XML 381 R107.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.19.3.a.u2

Operating segments - Reconciliation of net earnings/(losses) to underlying earnings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017
Exchange and Derivative Gains (Losses), Pre-Tax [Abstract] |  |  |
Impairment charges | $ (3,487) | $ (132) | $ (796)
Net gains on consolidation and disposal of interests in businesses, Pre-tax | (291) |  |
– Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances and derivatives, Pre-tax | 52 |  |
Gain/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Pre-tax | (72) |  |
(Losses)/gains on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Pre-tax | (253) |  |
Other Exclusions From Underlying Earnings Before Tax | (171) |  |
Items Excluded From Underlying Earnings Before Tax | (4,222) |  |
Profit before taxation | 11,119 | 18,167 | 12,816
Underlying Earnings Before Tax | 15,341 |  |
Exchange And Derivative Gains Losses Tax [Abstract] |  |  |
Impairment charges, Tax | 323 | 25 | 141
– Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances and derivatives, Tax | (6) |  |
- Gain/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Tax | 15 |  |
- (Losses)/gains on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, Tax | 65 |  |
Tax Effect Of Other Exclusions | (6) |  |
Total excluded from underlying earnings, Tax | 391 |  |
Taxation | (4,147) | (4,242) | (3,965)
Underlying Earnings Tax | (4,538) |  |
Exchange and derivative gains/(losses, Non-controlling interests |  |  |
Impairment charges, Non-controlling interests | 1,506 | 3 | 174
– Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances and drivatives, Non-controlling interests | 5 |  |
– (Losses)/gains on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting | (2) |  |
– Gains/(losses) on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting | (4) |  |
Other Exclusions From Underlying Earnings, Attributable to Noncontrolling interests | (37) |  |
Total excluded from underlying earnings, Non-controlling interests | 1,468 |  |
Profit after tax for the year – attributable to non-controlling interests | 1,038 | (287) | (89)
Underlying Earnings Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests | (430) |  |
Exchange and derivative gains/(losses), Net |  |  |
Impairment charge, net amount | (1,658) | (104) | (481)
Net gains on consolidation and disposal of interests in businesses, Net | (291) | 3,996 | 2,022
– Exchange (losses)/gains on external US dollar net debt and intragroup balances and derivatives, Net | 51 | 550 | (488)
– (Losses)/gains on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting | (59) | (48) | 30
– Gains/(losses) on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting | (192) | 202 | (352)
Losses from increases to closure estimates (non-operating and fully impaired sites) |  | (335) |
Gain relating to surplus land at Kitimat, Net |  | 569 |
Changes in corporate tax rates in the US and France, Net |  |  | (439)
Rio Tinto Kennecott insurance settlement, Net |  |  | 45
Tax charge relating to expected divestments, included in ire-tax amount |  |  | (202)
Other Exclusions From Underlying Earnings Net | (214) |  |
Total excluded from underlying earnings, Net | (2,363) | 4,830 | 135
Net earnings – attributable to owners of Rio Tinto | 8,010 | 13,638 | 8,762
Underlying earnings, Net | $ 10,373 | $ 8,808 | $ 8,627

X
- Definition The gains (losses) on disposals of investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 98 -Subparagraph d -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_98_d&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnDisposalsOfInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of impairment loss recognised in profit or loss. [Refer: Impairment loss; Profit (loss)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 36 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 126 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=36&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_126_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 36 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 129 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=36&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_129_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLoss
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount included in the determination of profit (loss) for the period in respect of current tax and deferred tax. [Refer: Current tax expense (income); Deferred tax expense (income)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 23 -Subparagraph h -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_23_h&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 26 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 35 -Subparagraph b -Clause viii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=26&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_35_b_viii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 79 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_79&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 81 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_81_c_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 82 -Subparagraph d -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_82_d&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 81 -Subparagraph c -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_81_c_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph B13 -Subparagraph g -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_B13_g&doctype=Appendix&subtype=B -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_IncomeTaxExpenseContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The profit (loss) from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interests. [Refer: Profit (loss); Non-controlling interests] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_12_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 81B -Subparagraph a -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_81B_a_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The profit (loss) from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to owners of the parent. [Refer: Profit (loss)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 81B -Subparagraph a -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_81B_a_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLossAttributableToOwnersOfParent
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The profit (loss) before tax expense or income. [Refer: Profit (loss)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_28_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_23&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 103 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_103&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 102 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_102&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 5 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 33 -Subparagraph b -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=5&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_33_b_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLossBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Changes in corporate tax rates + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ChangesInCorporateTaxRates
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Exchange and derivative gains(losses). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ExchangeAndDerivativeGainsLossesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Exchange and derivative gains (losses) tax. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ExchangeAndDerivativeGainsLossesTaxAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Exchange and derivative (losses)/gains, Non-controlling interests. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ExchangeAndDerivativeLossesGainsNonControllingInterestsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Exchange and Derivative Gains (Losses), Pre-Tax [Abstract] + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ExchangeandDerivativeGainsLossesPreTaxAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gain relating to surplus land at Kitimat. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainRelatingToSurplusLandAtKitimat
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gains (Losses) From Increases Due to Closure Estimates + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesFromIncreasesDuetoClosureEstimates
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gains losses on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnCurrencyAndInterestRateDerivativesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccounting
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gains (losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting attributable to noncontrolling interests. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnCurrencyAndInterestRateDerivativesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccountingAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Tax expense (benefit) on gains (losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnCurrencyAndInterestRateDerivativesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccountingTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gains (Losses) On Currency and Interest Rate Derivatives Not Qualifying for Hedge Accounting Tax, before tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnCurrencyAndInterestRateDerivativesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccountingTaxBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gains losses on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnEmbeddedCommodityDerivativesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccounting
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gains Losses On Embedded Commodity Derivatives Not Qualifying For Hedge Accounting, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnEmbeddedCommodityDerivativesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccountingAttributabletoNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gains (losses) on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, before tax. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnEmbeddedCommodityDerivativesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccountingBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gains (losses) on embedded commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, tax. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnEmbeddedCommodityDerivativesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccountingTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gains (losses) on exchange differences on translation attributable to noncontrolling interests. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The gains (losses) recognised in other comprehensive income on exchange differences on the translation of financial statements of foreign operations, before tax including non-controlling interests. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationBeforeTaxIncludingNonControllingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Tax expense (benefit) on Gains (losses) on exchange differences on translation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_GainsLossesOnExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Impairment loss (reversal of impairment loss) recognised in profit or loss attributable to non-controlling interests. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ImpairmentLossReversalOfImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Impairment loss (reversal of impairment loss) recognised in profit or loss, Net of Tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ImpairmentLossReversalOfImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Tax expense (benefit) as a result of impairment loss (reversal of impairment loss) recognised in profit or loss. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ImpairmentLossReversalOfImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossTaxation
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amounts excluded from underlying earnings, after tax amount. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ItemsExcludedFromUnderlyingEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amounts excluded from underlying earnings attributable to non-controlling interests. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ItemsExcludedFromUnderlyingEarningsAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Items Excluded From Underlying Earnings Before Tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ItemsExcludedFromUnderlyingEarningsBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Tax expense (benefit) associated with amounts excluded from underlying earnings. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_ItemsExcludedFromUnderlyingEarningsTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Net exchange gains losses on external us dollar debt intragroup balances and derivatives. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_NetExchangeGainsLossesOnExternalUSDollarDebtIntragroupBalancesAndDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Net gains (losses) on disposal of interests in businesses before tax. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_NetGainsLossesOnDisposalOfInterestsInBusinessesBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Other Exclusions From Underlying Earnings, Attributable to Noncontrolling interests + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_OtherExclusionsFromUnderlyingEarningsAttributabletoNoncontrollinginterests
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of other exclusions from underlying earnings, before tax. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_OtherExclusionsFromUnderlyingEarningsBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Other exclusions from underlying earnings, such as costs related to multiple transformation projects, recuperation of capital losses against capital gains on divestment, provisions relating to incomplete divestments, adjustments to divestment costs and provisions, adjustments for certain Share-based Payment charges. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_OtherExclusionsFromUnderlyingEarningsNet
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Tax expense (benefit) associated with other exclusions from underlying earnings. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_OtherExclusionsFromUnderlyingEarningsTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Rio Tinto Kennecott insurance settlement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_RioTintoKennecottInsuranceSettlement
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Tax charge relating to expected divestments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_TaxChargeRelatingToExpectedDivestments
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Underlying earnings reflect the following adjustments which are excluded from net earnings/(loss) in each period irrespective of materiality: (1) Net gains/(losses) on disposal and consolidation of interests in businesses. (2) Impairment charges and reversals of cash generating unit. (3) Profit/(loss) after tax from discontinued operations. (4) Certain exchange and derivative gains and losses. This exclusion includes exchange gains/(losses) on US dollar net debt and intragroup balances, gains/(losses) on currency and interest rate derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting and gains/(losses) on commodity derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_UnderlyingEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Underlying earnings attributable to non-controlling interests. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_UnderlyingEarningsAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Underlying earnings, before tax. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_UnderlyingEarningsBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Tax expense (benefit) associated with underlying underlying earnings. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rio_UnderlyingEarningsTax
Namespace Prefix: | rio_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration