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Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Y
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Other Intangible Assets, Net      
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross $ 329 $ 253  
Less accumulated amortization (115) (96)  
Trademarks/brands, indefinite-lived 6 29  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 220 186  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions   52  
Finite-Lived intangible assets, Minimum Useful Life (in years) 2    
Finite-Lived intangible assets, Maximum Useful Life (in years) 50    
Aggregate amortization expense 29 23 16
Annual estimated aggregate amortization expense, year one 32    
Annual estimated aggregate amortization expense, year two 29    
Annual estimated aggregate amortization expense, year three 29    
Annual estimated aggregate amortization expense, year four 29    
Annual estimated aggregate amortization expense, year five 29    
2011 Acquisitions
      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Finite-Lived intangible assets, Minimum Useful Life (in years) 5    
Finite-Lived intangible assets, Maximum Useful Life (in years) 20    
2010 Acquisitions
      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Finite-Lived intangible assets, Minimum Useful Life (in years)   2  
Finite-Lived intangible assets, Maximum Useful Life (in years)   20  
Sugar and Bioenergy
      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions   44  
Fertilizer
      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions   7  
Edible oil products
      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions 39 1  
Agribusiness
      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions 32    
Trademarks/brands
      
Other Intangible Assets, Net      
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross 162 127  
Less accumulated amortization (53) (54)  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions 23    
Licenses
      
Other Intangible Assets, Net      
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross 13 11  
Less accumulated amortization (4) (3)  
Other intangibles
      
Other Intangible Assets, Net      
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross 154 115  
Less accumulated amortization (58) (39)  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions 48    
Customer lists
      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions 16    
Port usage rights
      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions $ 32