Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Other Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 4,676		$ 4,600
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(1,441)		(1,351)
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	3,235		3,249
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	2,175		2,164
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	2,175		2,164
Total Intangible Assets, Gross	6,851		6,764
Total Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(1,441)		(1,351)
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill	5,410		5,413
IPR and D [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	70		70
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	70		70
Microbial Cell Factories [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	306	[1]	306	[1]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	306	[1]	306	[1]
Pioneer Germplasm [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	975	[2]	975	[2]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	975	[2]	975	[2]
Trademarks/Tradenames [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	824		813
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	824		813
Customer Lists [Member]
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,859		1,841
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(248)		(220)
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	1,611		1,621
Patents [Member]
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	514		518
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(84)		(77)
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	430		441
Purchased and Licensed Technology [Member]
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,920		1,854
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(934)		(878)
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	986		976
Trademarks [Member]
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	57		57
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(26)		(25)
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	31		32
Other [Member]
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross	326	[3]	330	[3]
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(149)	[3]	(151)	[3]
Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 177	[3]	$ 179	[3]

[1] Microbial cell factories, derived from natural microbes, are used to sustainably produce enzymes, peptides and chemicals using natural metabolic processes. The company recognized the microbial cell factories as an intangible asset upon the acquisition of Danisco. This intangible asset is expected to contribute to cash flows beyond the foreseeable future and there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, or other factors which limit its useful life.

[2] Pioneer germplasm is the pool of genetic source material and body of knowledge gained from the development and delivery stage of plant breeding. The company recognized germplasm as an intangible asset upon the acquisition of Pioneer. This intangible asset is expected to contribute to cash flows beyond the foreseeable future and there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, or other factors which limit its useful life.

[3] Primarily consists of sales and grower networks, marketing and manufacturing alliances and noncompetition agreements.