Registration of securities issued in business combination transactions

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 6)

v2.4.0.6
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 6) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS          
Total defined contribution expense $ 124 $ 132 $ 14 $ 14 $ 12
SUPPLEMENTAL SALARY DEFERRAL PLAN AND SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN          
Maximum percentage of salary which participant can defer under Huntsman supplemental deferral plan     75.00%    
Carrying amount of assets included in other noncurrent assets     12 11  
Deferred compensation expense     $ 1 $ 1  
STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLAN          
Authorized number of shares to be granted under the Stock Incentive Plan 32.6   32.6    
Money purchase pension plan
          
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS          
Employer contribution limit (as a percent of compensation)     8.00%    
Salary deferral plan
          
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS          
Employer contribution limit (as a percent of compensation)     2.00%    
Employer matching contribution as a percentage of employee's contribution     50.00%    
Salary deferral plan for new hires
          
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS          
Employer contribution limit (as a percent of compensation)     4.00%    
Employer matching contribution as a percentage of employee's contribution     100.00%    
Period of service, to be achieved by the employees, to participate in the plan     6 years