XML 12 R5.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Group cash flow statement - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] |  |  |
Cash flows from consolidated operations | $ 16,670 | $ 11,368 | $ 12,102
Dividends from equity accounted units | 817 | 253 | 210
Cash flows from operations | 17,487 | 11,621 | 12,312
Net interest paid | (897) | (1,294) | (827)
Dividends paid to holders of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries | (399) | (341) | (310)
Tax paid | (2,307) | (1,521) | (1,792)
Net cash generated from operating activities | 13,884 | 8,465 | 9,383
Cash flows from investing activities |  |  |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets | (4,482) | (3,012) | (4,685)
Disposals of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates | 2,675 | 761 | (38)
Purchases of financial assets | (723) | (789) | (49)
Sales of financial assets | 40 | 582 | 65
Sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets | 138 | 354 | 97
Net funding of equity accounted units | (3) | (12) | 11
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates |  |  | (3)
Other investing cash flows | (18) | 12 | 2
Net cash used in investing activities | (2,373) | (2,104) | (4,600)
Cash flows before financing activities | 11,511 | 6,361 | 4,783
Cash flows from financing activities |  |  |
Equity dividends paid to owners of Rio Tinto | (4,250) | (2,725) | (4,076)
Proceeds from additional borrowings | 18 | 4,413 | 1,837
Repayment of borrowings | (2,795) | (9,361) | (3,518)
Proceeds from issue of equity to non-controlling interests | 170 | 101 | 103
Own shares purchased from owners of Rio Tinto | (2,083) |  | (2,028)
Purchase of non-controlling interests | (194) | (23) |
Other financing cash flows | (7) | 104 | 12
Net cash flows used in financing activities | (9,141) | (7,491) | (7,670)
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | (12) | (35) | (159)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 2,358 | (1,165) | (3,046)
Opening cash and cash equivalents less overdrafts | 8,189 | 9,354 | 12,400
Closing cash and cash equivalents less overdrafts | $ 10,547 | $ 8,189 | $ 9,354

X
- Definition The amount of cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows when different from the amount of cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position. [Refer: Cash and cash equivalents] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 45 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_45&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CashAndCashEquivalentsIfDifferentFromStatementOfFinancialPosition
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The aggregate cash flows arising from losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses, classified as investing activities. [Refer: Subsidiaries [member]] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 39 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_39&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CashFlowsFromLosingControlOfSubsidiariesOrOtherBusinessesClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash flows from (used in) financing activities, which are activities that result in changes in the size and composition of the contributed equity and borrowings of the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_10&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 50 -Subparagraph d -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_50_d&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CashFlowsFromUsedInFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CashFlowsFromUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash flows from (used in) investing activities, which are the acquisition and disposal of long-term assets and other investments not included in cash equivalents. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_10&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 50 -Subparagraph d -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_50_d&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CashFlowsFromUsedInInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CashFlowsFromUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash flows from (used in) operating activities, which are the principal revenue-producing activities of the entity and other activities that are not investing or financing activities. [Refer: Revenue] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_10&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 50 -Subparagraph d -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_50_d&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CashFlowsFromUsedInOperatingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash from (used in) the entity's operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Section A Statement of cash flows for an entity other than a financial institution -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=sect_AStatementofcashflowsforanentityotherthanafinancialinstitution&doctype=Illustrative%20Examples -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CashFlowsFromUsedInOperations
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate cash flows used in obtaining control of subsidiaries or other businesses, classified as investing activities. [Refer: Subsidiaries [member]] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 39 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_39&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CashFlowsUsedInObtainingControlOfSubsidiariesOrOtherBusinessesClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for dividends paid to equity holders of the parent, classified as financing activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 17 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_17&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_DividendsPaidToEquityHoldersOfParentClassifiedAsFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of dividends paid to non-controlling interests. [Refer: Non-controlling interests] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B10_a&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_DividendsPaidToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from dividends received, classified as operating activities. [Refer: Dividends received] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 31 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_31&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_DividendsReceivedClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents held or due in a foreign currency. [Refer: Cash and cash equivalents] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 25 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_25&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_28&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_EffectOfExchangeRateChangesOnCashAndCashEquivalents
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash flows from income taxes paid or refunded, classified as operating activities. [Refer: Income taxes paid (refund)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 35 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_35&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph f -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_14_f&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_IncomeTaxesPaidRefundClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. [Refer: Cash and cash equivalents] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 45 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_45&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseInCashAndCashEquivalents
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for interest paid, classified as operating activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 31 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_31&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_InterestPaidClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Inflows (outflows) of cash, classified as financing activities, that the entity does not separately disclose in the same statement or note. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 21 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_21&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_OtherInflowsOutflowsOfCashClassifiedAsFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Inflows (outflows) of cash, classified as investing activities, that the entity does not separately disclose in the same statement or note. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 21 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_21&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_OtherInflowsOutflowsOfCashClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control. [Refer: Subsidiaries [member]] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 42A -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_42A&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 42B -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_42B&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_PaymentsFromChangesInOwnershipInterestsInSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow to acquire or redeem entity's shares. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_17_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_PaymentsToAcquireOrRedeemEntitysShares
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from borrowings obtained. [Refer: Borrowings] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_17_c&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProceedsFromBorrowingsClassifiedAsFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control. [Refer: Subsidiaries [member]] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 42A -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_42A&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 42B -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_42B&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProceedsFromChangesInOwnershipInterestsInSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from the disposal of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets other than goodwill, investment property and other non-current assets. [Refer: Intangible assets other than goodwill; Investment property; Other non-current assets; Property, plant and equipment] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 16 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_16&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProceedsFromDisposalsOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillInvestmentPropertyAndOtherNoncurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from sales or maturity of financial instruments, classified as investing activities. [Refer: Financial instruments, class [member]] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 16 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_16&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProceedsFromSalesOrMaturityOfFinancialInstrumentsClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for the purchase of financial instruments. [Refer: Financial instruments, class [member]] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 16 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_16&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_PurchaseOfFinancialInstrumentsClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for the purchase of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets other than goodwill, investment property and other non-current assets. [Refer: Intangible assets other than goodwill; Investment property; Other non-current assets; Property, plant and equipment] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 16 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_16&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_PurchaseOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillInvestmentPropertyAndOtherNoncurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow to settle borrowings, classified as financing activities. [Refer: Borrowings] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph d -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_17_d&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_RepaymentsOfBorrowingsClassifiedAsFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Cash flows from financing activities which is comprised of cash flows from operating activities and cash flows from investing activities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_CashFlowBeforeFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Cash flows from used in consolidated operations. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_CashFlowsFromUsedInConsolidatedOperations
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of net funding of equity accounted units. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_NetFundingOfEquityAccountedUnits
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration