Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Proceeds received from Nacala project finance	$ 2,572

The amount received during the period from related party as loan payments.

No definition available.

Name:	vale_ReceiptsOfPaymentsOfRelatedPartyLoans
Namespace Prefix:	vale_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration