Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) 10-Q 6 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO
Entity Central Index Key	7084
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		620,373,436

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ear

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$17,506	$20,696
Cost of Revenue	16,404	20,021
Gross Profit	1,102	675
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	498	393
Asset impairment, exit, and restructuring costs		0
Interest expense	81	93
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	-139	-132
Interest income	-18	-22
Other (income) expense - net	-10	-23
Earnings Before Income Taxes	690	366
Income taxes	197	98
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	493	268
Less: Net earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	1
Net Earnings Attributable to Controlling Interests	$493	$267
Average number of shares outstanding - basic	636	660
Average number of shares outstanding - diluted	639	663
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.78	$0.40
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.77	$0.40
Dividends per common share	$0.28	$0.24

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$493	$268
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before tax	-702	-35
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities adjustment, before tax	42	6
Deferred gain (loss) on hedging activities, before tax	-56	-97
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, before tax	43	-10
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax effect	32	1
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities adjustment, tax effect	-19	-2
Deferred gain (loss) on hedging activities, tax effect	21	33
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, tax effect	0	3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-670	-34
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities adjustment, net of tax	23	4
Deferred gain (loss) on hedging activities, net of tax	-35	-64
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	43	-7
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-639	-101
Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interests	-146	167
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1	1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	($145)	$166

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$890	$1,099
Short-term marketable securities	406	515
Segregated cash and investments	4,725	4,877
Trade receivables	2,036	2,704
Inventories	8,372	9,374
Current assets held for sale	1,318	1,403
Other current assets	6,149	6,056
Total Current Assets	23,896	26,028
Investments and Other Assets
Investments in and advances to affiliates	3,959	3,892
Long-term marketable securities	507	485
Goodwill and other intangible assets	3,124	3,283
Other assets	396	379
Total Investments and Other Assets	7,986	8,039
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Land	434	441
Buildings	4,637	4,668
Machinery and equipment	16,833	17,044
Construction in progress	886	819
Gross Property, Plant, and Equipment	22,790	22,972
Accumulated depreciation	-12,957	-13,012
Net Property, Plant, and Equipment	9,833	9,960
Total Assets	41,715	44,027
Current Liabilities
Short-term debt	848	108
Trade payables	3,142	4,326
Payables to Brokerage Customers	5,848	5,874
Accrued expenses and other payables	4,145	5,040
Current maturities of long-term debt	18	24
Current liabilities held for sale	234	230
Total Current Liabilities	14,235	15,602
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt	5,575	5,558
Deferred income taxes	1,614	1,662
Other	1,534	1,575
Total Long-Term Liabilities	8,723	8,795
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock	4,584	5,115
Reinvested earnings	16,019	15,701
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,879	-1,241
Noncontrolling interests	33	55
Total Shareholders' Equity	18,757	19,630
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$41,715	$44,027

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$493	$268
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	216	219
Deferred income taxes	4	-66
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends	-67	-100
Stock compensation expense	26	20
Pension and postretirement accruals (contributions), net	-4	2
Deferred cash flow hedges	-56	-97
Other - net	-35	-18
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired
Segregated cash and investments	131	-247
Trade receivables	550	433
Inventories	739	28
Other current assets	-184	189
Trade payables	-1,071	-851
Increase (Decrease) in Payables to Brokerage Customers	73	237
Accrued expenses and other payables	-770	-375
Total Operating Activities	45	-358
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	-244	-188
Proceeds from sales of property, plant, and equipment	6	6
Purchases of marketable securities	-246	-362
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	346	321
Distributions from affiliates	1	78
Other - net	-124	0
Total Investing Activities	-261	-145
Financing Activities
Long-term debt borrowings	8	1
Long-term debt payments	-7	-1,154
Net borrowings (payments) under lines of credit agreements	742	-63
Purchases of treasury stock	-566	-175
Cash dividends	-177	-158
Other - net	7	14
Total Financing Activities	7	-1,535
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-209	-2,038
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	1,099	3,121
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$890	$1,083

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sha

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Reinvested Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$19,630	$5,115	$15,701	($1,241)	$55
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		637
Comprehensive income
Net earnings	493		493		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-639			-638	-1
Total comprehensive income	-146
Cash dividends paid - $0.28 per share	-177		-177
Treasury stock purchases, shares		-12
Treasury stock purchases	-566	-566
Stock compensation expense	26	26
Other, shares		0
Other	-10	9	2	0	-21
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$18,757	$4,584	$16,019	($1,879)	$33
Balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		625

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends paid, per share	$0.28

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  The Company consolidates all entities, including variable interest entities (VIEs), in which it has a controlling financial interest. For VIEs, the Company assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary as defined under the applicable accounting standard. Investments in affiliates, including VIEs through which the Company exercises significant influence but does not control the investee and is not the primary beneficiary of the investee’s activities, are carried at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition and are adjusted, where appropriate, for basis differences between the investment balance and the underlying net assets of the investee.  The Company’s portion of the results of certain affiliates and results of certain VIEs are included using the most recent available financial statements.  In each case, the financial statements are within 93 days of the Company’s year end and are consistent from period to period.
	Reclassifications
	Effective January 1, 2015, the Company formed a fourth reportable business segment, Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients. Results of Wild Flavors Gmbh (Wild Flavors) and Specialty Commodities, Inc. (SCI), which were acquired during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, are reported in this segment in addition to results of certain product lines previously reported in the Oilseeds Processing, Corn Processing, and Agricultural Services business segments. Throughout this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, prior period results of the product lines previously reported in the other reportable business segments have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
	Last-in, First-out (LIFO) Inventories
	Interim period LIFO calculations are based on interim period costs and management’s estimates of year-end inventory levels.  Because the availability and price of agricultural commodity-based LIFO inventories are unpredictable due to factors such as weather, government farm programs and policies, and changes in global demand, quantities of LIFO-based inventories at interim periods may vary significantly from management’s estimates of year-end inventory levels.

Pending_Accounting_Standards

Pending Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Pending Accounting Standards	Pending Accounting Standards
	Effective January 1, 2016, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation , which seeks to resolve the diversity in practice that exists when accounting for share-based payments. The amended guidance requires a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period to be treated as a performance condition. The Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance either prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to impact financial results.
	Effective January 1, 2016, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (Topic 810), which seeks to improve targeted areas of the consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. The amended guidance changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The changes include, among others, modification of the evaluation whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities and elimination of the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. The Company will be required to adopt Topic 810 either on a full retrospective basis to each prior reporting period presented or on a modified retrospective basis with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of the amended guidance on its consolidated financial statements but does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to have a significant impact on financial results.
	Effective January 1, 2016, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Subtopic 225-20, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items, which eliminates the concept of extraordinary items from Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. The amended guidance aligns more closely with International Accounting Standards 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, which prohibits the presentation and disclosure of extraordinary items. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to impact financial results.
	Effective January 1, 2016, the Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance of ASC Subtopic 835-30, Interest - Imputation of Interest, which addresses the balance sheet presentation requirements for debt issuance costs and debt discounts and premiums. The amended guidance aligns more closely with International Financial Reporting Standards which require that transaction costs be deducted from the carrying value of the financial liability and not recorded as separate assets. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to a have a significant impact on financial results.
	Effective January 1, 2017, the Company will be required to adopt the new guidance of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. Topic 606 requires the Company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance requires the Company to apply the following steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company will be required to adopt Topic 606 either on a full retrospective basis to each prior reporting period presented or on a modified retrospective basis with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance recognized at the date of initial application. If the Company elects the modified retrospective approach, it will be required to provide additional disclosures of the amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting period, as compared to the guidance that was in effect before the change, and an explanation of the reasons for significant changes. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements. On April 29, 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a proposed Accounting Standards Update (FASB) to defer the effective date of Topic 606 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. If the FASB proceeds with the deferral of the effective date as proposed, this will mean the Company will be required to adopt the new guidance of ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The following tables set forth, by level, the Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015
		Quoted Prices in				Significant				Significant			Total
		Active Markets				Other				Unobservable
		for Identical				Observable				Inputs
		Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)
		(In millions)
	Assets:
	Inventories carried at market	$	—			$	3,146			$	1,039		$	4,185
	Unrealized derivative gains:
	Commodity contracts	—				427				178			605
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				211				—			211
	Interest rate contracts	—				33				—			33
	Cash equivalents	178				—				—			178
	Marketable securities	779				84				—			863
	Segregated investments	2,385				—				—			2,385
	Deferred receivables consideration	—				614				—			614
	Total Assets	$	3,342			$	4,515			$	1,217		$	9,074
	Liabilities:
	Unrealized derivative losses:
	Commodity contracts	$	—			$	411			$	218		$	629
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				288				—			288
	Inventory-related payables	—				456				20			476
	Total Liabilities	$	—			$	1,155			$	238		$	1,393
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
						Significant				Significant			Total
		Quoted Prices in				Other				Unobservable
		Active Markets				Observable				Inputs
		for Identical				Inputs				(Level 3)
		Assets				(Level 2)
		(Level 1)
		(In millions)
	Assets:
	Inventories carried at market	$	—			$	3,208			$	1,491		$	4,699
	Unrealized derivative gains:
	Commodity contracts	—				487				203			690
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				186				—			186
	Interest rate contracts	—				21				—			21
	Cash equivalents	491				—				—			491
	Marketable securities	860				80				—			940
	Segregated investments	2,158				—				—			2,158
	Deferred receivables consideration	—				511				—			511
	Total Assets	$	3,509			$	4,493			$	1,694		$	9,696
	Liabilities:
	Unrealized derivative losses:
	Commodity contracts	$	—			$	564			$	212		$	776
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				150				—			150
	Inventory-related payables	—				612				40			652
	Total Liabilities	$	—			$	1,326			$	252		$	1,578
	Estimated fair values for inventories carried at market are based on exchange-quoted prices, adjusted for differences in local markets, broker or dealer quotations or market transactions in either listed or over-the-counter (OTC) markets.  Market valuations for the Company’s inventories are adjusted for location and quality because the exchange-quoted prices represent contracts that have standardized terms for commodity, quantity, future delivery period, delivery location, and commodity quality or grade. When unobservable inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the inventory is classified as Level 3. Changes in the fair value of inventories are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as a component of cost of products sold.
	Derivative contracts include exchange-traded commodity futures and options contracts, forward commodity purchase and sale contracts, and OTC instruments related primarily to agricultural commodities, energy, interest rates, and foreign currencies.  Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified in Level 1.  The majority of the Company’s exchange-traded futures and options contracts are cash-settled on a daily basis and, therefore, are not included in the fair value tables.  Fair value for forward commodity purchase and sale contracts is estimated based on exchange-quoted prices adjusted for differences in local markets.  These differences are generally determined using inputs from broker or dealer quotations or market transactions in either the listed or OTC markets.  When observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the contract, it is classified in Level 2.  When unobservable inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the contract is classified in Level 3. Except for certain derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of commodity-related derivatives are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as a component of cost of products sold.  Changes in the fair value of foreign currency-related derivatives are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as a component of revenues, cost of products sold, and other (income) expense – net. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) until the hedged items are recorded in earnings or it is probable the hedged transaction will no longer occur.
	The Company’s cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds valued using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1.
	The Company’s marketable securities are comprised of equity investments, U.S. Treasury securities, corporate debt securities, and other debt securities.  Publicly traded equity investments, U.S. Treasury securities, and certain other debt securities are valued using quoted market prices and are classified in Level 1.  Corporate debt and certain other debt securities are valued using third-party pricing services and substantially all are classified in Level 2. Unrealized changes in the fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of AOCI unless a decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary at which point the decline is recorded in earnings.
	The Company’s segregated investments are comprised of U.S. Treasury securities. U.S. Treasury securities are valued using quoted market prices and are classified in Level 1.
	The Company has deferred consideration under its accounts receivable securitization programs (the “Programs”) which represents notes receivable from the purchasers under the Programs (see Note 14). This amount is reflected in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 6). The Company carries the deferred consideration at fair value determined by calculating the expected amount of cash to be received. The fair value is principally based on observable inputs (a Level 2 measurement) consisting mainly of the face amount of the receivables adjusted for anticipated credit losses and discounted at the appropriate market rate. Payment of deferred consideration is not subject to significant risks other than delinquencies and credit losses on accounts receivable transferred under the Programs which have historically been insignificant.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
		Level 3 Fair Value Asset Measurements at
		31-Mar-15
		Inventories				Commodity
		Carried at				Derivative				Total
		Market				Contracts				Assets
						Gains
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2014	$	1,491			$	203			$	1,694
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized gains included in cost of products sold*	(331		)		69				(262		)
Purchases	2,817				—				2,817
Sales	(2,803		)		—				(2,803		)
Settlements	—				(144		)		(144		)
Transfers into Level 3	103				55				158
Transfers out of Level 3	(238		)		(5		)		(243		)
Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	1,039			$	178			$	1,217
* Includes increase in unrealized gains of $25 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at March 31, 2015.
The following table presents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Level 3 Fair Value Liability Measurements at
	31-Mar-15
	Inventory-				Commodity
	related				Derivative				Total
	Payables				Contracts				Liabilities
					Losses
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2014	$	40			$	212			$	252
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized losses included in cost of products sold*	(5		)		64				59
Purchases	6				—				6
Sales	(22		)		—				(22		)
Settlements	—				(135		)		(135		)
Transfers into Level 3	1				82				83
Transfers out of Level 3	—				(5		)		(5		)
Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	20			$	218			$	238
* Includes increase in unrealized losses of $55 million relating to Level 3 liabilities still held at March 31, 2015.
The following table presents a reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Level 3 Fair Value Asset Measurements at
	31-Mar-14
	Inventories				Commodity
	Carried at				Derivative				Total
	Market				Contracts				Assets
					Gains
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,812			$	279			$	2,091
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized gains included in cost of products sold*	(166		)		98				(68		)
Purchases	4,103				—				4,103
Sales	(3,894		)		—				(3,894		)
Settlements	—				(180		)		(180		)
Transfers into Level 3	127				62				189
Transfers out of Level 3	(111		)		(7		)		(118		)
Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	1,871			$	252			$	2,123
* Includes increase in unrealized gains of $222 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at March 31, 2014.
The following table presents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Level 3 Fair Value Liability Measurements at
	31-Mar-14
	Inventory-				Commodity
	related				Derivative				Total
	Payables				Contracts				Liabilities
					Losses
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	34			$	261			$	295
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized losses included in cost of products sold*	7				225				232
Purchases	4				—				4
Sales	(18		)		—				(18		)
Settlements	—				(212		)		(212		)
Transfers into Level 3	—				66				66
Transfers out of Level 3	—				(20		)		(20		)
Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	27			$	320			$	347
* Includes increase in unrealized losses of $228 million relating to Level 3 liabilities still held at March 31, 2014.
For all periods presented, the Company had no transfers between Level 1 and 2. Transfers into Level 3 of assets and liabilities previously classified in Level 2 were due to the relative value of unobservable inputs to the total fair value measurement of certain products and derivative contracts rising above the 10% threshold. Transfers out of Level 3 were primarily due to the relative value of unobservable inputs to the total fair value measurement of certain products and derivative contracts falling below the 10% threshold and thus permitting reclassification to Level 2.
In some cases, the price components that result in differences between the exchange-traded prices and the local prices are observable based upon available quotations for these pricing components, and in some cases, the differences are unobservable. These price components primarily include transportation costs and other adjustments required due to location, quality, or other contract terms. In the table below, these other adjustments are referred to as Basis. The changes in unobservable price components are determined by specific local supply and demand characteristics at each facility and the overall market. Factors such as substitute products, weather, fuel costs, contract terms, and futures prices also impact the movement of these unobservable price components.
The following table sets forth the weighted average percentage of the unobservable price components included in the Company’s Level 3 valuations as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company’s Level 3 measurements may include Basis only, transportation cost only, or both price components. As an example, for Level 3 inventories with Basis, the unobservable component as of March 31, 2015 is a weighted average 18.1% of the total price for assets and 40.1% of the total price for liabilities.
	Weighted Average % of Total Price
	March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
Component Type	Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
Inventories and Related Payables
Basis	18.1	%		40.1	%		23.4	%		43.4	%
Transportation cost	3	%		2.2	%		4.9	%		15.2	%
Commodity Derivative Contracts
Basis	22.4	%		20.8	%		13.5	%		13.6	%
Transportation cost	3.8	%		16.4	%		10.2	%		19.5	%
In certain of the Company’s principal markets, the Company relies on price quotes from third parties to value its inventories and physical commodity purchase and sale contracts. These price quotes are generally not further adjusted by the Company in determining the applicable market price. In some cases, availability of third-party quotes is limited to only one or two independent sources. In these situations, the Company considers these price quotes as 100 percent unobservable and, therefore, the fair value of these items is reported in Level 3.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	The majority of the Company’s derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments. The Company uses exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts to manage its net position of merchandisable agricultural commodity inventories and forward cash purchase and sales contracts to reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations in agricultural commodities and foreign currencies.  The Company also uses exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts as components of merchandising strategies designed to enhance margins. The results of these strategies can be significantly impacted by factors such as the correlation between the value of exchange-traded commodities futures contracts and the value of the underlying commodities, counterparty contract defaults, and volatility of freight markets. Derivatives, including exchange-traded contracts and physical purchase or sale contracts, are stated at market value and inventories of certain merchandisable agricultural commodities, which include amounts acquired under deferred pricing contracts, are stated at market value.  Inventory is not a derivative and therefore fair values of and changes in fair values of inventories are not included in the tables below.
	The following table sets forth the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)								(In millions)
	FX Contracts	$	211			$	288			$	186	$	150
	Commodity Contracts	605				629				690		776
	Total	$	816			$	917			$	876	$	926
	The following tables set forth the pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that have been included in the consolidated statements of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
		(In millions)
	FX Contracts
	Revenues	$	20			$	(6	)
	Cost of products sold	(69		)		44
	Other income (expense) – net	(23		)		(9		)
	Commodity Contracts
	Cost of products sold	$	238			$	(912	)
	Total gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$	166			$	(883	)
	Inventories of certain merchandisable agricultural commodities, which include amounts acquired under deferred pricing contracts, are stated at market value. Changes in the market value of inventories of certain merchandisable agricultural commodities, forward cash purchase and sales contracts, exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and OTC options contracts are recognized in earnings immediately.
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedging Strategies
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company has certain derivatives designated as cash flow and fair value hedges.
	The Company uses interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges to protect the fair value of fixed-rate debt due to changes in interest rates. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps and the underlying fixed-rate debt are recorded in other (income) expense - net. The terms of the interest rate swaps match the terms of the underlying debt resulting in no ineffectiveness. At March 31, 2015, the Company has $33 million in other current assets representing the fair value of the interest rate swaps and a corresponding increase in the underlying debt for the same amount with no impact to earnings.
	For each of the commodity hedge programs described below, the derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.  Assuming normal market conditions, the changes in the market value of such derivative contracts have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of the hedged item.  Once the hedged item is recognized in earnings, the gains/losses arising from the hedge are reclassified from AOCI to either revenues or cost of products sold, as applicable.  As of March 31, 2015, the Company has $6 million of after-tax losses in AOCI related to gains and losses from commodity cash flow hedge transactions.  The Company expects to recognize all of these after-tax losses in its consolidated statement of earnings during the next 12 months.
	The Company, from time to time, uses futures or options contracts to fix the purchase price of anticipated volumes of corn to be purchased and processed in a future month.  The objective of this hedging program is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the Company’s forecasted purchases of corn.  The Company’s corn processing plants currently grind approximately 76 million bushels of corn per month.  During the past 12 months, the Company hedged between 17% and 71% of its monthly anticipated grind.  At March 31, 2015, the Company has designated hedges representing between 1% and 38% of its anticipated monthly grind of corn for the next 12 months.
	The Company, from time to time, also uses futures, options, and swaps to fix the sales price of certain ethanol sales contracts.  The Company has established hedging programs for ethanol sales contracts that are indexed to unleaded gasoline prices and to various exchange-traded ethanol contracts. The objective of these hedging programs is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the Company’s sales of ethanol.  During the past 12 months, the Company hedged between 24 million and 121 million gallons of ethanol sales per month under these programs.  For the next 12 months, the Company has designated hedges representing between 0 million and 31 million gallons of ethanol sales per month.
	The following table sets forth the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)								(In millions)
	Interest Contracts	$	33			$	—			$	21	$	—
	Total	$	33			$	—			$	21	$	—
	The following tables set forth the pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives designated as hedging instruments that have been included in the consolidated statements of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
				Three months ended
		Consolidated Statement of		March 31,
		Earnings Locations		2015				2014
				(In millions)
	Effective amounts recognized in earnings
	FX Contracts	Other income/expense – net		$	17			$	—
	Commodity Contracts	Cost of products sold		—				(4		)
		Revenues		47				(27		)
	Ineffective amount recognized in earnings
	Commodity Contracts	Revenues		7				(23		)
		Cost of products sold		(13		)		20
	Total amount recognized in earnings			$	58			$	(34	)
	Hedge ineffectiveness for commodity contracts results when the change in the price of the underlying commodity in a specific cash market differs from the change in the price of the derivative financial instrument used to establish the hedging relationship.  As an example, if the change in the price of a corn futures contract is strongly correlated to the change in cash price paid for corn, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is deferred and recognized at the time the corn grind occurs.  If the change in price of the derivative does not strongly correlate to the change in the cash price of corn, in the same example, some portion or all of the derivative gains or losses may be required to be recognized in earnings prior to the corn grind occurring.
	The following tables set forth the changes in AOCI related to derivatives gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015				2014
		(In millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013	$	47			$	5
	Unrealized gains (losses)	8				(128		)
	Losses (gains) reclassified to earnings	(64		)		31
	Tax effect	21				33
	Balance at March 31, 2015 and 2014	$	12			$	(59	)

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
				Gains		Losses			Value
		(In millions)
	March 31, 2015
	United States government obligations
	Maturity less than 1 year	$	311	$	—	$	—		$	311
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	95		—		—			95
	Corporate debt securities
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	73		1		—			74
	Other debt securities
	Maturity less than 1 year	95		—		—			95
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	3		—		—			3
	Equity securities
	Available-for-sale	307		32		(4		)	335
		$	884	$	33	$	(4	)	$	913
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
				Gains		Losses			Value
		(In millions)
	December 31, 2014
	United States government obligations
	Maturity less than 1 year	$	385	$	—	$	—		$	385
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	93		—		—			93
	Corporate debt securities
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	72		—		—			72
	Other debt securities
	Maturity less than 1 year	130		—		—			130
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	3		—		—			3
	Equity securities
	Available-for-sale	328		1		(12		)	317
		$	1,011	$	1	$	(12	)	$	1,000
	Of the $4 million in unrealized losses at March 31, 2015, $1 million arose within the last 12 months and is related to the Company’s investment in one available-for-sale equity security with a fair value of $4 million.  The market value of the Company’s investment that has been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer is $3 million and is related to one available-for-sale equity security. The Company evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers in relation to the severity and duration of the impairment.  Based on that evaluation and the Company’s ability and intent to hold these investments for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015.

Other_Current_Assets

Other Current Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Current Assets	Other Current Assets
	The following table sets forth the items in other current assets:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(In millions)
	Unrealized gains on derivative contracts	$	849	$	897
	Deferred receivables consideration	614		511
	Customer omnibus receivable	1,630		1,532
	Financing receivables - net (1)	457		402
	Other current assets	2,599		2,714
		$	6,149	$	6,056
	(1) The Company provides financing to certain suppliers, primarily Brazilian farmers, to finance a portion of the suppliers’ production costs. The amounts are reported net of allowances of $11 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Interest earned on financing receivables of $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, is included in interest income in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Accrued_Expenses_And_Other_Pay

Accrued Expenses And Other Payables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses And Other Payables	Accrued Expenses and Other Payables
	The following table sets forth the items in accrued expenses and other payables:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(In millions)
	Unrealized losses on derivative contracts	$	917	$	926
	Accrued expenses and other payables	3,228		4,114
		$	4,145	$	5,040

Debt_And_Financing_Arrangement

Debt And Financing Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt And Financing Arrangements	Debt and Financing Arrangements
	At March 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt exceeded the carrying value by $1.4 billion, as estimated using quoted market prices (a Level 2 measurement under applicable accounting standards).
	At March 31, 2015, the Company had lines of credit totaling $6.3 billion, of which $5.5 billion was unused.  Of the Company’s total lines of credit, $4.0 billion support a commercial paper borrowing facility, against which there was $0.7 billion of commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2015.
	The Company has accounts receivable securitization programs (the “Programs”). The Programs provide the Company with up to $1.5 billion in funding resulting from the sale of accounts receivable. As of March 31, 2015, the Company utilized $1.3 billion of its facility under the Programs (see Note 14 for more information on the Programs).

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 28.6% compared to 26.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 due primarily to changes in the forecast of the geographic mix of pretax earnings.
	The Company is subject to routine examination by domestic and foreign tax authorities and frequently faces challenges regarding the amount of taxes due.  These challenges include positions taken by the Company related to the timing, nature and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions.  Resolution of the related tax positions, through negotiation with relevant tax authorities or through litigation, may take years to complete. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the timing for resolution of tax positions. In its routine evaluations of the exposure associated with various tax filing positions, the Company recognizes a liability, when necessary, for estimated potential additional tax owed by the Company in accordance with the applicable accounting standard.  However, the Company cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these ongoing or future examinations.
	The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ADM do Brasil Ltda. (ADM do Brasil), has received three separate tax assessments from the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (BFRS) challenging the tax deductibility of commodity hedging losses and related expenses for the tax years 2004, 2006, and 2007. As of March 31, 2015, these assessments, updated for estimated penalties, interest, and variation in currency exchange rates, totaled approximately $415 million. ADM do Brasil’s tax return for 2005 was also audited and no assessment was received. The statutes of limitation for 2005 and 2008 have expired. If the BFRS were to challenge commodity hedging deductions in tax years after 2008, the Company estimates it could receive additional tax assessments of approximately $48 million (based on currency exchange rates as of March 31, 2015).
	ADM do Brasil enters into commodity hedging transactions that can result in gains, which are included in ADM do Brasil’s calculations of taxable income in Brazil, and losses, which ADM do Brasil deducts from its taxable income in Brazil. The Company has evaluated its tax position regarding these hedging transactions and concluded, based upon advice from Brazilian legal counsel, that it was appropriate to recognize both gains and losses resulting from hedging transactions when determining its Brazilian income tax expense. Therefore, the Company has continued to recognize the tax benefit from hedging losses in its financial statements and has not recorded any tax liability for the amounts assessed by the BFRS.
	ADM do Brasil filed an administrative appeal for each of the assessments. The appeal panel found in favor of the BFRS on these assessments and ADM do Brasil filed a second level administrative appeal. The second administrative appeal panel continues to conduct customary procedural activities, including ongoing dialogue with the BFRS auditor. The Company is anticipating that this process could take up to six months to complete. If ADM do Brasil continues to be unsuccessful in the administrative appellate process, the Company intends to file appeals in the Brazilian federal courts. While the Company believes its consolidated financial statements properly reflect the tax deductibility of these hedging losses, the ultimate resolution of this matter could result in the future recognition of additional payments of, and expense for, income tax and the associated interest and penalties.
	The Company intends to vigorously defend its position against the current assessments and any similar assessments that may be issued for years subsequent to 2008.
	The Company’s subsidiaries in Argentina have received tax assessments challenging transfer prices used to price grain exports totaling $93 million (inclusive of interest and adjusted for variation in currency exchange rates) for the tax years 2004 through 2007. The Argentine tax authorities have been conducting a review of income and other taxes paid by large exporters and processors of cereals and other agricultural commodities resulting in allegations of income tax evasion. While the Company believes that it has complied with all Argentine tax laws, it cannot rule out receiving additional assessments challenging transfer prices used to price grain exports for years subsequent to 2007, and estimates that these potential assessments would be approximately $329 million (as of March 31, 2015 and subject to variation in currency exchange rates).  The Company intends to vigorously defend its position against the current assessments and any similar assessments that may be issued for years subsequent to 2007. The Company believes that it has appropriately evaluated the transactions underlying these assessments, and has concluded, based on Argentine tax law, that its tax position would be sustained, and accordingly, has not recorded a tax liability for these assessments.
	In accordance with the accounting requirements for uncertain tax positions, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not to prevail on the Brazil and Argentina matters based upon their technical merits. The Company has not recorded an uncertain tax liability for these assessments partly because the taxing jurisdictions’ processes do not provide a mechanism for settling at less than the full amount of the assessment. The Company’s consideration of these tax assessments requires judgments about the application of income tax regulations to specific facts and circumstances. The final outcome of these matters cannot reliably be predicted, may take many years to resolve, and could result in financial impacts of up to the entire amount of these assessments.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)
	The following tables set forth the changes in AOCI by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three months ended March 31, 2015
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Deferred Gain (Loss) on Hedging Activities				Pension Liability Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments			Total
		(In millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(654	)		$	47			$	(630	)	$	(4	)	$	(1,241	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(701		)		8				17			43			(633		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				(64		)		25			—			(39		)
	Tax effect	32				21				(19		)	—			34
	Net current period other comprehensive income	(669		)		(35		)		23			43			(638		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(1,323	)		$	12			$	(607	)	$	39		$	(1,879	)
	The current period change in foreign currency translation adjustment is primarily due to U.S. dollar appreciation, mainly impacting the Euro-denominated equity of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.
			Amount reclassified from AOCI
			Three months ended
	Details about AOCI components		March 31,				March 31,				Affected line item in the consolidated statement of earnings
			2015				2014
			(In millions)
	Deferred loss (gain) on hedging activities
			$	—			$	4			Cost of products sold
			(17		)		—				Other income/expense
			(47		)		27				Revenues
			(64		)		31				Total before tax
			24				(11		)		Tax
			$	(40	)		$	20			Net of tax
	Pension liability adjustment
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
	Prior service credit		$	(2	)		$	(4	)
	Actuarial losses		27				9
			25				5				Total before tax
			(17		)		(2		)		Tax
			$	8			$	3			Net of tax

Other_Income_Expense_Net

Other (Income) Expense - Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other (Income) Expense - Net	Other (Income) Expense - Net
	The following tables set forth the items in other (income) expense:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(In millions)
	Gains on sales of assets	$	(3	)	$	(23	)
	Other – net	(7		)	—
	Other (Income) Expense - Net	$	(10	)	$	(23	)
	Gains on sales of assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 include gains on disposals of individually insignificant assets. Other - net for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 includes foreign exchange gains partially offset by amortization of other intangibles.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	The Company is principally engaged in procuring, transporting, storing, processing, and merchandising agricultural commodities and products. The Company’s operations are organized, managed and classified into four reportable business segments: Agricultural Services, Corn Processing, Oilseeds Processing, and Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients. Each of these segments is organized based upon the nature of products and services offered. The Company’s remaining operations are not reportable segments, as defined by the applicable accounting standard, and are classified as Other.
	Effective January 1, 2015, the Company formed a fourth reportable business segment, Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients. Results of Wild Flavors and SCI, which were acquired during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, are reported in this segment in addition to results of certain product lines previously reported in the Agricultural Services, Corn Processing, and Oilseeds Processing business segments. Prior period results of the product lines previously reported in the other reportable business segments have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
	The Agricultural Services segment utilizes its extensive global grain elevator, global transportation network, and port operations to buy, store, clean, and transport agricultural commodities, such as oilseeds, corn, wheat, milo, oats, rice, and barley, and resells these commodities primarily as food and feed ingredients and as raw materials for the agricultural processing industry. Agricultural Services’ grain sourcing, handling, and transportation network provides reliable and efficient services to the Company’s customers and agricultural processing operations. Agricultural Services’ transportation network capabilities include barge, ocean-going vessel, truck, and rail freight services. The Agricultural Services segment also includes the activities related to the processing of wheat into wheat flour. The Agricultural Services segment includes international merchandising and handling activities managed by the Company’s global trade desk in Switzerland. The Agricultural Services segment also includes the Company’s 32.2% share of the results of its Pacificor (formerly Kalama Export Company LLC) joint venture and returns associated with the Company’s 19.8% investment in GrainCorp.
	The Company’s Corn Processing segment is engaged in corn wet milling and dry milling activities, with its asset base primarily located in the central part of the United States. The Corn Processing segment converts corn into sweeteners, starches, and bioproducts. Its products include ingredients used in the food and beverage industry including sweeteners, starch, syrup, glucose, and dextrose. Dextrose and starch are used by the Corn Processing segment as feedstocks for its bioproducts operations. By fermentation of dextrose, the Corn Processing segment produces alcohol, amino acids, and other food and animal feed ingredients. Ethyl alcohol is produced by the Company for industrial use as ethanol or as beverage grade. Ethanol, in gasoline, increases octane and is used as an extender and oxygenate. Bioproducts also include amino acids such as lysine and threonine that are vital compounds used in swine feeds to produce leaner animals and in poultry feeds to enhance the speed and efficiency of poultry production. Corn gluten feed and meal, as well as distillers’ grains, are produced for use as animal feed ingredients. Corn germ, a by-product of the wet milling process, is further processed into vegetable oil and protein meal. The Corn Processing segment also includes activities related to the processing and distribution of formula feeds and animal health and nutrition products. Other Corn Processing products include citric and lactic acids, lactates, and glycols, all of which are used in various food and industrial products. The Corn Processing segment also includes the activities of a propylene and ethylene glycol facility and the Company’s Brazilian sugarcane ethanol plant and related operations. This segment also includes the Company’s share of the results of its equity investments in Almidones Mexicanos S.A., Eaststarch C.V., and Red Star Yeast Company LLC.
	The Oilseeds Processing segment includes global activities related to the origination, merchandising, crushing, and further processing of oilseeds such as soybeans and soft seeds (cottonseed, sunflower seed, canola, rapeseed, and flaxseed) into vegetable oils and protein meals. Oilseeds products produced and marketed by the Company include ingredients for the food, feed, energy, and industrial products industries. Crude vegetable oils produced by the segment’s crushing activities are sold “as is” or are further processed by refining, blending, bleaching, and deodorizing into salad oils. Salad oils are sold “as is” or are further processed by hydrogenating and/or interesterifying into margarine, shortening, and other food products. Partially refined oils are used to produce biodiesel or are sold to other manufacturers for use in chemicals, paints, and other industrial products. Oilseed protein meals are principally sold to third parties to be used as ingredients in commercial livestock and poultry feeds. In Europe and South America, the Oilseeds Processing segment includes origination and merchandising activities as adjuncts to its oilseeds processing assets. These activities include a network of grain elevators, port facilities, and transportation assets used to buy, store, clean, and transport grains and oilseeds. The Oilseeds Processing segment is a major supplier of peanuts and peanut-derived ingredients to both the U.S. and export markets. In North America, cottonseed flour is produced and sold primarily to the pharmaceutical industry and cotton cellulose pulp is manufactured and sold to the chemical, paper, and filter markets. The Oilseeds Processing segment also includes activities related to the procurement, transportation and processing of cocoa beans into cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, chocolate, and various compounds in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa for the food processing industry. The Oilseeds Processing segment also includes the Company’s share of the results of its equity investment in Wilmar International Limited (Wilmar) and its share of results for its Stratas Foods LLC and Edible Oils Limited joint ventures. In March 2015, the Company acquired additional shares in Wilmar increasing its ownership interest from 17.3% to 18.1%. Prior to December 2014, the Oilseeds Processing segment operated fertilizer blending facilities in South America. In December 2014, the Company completed the sale of its fertilizer blending business.
	The Company’s Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients segment includes the activities of Wild Flavors and SCI which were acquired during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients segment engages in the manufacturing, sales, and distribution of specialty products including proteins, emulsifiers, soluble fiber, polyols, hydrocolloids, sorbitol, xanthan gum, natural health and nutrition products, and other specialty food and feed ingredients. The Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients segment also includes the activities related to the procurement, processing, and distribution of edible beans.
	Other includes the Company’s remaining operations, primarily its financial business units, related to futures commission and insurance activities.
	Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market. Operating profit for each segment is based on net sales less identifiable operating expenses. Also included in segment operating profit is equity in earnings of affiliates based on the equity method of accounting. Certain Corporate items are not allocated to the Company’s reportable business segments. Corporate results principally include the impact of LIFO-related adjustments, unallocated corporate expenses, interest cost net of investment income, and the Company’s share of the results of an equity investment.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Gross revenues
	Agricultural Services	$	9,078		$	10,815
	Corn Processing	2,488			2,996
	Oilseeds Processing	6,896			8,252
	Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	607			259
	Other	159			146
	Intersegment elimination	(1,722		)	(1,772		)
	Total gross revenues	$	17,506		$	20,696
	Intersegment sales
	Agricultural Services	$	1,033		$	1,104
	Corn Processing	22			12
	Oilseeds Processing	603			597
	Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	1			2
	Other	63			57
	Total intersegment sales	$	1,722		$	1,772
	Revenues from external customers
	Agricultural Services
	Merchandising and Handling	$	7,027		$	8,752
	Milling and Other	964			914
	Transportation	54			45
	Total Agricultural Services	8,045			9,711
	Corn Processing
	Sweeteners and Starches	875			938
	Bioproducts	1,591			2,046
	Total Corn Processing	2,466			2,984
	Oilseeds Processing
	Crushing and Origination	3,775			4,546
	Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel, and Other	1,684			2,116
	Cocoa and Other	757			827
	Asia	77			166
	Total Oilseeds Processing	6,293			7,655
	Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	606			257
	Total Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	606			257
	Other - Financial	96			89
	Total Other	96			89
	Total revenues from external customers	$	17,506		$	20,696
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Segment operating profit
	Agricultural Services	$	194		$	142
	Corn Processing	113			186
	Oilseeds Processing	469			297
	Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	68			58
	Other	11			8
	Total segment operating profit	855			691
	Corporate	(165		)	(325		)
	Earnings before income taxes	$	690		$	366
		March 31,			December 31,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Identifiable Assets
	Agricultural Services	$	8,279		$	10,250
Corn Processing	6,188			6,384
Oilseeds Processing	13,033			12,712
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	3,137			3,468
Other	7,706			7,910
Corporate	3,372			3,303
Total identifiable assets	$	41,715		$	44,027

Assets_and_Liabilities_Held_fo

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Assets and Liabilities for Sale	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
	On September 2, 2014, the Company announced the sale of its global chocolate business to Cargill, Inc. for $440 million, subject to regulatory approval and customary conditions. On December 15, 2014, the Company also announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its global cocoa business to Olam International Limited for $1.3 billion, subject to customary conditions. Both transactions are expected to close in 2015. Assets and liabilities subject to the purchase and sale agreements have been classified as held for sale in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The global chocolate and cocoa businesses do not comprise a major component of the Company's operations and therefore do not meet the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 under the amended guidance of ASC Topics 205 and 360 which the Company early adopted on October 1, 2014. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are required to be recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. the carrying value of the cocoa and chocolate assets were less than fair value less costs to sell, and accordingly, no adjustment to the asset value was necessary. The continuing results of the global chocolate and cocoa businesses, any adjustment to the asset value, and the final gain or loss on disposal will be reported in the Oilseeds Processing segment.
	The major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale were as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(In millions)
	Trade receivables	$	85	$	94
	Inventories	713		742
	Other current assets	62		83
	Goodwill	58		63
	Other intangible assets	25		28
	Net property, plant, and equipment	360		374
	Other assets	15		19
	Current assets held for sale	$	1,318	$	1,403
	Trade payables	$	131	$	114
	Accrued expenses and other payables	96		110
	Other liabilities	7		6
	Current liabilities held for sale	$	234	$	230

Sale_of_Accounts_Receivable

Sale of Accounts Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Sale of Accounts Receivable	Sale of Accounts Receivable
	Since March 2012, the Company has had an accounts receivable securitization program (the “Program”) with certain commercial paper conduit purchasers and committed purchasers (collectively, the “Purchasers”). Under the Program, certain U.S.-originated trade accounts receivable are sold to a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote entity, ADM Receivables, LLC (“ADM Receivables”). ADM Receivables in turn transfers such purchased accounts receivable in their entirety to the Purchasers pursuant to a receivables purchase agreement. In exchange for the transfer of the accounts receivable, ADM Receivables receives a cash payment of up to $1.2 billion and an additional amount upon the collection of the accounts receivable (deferred consideration). The Program terminates on June 26, 2015, unless extended.
	In March 2014, the Company entered into a second accounts receivable securitization program (the “Second Program”) with certain commercial paper conduit purchasers and committed purchasers (collectively, the “Second Purchasers”). Under the Second Program, certain non-U.S.-originated trade accounts receivable are sold to a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote entity, ADM Ireland Receivables Company (“ADM Ireland Receivables”). ADM Ireland Receivables in turn transfers such purchased accounts receivable in their entirety to the Second Purchasers pursuant to a receivables purchase agreement. In exchange for the transfer of the accounts receivable, ADM Ireland Receivables receives a cash payment of up to $0.3 billion and an additional amount upon the collection of the accounts receivable (deferred consideration). The Second Program terminates on March 18, 2016, unless extended.
	Under the Program and Second Program (collectively, the “Programs”), ADM Receivables and ADM Ireland Receivables use the cash proceeds from the transfer of receivables to the Purchasers and Second Purchasers and other consideration to finance the purchase of receivables from the Company and the ADM subsidiaries originating the receivables.
	The Company accounts for these transfers as sales. The Company has no retained interests in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and its right to the deferred consideration. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company did not record a servicing asset or liability related to its retained responsibility, based on its assessment of the servicing fee, market values for similar transactions and its cost of servicing the receivables sold.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of trade receivables transferred to the Purchasers and Second Purchasers under the Programs and derecognized from the Company’s consolidated balance sheet was $1.9 billion, and $2.1 billion, respectively. In exchange for the transfer as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company received cash of $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, and recorded a receivable for deferred consideration included in other current assets of $0.6 billion and $0.5 billion, respectively. Cash collections from customers on receivables sold were $11.2 billion and $10.6 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Of this amount, $11.0 billion and $10.6 billion pertain to cash collections on the deferred consideration for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Deferred consideration is paid to the Company in cash on behalf of the Purchasers and Second Purchasers as receivables are collected; however, as these are revolving facilities, cash collected from the Company’s customers is reinvested by the Purchasers and Second Purchasers daily in new receivable purchases under the Programs.
	The Company’s risk of loss following the transfer of accounts receivable under the Programs is limited to the deferred consideration outstanding. The Company carries the deferred consideration at fair value determined by calculating the expected amount of cash to be received and is principally based on observable inputs (a Level 2 measurement under the applicable accounting standards) consisting mainly of the face amount of the receivables adjusted for anticipated credit losses and discounted at the appropriate market rate. Payment of deferred consideration is not subject to significant risks other than delinquencies and credit losses on accounts receivable transferred under the Programs which have historically been insignificant.
	Transfers of receivables under the Programs resulted in an expense for the loss on sale of $1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 classified as selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.
	The Company reflects all cash flows related to the Programs as operating activities in its consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 because the cash received from the Purchasers and Second Purchasers upon both the sale and collection of the receivables is not subject to significantly different risks given the short-term nature of the Company’s trade receivables.

Subsequent_Events_Subsequent_E

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events
	On April 21, 2015, the Company signed an agreement with Tate and Lyle to purchase several assets of Eaststarch C.V. (Eaststarch), a joint venture in which the Company has a 50% interest. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will take full ownership of corn wet mills in Bulgaria and Turkey, and will own a 50% stake in a wet mill in Hungary. Tate and Lyle will receive a cash consideration of €240 million, subject to customary closing adjustments, including for net cash and working capital, and take full ownership of the Eaststarch facility in Slovakia. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in some jurisdictions and is expected to close within the year.
	On May 5, 2015, the Company announced further portfolio actions: the construction of a new feed-premix plant in the city of Zhangzhou, in southern China and a new feed plant in Glencoe, Minnesota; an agreement to purchase the remaining ownership interest in two joint ventures, North Star Shipping and Minmetal, which operate in the Romanian Port of Constanta on the Black Sea; and the sale of the Company's lactic acid business.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements At Reporting Date	The following tables set forth, by level, the Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015
		Quoted Prices in				Significant				Significant			Total
		Active Markets				Other				Unobservable
		for Identical				Observable				Inputs
		Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)
		(In millions)
	Assets:
	Inventories carried at market	$	—			$	3,146			$	1,039		$	4,185
	Unrealized derivative gains:
	Commodity contracts	—				427				178			605
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				211				—			211
	Interest rate contracts	—				33				—			33
	Cash equivalents	178				—				—			178
	Marketable securities	779				84				—			863
	Segregated investments	2,385				—				—			2,385
	Deferred receivables consideration	—				614				—			614
	Total Assets	$	3,342			$	4,515			$	1,217		$	9,074
	Liabilities:
	Unrealized derivative losses:
	Commodity contracts	$	—			$	411			$	218		$	629
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				288				—			288
	Inventory-related payables	—				456				20			476
	Total Liabilities	$	—			$	1,155			$	238		$	1,393
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
						Significant				Significant			Total
		Quoted Prices in				Other				Unobservable
		Active Markets				Observable				Inputs
		for Identical				Inputs				(Level 3)
		Assets				(Level 2)
		(Level 1)
		(In millions)
	Assets:
	Inventories carried at market	$	—			$	3,208			$	1,491		$	4,699
	Unrealized derivative gains:
	Commodity contracts	—				487				203			690
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				186				—			186
	Interest rate contracts	—				21				—			21
	Cash equivalents	491				—				—			491
	Marketable securities	860				80				—			940
	Segregated investments	2,158				—				—			2,158
	Deferred receivables consideration	—				511				—			511
	Total Assets	$	3,509			$	4,493			$	1,694		$	9,696
	Liabilities:
	Unrealized derivative losses:
	Commodity contracts	$	—			$	564			$	212		$	776
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				150				—			150
	Inventory-related payables	—				612				40			652
	Total Liabilities	$	—			$	1,326			$	252		$	1,578
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
		Level 3 Fair Value Asset Measurements at
		31-Mar-15
		Inventories				Commodity
		Carried at				Derivative				Total
		Market				Contracts				Assets
						Gains
		(In millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	1,491			$	203			$	1,694
	Total increase (decrease) in unrealized gains included in cost of products sold*	(331		)		69				(262		)
	Purchases	2,817				—				2,817
	Sales	(2,803		)		—				(2,803		)
	Settlements	—				(144		)		(144		)
	Transfers into Level 3	103				55				158
	Transfers out of Level 3	(238		)		(5		)		(243		)
	Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	1,039			$	178			$	1,217
	* Includes increase in unrealized gains of $25 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at March 31, 2015.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
		Level 3 Fair Value Liability Measurements at
		31-Mar-15
		Inventory-				Commodity
		related				Derivative				Total
		Payables				Contracts				Liabilities
						Losses
		(In millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	40			$	212			$	252
	Total increase (decrease) in unrealized losses included in cost of products sold*	(5		)		64				59
	Purchases	6				—				6
	Sales	(22		)		—				(22		)
	Settlements	—				(135		)		(135		)
	Transfers into Level 3	1				82				83
	Transfers out of Level 3	—				(5		)		(5		)
	Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	20			$	218			$	238
	* Includes increase in unrealized losses of $55 million relating to Level 3 liabilities still held at March 31, 2015.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
		Level 3 Fair Value Asset Measurements at
		31-Mar-14
		Inventories				Commodity
		Carried at				Derivative				Total
		Market				Contracts				Assets
						Gains
		(In millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,812			$	279			$	2,091
	Total increase (decrease) in unrealized gains included in cost of products sold*	(166		)		98				(68		)
	Purchases	4,103				—				4,103
	Sales	(3,894		)		—				(3,894		)
	Settlements	—				(180		)		(180		)
	Transfers into Level 3	127				62				189
	Transfers out of Level 3	(111		)		(7		)		(118		)
	Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	1,871			$	252			$	2,123
	* Includes increase in unrealized gains of $222 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at March 31, 2014.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
		Level 3 Fair Value Liability Measurements at
		31-Mar-14
		Inventory-				Commodity
		related				Derivative				Total
		Payables				Contracts				Liabilities
						Losses
		(In millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	34			$	261			$	295
	Total increase (decrease) in unrealized losses included in cost of products sold*	7				225				232
	Purchases	4				—				4
	Sales	(18		)		—				(18		)
	Settlements	—				(212		)		(212		)
Transfers into Level 3	—				66				66
Transfers out of Level 3	—				(20		)		(20		)
Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	27			$	320			$	347
* Includes increase in unrealized losses of $228 million relating to Level 3 liabilities still held at March 31, 2014.
Unobservable Price Components Present in the Level 3 Valuations of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table sets forth the weighted average percentage of the unobservable price components included in the Company’s Level 3 valuations as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company’s Level 3 measurements may include Basis only, transportation cost only, or both price components. As an example, for Level 3 inventories with Basis, the unobservable component as of March 31, 2015 is a weighted average 18.1% of the total price for assets and 40.1% of the total price for liabilities.
		Weighted Average % of Total Price
		March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Component Type	Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
	Inventories and Related Payables
	Basis	18.1	%		40.1	%		23.4	%		43.4	%
	Transportation cost	3	%		2.2	%		4.9	%		15.2	%
	Commodity Derivative Contracts
	Basis	22.4	%		20.8	%		13.5	%		13.6	%
	Transportation cost	3.8	%		16.4	%		10.2	%		19.5	%

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)								(In millions)
	FX Contracts	$	211			$	288			$	186	$	150
	Commodity Contracts	605				629				690		776
	Total	$	816			$	917			$	876	$	926
	The following tables set forth the pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that have been included in the consolidated statements of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
		(In millions)
	FX Contracts
	Revenues	$	20			$	(6	)
	Cost of products sold	(69		)		44
	Other income (expense) – net	(23		)		(9		)
	Commodity Contracts
	Cost of products sold	$	238			$	(912	)
	Total gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$	166			$	(883	)
	The following table sets forth the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)								(In millions)
	Interest Contracts	$	33			$	—			$	21	$	—
	Total	$	33			$	—			$	21	$	—
	The following tables set forth the pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives designated as hedging instruments that have been included in the consolidated statements of earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
				Three months ended
		Consolidated Statement of		March 31,
		Earnings Locations		2015				2014
				(In millions)
	Effective amounts recognized in earnings
	FX Contracts	Other income/expense – net		$	17			$	—
	Commodity Contracts	Cost of products sold		—				(4		)
		Revenues		47				(27		)
	Ineffective amount recognized in earnings
	Commodity Contracts	Revenues		7				(23		)
		Cost of products sold		(13		)		20
	Total amount recognized in earnings			$	58			$	(34	)
Schedule Of Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Related To Derivative Gains (Losses)	The following tables set forth the changes in AOCI related to derivatives gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015				2014
		(In millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013	$	47			$	5
	Unrealized gains (losses)	8				(128		)
	Losses (gains) reclassified to earnings	(64		)		31
	Tax effect	21				33
	Balance at March 31, 2015 and 2014	$	12			$	(59	)

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
				Gains		Losses			Value
		(In millions)
	March 31, 2015
	United States government obligations
	Maturity less than 1 year	$	311	$	—	$	—		$	311
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	95		—		—			95
	Corporate debt securities
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	73		1		—			74
	Other debt securities
	Maturity less than 1 year	95		—		—			95
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	3		—		—			3
	Equity securities
	Available-for-sale	307		32		(4		)	335
		$	884	$	33	$	(4	)	$	913
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
				Gains		Losses			Value
		(In millions)
	December 31, 2014
	United States government obligations
	Maturity less than 1 year	$	385	$	—	$	—		$	385
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	93		—		—			93
	Corporate debt securities
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	72		—		—			72
	Other debt securities
	Maturity less than 1 year	130		—		—			130
	Maturity 1 to 5 years	3		—		—			3
	Equity securities
	Available-for-sale	328		1		(12		)	317
		$	1,011	$	1	$	(12	)	$	1,000

Other_Current_Assets_Tables

Other Current Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Current Assets	The following table sets forth the items in other current assets:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(In millions)
	Unrealized gains on derivative contracts	$	849	$	897
	Deferred receivables consideration	614		511
	Customer omnibus receivable	1,630		1,532
	Financing receivables - net (1)	457		402
	Other current assets	2,599		2,714
		$	6,149	$	6,056

Accrued_Expenses_And_Other_Pay1

Accrued Expenses And Other Payables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses And Other Payables	The following table sets forth the items in accrued expenses and other payables:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(In millions)
	Unrealized losses on derivative contracts	$	917	$	926
	Accrued expenses and other payables	3,228		4,114
		$	4,145	$	5,040

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Details about AOCI Components	The following tables set forth the changes in AOCI by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three months ended March 31, 2015
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Deferred Gain (Loss) on Hedging Activities				Pension Liability Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments			Total
		(In millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(654	)		$	47			$	(630	)	$	(4	)	$	(1,241	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(701		)		8				17			43			(633		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				(64		)		25			—			(39		)
	Tax effect	32				21				(19		)	—			34
	Net current period other comprehensive income	(669		)		(35		)		23			43			(638		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(1,323	)		$	12			$	(607	)	$	39		$	(1,879	)
	The current period change in foreign currency translation adjustment is primarily due to U.S. dollar appreciation, mainly impacting the Euro-denominated equity of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]
			Amount reclassified from AOCI
			Three months ended
	Details about AOCI components		March 31,				March 31,				Affected line item in the consolidated statement of earnings
			2015				2014
			(In millions)
	Deferred loss (gain) on hedging activities
			$	—			$	4			Cost of products sold
			(17		)		—				Other income/expense
			(47		)		27				Revenues
			(64		)		31				Total before tax
			24				(11		)		Tax
			$	(40	)		$	20			Net of tax
	Pension liability adjustment
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
	Prior service credit		$	(2	)		$	(4	)
	Actuarial losses		27				9
			25				5				Total before tax
			(17		)		(2		)		Tax
			$	8			$	3			Net of tax

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Table

Other (Income) Expense - Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other (Income) Expense - Net	The following tables set forth the items in other (income) expense:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(In millions)
	Gains on sales of assets	$	(3	)	$	(23	)
	Other – net	(7		)	—
	Other (Income) Expense - Net	$	(10	)	$	(23	)
	Gains on sales of assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 include gains on disposals of individually insignificant assets. Other - net for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 includes foreign exchange gains partially offset by amortization of other intangibles.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Gross revenues
	Agricultural Services	$	9,078		$	10,815
	Corn Processing	2,488			2,996
	Oilseeds Processing	6,896			8,252
	Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	607			259
	Other	159			146
	Intersegment elimination	(1,722		)	(1,772		)
	Total gross revenues	$	17,506		$	20,696
	Intersegment sales
	Agricultural Services	$	1,033		$	1,104
	Corn Processing	22			12
	Oilseeds Processing	603			597
	Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	1			2
	Other	63			57
	Total intersegment sales	$	1,722		$	1,772
	Revenues from external customers
	Agricultural Services
	Merchandising and Handling	$	7,027		$	8,752
	Milling and Other	964			914
	Transportation	54			45
	Total Agricultural Services	8,045			9,711
	Corn Processing
	Sweeteners and Starches	875			938
	Bioproducts	1,591			2,046
	Total Corn Processing	2,466			2,984
	Oilseeds Processing
	Crushing and Origination	3,775			4,546
	Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel, and Other	1,684			2,116
	Cocoa and Other	757			827
	Asia	77			166
	Total Oilseeds Processing	6,293			7,655
	Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	606			257
	Total Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	606			257
	Other - Financial	96			89
	Total Other	96			89
	Total revenues from external customers	$	17,506		$	20,696
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Segment operating profit
	Agricultural Services	$	194		$	142
	Corn Processing	113			186
	Oilseeds Processing	469			297
	Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	68			58
	Other	11			8
	Total segment operating profit	855			691
	Corporate	(165		)	(325		)
	Earnings before income taxes	$	690		$	366
		March 31,			December 31,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Identifiable Assets
	Agricultural Services	$	8,279		$	10,250
	Corn Processing	6,188			6,384
	Oilseeds Processing	13,033			12,712
	Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients	3,137			3,468
	Other	7,706			7,910
	Corporate	3,372			3,303
	Total identifiable assets	$	41,715		$	44,027

Assets_and_Liabilities_Held_fo1

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Assets and Liabilities for Sale (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale were as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(In millions)
	Trade receivables	$	85	$	94
	Inventories	713		742
	Other current assets	62		83
	Goodwill	58		63
	Other intangible assets	25		28
	Net property, plant, and equipment	360		374
	Other assets	15		19
	Current assets held for sale	$	1,318	$	1,403
	Trade payables	$	131	$	114
	Accrued expenses and other payables	96		110
	Other liabilities	7		6
	Current liabilities held for sale	$	234	$	230

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (Weighted Average [Member], Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member])	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Related Payables [Member]
Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Basis	40.10%	43.40%
Inventories Carried At Market [Member]
Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Basis	18.10%	23.40%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Measurements At Reporting Date) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$913	$1,000
Deferred receivables consideration	614	511
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market	4,185	4,699
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	178	491
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	863	940
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value	2,385	2,158
Deferred receivables consideration	614	511
Total Assets	9,074	9,696
Liabilities:
Inventory-related payables	476	652
Total Liabilities	1,393	1,578
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	605	690
Derivative Liability	629	776
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	211	186
Derivative Liability	288	150
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	33	21
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market	0	0
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	178	491
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	779	860
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value	2,385	2,158
Deferred receivables consideration	0	0
Total Assets	3,342	3,509
Liabilities:
Inventory-related payables	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market	3,146	3,208
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	84	80
Deferred receivables consideration	614	511
Total Assets	4,515	4,493
Liabilities:
Inventory-related payables	456	612
Total Liabilities	1,155	1,326
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	427	487
Derivative Liability	411	564
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	211	186
Derivative Liability	288	150
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	33	21
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market	1,039	1,491
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Deferred receivables consideration	0	0
Total Assets	1,217	1,694
Liabilities:
Inventory-related payables	20	40
Total Liabilities	238	252
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	178	203
Derivative Liability	218	212
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Reconc

Fair Value Measurements (Reconciliation Of Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	$25		$222
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	1,694		2,091
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized gains included in cost of products sold	-262	[1]	-68	[2]
Purchases	2,817		4,103
Sales	-2,803		-3,894
Settlements	-144		-180
Transfers into Level 3	158		189
Transfers out of Level 3	-243		-118
Balance at end of period	1,217		2,123
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Inventories Carried At Market [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	1,491		1,812
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized gains included in cost of products sold	-331	[1]	-166	[2]
Purchases	2,817		4,103
Sales	-2,803		-3,894
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	103		127
Transfers out of Level 3	-238		-111
Balance at end of period	1,039		1,871
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commodity Derivative Contracts Gains [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	203		279
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized gains included in cost of products sold	69	[1]	98	[2]
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	-144		-180
Transfers into Level 3	55		62
Transfers out of Level 3	-5		-7
Balance at end of period	$178		$252
[1]	Includes increase in unrealized gains of $25 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at MarchB 31, 2015.
[2]	* Includes increase in unrealized gains of $222 million relating to Level 3 assets still held at MarchB 31, 2014.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Reconc1

Fair Value Measurements (Reconciliation Of Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	$55		$228
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	252		295
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized losses included in cost of products sold	59	[1]	232	[2]
Purchases	6		4
Sales	-22		-18
Settlements	-135		-212
Transfers into Level 3	83		66
Transfers out of Level 3	-5		-20
Balance at end of period	238		347
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Inventory Related Payables [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	40		34
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized losses included in cost of products sold	-5	[1]	7	[2]
Purchases	6		4
Sales	-22		-18
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	1		0
Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Balance at end of period	20		27
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commodity Derivative Contracts Losses [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	212		261
Total increase (decrease) in unrealized losses included in cost of products sold	64	[1]	225	[2]
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	-135		-212
Transfers into Level 3	82		66
Transfers out of Level 3	-5		-20
Balance at end of period	$218		$320
[1]	Includes increase in unrealized losses of $55 million relating to Level 3 liabilities still held at MarchB 31, 2015.
[2]	* Includes increase in unrealized losses of $228 million relating to Level 3 liabilities still held at MarchB 31, 2014.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Unobse

Fair Value Measurements (Unobservable Inputs In Level 3 Valuations Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (Weighted Average [Member], Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member])	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Related Payables [Member]
Unobservable inputs in Level 3 Valuations of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Basis	40.10%	43.40%
Transportation cost	2.20%	15.20%
Commodity Derivative Contracts Losses [Member]
Unobservable inputs in Level 3 Valuations of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Basis	20.80%	13.60%
Transportation cost	16.40%	19.50%
Inventories Carried At Market [Member]
Unobservable inputs in Level 3 Valuations of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Basis	18.10%	23.40%
Transportation cost	3.00%	4.90%
Commodity Derivative Contracts Gains [Member]
Unobservable inputs in Level 3 Valuations of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Basis	22.40%	13.50%
Transportation cost	3.80%	10.20%

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	bu
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	$33
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	0
Number of months price risk cash flow hedges gain loss will be recognized in earnings	12 months
Corn processed per month (in bushels)	76,000,000
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	33	21
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value		0
After-tax losses in AOCI from commodity cash flow hedge transactions	($6)
Corn [Member] | Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Historical time period of hedge percentages	12 months
Percentage of anticipated commodity purchases or production hedged during historical hedging period, low end of range (as a percent)	17.00%
Percentage of anticipated commodity purchases or production hedged during historical hedging period, high end of range (as a percent)	71.00%
Percentage of anticipated commodity purchases or production hedged over future hedging period, low end of range (as a percent)	1.00%
Percentage of anticipated commodity purchases or production hedged over future hedging period, high end of range (as a percent)	38.00%
Derivative Hedged Item Time Period	12 months
Ethanol [Member] | Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Hedged Item Past Period of Time Hedged Volumes	12 months
Commodity sales volume hedged during historical hedging period, low end of range (in gallons)	24,000,000
Commodity sales volume hedged during historical hedging period, high end of range (in gallons)	121,000,000
Derivative Hedged Item Time Period	12 months
Contracted commodity sales volume hedged over future hedging period, low end of range (in gallons)	0
Contracted commodity sales volume hedged over future hedging period, high end of range (in gallons)	31,000,000

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Fair Value Of Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
FX Contracts Assets	$211	$186
Commodity Contracts Assets	605	690
Total fair value of derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments	816	876
FX Contracts Liabilities	288	150
Commodity Contracts Liabilities	629	776
Total fair value of derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments.	$917	$926

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) On Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Total gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$166	($883)
Other Income (Expense) - Net [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
FX Contracts	-23	-9
Revenues [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
FX Contracts	20	-6
Cost Of Products Sold [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
FX Contracts	-69	44
Commodity Contracts	$238	($912)

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed5

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Fair Value Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	$33
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	33	21
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value		0
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	33	21
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed6

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) On Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gains (Loss) [Line Items]
Total amount recognized in earnings	$58	($34)
Cost Of Products Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gains (Loss) [Line Items]
Commodity Contracts effective amount recognized in earnings	0	-4
Commodity contracts ineffective amount recognized in earnings	-13	20
Revenues [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gains (Loss) [Line Items]
Commodity Contracts effective amount recognized in earnings	47	-27
Commodity contracts ineffective amount recognized in earnings	7	-23
Other Income (Expense) - Net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gains (Loss) [Line Items]
FX Contracts effective amount recognized in earnings	$17	$0

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed7

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Changes in AOCI Related to Derivative Gains (Losses)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at Beginning of Period	($1,241)
Unrealized gains (losses)	-633
Losses (gains) reclassified to earnings	-39
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax, portion attributable to parent	34
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of period	-1,879
Deferred Gain (Loss) On Hedging Activities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at Beginning of Period	47	5
Unrealized gains (losses)	8	-128
Losses (gains) reclassified to earnings	-64	31
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax, portion attributable to parent	21	33
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of period	$12	($59)

Marketable_Securities_Narrativ

Marketable Securities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	security
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated in Investments	$4	$12
Unrealized losses that arose within the last 12 months	1
Number of available-for-sale equity securities with unrealized losses (in securities)	1
Market value of the investments that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	4
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	$3
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year	1

Marketable_Securities_Details

Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated in Investments	$33	$1
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated in Investments	-4	-12
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	884	1,011
Available-for-sale Securities	913	1,000
United States Government Obligations [Member] | Maturity Less Than 1 Year [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	311	385
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated in Investments	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated in Investments	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	311	385
United States Government Obligations [Member] | Maturity 1 To 5 Years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	95	93
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated in Investments	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated in Investments	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	95	93
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Maturity 1 To 5 Years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	73	72
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated in Investments	1	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated in Investments	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	74	72
Other Debt Securities [Member] | Maturity Less Than 1 Year [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	95	130
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated in Investments	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated in Investments	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	95	130
Other Debt Securities [Member] | Maturity 1 To 5 Years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3	3
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated in Investments	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated in Investments	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3	3
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated in Investments	32	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated in Investments	-4	-12
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	307	328
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$335	$317

Other_Current_Assets_Details

Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]
Unrealized gains on derivative contracts	$849		$897
Deferred receivables consideration	614		511
Receivables from Customers	1,630		1,532
Financing Receivable, Net	457		402
Other current assets	2,599		2,714
Total other current assets	6,149		6,056
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	11		11
Interest on financing receivables	$7	$8

Accrued_Expenses_And_Other_Pay2

Accrued Expenses And Other Payables (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Unrealized losses on derivative contracts	$917	$926
Accrued expenses and other payables	3,228	4,114
Total accrued expenses and other payables	$4,145	$5,040

Debt_And_Financing_Arrangement1

Debt And Financing Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Debt And Financing Arrangements [Line Items]
Excess of fair value over carrying value of long-term debt	$1.40
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt And Financing Arrangements [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	6.3
Unused lines of credit	5.5
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt And Financing Arrangements [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	4
Unused lines of credit	0.7
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility [Member]
Debt And Financing Arrangements [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1.5
Used lines of credit	$1.30

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	28.60%	26.80%
Brazilian Federal Revenue Service [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Number of separate tax assessments	3
Estimated Tax Assessment Including Penalties and Interest	415
Estimated Additional Tax Assessment	48
Argentine Tax Authorities [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Estimated Additional Tax Assessment	329
Estimated Tax Assessment Including Interest	93

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at Beginning of Period	($1,241)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-633
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-39
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax, portion attributable to parent	34
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of period	-1,879
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-638
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at Beginning of Period	-654
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-701
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax, portion attributable to parent	32
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of period	-1,323
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-669
Deferred Gain (Loss) On Hedging Activities [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at Beginning of Period	47	5
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	8	-128
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-64	31
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax, portion attributable to parent	21	33
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of period	12	-59
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-35
Pension Liability Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at Beginning of Period	-630
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	17
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	25
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax, portion attributable to parent	-19
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of period	-607
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	23
Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at Beginning of Period	-4
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	43
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax, portion attributable to parent	0
Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of period	39
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$43

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Components (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Cost of Revenue	$16,404	$20,021
Other (income) expense - net	-10	-23
Revenues	-17,506	-20,696
Earnings Before Income Taxes	-690	-366
Tax	197	98
Net Earnings Including Noncontrolling Interests	-493	-268
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Deferred (Gain) Loss On Hedging Activities [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Cost of Revenue	0	4
Other (income) expense - net	-17	0
Revenues	-47	27
Earnings Before Income Taxes	-64	31
Tax	24	-11
Net Earnings Including Noncontrolling Interests	-40	20
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Pension Liability Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Prior service cost (credit)	-2	-4
Actuarial (gains ) losses	27	9
Earnings Before Income Taxes	25	5
Tax	-17	-2
Net Earnings Including Noncontrolling Interests	$8	$3

Other_Income_Expense_Details

Other (Income) Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Gains on sales of assets	($3)	($23)
Other - net	-7	0
Other (Income) Expense - Net	($10)	($23)

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	4
Wilmar International Limited [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	18.10%	17.30%
GrainCorp [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment, Ownership Percentage	19.80%
Pacificor [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	32.20%

Segment_Information_Segment_In

Segment Information (Segment Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Information
Revenues	$17,506	$20,696
Earnings Before Income Taxes	690	366
Assets	41,715		44,027
Segment Total [Member]
Segment Information
Earnings Before Income Taxes	855	691
Agricultural Services [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	8,045	9,711
Earnings Before Income Taxes	194	142
Assets	8,279		10,250
Merchandising and handling [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	7,027	8,752
Transportation [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	54	45
Milling and other [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	964	914
Corn Processing [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	2,466	2,984
Earnings Before Income Taxes	113	186
Assets	6,188		6,384
Sweeteners and starches [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	875	938
Bioproducts [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	1,591	2,046
Oilseeds Processing [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	6,293	7,655
Earnings Before Income Taxes	469	297
Assets	13,033		12,712
Crushing and origination [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	3,775	4,546
Refining, packaging, biodiesel, and other [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	1,684	2,116
Cocoa and other [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	757	827
Asia [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	77	166
Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	606	257
Earnings Before Income Taxes	68	58
Assets	3,137		3,468
Other [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	96	89
Earnings Before Income Taxes	11	8
Assets	7,706		7,910
Financial [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	96	89
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Information
Earnings Before Income Taxes	-165	-325
Assets	3,372		3,303
Gross Revenues [Member] | Agricultural Services [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	9,078	10,815
Gross Revenues [Member] | Corn Processing [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	2,488	2,996
Gross Revenues [Member] | Oilseeds Processing [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	6,896	8,252
Gross Revenues [Member] | Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	607	259
Gross Revenues [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	159	146
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	1,722	1,772
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Agricultural Services [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	1,033	1,104
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Corn Processing [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	22	12
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Oilseeds Processing [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	603	597
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	1	2
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Information
Revenues	$63	$57

Assets_and_Liabilities_Held_fo2

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Assets and Liabilities for Sale (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Trade Receivables Held-for-sale, Net	$85	$94
Inventories, Property Held-for-sale, Current	713	742
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Prepaid and Other Assets, Current	62	83
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current	58	63
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Current	25	28
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current	360	374
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Assets	15	19
Current assets held for sale	1,318	1,403
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current	131	114
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current	96	110
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Liabilities	7	6
Current liabilities held for sale	234	230
Chocolate [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Expected proceeds from a business divestiture	440
Cocoa [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Expected proceeds from a business divestiture	$1,300

Sale_of_Accounts_Receivable_Na

Sale of Accounts Receivable (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable Securitization Programs [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Receivables	$11,200,000,000	$10,600,000,000
Collections applied to deferred consideration	11,000,000,000	10,600,000,000
Cash payments received in exchange for the transfer of accounts receivable	1,900,000,000		2,100,000,000
Proceeds from transfer of receivables	1,300,000,000		1,600,000,000
Deferred receivables consideration	614,000,000		511,000,000
Loss on transfer of accounts receivables to purchasers	1,000,000	1,000,000
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility [Member]
Accounts Receivable Securitization Programs [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,500,000,000
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility [Member] | Program [Member]
Accounts Receivable Securitization Programs [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,200,000,000
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility [Member] | Second Program [Member]
Accounts Receivable Securitization Programs [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$300,000,000

Subsequent_Events_Subsequent_E1

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Details) (EUR €)	Apr. 21, 2015	5-May-15
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		entity
Eaststarch C.V. [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Transaction value of pending acquisition	€ 240
North Star Shipping/Minmetal [Member] [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of joint ventures that will be acquired		2