2.2.0.7 false Statement of Cash Flows (USD $) 00500 - Statement - Statement of Cash Flows true false In Millions false false 1 USD false false Monetary Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 EarninsPerShareUSD Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 2 USD false false Monetary Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 EarninsPerShareUSD Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 3 USD false false Monetary Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 EarninsPerShareUSD Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 2 Statement of Cash Flows 0 us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 3 Net cash provided by operating activities 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 true true false false 443000000 443 false false false 2 true true false false 64000000 64 false false false 3 true true false false 561000000 561 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 4 Net loss 2 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false -777000000 -777 false false false 2 false true false false -521000000 -521 false false false 3 false true false false -786000000 -786 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) false 5 Reconciled to net cash provided by operations: 2 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 6 Loss/(profit) on sale of assets, realization of loans, indirect taxes and other 3 au_LossProfitOnSaleOfAssetsRealizationOfLoansIndirectTaxesAndOther au false credit duration Non-cash movements on profit and losses on disposals, loans realized, reassessments of indirect taxes and other items. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 18000000 18 false false false 2 false true false false -64000000 -64 false false false 3 false true false false 14000000 14 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Non-cash movements on profit and losses on disposals, loans realized, reassessments of indirect taxes and other items. No authoritative reference available. false 7 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 3 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 615000000 615 false false false 2 false true false false 615000000 615 false false false 3 false true false false 655000000 655 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. No authoritative reference available. false 8 Impairment of assets 3 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 8000000 8 false false false 2 false true false false 670000000 670 false false false 3 false true false false 1000000 1 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 45, 46, 47 false 9 Deferred taxation 3 us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false -199000000 -199 false false false 2 false true false false -72000000 -72 false false false 3 false true false false -73000000 -73 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The component of income tax expense for the period representing the net change in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section I -Subsection 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 289 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 false 10 Cash utilized for hedge book settlements 3 au_CashUtilizedForHedgeBookSettlements au false credit duration Cash utilized in hedge buy-backs resulting in the accelerated settlement of both non-hedge and forward gold contracts... false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false -797000000 -797 false false false 2 false true false false -1113000000 -1113 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash utilized in hedge buy-backs resulting in the accelerated settlement of both non-hedge and forward gold contracts qualifying for the normal purchases and sales recognition exemption. No authoritative reference available. false 11 Movement in non-hedge derivatives 3 au_MovementInNonhedgeDerivatives au false debit duration Non-cash movements on non-hedge derivatives which do not contain off market terms at inception. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 1689000000 1689 false false false 2 false true false false 511000000 511 false false false 3 false true false false 802000000 802 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Non-cash movements on non-hedge derivatives which do not contain off market terms at inception. No authoritative reference available. false 12 Equity (income)/loss in affiliates 3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -88000000 -88 false false false 2 false true false false 149000000 149 false false false 3 false true false false -41000000 -41 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. Such amount typically reflects adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated statements, including adjustments to eliminate intercompany gains and losses, and to amortize, if appropriate, any difference between cost and underlying equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph c Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 11 -Article 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph b false 13 Dividends received from affiliates 3 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 101000000 101 false false false 2 false true false false 78000000 78 false false false 3 false true false false 65000000 65 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities. 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This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 15 Net increase in provision for environmental rehabilitation, pension and other post-retirement medical benefits 3 au_NetIncreaseInProvisionForEnvironmentalRehabilitationPensionAndOtherPostretirementMedicalBenefits au false debit duration Cash flows associated with environmental rehabilitation, pension and other post-retirement medical benefits. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 19000000 19 false false false 2 false true false false 24000000 24 false false false 3 false true false false 90000000 90 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash flows associated with environmental rehabilitation, pension and other post-retirement medical benefits. No authoritative reference available. false 16 Effect of changes in operating working capital items: 2 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 17 Receivables 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -44000000 -44 false false false 2 false true false false -7000000 -7 false false false 3 false true false false -77000000 -77 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the total amount due within one year (or one operating cycle) from all parties, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 18 Inventories 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -169000000 -169.0 false false false 2 false true false false -131000000 -131.0 false false false 3 false true false false -240000000 -240.0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 19 Accounts payable and other current liabilities 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 192000000 192 false false false 2 false true false false -101000000 -101 false false false 3 false true false false 147000000 147 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 20 Net cash provided by continuing operations 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 443000000 443 false false false 2 false true false false 65000000 65 false false false 3 false true false false 563000000 563 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) the entity's continuing operations. This element specifically EXCLUDES the cash flows derived by the entity from its discontinued operations, if any. This element is only to be used when the entity reports its cash flows attributable to discontinued operations separately from the cash flow provided by or used in operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 -Footnote 10 true 21 Net cash used in discontinued operations 2 us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false -1000000 -1 false false false 3 false true false false -2000000 -2 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents cash provided by (used in) the operating activities of the entity's discontinued operations during the period. This element should only be used by those entities that separately report cash flows attributable to discontinued operations. If using this element, it is an indication that the cash flows of the entity which are detailed in reconciling to cash provided by or used in operating activities reflect only cash flows attributable to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 22 Net cash used in investing activities 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -268000000 -268 false false false 2 false true false false -1593000000 -1593 false false false 3 false true false false -1031000000 -1031 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 23 Acquisition of assets 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMiningAssets us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -40000000 -40.0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow from the purchase of mining and mining related assets during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c false 24 Increase in non-current investments 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -89000000 -89 false false false 2 false true false false -93000000 -93 false false false 3 false true false false -27000000 -27 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with other investments held by the entity for investment purposes not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 false 25 Affiliates and equity accounted joint ventures acquired 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -354000000 -354 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with the purchase of or advances to an equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph b false 26 Proceeds on disposal of affiliate 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 48000000 48 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow associated with the sale of equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph b false 27 Affiliates loans advanced 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForAdvanceToAffiliate us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -2000000 -2 false false false 2 false true false false -4000000 -4 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow from advancing money to an affiliate (an entity that is related but not strictly controlled by the entity). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph a false 28 Affiliates loans repaid 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 4000000 4 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow from the collection of money previously advanced to an entity that is related to it but not strictly controlled. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph a false 29 Additions to property, plant and equipment 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -1019000000 -1019 false false false 2 false true false false -1194000000 -1194 false false false 3 false true false false -1015000000 -1015 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c false 30 Proceeds on sale of mining assets 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 1142000000 1142 false false false 2 false true false false 39000000 39 false false false 3 false true false false 29000000 29 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow from the sale of property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph c false 31 Proceeds on the sale of discontinued assets 2 us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 10000000 10 false false false 3 false true false false 1000000 1 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents cash provided by (used in) the investing activities of the entity's discontinued operations during the period. This element should only be used by those entities that separately report cash flows attributable to discontinued operations. If using this element, it is an indication that the cash flows of the entity which are detailed in reconciling to cash provided by or used in investing activities reflect only cash flows attributable to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 32 Proceeds on sale of available for sale investments 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 2000000 2 false false false 2 false true false false 4000000 4 false false false 3 false true false false 4000000 4 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow associated with the sale or maturity (principal being due) of securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which are classified as available-for-sale securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph a Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph b false 33 Proceeds on redemption of held to maturity investments 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfHeldToMaturitySecurities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 79000000 79 false false false 2 false true false false 84000000 84 false false false 3 false true false false 21000000 21 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow associated with the sale or maturity of securities for which the entity has both the ability and intent to hold the instrument until maturity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph a false 34 Dividends from available for sale investments 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 2000000 2 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Dividends received on equity and other investments during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 27 false 35 Cash outflows from derivatives purchased 2 au_CashOutflowsFromDerivativesPurchased au false credit duration Cash flows from derivative contracts which contain off market terms resulting in the outflow of cash at inception which are... false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -18000000 -18 false false false 2 false true false false -485000000 -485 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash flows from derivative contracts which contain off market terms resulting in the outflow of cash at inception which are analogous to lending activities and classified as part of investing activities. No authoritative reference available. false 36 Cash inflows from derivatives purchased 2 au_CashInflowsFromDerivativesPurchased au false debit duration Cash flows from derivative contracts which contain off market terms resulting in the outflow of cash at inception which are... false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 19000000 19 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash flows from derivative contracts which contain off market terms resulting in the outflow of cash at inception which are analogous to lending activities and classified as part of investing activities. No authoritative reference available. false 37 Loans receivable advanced 2 au_LoansAdvanced au false credit duration Cash outflows for advances made to loan receivables. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -1000000 -1 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash outflows for advances made to loan receivables. No authoritative reference available. false 38 Loans receivable repaid 2 au_LoansRepaid au false debit duration Cash inflows from repayment of loan receivables. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 1000000 1 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 1000000 1 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash inflows from repayment of loan receivables. No authoritative reference available. false 39 Change in restricted cash 2 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -10000000 -10.0 false false false 2 false true false false -6000000 -6.0 false false false 3 false true false false -25000000 -25.0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) for the net change associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 16, 17 false 40 Net cash generated by financing activities 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 303000000 303 false false false 2 false true false false 1715000000 1715 false false false 3 false true false false 462000000 462 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 41 Short-term debt repaid 2 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfShortTermDebt us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -1867000000 -1867.0 false false false 2 false true false false -298000000 -298.0 false false false 3 false true false false -520000000 -520.0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow for a borrowing having initial term of repayment within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18, 19, 20 false 45 Long-term debt repaid 2 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -864000000 -864 false false false 2 false true false false -316000000 -316 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 95-13 false 48 Cash outflows from derivatives with financing 2 au_CashOutflowsFromDerivativesWithFinancing au false credit duration Cash flows from derivative contracts which contain off market terms resulting in the inflow of cash at inception which are... false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false -134000000 -134 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash flows from derivative contracts which contain off market terms resulting in the inflow of cash at inception which are analogous to borrowing activities and classified as part of financing activities. No authoritative reference available. false 49 Cash inflows from derivatives with financing 2 au_CashInflowsFromDerivativesWithFinancing au false debit duration Cash flows from derivative contracts which contain off market terms resulting in the inflow of cash at inception which are... false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 35000000 35 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 249000000 249 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash flows from derivative contracts which contain off market terms resulting in the inflow of cash at inception which are analogous to borrowing activities and classified as part of financing activities. No authoritative reference available. false 50 Dividends paid to common stockholders 2 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -45000000 -45 false false false 2 false true false false -41000000 -41 false false false 3 false true false false -125000000 -125 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow from the distribution of an entity's earnings in the form of dividends to common shareholders. 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 25 false 54 Cash and cash equivalents - January 1, 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false true false false 575000000 575 false false false 2 false true false false 477000000 477 false false false 3 false true false false 471000000 471 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 55 Cash and cash equivalents - December 31, 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 true true false false 1100000000 1100 false false false 2 true true false false 575000000 575 false false false 3 true true false false 477000000 477 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. 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