X0303 4 2011-03-03 false 0000064279 MCMORAN EXPLORATION CO /DE/ MMR 0001200810 BETHEA MORRISON C 1615 POYDRAS STREET NEW ORLEANS LA 70112 false false false true Advisory Director Common Stock 2011-03-03 4 M false 250 15.26 A 21750 D Common Stock 2011-03-03 4 M false 750 13.075 A 22500 D Common Stock 2011-03-03 4 M false 500 4.275 A 23000 D Common Stock 2011-03-03 4 M false 1250 7.46 A 24250 D Common Stock 2011-03-03 4 S false 2750 17.2401 D 21500 D Option (right to buy) 15.26 2011-03-03 4 M false 250 0 D 2006-05-01 2011-06-01 Common Stock 250 0 D Option (right to buy) 13.075 2011-03-03 4 M false 750 0 D 2004-05-09 2011-06-01 Common Stock 750 0 D Option (right to buy) 4.275 2011-03-03 4 M false 500 0 D 2004-05-09 2012-06-01 Common Stock 500 0 D Options (Right to Buy) 7.46 2011-03-03 4 M false 1250 0 D 2010-06-01 2019-06-01 Common Stock 1250 3750 D 50% exercisable on the date indicated and 25% exercisable on June 1, 2004 and on the next anniversary thereof. 25% exercisable on the date indicated and 25% exercisable on June 1, 2004, and on each of the next two anniversaries thereof. 25% exercisable on the date indicated and 25% exercisable on each of the next three anniversaries thereof. The price reported represents the weighted average price of the shares sold. Shares were sold at varying prices in the range of $17.2302 - $17.251. The Reporting Person hereby undertakes, upon request of the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the issuer or a security holder of the issuer, to provide full information regarding the number of shares purchased at each separate price. Kelly C. Simoneaux on behalf of Morrison C. Bethea pursuant to a power of attorney 2011-03-04