INVENTORIES, INCLUDING LONG-TERM MILL AND LEACH STOCKPILES (Mill and Leach Stockpiles) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Current: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	$ 69		$ 68
Leach Stockpiles	1,220		881
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	1,289		949
Long-term: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	535	[1]	470	[1]
Leach Stockpiles	1,151	[1]	955	[1]
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	1,686	[1]	1,425	[1]
North America [Member]
Current: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	40		15
Leach Stockpiles	963		749
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	1,003		764
Long-term: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	0	[1]	0	[1]
Leach Stockpiles	718	[1]	622	[1]
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	718	[1]	622	[1]
South America [Member]
Current: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	11		29
Leach Stockpiles	216		98
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	227		127
Long-term: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	535	[1]	470	[1]
Leach Stockpiles	284	[1]	250	[1]
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	819	[1]	720	[1]
Indonesia [Member]
Current: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	18		24
Leach Stockpiles	0		0
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	18		24
Long-term: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	0	[1]	0	[1]
Leach Stockpiles	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	0	[1]	0	[1]
Africa [Member]
Current: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	0		0
Leach Stockpiles	41		34
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	41		34
Long-term: [Abstract]
Mill Stockpiles	0	[1]	0	[1]
Leach Stockpiles	149	[1]	83	[1]
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	$ 149	[1]	$ 83	[1]

[1] Metals in stockpiles not expected to be recovered within the next 12 months.