CONTINGENCIES (Environmental and Reclamation Programs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Site Contingency [Line Items]
ARO, change in estimate	$ (112)	$ 529	$ (69)
New Mexico Environmental And Reclamation Programs
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	453
Arizona Environmental And Reclamation Programs
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	346
Colorado Environmental And Reclamation Programs
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	56
El Abra
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	58
Cerro Verde
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	108
Pt Freeport Indonesia Environmental And Reclamation Programs
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	$ 977
Estimated years the mining activities are expected to continue	24 years
ARO, change in estimate	$ 372
Mine Closure
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Funding restricted time deposit during period for closure and reclamation guarantees	22
Mine Reclamation
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Funding restricted time deposit during period for closure and reclamation guarantees	$ 7