Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Carrying Value of Recorded AROs by Major Category

The following table details the carrying value of recorded AROs by major category (of which $122 and $108 was classified as a current liability as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively):

December 31,	2018		2017
Mine reclamation	$	198	$	221
Closure of bauxite residue areas		231		238
Spent pot lining disposal		113		125
Demolition*		76		113
Landfill closure		33		27
Other		—		1
	$	651	$	725

^* In 2018, 2017, and 2016, AROs were recorded as a result of management’s decision to permanently close and demolish certain structures (see Note D).

Schedule of Changes in Carrying Value of Recorded AROs

The following table details the changes in the total carrying value of recorded AROs:

December 31,	2018			2017
Balance at beginning of year	$	725		$	708
Accretion expense		17			17
Payments		(80	)		(69	)
Liabilities incurred		63			70
Reversals of previously recorded liabilities*		(37	)		(27	)
Foreign currency translation and other		(37	)		26
Balance at end of year	$	651		$	725

^* In 2018 and 2017, Reversals of previously recorded liabilities include $36 and $20 related to the Portovesme (Italy) and Warrick (Indiana) smelters, respectively (see Note D).