Pension plans (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010
Pension Plans (Textuals)
Expected employer contributions	$ 90	$ 310
Underfunded pension plans [Member]
Pension costs
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	20	8	17
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	104	91	88
Expected return on assets	(93)	(76)	(81)
Amortizations and (gain) / loss	9	6
Net periodic pension cost (credit)	40	29	24
Overfunded pension plans [Member]
Pension costs
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		1
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	98	85	69
Expected return on assets	(166)	(139)	(115)
Net periodic pension cost (credit)	(68)	(53)	(46)
Underfunded other benefits [Member]
Pension costs
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	8	7	6
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	25	23	24
Amortizations and (gain) / loss	(2)	(7)
Net periodic pension cost (credit)	$ 31	$ 23	$ 30

The employer's best estimate, as soon as it can be reasonably determined, of contributions expected to be paid to the plan during the next fiscal year beginning after the date of the latest statement of financial position. Estimated contributions may be presented in the aggregate combining (1) contributions required by funding regulations or laws, (2) discretionary contributions, and (3) noncash contributions.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph g

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- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h

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- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References

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- Definition

The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain or loss, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain or loss due to settlements or curtailments).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h

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- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

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- Definition

Amortizations And Gain/Loss.

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- Definition

Pension Plans.

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