Recoverable taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Recoverable taxes
Income tax	$ 814	$ 459
Value-added tax	997	484
Others brazilian federal contributions	1,006	1,021
Total	2,817	1,964
Current	2,230	1,603
Non-current	$ 587	$ 361

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of income taxes previously overpaid to tax authorities (such as U.S. Federal, state and local tax authorities) representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Also called income tax refund receivable.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 8

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Section Appendix E

-Paragraph 289

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 7

-Section 03

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph c

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- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of value added taxes due either from customers arising from sales on credit terms, or as previously overpaid to tax authorities.

+ References

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 8

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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- Definition

Brazilian federal taxes, excluding value added tax, income taxes, if not included elsewhere, that could include production, real and personal property, and other selling and distribution-related taxes.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents the aggregate amount of taxes recoverable within 12 months or with the operating cycle of the entity whichever is longer. Includes income tax receivable, value added tax receivable and other taxes either due from tax authorities or recoverable from the customers.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents the aggregate amount of taxes recoverable more than 12 months or beyond the operating cycle of the entity whichever is longer. Includes income tax receivable, value added tax receivable and other taxes either due from tax authorities or recoverable from the customers.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents the aggregate amount of taxes recoverable. Includes income tax receivable, value added tax receivable an other taxes either due from tax authorities or recoverable from the customers.

+ References

No definition available.

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