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Employee benefits - Assets of pension plans (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Brazil | Portfolio of Vale's stock    
Assets of pension plans    
Plan assets $ 20 $ 27
Brazil | Brazilian Federal Government securities    
Assets of pension plans    
Plan assets 3,612 4,523
Foreign | Canadian Government securities    
Assets of pension plans    
Plan assets $ 688 $ 633