INVENTORIES, INCLUDING LONG-TERM MILL AND LEACH STOCKPILES (Components of Inventories) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 238		$ 288		$ 238
Work-in-process	199		174		199
Finished goods	1,146		1,099		1,146
Total product inventories	1,583		1,561		1,583
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	1,705		1,914		1,705
Total material and supplies, net	1,730	[1]	1,886	[1]	1,730	[1]
Long-term mill and leach stockpiles	2,386		2,179		2,386
Inventory Write-down	76		76		76
Inventory obsolescence reserves	24		20		24
Current [Member]
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Mill Stockpiles	91		86		91
Leach stockpiles	1,614	[2]	1,828		1,614	[2]
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	1,705		1,914		1,705
Long-Term [Member]
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Mill Stockpiles	698		360		698
Leach stockpiles	1,688		1,819		1,688
Long-term mill and leach stockpiles	$ 2,386	[3]	$ 2,179	[3]	$ 2,386	[3]

[1] Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $20 million at December 31, 2014, and $24 million at December 31, 2013.

[2] Amount is net of a $76 million charge associated with updated mine plans at Morenci that resulted in a loss in recoverable copper in leach stockpiles.

[3] Estimated metals in stockpiles not expected to be recovered within the next 12 months.