Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions	Total	Total FCX Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Common Stock Held in Treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 14,560	$ 12,504	$ 107	$ 18,751	$ (2,590)	$ (323)	$ (3,441)	$ 2,056
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010			1,067				122
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercised and issued stock-based awards	48	48	0	48	0	0	0	0
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)			4				0
Stock-based compensation	92	92	0	92	0	0	0	0
Tax benefit for stock-based awards	16	16	0	16	0	0	0	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards	(46)	(46)	0	67	0	0	(113)	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards (in shares)			0				1
Dividends on common stock	(1,186)	(1,186)	0	0	(1,186)	0	0	0
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(350)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(350)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	27	0	0	0	0	0	0	27
Comprehensive income:
Net income	4,881	3,920	0	0	3,920	0	0	961
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Unrealized losses on securities	(1)	(1)	0	0	0	(1)	0	0
Translation adjustment	(1)	(1)	0	0	0	(1)	0	0
Defined benefit plans:
Amortization of unrecognized amounts	11	11	0	0	0	11		0
Other comprehensive income	9	9	0	0	0	9	0	0
Total comprehensive income	4,890	3,929	0	0	0	0	0	961
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	$ 18,051	$ 15,357	$ 107	$ 18,974	$ 144	$ (314)	$ (3,554)	$ 2,694
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2011			1,071				123