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Business Divestitures (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2010
May 31, 2010
Fertilizers
Dec. 31, 2010
Fertilizers
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations        
Subsidiaries entered into divestiture agreement (in number of subsidiaries) 2      
Cash proceeds from divestiture of fertilizer nutrients assets in Brazil   $ 3,914 $ 3,914  
Gain on divestiture of fertilizer nutrients assets in Brazil   2,440 2,440 2,440
Gain on divestiture of fertilizer nutrients assets in Brazil, net of tax     1,901  
Expenses associated with divestiture of fertilizer nutrients assets in Brazil     152  
Total income tax associated with divestiture of fertilizer nutrients assets in Brazil     539  
Withholding tax paid on divestiture of fertilizer nutrients assets in Brazil   280   280
Tax payable was offset by deferred tax assets and other tax credits and therefore are not expected to result in cash tax payments       259
Transaction costs paid   144    
Cash disposed in sale of fertilizer nutrients assets   106    
Property, plant and equipment, net, related to fertilizer mining properties and other plants and equipment of the fertilizer nutrients activities       $ 1,516