<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?><InstanceReport xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"><Version>2.2.0.25</Version><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><ReportLongName>06261 - Disclosure - Derivative financial instruments (Details 1)</ReportLongName><DisplayLabelColumn>true</DisplayLabelColumn><ShowElementNames>false</ShowElementNames><RoundingOption>In Millions</RoundingOption><HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports><Columns><Column><Id>1</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)

USD ($) / shares

</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>Jan-01-2010_Dec-31-2010</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments /><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>USDEPS</UnitID><UnitType>Divide</UnitType><NumeratorMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></NumeratorMeasure><DenominatorMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>shares</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></DenominatorMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>Pure</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>pure</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>Shares</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>shares</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="12 Months Ended" /><Label Id="2" Label="Dec. 31, 2010" /></Labels></Column><Column><Id>2</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)

USD ($) / shares

</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments /><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>USDEPS</UnitID><UnitType>Divide</UnitType><NumeratorMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></NumeratorMeasure><DenominatorMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>shares</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></DenominatorMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>Pure</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>pure</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>Shares</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>shares</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="12 Months Ended" /><Label Id="2" Label="Dec. 31, 2009" /></Labels></Column><Column><Id>3</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)

USD ($) / shares

</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments /><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>USDEPS</UnitID><UnitType>Divide</UnitType><NumeratorMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></NumeratorMeasure><DenominatorMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>shares</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></DenominatorMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>Shares</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>shares</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="12 Months Ended" /><Label Id="2" Label="Dec. 31, 2008" /></Labels></Column></Columns><Rows><Row><Id>2</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>3</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_DerivativeInstrumentsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>283000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>283</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>true</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-3000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-3</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>true</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-6000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-6</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>true</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>4</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>totallabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>631000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>631</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>1528000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>1528</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-812000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-812</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Aggregate net gain (loss) on all derivative instruments recognized in earnings during the period, before tax effects.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>true</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense),Total</Label></Row><Row><Id>5</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>6</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-10000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-10</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>7</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-283000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-283</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>4000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>4</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>8</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementOfDerivatives</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement of derivatives.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-1225000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-1225</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-146000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-146</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>3000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>3</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement of derivatives.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement of Derivatives, Total</Label></Row><Row><Id>9</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI</Label></Row><Row><Id>10</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-26000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-26</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>2000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>2</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-29000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-29</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 205G

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 44C
 -Subparagraph b
 -Clause 2

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI, Derivatives designated as hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>11</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>4</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Cdi And Tjlp Versus Floating And Fixed Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member_Cdi_And_Tjlp_Versus_Floating_And_Fixed_Swap_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>CDI &amp; TJLP vs. floating &amp; fixed swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_CdiAndTjlpVersusFloatingAndFixedSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="CDI &amp; TJLP vs. floating &amp; fixed swap [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>5</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Cdi And Tjlp Versus Floating And Fixed Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member_Cdi_And_Tjlp_Versus_Floating_And_Fixed_Swap_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>CDI &amp; TJLP vs. floating &amp; fixed swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_CdiAndTjlpVersusFloatingAndFixedSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="CDI &amp; TJLP vs. floating &amp; fixed swap [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>6</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Cdi And Tjlp Versus Floating And Fixed Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member_Cdi_And_Tjlp_Versus_Floating_And_Fixed_Swap_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>CDI &amp; TJLP vs. floating &amp; fixed swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_CdiAndTjlpVersusFloatingAndFixedSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="CDI &amp; TJLP vs. floating &amp; fixed swap [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>CDI &amp; TJLP vs. floating &amp; fixed swap [Member] | Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>12</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>13</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>451000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>451</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>1598000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>1598</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>48000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>48</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>14</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>15</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-956000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-956</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-243000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-243</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-397000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-397</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>17</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>7</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Usd Floating Rate Versus Fixed Usd Rate Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member_Usd_Floating_Rate_Versus_Fixed_Usd_Rate_Swap_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>USD floating rate vs. fixed USD rate swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_UsdFloatingRateVersusFixedUsdRateSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>8</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Usd Floating Rate Versus Fixed Usd Rate Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Usd_Floating_Rate_Versus_Fixed_Usd_Rate_Swap_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>USD floating rate vs. fixed USD rate swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_UsdFloatingRateVersusFixedUsdRateSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>9</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Usd Floating Rate Versus Fixed Usd Rate Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Usd_Floating_Rate_Versus_Fixed_Usd_Rate_Swap_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>USD floating rate vs. fixed USD rate swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_UsdFloatingRateVersusFixedUsdRateSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>USD floating rate vs. fixed USD rate swap [Member] | Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>18</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>19</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-2000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-2</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-2000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-2</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>7000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>7</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>20</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>21</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>3000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>3</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>8000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>8</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>23</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>10</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Euro Floating Rate Versus Usd Floating Rate Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Euro_Floating_Rate_Versus_Usd_Floating_Rate_Swap_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>EURO floating rate vs. USD floating rate swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_EuroFloatingRateVersusUsdFloatingRateSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>11</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Euro Floating Rate Versus Usd Floating Rate Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member_Euro_Floating_Rate_Versus_Usd_Floating_Rate_Swap_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>EURO floating rate vs. USD floating rate swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_EuroFloatingRateVersusUsdFloatingRateSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>12</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Euro Floating Rate Versus Usd Floating Rate Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Euro_Floating_Rate_Versus_Usd_Floating_Rate_Swap_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>EURO floating rate vs. USD floating rate swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_EuroFloatingRateVersusUsdFloatingRateSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>EURO floating rate vs. USD floating rate swap [Member] | Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>24</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>25</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-1000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-1</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-684000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-684</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>26</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>27</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>1000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>1</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-1000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-1</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>1000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>1</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>29</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>13</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Aud Floating Rate Versus Fixed Usd Rate Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member_Aud_Floating_Rate_Versus_Fixed_Usd_Rate_Swap_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>AUD floating rate vs. fixed USD rate swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_AudFloatingRateVersusFixedUsdRateSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>14</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Aud Floating Rate Versus Fixed Usd Rate Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Aud_Floating_Rate_Versus_Fixed_Usd_Rate_Swap_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>AUD floating rate vs. fixed USD rate swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_AudFloatingRateVersusFixedUsdRateSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>AUD floating rate vs. fixed USD rate swap [Member] | Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>30</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>31</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>3000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>3</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>14000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>14</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>32</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>33</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-9000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-9</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-5000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-5</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>35</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>15</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Euro Bond Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Euro_Bond_Swap_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>EuroBond Swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_EuroBondSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="EuroBond Swap [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>EuroBond Swap [Member] | Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>36</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>37</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-5000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-5</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>38</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>39</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-1000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-1</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>41</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>16</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Pre Dollar Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Pre_Dollar_Swap_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Pre Dollar Swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_PreDollarSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Pre Dollar Swap [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>17</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Pre Dollar Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Pre_Dollar_Swap_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Pre Dollar Swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_PreDollarSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Pre Dollar Swap [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>18</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Pre Dollar Swap Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member_Pre_Dollar_Swap_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Pre Dollar Swap [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_PreDollarSwapMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Pre Dollar Swap [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Pre Dollar Swap [Member] | Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>42</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>43</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>44</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>45</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>46</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI</Label></Row><Row><Id>47</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrument</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>debit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Derivative instruments gain loss recognized in other comprehensive income not designated as hedging instrument.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Derivative instruments gain loss recognized in other comprehensive income not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI, Derivatives not designated as hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>48</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>19</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Swap Convertibles Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Swap_Convertibles_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Swap Convertibles [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_SwapConvertiblesMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Swap Convertibles [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Swap Convertibles [Member] | Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>49</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>50</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>37000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>37</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>51</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>52</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-37000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-37</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>54</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>20</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis} : Swap Ndf Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Swap_Ndf_Member_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Swap NDF [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_SwapNdfMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Swap NDF [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Swap NDF [Member] | Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>55</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>56</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>4000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>4</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>57</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>58</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-2000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-2</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>60</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>21</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>22</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>23</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Foreign_Exchange_And_Interest_Rate_Risk_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeAndInterestRateRiskMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Foreign exchange and interest rate risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>61</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>62</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>487000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>487</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>1610000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>1610</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-629000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-629</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>63</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>64</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-1001000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-1001</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-241000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-241</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-396000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-396</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>66</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>24</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Maritime Freight Hiring Protection Program [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Commodity_Contract_Member_Maritime_Freight_Hiring_Protection_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Maritime Freight Hiring Protection Program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_MaritimeFreightHiringProtectionProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Maritime Freight Hiring Protection Program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>25</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Maritime Freight Hiring Protection Program [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Commodity_Contract_Member_Maritime_Freight_Hiring_Protection_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Maritime Freight Hiring Protection Program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_MaritimeFreightHiringProtectionProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Maritime Freight Hiring Protection Program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Maritime Freight Hiring Protection Program [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>67</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>68</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-5000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-5</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>66000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>66</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>69</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>70</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-24000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-24</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-37000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-37</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>72</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>26</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Nickel Strategic Program [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Commodity_Contract_Member_Nickel_Strategic_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Nickel Strategic Program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NickelStrategicProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Nickel Strategic Program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>27</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Nickel Strategic Program [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Commodity_Contract_Member_Nickel_Strategic_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Nickel Strategic Program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NickelStrategicProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Nickel Strategic Program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>28</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Nickel Strategic Program [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Nickel_Strategic_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Nickel Strategic Program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NickelStrategicProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Nickel Strategic Program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Nickel Strategic Program [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>73</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>74</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-87000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-87</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-95000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-95</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-3000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-3</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>75</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>76</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>105000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>105</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>73000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>73</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>78</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>29</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Commodity_Contract_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>30</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Commodity_Contract_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>31</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>79</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>80</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-88000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-88</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>22000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>22</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-229000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-229</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>81</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>82</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>59000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>59</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>105000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>105</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>409000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>409</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>84</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>32</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Nickel Purchase program [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Nickel_Purchase_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Nickel Purchase program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NickelPurchaseProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Nickel Purchase program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Nickel Purchase program [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>85</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>86</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>21000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>21</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>89</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>33</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Nickel Fixed price program [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Commodity_Contract_Member_Nickel_Fixed_Price_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Nickel Fixed price program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NickelFixedPriceProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Nickel Fixed price program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>34</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Nickel Fixed price program [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Commodity_Contract_Member_Nickel_Fixed_Price_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Nickel Fixed price program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NickelFixedPriceProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Nickel Fixed price program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>35</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Nickel Fixed price program [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Nickel_Fixed_Price_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Nickel Fixed price program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NickelFixedPriceProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Nickel Fixed price program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Nickel Fixed price program [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>90</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>91</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>4000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>4</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>5000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>5</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-102000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-102</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>92</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>93</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-7000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-7</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>79000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>79</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>48000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>48</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>95</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>36</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Aluminium [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Commodity_Contract_Member_Aluminium_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Aluminium [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_AluminiumMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Aluminium [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Aluminium [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>97</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>98</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>16000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>16</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>100</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>37</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Platinum [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Platinum_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Platinum [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_PlatinumMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Platinum [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Platinum [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>101</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>102</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-5000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-5</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>103</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>104</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>26000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>26</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>106</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>38</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Gold [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Gold_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Gold [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_GoldMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Gold [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Gold [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>107</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>108</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-30000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-30</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>109</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>110</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>42000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>42</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>112</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>39</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Natural Gas [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Commodity_Contract_Member_Natural_Gas_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Natural Gas [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NaturalGasMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Natural Gas [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>40</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Natural Gas [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Natural_Gas_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Natural Gas [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NaturalGasMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Natural Gas [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Natural Gas [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>113</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>114</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-4000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-4</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>4000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>4</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>115</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>116</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>6000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>6</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>118</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>41</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Aluminum [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Aluminum_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Aluminum [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_AluminumMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Aluminum [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Aluminum [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>119</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>120</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-68000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-68</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>121</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>122</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>112000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>112</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>124</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>42</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Commodity_Contract_Member_Bunker_Oil_Hedge_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_BunkerOilHedgeMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>43</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Commodity_Contract_Member_Bunker_Oil_Hedge_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_BunkerOilHedgeMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>44</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Bunker_Oil_Hedge_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_BunkerOilHedgeMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Bunker Oil Hedge [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>125</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>126</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>4000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>4</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>50000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>50</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-17000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-17</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>127</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>128</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-34000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-34</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-16000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-16</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>130</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>45</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Coal [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Commodity_Contract_Member_Coal_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Coal [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_CoalMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Coal [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Coal [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>131</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>132</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-4000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-4</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>133</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>134</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>3000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>3</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>136</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>46</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Copper Purchased Scrap Protection Program Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Copper_Purchased_Scrap_Protection_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Copper Purchased Scrap Protection Program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_CopperPurchasedScrapProtectionProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Copper Purchased Scrap Protection Program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Copper Purchased Scrap Protection Program [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>137</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>138</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-23000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-23</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>139</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>140</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>201000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>201</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>142</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>47</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Copper Strategic Hedging Program Member
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Commodities Price risk [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Commodity_Contract_Member_Copper_Strategic_Hedging_Program_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Copper Strategic Hedging Program [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_CopperStrategicHedgingProgramMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Commodities Price risk [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_CommodityContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Copper Strategic Hedging Program [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Commodities Price risk [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Copper Strategic Hedging Program [Member] | Commodities Price risk [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>143</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>144</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-6000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-6</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>145</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>146</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-30000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-30</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>148</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>48</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Customer Raw Material Contracts [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Embedded derivatives [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Other_Contract_Member_Customer_Raw_Material_Contracts_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Customer Raw Material Contracts [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_CustomerRawMaterialContractsMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Embedded derivatives [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_OtherContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Customer Raw Material Contracts [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Embedded derivatives [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>49</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Customer Raw Material Contracts [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Embedded derivatives [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Other_Contract_Member_Customer_Raw_Material_Contracts_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Customer Raw Material Contracts [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_CustomerRawMaterialContractsMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Embedded derivatives [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_OtherContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Customer Raw Material Contracts [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Embedded derivatives [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Customer Raw Material Contracts [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>149</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>150</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-76000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-76</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>10000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>10</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>151</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>152</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-10000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-10</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>154</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>50</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Embedded derivatives [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Other_Contract_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Embedded derivatives [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_OtherContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Embedded derivatives [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>51</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Embedded derivatives [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Other_Contract_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Embedded derivatives [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_OtherContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Embedded derivatives [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>52</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Embedded derivatives [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Other_Contract_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Embedded derivatives [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_OtherContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Embedded derivatives [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Embedded derivatives [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>155</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>156</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-51000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-51</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-101000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-101</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>52000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>52</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>157</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>158</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-14000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-14</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>160</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>53</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Nickel Concentrate Costumer Sales [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Embedded derivatives [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Other_Contract_Member_Nickel_Concentrate_Costumer_Sales_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Nickel Concentrate Costumer Sales [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NickelConcentrateCostumerSalesMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Embedded derivatives [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_OtherContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Nickel Concentrate Costumer Sales [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Embedded derivatives [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>54</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Nickel Concentrate Costumer Sales [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Embedded derivatives [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Other_Contract_Member_Nickel_Concentrate_Costumer_Sales_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Nickel Concentrate Costumer Sales [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_NickelConcentrateCostumerSalesMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Embedded derivatives [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_OtherContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Nickel Concentrate Costumer Sales [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Embedded derivatives [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Nickel Concentrate Costumer Sales [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>161</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>162</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-25000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-25</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>29000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>29</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>163</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>164</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-14000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-14</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement Derivatives Not Designated As Hedge</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement Derivatives not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>166</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>55</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Energy - Aluminum options [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Embedded derivatives [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Other_Contract_Member_Energy_Aluminum_Options_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Energy - Aluminum options [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_EnergyAluminumOptionsMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Embedded derivatives [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_OtherContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Energy - Aluminum options [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Embedded derivatives [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>56</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Energy - Aluminum options [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Embedded derivatives [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Other_Contract_Member_Energy_Aluminum_Options_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Energy - Aluminum options [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_EnergyAluminumOptionsMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Embedded derivatives [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_OtherContractMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Energy - Aluminum options [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="Embedded derivatives [Member]" /><Label Id="3" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Energy - Aluminum options [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>167</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>168</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-51000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-51</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>13000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>13</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 45
 -Subparagraph b(1)(b)

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), not Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>171</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>57</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Aluminium [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Aluminium_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Aluminium [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_AluminiumMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Aluminium [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>58</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Aluminium [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Aluminium_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Aluminium [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_AluminiumMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Aluminium [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>59</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Aluminium [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Aluminium_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Aluminium [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_AluminiumMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Aluminium [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Aluminium [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>174</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI</Label></Row><Row><Id>175</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>31000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>31</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-36000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-36</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-29000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-29</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 205G

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 44C
 -Subparagraph b
 -Clause 2

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI, Derivatives designated as hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>176</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>60</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Foreign Exchange Cash Flow Hedge [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Foreign_Exchange_Cash_Flow_Hedge_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign Exchange Cash Flow Hedge [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeCashFlowHedgeMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Foreign Exchange Cash Flow Hedge [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>61</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Foreign Exchange Cash Flow Hedge [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Foreign_Exchange_Cash_Flow_Hedge_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Foreign Exchange Cash Flow Hedge [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_ForeignExchangeCashFlowHedgeMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Foreign Exchange Cash Flow Hedge [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Foreign Exchange Cash Flow Hedge [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>177</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>178</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_DerivativeInstrumentsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>284000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>284</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>179</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>180</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-330000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-330</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>181</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI</Label></Row><Row><Id>182</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-5000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-5</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>38000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>38</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 205G

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 44C
 -Subparagraph b
 -Clause 2

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI, Derivatives designated as hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>183</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>62</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Aluminum [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Aluminum_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Aluminum [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_AluminumMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Aluminum [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>63</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Aluminum [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Aluminum_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Aluminum [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_AluminumMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Aluminum [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Aluminum [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>184</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>185</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_DerivativeInstrumentsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>13000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>13</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>186</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>187</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>47000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>47</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer>[1]</FootnoteIndexer><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>189</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>64</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Bunker_Oil_Hedge_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2009-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2009-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_BunkerOilHedgeMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009" /></Labels></Columns><Columns><Id>65</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Bunker_Oil_Hedge_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2008-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2008-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_BunkerOilHedgeMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Bunker Oil Hedge [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>190</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>191</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_DerivativeInstrumentsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-16000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-16</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-6000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-6</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>192</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial settlement.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial settlement.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial settlement</Label></Row><Row><Id>193</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_FinancialSettlementDerivativesDesignatedAsHedge</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>4000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>4</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Financial Settlement, Derivatives designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>195</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://vale.com/role/derivativefinancialinstrumentsdetails1</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>66</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis} : Strategic Nickel Member
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthEnded_31Dec2010_Strategic_Nickel_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000917851</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Strategic Nickel [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>vale_StrategicNickelMember</Id><dimensionId>vale_TypeOfDerivativesAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Strategic Nickel [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Strategic Nickel [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>196</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense)</Label></Row><Row><Id>197</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>vale_DerivativeInstrumentsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>vale</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-1000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-1</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in financial income (expense), Designated as Hedge</Label></Row><Row><Id>199</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNetAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI</Label></Row><Row><Id>200</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>verboselabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-52000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-52</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>true</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>2</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell><Cell><Id>3</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 205G

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 133
 -Paragraph 44C
 -Subparagraph b
 -Clause 2

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI, Derivatives designated as hedge</Label></Row></Rows><Footnotes><Footnote><NoteId>1</NoteId><Note>Sold in April 2009</Note></Footnote></Footnotes><NumberOfCols>3</NumberOfCols><NumberOfRows>165</NumberOfRows><ReportName>Derivative financial instruments (Details 1) (USD $)</ReportName><MonetaryRoundingLevel>Millions</MonetaryRoundingLevel><SharesRoundingLevel>UnKnown</SharesRoundingLevel><PerShareRoundingLevel>UnKnown</PerShareRoundingLevel><ExchangeRateRoundingLevel>UnKnown</ExchangeRateRoundingLevel><HasCustomUnits>false</HasCustomUnits><SharesShouldBeRounded>true</SharesShouldBeRounded></InstanceReport>
