Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents (X)	$ 1,939	$ 1,543
Receivables from customers, less allowances of $46 in both 2011 and 2010 (U)	1,571	1,591
Other receivables	371	326
Inventories (G)	2,899	2,584
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	933	875
Total current assets	7,713	6,919
Properties, plants, and equipment, net (H)	19,416	20,183
Goodwill (E)	5,251	5,122
Investments (I)	1,626	1,340
Deferred income taxes (T)	3,546	3,184
Other noncurrent assets (J)	2,568	2,545
Total Assets	40,120	39,293
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings (K & X)	62	92
Commercial paper (K & X)	224
Accounts payable, trade	2,692	2,331
Accrued compensation and retirement costs	985	932
Taxes, including income taxes	438	461
Other current liabilities	1,167	1,204
Long-term debt due within one year (K & X)	445	231
Total current liabilities	6,013	5,251
Long-term debt, less amount due within one year (K & X)	8,640	8,842
Accrued pension benefits (W)	3,261	2,923
Accrued other postretirement benefits (W)	2,583	2,615
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits (L)	2,428	2,576
Total liabilities	22,925	22,207
Contingencies and commitments (N)
Equity
Preferred stock (R)	55	55
Common stock (R)	1,178	1,141
Additional capital	7,561	7,087
Retained earnings	11,629	11,149
Treasury stock, at cost	(3,952)	(4,146)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,627)	(1,675)
Total Alcoa shareholders' equity	13,844	13,611
Noncontrolling interests (M)	3,351	3,475
Total equity	17,195	17,086
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 40,120	$ 39,293