Subsequent Events (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS FCX evaluated events after September 30, 2013, and through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued, and determined any events or transactions occurring during this period that would require recognition or disclosure are appropriately addressed in these consolidated financial statements. Environmental. Following is an update to a previously reported environmental litigation matter included in Note 13 of FCX's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Blackwell. In October 2013, the parties to the suit entitled Board of Commissioners of the County of Kay, Oklahoma v. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., et. al., pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, agreed in principle to settle the suit for an amount that is not material to FCX, subject to negotiation of a final agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and completion of definitive settlement documents. On October 12, 2013, the court administratively dismissed the case on that basis. Debt. In October 2013, holders of MMR's outstanding 5¼% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 converted their notes into merger consideration totaling $67 million, including cash payments of $59 million and 4.6 million royalty trust units with a fair value of $8 million at the acquisition date. On October 15, 2013, FCX announced its intent to redeem the $299 million of MMR's outstanding 11.875% Senior Notes due 2014 on November 15, 2013. Holders of record will receive the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest. FCX expects to record a gain of $8 million in fourth-quarter 2013 in connection with this redemption. Exploration Commitment. FM O&G has a definitive agreement to participate in an exploration program offshore the Kingdom of Morocco. In October 2013, FM O&G obtained Moroccan government approval and made a payment of $15 million to farm-in to Pura Vida Energy’s 75 percent working interest in the approximate 2.7 million acre Mazagan permit area in the Essaouira Basin offshore Morocco. FM O&G will earn a 52 percent working interest and act as operator in exchange for funding 100 percent of the costs of certain specified exploration activities, including a commitment to fund and drill two wells, subject to a maximum commitment of $215 million (excluding the $15 million payment to Pura Vida Energy). Drilling is expected to commence late 2014 or early 2015.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

FCX evaluated events after September 30, 2013, and through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued, and determined any events or transactions occurring during this period that would require recognition or disclosure are appropriately addressed in these consolidated financial statements.

Environmental. Following is an update to a previously reported environmental litigation matter included in Note 13 of FCX's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Blackwell. In October 2013, the parties to the suit entitled Board of Commissioners of the County of Kay, Oklahoma v. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., et. al., pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, agreed in principle to settle the suit for an amount that is not material to FCX, subject to negotiation of a final agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and completion of definitive settlement documents. On October 12, 2013, the court administratively dismissed the case on that basis.

Debt. In October 2013, holders of MMR's outstanding 5¼% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 converted their notes into merger consideration totaling $67 million, including cash payments of $59 million and 4.6 million royalty trust units with a fair value of $8 million at the acquisition date.

On October 15, 2013, FCX announced its intent to redeem the $299 million of MMR's outstanding 11.875% Senior Notes due 2014 on November 15, 2013. Holders of record will receive the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest. FCX expects to record a gain of $8 million in fourth-quarter 2013 in connection with this redemption.

Exploration Commitment. FM O&G has a definitive agreement to participate in an exploration program offshore the Kingdom of Morocco. In October 2013, FM O&G obtained Moroccan government approval and made a payment of $15 million to farm-in to Pura Vida Energy’s 75 percent working interest in the approximate 2.7 million acre Mazagan permit area in the Essaouira Basin offshore Morocco. FM O&G will earn a 52 percent working interest and act as operator in exchange for funding 100 percent of the costs of certain specified exploration activities, including a commitment to fund and drill two wells, subject to a maximum commitment of $215 million (excluding the $15 million payment to Pura Vida Energy). Drilling is expected to commence late 2014 or early 2015.