XML 442 R239.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.10.0.1

Auditors' remuneration - Auditors' remuneration (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
Auditors Remuneration [Line Items] |  |  |
Tax advisory services |  | $ 200 | $ 100
PWC [Member] |  |  |
Auditors Remuneration [Line Items] |  |  |
Auditors remuneration for audit services | $ 100 |  |
Auditors remuneration for non audit services | 100 |  |
Tax advisory services | $ 40 |  |

X
- Definition The amount of fees paid or payable to the entity's auditors for tax services. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 112 -Subparagraph c -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_112_c&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_AuditorsRemunerationForTaxServices
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Auditors remuneration for audit services of associated pension schemes. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_AuditorsRemunerationForAuditServicesOfAssociatedPensionSchemes
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Auditors remuneration for non audit services relating to associated pension schemes. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_AuditorsRemunerationForNonAuditServicesRelatingToAssociatedPensionSchemes
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Auditors Remuneration [Line Items] + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_AuditorsRemunerationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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