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Rio Tinto Limited parent company disclosures - Additional information (Detail) - Guarantees [Member] $ in Millions, $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 AUD ($)
Statement Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Guaranteed amount of external debt		$ 10,200		$ 14,100
Minera Escondida Limitada undrawn shareholder line of credit Rio Tinto share	$ 7.5	9,600	$ 7.5	10,400
Rio Tinto Limited [member]
Statement Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Guaranteed amount of other external debt		100		100
Derivative financial liabilities		$ 48		$ 1

X

- Definition

The amount of financial liabilities classified as derivative instruments. [Refer: Financial assets; Derivatives [member]]

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- Definition

The amount of undrawn borrowing facilities that may be available for future operating activities and to settle capital commitments. [Refer: Capital commitments]

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- Definition

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- Definition

The amount of other external debt held by the organization and its subsidiaries.

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- Definition

Statement of financial statements [Line Items]

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