XML 137 R130.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Taxation - Summary of tax relating to components of other comprehensive income or loss (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Relating To Components Of Other Comprehensive Income That Will Be Reclassified To Profit Or Loss [Abstract] |  |  |
Deferred tax charge included in other comprehensive income | $ 153 | $ 33 | $ 174
Current tax charge included in other comprehensive income |  | $ 0 | $ 4

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

X
- Definition Current tax expense (income) relating to components of other comprehensive income. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_CurrentTaxExpenseIncomeRelatingToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Deferred tax expense (income) relating to components of other comprehensive income. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_DeferredTaxExpenseIncomeRelatingToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration