2.2.0.7 false Statement of Financial Position (USD $) 00300 - Statement - Statement of Financial Position 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 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 3 ASSETS 1 us-gaap_AssetsAbstract 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 xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 4 Current assets 2 us-gaap_AssetsCurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 true true false false 2471000000 2471 false false false 2 true true false false 2758000000 2758 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 true 5 Cash and cash equivalents 3 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 866000000 866 false false false 2 false true false false 1100000000 1100 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 6 Restricted cash 3 us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 14000000 14 false false false 2 false true false false 12000000 12 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG) -Number AAG-BRD -Chapter 4 -Paragraph 80 -Subparagraph Exhibit 4-8, 3 -IssueDate 2006-05-01 false 7 Receivables 3 us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 209000000 209 false false false 2 false true false false 206000000 206 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The total amount due to the entity within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from outside sources, including trade accounts receivable, notes and loans receivable, as well as any other types of receivables, net of allowances established for the purpose of reducing such receivables to an amount that approximates their net realizable value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 true 8 Trade 4 us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 45000000 45 false false false 2 false true false false 45000000 45 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a(1) -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 false 9 Recoverable taxes, rebates, levies and duties 4 us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 63000000 63 false false false 2 false true false false 82000000 82 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying amount due within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from tax authorities as of the balance sheet date representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph c -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Section Appendix E -Paragraph 289 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 10 -Article 9 false 10 Related parties 4 us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 3000000 3 false false false 2 false true false false 5000000 5 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Amount of receivables arising from transactions with related parties due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph k -Subparagraph 1 -Article 4 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 57 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 false 11 Other 4 us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 98000000 98 false false false 2 false true false false 74000000 74 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 8 -Article 5 false 12 Inventories (see note C) 3 us-gaap_OtherInventory us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 718000000 718 false false false 2 false true false false 663000000 663 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventories of a nature not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 9 false 13 Materials on the leach pad (see note C) 3 au_MaterialsOnLeachPadCurrent au false debit instant This represents the current portion of the ore stockpile material contained on the leach pad. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 73000000 73 false false false 2 false true false false 40000000 40 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This represents the current portion of the ore stockpile material contained on the leach pad. No authoritative reference available. false 14 Derivatives 3 us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedges us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 150000000 150 false false false 2 false true false false 330000000 330 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the asset arising from derivative instruments and hedging activities, which are expected to be converted into cash or otherwise disposed of within a year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. No authoritative reference available. false 15 Deferred taxation assets 3 us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 369000000 369 false false false 2 false true false false 333000000 333 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. An unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward should be presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 41, 42, 43 false 16 Assets held for sale 3 us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleCurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 72000000 72 false false false 2 false true false false 74000000 74 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Current assets (normally turning over within one year or one business cycle if longer) that are held for sale apart from normal operations and anticipated to be sold within one year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 46 false 17 Property, plant and equipment, net 2 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 5420000000 5420 false false false 2 false true false false 5454000000 5454 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, and production equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b, c Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 8 -Article 7 false 18 Acquired properties, net 2 au_AcquiredPropertiesNet au false debit instant This represents purchased, undeveloped mineral interests carried at amortized cost. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 815000000 815 false false false 2 false true false false 831000000 831 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This represents purchased, undeveloped mineral interests carried at amortized cost. No authoritative reference available. false 19 Goodwill and other intangibles, net 2 au_GoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesNet au false debit instant Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for... false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 170000000 170 false false false 2 false true false false 180000000 180 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges. Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges. No authoritative reference available. false 20 Derivatives 2 us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgesNoncurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 2000000 2 false false false 2 false true false false 5000000 5 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the assets arising from derivative contracts and hedging activities, which are expected to be converted into cash or otherwise disposed of after a year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 4 false 21 Other long-term inventory (see note C) 2 us-gaap_OtherInventoryNoncurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 23000000 23 false false false 2 false true false false 26000000 26 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventories not expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within the normal operating cycle (such as inventory related to long-term contracts or program rights). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 4, 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph d -Article 5 false 22 Materials on the leach pad (see note C) 2 au_MaterialsOnLeachPadNonCurrent au false debit instant This represents the non current portion of the ore stockpile material contained on the leach pad. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 307000000 307 false false false 2 false true false false 324000000 324 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This represents the non current portion of the ore stockpile material contained on the leach pad. No authoritative reference available. false 23 Other long-term assets (see note M) 2 us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 1043000000 1043 false false false 2 false true false false 1022000000 1022 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 17 -Article 5 false 24 Deferred taxation assets 2 us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. 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 62000000 62 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The noncurrent portion as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate carrying amount of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 41, 42, 43 false 25 Total assets 2 us-gaap_Assets us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 10269000000 10269 false false false 2 false true false false 10662000000 10662 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 true 26 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 1 us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract 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 xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 27 Current liabilities 2 us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 3195000000 3195 false false false 2 false true false false 4475000000 4475 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 21 -Article 5 true 28 Accounts payable and other current liabilities 3 au_AccntsPayableAndOtherCurrentLiabilities au false credit instant Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and... false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 556000000 556 false false false 2 false true false false 607000000 607 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors and employees for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Current liabilities are expected to be paid within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). No authoritative reference available. false 29 Derivatives 3 us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 2575000000 2575 false false false 2 false true false false 2525000000 2525 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, and which are expected to be extinguished or otherwise disposed of within a year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, net of the effects of master netting arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FIN39-1 -Paragraph 10A, 10B Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 4, 17 false 30 Short-term debt (see note E) 3 us-gaap_DebtCurrent us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 24000000 24 false false false 2 false true false false 1292000000 1292 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the sum of short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, which are due within one year (or one business cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 false 31 Tax payable 3 us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 30000000 30 false false false 2 false true false false 42000000 42 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for statutory income, sales, use, payroll, excise, real, property and other taxes. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 20 -Article 5 false 32 Liabilities held for sale 3 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfAssetsHeldForSale us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 10000000 10 false false false 2 false true false false 9000000 9 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Liability (such as a mortgage) related to a disposal group that is held for sale and anticipated to be sold in less than one year. The liability is expected to be discharged as part of the plan of sale for the asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 46 false 33 Other non-current liabilities 2 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 170000000 170 false false false 2 false true false false 163000000 163 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 24 -Article 5 false 34 Long-term debt (see note E) 2 us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 1668000000 1668 false false false 2 false true false false 667000000 667 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer plus capital lease obligations due to be paid more than one year after the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section H false 35 Derivatives 2 us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 112000000 112 false false false 2 false true false false 176000000 176 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, and which are expected to be extinguished or otherwise disposed of after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, net of the effects of master netting arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 4, 17 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 107 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FIN39-1 -Paragraph 10A, 10B false 36 Deferred taxation liabilities 2 us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 1145000000 1145 false false false 2 false true false false 1171000000 1171 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise shall separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 41, 42 false 37 Provision for environmental rehabilitation 2 us-gaap_MineReclamationAndClosingLiabilityNoncurrent us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 393000000 393 false false false 2 false true false false 385000000 385 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Amount of a reclamation and mine closing liability that is associated with a legal obligation for the closure and reclamation of a mine including the removal of buildings, equipment, machinery and other physical remnants of mining, closure of tailings impoundments, leach pads and other mine features, and contouring, covering and revegetation of waste rock piles and other disturbed areas. No authoritative reference available. false 38 Provision for labor, civil, compensation claims and settlements 2 us-gaap_LiabilitiesSubjectToCompromiseProvisionForExpectedAndAllowedClaims us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 29000000 29 false false false 2 false true false false 33000000 33 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The amount of the provision for expected and allowed claims included in liabilities subject to compromise. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 90-7 -Paragraph 26 false 39 Provision for pension and other post-retirement medical benefits 2 us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementAndPostemploymentBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 144000000 144 false false false 2 false true false false 147000000 147 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This represents the noncurrent liability recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement and postemployment benefit plans. (The current liability will be separate, but it will normally be small, if there is even any at all.) 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This caption alerts the reader that one or more notes to the financial statements disclose pertinent information about the entity's commitments and contingencies. 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The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A true 42 Share capital, 600,000,000 (2009, 600,000,000) authorized common stock of 25 ZAR cents each. 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