OTHER LIABILITIES, INCLUDING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Production and delivery	$ 10,300	$ 10,697	$ 10,693
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			45
Special Termination Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			22
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		85
Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		6
Grasberg Segment [Member] | One-time Termination Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Production and delivery	120
Corporate And Eliminations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Production and delivery	(3,119)	$ (1,534)	$ (2,641)
Foreign Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment	$ (4)