Basis of Presentation (Details) (BRL)	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Basis of Presentation (Textuals)
Exchange rates used to Translate assets and liabilities	1.6287	1.6662

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vale_ExchangeRatesUsedToTranslateAssetsAndLiabilities

Namespace Prefix:

vale

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

instant