INCOME TAXES (Income before Income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
U.S.	$ 20	$ (5,179)	$ (14,589)
Foreign	2,882	1,707	461
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings (losses)	2,902	(3,472)	(14,128)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	883	$ 371	$ (1,951)
Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute | Royalty Assessments | Cerro Verde
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	7
Judicial Ruling | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute | Royalty Assessments
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	244
Judicial Ruling | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute | Royalty Assessments | Cerro Verde
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	$ 348