Statements of Consolidated Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) [Abstract]
Sales	$ 10,358		$ 9,540		$ 7,705
Costs and expenses
Costs applicable to sales	3,890	[1]	3,484	[1]	3,008	[1]
Amortization	1,036		945		806
Reclamation and remediation	120		65		59
Exploration	350		218		187
Advanced projects, research and development	373		216		135
General and administrative	198		178		159
Write-down of property, plant and mine development	2,084		6		7
Other expense, net	265		261		358
Total costs and expenses	8,316		5,373		4,719
Other income (expense)
Other income, net	12		109		88
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest of $52, $21 and $111, respectively	(244)		(279)		(120)
Total other income (expense)	(232)		(170)		(32)
Income before income and mining tax and other items	1,810		3,997		2,954
Income and mining tax expense	(713)		(856)		(829)
Equity income (loss) of affiliates	11		3		(16)
Income from continuing operations	1,108		3,144		2,109
Loss from discontinued operations	(136)		(28)		(16)
Net income	972		3,116		2,093
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(606)		(839)		(796)
Net income attributable to Newmont stockholders	366		2,277		1,297
Net income attributable to Newmont stockholders
Continuing operations	502		2,305		1,308
Discontinued operations	(136)		(28)		(11)
Net income attributable to Newmont common stockholders	366		2,277		1,297
Income per common share, basic
Continuing operations	$ 1.02		$ 4.69		$ 2.68
Discontinued operations	$ (0.28)		$ (0.06)		$ (0.02)
Earnings per share basic	$ 0.74		$ 4.63		$ 2.66
Income per common share, diluted
Continuing operations	$ 1.00		$ 4.61		$ 2.68
Discontinued operations	$ (0.27)		$ (0.06)		$ (0.02)
Earnings per share diluted	$ 0.73		$ 4.55		$ 2.66
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 1.00		$ 0.50		$ 0.40
Capitalized interest
Capitalized interest	$ 52		$ 21		$ 111

[1] (1) Excludes Amortization and Reclamation and remediation.