CONTINGENCIES (Environmental and Reclamation Programs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Site Contingency [Line Items]
ARO, change in estimate	$ 50	$ (112)	$ 529
PT-FI
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Reclamation and Mine Shutdown Provision			$ 372
New Mexico Environmental And Reclamation Programs
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	450
Arizona Environmental And Reclamation Programs
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	367
Colorado Environmental And Reclamation Programs
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	61
El Abra
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	63
Cerro Verde
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	105
Pt Freeport Indonesia Environmental And Reclamation Programs [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	991
Mine Closure
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Funding restricted time deposit during period for closure and reclamation guarantees	90
Mine Reclamation
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Funding restricted time deposit during period for closure and reclamation guarantees	11
MOEF Framework
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Permit Fees	$ 32