v2.4.0.6
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Allowances for doubtful accounts
      
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves      
Balance at beginning of period $ 300 $ 350 $ 291
Charged to costs and expenses 62 58 75
Charged to other accounts (23) 3 84
Deductions from reserves (92) (111) (100)
Balance at end of period 247 300 350
Allowance for secured advances to suppliers
      
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves      
Balance at beginning of period 87 75 37
Charged to costs and expenses 6 17 21
Charged to other accounts (9) 3 17
Deductions from reserves (11) (8)  
Balance at end of period 73 87 75
Allowances for recoverable taxes
      
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves      
Balance at beginning of period 118 164 104
Charged to costs and expenses 14 20 34
Charged to other accounts (6) (20) 31
Deductions from reserves (28) (46) (5)
Balance at end of period 98 118 164
Portion of deductions from reserves relating to sale of fertilizer nutrients assets   39  
Income tax valuation allowance
      
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves      
Balance at beginning of period 245 116 94
Charged to costs and expenses (11) 128 50
Charged to other accounts (47) 1 5
Deductions from reserves     (33)
Balance at end of period $ 187 $ 245 $ 116