XML 206 R3.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.10.0.1

Group statement of comprehensive income - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Profit after tax for the year |  | $ 13,925 | $ 8,851 | $ 4,776
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: |  |  |  |
Actuarial gains/(losses) on post-retirement benefit plans |  | 907 | 6 | (90)
Changes in the fair value of equity investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) |  | (13) |  |
Tax relating to these components of other comprehensive income |  | (271) | (12) | 29
Share of other comprehensive losses of equity accounted units, net of tax |  | (1) |  |
Adjustments to deferred tax on post-retirement benefit plans due to changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France |  |  | (140) |
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss |  | 622 | (146) | (61)
Items that have been/may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss: |  |  |  |
Currency translation adjustment | [1] | (3,830) | 3,096 | (157)
Currency translation on companies disposed of, transferred to the income statement |  | 14 | 78 | 99
Fair value movements: |  |  |  |
– Cash flow hedge gains/(losses) |  | 156 | 62 | (88)
– Cash flow hedge losses/(gains) transferred to the income statement |  | 40 | (62) | 116
– Gains on revaluation of available for sale securities |  |  | 19 | 13
– Losses on revaluation of available for sale securities transferred to the income statement |  |  | 8 | (167)
Net change in costs of hedging (b) |  | (39) |  |
Tax relating to these components of other comprehensive income |  | (54) | (1) | 4
Share of other comprehensive (loss)/income of equity accounted units, net of tax |  | (48) | 34 | 11
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year, net of tax |  | (3,139) | 3,088 | (63)
Total comprehensive income for the year | [2] | 10,786 | 11,939 | 4,713
– attributable to owners of Rio Tinto |  | 10,663 | 11,691 | 4,504
– attributable to non-controlling interests |  | $ 123 | $ 248 | $ 209
[1] | Excludes a currency translation charge of US$382 million (2017: gain of US$310 million; 2016: charge of US$35 million) arising on Rio Tinto Limited’s share capital for the year ended 31 December 2018, which is recognised in the Group statement of changes in equity. Refer to Group statement of changes in equity on page 148.
[2] | 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’s share capital.

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

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeThatWillNotBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTaxAbstract
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 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_32_a_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_24_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph B12 -Subparagraph b -Clause ix -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_B12_b_ix&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 106 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_106_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 81A -Subparagraph c -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_81A_c&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests. [Refer: Comprehensive income; Non-controlling interests] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 106 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_106_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 81B -Subparagraph b -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_81B_b_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ComprehensiveIncomeAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent. [Refer: Comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 106 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_106_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 81B -Subparagraph b -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_81B_b_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ComprehensiveIncomeAttributableToOwnersOfParent
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The gains (losses) recognised in other comprehensive income on cash flow hedges, before tax. [Refer: Cash flow hedges [member]] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Note Expiry date 2018-01-01 -Name IFRS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 23 -Subparagraph c -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=7&date=2017-03-02&anchor=para_23_c&doctype=Standard&book=B -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 91 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_91_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnCashFlowHedgesBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The gains (losses) recognised in other comprehensive income on change in value of foreign currency basis spreads, before tax. [Refer: Other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Note Effective 2018-01-01 -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 91 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_91_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnChangeInValueOfForeignCurrencyBasisSpreadsBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The gains (losses) recognised in other comprehensive income on remeasuring available-for-sale financial assets, before tax. [Refer: Financial assets available-for-sale] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Note Expiry date 2018-01-01 -Name IFRS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=7&date=2017-03-02&anchor=para_20_a_ii&doctype=Standard&book=B -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Note Expiry date 2018-01-01 -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 91 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-02&anchor=para_91_b&doctype=Standard&book=B -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnRemeasuringAvailableforsaleFinancialAssetsBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of income tax relating to amounts recognised in other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss. [Refer: Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 91 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_91&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_IncomeTaxRelatingToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeThatWillBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLoss
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of income tax relating to amounts recognised in other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss. [Refer: Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 91 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_91&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_IncomeTaxRelatingToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeThatWillNotBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLoss
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The increase (decrease) in accumulated deferred tax recognised in other comprehensive income due to change in the tax rate. [Refer: Other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 85 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_85&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseInAccumulatedDeferredTaxRecognisedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeDueToChangeInTaxRate
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of income and expense (including reclassification adjustments) that is not recognised in profit or loss as required or permitted by IFRSs. [Refer: IFRSs [member]] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 106 -Subparagraph d -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_106_d_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph B12 -Subparagraph b -Clause viii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_B12_b_viii&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 81A -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_81A_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 91 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_91_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_OtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of other comprehensive income, before tax, related to gains (losses) on remeasurements of defined benefit plans, which comprise actuarial gains and losses; the return on plan assets, excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset); and any change in the effect of the asset ceiling, excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset). [Refer: Other comprehensive income, before tax; Defined benefit plans [member]; Plan assets [member]; Net defined benefit liability (asset)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 91 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_91_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_7&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_OtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxGainsLossesOnRemeasurementsOfDefinedBenefitPlans
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax. [Refer: Other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph IG6 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_IG6&doctype=Implementation%20Guidance -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 82A -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_82A&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_OtherComprehensiveIncomeThatWillNotBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 18 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_18_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_24_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_32_a_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=8&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_28_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=8&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_23&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=12&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&seq=2 -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 106 -Subparagraph d -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_106_d_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Note Effective on first application of IFRS 9 -Name IFRS -Number 4 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 39L -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=4&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_39L_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 81A -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_81A_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of reclassification adjustments related to available-for-sale financial assets, before tax. Reclassification adjustments are amounts reclassified to profit (loss) in the current period that were recognised in other comprehensive income in the current or previous periods. [Refer: Financial assets available-for-sale; Other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Note Expiry date 2018-01-01 -Name IFRS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=7&date=2017-03-02&anchor=para_20_a_ii&doctype=Standard&book=B -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Note Expiry date 2018-01-01 -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 92 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-02&anchor=para_92&doctype=Standard&book=B -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ReclassificationAdjustmentsOnAvailableforsaleFinancialAssetsBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges, before tax. Reclassification adjustments are amounts reclassified to profit (loss) in the current period that were recognised in other comprehensive income in the current or previous periods. [Refer: Cash flow hedges [member]; Other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 92 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_92&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Note Expiry date 2018-01-01 -Name IFRS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 23 -Subparagraph d -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=7&date=2017-03-02&anchor=para_23_d&doctype=Standard&book=B -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ReclassificationAdjustmentsOnCashFlowHedgesBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of reclassification adjustments related to change in value of foreign currency basis spreads, before tax. Reclassification adjustments are amounts reclassified to profit (loss) in the current period that were recognised in other comprehensive income in the current or previous periods. [Refer: Other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Note Effective 2018-01-01 -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 92 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_92&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ReclassificationAdjustmentsOnChangeInValueOfForeignCurrencyBasisSpreadsBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Share of the other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method that will be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 82A -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_82A&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ShareOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethodThatWillBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Share of the other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method that will not be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2017-01-01 -Paragraph 82A -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_82A&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2017-03-09 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ShareOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethodThatWillNotBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Change in fair value of equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive income. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ChangeInFairValueOfEquityInvestmentsAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value movements. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_FairValueMovementsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Other comprehensive income, before tax, costs of hedging. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_OtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxCostsOfHedging
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration