XML 274 R267.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Rio Tinto Limited parent company disclosures - Summary of financial statements (Detail) $ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017 AUD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 AUD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017 AUD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 AUD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
– Current assets |  | $ 18,678 |  | $ 15,055 |  |  |  |  |
– Non-current assets |  | 76,554 |  | 74,177 |  |  |  |  |
Total assets |  | 95,726 |  | 89,263 |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
– Current liabilities |  | (11,225) |  | (9,362) |  |  |  |  |
– Non-current liabilities |  | (33,262) |  | (34,133) |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities |  | (44,611) |  | (43,533) |  |  |  |  |
Net assets |  | 51,115 |  | 45,730 |  |  |  |  |
Shareholders’ equity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other reserves |  | 12,284 |  | 9,216 |  |  |  |  |
Retained earnings |  | 23,761 |  | 21,631 |  |  |  |  |
Total equity |  | 51,115 |  | 45,730 |  | $ 44,128 |  |  | $ 54,594
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year |  | 8,851 |  | 4,776 |  | (1,719) |  |  |
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year | [1] | 11,939 |  | 4,713 |  | (3,749) |  |  |
Rio Tinto Limited [member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
– Current assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 11,914 | $ 8,041 |
– Non-current assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7,954 | 10,758 |
Total assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | 19,868 | 18,799 |
Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
– Current liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  | (7,448) | (1,268) |
– Non-current liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  | (35) | (4,814) |
Total liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  | (7,483) | (6,082) |
Net assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12,385 | 12,717 |
Shareholders’ equity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share capital |  | $ 4,140 |  | $ 3,915 |  | $ 3,950 | 3,893 | 4,004 | $ 4,535
Other reserves |  |  |  |  |  |  | 420 | 413 |
Retained earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,072 | 8,300 |
Total equity |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 12,385 | $ 12,717 |
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year |  |  | $ 9,688 |  | $ 4,452 |  |  |  |
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year |  |  | $ 9,688 |  | $ 4,452 |  |  |  |
[1] | Refer to Group statement of comprehensive income for further details. Adjustments to other reserves include currency translation attributable to owners of Rio Tinto, other than that arising on Rio Tinto Limited share capital.

X
- Definition The amount of resources: (a) controlled by the entity as a result of past events; and (b) from which future economic benefits are expected to flow to the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph c -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=8&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_28_c&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 13 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 93 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=13&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_93_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 13 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 93 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=13&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_93_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 13 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 93 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=13&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_93_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 55 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_55&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=8&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_23&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition The amount of change in equity resulting from transactions and other events, other than those changes resulting from transactions with owners in their capacity as owners. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_32_a_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_24_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B12 -Subparagraph b -Clause ix -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B12_b_ix&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 106 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_106_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 81A -Subparagraph c -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_81A_c&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of assets that the entity (a) expects to realise or intends to sell or consume in its normal operating cycle; (b) holds primarily for the purpose of trading; (c) expects to realise within twelve months after the reporting period; or (d) classifies as cash or cash equivalents (as defined in IAS 7) unless the asset is restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period. [Refer: Assets] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B12 -Subparagraph b -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B12_b_i&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 66 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_66&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of liabilities that: (a) the entity expects to settle in its normal operating cycle; (b) the entity holds primarily for the purpose of trading; (c) are due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period; or (d) the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B12 -Subparagraph b -Clause iii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B12_b_iii&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 69 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_69&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CurrentLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all its liabilities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_24_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_32_a_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 13 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 93 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=13&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_93_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 13 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 93 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=13&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_93_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 13 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 93 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=13&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_93_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 55 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_55&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 78 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_78_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_Equity
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition The nominal value of capital issued. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 78 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_78_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_IssuedCapital
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of present obligations of the entity arising from past events, the settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow from the entity of resources embodying economic benefits. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 13 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 93 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=13&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_93_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph d -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=8&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_28_d&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 13 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 93 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=13&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_93_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 13 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 93 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=13&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_93_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=8&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_23&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 55 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_55&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_Liabilities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition The amount of assets less the amount of liabilities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph IG63 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_IG63&doctype=Implementation%20Guidance -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_NetAssetsLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of assets that do not meet the definition of current assets. [Refer: Current assets] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 66 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_66&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B12 -Subparagraph b -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B12_b_ii&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_NoncurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of liabilities that do not meet the definition of current liabilities. [Refer: Current liabilities] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B12 -Subparagraph b -Clause iv -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B12_b_iv&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 69 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_69&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_NoncurrentLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition A component of equity representing reserves within equity, not including retained earnings. [Refer: Retained earnings] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 78 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_78_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_OtherReserves
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The total of income less expenses, excluding the components of other comprehensive income. [Refer: Other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 18 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_18_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_24_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_32_a_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=8&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_28_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=8&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_23&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 106 -Subparagraph d -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_106_d_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 81A -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_81A_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition A component of equity representing the entity's cumulative undistributed earnings or deficit. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph 78 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_78_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2016-03-31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2016-01-13 -Paragraph IG6 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2016-03-30&anchor=para_IG6&doctype=Implementation%20Guidance -URIDate 2016-03-31 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_RetainedEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=rio_RioTintoLimitedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |