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Impairments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Impairment Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of assets	$ 1	$ 11
South Africa [Member] \| TauTona [Member]
Impairment Assets [Line Items]
Exploration Abandonment and Impairment Expense	0	9
South Africa [Member] \| Savuka [Member]
Impairment Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	0	1
Continental Africa [Member] \| Obuasi [Member]
Impairment Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	$ 1	$ 1

The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value.

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- Definition

The adjustment to expense previously capitalized costs of drilling exploratory wells when proved reserves are not found or when the entity obtains information that raises substantial doubt about the economic or operational viability of the project.

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