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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.falsefalseCash flows from operating activities:4false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse60480000006048falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse60750000006075falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse15700000001570falsetruefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse1745300000017453falsetruefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse54560000005456falsetruefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse1347600000013476falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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) falsefalseNet income5true0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseAdjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations:6false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse10730000001073falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse696000000696falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse799000000799falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse32600000003260falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse27220000002722falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse28070000002807falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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.falsefalseDepreciation, depletion and amortization7false0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse629000000629falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse283000000283falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse243000000243falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse11610000001161falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse386000000386falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse513000000513falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis 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 falsefalseDividends received8false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-303000000-303falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-305000000-305falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-71000000-71falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-987000000-987falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-433000000-433falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-794000000-794falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis 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 falsefalseEquity in results of affiliates, joint ventures and other investments9false0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-412000000-412falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-443000000-443falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-173000000-173falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-1291000000-1291falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse1600000016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-803000000-803falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseDeferred income taxes10false0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse950000000950falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryLoss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph e(2) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 43 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 47 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 20 falsefalseImpairment of goodwill11false0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipmentus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse248000000248falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse229000000229falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse113000000113falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse623000000623falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse293000000293falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse376000000376falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalse(Gain) Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment12false0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse190000000190falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-40000000-40falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-80000000-80falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net realized gain or loss on investments sold during the period, which, for cash flow reporting, is a component of proceeds from investing activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalse(Gain) Loss on sale of investments13false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-8000000-8falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse143000000143falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis 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 falsefalseDiscontinued operations, net of tax14false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealizedus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-72000000-72falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-150000000-150falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-37000000-37falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-301000000-301falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-1095000000-1095falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse451000000451falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseForeign exchange and indexation gains, net15false0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse532000000532falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-403000000-403falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-248000000-248falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse594000000594falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-1382000000-1382falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse809000000809falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseUnrealized derivative losses (gains), net16false0vale_UnrealizedInterestIncomeExpenseNetvalefalsedebitdurationInterest accrual, net. (Payments deducted)falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-43000000-43falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse225000000225falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse187000000187falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-25000000-25falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse116000000116falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInterest accrual, net. (Payments deducted)No authoritative reference available.falsefalseUnrealized interest (income) expense, net17false0us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOtherus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-27000000-27falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-17000000-17falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-5000000-5falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse5800000058falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse2000000020falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-3000000-3falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTransactions 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 falsefalseOthers18true0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingAssetsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseDecrease (increase) in assets:19false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivablesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-639000000-639falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-776000000-776falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse327000000327falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-3800000000-3800falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse616000000616falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-466000000-466falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseAccounts receivable20false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventoriesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse404000000404falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-441000000-441falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-128000000-128falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-425000000-425falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse530000000530falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-467000000-467falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseInventories21false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivableus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-70000000-70falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse142000000142falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-791000000-791falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse4200000042falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse108000000108falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-263000000-263falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseRecoverable taxes22false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition 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available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseIncrease (decrease) in liabilities:24false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-445000000-445falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse876000000876falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse559000000559falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse928000000928falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse121000000121falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse703000000703falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseSuppliers25false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse204000000204falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse160000000160falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse108000000108falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse214000000214falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse159000000159falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalsePayroll and related charges26false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayableus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-93000000-93falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10930000001093falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-696000000-696falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse13110000001311falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-234000000-234falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-140000000-140falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseIncome taxes27false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-35000000-35falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse110000000110falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-74000000-74falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse192000000192falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse373000000373falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-93000000-93falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 truefalseOthers28false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse77080000007708falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse68790000006879falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse14110000001411falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse1966900000019669falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse71360000007136falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse1711400000017114falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 truefalseNet cash provided by operating activities29true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCash flows from investing activities:30false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1793000000-1793falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse815000000815falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse19540000001954falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-1439000000-1439falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-2308000000-2308falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseShort term investments32true0vale_RelatedPartiesInvestingActivitiesAbstractvalefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRelated parties33false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedPartiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-14000000-14falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-28000000-28falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-181000000-181falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-37000000-37falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseLoan proceeds34false0vale_ProceedsFromRepaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedPartiesInInvestingActivitiesvalefalsedebitdurationProceeds from repayments for long term loans for related parties in investing activities.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1000000-1falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse5800000058falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryProceeds from repayments for long term loans for related parties in investing activities.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseRepayments35false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherReceivablesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-17000000-17falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-17000000-17falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-4000000-4falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-30000000-30falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-25000000-25falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-15000000-15falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseOthers36false0vale_JudicialDepositsvalefalsecreditdurationPayments made following Court requirements, in order to be entitled to either initiate or continue a legal action. These...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse9600000096falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-27000000-27falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-55000000-55falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-94000000-94falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-132000000-132falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-133000000-133falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryPayments 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.falsefalseJudicial deposits37false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-36000000-36falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-806000000-806falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-87000000-87falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-1947000000-1947falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-128000000-128falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseInvestments38false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipmentus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-4742000000-4742falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-3852000000-3852falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2755000000-2755falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-12647000000-12647falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-8096000000-8096falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-8972000000-8972falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseAdditions to property, plant and equipment39false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse158000000158falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse606000000606falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse134000000134falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseProceeds from disposal of investments/property, plant and equipment40false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquiredus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedtotal1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1018000000-1018falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-6252000000-6252falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-1952000000-1952falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 truefalseAcquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired41false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-6492000000-6492falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-4915000000-4915falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2661000000-2661falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-17184000000-17184falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-13159000000-13159falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-11401000000-11401falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 truefalseNet cash used in investing activities42true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCash flows from financing activities:43false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromShortTermDebtus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse229000000229falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse147000000147falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse323000000323falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse22330000002233falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse12850000001285falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse10760000001076falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseShort-term debt, additions44false0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfShortTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-147000000-147falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-130000000-130falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-379000000-379falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-2132000000-2132falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-1254000000-1254falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-1311000000-1311falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseShort-term debt, repayments46true0vale_RelatedPartiesFinancingActivitiesAbstractvalefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRelated parties47false0vale_LoanProceedsFinancingActivitiesvalefalsedebitdurationThe cash inflow or outflow associated with long-term loans for related parties where one party can exercise control or...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1600000016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse2400000024falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse1600000016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse5400000054falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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.falsefalseLoan proceeds48false0vale_ProceedsFromRepaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedPartiesInFinancingActivitiesvalefalsedebitdurationProceeds from repayments for long term loans for related parties in financing activities.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-22000000-22falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-15000000-15falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-25000000-25falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-373000000-373falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-20000000-20falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryProceeds from repayments for long term loans for related parties in financing activities.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseRepayments49true0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseIssuances of long-term debt50false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebtus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse891000000891falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse20170000002017falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse15370000001537falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse44360000004436falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse31040000003104falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse18900000001890falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseThird parties51true0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRepayments of long-term debt52false0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherLongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-958000000-958falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1288000000-1288falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-48000000-48falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-2629000000-2629falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-307000000-307falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-1130000000-1130falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow for borrowing not otherwise defined in the taxonomy (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the 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 falsefalseThird parties53false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfEquityus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1655000000-1655falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-341000000-341falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-1996000000-1996falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-9000000-9falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-752000000-752falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to reacquire common and preferred stock.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 falsefalseTreasury stock54false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebtus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse934000000934falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from the issuance of debt instrument which can be exchanged for a specified amount of another security, typically the entity's common stock, at the option of the issuer or the holder.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 falsefalseMandatorily convertible notes55false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholdersus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse660000000660falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse660000000660falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow contributed by noncontrolled interest that purchase additional shares or otherwise increase their ownership stake in a subsidiary of 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 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseTransactions of noncontrolling interest56false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse1219000000012190falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from the issuance of common, preferred, and treasury stocks, stock options, and such forth.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 a falsefalseCapital increase57false0vale_DividendsAndInterestAttributedToStockholdersvalefalsecreditdurationThe cash outflow for the return on capital to the shareholders.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1750000000-1750falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1469000000-1469falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-3000000000-3000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-2724000000-2724falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-2850000000-2850falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow for the return on capital to the shareholders.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseDividends and interest attributed to Company's stockholders58false0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterestus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedtotal1truefalsefalse-81000000-81falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-47000000-47falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-140000000-140falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-47000000-47falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-143000000-143falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 truefalseDividends and interest attributed to noncontrolling interest59false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-3491000000-3491falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10720000001072falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-82000000-82falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-2569000000-2569falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse625000000625falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse90040000009004falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 truefalseNet cash provided by (used in) financing activities60false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-2275000000-2275falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30360000003036falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1332000000-1332falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-84000000-84falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-5398000000-5398falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse1471700000014717falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change between the beginning and ending balance of 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 26 falsefalseIncrease (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents61false0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse136000000136falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse452000000452falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse167000000167falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse375000000375falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse23600000002360falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-5432000000-5432falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 25 falsefalseEffect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents62false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse97230000009723falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse62350000006235falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse84580000008458falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse72930000007293falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse1033100000010331falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse10460000001046falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncludes 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 falsefalseCash and cash equivalents, beginning of period63false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse75840000007584falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse97230000009723falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse72930000007293falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse75840000007584falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse72930000007293falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse1033100000010331falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncludes 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 falsefalseCash and cash equivalents, end of period64true0vale_CashPaidDuringPeriodForAbstractvalefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCash paid during the period for:65false0us-gaap_InterestExpenseShortTermBorrowingsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-2000000-2falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-2000000-2falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-5000000-5falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-1000000-1falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-11000000-11falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate interest expense incurred on short-term borrowings including commercial paper and Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 7 -Article 9 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher OTS -Name Federal Regulation (FR) -Number Title 12 -Chapter V -Section 563c.102 -Paragraph 7 -Subsection II falsefalseInterest on short-term debt66false0us-gaap_InterestExpenseLongTermDebtus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-314000000-314falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-242000000-242falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-289000000-289falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-1097000000-1097falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-1113000000-1113falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-1255000000-1255falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate amount of interest paid or due on all long-term debt.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 8 -Article 9 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher OTS -Name Federal Regulation (FR) -Number Title 12 -Chapter V -Section 563c.102 -Paragraph 8 -Subsection I falsefalseInterest on long-term debt67false0us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1100000000-1100falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-705000000-705falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-973000000-973falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-1972000000-1972falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse-1331000000-1331falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse-2867000000-2867falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph f falsefalseIncome tax68true0vale_NonCashTransactionsAbstractvalefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseNon-cash transactions69false0us-gaap_CashPaidForCapitalizedInterestus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse3800000038falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2400000024falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse7700000077falsetruefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse164000000164falsetruefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse266000000266falsetruefalsefalsefalse6truefalsefalse230000000230falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of cash paid during the current period for interest owed on money borrowed that is not charged as an expense but rather is capitalized based on the long term nature of the use of the borrowed funds.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 29 falsefalseInterest capitalized665Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue