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Company balance sheet (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Company Balance Sheet Line Item      
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year [1] $ 11,939 $ 4,713 $ (3,749)
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year 8,851 4,776 $ (1,719)
Rio Tinto plc [member]      
Disclosure Of Company Balance Sheet Line Item      
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year 7,816 6,875  
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year $ 7,816 $ 6,875  
[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.