XML 121 R99.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Segment Reporting) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 7 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Nov. 03, 2014
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers | $ 5,235,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [1] | $ 5,696,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [1] | $ 5,522,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [1] | $ 4,985,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [1] | $ 5,885,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [2] | $ 6,165,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [2] | $ 4,288,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [2] | $ 4,583,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet |  |  | $ 21,438,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [1],[3] | $ 20,921,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [2],[3] | $ 18,010,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet | [3] |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 11,904,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery |  | 11,840,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery |  | 10,382,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,863,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization |  | 2,797,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization |  | 1,179,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties | 3,400,000,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties |  | 308,000,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties | 3,737,000,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 592,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense |  | 657,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense |  | 431,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 126,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses |  | 210,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses |  | 285,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 119,000,000 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts |  | 66,000,000 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts |  | (22,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts |  |
Goodwill impairment | 1,700,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,717,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss |  |
Net gain on sales of assets | (671,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 |  | (46,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (717,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries |  | (59,000,000)us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries |  |
Operating income | (3,299,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | [4],[5] | 1,132,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | [4],[5] | 1,153,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss |  | 1,111,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss |  | 1,650,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | [6],[7] | 1,707,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | [6] | 639,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | [6] | 1,355,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | [6] |  | 97,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | [4],[5] | 5,351,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | [6],[7] | 5,814,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 630,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion |  | 518,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion |  | 186,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 324,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit | [8],[9] | 1,475,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit | [10] | 1,510,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit | [11] |
Total assets | 58,795,000,000 us-gaap_Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 63,473,000,000 us-gaap_Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 63,473,000,000 us-gaap_Assets | 58,795,000,000 us-gaap_Assets |  | 63,473,000,000 us-gaap_Assets |  | 35,440,000,000 us-gaap_Assets |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7,215,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets |  | 5,286,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets |  | 3,494,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets |  |
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Adjustments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (16,000,000)fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments |  |  |  | (183,000,000)fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments |  | (199,000,000)fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments | [12] | (205,000,000)fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments | [13],[14] |
North America Copper Mines Segment [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 700,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 570,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 202,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,916,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 4,613,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 5,284,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,440,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 3,266,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,933,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 484,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 402,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 360,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 5,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 5,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | (1,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | (16,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (14,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,698,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,506,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,204,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 4,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 9,391,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,920,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,920,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember | 9,391,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 8,920,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 8,148,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 969,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,066,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 825,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Morenci [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 364,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 244,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 156,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,752,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,673,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,846,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,287,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,233,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,076,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 168,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 133,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 122,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | (11,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 659,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 549,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 812,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 3,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 3,780,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,110,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,110,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember | 3,780,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 3,110,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,445,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 826,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 737,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 266,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Other North America Copper Mines [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 336,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 326,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 46,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,164,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,940,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 3,438,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,153,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,033,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,857,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 316,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 269,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 238,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 3,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 5,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | (1,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | (5,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (14,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,039,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 957,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,392,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 5,611,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,810,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,810,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember | 5,611,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 5,810,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 5,703,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 143,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 329,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  | 559,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember |  |
South America [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,022,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 3,852,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 3,910,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 510,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 633,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 818,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,939,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,069,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,114,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 367,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 346,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 287,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 6,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,220,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,063,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 2,321,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 3,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 7,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 531,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 720,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 557,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 9,506,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10,580,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10,580,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember | 9,506,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 10,580,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 10,163,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,785,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 1,145,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  | 931,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember |  |
Cerro Verde [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,282,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 1,473,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 1,767,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 206,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 360,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 388,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 741,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 781,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 813,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 159,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 152,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 139,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 3,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 3,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 585,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 897,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 1,200,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 2,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 7,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 265,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 316,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 228,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember | [15] |
Total assets | 7,513,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,584,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,584,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember | 7,513,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 6,584,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 5,821,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,691,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 960,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 558,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Other South America Mines [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,740,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 2,379,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 2,143,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 304,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 273,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 430,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,198,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 1,288,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 1,301,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 208,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 194,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 148,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 3,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 635,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 1,166,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 1,121,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 1,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 266,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 404,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 329,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 1,993,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,996,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,996,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember | 1,993,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 3,996,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 4,342,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 94,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 185,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  | 373,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember |  |
Indonesia - Grasberg [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,848,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember | [16] | 3,751,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember | [16] | 3,611,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember | [17] |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 223,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 336,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 310,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,988,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 2,309,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 2,349,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 266,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 247,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 212,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 98,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 110,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 121,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 1,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (59,000,000)us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 719,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 1,420,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 1,298,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 12,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 5,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 293,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 603,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 497,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 8,626,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7,437,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7,437,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember | 8,626,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 7,437,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 6,591,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 948,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 1,030,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  | 843,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember |  |
Africa - Tenke [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,437,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 1,590,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 1,349,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 121,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 47,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 10,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 770,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 754,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 615,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 228,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 246,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 176,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 12,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 6,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 548,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 625,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 562,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 2,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 1,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 116,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 131,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 112,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 5,073,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,849,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,849,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember | 5,073,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 4,849,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 4,622,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 159,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 205,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  | 539,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_TenkeSegmentMember |  |
Molybdenum [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 587,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 522,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 529,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 328,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 317,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 320,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 92,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 82,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 59,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 167,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 123,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 150,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 2,095,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,107,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,107,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember | 2,095,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 2,107,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 2,018,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 54,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 164,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  | 245,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember |  |
Rod & Refining [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,626,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 4,995,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 4,989,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 29,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 27,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 27,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,633,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 4,990,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 4,993,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 9,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 9,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 23,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 14,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 235,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 239,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 239,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember | 235,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 239,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 242,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 6,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,391,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 2,027,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 2,683,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 21,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 14,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 26,000,000 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,356,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 2,054,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 2,640,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 41,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 42,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 42,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 17,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 20,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 19,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | (75,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember | [18] | 8,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 13,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 16,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 12,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 898,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,039,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,039,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember | 898,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 1,039,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 992,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 17,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 67,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  | 16,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |
Cost of Goods Sold, Maintenance Costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 50,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldMaintenanceCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Maintenance Turnaround, Duration |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 68 days |  |  |  |
Corporate, Other & Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 7,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 3,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 14,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 11,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 222,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 354,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 257,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 11,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 12,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,000,000 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (3,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (239,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (379,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (269,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 287,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 220,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 79,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (837,000,000)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 21,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember | [19] | 344,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 818,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,047,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,047,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember | 818,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 1,047,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 2,050,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 22,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 56,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 20,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Other Mining and Eliminations Segment [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,704,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember | [20] | 1,516,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember | [20] | 1,259,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember | [20] |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,407,000,000)us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (6,192,000,000)us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (7,004,000,000)us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4,789,000,000)fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (4,608,000,000)fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (5,585,000,000)fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 70,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 48,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 27,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 25,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 29,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 18,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 118,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 193,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 272,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 123,000,000 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 67,000,000 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (3,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (703,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember | [21] |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 453,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (405,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | (474,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 84,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 80,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 81,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 221,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember | [21] | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 1,319,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,003,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,003,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember | 1,319,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 1,003,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 614,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 52,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 113,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  | 69,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember |  |
Mining Operations [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 16,728,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 18,301,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 18,003,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10,665,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 11,151,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 10,379,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,558,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 1,422,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 1,172,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 163,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 183,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 174,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 126,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 199,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 273,000,000 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 118,000,000 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 66,000,000 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | (19,000,000)fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (717,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (59,000,000)us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,815,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 5,280,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 6,083,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 102,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 117,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 107,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,161,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 1,454,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 1,166,000,000 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Total assets | 37,143,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 36,174,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 36,174,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember | 37,143,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 36,174,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 33,390,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,988,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 3,794,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  | 3,474,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_MiningOperationsMember |  |
Oil and Gas Operations Segment [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unaffiliated customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,710,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember | [22] | 2,616,000,000 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember | [22] | 0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Intersegment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Production and delivery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,237,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 682,000,000 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ProductionAndDelivery / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,291,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 1,364,000,000 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,737,000,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 207,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 120,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Mining exploration and research expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,717,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on sales of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on insurance settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4,479,000,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 450,000,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 241,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 181,000,000 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Total assets | 20,834,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 26,252,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 26,252,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember | 20,834,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 26,252,000,000 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_Assets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,205,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 1,436,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember |  |
PT Smelting [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues to major customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,800,000,000 us-gaap_Revenues / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = fcx_PtSmeltingMember |  | 1,700,000,000 us-gaap_Revenues / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = fcx_PtSmeltingMember |  | 2,100,000,000 us-gaap_Revenues / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = fcx_PtSmeltingMember |  |
Cerro Verde [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Associated with Foreign Reinvested Profits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 234,000,000 fcx_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAssociatedWithForeignReinvestedProfits / dei_LegalEntityAxis = fcx_CerroVerdeMember |  |
Crude Oil and Natural Gas Swaps [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 505,000,000 us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet / us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis = fcx_CrudeOilandNaturalGasSwapsMember |  | (334,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet / us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis = fcx_CrudeOilandNaturalGasSwapsMember |  |  |  |
Candelaria and Ojos del Salado Mining Complex [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Pretax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 671,000,000 us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax / us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis = fcx_CandelariaandOjosdelSaladoMiningComplexMember
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Tax Provision (Benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 221,000,000 fcx_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsGainLossonSaleorDisposalTaxProvisionBenefit / us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis = fcx_CandelariaandOjosdelSaladoMiningComplexMember
[1] | Includes credits (charges) of $15 million ($9 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.01 per share) in the first quarter, $(7) million ($(4) million to net income attributable to common stockholders) in the second quarter, $122 million ($76 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.07 per share) in the third quarter, $497 million ($309 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.30 per share) in the fourth quarter and $627 million ($389 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.37 per share) for the year for net unrealized and noncash realized gains (losses) on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts.
[2] | Includes charges of $36 million ($23 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.02 per share) in the second quarter, $158 million ($98 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.09 per share) in the third quarter, $118 million ($73 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.07 per share) in the fourth quarter and $312 million ($194 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.19 per share) for the year (reflecting the seven-month period from June 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013) for unrealized and noncash realized losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts.
[3] | Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the customer.
[4] | Includes net gains of $46 million ($31 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.03 per share) in third quarter, $671 million ($450 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.43 per share) in the fourth quarter and $717 million ($481 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.46 per share) for the year primarily from the sale of the Candelaria and Ojos del Salado copper mining operations in the fourth quarter (refer to Note 2 for further discussion) and the sale of a metals injection molding plant in the third quarter.
[5] | Includes a charge of $308 million ($192 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.18 per share) in the third quarter, $3.4 billion ($2.1 billion to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $2.05 per share) in the fourth quarter and $3.7 billion ($2.3 billion to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $2.24 per share) for the year to reduce the carrying value of oil and gas properties pursuant to full cost accounting rules. Additionally, the fourth quarter and the year includes a goodwill impairment charge of $1.7 billion ($1.65 per share) for the full carrying value of goodwill.
[6] | Includes charges of $14 million ($10 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.01 per share) in the first quarter, $61 million ($36 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.04 per share) in the second quarter, $1 million ($1 million to net income attributable to common stockholders) in the third quarter, $4 million ($3 million to net income attributable to common stockholders) in the fourth quarter and $80 million ($50 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.05 per share) for the year for transaction and related costs principally associated with the acquisitions of PXP and MMR.
[7] | Includes charges in the fourth quarter and for the year of (i) $76 million ($49 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.05 per share) associated with updated mine plans at Morenci that resulted in a loss in recoverable copper in leach stockpiles, (ii) $37 million ($23 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.02 per share) associated with the restructuring of an executive employment arrangement and (iii) $36 million ($13 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.01 per share) associated with a new labor agreement at Cerro Verde.
[8] | Includes charges related to changes in Chilean and Peruvian tax rules of $54 million and $24 million, respectively.
[9] | Includes a net charge of $221 million related to the sale of Candelaria/Ojos.
[10] | Includes a net tax benefit of $199 million as a result of the oil and gas acquisitions.
[11] | Includes the reversal of Cerro Verde's deferred income tax liability of $234 million.
[12] | As a result of the oil and gas acquisitions, FCX recognized a net tax benefit of $199 million consisting of income tax benefits of $190 million associated with net reductions in FCX's valuation allowances, $69 million related to the release of the deferred tax liability on PXP's investment in MMR common stock and $16 million associated with the revaluation of state deferred tax liabilities, partially offset by income tax expense of $76 million associated with the write off of deferred tax assets related to environmental liabilities.
[13] | Cerro Verde previously recorded deferred Peruvian income tax liabilities for income taxes that would become payable if the reinvested profits used to fund the initial Cerro Verde sulfide expansion were distributed prior to the expiration of Cerro Verde's 1998 stability agreement on December 31, 2013. Because reinvested profits at Cerro Verde were not expected to be distributed prior to December 31, 2013, a net deferred income tax liability of $234 million was reversed and recognized as an income tax benefit in 2012.
[14] | In 2012, Cerro Verde signed a new 15-year mining stability agreement with the Peruvian government, which became effective January 1, 2014. In connection with the new mining stability agreement, Cerro Verde's income tax rate increased from 30 percent to 32 percent, and FCX recognized additional deferred tax expense of $29 million.
[15] | Includes a credit of $234 million for the reversal of a net deferred tax liability.
[16] | Includes PT-FI's sales to PT Smelting totaling $1.8 billion in 2014 and $1.7 billion in 2013.
[17] | Includes PT-FI's sales to PT Smelting totaling $2.1 billion in 2012.
[18] | Includes $50 million for shutdown costs associated with Atlantic Copper's scheduled 68-day maintenance turnaround, which was completed in fourth-quarter 2013.
[19] | Includes $199 million of net benefits resulting from oil and gas acquisitions.
[20] | Includes revenues from FCX's molybdenum sales company, which included sales of molybdenum produced by the molybdenum mines and by certain of the North and South America copper mines.
[21] | Includes a gain of $671 million for the sale of Candelaria/Ojos and related provision for income taxes of $221 million.
[22] | Includes net mark-to-market gains (losses) associated with crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts totaling $505 million in 2014 and $(334) million for the period from June 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013.

X
- Definition Additional deferred foreign income tax expense (benefit) associated with foreign reinvested profits. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | fcx_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAssociatedWithForeignReinvestedProfits
Namespace Prefix: | fcx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Net revisions to environmental obligations and shutdown costs associated with closed facilities or operations. Shutdown costs include care and maintenance costs and any litigation or related expenditures associated with historical operations. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | fcx_EnvironmentalObligationsAndShutdownCosts
Namespace Prefix: | fcx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Exploration expenses (including prospecting) related to the mining industry would be included in operating expenses. Exploration costs include costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects of mineral reserves. Research and development costs are the aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | fcx_ExplorationAndResearchExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | fcx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations and associated with changes in foreign tax rates, certain tax elections affect on current and deferred income taxes and changes in valuation allowances. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | fcx_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAdjustments
Namespace Prefix: | fcx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. Also includes, the amount recognized for the passage of time for environmental liabilities that have been discounted to their net present values. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | fcx_InterestExpenseIncludingAccretion
Namespace Prefix: | fcx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Duration of time of major maintenance turnaround. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | fcx_MaintenanceTurnaroundDuration
Namespace Prefix: | fcx_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Costs incurred related to mineral extraction, processing and marketing and cost incurred during the reporting period in transporting goods and services to customers. Includes freight-out costs. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | fcx_ProductionAndDelivery
Namespace Prefix: | fcx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The tax provision (benefit) on the difference between the value of the considerations received by the Entity on the sale or disposal and net book value of assets sold or disposed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | fcx_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsGainLossonSaleorDisposalTaxProvisionBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | fcx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.18) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition 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. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Maintenance costs incurred and are directly related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldMaintenanceCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) of derivative instruments not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4C -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624171-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of assets, including but not limited to property plant and equipment, intangible assets and equity in securities of subsidiaries or equity method investee. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2443-110228 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of loss from the write-down of an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References 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 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13854-109267 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13777-109266 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13816-109267 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The expense recorded to reduce the value of oil and gas assets consisting of proved properties and unproved properties as the estimate of future successful production from these properties is reduced. + References 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 932 -SubTopic 360 -Section 35 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28370743&loc=d3e66150-109466 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2921-110230 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: 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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Income Tax Expense (or Benefit) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515339 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a),(b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount recovered from insurance. These recoveries reduce costs and losses that are reported as a separate line item under operating expenses. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. + References 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 13 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue, fees and commissions earned from transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiaries; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) an entity and trusts for the benefit of employees, for example, but not limited to, pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entity's management; (d) an entity and its principal, owners, management, or members of their immediate families; and (e) affiliates. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Related Parties -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16382449 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-07.1(c)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6488393&loc=d3e606610-122999 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 07 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph 1 -Article 6 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34747878&loc=d3e3636-108311 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The difference between the value of the consideration received by the Entity on the sale or disposal and net book value of assets sold or disposed, before any tax related impact. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2941-110230 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=fcx_CerroVerdeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=fcx_CrudeOilandNaturalGasSwapsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=fcx_CandelariaandOjosdelSaladoMiningComplexMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=fcx_PtSmeltingMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_AtlanticCopperSmeltingAndRefiningSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_CerroVerdeSouthAmericaSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_CorporateOtherAndEliminationsSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_GrasbergSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_MiningOperationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_MolybdenumSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_MorenciNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_NorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_OilAndGasOperationsSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_OtherMinesNorthAmericaCopperMinesSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_OtherMinesSouthAmericaSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_OtherMiningAndEliminationsSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_RodAndRefiningSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_SouthAmericaMinesSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=fcx_TenkeSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |