Equity Income (Loss) of Affiliates (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Equity Method Investment Financial Statement Reported Amounts [Abstract]
Equity income (loss) of affiliates	$ 11	$ 3	$ (16)
Equity Income Loss of Affiliates (Textuals)
Newmont equity interest ownership	40.00%
AGR Matthey Joint Venture [Member]
Equity Method Investment Financial Statement Reported Amounts [Abstract]
Equity income (loss) of affiliates	0	3	5
Equity Income Loss of Affiliates (Textuals)
Newmont equity interest ownership	40.00%
Consideration from AGR dissolution		14
Gain from AGR dissolution		6
Dividends from AGR	0	7	2
Regis [Member]
Equity Method Investment Financial Statement Reported Amounts [Abstract]
Equity income (loss) of affiliates	0	0	0
Equity Income Loss of Affiliates (Textuals)
Newmont equity interest ownership			23.15%
La Zanja [Member]
Equity Method Investment Financial Statement Reported Amounts [Abstract]
Equity income (loss) of affiliates	52	10	(4)
Equity Income Loss of Affiliates (Textuals)
Newmont equity interest ownership	46.94%
Euronimba [Member]
Equity Method Investment Financial Statement Reported Amounts [Abstract]
Equity income (loss) of affiliates	$ (41)	$ (10)	$ (17)
Equity Income Loss of Affiliates (Textuals)
Newmont equity interest ownership	43.50%
BHP Billiton [Member]
Equity Income Loss of Affiliates (Textuals)
Equity investment remaining ownership interests	43.50%
Areva [Member]
Equity Income Loss of Affiliates (Textuals)
Equity investment remaining ownership interests	13.00%