Acquisitions And Divestitures	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Abstract]
Acquisitions And Divestitures	F. Acquisitions and Divestitures Pro forma results of the Company, assuming all acquisitions described below were made at the beginning of the earliest prior period presented, would not have been materially different from the results reported. 2011 Acquisitions. On March 9, 2011, Alcoa completed an acquisition of the aerospace fastener business of TransDigm Group Inc. for $240 (cash acquired and post-closing adjustments resulted in a net purchase price of $239). This business is a leading global designer, producer, and supplier of highly engineered aircraft components, with three locations (one in the state of California and two in the United Kingdom) that employ a combined 400 people. Specifically, this business provides a wide variety of high-strength, high temperature nickel alloy specialty engine fasteners, airframe bolts, and slotted entry bearings. In 2010, this business generated sales of $61. The assets and liabilities of this business were included in the Engineered Products and Solutions segment as of March 31, 2011; this business' results of operations were included in this segment beginning March 9, 2011. Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, goodwill of $154 was recorded for this transaction. Approximately $60 of goodwill is estimated to be deductible for income tax purposes. The final allocation of the purchase price will be based on valuation and other studies, including environmental and other contingent liabilities. Other intangible assets may be identified as a result of the final valuation. The purchase price is subject to certain post-closing adjustments as defined in the acquisition agreement. This acquisition is part of a strategic plan to accelerate the growth of Alcoa's fastener business, while adding efficiencies, broadening the existing technology base, and expanding product offerings to better serve customers and increase shareholder value. 2010 Acquisitions. In July 2010, Alcoa completed an acquisition of the commercial building and construction business of a privately-held company, Traco, for $77. This business, located in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, employing 650 people, is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors for the commercial building and construction market and generated sales of approximately $100 in 2009. The assets and liabilities of this business were included in the Engineered Products and Solutions segment as of the end of July 2010 and this business' results of operations were included in this segment since the beginning of August 2010. Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, goodwill of $28 was recorded for this transaction. In 2011, the purchase price allocation was finalized based on the completion of a valuation study resulting in a reduction in the initial goodwill amount of $4. All of the $24 in goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. Also in 2011, Alcoa paid an additional $1 to settle working capital, as provided for in the acquisition agreement, reflecting an adjustment to the purchase price. This transaction is no longer subject to post-closing adjustments. 2010 Divestitures. In April 2010, Alcoa completed the divestiture of the Transportation Products Europe business, the assets and liabilities of which were classified as held for sale in 2008, to two separate buyers. Combined, this business sold for $14, which was included in Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows; a gain of $5 ($5 after-tax) was recognized in Restructuring and other charges on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations. These two transactions are no longer subject to post-closing adjustments. This business generated sales of $78 in 2009 and, at the time of divestiture, had approximately 360 employees at three locations. 2009 Acquisitions. In March 2009, Alcoa completed a non-cash exchange of its 45.45% stake in the Sapa AB joint venture for Orkla ASA's (Orkla) 50% stake in the Elkem Aluminium ANS joint venture (Elkem). As a result of this transaction, Elkem is now owned 100% by Alcoa and Sapa AB is now owned 100% by Orkla. Prior to the completion of the exchange transaction, Alcoa accounted for its investments in Sapa AB and Elkem on the equity method and the carrying values were $475 and $435, respectively, at December 31, 2008. Elkem includes aluminum smelters in Lista and Mosjøen, Norway with a combined output of 282 kmt and the anode plant in Mosjøen in which Alcoa already held an 82% stake. These three facilities employed approximately 700 workers combined. The addition of the two smelters and anode plant (supports Norway and Iceland operations) strengthens Alcoa's leadership position within the aluminum industry. The assets and liabilities of Elkem were included in the Primary Metals segment beginning March 31, 2009 (the final amounts recorded were based on the completion of a valuation study– see below) and Elkem's results of operations were reflected in this segment starting on April 1, 2009 (prior to this transaction, Alcoa's existing 50% stake in Elkem was reflected as equity income in this segment). The exchange transaction resulted in the recognition of a $188 gain ($133 after-tax), comprised of a $156 adjustment to the carrying value of Alcoa's existing 50% interest in Elkem in accordance with fair value accounting and a $32 adjustment for the finalization of the estimated fair value of the Sapa AB joint venture. The $188 gain was reflected in Other (income) expenses, net on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations, of which $156 ($112 after-tax) was reflected in the Primary Metals segment and $32 ($21 after-tax) was reflected in Corporate. The portion of the gain reflected in Corporate was because the original write-down of the 45.45% Sapa AB investment to its estimated fair value in December 2008 was reflected in Corporate. At the time the exchange transaction was completed, Elkem had $18 in cash, which was reflected in the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows as a cash inflow on the acquisitions line. In early 2010, the purchase price allocation was finalized based on the completion of a valuation study resulting in goodwill of $48 (half of which is deductible for U.S. income tax purposes) and a corresponding reduction in properties, plants, and equipment. There was no change to the gain recognized on the transaction in 2009. Under business combination accounting, prior periods, beginning with the period of acquisition, are required to be revised to reflect changes to the original purchase price allocation; however, this $48 (and the related depreciation expense that would have been recognized in 2009) was deemed immaterial for this purpose. In June 2009, Alcoa completed an acquisition of a fasteners business located in Morocco for $3. This transaction did not have a material impact on Alcoa's Consolidated Financial Statements. In July 2009, Alcoa World Alumina LLC (AWA LLC), a majority-owned subsidiary of Alcoa and part of Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals, acquired a BHP Billiton (BHP) subsidiary that holds interests in four bauxite mines and one refining facility in the Republic of Suriname. These interests were part of joint ventures between AWA LLC's wholly-owned subsidiary in Suriname (Suriname Aluminum Company LLC (Suralco)) and BHP's subsidiary in which Suralco held a 55% stake and BHP's subsidiary held a 45% stake. This acquisition strengthens Alcoa's presence in Suriname and supports its overall growth strategy. In this transaction, in exchange for relinquishing BHP of any further obligations, liabilities, and responsibilities related to the joint ventures (certain of which could result in the recognition of charges in future periods), AWA LLC received direct ownership of the BHP subsidiary. This transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition as it did not meet the requirements to be accounted for as a business combination. Prior to the completion of this transaction, Suralco accounted for its 55% interest in the Suriname operations on the proportional consolidation method. The assets and liabilities of the former BHP subsidiary were included in the Alumina segment beginning July 31, 2009 and 100% of the results of the Suriname operations were reflected in this segment starting on August 1, 2009. This acquisition resulted in the addition of 993 kmt of alumina refining capacity (2,207 kmt is total refinery capacity – approximately 870 kmt is curtailed) to Alcoa's global refining system. Alcoa recorded a gain of $92 ($36 after-tax and noncontrolling interest), which was reflected in Other (income) expenses, net on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations and was reflected in the Alumina segment's results ($60 after-tax). At the time this transaction was completed, the BHP subsidiary had $97 in cash, which was reflected in the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows as a cash inflow on the acquisitions line. 2009 Divestitures. In June 2009, Alcoa completed the divestiture of the wire harness and electrical portion of the EES business to Platinum Equity, effective June 1, 2009. Alcoa paid $200 to divest this portion of the EES business and recognized a loss of $129 ($168 pretax) in discontinued operations (see Note B) on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations. The total cash payment was comprised of the agreed upon transaction price of $175 and working capital and other adjustments of $25 based on the provisions of the purchase agreement. This transaction is no longer subject to post-closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows include the $200 as a cash outflow. The wire harness and electrical portion of the EES business generated sales of $1,114 in 2008 and, at the time of divestiture, had operations in 13 countries employing approximately 16,200 employees. In early 2010, Alcoa recognized an additional loss of $6 ($9 pretax) in discontinued operations as a result of a contract settlement with a former customer of this business (see Note B). Separately, the legal entity that operated the previously sold wire harness and electrical business in Germany filed for insolvency. No lawsuits were filed against Alcoa related to this bankruptcy; however, Platinum Equity did file claims against Alcoa in the proceeding. In 2011, Alcoa recognized an additional loss of $3 ($5 pretax) in discontinued operations as a result of a negotiated settlement related to these claims (see Note B). In December 2009, Alcoa completed the divestiture of the electronics portion of the EES business to Flextronics Inc. Alcoa paid $4 upon consummation of the transaction and recognized a loss of $9 ($13 pretax) in discontinued operations (see Note B) on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations. This transaction remains subject to certain post-closing adjustments as defined in the purchase agreement. Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows include this payment as a cash outflow. The electronics portion of the EES business generated sales of $104 in 2008 and, at the time of divestiture, had operations in four countries employing approximately 450 employees. In late 2009, Alcoa completed the sale of two of its foil plants (Sabiñánigo, Spain and Shanghai, China), which were part of the Global Foil business, the assets and liabilities of which were classified as held for sale in 2008, to two separate buyers. Combined, these two facilities were sold for $20, which was included in Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows, and resulted in a net loss of less than $1. These two transactions are no longer subject to post-closing adjustments. These two locations generated sales of $169 in 2008 and, at the time of divestiture, had approximately 460 employees. In connection with the 2005 acquisition of two fabricating facilities in Russia, Alcoa could be required to make contingent payments of approximately $50 through 2015 based upon the achievement of various financial and operating targets. Any such payment would be reflected as additional goodwill.

F. Acquisitions and Divestitures

Pro forma results of the Company, assuming all acquisitions described below were made at the beginning of the earliest prior period presented, would not have been materially different from the results reported.

2011 Acquisitions. On March 9, 2011, Alcoa completed an acquisition of the aerospace fastener business of TransDigm Group Inc. for $240 (cash acquired and post-closing adjustments resulted in a net purchase price of $239). This business is a leading global designer, producer, and supplier of highly engineered aircraft components, with three locations (one in the state of California and two in the United Kingdom) that employ a combined 400 people. Specifically, this business provides a wide variety of high-strength, high temperature nickel alloy specialty engine fasteners, airframe bolts, and slotted entry bearings. In 2010, this business generated sales of $61. The assets and liabilities of this business were included in the Engineered Products and Solutions segment as of March 31, 2011; this business' results of operations were included in this segment beginning March 9, 2011. Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, goodwill of $154 was recorded for this transaction. Approximately $60 of goodwill is estimated to be deductible for income tax purposes. The final allocation of the purchase price will be based on valuation and other studies, including environmental and other contingent liabilities. Other intangible assets may be identified as a result of the final valuation. The purchase price is subject to certain post-closing adjustments as defined in the acquisition agreement. This acquisition is part of a strategic plan to accelerate the growth of Alcoa's fastener business, while adding efficiencies, broadening the existing technology base, and expanding product offerings to better serve customers and increase shareholder value.

2010 Acquisitions. In July 2010, Alcoa completed an acquisition of the commercial building and construction business of a privately-held company, Traco, for $77. This business, located in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, employing 650 people, is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors for the commercial building and construction market and generated sales of approximately $100 in 2009. The assets and liabilities of this business were included in the Engineered Products and Solutions segment as of the end of July 2010 and this business' results of operations were included in this segment since the beginning of August 2010. Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, goodwill of $28 was recorded for this transaction. In 2011, the purchase price allocation was finalized based on the completion of a valuation study resulting in a reduction in the initial goodwill amount of $4. All of the $24 in goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. Also in 2011, Alcoa paid an additional $1 to settle working capital, as provided for in the acquisition agreement, reflecting an adjustment to the purchase price. This transaction is no longer subject to post-closing adjustments.

2010 Divestitures. In April 2010, Alcoa completed the divestiture of the Transportation Products Europe business, the assets and liabilities of which were classified as held for sale in 2008, to two separate buyers. Combined, this business sold for $14, which was included in Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows; a gain of $5 ($5 after-tax) was recognized in Restructuring and other charges on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations. These two transactions are no longer subject to post-closing adjustments. This business generated sales of $78 in 2009 and, at the time of divestiture, had approximately 360 employees at three locations.

2009 Acquisitions. In March 2009, Alcoa completed a non-cash exchange of its 45.45% stake in the Sapa AB joint venture for Orkla ASA's (Orkla) 50% stake in the Elkem Aluminium ANS joint venture (Elkem). As a result of this transaction, Elkem is now owned 100% by Alcoa and Sapa AB is now owned 100% by Orkla. Prior to the completion of the exchange transaction, Alcoa accounted for its investments in Sapa AB and Elkem on the equity method and the carrying values were $475 and $435, respectively, at December 31, 2008. Elkem includes aluminum smelters in Lista and Mosjøen, Norway with a combined output of 282 kmt and the anode plant in Mosjøen in which Alcoa already held an 82% stake. These three facilities employed approximately 700 workers combined. The addition of the two smelters and anode plant (supports Norway and Iceland operations) strengthens Alcoa's leadership position within the aluminum industry. The assets and liabilities of Elkem were included in the Primary Metals segment beginning March 31, 2009 (the final amounts recorded were based on the completion of a valuation study– see below) and Elkem's results of operations were reflected in this segment starting on April 1, 2009 (prior to this transaction, Alcoa's existing 50% stake in Elkem was reflected as equity income in this segment). The exchange transaction resulted in the recognition of a $188 gain ($133 after-tax), comprised of a $156 adjustment to the carrying value of Alcoa's existing 50% interest in Elkem in accordance with fair value accounting and a $32 adjustment for the finalization of the estimated fair value of the Sapa AB joint venture. The $188 gain was reflected in Other (income) expenses, net on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations, of which $156 ($112 after-tax) was reflected in the Primary Metals segment and $32 ($21 after-tax) was reflected in Corporate. The portion of the gain reflected in Corporate was because the original write-down of the 45.45% Sapa AB investment to its estimated fair value in December 2008 was reflected in Corporate. At the time the exchange transaction was completed, Elkem had $18 in cash, which was reflected in the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows as a cash inflow on the acquisitions line.

In early 2010, the purchase price allocation was finalized based on the completion of a valuation study resulting in goodwill of $48 (half of which is deductible for U.S. income tax purposes) and a corresponding reduction in properties, plants, and equipment. There was no change to the gain recognized on the transaction in 2009. Under business combination accounting, prior periods, beginning with the period of acquisition, are required to be revised to reflect changes to the original purchase price allocation; however, this $48 (and the related depreciation expense that would have been recognized in 2009) was deemed immaterial for this purpose.

In June 2009, Alcoa completed an acquisition of a fasteners business located in Morocco for $3. This transaction did not have a material impact on Alcoa's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2009, Alcoa World Alumina LLC (AWA LLC), a majority-owned subsidiary of Alcoa and part of Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals, acquired a BHP Billiton (BHP) subsidiary that holds interests in four bauxite mines and one refining facility in the Republic of Suriname. These interests were part of joint ventures between AWA LLC's wholly-owned subsidiary in Suriname (Suriname Aluminum Company LLC (Suralco)) and BHP's subsidiary in which Suralco held a 55% stake and BHP's subsidiary held a 45% stake. This acquisition strengthens Alcoa's presence in Suriname and supports its overall growth strategy. In this transaction, in exchange for relinquishing BHP of any further obligations, liabilities, and responsibilities related to the joint ventures (certain of which could result in the recognition of charges in future periods), AWA LLC received direct ownership of the BHP subsidiary. This transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition as it did not meet the requirements to be accounted for as a business combination. Prior to the completion of this transaction, Suralco accounted for its 55% interest in the Suriname operations on the proportional consolidation method. The assets and liabilities of the former BHP subsidiary were included in the Alumina segment beginning July 31, 2009 and 100% of the results of the Suriname operations were reflected in this segment starting on August 1, 2009. This acquisition resulted in the addition of 993 kmt of alumina refining capacity (2,207 kmt is total refinery capacity – approximately 870 kmt is curtailed) to Alcoa's global refining system. Alcoa recorded a gain of $92 ($36 after-tax and noncontrolling interest), which was reflected in Other (income) expenses, net on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations and was reflected in the Alumina segment's results ($60 after-tax). At the time this transaction was completed, the BHP subsidiary had $97 in cash, which was reflected in the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows as a cash inflow on the acquisitions line.

2009 Divestitures. In June 2009, Alcoa completed the divestiture of the wire harness and electrical portion of the EES business to Platinum Equity, effective June 1, 2009. Alcoa paid $200 to divest this portion of the EES business and recognized a loss of $129 ($168 pretax) in discontinued operations (see Note B) on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations. The total cash payment was comprised of the agreed upon transaction price of $175 and working capital and other adjustments of $25 based on the provisions of the purchase agreement. This transaction is no longer subject to post-closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows include the $200 as a cash outflow. The wire harness and electrical portion of the EES business generated sales of $1,114 in 2008 and, at the time of divestiture, had operations in 13 countries employing approximately 16,200 employees.

In early 2010, Alcoa recognized an additional loss of $6 ($9 pretax) in discontinued operations as a result of a contract settlement with a former customer of this business (see Note B). Separately, the legal entity that operated the previously sold wire harness and electrical business in Germany filed for insolvency. No lawsuits were filed against Alcoa related to this bankruptcy; however, Platinum Equity did file claims against Alcoa in the proceeding. In 2011, Alcoa recognized an additional loss of $3 ($5 pretax) in discontinued operations as a result of a negotiated settlement related to these claims (see Note B).

In December 2009, Alcoa completed the divestiture of the electronics portion of the EES business to Flextronics Inc. Alcoa paid $4 upon consummation of the transaction and recognized a loss of $9 ($13 pretax) in discontinued operations (see Note B) on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Operations. This transaction remains subject to certain post-closing adjustments as defined in the purchase agreement. Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows include this payment as a cash outflow. The electronics portion of the EES business generated sales of $104 in 2008 and, at the time of divestiture, had operations in four countries employing approximately 450 employees.

In late 2009, Alcoa completed the sale of two of its foil plants (Sabiñánigo, Spain and Shanghai, China), which were part of the Global Foil business, the assets and liabilities of which were classified as held for sale in 2008, to two separate buyers. Combined, these two facilities were sold for $20, which was included in Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows, and resulted in a net loss of less than $1. These two transactions are no longer subject to post-closing adjustments. These two locations generated sales of $169 in 2008 and, at the time of divestiture, had approximately 460 employees.

In connection with the 2005 acquisition of two fabricating facilities in Russia, Alcoa could be required to make contingent payments of approximately $50 through 2015 based upon the achievement of various financial and operating targets. Any such payment would be reflected as additional goodwill.