PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS, NET (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
VBPP recorded in connection with the Phelps Dodge acquisition					$ 2,200,000,000
VBPP transferred to proven and probable reserves	23,000,000	197,000,000		542,000,000
Cumulative impairments of VBPP	477,000,000
Impairment charges of VBPP	6,000,000	0	0
Capitalized interest total	$ 109,000,000	$ 66,000,000	$ 78,000,000