Information by business segment and by geographic area - Special events occurred during the year (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Information by business segment and by geographic area
Result in disposal of assets (note 19)	$ (322)	$ (481)	$ (66)
Nacala Logistic Corridor (note 16)		458
Impairment and onerous contracts (note 20)	(577)	(271)	(1,174)
Total	$ (899)	$ (294)	$ (1,240)

No definition available.

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- Definition

The gains (losses) on disposals of non-current assets. [Refer: Non-current assets]

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
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- Definition

The profit (loss) on disposal of investments and changes in the value of investments. [Refer: Profit (loss)]

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IAS
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- Definition

The amount of impairment of non-current assets and onerous contracts loss

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of expense related to special events that occurred during the period hat significantly impacted the income statement due to their size and nature. To determine whether an event or transaction is non recurring, the entity considers quantitative and qualitative factors, such as frequency and impact on the result.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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