OTHER LIABILITIES, INCLUDING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Production and delivery		$ 11,691	$ 10,266	$ 10,687
Selling, general and administrative expenses		443	477	597
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
Foreign Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment			(4)
Indonesia
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Production and delivery	$ 62
Indonesia | Operating Segments | Grasberg Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Production and delivery		1,864	1,735	1,775
Selling, general and administrative expenses		$ 123	126	$ 88
Indonesia | Operating Segments | Grasberg Segment [Member] | One-time Termination Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Production and delivery			120
Selling, general and administrative expenses			$ 5