v2.4.0.6
Goodwill (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill:    
Balance, beginning of the period $ 427 $ 325
Goodwill acquired 454 50
Reallocation of acquired goodwill (4) (33)
Impairment loss (3)  
Tax benefit on goodwill amortization (7) (6)
Foreign exchange translation 67 91
Balance, end of the period 934 427
Release of obligation recorded as part of the purchase accounting for assets acquired in 2008   7
Agribusiness
    
Goodwill:    
Balance, beginning of the period 204 164
Goodwill acquired 9  
Tax benefit on goodwill amortization (6) (6)
Foreign exchange translation 8 46
Balance, end of the period 215 204
Sugar and Bioenergy
    
Goodwill:    
Balance, beginning of the period 130 105
Goodwill acquired 440  
Reallocation of acquired goodwill   (12)
Foreign exchange translation 61 37
Balance, end of the period 631 130
Edible Oil Products
    
Goodwill:    
Balance, beginning of the period 83 37
Goodwill acquired 4 50
Reallocation of acquired goodwill (4) (7)
Tax benefit on goodwill amortization (1)  
Foreign exchange translation (2) 3
Balance, end of the period 80 83
Milling Products
    
Goodwill:    
Balance, beginning of the period 10 19
Reallocation of acquired goodwill   (14)
Impairment loss (3)  
Foreign exchange translation   5
Balance, end of the period 7 10
Fertilizers
    
Goodwill:    
Goodwill acquired 1  
Balance, end of the period $ 1