Inventories - Schedule of Inventory Components (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory [Line Items]
Finished goods	$ 589	$ 542
Work-in-process	946	866
Bauxite and alumina	640	618
Purchased raw materials	542	536
Operating supplies	265	263
Inventories, total	$ 2,982	$ 2,825

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Carrying amount, net of valuation reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods held by the company that are readily available for sale.

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Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).

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Carrying amount, net of valuation reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of unprocessed items to be consumed in the manufacturing or production process.

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Carrying amount, net of valuation reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of products used directly or indirectly in the manufacturing or production process, which may or may not become part of the final product. May also include items used in the storage, presentation or transportation of physical goods.

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Carrying amount, net of reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods which are partially completed. This inventory is generally comprised of raw materials, labor and factory overhead costs, which require further materials, labor and overhead to be converted into finished goods, and which generally require the use of estimates to determine percentage complete and pricing.

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Carrying amount, net of valuation reserves and allowances, as of the balance sheet date of inventories not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.

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