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Investments, Advances And Long-Term Receivables (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2011
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Dec. 31, 2010
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Dec. 31, 2009
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| Investments, Advances And Long-Term Receivables [Abstract] | |||
| Investments (Companies carried at equity in underlying assets) | $ 16,968 | $ 17,429 | $ 15,742 |
| Advances (Companies carried at equity in underlying assets) | 9,740 | 9,286 | |
| Total equity company investments and advances | 26,708 | 26,715 | |
| Companies carried at cost or less and stock investments carried at fair value | 1,544 | 1,557 | |
| Long-term receivables and miscellaneous investments at cost or less, net of reserves of $469 million and $292 million | 6,081 | 7,066 | |
| Total | 34,333 | 35,338 | |
| Reserves for Long-term receivables and miscellaneous investments | $ 469 | $ 292 |
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- Definition
This item represents the aggregate carrying amount of all cost-method investments as reported on or included in the balance sheet. The original cost of the investments may differ from the aggregate carrying amount disclosed due to various adjustments such as: (i) dividends received in excess of earnings after the date of investment that are considered a return of investment and therefore recorded as reductions to cost of the investment, or (ii) a series of operating losses of an investee or other factors which may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other than temporary and accordingly such decrease in value has been recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The aggregate of amounts due from customers or clients more than one year from the balance sheet date, for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business and an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date more than one year from the balance sheet date, reduced to their estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the Company of the amount it deems uncertain of collection and net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder, respectively. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The total amount of investments that are intended to be held for an extended period of time (longer than one operating cycle) and amount due to the Entity from outside sources, including trade accounts receivable, notes and loans receivable, as well as any other types of receivables, net of allowances established for the purpose of reducing such investments and receivables to an amount that approximates their net realizable value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Advances To Equity Method Companies No definition available.
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- Definition
Reserves for Long-term receivables and miscellaneous investments No definition available.
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- Definition
Total Investments And Advances To Equity Method Companies No definition available.
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