Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Total FCX Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Common Stock Held in Treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 22,474	$ 18,287	$ 117	$ 22,281	$ 128	$ (544)	$ (3,695)	$ 4,187
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			1,167				128
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercised and issued stock-based awards	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)			1				0
Stock-based compensation	35	28	0	28	0	0	0	7
Tax benefit for stock-based awards	(2)	(2)		(2)	0	0	0	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards	(6)	(6)	0	0	0	0	(6)	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards (in shares)			0				0
Dividends on common stock	(52)	(52)	0	0	(52)	0	0	0
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(15)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(15)
Noncontrolling interests' share of contributed capital in subsidiary	0	(1)	0	(1)	0	0	0	1
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	(2,474)	(2,474)	0	0	(2,474)	0	0	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	58	0	0	0	0	0	0	58
Other comprehensive income	12	12	0	0	0	12	0	0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$ 20,031	$ 15,793	$ 117	$ 22,307	$ (2,398)	$ (532)	$ (3,701)	$ 4,238
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015			1,168				128