	664	$	2,080	$	2,020
Geographic Financial Information - Net Sales To Unaffiliated Customers	'
	Sales are attributed to countries based upon the location from which the product was shipped or services were performed. Geographic financial information is as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Sales to unaffiliated customers:
	United States	$	269	$	259	$	788	$	775
	International	421		405		1,292		1,245
	Total	$	690	$	664	$	2,080	$	2,020
Geographic Financial Information - Long-Lived Assets	'
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	528	$	523
	United Kingdom	86		84
	Other countries	254		273
	Total	$	868	$	880

Pension_And_PostRetirement_Ben1

Pension And Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components Of The Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Pension Plans												Post-Retirement
		United States						International						Medical  Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	2		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	2			2			3			2			—			—
	Expected return on plan assets	(3		)	(3		)	(3		)	(2		)	—			—
	Amortization	—			—			—			1			(1		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	1		$	3		$	(1	)	$	—
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Pension Plans												Post-Retirement
		United States						International						Medical  Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	5		$	7		$	—		$	1
	Interest cost	6			5			7			7			—			1
	Expected return on plan assets	(10		)	(9		)	(9		)	(8		)	—			—
	Amortization	—			1			—			3			(3		)	(1		)
	Settlement Loss Recognized	1			—			—			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(3	)	$	(3	)	$	3		$	9		$	(3	)	$	1
Pension And Post-Retirement Benefits And Liabilities	'
	Pension and post-retirement benefits liabilities consisted of the following as of the dates noted:
		September 30,			December 31, 2013
		2014
	Retiree medical liability	$	22		$	39
	Pension liability	34			36
	Subtotal	56			75
	Less: current portion (included in other current liabilities)	(3		)	(2		)
	Pension and post-retirement benefits liabilities	$	53		$	73

Other_Assets_And_Liabilities_T

Other Assets And Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Other Current Assets	'
	Other current assets are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Other receivables	$	60	$	36
	Prepaid expenses	18		22
	Certificates of deposit	53		27
	Other current assets	3		2
	Total other current assets	$	134	$	87
Other Assets	'
	Other assets are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Other investments	$	12	$	11
	Cash value of life insurance policies	40		34
	Deferred taxes	11		11
	Long term certificates of deposit	—		33
	Pension and post-retirement asset	19		14
	Other non-current assets	27		29
	Total other assets	$	109	$	132
Other Current Liabilities	'
	Other current liabilities are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Legal and professional	$	16	$	5
	Pension and post-retirement liability	3		2
	Freight	9		7
	Other accrued expenses	69		63
	Total other current liabilities	$	97	$	77
Other Liabilities	'
	Other liabilities are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Deferred compensation	$	35	$	31
	Non-current income taxes	39		37
	Other non-current liabilities	12		12
	Total other non-current liabilities	$	86	$	80

Other_Charges_Other_Charges_Ta

Other Charges Other Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Restructuring costs	$	14	$	10	$	16	$	10
	Licensing dispute settlement	—		—		—		7
	Costs related to mergers and acquisitions	11		—		11		5
	Total other charges	$	25	$	10	$	27	$	22

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Shares Used In Calculation Of Earnings Per Share	'
	EPS calculations have been made using the following share information (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted average shares
	Basic shares	119	120	119	120
	Effect of dilutive securities	1	1	1	1
	Diluted shares	120	121	120	121

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	'
	The following table shows the components of AOCI for the three months ended September 30, 2014:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Income (Loss), Net			Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net			Total
	Beginning balance: June 30, 2014	$	171		$	(7	)	$	—		$	(1	)	$	163
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(87		)	(7		)	—			20			(74		)
	Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	—			—			—			—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(87		)	(7		)	—			20			(74		)
	Ending balance: September 30, 2014	$	84		$	(14	)	$	—		$	19		$	89
	The following table shows the components of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Income (Loss), Net			Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net			Total
	Beginning balance: December 31, 2013	$	141		$	(23	)	$	—		$	2		$	120
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(57		)	10			—			17			(30		)
	Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	—			1			—			—			1
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(57		)	9			—			17			(31		)
	Ending balance: September 30, 2014	$	84		$	(14	)	$	—		$	19		$	89
	The following table shows the components of AOCI for the three months ended September 30, 2013:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Income (Loss), Net			Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net			Total
	Beginning balance: June 30, 2013	$	69		$	(76	)	$	1		$	13		$	7
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	60			—			1			(8		)	53
	Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	—			(1		)	2			3			4
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	60			1			(1		)	(11		)	49
	Ending balance: September 30, 2013	$	129		$	(75	)	$	—		$	2		$	56
	The following table shows the components of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Income (Loss), Net			Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, Net			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net			Total
	Beginning balance: December 31, 2012	$	141		$	(78	)	$	3		$	3		$	69
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(12		)	—			3			4			(5		)
	Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	—			(3		)	6			5			8
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(12		)	3			(3		)	(1		)	(13		)
	Ending balance: September 30, 2013	$	129		$	(75	)	$	—		$	2		$	56

Proposed_Merger_with_Merck_KGa1

Proposed Merger with Merck KGaA (Details) (Merck KGaA [Member], The Company [Member], USD $)	Sep. 22, 2014
Merck KGaA [Member] | The Company [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Price per share offered	$140

Inventories_Principal_Categori

Inventories (Principal Categories Of Inventories) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$582	$575
Work in process	33	27
Raw materials	104	97
Total	$719	$699

Intangible_Assets_Narrative_De

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$6	$6	$19	$20
Finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense, four year estimate, minimum	'	'	22	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense, four year estimate, maximum	'	'	$24	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'	'	'1 year	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'	'	'20 years	'

Intangible_Assets_Amortizable_

Intangible Assets (Amortizable And Unamortizable Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Amortizable intangible assets:	'	'
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	$390	$393
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	167	150
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Including Goodwill) [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill, Gross	707	717
Goodwill, Accumulated Amortization	26	26
Total unamortizable intangible assets, Cost	727	737
Total unamortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	34	34
Trademarks and trade names	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Including Goodwill) [Abstract]	'	'
Trademarks and trade names, Cost	20	20
Trademarks and trade names, Accumulated Amortization	8	8
Patents	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets:	'	'
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	15	14
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	10	9
Licenses	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets:	'	'
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	48	48
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	25	22
Customer relationships	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets:	'	'
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	251	254
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	88	77
Technical knowledge	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets:	'	'
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	48	48
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	21	19
Other	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets:	'	'
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	28	29
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	$23	$23

Intangible_Assets_Change_In_Ne

Intangible Assets (Change In Net Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$691
Impact of foreign currency exchange rates	-10
Balance at September 30, 2014	$681

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	facility		facility
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of guaranteed facilities	1	'	1	'	'
Interest expense, debt	$2	$2	$6	$7	'
Long-term debt, fair value	$303	'	$303	'	$298

Debt_Schedule_Of_Notes_Payable

Debt (Schedule Of Notes Payable And Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Notes payable	'		'
Outstanding	$0		$65
Weighted Average Rate	0.00%		0.10%
Long-term debt	'		'
Outstanding	300		300
Weighted Average Rate	3.40%		3.40%
Commercial Paper [Member]	'		'
Notes payable	'		'
Outstanding	0	[1]	65	[1]
Weighted Average Rate	0.00%	[1]	0.10%	[1]
Sigma-Aldrich Japan Credit Facility [Member]	'		'
Notes payable	'		'
Outstanding	0	[2]	0	[2]
Weighted Average Rate	0.00%	[2]	0.00%	[2]
Other Short-Term Credit Facilities [Member]	'		'
Notes payable	'		'
Outstanding	0	[3]	0	[3]
Weighted Average Rate	0.00%	[3]	0.00%	[3]
Senior Notes, Due November 1, 2020 [Member]	'		'
Long-term debt	'		'
Outstanding	$300	[4]	$300	[4]
Weighted Average Rate	3.40%	[4]	3.40%	[4]
[1]	The Company has a $600 five-year revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks in the U.S. that supports the Company's commercial paper program. The facility matures on May 10, 2018. At SeptemberB 30, 2014 and DecemberB 31, 2013, the Company did not have any borrowings outstanding under the facility. The amount available under the facility is reduced by the amount of commercial paper outstanding. The facility contains financial covenants that require the maintenance of a ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization of no more than 65.0 percent and an aggregate amount of subsidiary debt plus consolidated secured debt of no more than 25.0 percent of total net worth. The Company's total consolidated debt as a percentage of total capitalization and aggregate amount of subsidiary debt plus consolidated secured debt as a percentage of total net worth, as defined in the underlying credit agreement, was 9 percent and 0.0 percent, respectively, at SeptemberB 30, 2014.
[2]	Sigma-Aldrich Japan GK has two credit facilities with a total commitment of 2 billion Japanese Yen ($18), with one facility expiring April 30, 2015 and the other representing a line of credit with no expiration. There were no borrowings under the facilities at SeptemberB 30, 2014.
[3]	There were no borrowings under these facilities, which have total commitments in U.S.B Dollar equivalents of $3, at SeptemberB 30, 2014.
[4]	The Company has $300 of 3.375 percent Senior Notes due November 1, 2020. Interest on the notes is payable MayB 1 and NovemberB 1 of each year. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part at the Companybs option, (i) at any time at specific redemption prices plus accrued interest or (ii) three months prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued interest.

Debt_Notes_Payable_And_LongTer

Debt (Notes Payable And Long-Term Debt - Additional Information) (Details)	9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Maturing May 10, 2018 [Member]	Sigma-Aldrich Japan Credit Facility [Member]	Sigma-Aldrich Japan Credit Facility [Member]	Other Short-Term Credit Facilities [Member]	Senior Notes, Due November 1, 2020 [Member]
	USD ($)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	USD ($)
		facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$600,000,000	$18,000,000	¥ 2,000,000,000	$3,000,000	$300,000,000
Line of credit facility, term	'5 years	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	10-May-18	30-Apr-15	30-Apr-15	'	1-Nov-20
Debt instrument covenant ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization, maximum	65.00%	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, covenant, ratio of consolidated debt to total net worth	25.00%	'	'	'	'
Consolidated debt as percentage of total capitalization	9.00%	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, covenant ratio, consolidated debt plus subsidiary debt as a percentage of total net worth	0.00%	'	'	'	'
Number of credit facilities	'	2	2	'	'
Stated interest rate	'	'	'	'	3.38%
Duration debt can be redeemed at 100 percent plus accrued interest	'	'	'	'	'3 months
Debt redemption price, percentage	'	'	'	'	100.00%

Financial_Derivatives_and_Risk2

Financial Derivatives and Risk Management (Fair Value of Derivatives) - Balance Sheet (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], Foreign Exchange Forward [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net	$19	$2
Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Forward exchange contracts asset derivative	20	5
Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Forward exchange contracts liability derivative	$0	$6

Financial_Derivatives_and_Risk3

Financial Derivatives and Risk Management (Schedule Of Gain Loss) - Income Statement (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], Foreign Exchange Forward [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain/(loss) recognized in OCI, net	$20	($11)	$17	($1)
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain reclassified from AOCI into net income	$0	$3	$0	$5

Financial_Derivatives_and_Risk4

Financial Derivatives and Risk Management (General Cash Flow Hedge Information) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Minimum [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
			Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percent of net revenue denominated in Non-US currencies (over)	'	60.00%	'	'	'	'
Derivative, notional amount	'	'	$285	$298	$181	$199
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months	$16	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum length of time hedged in cash flow hedge	'	'	'24 months	'	'	'
Maximum length of time hedged in foreign currency cash flow hedge	'	'	'	'	'6 months	'

Company_Operations_By_Business2

Company Operations By Business Unit (Net Sales For The Company's Business Units) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$690	$664	$2,080	$2,020
Number of operating segments	'	'	1	'
Research Business Unit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	347	341	1,063	1,055
Applied Business Unit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	170	154	513	473
SAFC Commercial Business Unit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$173	$169	$504	$492

Company_Operations_By_Business3

Company Operations By Business Unit (Geographic Financial Information - Net Sales To Unaffiliated Customers) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$690	$664	$2,080	$2,020
United States	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	269	259	788	775
International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$421	$405	$1,292	$1,245

Company_Operations_By_Business4

Company Operations By Business Unit (Geographic Financial Information - Long-Lived Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	$868	$880
United States	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	528	523
United Kingdom	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	86	84
Other countries	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	$254	$273

Pension_And_PostRetirement_Ben2

Pension And Post-Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 02, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
	International	International	Post-Retirement Medical Benefit Plans [Member]	United States	United States	United States	United States	Forecast [Member]
		Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employer contributions to pension plans	$4	'	'	'	'	'	'	$6
Reduction in projected benefit obligation due to plan amendments	'	11	17	'	'	'	'	'
Cost of 401(k) retirement savings plan	'	'	'	$5	$5	$17	$17	'

Pension_And_PostRetirement_Ben3

Pension And Post-Retirement Benefits (Components Of The Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
United States	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$0	$0	$0	$0
Interest cost	2	2	6	5
Expected return on plan assets	-3	-3	-10	-9
Amortization	0	0	0	1
Settlement Loss Recognized	'	'	1	0
Net periodic benefit cost	-1	-1	-3	-3
International	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1	2	5	7
Interest cost	3	2	7	7
Expected return on plan assets	-3	-2	-9	-8
Amortization	0	1	0	3
Settlement Loss Recognized	'	'	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	1	3	3	9
Post-Retirement Medical Benefit Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	0	1
Interest cost	0	0	0	1
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization	-1	0	-3	-1
Settlement Loss Recognized	'	'	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	($1)	$0	($3)	$1

Pension_And_PostRetirement_Ben4

Pension And Post-Retirement Benefits (Pension And Post-Retirement Benefits And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Retiree medical liability	$22	$39
Pension liability	34	36
Subtotal	56	75
Less: current portion (included in other current liabilities)	-3	-2
Pension and post-retirement benefits liabilities	$53	$73

Other_Assets_And_Liabilities_O

Other Assets And Liabilities (Other Current Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Other receivables	$60	$36
Prepaid expenses	18	22
Certificates of deposit	53	27
Other current assets	3	2
Total other current assets	$134	$87

Other_Assets_And_Liabilities_O1

Other Assets And Liabilities (Other Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Other investments	$12	$11
Cash value of life insurance policies	40	34
Deferred taxes	11	11
Long term certificates of deposit	0	33
Pension and post-retirement asset	19	14
Other non-current assets	27	29
Total other assets	$109	$132

Other_Assets_And_Liabilities_O2

Other Assets And Liabilities (Other Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Legal and professional	$16	$5
Pension and post-retirement liability	3	2
Freight	9	7
Other accrued expenses	69	63
Total other current liabilities	$97	$77

Other_Assets_And_Liabilities_O3

Other Assets And Liabilities (Other Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred compensation	$35	$31
Non-current income taxes	39	37
Other non-current liabilities	12	12
Total other non-current liabilities	$86	$80

Other_Charges_Details

Other Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	employee	employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	$14	$10	'	$2	$16	$10	$12	$10
Licensing dispute settlement	0	0	7	'	0	7	'	'
Costs related to mergers and acquisitions	11	0	5	'	11	5	'	'
Total other charges	25	10	'	'	27	22	'	'
Number of employees expected to be impacted by the restructuring	80	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of employees impacted by the restructuring	'	90	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected restructuring costs	16	'	'	'	16	'	'	'
Reduction of Value of Assets Impacted by Restructuring [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	9	'
Expected restructuring costs	12	'	'	'	12	'	'	'
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'
Expected restructuring costs	$4	'	'	'	$4	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Shares_Used

Earnings Per Share (Shares Used In Calculation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Weighted average shares	'	'	'	'
Basic shares	119,000,000	120,000,000	119,000,000	120,000,000
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
Diluted shares	120,000,000	121,000,000	120,000,000	121,000,000
Number of potential common shares from the calculation of weighted average shares considered to be antidilutive	0	1,000,000	0	1,000,000

Share_Repurchases_Details

Share Repurchases (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Repurchase Agreements [Abstract]	'	'
Cumulative shares repurchased	102,000,000	101,000,000
Authorized shares repurchase (in shares)	110,000,000	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$163	$7	$120	$69
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	-74	53	-30	-5
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	0	4	1	8
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-74	49	-31	-13
Ending balance: September 30, 2014	89	56	89	56
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Income (Loss), Net [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	171	69	141	141
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	-87	60	-57	-12
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	0	0	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-87	60	-57	-12
Ending balance: September 30, 2014	84	129	84	129
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	-7	-76	-23	-78
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	-7	0	10	0
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	0	-1	1	-3
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-7	1	9	3
Ending balance: September 30, 2014	-14	-75	-14	-75
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, Net [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	0	1	0	3
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	0	1	0	3
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	0	2	0	6
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	0	-1	0	-3
Ending balance: September 30, 2014	0	0	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	-1	13	2	3
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	20	-8	17	4
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	0	3	0	5
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	20	-11	17	-1
Ending balance: September 30, 2014	$19	$2	$19	$2

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	$0	$4	$1	$8
SG&A [Member]	'	'	'	'
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	'	1	1	3
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	'	3	'	5
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Income (Loss), Net [Member]	'	'	'	'
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	0	-1	1	-3
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net [Member]	'	'	'	'
Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	$0	$3	$0	$5

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 03, 2014
	Forecast [Member]	Cell Marque [Member]
	Cell Marque [Member]	employee
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Number of employees	'	90
Expected purchase price	$170	'