2.0.0.10 false Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) 0130 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) true false In Millions false false 1 usd $ false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 false 2 usd $ false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 false 3 usd $ false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 3 Cash flows from operating activities: 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities include all transactions and events that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income. false 4 Net income 2 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 1575000000 1575 false false false 2 true true false false 1570000000 1570 false false false 3 true true false false 1323000000 1323 false false false The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) false 5 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations: 2 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 6 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 3 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 743000000 743 false false false 2 false true false false 799000000 799 false false false 3 false true false false 559000000 559 false false false The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. No authoritative reference available. false 7 Dividends received 3 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 50000000 50 false false false 2 false true false false 243000000 243 false false false 3 false true false false 37000000 37 false false false This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 13 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 19 false 8 Equity in results of affiliates, joint ventures and other investments 3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -96000000 -96 false false false 2 false true false false -71000000 -71 false false false 3 false true false false -72000000 -72 false false false This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. Such amount typically reflects adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated statements, including adjustments to eliminate intercompany gains and losses, and to amortize, if appropriate, any difference between cost and underlying equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph c Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 11 -Article 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph b false 9 Deferred income taxes 3 us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -488000000 -488 false false false 2 false true false false -173000000 -173 false false false 3 false true false false -171000000 -171 false false false The component of income tax expense for the period representing the net change in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section I -Subsection 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 289 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 false 10 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 3 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 98000000 98 false false false 2 false true false false 113000000 113 false false false 3 false true false false 41000000 41 false false false The difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of a property, plant, and equipment asset that was sold or retired during the reporting period. This element refers to the gain (loss). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 11 Loss on sale of investments 3 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 190000000 190 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false The difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of an asset that was sold or retired during the reporting period. This element refers to the gain (loss) and not to the cash proceeds of the sale. This element is a noncash adjustment to net income when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. There is also a more specific element for realized gain (loss) on the sale of property, plant, and equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 12 Discontinued operations, net of tax 3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 145000000 145 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 13 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 43 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 47 -Subparagraph c false 13 Foreign exchange and indexation gains, net 3 us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -59000000 -59 false false false 2 false true false false -37000000 -37 false false false 3 false true false false -57000000 -57 false false false The aggregate unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss (pretax) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Represents the aggregate of gains and losses on transactions that are unsettled as of the balance sheet date, which is therefore an adjustment to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations. (Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting entity's financial statements. For certain entities, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.) Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 false 14 Unrealized derivative losses (gains), net 3 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 243000000 243 false false false 2 false true false false -248000000 -248 false false false 3 false true false false 4000000 4 false false false The increases (decreases) in the market value of derivative instruments, including options, swaps, futures, and forward contracts, which were included in earnings in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 15 Unrealized interest (income) expense, net 3 vale_UnrealizedInterestIncomeExpenseNet vale false debit duration monetary Interest accrual, net. (Payments deducted) false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 18000000 18 false false false 2 false true false false 2000000 2 false false false 3 false true false false 3000000 3 false false false Interest accrual, net. (Payments deducted) No authoritative reference available. false 16 Others 3 us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOther us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 118000000 118 false false false 2 false true false false -5000000 -5 false false false 3 false true false false -16000000 -16 false false false Transactions that do not result in cash inflows or outflows in the period in which they occur, but affect net income and thus are removed when calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the indirect cash flow method. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 17 Decrease (increase) in assets: 2 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingAssetsAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 18 Accounts receivable 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -777000000 -777 false false false 2 false true false false 327000000 327 false false false 3 false true false false 391000000 391 false false false The net change during the reporting period in the total amount due within one year (or one operating cycle) from all parties, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 19 Inventories 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -258000000 -258 false false false 2 false true false false -128000000 -128 false false false 3 false true false false 119000000 119 false false false The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 20 Recoverable taxes 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 48000000 48 false false false 2 false true false false -791000000 -791 false false false 3 false true false false -104000000 -104 false false false The net change during the reporting period in income taxes receivable, which represents the amount due from tax authorities for refunds of overpayments or recoveries of income taxes paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 21 Others 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 125000000 125 false false false 2 false true false false -277000000 -277 false false false 3 false true false false -77000000 -77 false false false The net change during the reporting period in other operating assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 22 Increase (decrease) in liabilities: 2 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLiabilitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 23 Suppliers 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 112000000 112 false false false 2 false true false false 559000000 559 false false false 3 false true false false -103000000 -103 false false false The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations due within one year (or one business cycle). This may include trade payables, amounts due to related parties, royalties payable, and other obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 24 Payroll and related charges 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -277000000 -277 false false false 2 false true false false 108000000 108 false false false 3 false true false false -139000000 -139 false false false The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of pension, postretirement, workers' compensation, and other similar obligations and liabilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 25 Income taxes 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -46000000 -46 false false false 2 false true false false -696000000 -696 false false false 3 false true false false 216000000 216 false false false The net change during the period in the amount of cash payments due to taxing authorities for taxes that are based on the reporting entity's earnings. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 26 Others 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 132000000 132 false false false 2 false true false false -74000000 -74 false false false 3 false true false false 211000000 211 false false false The net change during the reporting period in other operating obligations not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 true 27 Net cash provided by operating activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true na duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 1406000000 1406 false false false 2 false true false false 1411000000 1411 false false false 3 false true false false 2165000000 2165 false false false The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 28 Cash flows from investing activities: 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 29 Short term investments 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 3735000000 3735 false false false 2 false true false false 815000000 815 false false false 3 false true false false -909000000 -909 false false false The cash outflow for securities or other assets acquired with excess cash, having ready marketability, which qualify for treatment as an investing activity based on management's intention and intended by management to be liquidated, if necessary, within the current operating cycle. Includes cash flows from securities classified as trading securities that were acquired for reasons other than sale in the short-term. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 17 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Section Appendix C -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph c false 31 Related parties 3 vale_RelatedPartiesInvestingActivitiesAbstract vale false na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 32 Loan proceeds 4 us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedParties us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -28000000 -28 false false false 2 false true false false -14000000 -14 false false false 3 false true false false -23000000 -23 false false false The cash inflow or outflow associated with long-term loans for related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party, including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 16, 17 false 33 Repayments 4 vale_ProceedsFromRepaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedParties vale false debit duration monetary The cash outflow associated with long-term loans for related parties where one party can exercise control or significant... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 7000000 7 false false false The cash outflow associated with long-term loans for related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party, including affiliates and jointly-controlled companies, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth. No authoritative reference available. false 34 Others 3 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherReceivables us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -5000000 -5 false false false 2 false true false false -4000000 -4 false false false 3 false true false false 4000000 4 false false false The cash outflow for the purchase of other receivables not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph a false 35 Judicial deposits 2 vale_JudicialDeposits vale false credit duration monetary Payments made following Court requirements, in order to be entitled to either initiate or continue a legal action. These... false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -116000000 -116 false false false 2 false true false false -55000000 -55 false false false 3 false true false false -19000000 -19 false false false Payments made following Court requirements, in order to be entitled to either initiate or continue a legal action. These amounts are released upon receipt of a final favorable outcome from the legal action. In the case of an unfavorable outcome, the deposits are transferred to the prevailing party. No authoritative reference available. false 36 Investments 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -28000000 -28 false false false 2 false true false false -806000000 -806 false false false 3 false true false false -138000000 -138 false false false The cash outflow associated with the purchase of all investments (debt, security, other) during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 17 false 37 Additions to, property, plant and equipment 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -1817000000 -1817 false false false 2 false true false false -2755000000 -2755 false false false 3 false true false false -1688000000 -1688 false false false The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c false 38 Proceeds from disposal of investments/property, plant and equipment 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 158000000 158 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false The cash inflow from the sale of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph c false 39 Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -850000000 -850 false false false The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 17 true 40 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 1741000000 1741 false false false 2 false true false false -2661000000 -2661 false false false 3 false true false false -3616000000 -3616 false false false The net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 41 Cash flows from financing activities: 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 42 Short-term debt, additions 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromShortTermDebt us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 1632000000 1632 false false false 2 false true false false 323000000 323 false false false 3 false true false false 103000000 103 false false false The cash inflow from a borrowing having initial term of repayment within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph b false 43 Short-term debt, repayments 2 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfShortTermDebt us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -1649000000 -1649 false false false 2 false true false false -379000000 -379 false false false 3 false true false false -74000000 -74 false false false The cash outflow for a borrowing having initial term of repayment within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b false 45 Related parties 3 vale_RelatedPartiesFinancingActivitiesAbstract vale false na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 46 Loan proceeds 4 vale_LoanProceedsFinancingActivities vale false debit duration monetary The cash inflow or outflow associated with long-term loans for related parties where one party can exercise control or... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 10000000 10 false false false 2 false true false false 16000000 16 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false The cash inflow or outflow associated with long-term loans for related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party, including affiliates and jointly-controlled companies, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth. No authoritative reference available. false 47 Repayments 4 vale_RepaymentsFinancingActivities vale false credit duration monetary The cash inflow or outflow associated with long-term loans for related parties where one party can exercise control or... false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -1000000 -1 false false false 2 false true false false -15000000 -15 false false false 3 false true false false -68000000 -68 false false false The cash inflow or outflow associated with long-term loans for related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party, including affiliates and jointly-controlled companies, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth. No authoritative reference available. false 48 Issuances of long-term debt 3 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 49 Third parties 4 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 1059000000 1059 false false false 2 false true false false 1537000000 1537 false false false 3 false true false false 185000000 185 false false false The cash inflow from other borrowings not otherwise defined in the taxonomy (with maturities initially due beyond one year or the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph b false 50 Repayments of long-term debt 3 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 51 Third parties 4 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherLongTermDebt us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -250000000 -250 false false false 2 false true false false -48000000 -48 false false false 3 false true false false -110000000 -110 false false false The cash outflow for borrowing not otherwise defined in the taxonomy (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a false 53 Dividends and interest attributed to Company's stockholders 2 vale_DividendsAndInterestAttributedToStockholders vale false credit duration monetary The cash outflow for the return on capital to the shareholders. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false -1469000000 -1469 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false The cash outflow for the return on capital to the shareholders. No authoritative reference available. false 54 Dividends and interest attributed to noncontrolling interest 2 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false true false false -1000000 -1 false false false 2 false true false false -47000000 -47 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false The cash outflow for the return on capital for noncontrolled interest in the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a true 55 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 800000000 800 false false false 2 false true false false -82000000 -82 false false false 3 false true false false 26000000 26 false false false The net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period. 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 25 false 58 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false true false false 7293000000 7293 false false false 2 false true false false 8458000000 8458 false false false 3 false true false false 10331000000 10331 false false false Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 59 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false 11124000000 11124 false false false 2 false true false false 7293000000 7293 false false false 3 false true false false 8997000000 8997 false false false Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. 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