INVENTORIES, INCLUDING LONG-TERM MILL AND LEACH STOCKPILES (Components of Inventories) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Total product inventories	$ 1,400		$ 1,226
Total material and supplies, net	1,504	[1]	1,354	[1]
Inventory obsolescence reserves	27		26
Mining Operations [Member]
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Raw materials	2	[2]	1	[2]
Finished goods	904	[2],[3]	769	[2],[3]
Atlantic Copper [Member]
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Raw materials	235		260
Work-in-process	252		187
Finished goods	$ 7		$ 9

[1] Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $27 million at December 31, 2012, and $26 million at December 31, 2011.

[2] FCX's mining operations also have work-in-process inventories (i.e., mill and leach stockpiles), which are summarized below.

[3] Primarily included molybdenum concentrates and copper concentrates, anodes, cathodes and rod.