Statement of Consolidated Operations (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Sales (Q)	$ 23,700	$ 24,951	$ 21,013
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of expenses below)	20,486	20,480	17,174
Selling, general administrative, and other expenses	997	1,027	961
Research and development expenses	197	184	174
Provision for depreciation, depletion, and amortization	1,460	1,479	1,450
Restructuring and other charges (D)	87	281	207
Interest expense (V)	490	524	494
Other (income) expenses, net (O)	(341)	(87)	5
Total costs and expenses	23,376	23,888	20,465
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	324	1,063	548
Provision for income taxes (T)	162	255	148
Income from continuing operations	162	808	400
Loss from discontinued operations (B)		(3)	(8)
Net income	162	805	392
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(29)	194	138
Net income	191	611	254
Amounts Attributable to Alcoa Common Shareholders:
Income from continuing operations	191	614	262
Loss from discontinued operations		(3)	(8)
Net income	$ 191	$ 611	$ 254
Basic:
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.18	$ 0.58	$ 0.25
Loss from discontinued operations		$ (0.01)
Net income	$ 0.18	$ 0.57	$ 0.25
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.18	$ 0.55	$ 0.25
Loss from discontinued operations			$ (0.01)
Net income	$ 0.18	$ 0.55	$ 0.24