XML 146 R102.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Other Expenses (Income), Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2012
Suriname Mining Interest [Member]    
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Abstract]    
Net gain from asset sales $ 28us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= aa_SurinameMiningInterestMember
 
China Rolling Mill Equity Investment [Member]    
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Abstract]    
Net gain from asset sales 14us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= aa_ChinaRollingMillEquityInvestmentMember
 
Tapoco Hydroelectric Project [Member]    
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Abstract]    
Net gain from asset sales   $ 320us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= aa_TapocoHydroelectricProjectMember