SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Notes)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Eastman Chemical Company ("Eastman" or the "Company") in accordance and consistent with the accounting policies stated in the Company's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of that report, with the exception of the items noted below. The December 31, 2019 financial position data included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for fair statement of the interim financial information in conformity with GAAP. These statements contain some amounts that are based upon management estimates and judgments. Future actual results could differ from such current estimates. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include assets, liabilities, sales revenue, and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures in which a controlling interest is maintained. Eastman accounts for other joint ventures and investments where it exercises significant influence on the equity basis. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period data has been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes to conform to current period presentation. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: On January 1, 2020, Eastman adopted this standard, and related releases, under the various required transition methods. The amendments require a financial asset (including trade receivables) to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of allowances for credit losses valuation account. The income statement will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The adoption of this standard did not result in a material impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. ASU 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement: On January 1, 2020, Eastman adopted this standard that is a part of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements. The primary changes applicable to Eastman in this update are the disclosures of fair value levels, assessment thereof, and transfers between those levels. The adoption under the various required transition methods did not impact the Company's related disclosures. ASU 2018-18 Collaborative Arrangements - Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 (Collaborative Arrangements) and Topic 606 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers): On January 1, 2020, Eastman adopted this standard, retrospectively to the date of the initial application of Topic 606 on January 1, 2017, that provides clarification in regards to which contracts are accounted for under Topic 808 and Topic 606 as well as alignment of guidance between the two pronouncements. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. ASU 2019-01 Leases - Codification Improvements: On January 1, 2020, Eastman adopted this standard which was applied as of the adoption date and under the same transition methodology of ASU 2016-02 Lease previously adopted on January 1, 2019. The FASB issued this update in response to stakeholder inquiries regarding the new leasing standard. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. ASU 2020-04 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting: Eastman adopted this standard when issued and effective on March 12, 2020. The FASB issued this update to provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform (the global financial markets transition in contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions away from referencing the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates and toward new reference rates) on financial reporting. As reference reform has not impacted Eastman as of the issuance and effective date, the adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. Accounting Standards Issued But Not Adopted as of March 31, 2020 ASU 2018-14 Retirement Benefits - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans: In August 2018, the FASB issued this update as a part of its disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements. The primary change impacting Eastman is the addition of disclosures related to significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period and weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans. This standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, this update is to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Management does not expect that changes required by the new standard will materially impact the Company's related disclosures. ASU 2019-12 Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes: In December 2019, the FASB issued this update as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards which removes certain exceptions and provides simplification to specific tax items. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. Adoption methods vary based on the specific items impacted. Management is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. ASU 2020-01 Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815: In January 2020, the FASB issued a clarification that an entity should consider observable transactions that require the application or discontinuance of the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative and clarification that certain forward contracts and purchased options to purchase securities that, upon settlement, would be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The update is to be applied prospectively. Management does not expect that changes required by the new standard will materially impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. Working Capital Management and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements In 2019, the Company expanded its off balance sheet, uncommitted accounts receivable factoring program under which entire invoices may be sold, without recourse, to third-party financial institutions. Under these agreements, the Company sells the invoices at face value, less a transaction fee, which substantially equals the carrying value and fair value with no gain or loss recognized and no credit loss exposure is retained. Available capacity under these agreements, which the Company uses as a source of working capital funding, is dependent on the level of accounts receivable eligible to be sold and the financial institutions' willingness to purchase such receivables. In addition, certain agreements also require that the Company continue to service, administer, and collect the sold accounts receivable at market rates. The total amount of receivables sold in first quarter 2020 and 2019 were $457 million and $101 million, respectively. The Company works with suppliers to optimize payment terms and conditions on accounts payable to enhance timing of working capital and cash flows. As part of these efforts, in 2019, the Company introduced a voluntary supply chain finance program to provide suppliers with the opportunity to sell receivables due from Eastman to a participating financial institution. Eastman's responsibility is limited to making payments on the terms originally negotiated with suppliers, regardless of whether the suppliers sells their receivables to the financial institution. The range of payment terms Eastman negotiates with suppliers are consistent, regardless of whether a supplier participates in the program. All of Eastman's accounts payable and associated payments are reported consistently in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows regardless of whether they are associated with a vendor who participates in the program.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Eastman Chemical Company ("Eastman" or the "Company") in accordance and consistent with the accounting policies stated in the Company's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of that report, with the exception of the items noted below. The December 31, 2019 financial position data included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP").

In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for fair statement of the interim financial information in conformity with GAAP. These statements contain some amounts that are based upon management estimates and judgments. Future actual results could differ from such current estimates. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include assets, liabilities, sales revenue, and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures in which a controlling interest is maintained. Eastman accounts for other joint ventures and investments where it exercises significant influence on the equity basis. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period data has been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes to conform to current period presentation.

Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: On January 1, 2020, Eastman adopted this standard, and related releases, under the various required transition methods. The amendments require a financial asset (including trade receivables) to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of allowances for credit losses valuation account. The income statement will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The adoption of this standard did not result in a material impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

ASU 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement: On January 1, 2020, Eastman adopted this standard that is a part of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements. The primary changes applicable to Eastman in this update are the disclosures of fair value levels, assessment thereof, and transfers between those levels. The adoption under the various required transition methods did not impact the Company's related disclosures.

ASU 2018-18 Collaborative Arrangements - Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 (Collaborative Arrangements) and Topic 606 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers): On January 1, 2020, Eastman adopted this standard, retrospectively to the date of the initial application of Topic 606 on January 1, 2017, that provides clarification in regards to which contracts are accounted for under Topic 808 and Topic 606 as well as alignment of guidance between the two pronouncements. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

ASU 2019-01 Leases - Codification Improvements: On January 1, 2020, Eastman adopted this standard which was applied as of the adoption date and under the same transition methodology of ASU 2016-02 Lease previously adopted on January 1, 2019. The FASB issued this update in response to stakeholder inquiries regarding the new leasing standard. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

ASU 2020-04 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting: Eastman adopted this standard when issued and effective on March 12, 2020. The FASB issued this update to provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform (the global financial markets transition in contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions away from referencing the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates and toward new reference rates) on financial reporting. As reference reform has not impacted Eastman as of the issuance and effective date, the adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

ASU 2018-14 Retirement Benefits - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans: In August 2018, the FASB issued this update as a part of its disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements. The primary change impacting Eastman is the addition of disclosures related to significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period and weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans. This standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, this update is to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Management does not expect that changes required by the new standard will materially impact the Company's related disclosures.

ASU 2019-12 Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes: In December 2019, the FASB issued this update as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards which removes certain exceptions and provides simplification to specific tax items. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. Adoption methods vary based on the specific items impacted. Management is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

ASU 2020-01 Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815: In January 2020, the FASB issued a clarification that an entity should consider observable transactions that require the application or discontinuance of the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative and clarification that certain forward contracts and purchased options to purchase securities that, upon settlement, would be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The update is to be applied prospectively. Management does not expect that changes required by the new standard will materially impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

In 2019, the Company expanded its off balance sheet, uncommitted accounts receivable factoring program under which entire invoices may be sold, without recourse, to third-party financial institutions. Under these agreements, the Company sells the invoices at face value, less a transaction fee, which substantially equals the carrying value and fair value with no gain or loss recognized and no credit loss exposure is retained. Available capacity under these agreements, which the Company uses as a source of working capital funding, is dependent on the level of accounts receivable eligible to be sold and the financial institutions' willingness to purchase such receivables. In addition, certain agreements also require that the Company continue to service, administer, and collect the sold accounts receivable at market rates. The total amount of receivables sold in first quarter 2020 and 2019 were $457 million and $101 million, respectively.

The Company works with suppliers to optimize payment terms and conditions on accounts payable to enhance timing of working capital and cash flows. As part of these efforts, in 2019, the Company introduced a voluntary supply chain finance program to provide suppliers with the opportunity to sell receivables due from Eastman to a participating financial institution. Eastman's responsibility is limited to making payments on the terms originally negotiated with suppliers, regardless of whether the suppliers sells their receivables to the financial institution. The range of payment terms Eastman negotiates with suppliers are consistent, regardless of whether a supplier participates in the program. All of Eastman's accounts payable and associated payments are reported consistently in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows regardless of whether they are associated with a vendor who participates in the program.