Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions	Total	Total FCX Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Stock Held in Treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 14,560	$ 12,504	$ 107	$ 18,751	$ (2,590)	$ (323)	$ (3,441)	$ 2,056
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010			1,067				122
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercised and issued stock-based awards	42	42	0	42	0	0	0	0
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)			4				0
Stock-based compensation	68	68	0	68	0	0	0	0
Tax benefit for stock-based awards	14	14	0	14	0	0	0	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards	(45)	(45)	0	67	0	0	(112)	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards (in shares)			0				1
Dividends on common stock	(949)	(949)	0	0	(949)	0	0	0
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(195)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(195)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	13	0	0	0	0	0	0	13
Comprehensive income:
Net income	3,587	2,867	0	0	2,867	0	0	720
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Translation adjustment	1	1	0	0	0	1	0	0
Defined benefit plans:
Amortization of unrecognized amounts	6	6				6
Other comprehensive income	7	7	0	0	0	7	0	0
Total comprehensive income	3,594	2,874	0	0	0	0	0	720
Balance at Jun. 30, 2011	$ 17,102	$ 14,508	$ 107	$ 18,942	$ (672)	$ (316)	$ (3,553)	$ 2,594
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2011			1,071				123