XML 118 R132.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Obligations and Funded Status (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 11,833us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets $ 10,421us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets  
Pension Benefits [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Benefit obligation at beginning of year 13,730us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Service cost 166us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
194us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
186us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost 630us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
602us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
639us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Settlements 26us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefit obligation at end of year 15,019us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
13,730us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Funded status (3,302)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(3,150)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Less: Amounts attributed to joint venture partners (33)aa_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedAmountsAttributedToJointVenturePartners
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(25)aa_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedAmountsAttributedToJointVenturePartners
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net funded status (3,269)aa_DefinedBenefitPlanNetFundedStatus
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(3,125)aa_DefinedBenefitPlanNetFundedStatus
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Noncurrent assets 53us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
88us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Current liabilities (31)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(30)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Noncurrent liabilities (3,291)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(3,183)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net amount recognized (3,269)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(3,125)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net actuarial loss 5,379us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
5,198us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Prior service cost (benefit) 102us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
94us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total, before tax effect 5,481us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
5,292us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Less: Amounts attributed to joint venture partners 43aa_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveLossAttributedToJointVenturePartners
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
38aa_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveLossAttributedToJointVenturePartners
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net amount recognized, before tax effect 5,438aa_DefinedBenefitPlanNetAmountRecognizedBeforeTaxEffect
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
5,254aa_DefinedBenefitPlanNetAmountRecognizedBeforeTaxEffect
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net actuarial (gain) loss 572us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(193)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amortization of accumulated net actuarial loss (391)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(489)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(384)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Prior service cost 26us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostCreditArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Amortization of prior service (cost) benefit (18)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(25)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total, before tax effect 189us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(707)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Less: Amounts attributed to joint venture partners 5aa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanAmountsAttributedToJointVenturePartners
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(16)aa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanAmountsAttributedToJointVenturePartners
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net amount recognized, before tax effect 184aa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetAmountRecognizedBeforeTaxEffect
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(691)aa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetAmountRecognizedBeforeTaxEffect
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Pension Benefits [Member] | Change in Benefit Obligation [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Benefit obligation at beginning of year 13,730us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
14,751us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Service cost 182us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
213us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Interest cost 640us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
611us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amendments 33us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
82us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Actuarial (gains) losses 1,552us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(849)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Acquisitions 455us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBusinessCombinationsAndAcquisitionsBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Divestitures (142)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDivestituresBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Settlements (134)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(13)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefits paid (1,051)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(841)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Foreign currency translation impact (246)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(224)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefit obligation at end of year 15,019us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
13,730us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Pension Benefits [Member] | Change in Plan Assets [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 10,580us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
11,043us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Actual return on plan assets 1,764us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
109us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Employer contributions 507us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
473us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Participants' contributions 25us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
27us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Settlements (134)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(17)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefits paid (1,038)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(825)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Administrative expenses (54)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdministrationExpenses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(40)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdministrationExpenses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Acquisitions 431us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBusinessCombinationsAndAcquisitionsPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Divestitures (164)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDivestituresPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Foreign currency translation impact (200)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(190)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 11,717us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
10,580us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInPlanAssetsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost 15us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
17us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
14us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost 114us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
114us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
131us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Funded status (2,368)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(2,592)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Less: Amounts attributed to joint venture partners   (4)aa_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedAmountsAttributedToJointVenturePartners
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net funded status (2,368)aa_DefinedBenefitPlanNetFundedStatus
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(2,588)aa_DefinedBenefitPlanNetFundedStatus
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Current liabilities (213)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(234)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Noncurrent liabilities (2,155)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(2,354)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net amount recognized (2,368)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(2,588)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net actuarial loss 392us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
389us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Prior service cost (benefit) (144)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(57)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total, before tax effect 248us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
332us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Less: Amounts attributed to joint venture partners   (1)aa_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveLossAttributedToJointVenturePartners
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net amount recognized, before tax effect 248aa_DefinedBenefitPlanNetAmountRecognizedBeforeTaxEffect
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
333aa_DefinedBenefitPlanNetAmountRecognizedBeforeTaxEffect
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net actuarial (gain) loss 15us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(169)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amortization of accumulated net actuarial loss (13)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(35)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(25)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Prior service cost (112)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostCreditArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Amortization of prior service (cost) benefit 25us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
19us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total, before tax effect (85)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(185)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net amount recognized, before tax effect (85)aa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetAmountRecognizedBeforeTaxEffect
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(185)aa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetAmountRecognizedBeforeTaxEffect
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Change in Benefit Obligation [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Benefit obligation at beginning of year 2,592us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
2,863us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Service cost 15us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
17us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Interest cost 114us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
114us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amendments (111)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Actuarial (gains) losses 16us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(170)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Divestitures (10)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDivestituresBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Benefits paid (264)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(249)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Medicare Part D subsidy receipts 19us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
20us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Foreign currency translation impact (3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefit obligation at end of year $ 2,368us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
$ 2,592us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= aa_ChangeInBenefitObligationMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember