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Trade and other receivables - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade receivables $ 2,315 $ 2,283
Trade and other receivables 5,167 4,802
Rio Tinto plc [member] | LIBOR [Member]    
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade and other receivables 9,114 6,007
Trade receivables past due but not impaired [Member]    
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade receivables $ 145 $ 230