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Operating segments - Reconciliation of net earnings/(losses) to underlying earnings (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions |  | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jul. 16, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Profit before taxation |  | $ 11,119 | $ 18,167 | $ 12,816
Profit after tax for the year |  | 6,972 | 13,925 | 8,851
Post-tax foreign exchange gains |  | 60 | 936 |
Post-tax foreign exchange loss |  | 9 | $ 386 |
US Dollar Net Debt [Member] |  |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Post-tax foreign exchange gains |  |  |  | 420
Intragroup balances [Member] |  |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Post-tax foreign exchange loss |  |  |  | $ 908
Rossing Uranium Limited [Member] |  |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Ownership percentage in subsidiary | 68.62% |  |  |
Profit before taxation | $ 289 |  |  |
Profit after tax for the year | $ 289 |  |  |
Oyu Tolgoi Llc [Member] |  |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Write-back of net realisable value provision |  | 75 |  |
Impairment gain (loss) excluded from underlying earnings |  | 19 |  |
Obligations On Legacy Operations [Member] |  |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Write-back of net realisable value provision |  | 246 |  |
Impairment gain (loss) excluded from underlying earnings |  | $ (233) |  |

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