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Stockholders' equity - Profit reserves (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' equity      
Dividends and interest on capital of Vale's stockholders $ (3,481)   $ (2,054)
Translation adjustment $ 4,203 $ 1,111 3,899
Maximum percentage of distributable income reserve for maintenance and development 50.00%    
Percentage of distributable income retained for capital investments budget 50.00%    
Legal reserve      
Stockholders' equity      
Balance at beginning of year $ 1,656 1,722  
Minimum mandatory remuneration 251    
Translation adjustment (365) (66)  
Balance at end of year 1,542 1,656 1,722
Tax incentive reserve      
Stockholders' equity      
Balance at beginning of year 848 882  
Minimum mandatory remuneration 2    
Translation adjustment (191) (34)  
Balance at end of year 659 848 882
Investments reserve      
Stockholders' equity      
Balance at beginning of year 4,586 8,364  
Minimum mandatory remuneration 656 (1,683)  
Dividends and interest on capital of Vale's stockholders (2,329) (1,767)  
Translation adjustment (1,059) (328)  
Balance at end of year 1,854 4,586 8,364
Additional Remuneration reserve      
Stockholders' equity      
Minimum mandatory remuneration 2,820    
Translation adjustment 167    
Balance at end of year 2,987    
Profit reserves      
Stockholders' equity      
Balance at beginning of year 7,090 10,968  
Minimum mandatory remuneration 3,729 (1,683)  
Dividends and interest on capital of Vale's stockholders (2,329) (1,767)  
Translation adjustment (1,448) (428)  
Balance at end of year $ 7,042 $ 7,090 $ 10,968