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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended 7 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Stock Based Compensation Included In General And Administrative Expense $ 79fcx_StockBasedCompensationIncludedInGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense $ 145fcx_StockBasedCompensationIncludedInGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense $ 77fcx_StockBasedCompensationIncludedInGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense    
Stock Based Compensation Included In Production and Delivery Expense 28fcx_StockBasedCompensationIncludedInProductionandDeliveryExpense 28fcx_StockBasedCompensationIncludedInProductionandDeliveryExpense 23fcx_StockBasedCompensationIncludedInProductionandDeliveryExpense    
Capitalized costs (23)us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount (13)us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount 0us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount    
Stock-based compensation 130us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense 186us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense 100us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense    
Tax Benefit and Noncontrolling Interests' Share (42)fcx_TaxBenefitandNoncontrollingInterestsShare (66)fcx_TaxBenefitandNoncontrollingInterestsShare (39)fcx_TaxBenefitandNoncontrollingInterestsShare    
Impact on net income 65us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax 107us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax 61us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax    
Stock appreciation rights outstanding and included in stock options 1,413,153fcx_StockAppreciationRightsOutstandingAndIncludedInStockOptions        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 3,653us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent 3,708us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent   3,708us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent 3,708us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Share-based Compensation [Roll Forward]          
Balance at beginning of period (in number of options/units) 45,130,661us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber        
Granted (in number of options/units) 3,276,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod        
Exercised (in number of options/units) (1,950,130)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised        
Expired/Forfeited (in number of options/units) (526,792)us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod        
Balance at end of period (in number of options/units) 45,929,739us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber 45,130,661us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber   45,130,661us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber 45,130,661us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
Stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and additional disclosures [Abstract]          
Weighted-average exercise price at beginning of period (in dollars per option) $ 35.39us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice        
Granted (in dollars per option) $ 31.01us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice        
Exercised (in dollars per option) $ 21.23us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice        
Expired/Forfeited (in dollars per option) $ 37.51us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice        
Weighted-average exercise price at end of period (in dollars per option) $ 35.65us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice $ 35.39us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice   $ 35.39us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice $ 35.39us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 5 years 1 month        
Vested and exercisable at end of period (in options) 35,062,748us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber        
Weighted-average option price of vested and exercisable (in dollars per option) $ 35.15us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice        
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding 38us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue        
Weighted-average remaining contractual term of vested and exercisable (in years) 4 years 2 months        
Aggregate intrinsic value of vested and exercisable 38us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1        
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Shares tendered to pay exercise price and minimum required taxes (in shares) 474,480us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationEstimatedQuantityOfSharesToBeRepurchasedInFollowingPeriod [1] 3,294,624us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationEstimatedQuantityOfSharesToBeRepurchasedInFollowingPeriod [1] 515,558us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationEstimatedQuantityOfSharesToBeRepurchasedInFollowingPeriod [1]    
Cash received from exercise of stock options 12us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions 8us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions 15us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions    
Actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions 16us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions 8us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions 16us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions    
Amount paid for employee taxes 8fcx_AmountPaidForEmployeeTaxesOnExercisedOptions 105fcx_AmountPaidForEmployeeTaxesOnExercisedOptions 16fcx_AmountPaidForEmployeeTaxesOnExercisedOptions    
Performance Shares [Member]          
Share-based Compensation [Roll Forward]          
Granted (in number of options/units) 344,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember		        
Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units [Member]          
Share-based Compensation [Roll Forward]          
Balance at beginning of period (in number of options/units) 2,219,812us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		        
Granted (in number of options/units) 2,204,986us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		        
Vested (in number of options/units) (544,048)us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		        
Expired/Forfeited (in number of options/units) (293,186)us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		        
Balance at end of period (in number of options/units) 3,587,564us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		 2,219,812us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		   2,219,812us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		 2,219,812us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember
Stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and additional disclosures [Abstract]          
Restricted Stock Units - weighted average grant date fair value $ 30.99us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		 $ 31.05us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		   $ 31.05us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		 $ 31.05us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember
Granted - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $ 30.95us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		        
Vested - weighted average grant date fair value $ 31.05us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		        
Forfeited - weighted average grant date fair value $ 31.01us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		        
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 1 year 4 months        
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding 84us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		        
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Total grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted 68fcx_RestrictedStockUnitsGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		 70fcx_RestrictedStockUnitsGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		      
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested 18us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		        
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Annual Vesting Percentage Of Options 33.00%fcx_AnnualVestingPercentageOfOptions
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Share-based Compensation [Roll Forward]          
Balance at beginning of period (in number of options/units) 4,255,476us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Granted (in number of options/units) 2,161,700us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Vested (in number of options/units) (436,610)us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Expired/Forfeited (in number of options/units) (175,421)us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Balance at end of period (in number of options/units) 5,805,145us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		 4,255,476us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		   4,255,476us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		 4,255,476us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember
Stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and additional disclosures [Abstract]          
Restricted Stock Units - weighted average grant date fair value $ 33.57us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		 $ 35.13us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		   $ 35.13us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		 $ 35.13us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember
Granted - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $ 31.17us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Vested - weighted average grant date fair value $ 37.93us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Forfeited - weighted average grant date fair value $ 31.46us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 4 years 8 months 12 days        
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding 128us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Total grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted 67fcx_RestrictedStockUnitsGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		 125fcx_RestrictedStockUnitsGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		 14fcx_RestrictedStockUnitsGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		    
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested 15us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		 12us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		 28us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		    
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period 41us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		        
Weighted-average period used in calculating unrecognized compensation cost, stock options (in years) 1 year 7 months        
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Annual Vesting Percentage Of Options   33.00%fcx_AnnualVestingPercentageOfOptions
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember		      
Expiration Period Of Options 5 years        
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Weighted-average expected dividend rate 4.30%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember		        
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per option)       $ 7.00us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember		  
Total intrinsic value of options exercised 5us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember		 3us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember		      
Employee Stock Option [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Annual Vesting Percentage Of Options 25.00%fcx_AnnualVestingPercentageOfOptions
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		        
Expiration Period Of Options 10 years        
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Weighted-average expected volatility 36.60%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 48.90%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 52.00%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		    
Expected life of options (in years) 4 years 11 months 1 day 4 years 7 months 27 days 4 years 6 months 15 days    
Weighted-average expected dividend rate 3.50%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 3.30%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 3.10%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		    
Risk free interest rate 1.70%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 0.70%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 0.70%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per option) $ 7.43us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 $ 10.98us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 $ 15.60us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		    
Total intrinsic value of options exercised 17us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 10us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 34us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		    
Fair value of options vested 76fcx_ShareBasedCompensationFairValueOfVestedOptions
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 101fcx_ShareBasedCompensationFairValueOfVestedOptions
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		 77fcx_ShareBasedCompensationFairValueOfVestedOptions
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		    
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period 48us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember		        
Weighted-average period used in calculating unrecognized compensation cost, stock options (in years) 1 year 5 months        
Minimum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Performance Share Unit Payout 0.00%fcx_PerformanceShareUnitPayout
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember		        
Minimum [Member] | Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Expiration Period Of Options 3 years        
Minimum [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]          
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Weighted-average expected volatility 30.20%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember		        
Expected life of options (in years) 1 year        
Risk free interest rate 0.20%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember		        
Maximum [Member]          
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period   3 years      
Maximum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Performance Share Unit Payout 200.00%fcx_PerformanceShareUnitPayout
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember		        
Maximum [Member] | Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Expiration Period Of Options 5 years        
Maximum [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]          
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Weighted-average expected volatility 32.40%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember		        
Expected life of options (in years) 3 years        
Risk free interest rate 1.00%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember		        
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember		        
Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 28us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		 17us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		   17us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		 17us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember
Other Liabilities 29us-gaap_OtherLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		 19us-gaap_OtherLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		   19us-gaap_OtherLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember		 19us-gaap_OtherLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= fcx_CashSettledRestrictedStockUnitsMember
Employment Restructuring Arrangement [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Stock Based Compensation Included In General And Administrative Expense         $ 37fcx_StockBasedCompensationIncludedInGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= fcx_EmploymentRestructuringArrangementMember
Share-based Compensation [Roll Forward]          
Granted (in number of options/units)         1,000,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= fcx_EmploymentRestructuringArrangementMember
Outside Directors [Member]          
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 4 years        
Executive Officers Performance Based [Member]          
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-based Compensation [Line Items]          
Minimum Five Year Return Required For Restricted Stock Units To Vest Over Three Years   6.00%fcx_MinimumFiveYearReturnRequiredForRestrictedStockUnitsToVestOverThreeYears
/ fcx_StockAwardPlanByPlanAxis
= fcx_ExecutiveOfficersPerformanceBasedMember		      
Fair value assumptions and methodology [Abstract]          
Percent Reduction In Restrcited Stock Units If Performance Is Below Level Defined In Agreement   20.00%fcx_PercentReductionInRestrcitedStockUnitsIfPerformanceIsBelowLevelDefinedInAgreement
/ fcx_StockAwardPlanByPlanAxis
= fcx_ExecutiveOfficersPerformanceBasedMember		      
[1] Under terms of the related plans, upon exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs, employees may tender existing FCX shares to FCX to pay the exercise price and/or the minimum required taxes.