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

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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