New Accounting Standard (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Leases

Leases. Effective January 1, 2019, FCX adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) that requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. FCX elected the practical expedients allowing it to (i) apply the provisions of the updated lease guidance at the effective date, without adjusting the comparative periods presented and (ii) not reassess lease contracts, lease classification and initial direct costs of leases existing at adoption. FCX also elected an accounting policy to not recognize a lease asset and liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less and a purchase option that is not expected to be exercised.

FCX leases various types of properties, including offices and equipment under non-cancelable leases. Nearly all of FCX’s leases were considered operating leases under the new ASU.