v2.4.0.6
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Freight supply agreements
Dec. 31, 2011
Freight supply agreements
Maximum
Y
Dec. 31, 2011
Freight supply agreements
Minimum
Y
M
Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories
Dec. 31, 2011
Power supply contracts
Dec. 31, 2011
Construction in progress
Dec. 31, 2011
Tax claims
Jul. 31, 2011
Tax claims
Dec. 31, 2010
Tax claims
Dec. 31, 2011
Labor claims
Dec. 31, 2010
Labor claims
Dec. 31, 2011
Civil and other claims
Dec. 31, 2010
Civil and other claims
Dec. 31, 2011
Customer financing
Y
Dec. 31, 2011
Unconsolidated affiliates financing
Dec. 31, 2011
Residual value guarantee
Dec. 31, 2011
Guarantee of indebtedness of subsidiaries
100% owned subsidiaries
subsidiary
Loss Contingencies and Guarantees                                      
Loss contingency accrual, at carrying value $ 223 $ 319             $ 70   $ 127 $ 77 $ 78 $ 76 $ 114        
Argentine estimated tax claim for which no accrual exists at this time                   100                  
Freight supply agreements term, ocean freight vessels       5 2                            
Freight supply agreements term, railroad services (in years)       17 5                            
Maximum potential future payments related to guarantees 168                             45 54 69  
Maximum term of guarantees (in years)                               1      
Maximum term of guarantees under certain government programs (in years)                               5      
Tangible property pledged as collateral against certain of refinancing arrangements                               34      
Obligation related to outstanding guarantees                               7 1 6  
Percentage of ownership interest of debt issuing Bunge finance company                                     100.00%
Long-term debt including current portion, carrying value                                     3,482
Number of finance subsidiaries issuing senior notes                                     2
Future Minimum Payment Obligations Due Under Freight Supply Agreements                                      
Less than 1 year     218                                
1 to 3 years     206                                
3 to 5 years     58                                
After five years     329                                
Total     811                                
Reduction in future minimum payment obligations due to renegotiation of contract     841                                
Proceeds from relet agreements related to ocean freight vessels     101                                
Future minimum payments receivable from relet agreements     22                                
Other Disclosures                                      
Purchase commitments           $ 52 $ 4 $ 159