XML 32 R44.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Accounts Receivables [Line Items] |
Sold receivables that remain uncollected | $ 219
Sale of customer receivables | 304
Cash received for receivables | 50
Deferred purchase price receivable | 254
Maximum [Member] |
Schedule Of Accounts Receivables [Line Items] |
Funding of customer receivables sold | 250
Minimum [Member] |
Schedule Of Accounts Receivables [Line Items] |
Funding of customer receivables sold | $ 50

X
- Definition Amount Of Sold Receivables Remain Uncollected + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aa_AmountOfSoldReceivablesRemainUncollected
Namespace Prefix: | aa_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Deferred purchase price customer receivables + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aa_DeferredPriceCustomerReceivables
Namespace Prefix: | aa_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Funding of customer receivables sold + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aa_FundingOfCustomerReceivablesSold
Namespace Prefix: | aa_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sale of customer receivables + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aa_SaleOfCustomerReceivables
Namespace Prefix: | aa_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | aa_ScheduleOfAccountsReceivablesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | aa_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow associated with the sale of receivables arising from the financing of goods and services. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfFinanceReceivables
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration