v2.4.0.6

Segment And Geographic Information (Capital Expenditures) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Capital expenditures | $ 176,843 | $ 81,269 | $ 99,769
Olefins [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Capital expenditures | 90,641 | 37,865 | 40,251
Vinyls [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Capital expenditures | 84,192 | 42,371 | 58,186
Corporate And Other [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Capital expenditures | $ 2,010 | $ 1,033 | $ 1,332

X
- Definition Current year acquisitions of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration