Asset Impairment Charges and Exit Costs (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013 employee
Asset Impairment Charges And Exit Costs [Abstract]
Number of positions eliminated	1,200
Reduction in annual pre-tax expenses as a result of organizational resutrcturing	$ 150

The annual increase or reduction of annual pre-tax expenses as a result of organizational resturcturing.

No definition available.

Name:	adm_EffectOnExpensesAsResultOfOrganizationalRestructuring
Namespace Prefix:	adm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration