Name:	fcx_AfricanCapitalExpenditures
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	fcx_CapitalExpendituresAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets and capitalized interest at the Molybdenum operations.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_CapitalExpendituresMolybdenum
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Charges for asset retirement obligations and environmental liabilities during the reporting period.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_ChargesForReclamationAndEnvironmentalObligationsIncludingAccretion
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The cash inflow contributed by noncontrolling interests.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_ContributionsFromNoncontrollingInterestsExcludingNoncashContributions
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of long-term mill and leach stockpile inventories held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermMillAndLeachStockpiles
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The cash outflow for Indonesian purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets and capitalized interest.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_IndonesiaCapitalExpenditures
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The net cash inflow or outflow associated with the exercise of stock options and other share-based awards.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_NetProceedsPaymentsFromShareBasedAwards
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The cash outflow for North America copper mines' purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets and capitalized interest.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_NorthAmericaCapitalExpenditures
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The cash outflow for North America oil and gas purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets and capitalized interest.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_NorthAmericaOilandGasCapitalExpenditures
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Payments for asset retirement obligations and environmental liabilities during the reporting period.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_PaymentsOfReclamationAndEnvironmentalObligations
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_PaymentstoAcquireBusinessesNetofCashAcquired3
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The cash outflow for South America copper mines' purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets and capitalized interest.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_SouthAmericanCapitalExpenditures
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Cash

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Cash Equivalents

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6676-107765

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3044-108585

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are the amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Includes effect from exchange rate changes.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 24

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 830

-SubTopic 230

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450594&loc=d3e33268-110906

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Aggregate depreciation, depletion and amortization expense in the current period for the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets directly related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34349781&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Article 4

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 6

-Section I

-Subsection 7

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Aggregate net gain (loss) on all derivative instruments recognized in earnings during the period, before tax effects.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4A

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5618551-113959

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity.

Name:	us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amounts payable to vendors for goods and services received and the amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid.

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of all taxes owed but not paid, including income, property and other taxes.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other current operating assets not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other noncurrent operating assets less other noncurrent operating liabilities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the total amount due within one year (or one operating cycle) from all parties, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities, including discontinued operations. Financing activity cash flows include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on, and a return of, their investment; borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed, or settling the obligation; and obtaining and paying for other resources obtained from creditors on long-term credit.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 24

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 26

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3574-108585

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from investing activities, including discontinued operations. Investing activity cash flows include making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments and property, plant, and equipment and other productive assets.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 24

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 26

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3574-108585

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, including discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 24

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 25

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3536-108585

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The net cash outflow or inflow from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3095-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3098-108585

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount of cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends to common shareholders of the parent entity.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends provided by the non-wholly owned subsidiary to noncontrolling interests.

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The cash outflow for loan and debt issuance costs.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The cash outflow for acquisition of or capital improvements on other tangible or intangible assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherProductiveAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of cash or cash equivalents contributed by the entity to fund its pension plans.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 25

-Subparagraph (g)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3536-108585

Name:	us-gaap_PensionContributions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The cash inflow during the period from additional borrowings in aggregate debt. Includes proceeds from short-term and long-term debt.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4K

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31814832&loc=SL4591552-111686

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 19

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1A

-Subparagraph (a),(c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4J

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31814832&loc=SL4591551-111686

Name:	us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The cash outflow during the period from the repayment of aggregate short-term and long-term debt and payment of capital lease obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.