Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ (2)	$ 80	$ (172)	$ 285
Minera Yanacocha [Member]
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	6	73	89	268
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Textuals) (Abstract)
Ownership/Economic interest in subsidiaries	51.35%		51.35%
Batu Hijau [Member]
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(10)	3	(251)	11
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Textuals) (Abstract)
Ownership/Economic interest in subsidiaries	48.50%		48.50%
TMAC [Member]
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3)		(17)
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Textuals) (Abstract)
Ownership/Economic interest in subsidiaries	70.40%		70.40%
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ 5	$ 4	$ 7	$ 6
Compania de Minas Buenaventura SAA [Member]
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Textuals) (Abstract)
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	43.65%		43.65%
International Finance Corporation [Member]
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Textuals) (Abstract)
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	5.00%		5.00%