Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Raw materials (primarily concentrates)	$ 171		$ 237
Work-in-process	237	[1]	252	[1]
Finished goods	1,128	[2]	911	[2]
Total product inventories	1,536		1,400
Total materials and supplies, net	1,575	[3]	1,504	[3]
Inventory obsolescence reserves	$ 27		$ 27

[1] FCX's mining operations also have work-in-process inventories that are included in mill and leach stockpiles.

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

[3] Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $27 million at March 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012.