Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Total FCX Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Common Stock Held in Treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 25,231	$ 20,934	$ 117	$ 22,161	$ 2,742	$ (405)	$ (3,681)	$ 4,297
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013			1,165				127
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercised and issued stock-based awards	5	5	0	5	0	0	0	0
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)			1				0
Stock-based compensation	26	26	0	26	0	0	0	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards	(2)	(2)	0	0	0	0	(2)	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards (in shares)			0				0
Dividends on common stock	(326)	(326)	0	0	(326)	0	0	0
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(70)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(70)
Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders	510	510	0	0	510	0	0	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	106	0	0	0	0	0	0	106
Other comprehensive income	3	3	0	0	0	3	0	0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$ 25,483	$ 21,150	$ 117	$ 22,192	$ 2,926	$ (402)	$ (3,683)	$ 4,333
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014			1,166				127