| 
           OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $) 
        In Millions, unless otherwise specified  | 
        12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 
           Dec. 31, 2012 
         | 
        
           Dec. 31, 2011 
         | 
        
           Dec. 31, 2010 
         | 
      |
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | $ 412 | $ 330 | $ 236 | 
| Total Assets | 8,884 | 8,657 | |
| 
           Polyurethanes 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 107 | 85 | 59 | 
| Total Assets | 3,268 | 3,144 | |
| 
           Performance Products 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 117 | 96 | 66 | 
| Total Assets | 2,455 | 2,348 | |
| 
           Advanced Materials 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 41 | 39 | 24 | 
| Total Assets | 1,366 | 1,307 | |
| 
           Textile Effects 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 27 | 34 | 23 | 
| Total Assets | 745 | 686 | |
| 
           Pigments 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 98 | 57 | 49 | 
| Total Assets | 1,597 | 1,428 | |
| 
           Corporate and other 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 22 | 19 | 15 | 
| Total Assets | (547) | (256) | |
| 
           HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 412 | 330 | 236 | 
| Total Assets | 8,870 | 8,330 | |
| 
           HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | Polyurethanes 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 107 | 85 | 59 | 
| Total Assets | 3,221 | 3,086 | |
| 
           HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | Performance Products 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 117 | 96 | 66 | 
| Total Assets | 2,449 | 2,340 | |
| 
           HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | Advanced Materials 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 41 | 39 | 24 | 
| Total Assets | 1,366 | 1,307 | |
| 
           HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | Textile Effects 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 27 | 34 | 23 | 
| Total Assets | 745 | 686 | |
| 
           HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | Pigments 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 98 | 57 | 49 | 
| Total Assets | 1,562 | 1,384 | |
| 
           HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | Corporate and other 
         | 
        |||
| Segment reporting information | |||
| Capital Expenditures | 22 | 19 | 15 | 
| Total Assets | $ (473) | $ (473) | |