v2.4.0.6
Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Dec. 31, 2008
Operating Loss Carryforwards      
Pretax loss carryforwards $ 3,485    
Carryforwards of loss indefinitely 2,694    
Increase in income tax expense due to change in deferred tax valuation allowances 128    
Uncertain tax liabilities, noncurrent 98 104  
Uncertain tax liabilities, current 4 7  
Accrued penalties and interest 42 40  
Interest and penalties expenses (2) 8 13
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits      
Balance at the beginning of the period 111 138 197
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 1 1 3
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years 7 42 11
Reductions for tax positions of prior years     (40)
Settlement or clarification from tax authorities (2) (81) (2)
Expiration of statue of limitations (7) (3) (1)
Sale of Brazilian fertilizer nutrients assets (6)    
Foreign currency translation (2) 14 (30)
Balance at the end of the period 102 111 138
Net increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits   (27)  
Impact of favorable ruling from tax authorities   7  
Other increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits   4  
Income tax paid, net 398 205 394
Estimated tax payments in excess of actual income tax paid   168 42
Recoverable taxes provision 3 61 (9)
Tax withheld by third-parties and remitted to governments 27 38 75
Brazil
      
Operating Loss Carryforwards      
Carryforwards of loss indefinitely 2,361    
Maximum percentage of annual utilization of carryforward of loss (as a percent) 30.00%    
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits      
Settlement under Brazilian tax amnesty program   39  
Europe
      
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits      
Recoverable taxes provision $ 13    
Russia
      
Operating Loss Carryforwards      
Maximum utilization of carryforward of loss (in years) 10Y    
Italy
      
Operating Loss Carryforwards      
Maximum utilization of carryforward of loss (in years) 5Y