Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Asset Impairment Charges Write-off of impaired assets Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Changes in working capital: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Margin Deposits Outstanding Decrease (increase) in margin accounts Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock - authorized 200,000,000 shares-$0.01 par value - 76,821,553 shares issued at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to CPI Cost of Goods Sold Cost of sales Shipping, Handling and Transportation Costs Less: shipping and handling costs Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Debt, Current Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Financing Arrangements Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (in dollars per share) Gross Profit Gross profit Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Inventory, Net Inventories Total inventories Liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Carrying amount Long-term Investments Investments Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Non-controlling interests Cash provided by (used for) financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash used for investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash provided by operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Liabilities, Noncurrent Non-current liabilities Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on investment, net of income tax effect Unrealized loss on investment, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Currency translation adjustment Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax Amount of gains on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings, income tax effect Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) on cash flow hedges included in net income, income tax effect Amount of (gains) losses on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings, income tax effect Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) on cash flow hedges included in net income,net of income tax effect of $xx, $34 and $117, respectively Amount of losses (gains) on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings, net of income tax effect of $2 and $12 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) on cash flow hedges included in net income, net of income tax effect of $2 and $12, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax effect of $16 and $24, respectively (Losses) Gains on cash flow hedges, net of income tax effect of $16 and $24 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, income tax effect Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, income tax effect Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Other Payments of Dividends Dividends paid (including to non-controlling interests) Dividends paid (including to non-controlling interests) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Net Periodic Benefit Cost Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, issued shares Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid expenses Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Issuance of common stock Issuance of common stock Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment - net Receivables, Net, Current Accounts receivable - net Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchases of common stock Repurchases of common stock Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Restructuring charge Restructuring charge Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Net sales before shipping and handling costs Revenue, Net Net sales Net sales Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity and Redeemable Equity CPI Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Assets, Current Total current assets Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Total assets Assets Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Assets Assets [Abstract] Statement Statement [Line Items] Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable common stock (500,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009) stated at redemption value Balance Redeemable Common Stock Balance Redeemable Common Stock Carrying value of redeemable common stock Redeemable common stock, shares issued Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Treasury Stock, Value Less: Treasury stock (common stock; 459,078 and 938,666 shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively) at cost Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (in dollars per share) Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Stockholders' equity, period increase (decrease) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Operating Expenses Operating expenses Earnings per common share of CPI: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per common share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total CPI stockholders' equity Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock - authorized 25,000,000 shares-$0.01 par value - none issued Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Equity Component [Domain] Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Repurchases of common stock Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests Net income attributable to non-controlling interests Net income attributable to non-controlling interests Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Balance Balance Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Non-controlling Interests Non-cash charges (credits) to net income: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity, Other Other Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net The aggregate of the carrying value of goodwill as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions, plus the sum of the carrying amounts of all other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges as of the balance sheet date. Redeemable Common Stock. Redeemable common stock (500,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009) stated at redemption value Value of common stock whereby the holder of such stock has the right to require the Company to repurchase the shares for cash at a defined price. Share-based Payments Subject to Redemption Share-based payments subject to redemption The amount of deferred compensation that has been earned as of the balance sheet date and will be paid in the form of shares of common stock at the end of a predetermined vesting period. Balance Share-based Payments Subject to Redemption Balance Share-based Payments Subject to Redemption Redeemable Common Stock, Shares Issued Redeemable common stock, shares issued Number of issued redeemable common shares which provide the holder of such shares with the right to require the company to repurchase the shares for cash at a defined price. Redeemable Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Redeemable common stock, shares outstanding Number of outstanding redeemable common shares which provide the holder of such shares with the right to require the Company to repurchase the shares for cash at a defined price. Redeemable Common Stock Common stock whereby the holder of such stock has the right to require the Company to repurchase the shares for cash at a defined price. Redeemable Common Stock [Member] Share-based Payments Subject to Redemption [Member] Deferred compensation that has been earned as of the balance sheet date and will be paid in the form of shares of common stock at the end of a predetermined vesting period. Share-based Payments Subject to Redemption Change in fair value of redeemable common stock Change in Fair Value of Redeemable Common Stock Change in the value of shares of common stock that provides the holder with the right to require the Company to repurchase the shares for cash at a defined price. Accounts receivable and prepaid items Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable and Prepaid Expense The net change during the reporting period in the total amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from all parties associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities, plus the net change during the reporting period in the amount of outstanding money paid in advance for goods or services that bring economic benefits for future periods. Foreign Product Tax [Text Block] Mexican tax on Beverages Sweetened with HFCS Disclosure regarding contingency with respect to an arbitration claim against the government of Mexico under the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Document and Entity Information The net amount of expense (income) derived from financing activities, including: the aggregate cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period; the noncash expenses charged against earnings in the period to allocate debt discount and premium, and the costs to issue debt and obtain financing over the related debt instruments; income derived from investments in cash and cash equivalents; and foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Financing Costs, Net Financing costs, net Capital expenditures, net of proceeds on disposals The cash outflow, net of proceeds on disposition, associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Payments to Acquire Property, Plant and Equipment, Net The cash inflows from short-term and long-term borrowings. Proceeds from Borrowings Proceeds from borrowings Payments on debt Payments on Debt The cash outflows for short-term and long-term debt obligations. Payments on debt Expiration of Put Option. Expiration of Put Option Disclosure [Text Block] Expiration of Put Option This element represents the disclosure of the expiration of an agreement that gave the holder of shares of common stock the right to require the Company to repurchase such shares at a defined price. Mexican tax on Beverages Sweetened with HFCS Restructuring Charge Redeemable Common Stock and Share-based Payment Component [Axis] Represents carrying value and adjustments to redeemable common stock and share based payment subject to redemption. Redeemable Common Stock and Share-based Payment Component [Domain] Represents carrying value and adjustments to redeemable common stock and share based payment subject to redemption. Expiration of put option Expiration of Put Option The expiration of an agreement that gave the holder of shares of common stock the right to require the Company to repurchase such shares at a defined price. Reclassification of redeemable common stock to additional paid-in capital due to expiration of put agreement Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Reallocation of Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Purchase of non-controlling interests Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Land. Land Buildings and Improvements, Gross Buildings Machinery and Equipment, Gross Machinery and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, plant and equipment - gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment, at cost Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less: accumulated depreciation Goodwill Goodwill - net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangible assets (less accumulated amortization of $20 and $6, respectively) Intangible assets, net Other intangible assets - net Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Total accrued liabilities Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars) Accumulated Amortization Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars) Goodwill Accumulated Amortization Goodwill, accumulated amortization (in dollars) The cumulative amount of amortization related to goodwill that has been recognized in the income statement. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized (Gain) Loss Arising During Period, Net of Tax Actuarial loss on postretirement obligations, settlements and plan amendments, net of income tax Actuarial loss on pension and other postretirement obligations, settlements and plan amendments, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net (Gain) Loss Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Losses (gains) related to pension and other postretirement obligations reclassified to earnings, net of income tax (Gains) losses related to postretirement obligations reclassified to earnings, net of income tax Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Total deferred Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense Stock option expense Stock option expense Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Unrealized gain on investment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of plants and properties Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $82 in 2010 Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other Deposit with Tax Authority, Cash Flow Impact Deposit with tax authority This element represents the amount that is held as deposit with the tax authorities related to an ongoing audit examination. Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of common stock on exercise of stock options Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Effects of changing pension plan measurement date and related impact on service cost, interest cost and expected return on plan assets for October 1 - December 31, 2007, net of income tax Supplementary Information Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Leases Payments for acquisitions, cash acquired Cash Acquired from Acquisition Charge for Fair Value Mark Up of Acquired Inventory Charge for fair value mark-up of acquired inventory This element represents profit included in acquisition-related inventory sold during the period. Charge for fair value mark-up of acquired inventory Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Amendment Description Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Discriminatory tax on beverages sweetened with HCFS A discriminatory tax on beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup ("HFSC") approved by the Mexican Congress. Discriminatory Tax [Member] NAFTA arbitration proceedings Arbitration proceedings submitted pursuant to Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA") involving the entity. NAFTA Arbitration [Member] All Countries [Axis] Represents the countries under a geopolitical area recognized by the government of the world. All Countries [Domain] MEXICO Mexico Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] CPIngredientes Represents the Mexican affiliate of the entity, CPIngredientes, S.A. de C.V. (previously known as Compania Proveedora de Ingredientes). CP Ingredientes [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies Loss Contingency, Number of Beverages Producing Plants Number of beverage producing plants Number of plants producing beverages in Mexico. Loss Contingency, Number of Phases of Litigation Number of phases in relation to the case under hearing Number of bifurcated phases of the case, liability and damages, under hearing on liability arbitration proceedings submitted pursuant to Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA"). Proceeds from Legal Settlements Settlement of cash proceed which is included in other income Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Components of inventories Inventory, Finished Goods and Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished and in process Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Raw materials Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule of allocation of purchase price Schedule of Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of sales and net income Tabular disclosure of financial information of the operations of the acquired entity. Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of pro forma results Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] National Starch Represents National Starch (acquiree), a global provider of specialty starches, from Akzo Nobel N.V., a global coatings and specialty chemicals company, headquartered in The Netherlands. National Starch [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisition Results of operations Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Percentage of company acquired Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Purchase price of the acquired entity Total purchase price Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs Acquisition costs Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period Sales of the acquired entity Manufacturing Facilities Number Number of manufacturing facilities Number of manufacturing facilities the entity operates. Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of countries in which the entity operates Continents in which Acquired Entity Operates Number Number of continents in which the entity operates Number of continents in which additional manufacturing facilities are provided by the acquired entity. Number of employees after acquisition Entity Number of Employees Countries Having Sales Offices of Entity Number Number of countries the entity has sales offices in Total number of countries in which the entity had sales offices after acquisition. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Percentage Percentage of goodwill deductible for tax purpose Percentage of goodwill arising from a business combination that is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Purchase price allocation Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Other assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities Non-current liabilities assumed Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Tax rate used to tax effect pro forma adjustments (as a percent) Provision at effective tax rate (as a percent) Insurance Expenses Insurance deductible expensed This line item represents the deductible that was expensed relating to Chilean earthquake damages. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses and Restructuring Charges Effective income tax rates (as a percent) The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to non-deductible impairment losses and restructuring charges under enacted tax laws. Operating Segment, Number Number of operating segments The number of operating segments of the entity. Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] North America This element represents North America, a segment of the entity. It includes businesses in the United States, Canada and Mexico. North America [Member] South America This element represents South America, a segment of the entity. It includes businesses in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and the southern cone of South America, which includes Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. South America [Member] Asia Pacific This element represents Asia Pacific, a segment of the entity. It includes businesses in Korea, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand and tapioca root processing operations in Thailand. Asia Pacific [Member] EMEA This element represents Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) segment of the entity. It includes businesses in the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, Pakistan, Kenya and Nigeria. EMEA [Member] Corporate Elimination [Member] Corporate Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment information Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of location and amount of assets and liabilities reported in balance sheet Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Schedule of amount of gains recognized in OCI and location and amount of gains and losses reported in income statement Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 3.2% senior notes due 2015 Represents the senior note due on November 1, 2015. 3.2% senior notes, due November 1, 2015 Senior Notes 3.20 Percent Due 2015 [Member] 4.625% senior notes due 2020 Represents the senior note due on November 1, 2020. 4.625% senior notes, due November 1, 2020 Senior Notes 4.625 Percent Due 2020 [Member] 6.625% senior notes due 2037 Represents the senior note due on April 15, 2037. 6.625% senior notes, due April 15, 2037 Senior Notes 6.625 Percent Due 2037 [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Senior unsecured notes Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract] Interest rate hedging Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt, floating rate of interest basis Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt, interest rate (as a percent) Debt, fixed interest rate (as a percent) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Gain (Loss) from Discontinued Cash Flow Hedge, Tax Effect Losses on cash flow hedges, income tax effect The balance in accumulated other comprehensive income related to taxes on discontinued cash flow hedges. Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract] Foreign currency hedging Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity contracts Corn Commodity [Member] Represents the commodity futures contract of the entity having the underlying commodity as corn. Corn Corn Commodity Natural Gas Commodity [Member] Represents the commodity futures contract of the entity having the underlying commodity as natural. Natural gas Natural Gas Commodity Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accounts receivable-net Accounts receivable, an item in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included. Accounts Receivable, Net [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other assets Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, items in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member] Noncurrent liabilities Non-current liabilities, an item in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included. Non-current Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Fair value of commodity contracts Nonmonetary Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives Commodity futures contract (in bushels of corn or mmbtu of gas) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest rate contracts Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gains or losses on derivatives Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gains (Losses) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Unrealized Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Losses expected to be reclassified into earnings during next 12 months on commodity hedging contracts Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Losses expected to be reclassified into earnings during next 12 months on Treasury Lock Agreements Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Recurring fair value measurements Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Total Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of assets and liabilities Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Available for sale securities Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long -term debt, fair value Fair value Schedule of Share-based Payment Award Stock Options, Compensation Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of information with respect to share-based compensation Disclosure of the amount of stock-based compensation expenses and the income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation included in net income (loss). Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of valuation assumptions for stock options Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of additional information pertaining to stock option activity Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Expense recognized during the period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation included in net income Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Equity stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Period of vesting (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Assumptions used to measure the fair value of awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Stock option activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised/vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share options, weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised/vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at the end of the period (in years) Options outstanding average remaining contractual life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at the end of the period (in years) Stock options exercisable average remaining contractual life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Disclosures [Abstract] Share options, aggregate intrinsic value, average remaining contractual life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Outstanding at the end of the period Options outstanding aggregate intrinsic value (in dollars) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Stock options exercisable aggregate intrinsic value Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Cash received from exercise of stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Excess tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted-average period for amortization of unrecognized compensation cost (in years) Unrecognized compensation cost amortized (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share) Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Requisite service period for share grant (in years) Service period over which compensation expense would be amortized (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward] Restricted share and unit activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Non-vested at the beginning of the period (in shares) Non-vested at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted-average fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Non-vested at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Cancelled (in dollars per share) Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined benefit pension plans Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Postretirement Benefit Plans Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] US Plans Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Non-US Plans Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Benefit plans Employee benefit plans Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of net actuarial loss Amortization of actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Carrying Amount of Goodwill for Impairment Testing Represents the carrying amount of goodwill for the adoption of goodwill impairment model. Carrying amount of goodwill for impairment testing Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income attributable to CPI Earnings Per Share, Pro Forma [Abstract] Pro forma earnings per common share of CPI: Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Pro forma results of operations CHILE Chile Other (income), net Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Share-based Compensation During Period The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, restricted stock units and adjustment for officers' compensation. This also includes the issuance of common shares upon the exercise of options. Share-based compensation Financing Arrangements Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Pension and postretirement benefit plans Loss Contingency, Damages Sought Value Including Interest The value (monetary amount) of the award that the plaintiff sought in the legal matter including the pre- and post-judgment interest. Damages and pre- and post-judgment interest sought Litigation Settlement, Gross Damages awarded for tax and certain out-of-pocket expenses including accrued interest NAFTA award Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Option Awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Additional information pertaining to stock options Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets Working capital Derivative [Table] Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Debt, fixed interest rate (as a percent) Derivative [Line Items] Financial instruments, derivatives and hedging activities Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Fair value of assets Derivatives assets Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Fair value of liabilities Derivatives liabilities Schedule of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Term of options (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date Gain Contingencies [Table] Gain Contingencies by Nature [Axis] Gain Contingency, Nature [Domain] Schedule of segment reporting of assets Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Segment Information Inventories Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Insurance Deductible Expensed Amount of insurance deductible which was expensed during the period. Insurance deductible Interim Financial Statements New Accounting Standards Schedule of fair value of financial instruments and derivatives Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Length of Time Hedged in Price Risk, Cash Flow Hedge Minimum Maturity period of price risk derivative, low end of range (in months) General period of time over which entity hedges its exposure to commodity price risk, low end of range. Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair value hedge Treasury Lock agreements (T-Locks) Represents a derivative contract which locks in the Treasury rate of interest. Treasury Lock Agreement [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate swaps Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign currency forward contracts Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Debt, fixed interest rate (as a percent) Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Treasury Lock agreement amount Deferred Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge The amount of pretax gain (loss) included in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the termination of a cash flow hedge. Loss on termination of derivative under Treasury Lock Agreements Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Gain (Loss) from Discontinued Cash Flow Hedge, Net of Tax The balance in accumulated other comprehensive income related to discontinued cash flow hedges. Losses on cash flow hedges Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Net notional foreign currency forward contracts Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt, face amount Acquisitions Interest Expense, Borrowings Financing costs of bridge loan Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Working Capital The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to working capital. Working capital Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Hedging Activities Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of segment reporting of sales and operating income Reconciliation of Net Sales and Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of all significant reconciling items in the reconciliation of net sales and operating income from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated net sales and operating income, respectively. Manufacturing supplies and other Other Inventory, Supplies General period of time over which entity hedges its exposure to commodity price risk, high end of range. Length of Time Hedged in Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Maximum Maturity period of price risk derivative, high end of range (in months) Fair value of interest rate swap agreements Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net Segments Reporting Information Operating Income (Loss) Amount of total operating income (loss) for the reportable segments. Segment operating income (loss) Asset Impairment and Restructuring Charges [Text Block] For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss. For long-lived assets to be held and used by an entity, disclosures may include a description of the impaired long-lived asset and facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, amount of the impairment loss and where the loss is located in the income statement, method(s) for determining fair value, and the segment in which the impaired long-lived asset is reported. Description of restructuring activities including exit and disposal activities, which should include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled. This description does not include restructuring costs in connection with a business combination or discontinued operations and long-lived assets (disposal groups) sold or classified as held for sale. This element may be used as a single block of text to encapsulate the entire disclosure including data and tables. Restructuring Charge Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Effect of plan amendment on postretirement obligations, tax Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Units New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle Number of Separate Statements Represents the number of statements presented by the entity to reflect the net income, total net income, components of other comprehensive income and total of other comprehensive income. Number of separate statements in which the entity may present comprehensive income and net income Accelerated Depreciation Represents the accelerated depreciation on equipment recorded during the period to reflect the shorter useful life. Accelerated depreciation Represents the expected accelerated depreciation on equipment to be recorded per quarter until completion. Accelerated Depreciation to be Recognized Accelerated depreciation to be recognized per quarter until completion Amortization of transition obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Schedule of Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets for the current and prior two years. Schedule of amortization expense related to intangible assets Summary of intangible assets Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Trademarks / tradenames The rights acquired through registration of a trademark or business name to gain or protect exclusive use thereof. Trademarks and Tradenames [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer relationships Developed Technology Rights [Member] Technology Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Weighted Average Useful Life (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Expected intangible amortization expense for subsequent years Intangible assets Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense 2011 Amortization expense Future Amortization Expense, First Full Fiscal Year The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the first full fiscal year following the date of the most recent balance sheet. 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Second Full Fiscal Year The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the second full fiscal year following the date of the most recent balance sheet. 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Third Full Fiscal Year The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the third full fiscal year following the date of the most recent balance sheet. 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Fourth Full Fiscal Year The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fourth full fiscal year following the date of the most recent balance sheet. 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Fifth Full Fiscal Year The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fifth full fiscal year following the date of the most recent balance sheet. 2016 Restricted Shares and Restricted Units Represents the details relating to the restricted stock awards and Restricted stock units (RSUs) as awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] Payment of Financing Cost Bridge loan financing costs Represents the cash paid during the period for bridge loan fees. Description of the Business Temporary Equity [Text Block] Redeemable Common Stock Disclosures related to temporary equity. Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash provided by operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash used for investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash used for financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash used for financing activities Net income Net income attributable to CPI Net income attributable to CPI Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Description of the Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Decrease in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Leases Income Taxes Net Periodic Benefit Cost Interim Financial Statements Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation New Accounting Standards Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] National Starch Results of Operations: Cost of Revenue Cost of sales, pre-tax The estimated tax amount of existing gains or losses on cash flow hedges at the reporting date expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months. Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Tax Losses on cash flow hedges, income tax effect, reclassified within next twelve months 6.0% senior notes, due April 15, 2017 Senior Notes 6.0 Percent Due April 2017 [Member] Represents the senior note due on April 15, 2017. US Revolving Credit Facility Due June 2014 [Member] US revolving credit facility, due June 6, 2014 Represents the US revolving credit facility due June 6, 2014. US Revolving Credit Facility Replaced Due September 2013 [Member] US revolving credit facility, replaced September 2010 Represents the US revolving credit facility replaced on September, 2010. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Rental expense Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current 2012 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Balance thereafter Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income (loss) before income taxes: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic United States Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Provision for income taxes: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current tax expense Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) US federal Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) State and local Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred tax expense (benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) US federal Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State and local Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Deferred tax assets attributable to: Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Employee benefit accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions Pensions Deferred Tax Assets Hedging Transactions and Derivative Instruments Hedging/derivative contracts The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions attributable to hedging transactions and derivative instruments which can only be deducted for tax purposes when losses from such transactions are realized, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Net operating loss carryforwards Net operating losses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Foreign tax credit carryforwards Goodwill Deferred Tax Assets Goodwill Represents the cumulative amount of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of tax-deductible goodwill and the basis of goodwill computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Deferred Tax Assets, Other Other Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net Net deferred tax assets Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred tax liabilities attributable to: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Hedging/derivative contracts Deferred Tax Liabilities Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net Net deferred tax liabilities Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating losses Net operating losses expiring in 2012 through 2022 Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring in 2012 Through 2022 The sum of tax effected foreign net operating loss carryforwards expiring in 2012 through 2022. Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Country [Member] Foreign Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Foreign tax credits, foreign net operating losses and deferred tax assets Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Valuation allowances Valuation Allowance, Amount Valuation allowance Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance Foreign tax credit carryforwards, valuation allowance Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Foreign net operating losses, valuation allowance Valuation allowance related to deferred tax asset associated with future tax amortization of goodwill in Korea Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill Written off, Valuation Allowance Represents the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets associated with future tax amortization of goodwill in Korea. Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets related to certain fixed assets written off for book purposes in Chile Deferred Tax Assets, Asset Written off, Valuation Allowance Represents the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets related to certain fixed assets written off for book purposes in Chile. Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Reconciliation of the US federal statutory tax rate to the Company's effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Provision for tax at US statutory rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential Tax rate difference on foreign income (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes State and local taxes - net (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Change in valuation allowance - foreign tax credits (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate Change in foreign statutory tax rates (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense Goodwill Written off Korea goodwill write-off, net of valuation allowance (as a percent) The sum of the differences between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to goodwill write-off, net of valuation allowance under enacted tax laws. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense Asset Written off Chile asset write-off, net of valuation allowance (as a percent) The sum of the differences between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to asset write-off, net of valuation allowance under enacted tax laws. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense Non-deductible National Starch acquisition costs (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Other items - net (as a percent) Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries Represents the undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries on which Federal income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided. Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at January 1 Balance at December 31 Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Reductions related to a lapse in the statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued Accrued interest and penalties Income Tax Examination, Deposits with Taxing Authority Deposits made to Canadian tax authorities The amount of deposits made with a taxing authority. Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Settlement of claims Schedule of Income before Income Tax Domestic and Foreign and Components of Income Tax Expense Benefit [Table Text Block] Schedule of income before income taxes and provision for income taxes Tabular disclosure of income before income tax between domestic and foreign jurisdictions and the components of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for each year presented including, but not limited to: current tax expense (benefit), deferred tax expense (benefit), investment tax credits, government grants, the benefits of operating loss carryforwards, tax expense that results from allocating certain tax benefits either directly to contributed capital or to reduce goodwill or other noncurrent intangible assets of an acquired entity, adjustments of a deferred tax liability or asset for enacted changes in tax laws or rates or a change in the tax status of the entity, and adjustments of the beginning-of-the-year balances of a valuation allowance because of a change in circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset in future years. Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of tax effects of temporary differences between financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of US federal statutory tax rate to effective tax rate Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits Accounts Receivable, Other Gross Current Accounts receivable other Gross amounts due from other third-parties, or arising from transactions not separately disclosed, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer). Employees Pension Indemnity Retirement and Other Noncurrent Employees pension, indemnity, retirement, and other Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of employees pension, indemnity, retirement, and other. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable net: Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Accounts receivable trade Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Inventory, Net [Abstract] Inventories: Inventory, Raw Materials Raw materials Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued liabilities: Employee-related Liabilities, Current Compensation expenses Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Dividends Payable, Current Dividends payable Interest Payable, Current Accrued interest Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Taxes payable other than income taxes Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Non-current liabilities: Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Other Operating Income Expense Net [Abstract] Other income (expense)-net: Financing Costs, Net [Abstract] Financing costs-net: Financing Interest Expense, Net of Capitalization Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized The amount of expense (income) derived from financing activities, including interest expense, net of capitalization. Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Gain on investment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Gain from sale of land Interest Income, Operating Interest income Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign currency transaction losses Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period Interest capitalized Interest Paid Interest paid Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Noncash investing and financing activities: Purchase Obligation Estimated Total Expenditure under Agreement Purchase obligation, estimated total minimum expenditure Represents the estimated total expenditure through the remaining term of the agreement. Purchase Obligation Payments for Each of Next Five Years Payments to be made for each of next five years Represents the payments to be made for each of next five years under the purchase obligations. Purchase Obligation Purchase During Period Amount of gas purchased during period Represents the amount of gas purchased during period under the purchase obligations. Schedule of Balance Sheet Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Balance Sheets - supplementary information Tabular disclosure of supplemental balance sheet information for the periods presented. Temporary Equity Number of Trading Days Preceding Exercise Date for Determination of Repurchase Price of Redeemable Common Stock Number of trading days preceding the exercise date used to determine the repurchase price of redeemable common stock Represents the number of trading days preceding the date that the holder exercises the put option in which the closing price per share market price of the entity's common stock is used to determine the repurchase price of the redeemable common stock. Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share Common stock, market price per share (in dollars per share) Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of segment reporting of sales, operating income, total assets, depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Schedule of net sales to unaffiliated customers by country of origin Others Other Countries [Member] Details pertaining to other countries. UNITED STATES United States BRAZIL Brazil CANADA Canada ARGENTINA Argentina KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Korea Goodwill, Impairment Loss Write-off of goodwill Goodwill pertaining to the company's operations in South Korea Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of long-term debt Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of quarterly financial data Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Cost of Revenue after Tax Cost of sales, after-tax The aggregate cost of goods produced and sold and services rendered during the reporting period after taxes. Cost of Revenue Per Share, Diluted Cost of sales per diluted common share (in dollars per share) The aggregate cost per diluted common share of goods produced and sold and services rendered during the reporting period. Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed, Net of Tax Acquisition costs, after-tax For transactions that are recognized separately from the acquisition of assets and assumptions of liabilities in the business combination, this element represents the disclosure of the amount of acquisition related costs which have been expensed, net of tax. Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs Per Share Diluted Acquisition costs per diluted common share (in dollars per share) Direct costs per diluted common share of the business combination including legal, accounting, and other costs incurred to consummate the business acquisition. Inventory, Finished Goods and Work in Process Finished and in process Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of minimum lease payments due on leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] Minimum lease payments due on leases THAILAND Thailand GERMANY Germany UNITED KINGDOM United Kingdom Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred income taxes provided for tax effects of temporary differences between financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities 5.62 % Senior Notes A due 2020 Represents the senior notes A due March 25, 2020. 5.62% senior notes due March 25, 2020 Senior Notes A 5.62 Percent Due 2020 [Member] Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Gains on cash flow hedges reclassified within next twelve months Losses on cash flow hedges reclassified within next twelve months State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Other Asset Impairment Charges Charge to write-off impaired assets in North America Severance Costs Employee severance and related benefit costs primarily attributable to the termination of employees in the entity's Asia Pacific region Employee severance and related benefit costs associated with the termination of employees Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation [Policy Text Block] Basis of presentation The policy disclosure including the basis of presentation and principles of consolidation. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, plant and equipment and depreciation Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and other intangible assets Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue recognition Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Hedging instruments Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-based compensation Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per common share Concentration of Risk [Policy Text Block] Risks and uncertainties Disclosure of the accounting policy for concentration of risk. Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying amount of goodwill by geographic segment Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of intangible assets Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation [Abstract] Foreign currency transaction and translation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative translation loss adjustments Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Investments Cost Method Investments Investments held by subsidiary accounted for under cost method Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building [Member] Building Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] All other assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment and depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum Useful life, minimum (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum Useful life, maximum (in years) Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Carrying amount of goodwill Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Translation Goodwill, Translation and Other Adjustments Translation and other The increase (decrease) to the recorded value of goodwill during the reporting period for foreign currency translation and other adjustments that are not separately disclosed. Goodwill, Gross Goodwill before impairment charges Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Accumulated impairment charges Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Abstract] Amortization of intangible assets Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year Five 2016 Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Maximum term over which the company hedges exposures to the variability of cash flows for commodity price risk (in months) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract] Hedging instruments Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of short-term borrowings Borrowed Funds Debt outstanding Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Range [Axis] Maximum [Member] Maximum Minimum [Member] Minimum Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term borrowings Range [Domain] Short-term Debt Short-term borrowings in various currencies (at rates ranging from 2% to 24% for 2011 and 1% to 15% for 2010) Short-term borrowings in various currencies, interest rate (as a percent) Short-term Debt Interest Rate Represents the interest rate on short-term borrowings. Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current maturities of long-term debt Less: current maturities Bridge Term Loan Facility [Member] Bridge term loan facility Represents the bridge term loan facility. Debt Instrument, Prepayment as Percentage of Principal Amount Plus Interest Optional prepayment as a percentage of principal amount plus interest Represents the optional prepayment of a debt instrument as a percentage of the principal amount plus interest up to the prepayment date and in certain circumstances, a make-whole amount. Line of Credit Facility, Credit Agreement Term Term of the credit agreement (in years) Represents the term of the credit agreement. Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility Additional Capacity Increase Option Additional increase in borrowing capacity of the line of credit available at the entity's option Represents the amount up to which the borrowing capacity of the line of credit may be increased at the entity's option, subject to certain conditions, under the terms of the credit agreement. Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Premium (Discount) Long-term Debt Long-term debt including current maturities Total Long-term Debt, Redemption Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Percentage of principal amount at which the entity may redeem some or all of the notes The percentage of principal amount used in the computation of the redemption price at which the entity may redeem some or all of the debt instruments. Long-term Debt, by Type, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Six 2017 Amount of long-term debt maturing in year six following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements and other securities redeemable at fixed determinable prices and dates. Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Nine 2020 Amount of long-term debt maturing in year nine following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements and other securities redeemable at fixed determinable prices and dates. Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Schedule of summary of information about outstanding and exercisable stock options, by range of exercise prices Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Reconciliation of Common Stock Share Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of common stock share activity Tabular disclosure of reconciliation of common stock share activity of the entity. Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Preferred stock: Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract] Treasury stock: Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Reacquired shares of its common stock during the years Purchase/acquisition of treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Average purchase prices of treasury stock (in dollars per share) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Repurchase of common shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Repurchase of common shares Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares available for future grants Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Recognized compensation cost included in share-based payments Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Cancelled (in dollars per share) Range of Exercise Prices Dollars One [Member] $10.53 to $15.79 Represents the first range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Range of Exercise Prices Dollars Two [Member] $15.80 to $21.06 Represents the second range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Range of Exercise Prices Dollars Three [Member] $21.07 to $26.32 Represents the third range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Range of Exercise Prices Dollars Four [Member] $26.33 to $31.58 Represents the fourth range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Range of Exercise Prices Dollars Five [Member] $31.59 to $36.85 Represents the fifth range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Range of Exercise Prices Dollars Six [Member] $36.86 to $42.11 Represents the sixth range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Stock options by exercise price range Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share) Options outstanding at the beginning of the period, price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share) Options outstanding at the end of the period, price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share) Options outstanding at the beginning of the period, price range, Upper range limit (in dollars per share) Options outstanding at the end of the period, price range, Upper range limit (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Options Outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Options Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) Compensation Arrangement [Member] Board of Directors' Compensation Arrangement Represents the compensation agreement in which Board of Directors are awarded restricted stock units included in other share-based awards under the SIP. Long-term Incentive Plan [Member] Long Term Incentive Plan for Officers Represents the long term incentive plan for officers included in other share-based awards under the SIP. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Fair value of awards vested during the year Other Share-based Awards, under Stock Incentive Plan [Abstract] Other disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Minimum Percentage of Board of Director Compensation Awarded as Restricted Stock Units Minimum percentage of Board of Director's compensation awarded in the form of restricted stock units Represents the minimum percentage of Board of Director's compensation awarded in the form of restricted stock units at the director's election. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options, Carrying Value Carrying value of share units outstanding Represents the carrying value of units issued by the employer under other share-based awards. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage of Ultimate Payment Based on Stock Performance Percentage of award payment based on Company's stock performance compared to stock performance of a peer group Represents the percentage of payment of the performance shares which will be based on the Company's stock performance as compared to the stock performance of a peer group. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage of Ultimate Payment Based on Return on Capital Employed Versus Target Percentage Percentage of award based on return on capital employed versus the target percentage Represents the percentage of payment of the performance shares which will be based on return on capital employed versus the target percentage. Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period for Recognition, Low End of Range Period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be amortized, low end of range (in years) The low end of the range of the period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans. Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period for Recognition High End of Range Period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be amortized, high end of range (in years) The high end of the range of the period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans. Stock Option Price Range [Abstract] Stock Option Price Range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Grants in Period Price Range, Low Range Limit Granted, low end of range (in dollars per share) The floor of a customized range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares granted during the period under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Grants in Period Price Range, High Range Limit Granted, high end of range (in dollars per share) The ceiling of a customized range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares granted during the period under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Exercises in Period Price Range, Low Range Limit Exercised/vested, low end of range (in dollars per share) The floor of a customized range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares exercised during the period under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Exercises in Period Price Range, High Range Limit Exercised/vested, high end of range (in dollars per share) The ceiling of a customized range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares exercised during the period under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Price Range, Lower Range Limit Cancelled, low end of range (in dollars per share) The floor of a customized range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares cancelled during the period under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Price Range, Upper Range Limit Cancelled, high end of range (in dollars per share) The ceiling of a customized range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares cancelled during the period under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Deferred Gain/(Loss) on Hedging Activities Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Pension Liability Adjustment Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of funded status Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of plan obligations and assets for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income Schedule of Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine the company's obligations Tabular disclosure of the assumptions used to determine for pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans the benefit obligation. Schedule of Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine the company's net periodic benefit cost Tabular disclosure of the assumptions used to determine for pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans the net benefit cost. Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted average asset allocation Schedule of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair values of the company's plan assets, by asset category and level Tabular disclosure of the major categories of plan assets of pension plans, including the fair value of each major category of plan assets and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall. Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of benefit payments, which reflect anticipated future service, as appropriate and are expected to be made Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions made in measuring the company's postretirement benefit obligation Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Sensitivity to Trend Assumptions Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets by Measurement [Axis] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan by Plan Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses Actuarial loss/(gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation Business combinations/transfers Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailment Settlements Benefit Obligation Curtailment/settlement The aggregate amount of decrease that is related to (a) an event that significantly reduces the expected years of future service of present employees or eliminates for a significant number of employees the accrual of defined benefits for some or all of their future services, and (b) an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment on Accumulated Benefit Obligation Plan amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation Foreign currency translation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets Business Combinations/Transfers Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Foreign currency translation Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments Settlement/Curtailment Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year Amount related to the amortization of the entity's accumulated actuarial loss and prior service cost included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that will be recognized in net pension expense in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Non current asset Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Current liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Non current liabilities Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Net amount recognized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Net actuarial loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Prior service cost Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Transition Assets (Obligations), before Tax Transition obligation Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Information about plan obligations and assets for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Net actuarial loss/(gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Amortization of actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Amortization Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Amortization loss recognized due to settlement Pretax change in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of the primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes Foreign currency translation Pretax change in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from foreign currency changes that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Total recorded in other comprehensive income Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Pre-tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total recorded in other comprehensive income and net periodic benefit cost The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans plus net amounts recognized in pre-tax other comprehensive income/loss during the period. Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Weighted average assumptions used to determine the company's obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Weighted average assumptions used to determine the company's net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] Assumptions used in measuring benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Next Fiscal Year, Increase (Decrease) in Per Capita Cost 2012 increase in per capita cost (as a percent) Represents the expected percentage of increase or decrease in per capita cost in next fiscal year, which is used as assumption in measuring expected cost of benefits covered by the plan. Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Ultimate trend (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Dental Benefits Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation Increase (Decrease) in Per Capita Cost Dental Benefits Per Year Increase in the per capita cost of dental benefits per year (as a percent) Represents the expected percentage of increase or decrease in per capita cost of benefit obligations per year, which is used as an assumption in measuring expected cost of benefits covered by the plan. The benefit obligations includes dental benefits, life insurance and other benefits provided by the entity to its employees. Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] Sensitivity to Trend Assumptions Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect on service cost and interest cost components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Effect on year-end benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect on service cost and interest cost components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Effect on year-end benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract] Plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities, Range Minimum Equity minimum allocation percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities, Range Maximum Equity maximum allocation percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Debt Securities, Range Maximum Debt securities maximum allocation percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract] Weighted average asset allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities Equity securities (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Debt Securities Debt securities (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Other Plan Assets Other (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Total (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Expected contribution in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract] Expected future benefit payments Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One 2012 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Years 2017 - 2021 Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Amounts charged to expense for defined contribution plans Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Debt Instruments Issued in Relation to Business Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of senior unsecured notes issued and sold in connection with the acquisition of National Starch Tabular disclosure of debt instruments or arrangements issued and sold in relation to the business acquisition. Debt Instrument Term Represents the expected term of the debt instrument, which is the period over which any debt discount will be amortized. Term of debt instrument over which loss on termination of derivative is being amortized (in years) Long-term Debt, Maturities Repayments of Principal in Year Twenty Six 2037 Amount of long-term debt maturing in year twenty six following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates. US Equity Index Funds [Member] Equity Index, US Represents the passively managed equity index fund that tracks the return on large capitalization US equities. Canada Equity Index Funds [Member] Equity Index, Canada Represents the passively managed equity index fund that tracks the return on large and mid-sized capitalization equities traded on the Toronto stock exchange. International Equity Index Funds [Member] Equity Index, International Represents the passively managed equity index fund that tracks an index of returns on international market stocks. Equity Index, Real Estate Represents the passively managed equity index fund that tracks a U.S. real estate equity securities index that includes stocks of real estate investment trusts and real estate operating companies. Real Estate Equity Index Funds [Member] Intermediate Fixed Income Index Funds [Member] Fixed Income Index, Intermediate Bond Represents the passively managed fixed income index fund that tracks the return of intermediate duration U.S. government and investment grade corporate bonds. Long Duration Fixed Income Index Bonds [Member] Fixed Income Index, Long Bond Represents the passively managed fixed income fund that tracks the return of long duration U.S. government and investment grade corporate bonds. Long Duration Canada Fixed Income Index Bonds [Member] Fixed Income Index, Long Bond Represents the passively managed fixed income index fund that tracks the return of the universe of Canada government and investment grade corporate bonds. Investment Product [Member] Other Represents the investment product provided by an insurance company that offers returns that are subject to a minimum guarantee. Common Stock Activity [Table] Schedule reflecting the activity related to the common stock of the entity during the periods reported. Common Stock Status and Activity [Axis] This element represents activity related to the common stock of the entity based on the issued status of the stock. Common Stock Status [Domain] This element represents the status of the entity's common stock such as issued, held in treasury and outstanding shares. Outstanding This element represents the common stock outstanding during the period. Common Stock Shares Outstanding [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Common stock activity Increase (Decrease) in Capital Stock [Roll Forward] Increase (decrease) in common stock, number of shares (in thousands) Stock Issued During Period under Incentive and Other Plans Shares Stock Options Exercised Issuance under incentive and other plans Number of shares issued during the current period under incentive and other plans. Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of restricted stock as compensation (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Remaining shares available to be repurchased under its program Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Shares authorized to be repurchased Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Debt Securities, Range Minimum Debt securities minimum allocation percentage Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash Age of employees upon attaining which they can avail benefits accrued during their employment (in years) Defined Benefit Plan, Maximum Age Used to Calculate Benefit Accrual Represents the age of employees upon attaining which they can avail benefits accrued during their employment. Defined Benefit Plan, Term of Treasury Notes Used to Calculate Interest on Accrued Benefits Term of treasury notes used to calculate interest on accrued benefits (in years) Represents the term of treasury notes used to calculate the interest on accrued benefits. Common Stock Issued [Member] Issued Shares of the entity that have been issued but not cancelled by the entity. Long-term Debt Redemption Price Basis Spread on Treasury Rate used to Calculate the Discounted Remaining Scheduled Payments of Principal and Interest Represents the basis spread on treasury rate used to calculate present value of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on debt instrument in determining the redemption price of the debt instrument. Basis spread on treasury rate used to calculate present value of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on debt instrument (as a percent) Redeemable Common Stock US Revolving Credit Facility Replaced September 2010 [Member] Represents the US revolving credit facility replaced September 2010 US revolving credit facility, replaced September 2010 Aggregate principal amount Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Debt issuance costs Deferred Finance Costs, Gross Fees associated with the bridge loan expensed to financing costs Bridge loan financing cost charge Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Guaranteed obligations of consolidated subsidiaries Represents the aggregate principal amount of subsidiary debt obligations which are guaranteed by the entity. Debt Instrument Principal Amount of Subsidiary Debt Guaranteed Senior Notes 3.20 Percent Due 2015 Member and Senior Notes 4.625 Percent Due 2020 [Member] 3.2% senior notes due 2015 and 4.625% senior notes due November 1, 2020 Represents the senior notes due on November 1, 2015 and November 1, 2020. Schedule of amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block] US Postretirement Benefit Plans United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Canada Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Canada-based postretirement defined benefit plans of a US reporting entity. A plan that defines postretirement benefits in terms of monetary amounts (for example, $100,000 of life insurance) or benefit coverage to be provided (for example, up to $200 per day for hospitalization, 80 percent of the cost of specified surgical procedures, and so forth). Any postretirement benefit plan that is not a defined contribution postretirement plan is a defined benefit postretirement plan. Canada Postretirement Benefit Plans Brazil Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Brazil-based postretirement defined benefit plans of a US reporting entity. A plan that defines postretirement benefits in terms of monetary amounts (for example, $100,000 of life insurance) or benefit coverage to be provided (for example, up to $200 per day for hospitalization, 80 percent of the cost of specified surgical procedures, and so forth). Any postretirement benefit plan that is not a defined contribution postretirement plan is a defined benefit postretirement plan. Brazil Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Cash Range Minimum Target allocation minimum percentage in cash to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position. Cash allocation percentage, minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Cash Range Maximum Target allocation maximum percentage in cash to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position. Cash allocation percentage, maximum The entire disclosure for the basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure and significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Supplementary Information Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Income Statement Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Statements of Income - supplementary information Tabular disclosure of supplemental income statement information for the periods presented. Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Statements of Cash Flow - supplementary information Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other Other Operating Income (Expense) Other The amount of other operating income and expenses not separately disclosed. Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplementary Cash Flow Information Corn Products Brazil [Member] Corn Products Brazil ("CPO Brazil") Represents the information pertaining to corn product Brazil. Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Purchase obligation under natural gas purchase and sale agreement Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of expected amortization expense on intangible asset Schedule of Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of carrying amounts and fair value of long-term debt. Schedule of carrying amounts and fair values of long-term debt Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Schedule of long-lived assets by country Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] This element represents the name of each major class of finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] This element represents the name of each major class of finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Domain] This element represents the major classes of finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible asset. Length of Time Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization period of financing costs (in years) General period of time over which entity amortizes financing costs. Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed Acquisition costs, pre-tax Equity Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block] Equity Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Hedging/derivative contracts Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of restricted share and restricted stock unit activity Common Stock under Put Option Expired During the Period Expiration of put option The common stock associated with the put option which expired during the period and were reclassified from redeemable common stock. Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Total share-based compensation expense included in net income Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options, Number Awards outstanding (in shares) The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives and the carrying amount of intangible assets with indefinite lives. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Net Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Defined Benefit Plan, Percent of Base Salary Bonus and Overtime Credited to Participating Employees Accounts Percent of base salary, bonus and overtime credited to participating employees' accounts by the Company Represents the Company credits participating employees accounts in a defined benefit cash balance pension plan. The credit is a percentage of the employee's base salary, bonus and overtime. Assumption of debt in connection with acquisition Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Net Finite-Lived And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Identifiable intangible assets Range of Exercise Prices Dollars Eight [Member] $42.12 to $52.64 Represents the eighth range of exercise prices for purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Gain from change in postretirement plan Gain from change in postretirement plan Gain from change in post retirement plan Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Reclassification adjustment from inventories to property, plant and equipment Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Translation New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Recently adopted accounting standards New Accounting Pronouncement Disclosure Percentage of Total Contribution to Multi-employer Plan by All Contributing Employers Percentage of the total contributions made to the plan by all contributing employers Represents the percentage of the total contributions made to the multi-employer plan by all contributing employers, for which disclosure is to be made under new accounting pronouncement. Restructuring Charges to be Recognized Quarterly Restructuring charges to be recognized per quarter until completion Represents the expected restructuring charges to be recorded per quarter until completion of the plan when the equipment will be fully depreciated. Restructuring Charges Restructuring charges Foreign Currency Derivatives at Fair Value, Net Fair value of foreign currency forward contracts Fair Value Adjustments on Hedges and Derivative Contracts [Member] Fair value adjustment related to hedged fixed rate debt Fair value adjustment related to hedged fixed rate debt instrument Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets Identified intangibles Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Subsidiary Valuation Allowance Expected Reversal Remaining valuation allowances related to net deferred tax assets of Korean subsidiary, that could reverse Represents the remaining valuation allowances related to net deferred tax assets of a subsidiary of the entity that could be reversed through the tax provision during 2012. Effective Income Tax Rate, Reconciliation NAFTA Award NAFTA Award (as a percent) The sum of differences between effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to NAFTA award, under enacted tax laws. Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Not Impact Effective Tax Rate Remaining unrecognized tax benefits The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would not affect the effective tax rate. Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Domestic and Foreign Tax Credit Carry Forwards Foreign tax credit carryforward related to Canada and US income tax audit process Represents unrecognized tax benefit from foreign tax credit carryforwards that, if recognized, would not affect the effective tax rate. Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Interest expense accrued, net of interest income Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest Income on Income Taxes Accrued Interest income Represents the amount of interest income accrued as of the date of the statement of financial position for an overpayment of income taxes computed by applying the applicable statutory rate of interest to the difference between a tax position recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amount previously taken or expected to be taken in a tax return of the entity. Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued Penalties accrued Number of Additional Defined Benefit Pension Plans Deemed Material Number of additional defined benefit pension plans Represents the number of additional defined benefit pension plans deemed material by the entity. South Korea and Thailand Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] South Korea and Thailand defined benefit pension plan South Korea and Thailand based defined benefit pension plans outside the reporting entity's home country. A defined benefit pension plan is a plan that defines an amount of pension benefit to be provided, usually as a function of one or more factors such as age, years of service, or compensation. Any pension plan that is not a defined contribution pension plan is a defined benefit pension plan. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax Prior service cost Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Transition Asset (Obligation), Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Amortization of transition obligation Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendment Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost before Tax Plan amendment The pretax cost (credit) of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' net periodic benefit costs resulting from a plan amendment during the period. The cost has not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost. A plan amendment includes provisions that grant increased (decreased) benefits based on service rendered in prior periods. Equity Securities [Member] Equity securities Large Mid Small Capitalization Domestic Equity Securities [Member] This category comprises equity funds utilizing active, passive, and value-driven investment strategies. Large/mid/small capitalization domestic equities International Capitalization Domestic Equity Securities [Member] International capitalization domestic equities This category employs a bottom-up approach by selecting underdeveloped companies in developed and emerging markets. Fixed Income Securities [Member] Fixed income securities Domestic Fixed Income Securities [Member] Domestic fixed income This category represents broad exposure to US Treasury, government agency, investment-grade corporate, and mortgage backed securities. Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Schedule of the quantitative and qualitative information related to multiemployer plans in which the employer participates. A multiemployer plan is a pension or postretirement benefit plan to which two or more unrelated employers contribute where assets contributed by one participating employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis] Information by type of pension or postretirement benefit plan to which two or more unrelated employers contribute where assets contributed by one participating employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. Types of multiemployer plans include pension benefit plans and postretirement benefit plans. Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain] Types of pension or postretirement benefit plans to which two or more unrelated employers contribute to the same plan where assets contributed by one participating employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. Types of multiemployer plans include pension benefit plans and postretirement benefit plans. Multiemployer Plans Pension [Member] Pension Fund Pension benefit plan to which two or more unrelated employers contribute where assets contributed by one participating employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Participation in Multiemployer Plans Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Contributions of the company Gain from Change in Post Retirement Plan Gain from change in a postretirement plan Represents the gain from change in a postretirement plan. Unrecognized Tax Benefits Indemnity Claims Expected to be Recognized Indemnity claims expected to be collectected from Akzo as part of the National Starch acquisition The amount of indemnity claims that the entity would expect to collect from Akzo as part of the National Starch acquisition included in unrecognized tax benefits. Gain (Loss) from Change in Post Retirement Plan Net of Tax Gain from change in a postretirement plan, after-tax Represents the gain from change in a postretirement plan, net of tax. Gain (Loss) from Change in Post Retirement Plan Per Share Diluted Gain from change in a postretirement plan, per share diluted Represents the gain from change in a postretirement plan, per diluted share. Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Integration costs Business Combination Integration Related Costs Net of Tax Integration costs, after-tax Costs incurred to effect a business combination which have been expensed during the period. Such costs could include business integration costs, systems integration and conversion costs, and severance and other employee-related costs, net of tax. Business Combination Integration Related Costs Per Diluted Share Integration costs, per diluted share Costs incurred to effect a business combination which have been expensed during the period. Such costs could include business integration costs, systems integration and conversion costs, and severance and other employee-related costs, per share diluted. Restructuring Charges, Net of Tax Restructuring charges, after-tax Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations, net of tax. Restructuring Charges, Per Share Diluted Restructuring charges, per diluted share Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations, per share diluted. Canadian Plans [Member] Canadian plan Represents the Canadian plan which is non US-Plan. Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Transition Asset (Obligation) Amount related to the amortization of transition obligation included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that will be recognized in net pension expense in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amount related to the amortization of prior service cost included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that will be recognized in net pension expense in next fiscal year Other Plan Assets [Member] Represents other plan assets not defined elsewhere in the taxonomy. Other New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Amount related to the amortization of the entity's accumulated actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that will be recognized in net pension expense in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses) Maximum Term of Original Maturity to Classify Instruments as Cash and Cash Equivalents Maximum term of original maturity to classify instruments as cash and cash equivalents (in months) Represents the maximum original term of maturity for an instrument to be classified as cash or cash equivalent. Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales Financing Costs [Member] The allocation (or location) of expense to (in) financing Cost. Financing Costs, net Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation [Member] Preliminary Represents the preliminary purchase price allocation to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Adjustments to Purchase Price Allocation [Member] Adjustments Represents the adjustment of the purchase price allocation to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Other Disclosures Business Combinations Other Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Maximum Vesting terms, maximum (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Minimum Vesting terms, minimum (in years) Defined Benefit Plan, Dental Benefits Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation Increase (Decrease) in Per Capita Cost Life Insurance Benefits Per Year Increase in the per capita cost of life insurance benefits for Brazil per year (as a percent) Represents the expected percentage of increase or decrease in per capita cost of life insurance benefits per year, which is used as an assumption in measuring expected cost of benefits covered by the plan. Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards Expiring 2012 Through 2020 The tax value of foreign tax credit carryforwards expiring in 2012 through 2020. Tax value of foreign tax credit carryforwards expiring in 2012 through 2020 Anticipated contributions to defined benefit pension plans in the current fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Contributions to defined benefit pension plan Dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Changes In Net Gain Loss From Cash Flow Hedges Effect Tax Effect Total tax effect of the accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. The change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase or decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. Accumulated losses from commodity-hedging derivative instruments, tax effect Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated losses from commodity-hedging derivative instruments