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CONTINGENCIES (Environmental and Reclamation Programs) (Details) $ in Millions |  | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jan. 31, 2017 USD ($) divisions | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Site Contingency [Line Items] |  |  |  |
ARO, change in estimate |  | $ 529 | $ (66) | $ 56
New Mexico Environmental And Reclamation Programs |  |  |  |
Site Contingency [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs |  | 471 |  |
Arizona Environmental And Reclamation Programs |  |  |  |
Site Contingency [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs |  | 316 |  |
Colorado Environmental And Reclamation Programs |  |  |  |
Site Contingency [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs |  | 66 |  |
El Abra |  |  |  |
Site Contingency [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs |  | 55 |  |
Cerro Verde |  |  |  |
Site Contingency [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs |  | 114 |  |
Pt Freeport Indonesia Environmental And Reclamation Programs |  |  |  |
Site Contingency [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs |  | $ 998 |  |
Estimated years the mining activities are expected to continue |  | 25 years |  |
ARO, change in estimate |  | $ 372 |  | $ 403
Current cash balance of reclamation fund |  | $ 22 |  |
Subsequent Event [Member] |  |  |  |
Site Contingency [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Environmental Loss Contingency, Number of Uranium Sites on Tribal Lands | divisions | 94 |  |  |
Value of Consent Decree, Uranium Mines on Tribal Lands | $ 600 |  |  |
Remediation work related to Uranium mines, amount to be contributed by the U.S. Government | $ 335 |  |  |
Uranium mine remediation work, program term, in years | 20 years |  |  |

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