Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	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, 2011	$ 18,553	$ 15,642	$ 107	$ 19,007	$ 546	$ (465)	$ (3,553)	$ 2,911
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011			1,071				123
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercised and issued stock-based awards	12	12	0	12	0	0	0	0
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)			2				0
Stock-based compensation	32	32	0	32	0	0	0	0
Tax benefit for stock-based awards	3	3	0	3	0	0	0	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards	(16)	(16)	0	6	0	0	(22)	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards (in shares)			0				1
Dividends on common stock	(297)	(297)	0	0	(297)	0	0	0
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(1)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(1)
Change in ownership interest for noncontrolling interests	0	(17)	0	(17)	0	0	0	17
Comprehensive income	1,013	776	0	0	764	12	0	237
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 19,299	$ 16,135	$ 107	$ 19,043	$ 1,013	$ (453)	$ (3,575)	$ 3,164
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2012			1,073				124