Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventories
Nickel (co-products and by-products)	$ 1,771	$ 1,310
Iron ore and pellets	1,137	825
Manganese and ferroalloys	240	203
Fertilizer	387	171
Copper concentrate	72	28
Coal	277	74
Others	91	143
Spare parts and maintenance supplies	1,276	1,544
Inventory net	5,251	4,298
Provision for adjustment to market value for product nickel	14
Provision for adjustment to market value for product manganese	$ 9

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of coal, which is a combustible rock or minerals which are extracted from the ground and used as fuel.

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- Definition

Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

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- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of components of assembled products that can be sold directly or indirectly through sales of assembled products.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

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- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventories of a nature not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.

+ References

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

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 43

-Chapter 3

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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- Definition

Represents copper concentrate inventory.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents fertilizer inventory.

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No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents the details pertaining to provision for adjustment to market value for product manganese.

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No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents the details pertaining to provision for adjustment to market value for product nickel.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents iron ore and pellets inventory.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents manganese and ferroalloys inventory.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Represents nickel co-products and by-products inventory.

+ References

No definition available.

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