Registration of securities issued in business combination transactions

INCOME TAXES (Details)

v2.4.0.6
INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
INCOME TAXES                            
Net increase in unrecognized tax benefits with a corresponding income tax expense                   $ 4        
INCOME TAXES                            
Income tax expense                   212 121      
Change in valuation allowance                       (19) (22) 230
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs 47 (4) 155 9 7 5 4 17 3 52 171 167 29 88
Discrete benefit from de-recognition of net deferred tax liability                   3        
Polyurethanes and Textile Effects
                            
INCOME TAXES                            
Tax benefit of restructuring, impairment and plant closing                   12        
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs                   50        
Textile Effects and Advanced Materials
                            
INCOME TAXES                            
Tax benefit of restructuring, impairment and plant closing                     2      
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs                     160      
Guatemala, Indonesia, and China
                            
INCOME TAXES                            
Change in valuation allowance                   1        
Luxembourg
                            
INCOME TAXES                            
Change in valuation allowance                   $ 12 $ 8