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

The aggregate charge against earnings to allocate the cost of intangible liabilities to revenues in a systematic and rational manner. As a noncash revenue, this element is deducted from net income when calculating cash provided by (used in) operations using the indirect method.

No definition available.

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

The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible liability class. A major class is composed of intangible liabilities that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible liabilities having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible liability class. A major class is composed of intangible liabilities that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major finite-lived intangible liability class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. A major class is composed of intangible liabilities that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNet
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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

Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_IntangibleAssetsGross
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major intangible asset class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

No definition available.

Name:	fcx_IntangibleAssetsNet
Namespace Prefix:	fcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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

The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph a(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905858&loc=d3e16323-109275