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BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Segment Reporting) (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 7 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Sep. 30, 2014
Jun. 30, 2014
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Sep. 30, 2013
Jun. 30, 2013
Mar. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Nov. 03, 2014
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers $ 5,235,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [1] $ 5,696,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [1] $ 5,522,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [1] $ 4,985,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [1] $ 5,885,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [2] $ 6,165,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [2] $ 4,288,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [2] $ 4,583,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet   $ 21,438,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [1],[3] $ 20,921,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [2],[3] $ 18,010,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet [3]  
Intersegment                   0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties 0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties 0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties  
Production and delivery                   11,904,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery 11,840,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery 10,382,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   3,863,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization 2,797,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization 1,179,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization  
Impairment of oil and gas properties 3,400,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties 308,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties             0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties 3,737,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties 0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties 0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties  
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   592,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense 657,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense 431,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense  
Mining exploration and research expenses                   126,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses 210,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses 285,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   119,000,000fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts 66,000,000fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts (22,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts  
Goodwill impairment 1,700,000,000us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss                 1,717,000,000us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss 0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss 0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss  
Net gain on sales of assets (671,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 (46,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1               (717,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1  
Gain on insurance settlement                   0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries 0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries (59,000,000)us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries  
Operating income (3,299,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss [4],[5] 1,132,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss [4],[5] 1,153,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss 1,111,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss 1,650,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss [6],[7] 1,707,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss [6] 639,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss [6] 1,355,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss [6]   97,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss [4],[5] 5,351,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss [6],[7] 5,814,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss  
Interest expense, net                   630,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion 518,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion 186,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion  
Provision for income taxes                   324,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit [8],[9] 1,475,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit [10] 1,510,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit [11]  
Total assets 58,795,000,000us-gaap_Assets       63,473,000,000us-gaap_Assets       63,473,000,000us-gaap_Assets 58,795,000,000us-gaap_Assets 63,473,000,000us-gaap_Assets 35,440,000,000us-gaap_Assets  
Capital expenditures                   7,215,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets 5,286,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets 3,494,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Adjustments         (16,000,000)fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments   (183,000,000)fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments     0fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments (199,000,000)fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments [12] (205,000,000)fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments [13],[14]  
North America Copper Mines Segment [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   700,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
570,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
202,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   4,916,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
4,613,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
5,284,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   3,440,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
3,266,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
2,933,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   484,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
402,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
360,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   5,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
5,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
4,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   8,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
5,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   (5,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
(1,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
(16,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   (14,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   1,698,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,506,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
2,204,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   4,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
4,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Total assets 9,391,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
      8,920,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
      8,920,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
9,391,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
8,920,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
8,148,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   969,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,066,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
825,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Morenci [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   364,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
244,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
156,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   1,752,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,673,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,846,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   1,287,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,233,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,076,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   168,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
133,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
122,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   2,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
2,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
2,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
(11,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   659,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
549,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
812,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   3,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
3,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Total assets 3,780,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
      3,110,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
      3,110,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
3,780,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
3,110,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
2,445,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   826,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
737,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
266,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Other North America Copper Mines [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   336,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
326,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
46,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   3,164,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
2,940,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
3,438,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   2,153,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
2,033,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,857,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   316,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
269,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
238,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   3,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
3,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
2,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   8,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
5,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   (5,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
(1,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
(5,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   (14,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   1,039,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
957,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,392,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   1,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
1,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Total assets 5,611,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
      5,810,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
      5,810,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
5,611,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
5,810,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
5,703,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   143,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
329,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
559,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
 
South America [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   3,022,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
3,852,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
3,910,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   510,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
633,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
818,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   1,939,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
2,069,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
2,114,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   367,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
346,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
287,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   6,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
7,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
6,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   1,220,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
2,063,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
2,321,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   1,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
3,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
7,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   531,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
720,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
557,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Total assets 9,506,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
      10,580,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
      10,580,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
9,506,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
10,580,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
10,163,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   1,785,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
1,145,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
931,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
 
Cerro Verde [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   1,282,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
1,473,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
1,767,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   206,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
360,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
388,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   741,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
781,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
813,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   159,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
152,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
139,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   3,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
3,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
3,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   585,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
897,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
1,200,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   1,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
2,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
7,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   265,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
316,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
228,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
[15]  
Total assets 7,513,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
      6,584,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
      6,584,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
7,513,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
6,584,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
5,821,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   1,691,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
960,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
558,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Other South America Mines [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   1,740,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
2,379,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
2,143,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   304,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
273,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
430,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   1,198,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
1,288,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
1,301,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   208,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
194,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
148,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   3,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
4,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
3,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   635,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
1,166,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
1,121,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
1,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   266,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
404,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
329,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Total assets 1,993,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
      3,996,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
      3,996,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
1,993,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
3,996,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
4,342,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   94,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
185,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
373,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
 
Indonesia - Grasberg [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   2,848,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
[16] 3,751,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
[16] 3,611,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
[17]  
Intersegment                   223,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
336,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
310,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   1,988,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
2,309,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
2,349,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   266,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
247,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
212,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   98,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
110,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
121,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
1,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       (59,000,000)us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   719,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
1,420,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
1,298,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
12,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
5,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   293,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
603,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
497,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Total assets 8,626,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
      7,437,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
      7,437,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
8,626,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
7,437,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
6,591,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   948,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
1,030,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
843,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
 
Africa - Tenke [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   1,437,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
1,590,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
1,349,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   121,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
47,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
10,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   770,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
754,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
615,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   228,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
246,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
176,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   12,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
12,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
6,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   548,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
625,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
562,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
2,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
1,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   116,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
131,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
112,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Total assets 5,073,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
      4,849,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
      4,849,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
5,073,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
4,849,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
4,622,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   159,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
205,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
539,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
 
Molybdenum [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   587,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
522,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
529,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   328,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
317,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
320,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   92,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
82,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
59,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   167,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
123,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
150,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Total assets 2,095,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
      2,107,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
      2,107,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
2,095,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
2,107,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
2,018,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   54,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
164,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
245,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
 
Rod & Refining [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   4,626,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
4,995,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
4,989,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   29,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
27,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
27,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   4,633,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
4,990,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
4,993,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   10,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
9,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
9,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   12,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
23,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
14,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Total assets 235,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
      239,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
      239,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
235,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
239,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
242,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   4,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
4,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
6,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   2,391,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
2,027,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
2,683,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   21,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
14,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
26,000,000us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   2,356,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
2,054,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
2,640,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   41,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
42,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
42,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   17,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
20,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
19,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   (2,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
(75,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
[18] 8,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   13,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
16,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
12,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Total assets 898,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
      1,039,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
      1,039,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
898,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
1,039,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
992,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   17,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
67,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
16,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
 
Cost of Goods Sold, Maintenance Costs                     50,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldMaintenanceCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
   
Maintenance Turnaround, Duration                     68 days    
Corporate, Other & Eliminations [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
4,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
7,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   2,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
7,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
3,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   14,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
11,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
7,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   222,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
354,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
257,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
11,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
12,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   1,000,000fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(3,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   (239,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(379,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(269,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   287,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
220,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
79,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   (837,000,000)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
21,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
[19] 344,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Total assets 818,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
      1,047,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
      1,047,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
818,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
1,047,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
2,050,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   22,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
56,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
20,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Other Mining and Eliminations Segment [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   1,704,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
[20] 1,516,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
[20] 1,259,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
[20]  
Intersegment                   (6,407,000,000)us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(6,192,000,000)us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(7,004,000,000)us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   (4,789,000,000)fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(4,608,000,000)fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(5,585,000,000)fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   70,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
48,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
27,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   25,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
29,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
18,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   118,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
193,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
272,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   123,000,000fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
67,000,000fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(3,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   (703,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
[21]      
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   453,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(405,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
(474,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   84,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
80,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
81,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   221,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
[21] 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Total assets 1,319,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
      1,003,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
      1,003,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
1,319,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
1,003,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
614,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   52,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
113,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
69,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
 
Mining Operations [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   16,728,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
18,301,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
18,003,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Intersegment                   0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Production and delivery                   10,665,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
11,151,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
10,379,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   1,558,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
1,422,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
1,172,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   163,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
183,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
174,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   126,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
199,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
273,000,000fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   118,000,000fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
66,000,000fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
(19,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   (717,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       (59,000,000)us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Operating income                   4,815,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
5,280,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
6,083,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Interest expense, net                   102,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
117,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
107,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   1,161,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
1,454,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
1,166,000,000us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Total assets 37,143,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
      36,174,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
      36,174,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
37,143,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
36,174,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
33,390,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Capital expenditures                   3,988,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
3,794,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
3,474,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_MiningOperationsMember
 
Oil and Gas Operations Segment [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Unaffiliated customers                   4,710,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
[22] 2,616,000,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
[22] 0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Intersegment                   0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Production and delivery                   1,237,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
682,000,000fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                   2,291,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
1,364,000,000us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Impairment of oil and gas properties                   3,737,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses                   207,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
120,000,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Mining exploration and research expenses                   0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs                   0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Goodwill impairment                   1,717,000,000us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
     
Net gain on sales of assets                   0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
     
Gain on insurance settlement                       0us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Operating income                   (4,479,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
450,000,000us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Interest expense, net                   241,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
181,000,000fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Provision for income taxes                   0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Total assets 20,834,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
      26,252,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
      26,252,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
20,834,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
26,252,000,000us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
Capital expenditures                   3,205,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
1,436,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
 
PT Smelting [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Revenues to major customers                   1,800,000,000us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis
= fcx_PtSmeltingMember
1,700,000,000us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis
= fcx_PtSmeltingMember
2,100,000,000us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis
= fcx_PtSmeltingMember
 
Cerro Verde [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Associated with Foreign Reinvested Profits                       234,000,000fcx_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAssociatedWithForeignReinvestedProfits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= fcx_CerroVerdeMember
 
Crude Oil and Natural Gas Swaps [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net                   505,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= fcx_CrudeOilandNaturalGasSwapsMember
(334,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= fcx_CrudeOilandNaturalGasSwapsMember
   
Candelaria and Ojos del Salado Mining Complex [Member]                          
Revenues:                          
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Pretax                         671,000,000us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= fcx_CandelariaandOjosdelSaladoMiningComplexMember
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Tax Provision (Benefit)                         $ 221,000,000fcx_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsGainLossonSaleorDisposalTaxProvisionBenefit
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= fcx_CandelariaandOjosdelSaladoMiningComplexMember
[1] Includes credits (charges) of $15 million ($9 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.01 per share) in the first quarter, $(7) million ($(4) million to net income attributable to common stockholders) in the second quarter, $122 million ($76 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.07 per share) in the third quarter, $497 million ($309 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.30 per share) in the fourth quarter and $627 million ($389 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.37 per share) for the year for net unrealized and noncash realized gains (losses) on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts.
[2] Includes charges of $36 million ($23 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.02 per share) in the second quarter, $158 million ($98 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.09 per share) in the third quarter, $118 million ($73 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.07 per share) in the fourth quarter and $312 million ($194 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.19 per share) for the year (reflecting the seven-month period from June 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013) for unrealized and noncash realized losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts.
[3] Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the customer.
[4] Includes net gains of $46 million ($31 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.03 per share) in third quarter, $671 million ($450 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.43 per share) in the fourth quarter and $717 million ($481 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.46 per share) for the year primarily from the sale of the Candelaria and Ojos del Salado copper mining operations in the fourth quarter (refer to Note 2 for further discussion) and the sale of a metals injection molding plant in the third quarter.
[5] Includes a charge of $308 million ($192 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.18 per share) in the third quarter, $3.4 billion ($2.1 billion to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $2.05 per share) in the fourth quarter and $3.7 billion ($2.3 billion to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $2.24 per share) for the year to reduce the carrying value of oil and gas properties pursuant to full cost accounting rules. Additionally, the fourth quarter and the year includes a goodwill impairment charge of $1.7 billion ($1.65 per share) for the full carrying value of goodwill.
[6] Includes charges of $14 million ($10 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.01 per share) in the first quarter, $61 million ($36 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.04 per share) in the second quarter, $1 million ($1 million to net income attributable to common stockholders) in the third quarter, $4 million ($3 million to net income attributable to common stockholders) in the fourth quarter and $80 million ($50 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.05 per share) for the year for transaction and related costs principally associated with the acquisitions of PXP and MMR.
[7] Includes charges in the fourth quarter and for the year of (i) $76 million ($49 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.05 per share) associated with updated mine plans at Morenci that resulted in a loss in recoverable copper in leach stockpiles, (ii) $37 million ($23 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.02 per share) associated with the restructuring of an executive employment arrangement and (iii) $36 million ($13 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.01 per share) associated with a new labor agreement at Cerro Verde.
[8] Includes charges related to changes in Chilean and Peruvian tax rules of $54 million and $24 million, respectively.
[9] Includes a net charge of $221 million related to the sale of Candelaria/Ojos.
[10] Includes a net tax benefit of $199 million as a result of the oil and gas acquisitions.
[11] Includes the reversal of Cerro Verde's deferred income tax liability of $234 million.
[12] As a result of the oil and gas acquisitions, FCX recognized a net tax benefit of $199 million consisting of income tax benefits of $190 million associated with net reductions in FCX's valuation allowances, $69 million related to the release of the deferred tax liability on PXP's investment in MMR common stock and $16 million associated with the revaluation of state deferred tax liabilities, partially offset by income tax expense of $76 million associated with the write off of deferred tax assets related to environmental liabilities.
[13] Cerro Verde previously recorded deferred Peruvian income tax liabilities for income taxes that would become payable if the reinvested profits used to fund the initial Cerro Verde sulfide expansion were distributed prior to the expiration of Cerro Verde's 1998 stability agreement on December 31, 2013. Because reinvested profits at Cerro Verde were not expected to be distributed prior to December 31, 2013, a net deferred income tax liability of $234 million was reversed and recognized as an income tax benefit in 2012.
[14] In 2012, Cerro Verde signed a new 15-year mining stability agreement with the Peruvian government, which became effective January 1, 2014. In connection with the new mining stability agreement, Cerro Verde's income tax rate increased from 30 percent to 32 percent, and FCX recognized additional deferred tax expense of $29 million.
[15] Includes a credit of $234 million for the reversal of a net deferred tax liability.
[16] Includes PT-FI's sales to PT Smelting totaling $1.8 billion in 2014 and $1.7 billion in 2013.
[17] Includes PT-FI's sales to PT Smelting totaling $2.1 billion in 2012.
[18] Includes $50 million for shutdown costs associated with Atlantic Copper's scheduled 68-day maintenance turnaround, which was completed in fourth-quarter 2013.
[19] Includes $199 million of net benefits resulting from oil and gas acquisitions.
[20] Includes revenues from FCX's molybdenum sales company, which included sales of molybdenum produced by the molybdenum mines and by certain of the North and South America copper mines.
[21] Includes a gain of $671 million for the sale of Candelaria/Ojos and related provision for income taxes of $221 million.
[22] Includes net mark-to-market gains (losses) associated with crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts totaling $505 million in 2014 and $(334) million for the period from June 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013.