Entity Central Index Key This element represent s the fair value of deferred compensation agreements. This element represents the fair value of investments of a captive insurance company. Represents the original cost of available-for-sale securities. Amount of accumulated investment income, realized gains, disbursements and settlements recorded in previous periods. The change in unrealized holding gain (loss) including reclassifications of realized gains (losses) out of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities included in a separate component of shareholders' equity during the period. Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Other net periodic benefit income. Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Sales Revenue From Contract With Customer Excluding Assessed Tax Cost of sales Cost Of Revenue Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expense Selling General And Administrative Expense Research and development expense Research And Development Expense Equity and other income (loss) Other Operating Income Expense Net Operating income (loss) Operating Income Loss Net interest and other expense (income) Interest Income Expense Net Other net periodic benefit income (loss) Other Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Income Expense Net income (loss) on divestitures Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Gain Loss On Disposal Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Extraordinary Items Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense Benefit Income (loss) from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Net income (loss) Profit Loss PER SHARE DATA Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract] Basic earnings per share - Note L Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Basic Share Income from discontinued operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Basic Share Net income (loss) Earnings Per Share Basic Diluted earnings per share - Note L Earnings Per Share Diluted [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share Income from discontinued operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Diluted Share Net income (loss) Earnings Per Share Diluted COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Abstract] Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Unrealized translation gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Pension and postretirement obligation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Net change in investment securities Net Change In Investment Securities Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Assets held for sale noncurrent. Liabilities held for sale current. Liabilities held for sale noncurrent. Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable Net Current Inventories - Note F Inventory Net Other assets Other Assets Current Held for sale - Note B Assets Held For Sale Not Part Of Disposal Group Current Total current assets Assets Current Noncurrent assets Assets Noncurrent [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Property Plant And Equipment Net [Abstract] Cost Property Plant And Equipment Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Net property, plant and equipment Property Plant And Equipment Net Goodwill - Note G Goodwill Intangibles - Note G Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Restricted investments - Note E Restricted Cash And Investments Noncurrent Asbestos insurance receivable - Note K Insurance Settlements Receivable Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Net Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets Noncurrent Held for sale - Note B Assets Held For Sale Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Short-term debt - Note H Short Term Borrowings Trade and other payables Accounts Payable Current Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities Current Held for sale - Note B Liabilities Held For Sale Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current Noncurrent liabilities Liabilities Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt - Note H Long Term Debt Noncurrent Asbestos litigation reserve - Note K Litigation Reserve Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Employee benefit obligations - Note J Pension And Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans Liabilities Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities Noncurrent Held for sale - Note B Liabilities Held For Sale Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies - Note K Commitments And Contingencies Stockholders’ equity - Note M Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component Equity Component [Domain] Common stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Paid-in capital [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Retained earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Beginning Balance Adoption of new accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncement Or Change In Accounting Principle Effect Of Adoption Quantification Total comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Regular dividends, $0.50 per common share Dividends Common Stock Cash Common shares issued under stock incentive and other plans Stock Issued During Period Value Share Based Compensation Ending Balance Dividend per common share Common Stock Dividends Per Share Cash Paid Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Unrecognized prior service costs (credits) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Net Of Tax Net unrealized translation loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Investment securities unrealized gain Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Common shares issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Payments for proceeds from restricted cash and investments. Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash flows from operating activities Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Original issue discount and debt issuance costs amortization Amortization Of Financing Costs Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes And Tax Credits Distributions from affiliates Equity Method Investment Dividends Or Distributions Stock based compensation expense Share Based Compensation Loss (income) from restricted investments Gain Loss On Sale Of Investments Excess tax benefit on stock based compensation Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Operating Activities Net (income) loss on divestitures Gain Loss On Sale Of Business Impairments Asset Impairment Charges Pension contributions Pension Contributions Gain on pension and other postretirement plan remeasurements Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Change in operating assets and liabilities Increase Decrease In Operating Capital Total cash flows provided (used) by operating activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment Purchase of operations Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired Proceeds from sales of operations Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Net Of Cash Divested Life insurance payments Payments To Acquire Life Insurance Policies Net purchase of funds restricted for specific transactions Payments For Proceeds From Restricted Cash And Investments Reimbursement from restricted investments Proceeds From Sale Of Restricted Investments Proceeds from sales of securities Proceeds From Sale Maturity And Collections Of Investments Purchase of securities Payments To Acquire Investments Proceeds from the settlement of derivative instruments Proceeds From Hedge Investing Activities Payments for the settlement of derivative instruments Payments For Hedge Investing Activities Total cash flows used by investing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Repayment of long-term debt Repayments Of Long Term Debt Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term debt Proceeds From Repayments Of Short Term Debt Cash dividends paid Payments Of Dividends Common Stock Stock based compensation employee withholding taxes paid in cash Payments Related To Tax Withholding For Share Based Compensation Total cash flows used by financing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CONTINUING OPERATIONS Net Cash Provided By Used In Continuing Operations Cash used by discontinued operations Net Cash Provided By Used In Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Operating cash flows Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Discontinued Operations Investing cash flows Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Discontinued Operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Discontinued Operations Total cash used by discontinued operations Net Cash Provided By Used In Discontinued Operations Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Including Discontinued Operations CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Description of completed or expected disposal(s) group, the gain or loss recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain or loss, amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in earnings, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Divestitures. Divestitures [Abstract] Divestitures Divestitures [Text Block] Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Activities Restructuring And Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Litigation, Claims and Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Equity Items Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] Stock Incentive Plans Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract] Revenue Revenue From Contract With Customer [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Reportable Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Use of Estimates, Risk and Uncertainties Use Of Estimates New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements Policy Policy [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Policy Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Policy Inventories Inventory Policy [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill Goodwill And Intangible Assets Goodwill Policy Finite-Lived Intangible Asset Intangible Assets Finite Lived Policy Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived Goodwill And Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Indefinite Lived Policy Commitments and Contingencies Policy Commitments And Contingencies Policy [Text Block] Environmental Cost Policy Environmental Costs Policy Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Stock Incentive Plan Policy Share Based Compensation Option And Incentive Plans Policy Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Policy Policy [Text Block] Summary of assets and liabilities held for sale. Summary of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Summary Of Assets And Liabilities Held For Sale Table [Text Block] Components of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related to Discontinued Operations Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures [Text Block] Summary of Amount of Restructuring Reserves Related to Program Schedule Of Restructuring And Related Costs [Text Block] Summary of Financial Instruments Subject to Recurring Fair Value Measurements Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Summary of Investment Portfolio Marketable Securities [Text Block] Summary of Investment Income, Realized Gains and Disbursements Related to Investments Investment Income [Text Block] Summary of Net Gains and Losses on Foreign Currency Derivatives Schedule Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Statement Of Financial Position Table [Text Block] Summary of Fair Values of Outstanding Foreign Currency Derivatives Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Outstanding Derivative Positions Table [Text Block] Summary of Inventories Schedule Of Inventory Current Table [Text Block] Summary of Goodwill by Reportable Segment Schedule Of Goodwill [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite and infinite life, by major class. Summary of Intangible Assets Scheduleof Finite Lived Infinite Lived Intangible Assets Table [Text Block] Summary of Current and Long-term Debt Schedule Of Debt Table [Text Block] Summary of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward Table [Text Block] Schedule of Components of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs for Continuing Operation Schedule Of Net Benefit Costs Table [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the progression and summary of asbestos claims activity. Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Legal Entity Legal Entity [Axis] Entity Entity [Domain] Ashland Global Holdings Inc. Ashland [Member] Ashland Global Holdings Inc [Member] Hercules Limited Liability Company. Hercules [Member] Hercules Limited Liability Company [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Summary of Asbestos Claims Activity Progression Of Asbestos Claims Activity Table [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the progression of activity in the asbestos reserve accounts. Progression of Activity in Asbestos Reserve Accounts Progression Of Activity In Asbestos Reserve Accounts Table [Text Block] Movement in the insurance receivable to cover asbestos claim settlements. Progression of Insurance Receivable Progression Of Activity In Insurance Receivable Table [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the changes in the environmental contingencies and asset retirement obligations reserve. Reconciliation of Changes in Environmental Contingencies and Asset Retirement Obligations Reserve Reconciliation Of Changes In Environmental Contingencies And Asset Retirement Obligations Reserve Table [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the components of environmental remediation expense. Components of Environmental Remediation Expense Components Of Environmental Remediation Expense Table [Text Block] Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table [Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule Of Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Summary of Reconciliation of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Schedule Of Stockholders Equity Table [Text Block] Components of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included in Continuing Operations Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation Of Revenue Table [Text Block] Summary of Financial Information for Each Reportable Segment Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Text Block] Significant accounting policies line items. Significant accounting policies. Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements Adjustments For New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption Type Of Adoption [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] Accounting Standards Update201616 [Member] Range Range [Axis] Range Range [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number Of Reportable Segments Unrealized gains on equity securities on reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings Recognition of investment gain (loss) within net interest and other expense (income) Realized Investment Gains Losses Cumulative-effect adjustment, reclassification from other current assets and deferred taxes to retained earnings New Accounting Pronouncement Or Change In Accounting Principle Cumulative Effect Of Change On Equity Or Net Assets1 Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Disposal Group Name Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Name [Domain] Composites segment and the Intermediates and Solvents facility. Composites Segment and the Intermediates and Solvents Facility [Member] Composites Segment And Intermediates And Solvents Facility [Member] Counterparty Name Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name Repurchase Agreement Counterparty Name [Domain] INEOS Enterprises. INEOS Enterprises [Member] I N E O S Enterprises [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property Plant And Equipment By Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Land and Buildings [Member] Land And Building [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Transaction value in sale of business Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Consideration Expected net proceeds from sale of business Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Represents the amount of costs that were previously allocated to the Composites segment and Marl facility but have been reclassified to the Unallocated and Other Segment. Stranded divestitures costs Stranded Divestitures Costs Impaired intangible asset income statement classification amount. Property, plant and equipment Impairment charge Impaired Intangible Asset Income Statement Classification Amount Disposal group including discontinued operation accrued expenses and other liabilities current. Accounts receivable, net Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable Net Inventories Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Inventory Current Net property, plant and equipment Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Property Plant And Equipment Current Goodwill Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Goodwill Current Intangibles Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Intangible Assets Current Deferred income taxes Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Deferred Tax Asset Current Other assets Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Other Current Assets Current assets held for sale Assets Of Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Current Net property, plant and equipment Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Property Plant And Equipment Noncurrent Goodwill Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Goodwill Noncurrent Intangibles Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Intangible Assets Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Deferred Tax Assets Noncurrent Other assets Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Other Noncurrent Assets Noncurrent assets held for sale Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Assets Noncurrent Trade and other payables Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Accounts Payable Current Employee benefit obligations Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Pension Plan Benefit Obligation Current Accrued expenses and other liabilities Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities Current Other liabilities Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Other Current Liabilities Current liabilities held for sale Liabilities Of Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Employee benefit obligations Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Pension Plan Benefit Obligation Noncurrent Other liabilities Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Other Noncurrent Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities held for sale Liabilities Of Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Noncurrent Disposal group including discontinued operation allowance for doubtful accounts receivable current. Allowance for doubtful accounts Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Composites or Marl facility. Composites/Marl facility [Member] Composites Or Marl Facility [Member] A component of an enterprise representing facts about an entire consolidated business entity disaggregated by business or economic activities. Valvoline [Member] Consumer Markets [Member] Asbestos [Member] Asbestos Issue [Member] Water technologies. Water Technologies [Member] Water Technologies [Member] Ashland distribution. Distribution [Member] Ashland Distribution [Member] Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of tax) Disposal group including discontinued operation research and development expense. Disposal group, including discontinued operation, equity and other income (expense). Disposal group including discontinued operation, interest and other income (expense). Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Composites/Marl facility Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Sales Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Revenue Cost of sales Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Costs Of Goods Sold Selling, general and administrative expense Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation General And Administrative Expense Research and development expense Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Research And Development Expense Equity and other income (expense) Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Equity And Other Income Expense Pretax operating income of discontinued operations Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Operating Income Loss Net interest and other (expense) income Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Interest And Other Income Expense Pretax income of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation Income Loss From Discontinued Operation Before Income Tax Income tax expense Discontinued Operation Tax Effect Of Discontinued Operation Income from discontinued operations Schedule Of Restructuring And Related Costs [Table] Schedule Of Restructuring And Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Plan Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan Restructuring Plan [Domain] Voluntary severance offer. Voluntary Severance Offer [Member] Voluntary Severance Offer [Member] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Domain] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling General And Administrative Expenses [Member] Restructuring Type Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Axis] Type of Restructuring Type Of Restructuring [Domain] Severance Costs [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Facility Costs [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Segments Statement Business Segments [Axis] Segments Segment [Domain] One of the world's largest producers of cellulose ethers. It provides specialty additives and functional ingredients that primarily manage the physical properties of water-based systems. Many of its products are derived from renewable and natural raw materials and perform in a wide variety of applications. Specialty Ingredients [Member] Specialty Ingredients [Member] Accelerated depreciation and amortization. Accelerated Depreciation and Amortization [Member] Accelerated Depreciation And Amortization [Member] Plant closure cost. Plant Closure Costs [Member] Plant Closure Cost [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Cost Of Sales [Member] Plant restructuring. Plant Restructuring [Member] Plant Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items] Severance costs Severance Costs1 Restructuring reserve Restructuring Reserve Restructuring costs Restructuring Costs Beginning balance Restructuring reserve Restructuring Reserve Accrual Adjustment1 Utilization (cash paid) Payments For Restructuring Ending balance Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Measurement Basis Fair Value By Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Default] Portion At Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Measurement Frequency Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Restricted investments Restricted Cash And Investments Deferred compensation investments Deferred Compensation Investments Fair Value Disclosure Investment of captive insurance company Investments Of Captive Insurance Company Fair Value Disclosure Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Contract Asset Fair Value Disclosure Total assets at fair value Assets Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Contracts Liability Fair Value Disclosure Restricted Investments, Current Restricted Cash And Investments Current Amount of settlement funds deposited into the trust during the period. The cash outflow of all demand deposits, including checking and negotiable order or withdrawal (NOW) accounts. Original cost Availableforsale Securities Original Cost Accumulated adjustments, net Accumulated Adjustments Net Adjusted cost Available For Sale Debt Securities Amortized Cost Basis Investment income Investment Income Interest And Dividend Net unrealized gain Debt And Equity Securities Unrealized Gain Loss Realized gains Debt Securities Available For Sale Realized Gain Loss Settlement funds Settlement Funds Disbursements Disbursements Demand Deposit Fair value Available For Sale Securities Debt Securities Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Table] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Table] Debt Security Category Information By Category Of Debt Security [Axis] Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Categories of Investments Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings Categories Of Investments [Domain] Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Availableforsale Securities [Member] Asset Class Fair Value By Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Demand Deposits [Member] Demand Deposits [Member] Investment Type Investment Type [Axis] Investments Investment Type Categorization [Member] Equity mutual fund [Member] Equity Funds [Member] Financial Instrument Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments Transfers And Servicing Of Financial Instruments Types Of Financial Instruments [Domain] Corporate bond mutual fund [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] Unrealized gain Available For Sale Debt Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain Before Tax Unrealized loss Available For Sale Debt Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss Before Tax Total, fair value Demand deposit Demand Deposit Accounts Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update201601 [Member] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle Adjustments For Change In Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle Change In Accounting Principle [Member] Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Reclassified from AOCI to Retained Earnings [Member] Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Retained Earnings [Member] Restricted Investment [Abstract] Equity Securities Restricted [Abstract] Unrealized gains on equity securities Equity Securities Fv Ni Unrealized Gain Loss Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Net unrealized gains (losses) Realized gains Equity Securities Fv Ni Realized Gain Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Gains (loss) related to deferred compensation investments Gain Loss On Investments Derivative Instrument Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Hedging Designation Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Nondesignated [Member] Foreign currency derivative gains (losses) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Before Tax Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Foreign currency derivative assets Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset Notional contract values Derivative Notional Amount Foreign currency derivative liabilities Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Other financial instruments [Abstract] Debt Instruments [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Carrying Value Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long Term Debt Fair Value Finished products Inventory Finished Goods Raw materials, supplies and work in process Inventory Work In Process And Raw Materials Inventory, Net Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Trademarks And Trade Names [Member] Intellectual Property [Member] Intellectual Property [Member] Customer and supplier relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Number of remaining reporting units Number Of Reporting Units Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Intermediates and Solvents [Member] Intermediates and Solvents [Member] Intermediates And Solvents [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Roll Forward Balance at beginning of period Acquisitions Goodwill Acquired During Period Currency translation Goodwill Foreign Currency Translation Gain Loss Balance at end of period Accumulated impairment Goodwill Impaired Accumulated Impairment Loss Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract] Useful life (in years) Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Gross carrying amount Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Accumulated amortization Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Net carrying amount Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Abstract] Trademarks and trade names Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets Gross Excluding Goodwill Intangibles Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net [Abstract] Amortization expense recognized on intangible assets Amortization Of Intangible Assets Expected future amortization expense [Abstract] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] 2019 (includes six months actual and six months estimated) Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Next Twelve Months 2020 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Two 2021 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Three 2022 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Four 2023 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Five Debt Instrument [Table] Debt Instrument [Table] Long-term Debt, Type Longterm Debt Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Medium-term Notes [Member] Medium Term Notes [Member] Accounts Receivable Securitization [Member] Asset Backed Securities [Member] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name Debt Instrument Name [Domain] A written promise to pay a note to a bank. Notes due 2022 [Member] Notes Due2022 [Member] Term Loan B due 2024 [Member] Term Loan B due 2024 [Member] Term Loan B Due2024 [Member] A written promise to pay a note to a bank. Notes due 2043 [Member] Notes Due2043 [Member] Term Loan A due 2022 [Member] Term Loan A due 2022 [Member] Term Loan A Due2022 [Member] 2017 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] 2017 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] A2017 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Carrying value of debt Other Debt Instrument Unamortized Discount Premium And Debt Issuance Costs Net Total debt Debt Longterm And Shortterm Combined Amount Short-term debt (includes current portion of long-term debt) Long-term debt (less current portion) The remaining balance of debt issuance expenses that were capitalized and are being amortized against income over the lives of the respective long-term debt and presented as a direct reduction to long-term debt. Debt instrument maturity year. European facility. European Facility [Member] European Facility [Member] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument Maturity Date Debt Instrument, maturity year Debt Instrument Maturity Year Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense, Long-Term Debt Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Long Term Debt Scheduled aggregate debt maturities by fiscal year [Abstract] Long Term Debt By Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Next Twelve Months 2020 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Two 2021 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Three 2022 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Four 2023 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Five Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line Of Credit Facility Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility outstanding principal amount Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters Of Credit Outstanding Amount States whether the entity was in compliance with the debt covenants throughout the reporting period, and describes facts and circumstances of any compliance failure. The maximum consolidated leverage ratio permitted under the debt instruments. The calculated consolidated leverage ratio permitted under the debt instruments. Covenant restrictions [Abstract] Covenant Restrictions [Abstract] Maximum consolidated leverage ratio Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio Calculated leverage ratio Calculated Consolidated Leverage Ratio The minimum required consolidated interest coverage ratio under the debt instruments. The calculated consolidated interest coverage ratio under the debt instruments. Minimum required consolidated interest coverage ratio Minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio Calculated consolidated interest coverage ratio Calculated Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Tax Period Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period Tax Period [Domain] Current fiscal year. Current Fiscal Year [Member] Current Fiscal Year [Member] Income Tax Authority Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Entity [Member] Foreign Country [Member] Prior fiscal year. Prior Fiscal Year [Member] Prior Fiscal Year [Member] Foreign Country [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Income Tax Reconciliation Other Reconciling Items Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Increase Decrease In Deferred Income Taxes Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 one time transition tax liability tax adjustment. One-time transition tax liability, unfavorable tax adjustment Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of2017 One Time Transition Tax Liability Tax Adjustment Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Liabilities Increase Decrease In Deferred Liabilities Income tax reconciliation valuation allowance, amount. Effective tax rate (in hundredths) Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Income tax rate reconciliation, valuation allowances Income Tax Reconciliation Valuation Allowance Amount Balance at beginning of period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Decreases related to positions taken on items from prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits Decreases Resulting From Prior Period Tax Positions Increases related to positions taken in the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Resulting From Current Period Tax Positions Lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reductions Resulting From Lapse Of Applicable Statute Of Limitations Balance at end of period Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Decrease In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Foreign Plan [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Domestic Plan [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] UNITED STATES Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Actual contributions to benefit plans in period Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Estimated future contributions in current fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Employer Contributions Remainder Of Fiscal Year Remeasurement due to curtailment gain Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain Loss Due To Curtailments Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan Curtailments Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan Actuarial Gain Loss Total net periodic benefit costs (income) Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Asbestos claims [Roll Forward] Asbestos Claims Roll Forward Open claims - beginning of year Loss Contingency Pending Claims Number New claims filed Loss Contingency New Claims Filed Number Claims settled Loss Contingency Claims Settled Number Claims dismissed Loss Contingency Claims Dismissed Number Open claims - end of period Decrease in asbestos-related claims Valuation Allowances And Reserves Adjustments Total reserves for asbestos claims Valuation Allowances And Reserves Balance A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Asbestos reserve [Roll Forward] Asbestos Reserve Roll Forward Asbestos reserve - beginning of year Reserve adjustment Amounts paid Liability For Asbestos And Environmental Claims Gross Payment For Claims Asbestos reserve - end of period Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Asbestos reserve Loss contingency insurance receivable increase (decrease). Movement in Loss Contingency Receivable, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Movement In Loss Contingency Related Receivable Increase Decrease Roll Forward Insurance receivable Loss Contingency Receivable Receivable adjustment Loss Contingency Insurance Receivable Increase Decrease Insurance receivable - beginning of year Insurance settlement Increase Decrease In Insurance Settlements Receivable Amounts collected Loss Contingency Receivable Proceeds Insurance receivable - end of period Asbestos assumption period. Asbestos litigation cost projection. Asbestos litigation cost projection [Abstract] Asbestos Litigation Cost Projection [Abstract] Number of Years Included in Asbestos Assumption Asbestos Assumption Period Possible total future litigation defense and claim settlement costs Loss Contingency Estimate Of Possible Loss Number of waste treatment or disposal sites subject to various environmental laws. Number of current and former operating facilities subject to various environmental laws Number of service station properties subject to various environmental laws. Number of service stations being actively remediated Environmental Remediation Costs Recognized [Abstract] Environmental Remediation Costs Recognized [Abstract] Number of waste treatment or disposal sites were company is identified as a potentially responsible party under the superfund or similar state laws Number Of Waste Treatment Or Disposal Sites Subject To Various Environmental Laws Number of current and former operating facilities subject to various environmental laws Number Of Current And Former Operating Facilities Subject To Various Environmental Laws Total number of service station properties subject to various environmental laws Number Of Service Station Properties Subject To Various Environmental Laws Number of service stations being actively remediated Number Of Service Stations Being Actively Remediated Accrual for environmental loss contingencies Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies Accrued environmental loss contingencies, noncurrent Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies Noncurrent Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract] Reserve - beginning of period Disbursements Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies Payments1 Revised obligation estimates and accretion Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies Increase Decrease For Revision In Estimates Reserve - end of period Recorded third-party environmental recoveries receivable Recorded Third Party Environmental Recoveries Receivable Recorded third-party environmental recoveries, noncurrent Recorded Third Party Environmental Recoveries Noncurrent Environmental Expense Environmental remediation expense net of receivable activity. Environmental Expense And Liabilities [Abstract] Environmental expense Environmental Expense Accretion Accretion Expense Legal expense Legal Fees Total expense Environmental Remediation Expense Insurance receivable Total expense, net of receivable activity Environmental Remediation Expense Net Of Receivable Activity Net expense related to divested businesses. Net expense relates to divested businesses Net Expense Related To Divested Businesses No individual remediation location is material, as the largest reserve for any site is less than __% of the remediation reserve. Environmental exit costs, reasonably possible additional loss Environmental Exit Costs Reasonably Possible Additional Loss Maximum reserve for remediation reserve related to any one site (in hundredths) Maximum Reserve For Remediation Reserve Related To Any One Site In Hundredths Antidilutive securities excluded from calculation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Numerator. Denominator. Numerator Numerator [Abstract] Numerator for basic and diluted EPS - Income (loss) from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Denominator Denominator [Abstract] Denominator for basic EPS - Weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Share based awards convertible to common shares Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Denominator for diluted EPS - Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Basic Diluted Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Two thousand eighteen stock repurchase program. 2018 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Two Thousand Eighteen Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount1 Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchase Program Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount1 Reconciliation of changes in stockholders common stock dividends per share cash paid. Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity dividend common stock cash. Percentage of increase in cash dividend. Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Paid Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Common Stock Dividends Per Share Cash Paid Common Stock, Dividends Declared, Paid Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Dividend Common Stock Cash Percentage of increase in cash dividend Percentage Of Increase In Cash Dividend Unrealized translation gain (loss), before tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Before Tax Unrealized translation gain (loss), tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Tax Unrealized translation gain (loss), net of tax Adjustment of unrecognized prior service cost (credit), before tax Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Credit Arising During Period Before Tax Adjustment of unrecognized prior service cost (credit), tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Benefit Plan Improvement Tax Effect Adjustment of unrecognized prior service cost (credit), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Costs Credit Arising During Period Net Of Tax Unrealized gain on investment, before taxes Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Before Tax Unrealized gain on investment, tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Tax Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, before tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From A O C I For Sale Of Securities Before Tax Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From A O C I For Sale Of Securities Tax Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From A O C I For Sale Of Securities Net Of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tax Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity. Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity stock issued during period value share based compensation. Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity new accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle effect of adoption quantification. Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity profit loss. Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity dividends common stock cash. Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity other comprehensive income loss foreign currency transaction and translation adjustment net of tax. Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity other comprehensive income loss pension and other postretirement benefit plans adjustment net of tax. Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity net change in investment securities. Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity common stock dividends per share declared. Common Stock and Paid In Capital [Member] Common Stock Including Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Beginning Balance Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Adoption of new accounting pronouncements Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity New Accounting Pronouncement Or Change In Accounting Principle Effect Of Adoption Quantification Unrealized translation gain (loss) Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Pension and postretirement obligation adjustment Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Net change in investment securities Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Net Change In Investment Securities Net income (loss) Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Profit Loss Regular dividends Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Dividends Common Stock Cash Common shares issued under stock incentive and other plans Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Stock Issued During Period Value Share Based Compensation Ending Balance Cash dividends declared per common share Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Reconciliation of changes in stockholders equity stock issued during period shares new issues. Common shares issued Reconciliation Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Equity Award Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights S A R S [Member] Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-based compensation Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Cash-settled Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] Cash-settled Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] Cash Settled Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] Cash-settled Performance Shares [Member] Cash-settled Performance Shares [Member] Cash Settled Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Vesting period of share-based payment award Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period1 Unexercised SARs generally lapse expiration period Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Expiration Period Grants of share-based payment awards in period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Gross Total unrecognized compensation costs Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Model to fair value share-based payment awards Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Method Used Unrecognized cost expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period (in years) Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition1 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number The number of shares of common stock for which each performance share/unit can be converted Number of common shares for each converted performance share Number Of Common Shares For Each Converted Performance Share Maximum cash collection period from customer. Revenue from contracts with customers line items. Revenue from contract with customers. Revenue From Contract With Customers [Table] Revenue From Contract With Customers [Table] Receivable Type Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable By Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Receivable Type [Domain] Trade Receivable [Member] Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Revenue From Contracts With Customers [Line Items] Revenue From Contracts With Customers [Line Items] Maximum cash collection period from customer Maximum Cash Collection Period From Customer Cost incurred to obtain contract with customer amortization period of practical expedients Revenue Practical Expedient Incremental Cost Of Obtaining Contract Trade receivables Contract With Customer Asset Net Current Disaggregation Of Revenue [Abstract] Disaggregation Of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation Of Revenue [Table] Products Type [Axis] Products Type Products Type [Axis] Product type. Product Type Product Type [Domain] North America [Member] North America [Member] Europe [Member] Europe [Member] Asia Pacific Asia Pacific [Member] Latin america and other. Latin America & Other [Member] Latin America And Other [Member] Cellulosics Product Type [Member] Cellulosics [Member] Cellulosics [Member] Poly vinyl pyrrolidones Product Type [Member] Poly-vinyl pyrrolidones [Member] Polyvinylpyrrolidones [Member] Adhesives Product Type [Member] Adhesives [Member] Adhesives [Member] Actives Product Type [Member] Actives [Member] Actives [Member] Vinyl Ethers Product Type [Member] Vinyl Ethers [Member] Vinyl Ethers [Member] Pharmachem. Pharmachem [Member] Pharmachem [Member] Other Products Type [Member] Other [Member] Other Products [Member] Derivatives [Member] Derivatives [Member] Derivatives [Member] Butanediol [Member] Butanediol [Member] Butanediol [Member] Other [Member] Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Unallocated and other portion of Operating Income (Loss) to reconcile back to Operating income Unallocated and other [Member] Unallocated And Other [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Operating Income (Loss) Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Events [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Stock repurchase, amount Stock Repurchased During Period Value