Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC
Entity Central Index Key	831259
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$37.30
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,040,044,809
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$549		$464
Trade accounts receivable	995		953
Other accounts receivable	1,401		1,610
Inventories:
Materials and supplies, net	1,919	[1]	1,886	[1]
Mill and leach stockpiles	1,877		1,914
Product	1,442		1,561
Other current assets	671		657
Total current assets	8,854		9,045
Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	26,595		26,220
Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method
Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	6,713		9,187
Not subject to amortization	9,665		10,087
Long-term mill and leach stockpiles	2,261		2,179
Other assets	1,977		1,956
Total assets	56,065		58,674
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	3,111		3,653
Current portion of debt	558		478
Accrued income taxes	364		410
Current portion of environmental and asset retirement obligations	317		296
Dividends payable	60		335
Total current liabilities	4,410		5,172
Long-term debt, less current portion	19,754		18,371
Deferred income taxes	5,625		6,398
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	3,678		3,647
Other liabilities	1,812		1,861
Total liabilities	35,279		35,449
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	755		751
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	117		117
Capital in excess of par value	22,307		22,281
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	-2,398		128
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-532		-544
Common stock held in treasury	-3,701		-3,695
Total stockholders’ equity	15,793		18,287
Noncontrolling interests	4,238		4,187
Total equity	20,031		22,474
Total liabilities and equity	$56,065		$58,674
[1]	Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $21 million at March 31, 2015, and $20 million at December 31, 2014.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues	$4,153	$4,985
Cost of sales:
Production and delivery	2,912	2,737
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	939	966
Impairment of oil and gas properties	3,104	0
Total cost of sales	6,955	3,703
Selling, general and administrative expenses	154	135
Mining exploration and research expenses	33	30
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	13	6
Net gain on sale of assets	-39	0
Total costs and expenses	7,116	3,874
Operating (loss) income	-2,963	1,111
Interest expense, net	-146	-161
Other income, net	7	33
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings	-3,102	983
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	695	-357
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings	1	0
Net (loss) income	-2,406	626
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-58	-106
Preferred dividends attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	-10	-10
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	($2,474)	$510
Net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic	($2.38)	$0.49
Diluted	($2.38)	$0.49
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	1,040	1,038
Diluted	1,040	1,044
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$0.05	$0.31

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net (loss) income	($2,406)	$626
Defined benefit plans:
Amortization of unrecognized amounts included in net periodic benefit costs	8	3
Foreign exchange gains	4	0
Other comprehensive income	12	3
Total comprehensive (loss) income	-2,394	629
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-58	-106
Preferred dividends attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	-10	-10
Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	($2,462)	$513

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	($2,406)	$626
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	939	966
Impairment of oil and gas properties	3,104	0
Net gain on sale of assets	-39	0
Net (gains) losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts	-52	50
Net charges for environmental and asset retirement obligations, including accretion	53	46
Payments for environmental and asset retirement obligations	-42	-45
Deferred income taxes	-709	90
Increase in long-term mill and leach stockpiles	-82	-86
Other, net	37	-33
Decreases (increases) in working capital and changes in other tax payments, excluding amounts from disposition:
Accounts receivable	316	179
Inventories	165	-180
Other current assets	-42	-34
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-402	-362
Accrued income taxes and other tax payments	-123	-16
Net cash provided by operating activities	717	1,201
Capital expenditures:
North America copper mines	-107	-303
South America	-445	-423
Indonesia	-225	-236
Africa	-39	-31
Molybdenum mines	-3	-19
United States oil and gas operations	-1,018	-579
Other	-30	-21
Other, net	127	7
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,740	-1,605
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	2,273	1,149
Repayments of debt	-802	-987
Cash dividends and distributions paid:
Common stock	-327	-326
Noncontrolling interests	-23	-77
Stock-based awards net (payments) proceeds, including excess tax benefit	-6	3
Debt financing costs and other, net	-7	-1
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,108	-239
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	85	-643
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	464	1,985
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$549	$1,342

Consolidated_Statement_of_Equi

Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Total FCX Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Common Stock Held in Treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$22,474	$18,287	$117	$22,281	$128	($544)	($3,695)	$4,187
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			1,167				128
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercised and issued stock-based awards	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)			1				0
Stock-based compensation	35	28	0	28	0	0	0	7
Tax benefit for stock-based awards	-2	-2		-2	0	0	0	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards	-6	-6	0	0	0	0	-6	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards (in shares)			0				0
Dividends on common stock	-52	-52	0	0	-52	0	0	0
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	-15	0	0	0	0	0	0	-15
Noncontrolling interests' share of contributed capital in subsidiary	0	-1	0	-1	0	0	0	1
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	-2,474	-2,474	0	0	-2,474	0	0	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	58	0	0	0	0	0	0	58
Other comprehensive income	12	12	0	0	0	12	0	0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$20,031	$15,793	$117	$22,307	($2,398)	($532)	($3,701)	$4,238
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015			1,168				128

General_Information_Unaudited

General Information (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
General Information [Abstract]
General Information	GENERAL INFORMATION
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). Therefore, this information should be read in conjunction with Freeport-McMoRan Inc.'s (FCX) consolidated financial statements and notes contained in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods reported. With the exception of the oil and gas properties impairment discussed below and the related tax charge to establish a deferred tax valuation allowance, all such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.
	Oil and Gas Properties. Under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) full cost accounting rules, FCX reviews the carrying value of its oil and gas properties each quarter on a country-by-country basis. Under these rules, capitalized costs of oil and gas properties (net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, and related deferred income taxes) for each cost center may not exceed a “ceiling” equal to:
	•	the present value, discounted at 10 percent, of estimated future net cash flows from the related proved oil and natural gas reserves, net of estimated future income taxes; plus
	•	the cost of the related unproved properties not being amortized; plus
	•	the lower of cost or estimated fair value of the related unproved properties included in the costs being amortized (net of related tax effects).
	These rules require that FCX price its future oil and gas production at the twelve-month average of the first-day-of-the-month historical reference prices as adjusted for location and quality differentials. FCX's reference prices are West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for oil and the Henry Hub spot price for natural gas. Such prices are utilized except where different prices are fixed and determinable from applicable contracts for the remaining term of those contracts. The reserve estimates exclude the effect of any crude oil derivatives FCX has in place. The estimated future net cash flows also exclude future cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations included in the net book value of the oil and gas properties. The rules require an impairment if the capitalized costs exceed this “ceiling.”
	At March 31, 2015, the net capitalized costs with respect to FCX's proved U.S. oil and gas properties exceeded the related ceiling; therefore, an impairment charge of $3.1 billion was recorded in first-quarter 2015, primarily because of the lower twelve-month average of the first-day-of-the-month historical reference oil price and higher capitalized costs at March 31, 2015. The SEC requires that the twelve-month average of the first-day-of-the-month historical reference oil price be used in determining the ceiling amount under its full cost accounting rules. This price (using WTI as the reference oil price) was $82.72 per barrel at March 31, 2015 (the twelve-month average was $94.99 per barrel at December 31, 2014). Because the ceiling limitation uses a twelve-month historical average price, if WTI oil prices remain below the twelve-month average of $82.72 per barrel, the ceiling limitation will decrease, resulting in potentially significant additional ceiling test impairments of FCX's oil and gas properties during the remainder of 2015. In addition, increases in capitalized costs subject to amortization, negative reserve revisions or other factors could result in additional impairments.

Earnings_Per_Share_Unaudited

Earnings Per Share (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	FCX’s basic net (loss) income per share of common stock was computed by dividing net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share of common stock was computed using the most dilutive of (a) the two-class method or (b) the treasury stock method. Under the two-class method, net income is allocated to each class of common stock and participating securities as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. FCX’s participating securities consist of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) for which the underlying common shares are not yet issued and entitle holders to non-forfeitable dividends.
	A reconciliation of net (loss) income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for the three months ended March 31 follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015				2014
	Net (loss) income	$	(2,406	)		$	626
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(58		)		(106		)
	Preferred dividends on redeemable noncontrolling interest	(10		)		(10		)
	Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities	(3		)		(1		)
	Net (loss) income allocable to common stockholders	$	(2,477	)		$	509
	Basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	1,040				1,038
	Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of dilutive stock options and RSUs	—			a	6			a
	Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	1,040				1,044
	Basic net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders	$	(2.38	)		$	0.49
	Diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders	$	(2.38	)		$	0.49
	a.	Excludes shares of common stock totaling approximately three million for first-quarter 2015 and two million for first-quarter 2014 associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of FCX's common stock and RSU's that were anti-dilutive.
	Outstanding stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of FCX’s common stock during the period are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share of common stock. Excluded stock options totaled 40 million for first-quarter 2015 and 30 million for first-quarter 2014.

Inventories_Including_LongTerm

Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories, Including Long Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles [Abstract]
Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles	INVENTORIES, INCLUDING LONG-TERM MILL AND LEACH STOCKPILES
	The components of inventories follow (in millions):
		March 31,		December 31, 2014
		2015
	Current inventories:
	Mill stockpiles	$	101	$	86
	Leach stockpiles	1,776		1,828
	Total current mill and leach stockpiles	$	1,877	$	1,914
	Total materials and supplies, neta	$	1,919	$	1,886
	Raw materials (primarily concentrates)	$	272	$	288
	Work-in-process	158		174
	Finished goods	1,012		1,099
	Total product inventories	$	1,442	$	1,561
	Long-term inventories:
	Mill stockpiles	$	346	$	360
	Leach stockpiles	1,915		1,819
	Total long-term mill and leach stockpilesb	$	2,261	$	2,179
	a.	Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $21 million at March 31, 2015, and $20 million at December 31, 2014.
	b.	Estimated metals in stockpiles not expected to be recovered within the next 12 months.

Income_Taxes_Unaudited

Income Taxes (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES
	Variations in the relative proportions of jurisdictional income result in fluctuations to FCX's consolidated effective income tax rate. Geographic sources of FCX's (benefit from) provision for income taxes follow (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	U.S. operations	$	(835	)	$	136
	International operations	140			221
	Total	$	(695	)	$	357
	FCX’s consolidated effective income tax rate was 22 percent for first-quarter 2015 and 36 percent for first-quarter 2014.

Debt_and_Equity_Transactions_U

Debt and Equity Transactions (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt and Equity Transactions [Abstract]
Debt and Equity Transactions	DEBT AND EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
	At March 31, 2015, FCX had $20.3 billion in debt, which included additions for unamortized fair value adjustments of $233 million (primarily from the oil and gas acquisitions in 2013), and net of reductions attributable to unamortized net discounts of $21 million and unamortized debt issuance costs of $122 million. Refer to Note 11 for discussion of a change in the presentation of debt issuance costs.
	In February 2015, FCX's revolving credit facility and $4.0 billion unsecured bank term loan (Term Loan) were modified to amend the maximum total leverage ratio. In addition, the Term Loan amortization schedule was extended such that, as amended, the Term Loan’s scheduled payments total $205 million in 2016, $272 million in 2017, $1.0 billion in 2018, $313 million in 2019 and $1.3 billion in 2020, compared with the previous amortization schedule of $650 million in 2016, $200 million in 2017 and $2.2 billion in 2018.
	At March 31, 2015, $985 million was outstanding and $42 million of letters of credit were issued under FCX's revolving credit facility, resulting in availability of approximately $3.0 billion, of which $1.5 billion could be used for additional letters of credit.
	In March 2014, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (Cerro Verde, FCX's mining subsidiary in Peru) entered into a five-year, $1.8 billion senior unsecured credit facility that is nonrecourse to FCX and the other shareholders of Cerro Verde. During first-quarter 2015, Cerro Verde borrowed an additional $422 million under its credit facility. At March 31, 2015, the outstanding principal amount was $847 million and no letters of credit were issued under Cerro Verde’s credit facility.
	Consolidated interest expense (excluding capitalized interest) totaled $210 million in first-quarter 2015 and $224 million in first-quarter 2014. Capitalized interest added to property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net, totaled $45 million in first-quarter 2015 and $40 million in first-quarter 2014. Capitalized interest added to oil and gas properties not subject to amortization totaled $19 million in first-quarter 2015 and $23 million in first-quarter 2014.
	On March 24, 2015, FCX's Board of Directors (the Board) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, which was paid on May 1, 2015, to common shareholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2015. This quarterly dividend was reduced from the previous quarterly rate of $0.3125 per share in response to the impact of lower commodity prices.

Financial_Instruments_Unaudite

Financial Instruments (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	FCX does not purchase, hold or sell derivative financial instruments unless there is an existing asset or obligation, or it anticipates a future activity that is likely to occur and will result in exposure to market risks, which FCX intends to offset or mitigate. FCX does not enter into any derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes, but has entered into derivative financial instruments in limited instances to achieve specific objectives. These objectives principally relate to managing risks associated with commodity price changes, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
	Commodity Contracts.  From time to time, FCX has entered into derivative contracts to hedge the market risk associated with fluctuations in the prices of commodities it purchases and sells. As a result of the acquisition of the oil and gas business in 2013, FCX assumed a variety of crude oil and natural gas commodity derivatives to hedge the exposure to the volatility of crude oil and natural gas commodity prices. Derivative financial instruments used by FCX to manage its risks do not contain credit risk-related contingent provisions. As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, FCX had no price protection contracts relating to its mine production. A discussion of FCX’s derivative contracts and programs follows.
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments – Fair Value Hedges
	Copper Futures and Swap Contracts. Some of FCX’s U.S. copper rod customers request a fixed market price instead of the Commodity Exchange Inc. (COMEX), a division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, average copper price in the month of shipment. FCX hedges this price exposure in a manner that allows it to receive the COMEX average price in the month of shipment while the customers pay the fixed price they requested. FCX accomplishes this by entering into copper futures or swap contracts. Hedging gains or losses from these copper futures and swap contracts are recorded in revenues. FCX did not have any significant gains or losses during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, resulting from hedge ineffectiveness. At March 31, 2015, FCX held copper futures and swap contracts that qualified for hedge accounting for 55 million pounds at an average contract price of $2.75 per pound, with maturities through December 2016.
	A summary of gains (losses) recognized in revenues for derivative financial instruments related to commodity contracts that are designated and qualify as fair value hedge transactions, along with the unrealized gains (losses) on the related hedged item follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015				2014
	Copper futures and swap contracts:
	Unrealized gains (losses):
	Derivative financial instruments	$	6			$	(12	)
	Hedged item – firm sales commitments	(6		)		12
	Realized (losses) gains:
	Matured derivative financial instruments	(10		)		2
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Embedded Derivatives. As described in Note 1 to FCX's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, under “Revenue Recognition,” certain FCX copper concentrate, copper cathode and gold sales contracts provide for provisional pricing primarily based on the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper price or the COMEX copper price and the London Bullion Market Association (London) gold price at the time of shipment as specified in the contract. Similarly, FCX purchases copper under contracts that provide for provisional pricing. FCX applies the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception in accordance with derivatives and hedge accounting guidance to the host sales agreements since the contracts do not allow for net settlement and always result in physical delivery. Sales and purchases with a provisional sales price contain an embedded derivative (i.e., the price settlement mechanism is settled after the time of delivery) that is required to be bifurcated from the host contract. The host contract is the sale or purchase of the metals contained in the concentrates or cathodes at the then-current LME or COMEX copper price or the London gold price as defined in the contract. Mark-to-market price fluctuations from these embedded derivatives are recorded through the settlement date and are reflected in revenues for sales contracts and in cost of sales as production and delivery costs for purchase contracts.
	A summary of FCX’s embedded commodity derivatives at March 31, 2015, follows:
		Open Positions			Average Price								Maturities Through
					Per Unit
					Contract				Market
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts:
	Copper (millions of pounds)	577			$	2.75			$	2.74			Sep-15
	Gold (thousands of ounces)	155			1,195				1,183				Jul-15
	Embedded derivatives in provisional purchase contracts:
	Copper (millions of pounds)	126			2.68				2.75				Jul-15
	Crude Oil Contracts. As a result of the acquisition of the oil and gas business, FCX has derivative contracts extending through 2015 that consist of crude oil options. These crude oil derivatives are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value with the mark-to-market gains and losses recorded in revenues.
	The crude oil options were entered into by the oil and gas business to protect the realized price of a portion of expected future sales in order to limit the effects of crude oil price decreases. At March 31, 2015, these contracts are composed of crude oil put spreads consisting of put options with a floor limit. The premiums associated with put options are deferred until the settlement period. At March 31, 2015, the deferred option premiums and accrued interest associated with the crude oil option contracts totaled $159 million, which was included as a component of the fair value of the crude oil options contracts. At March 31, 2015, the outstanding 2015 crude oil option contracts, which settle monthly and cover approximately 23 million barrels over the remainder of 2015, follow:
					Daily Volumes (thousand barrels)			Average Strike Price (per barrel)a							Weighted-Average Deferred Premium
	2015 Period		Instrument Type					Floor				Floor Limit			(per barrel)		Index
	April - December		Put optionsb		84			$	90			$	70		$	6.89	Brent
	a.	The average strike prices do not reflect any premiums to purchase the put options.
	b.	If the index price is less than the per barrel floor, FCX receives the difference between the per barrel floor and the index price up to a maximum of $20 per barrel less the option premium. If the index price is at or above the per barrel floor, FCX pays the option premium and no cash settlement is received.
	Copper Forward Contracts. Atlantic Copper, FCX's wholly owned smelting and refining unit in Spain, enters into copper forward contracts designed to hedge its copper price risk whenever its physical purchases and sales pricing periods do not match. These economic hedge transactions are intended to hedge against changes in copper prices, with the mark-to-market hedging gains or losses recorded in cost of sales. At March 31, 2015, Atlantic Copper held net copper forward purchase contracts for 36 million pounds at an average contract price of $2.68 per pound, with maturities through May 2015.
	Summary of (Losses) Gains. A summary of the realized and unrealized (losses) gains recognized in (loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings for commodity contracts that do not qualify as hedge transactions, including embedded derivatives, follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015				2014
	Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
	sales contractsa	$	(72	)		$	(169	)
	Crude oil optionsa	52				(36		)
	Natural gas swapsa	—				(14		)
	Copper forward contractsb	(1		)		1
	a.	Amounts recorded in revenues.
	b.	Amounts recorded in cost of sales as production and delivery costs.
	Unsettled Derivative Financial Instruments
	A summary of the fair values of unsettled commodity derivative financial instruments follows (in millions):
			March 31,				December 31, 2014
			2015
	Commodity Derivative Assets:
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Copper futures and swap contractsa		$	4			$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
	sales/purchase contracts		46				15
	Crude oil optionsb		268				316
	Copper forward contracts		3				—
	Total derivative assets		$	321			$	331
	Commodity Derivative Liabilities:
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Copper futures and swap contractsa		$	5			$	7
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
	sales/purchase contracts		60				93
Total derivative liabilities		$	65			$	100
a.	FCX paid $5 million to brokers at March 31, 2015, and $10 million at December 31, 2014, for margin requirements (recorded in other current assets).
b.	Amounts are net of $159 million at March 31, 2015, and $210 million at December 31, 2014, for deferred premiums and accrued interest.
FCX's commodity contracts have netting arrangements with counterparties with which the right of offset exists, and it is FCX's policy to offset balances by counterparty on the balance sheet. FCX's embedded derivatives on provisional sales/purchases are netted with the corresponding outstanding receivable/payable balances. A summary of these unsettled commodity contracts that are offset in the balance sheet follows (in millions):
		Assets								Liabilities
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014				March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
Gross amounts recognized:
Commodity contracts:
Embedded derivatives in provisional
sales/purchase contracts		$	46			$	15			$	60		$	93
Crude oil derivatives		268				316				—			—
Copper derivatives		7				—				5			7
		321				331				65			100
Less gross amounts of offset:
Commodity contracts:
Embedded derivatives in provisional
sales/purchase contracts		9				1				9			1
Copper derivatives		5				—				5			—
		14				1				14			1
Net amounts presented in balance sheet:
Commodity contracts:
Embedded derivatives in provisional
sales/purchase contracts		37				14				51			92
Crude oil derivatives		268				316				—			—
Copper derivatives		2				—				—			7
		$	307			$	330			$	51		$	99
Balance sheet classification:
Trade accounts receivable		$	32			$	5			$	22		$	56
Other current assets		270				316				—			—
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		5				9				29			43
		$	307			$	330			$	51		$	99
Credit Risk.  FCX is exposed to credit loss when financial institutions with which FCX has entered into derivative transactions (commodity, foreign exchange and interest rate swaps) are unable to pay. To minimize the risk of such losses, FCX uses counterparties that meet certain credit requirements and periodically reviews the creditworthiness of these counterparties. FCX does not anticipate that any of the counterparties it deals with will default on their obligations. As of March 31, 2015, the maximum amount of credit exposure associated with derivative transactions was $333 million.
Other Financial Instruments.  Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, investment securities, legally restricted funds, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, dividends payable and long-term debt. The carrying value for cash and cash equivalents (which included time deposits of $17 million at March 31, 2015, and $48 million at December 31, 2014), accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and dividends payable approximates fair value because of their short-term nature and generally negligible credit losses (refer to Note 7 for the fair values of investment securities, legally restricted funds and long-term debt).

Fair_Value_Measurement_Unaudit

Fair Value Measurement (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	Fair value accounting guidance includes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).
	FCX recognizes transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period. FCX did not have any significant transfers in or out of Level 1, 2 or 3 for first-quarter 2015. A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of FCX’s financial instruments, other than cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and dividends payable (refer to Note 6), follows (in millions):
		At March 31, 2015
		Carrying				Fair Value
		Amount				Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Investment securities:a,b,c
	U.S. core fixed income fund	$	23			$	23	$	—	$	23	$	—
	Money market funds	22				22		22		—		—
	Equity securities	3				3		3		—		—
	Total	48				48		25		23		—
	Legally restricted funds:a,b,d
	U.S. core fixed income fund	52				52		—		52		—
	Government bonds and notes	39				39		—		39		—
	Government mortgage-backed securities	29				29		—		29		—
	Corporate bonds	28				28		—		28		—
	Asset-backed securities	16				16		—		16		—
	Money market funds	10				10		10		—		—
	Municipal bonds	1				1		—		1		—
	Total	175				175		10		165		—
	Derivatives:a,e
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
	contracts in a gross asset position	46				46		—		46		—
	Crude oil options	268				268		—		—		268
	Copper futures and swap contracts	4				4		4		—		—
	Copper forward contracts	3				3		2		1		—
	Total	321				321		6		47		268
	Total assets					$	544	$	41	$	235	$	268
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:a,e
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
	contracts in a gross liability position	$	60			$	60	$	—	$	60	$	—
	Copper futures and swap contracts	5				5		4		1		—
	Total	65				65		4		61		—
	Long-term debt, including current portionf	20,312				19,866		—		19,866		—
	Total liabilities					$	19,931	$	4	$	19,927	$	—
		At December 31, 2014
		Carrying				Fair Value
		Amount				Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Investment securities:a,b,c
	U.S. core fixed income fund	$	23			$	23	$	—	$	23	$	—
	Money market funds	20				20		20		—		—
	Equity securities	3				3		3		—		—
	Total	46				46		23		23		—
	Legally restricted funds:a,b,d
	U.S. core fixed income fund	52				52		—		52		—
	Government bonds and notes	39				39		—		39		—
	Corporate bonds	27				27		—		27		—
	Government mortgage-backed securities	25				25		—		25		—
	Asset-backed securities	17				17		—		17		—
	Money market funds	11				11		11		—		—
	Municipal bonds	1				1		—		1		—
	Total	172				172		11		161		—
	Derivatives:a,e
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
	contracts in a gross asset position	15				15		—		15		—
	Crude oil options	316				316		—		—		316
	Total	331				331		—		15		316
	Total assets					$	549	$	34	$	199	$	316
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:a,e
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in a gross liability position	$	93			$	93	$	—	$	93	$	—
Copper futures and swap contracts	7				7		6		1		—
Total	100				100		6		94		—
Long-term debt, including current portionf	18,849				18,735		—		18,735		—
Total liabilities					$	18,835	$	6	$	18,829	$	—
a.	Recorded at fair value.
b.	Current portion included in other current assets and long-term portion included in other assets.
c.	Excludes time deposits of $116 million (which approximated fair value) included in other assets at March 31, 2015, and $115 million at December 31, 2014, associated with an assurance bond to support PT Freeport Indonesia's (PT-FI) commitment for smelter development in Indonesia.
d.	Excludes time deposits of $18 million (which approximated fair value) included in other current assets at March 31, 2015, and $17 million at December 31, 2014, associated with a customs audit assessment and a reclamation guarantee at PT-FI. Also, excludes $115 million (which approximated fair value) included in other current assets at March 31, 2015, associated with a restricted escrow account for the shareholder derivative litigation (refer to Note 8).
e.	Refer to Note 6 for further discussion and balance sheet classifications. Crude oil options are net of $159 million at March 31, 2015, and $210 million at December 31, 2014, for deferred premiums and accrued interest.
f.	Recorded at cost except for debt assumed in acquisitions, which were recorded at fair value at the respective acquisition dates.
Valuation Techniques
Money market funds are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.
Fixed income securities (U.S. core fixed income funds, government securities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities and municipal bonds) are valued using a bid evaluation price or a mid-evaluation price. A bid evaluation price is an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a security. A mid-evaluation price is the average of the estimated price at which a dealer would sell a security and the estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a security. These evaluations are based on quoted prices, if available, or models that use observable inputs and, as such, are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded and, as such, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
FCX’s embedded derivatives on provisional copper concentrate, copper cathode and gold purchases and sales are valued using quoted monthly LME or COMEX copper forward prices and the London gold forward price at each reporting date based on the month of maturity (refer to Note 6 for further discussion); however, FCX's contracts themselves are not traded on an exchange. As a result, these derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
FCX's derivative financial instruments for crude oil options are valued using an option pricing model, which uses various inputs including Intercontinental Exchange Holdings, Inc. crude oil prices, volatilities, interest rates and contract terms. Valuations are adjusted for credit quality, using the counterparties' credit quality for asset balances and FCX's credit quality for liability balances (which considers the impact of netting agreements on counterparty credit risk, including whether the position with the counterparty is a net asset or net liability). For asset balances, FCX uses the credit default swap value for counterparties when available or the spread between the risk-free interest rate and the yield rate on the counterparties' publicly traded debt for similar instruments. The crude oil options are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because the inputs used in the valuation models are not observable for substantially the full term of the instruments. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the crude oil options are implied volatilities and deferred premiums. Significant increases (decreases) in implied volatilities in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. The implied volatilities ranged from 31 percent to 56 percent, with a weighted average of 38 percent. The weighted-average cost of deferred premiums totals $6.89 per barrel at March 31, 2015. Refer to Note 6 for further discussion of these derivative financial instruments.
FCX’s derivative financial instruments for copper futures and swap contracts and copper forward contracts that are traded on the respective exchanges are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted monthly COMEX or LME prices at each reporting date based on the month of maturity (refer to Note 6 for further discussion). Certain of these contracts are traded on the over-the-counter market and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy based on COMEX and LME forward prices.
Long-term debt, including the current portion, is not actively traded and is valued using prices obtained from a readily available pricing source and, as such, is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The techniques described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while FCX believes its valuation techniques are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different techniques or assumptions to determine fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the techniques used at March 31, 2015.
A summary of the changes in the fair value of FCX's most significant Level 3 instruments, crude oil options, follows (in millions):
	Crude Oil
	Options
Fair value at December 31, 2014	$	316
Net realized gains	3			a
Net unrealized gains included in earnings related to assets and liabilities	48
still held at the end of the period
Net settlement receipts	(99		)	b
Fair value at March 31, 2015	$	268
a.	Includes net realized gains of $4 million, partially offset by $1 million of interest expense associated with the deferred premiums.
b.	Includes interest payments of $1 million.

Contingencies_and_Commitments_

Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
	Litigation. The following information includes a discussion of updates to previously reported legal proceedings included in Note 12 of FCX's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Shareholder Litigation. On April 7, 2015, the Delaware Court of Chancery approved the settlement of FCX’s consolidated stockholder derivative litigation captioned In Re Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Derivative Litigation, No. 8145-VCN, and awarded the plaintiffs’ legal fees and expenses. This settlement resolved all pending derivative claims against directors and officers of FCX challenging FCX's 2013 acquisitions of Plains Exploration & Production Company and McMoRan Exploration Co. During first-quarter 2015, insurers under FCX’s directors and officers liability insurance policies funded an escrow account with the $115 million settlement amount, from which the proceeds, net of plaintiffs’ legal fees and expenses, are expected to be released to FCX in May 2015. Upon the release of funds, FCX expects to recognize a gain in second-quarter 2015 for the amount of the net proceeds. As a result and in accordance with the approved settlement terms, FCX expects the Board to declare a special dividend of approximately $115 million ($0.11 per share) that would be payable in early August 2015, corresponding with the timing of FCX’s next regular quarterly dividend.
	Tax and Other Matters. There were no significant changes to the Cerro Verde royalty dispute or other Peruvian tax matters during the first quarter of 2015 (refer to Note 12 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, for further discussion of these matters).
	Indonesia Tax Matters. The following information includes a discussion of updates to previously reported Indonesia tax matters included in Note 12 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	PT-FI received assessments from the local regional tax authority in Papua, Indonesia, for additional taxes and penalties related to water rights tax payments for the period from January 2011 through January 2015. PT-FI has filed objections to these assessments. In March 2015, the local government of Papua rejected PT-FI’s objections to the assessments related to the period from January 2011 through December 2014, and in April 2015, PT-FI filed appeals with the Indonesian tax court. As of March 31, 2015, the aggregate amount of these assessments, including penalties, was 2.3 trillion Indonesian rupiah ($177 million based on exchange rates at March 31, 2015). No amounts have been accrued for these assessments as of March 31, 2015, because PT-FI believes its Contract of Work exempts it from these payments. PT-FI may be required to record a charge in second-quarter 2015 for all or a portion of the assessments.

Business_Segments_Unaudited

Business Segments (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	BUSINESS SEGMENTS
	FCX has organized its operations into six primary divisions – North America copper mines, South America mining, Indonesia mining, Africa mining, Molybdenum mines and U.S. oil & gas operations. Notwithstanding this structure, FCX internally reports information on a mine-by-mine basis for its mining operations. Therefore, FCX concluded that its operating segments include individual mines or operations relative to its mining operations. For oil and gas operations, FCX determines its operating segments on a country-by-country basis. Operating segments that meet certain thresholds are reportable segments, which are separately disclosed in the following table.
	Intersegment Sales. Intersegment sales between FCX’s mining operations are based on similar arms-length transactions with third parties at the time of the sale. Intersegment sales may not be reflective of the actual prices ultimately realized because of a variety of factors, including additional processing, timing of sales to unaffiliated customers and transportation premiums.
	FCX defers recognizing profits on sales from its mines to other divisions, including Atlantic Copper and on 25 percent of PT-FI's sales to PT Smelting, until final sales to third parties occur. Quarterly variations in ore grades, the timing of intercompany shipments and changes in product prices result in variability in FCX's net deferred profits and quarterly earnings.
	Allocations. FCX allocates certain operating costs, expenses and capital expenditures to its operating divisions and individual segments. However, not all costs and expenses applicable to an operation are allocated. U.S. federal and state income taxes are recorded and managed at the corporate level (included in corporate, other & eliminations), whereas foreign income taxes are recorded and managed at the applicable country level. In addition, most mining exploration and research activities are managed on a consolidated basis, and those costs along with some selling, general and administrative costs are not allocated to the operating divisions or individual segments. Accordingly, the following segment information reflects management determinations that may not be indicative of what the actual financial performance of each operating division or segment would be if it was an independent entity.
	Financial Information by Business Segments
	(In millions)	Mining Operations
		North America Copper Mines								South America								Indonesia				Africa
																												Atlantic			Other											Corporate,
																								Molyb-				Copper			Mining							U.S.				Other
				Other						Cerro		Other												denum		Rod &		Smelting			& Elimi-				Total			Oil & Gas				& Elimi-			FCX
		Morenci		Mines			Total			Verde		Minesa				Total		Grasberg				Tenke		Mines		Refining		& Refining			nations				Mining			Operationsb				nations			Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Revenues:
	Unaffiliated customers	$	106	$	115		$	221		$	248	$	231			$	479	$	621		c	$	382	$	—	$	1,062	$	540		$	348		d	$	3,653		$	500		e	$	—		$	4,153
	Intersegment	450		664			1,114			14		(7		)	f	7		(14		)	f	28		113		7		6			(1,261		)		—			—				—			—
	Production and delivery	374		569			943			198		147				345		439				235		83		1,063		519			(1,001		)		2,626			283				3			2,912
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization	51		82			133			37		38				75		70				73		26		2		10			16				405			530				4			939
	Impairment of oil and gas properties	—		—			—			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			—				—			3,104				—			3,104
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		—			1			1		—				1		25				3		—		—		5			6				41			54				59			154
	Mining exploration and research expenses	—		3			3			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			30				33			—				—			33
	Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		—			—			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			13				13			—				—			13
	Net gain on sale of assets	—		(39		)	(39		)	—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			—				(39		)	—				—			(39		)
	Operating income (loss)	130		164			294			26		39				65		73				99		4		4		12			23				574			(3,471		)		(66		)	(2,963		)
	Interest expense, net	1		—			1			1		—				1		—				—		—		—		3			40				45			37				64			146
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	—		—			—			5		19				24		29				26		—		—		—			—				79			—				(774		)	(695		)
	Total assets at March 31, 2015	3,802		5,646			9,448			7,991		1,970				9,961		8,882				5,108		2,075		314		809			1,379				37,976			17,887				202			56,065
	Capital expenditures	84		23			107			431		14				445		225				39		3		1		4			16				840			1,018				9			1,867
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Revenues:
	Unaffiliated customers	$	23	$	61		$	84		$	280	$	422			$	702	$	462		c	$	306	$	—	$	1,146	$	588		$	436		d	$	3,724		$	1,261		e	$	—		$	4,985
	Intersegment	444		758			1,202			64		132				196		8				21		126		8		5			(1,566		)		—			—				—			—
	Production and delivery	283		503			786			165		311				476		383				152		76		1,148		588			(1,183		)		2,426			311				—			2,737
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization	34		73			107			36		51				87		48				51		22		2		10			19				346			616				4			966
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	—		1			1			1		1				2		21				3		—		—		4			7				38			57				40			135
	Mining exploration and research expenses	—		2			2			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			28				30			—				—			30
	Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		—			—			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			6				6			—				—			6
	Operating income (loss)	150		240			390			142		191				333		18				121		28		4		(9		)	(7		)		878			277				(44		)	1,111
	Interest expense, net	1		—			1			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		4			18				23			76				62			161
	Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			57		70				127		18				24		—		—		—			—				169			—				188			357
	Total assets at March 31, 2014	3,412		5,827			9,239			6,730		4,059				10,789		7,466				4,904		2,101		289		951			1,119				36,858			26,385				489			63,732
	Capital expenditures	244		59			303			400		23				423		236				31		19		1		1			10				1,024			579				9			1,612
	a.	First-quarter 2014 amounts include the results of the Candelaria and Ojos del Salado mining operations, which were sold in November 2014.
	b.	First-quarter 2014 includes the results from Eagle Ford, which was sold in June 2014.
	c.	Includes PT-FI’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $350 million in first-quarter 2015 and $373 million in first-quarter 2014.
	d.	Includes revenues from FCX's molybdenum sales company, which includes sales of molybdenum produced by the Molybdenum mines and by certain of the North and South America copper mines.
	e.	Includes net mark-to-market gains (losses) associated with crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts totaling $52 million in first-quarter 2015 and $(50) million in first-quarter 2014.
	f.	Amounts include net reductions for provisional pricing adjustments to prior period open sales. There were no intersegment sales from El Abra or Grasberg in first-quarter 2015.

Guarantor_Financial_Statements

Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantor Financial Statements [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Statements [Text Block]	GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	All of the senior notes issued by FCX are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis jointly and severally by Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC (FM O&G LLC), as guarantor, which is a 100 percent owned subsidiary of FCX Oil & Gas Inc. (FM O&G) and FCX. The guarantee is an unsecured obligation of the guarantor and ranks equal in right of payment with all existing and future indebtedness of FM O&G LLC, including indebtedness under the revolving credit facility. The guarantee ranks senior in right of payment with all of FM O&G LLC's future subordinated obligations and is effectively subordinated in right of payment to any debt of FM O&G LLC's subsidiaries. In the future, FM O&G LLC's guarantee may be released or terminated for certain obligations under the following circumstances: (i) all or substantially all of the equity interests or assets of FM O&G LLC are sold to a third party; or (ii) FM O&G LLC no longer has any obligations under any FM O&G senior notes or any refinancing thereof and no longer guarantees any obligations of FCX under the revolver, the Term Loan or any other senior debt.
	The following condensed consolidating financial information includes information regarding FCX, as issuer, FM O&G LLC, as guarantor, and all other non-guarantor subsidiaries of FCX. Included are the condensed consolidating balance sheets at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, and the related condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive (loss) income and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in millions), which should be read in conjunction with FCX's notes to the consolidated financial statements.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	March 31, 2015
		FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
		Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
	ASSETS
	Current assets	$	288			$	3,623			$	8,257			$	(3,314	)		$	8,854
	Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	21				48				26,526				—				26,595
	Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method:
	Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	—				2,309				4,404				—				6,713
	Not subject to amortization	—				2,553				7,112				—				9,665
	Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	25,828				4,117				7,005				(36,950		)		—
	Other assets	9,814				4,276				4,160				(14,012		)		4,238
	Total assets	$	35,951			$	16,926			$	57,464			$	(54,276	)		$	56,065
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities	$	1,819			$	400			$	5,505			$	(3,314	)		$	4,410
	Long-term debt, less current portion	15,900				4,771				9,625				(10,542		)		19,754
	Deferred income taxes	2,390			a	—				3,235				—				5,625
	Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	—				303				3,375				—				3,678
	Other liabilities	49				3,359				1,874				(3,470		)		1,812
	Total liabilities	20,158				8,833				23,614				(17,326		)		35,279
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—				—				755				—				755
	Equity:
	Stockholders' equity	15,793				8,093				29,376				(37,469		)		15,793
	Noncontrolling interests	—				—				3,719				519				4,238
	Total equity	15,793				8,093				33,095				(36,950		)		20,031
	Total liabilities and equity	$	35,951			$	16,926			$	57,464			$	(54,276	)		$	56,065
	a.	All U.S. related deferred income taxes are recorded at the parent company.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2014
		FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
		Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
	ASSETS
	Current assets	$	323			$	2,635			$	8,659			$	(2,572	)		$	9,045
	Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	22				46				26,152				—				26,220
	Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method:
	Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	—				3,296				5,907				(16		)		9,187
	Not subject to amortization	—				2,447				7,640				—				10,087
	Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	28,765				6,460				10,246				(45,471		)		—
	Other assets	8,914				3,947				4,061				(12,787		)		4,135
	Total assets	$	38,024			$	18,831			$	62,665			$	(60,846	)		$	58,674
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities	$	1,592			$	560			$	5,592			$	(2,572	)		$	5,172
	Long-term debt, less current portion	14,930				3,874				8,879				(9,312		)		18,371
	Deferred income taxes	3,161			a	—				3,237				—				6,398
	Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	—				302				3,345				—				3,647
	Other liabilities	54				3,372				1,910				(3,475		)		1,861
	Total liabilities	19,737				8,108				22,963				(15,359		)		35,449
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—				—				751				—				751
	Equity:
	Stockholders' equity	18,287				10,723				35,268				(45,991		)		18,287
	Noncontrolling interests	—				—				3,683				504				4,187
	Total equity	18,287				10,723				38,951				(45,487		)		22,474
	Total liabilities and equity	$	38,024			$	18,831			$	62,665			$	(60,846	)		$	58,674
	a.	All U.S. related deferred income taxes are recorded at the parent company.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
		Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
	Revenues	$	—			$	181			$	3,972			$	—			$	4,153
	Total costs and expenses	16				1,318			a	5,798			a	(16		)		7,116
	Operating (loss) income	(16		)		(1,137		)		(1,826		)		16				(2,963		)
Interest expense, net	(115		)		(4		)		(57		)		30				(146		)
Other income (expense), net	29				—				8				(30		)		7
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings	(102		)		(1,141		)		(1,875		)		16				(3,102		)
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(421		)		1,157				(35		)		(6		)		695
Equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings	(1,951		)		(2,359		)		(3,530		)		7,841				1
Net (loss) income	(2,474		)		(2,343		)		(5,440		)		7,851				(2,406		)
Net income and preferred dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	—				—				(56		)		(12		)		(68		)
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	$	(2,474	)		$	(2,343	)		$	(5,496	)		$	7,839			$	(2,474	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12				—				12				(12		)		12
Total comprehensive (loss) income	$	(2,462	)		$	(2,343	)		$	(5,484	)		$	7,827			$	(2,462	)
a.	Includes impairment charges totaling $1.1 billion at the FM O&G LLC guarantor and $2.0 billion at the non-guarantor subsidiaries related to ceiling test impairment charges for FCX's oil and gas properties pursuant to full cost accounting rules.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
	Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
Revenues	$	—			$	644			$	4,341			$	—			$	4,985
Total costs and expenses	11				526				3,339				(2		)		3,874
Operating (loss) income	(11		)		118				1,002				2				1,111
Interest expense, net	(82		)		(41		)		(58		)		20				(161		)
Other income (expense), net	20				—				33				(20		)		33
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings (losses)	(73		)		77				977				2				983
Provision for income taxes	(21		)		(43		)		(292		)		(1		)		(357		)
Equity in affiliated companies' net earnings (losses)	604				130				185				(919		)		—
Net income (loss)	510				164				870				(918		)		626
Net income and preferred dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	—				—				(111		)		(5		)		(116		)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	510			$	164			$	759			$	(923	)		$	510
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3				—				3				(3		)		3
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	513			$	164			$	762			$	(926	)		$	513
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
	Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(2,474	)		$	(2,343	)		$	(5,440	)		$	7,851			$	(2,406	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1				119				835				(16		)		939
Impairment of oil and gas properties	—				1,062				2,042				—				3,104
Net gains on crude oil derivative contracts	—				(52		)		—				—				(52		)
Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries	1,951				2,359				3,530				(7,841		)		(1		)
Other, net	(701		)		6				(86		)		—				(781		)
Decreases (increases) in working capital and changes in other tax payments	1,171				(1,321		)		58				6				(86		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(52		)		(170		)		939				—				717
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—				(302		)		(1,565		)		—				(1,867		)
Intercompany loans	(905		)		(400		)		—				1,305				—
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries	310				(14		)		32				(328		)		—
Other, net	—				—				127				—				127
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(595		)		(716		)		(1,406		)		977				(1,740		)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	1,515				—				758				—				2,273
Repayments of debt	(530		)		—				(272		)		—				(802		)
Intercompany loans	—				903				402				(1,305		)		—
Cash dividends and distributions paid, and contributions received	(327		)		—				(319		)		296				(350		)
Other, net	(11		)		(18		)		(16		)		32				(13		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	647				885				553				(977		)		1,108
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—				(1		)		86				—				85
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—				1				463				—				464
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—			$	—			$	549			$	—			$	549
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor									Consolidated
	Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries					Eliminations				FCX
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	510			$	164			$	870				$	(918	)		$	626
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1				285				682					(2		)		966
Net losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts	—				50				—					—				50
Equity in (earnings) losses of consolidated subsidiaries	(604		)		(130		)		(185		)			919				—
Other, net	134				(9		)		(140		)			(13		)		(28		)
(Increases) decreases in working capital and changes in other tax payments	(234		)		339				(518		)			—				(413		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(193		)		699				709					(14		)		1,201
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—				(335		)		(1,277		)			—				(1,612		)
Intercompany loans	190				(43		)		—			—		(147		)		—
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries	212				(96		)		(430		)			314				—
Other, net	—				4				3					—				7
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	402				(470		)		(1,704		)			167				(1,605		)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	895				—				254					—				1,149
Repayments of debt	(780		)		—				(207		)			—				(987		)
Intercompany loans	—				(213		)		66					147				—
Cash dividends and distributions paid, and contributions received	(326		)		(14		)		237					(300		)		(403		)
Other, net	2				—				—					—				2
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(209		)		(227		)		350					(153		)		(239		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—				2				(645		)			—				(643		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—				—				1,985					—				1,985
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—			$	2			$	1,340				$	—			$	1,342

New_Accounting_Standard_Unaudi

New Accounting Standard (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
New Accounting Standards [Abstract]
New Accounting Standard	NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. For public entities, this ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. FCX adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2015 and retrospectively adjusted its previously issued financial statements. Upon adoption, FCX adjusted its December 31, 2014, balance sheet by decreasing other assets and long-term debt by $121 million for debt issuance costs related to corresponding debt balances. FCX elected to continue presenting debt issuance costs for its revolving credit facility as a deferred charge (asset) because of the volatility of its borrowings and repayments under the facility.

Subsequent_Events_Unaudited

Subsequent Events (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	FCX evaluated events after March 31, 2015, and through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued, and determined any events or transactions occurring during this period that would require recognition or disclosure are appropriately addressed in these consolidated financial statements.

Earnings_Per_Share_Unaudited_T

Earnings Per Share (Unaudited) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	A reconciliation of net (loss) income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for the three months ended March 31 follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015				2014
	Net (loss) income	$	(2,406	)		$	626
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(58		)		(106		)
	Preferred dividends on redeemable noncontrolling interest	(10		)		(10		)
	Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities	(3		)		(1		)
	Net (loss) income allocable to common stockholders	$	(2,477	)		$	509
	Basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	1,040				1,038
	Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of dilutive stock options and RSUs	—			a	6			a
	Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	1,040				1,044
	Basic net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders	$	(2.38	)		$	0.49
	Diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders	$	(2.38	)		$	0.49
	a.	Excludes shares of common stock totaling approximately three million for first-quarter 2015 and two million for first-quarter 2014 associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of FCX's common stock and RSU's that were anti-dilutive.

Inventories_Including_LongTerm1

Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories, Including Long Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles [Abstract]
Components of inventories	The components of inventories follow (in millions):
		March 31,		December 31, 2014
		2015
	Current inventories:
	Mill stockpiles	$	101	$	86
	Leach stockpiles	1,776		1,828
	Total current mill and leach stockpiles	$	1,877	$	1,914
	Total materials and supplies, neta	$	1,919	$	1,886
	Raw materials (primarily concentrates)	$	272	$	288
	Work-in-process	158		174
	Finished goods	1,012		1,099
	Total product inventories	$	1,442	$	1,561
	Long-term inventories:
	Mill stockpiles	$	346	$	360
	Leach stockpiles	1,915		1,819
	Total long-term mill and leach stockpilesb	$	2,261	$	2,179
	a.	Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $21 million at March 31, 2015, and $20 million at December 31, 2014.
	b.	Estimated metals in stockpiles not expected to be recovered within the next 12 months.

Income_Taxes_Unaudited_Tables

Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Geographic Sources of Provision for Income Taxes	Geographic sources of FCX's (benefit from) provision for income taxes follow (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	U.S. operations	$	(835	)	$	136
	International operations	140			221
	Total	$	(695	)	$	357

Financial_Instruments_Unaudite1

Financial Instruments (Unaudited) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) for derivative financial instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedge transactions and for the related hedged item	A summary of gains (losses) recognized in revenues for derivative financial instruments related to commodity contracts that are designated and qualify as fair value hedge transactions, along with the unrealized gains (losses) on the related hedged item follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015				2014
	Copper futures and swap contracts:
	Unrealized gains (losses):
	Derivative financial instruments	$	6			$	(12	)
	Hedged item – firm sales commitments	(6		)		12
	Realized (losses) gains:
	Matured derivative financial instruments	(10		)		2
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	At March 31, 2015, the outstanding 2015 crude oil option contracts, which settle monthly and cover approximately 23 million barrels over the remainder of 2015, follow:
					Daily Volumes (thousand barrels)			Average Strike Price (per barrel)a							Weighted-Average Deferred Premium
	2015 Period		Instrument Type					Floor				Floor Limit			(per barrel)		Index
	April - December		Put optionsb		84			$	90			$	70		$	6.89	Brent
	a.	The average strike prices do not reflect any premiums to purchase the put options.
	b.	If the index price is less than the per barrel floor, FCX receives the difference between the per barrel floor and the index price up to a maximum of $20 per barrel less the option premium. If the index price is at or above the per barrel floor, FCX pays the option premium and no cash settlement is received.
	A summary of FCX’s embedded commodity derivatives at March 31, 2015, follows:
		Open Positions			Average Price								Maturities Through
					Per Unit
					Contract				Market
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts:
	Copper (millions of pounds)	577			$	2.75			$	2.74			Sep-15
	Gold (thousands of ounces)	155			1,195				1,183				Jul-15
	Embedded derivatives in provisional purchase contracts:
	Copper (millions of pounds)	126			2.68				2.75				Jul-15
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) for derivative financial instruments that do not qualify as hedge transactions	A summary of the realized and unrealized (losses) gains recognized in (loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings for commodity contracts that do not qualify as hedge transactions, including embedded derivatives, follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015				2014
	Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
	sales contractsa	$	(72	)		$	(169	)
	Crude oil optionsa	52				(36		)
	Natural gas swapsa	—				(14		)
	Copper forward contractsb	(1		)		1
	a.	Amounts recorded in revenues.
	b.	Amounts recorded in cost of sales as production and delivery costs.
Fair Values of Unsettled Derivative Financial Instruments	A summary of these unsettled commodity contracts that are offset in the balance sheet follows (in millions):
			Assets								Liabilities
			March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014				March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Gross amounts recognized:
	Commodity contracts:
	Embedded derivatives in provisional
	sales/purchase contracts		$	46			$	15			$	60		$	93
	Crude oil derivatives		268				316				—			—
	Copper derivatives		7				—				5			7
			321				331				65			100
	Less gross amounts of offset:
	Commodity contracts:
	Embedded derivatives in provisional
	sales/purchase contracts		9				1				9			1
	Copper derivatives		5				—				5			—
			14				1				14			1
	Net amounts presented in balance sheet:
	Commodity contracts:
	Embedded derivatives in provisional
	sales/purchase contracts		37				14				51			92
	Crude oil derivatives		268				316				—			—
	Copper derivatives		2				—				—			7
			$	307			$	330			$	51		$	99
	Balance sheet classification:
	Trade accounts receivable		$	32			$	5			$	22		$	56
	Other current assets		270				316				—			—
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		5				9				29			43
			$	307			$	330			$	51		$	99
	A summary of the fair values of unsettled commodity derivative financial instruments follows (in millions):
			March 31,				December 31, 2014
			2015
	Commodity Derivative Assets:
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Copper futures and swap contractsa		$	4			$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
	sales/purchase contracts		46				15
	Crude oil optionsb		268				316
	Copper forward contracts		3				—
	Total derivative assets		$	321			$	331
	Commodity Derivative Liabilities:
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Copper futures and swap contractsa		$	5			$	7
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
	sales/purchase contracts		60				93
	Total derivative liabilities		$	65			$	100
	a.	FCX paid $5 million to brokers at March 31, 2015, and $10 million at December 31, 2014, for margin requirements (recorded in other current assets).
	b.	Amounts are net of $159 million at March 31, 2015, and $210 million at December 31, 2014, for deferred premiums and accrued interest.

Fair_Value_Measurement_Unaudit1

Fair Value Measurement (Unaudited) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	A summary of the changes in the fair value of FCX's most significant Level 3 instruments, crude oil options, follows (in millions):
		Crude Oil
		Options
	Fair value at December 31, 2014	$	316
	Net realized gains	3			a
	Net unrealized gains included in earnings related to assets and liabilities	48
	still held at the end of the period
	Net settlement receipts	(99		)	b
	Fair value at March 31, 2015	$	268
	a.	Includes net realized gains of $4 million, partially offset by $1 million of interest expense associated with the deferred premiums.
	b.	Includes interest payments of $1 million.
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments	A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of FCX’s financial instruments, other than cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and dividends payable (refer to Note 6), follows (in millions):
		At March 31, 2015
		Carrying				Fair Value
		Amount				Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Investment securities:a,b,c
	U.S. core fixed income fund	$	23			$	23	$	—	$	23	$	—
	Money market funds	22				22		22		—		—
	Equity securities	3				3		3		—		—
	Total	48				48		25		23		—
	Legally restricted funds:a,b,d
	U.S. core fixed income fund	52				52		—		52		—
	Government bonds and notes	39				39		—		39		—
	Government mortgage-backed securities	29				29		—		29		—
	Corporate bonds	28				28		—		28		—
	Asset-backed securities	16				16		—		16		—
	Money market funds	10				10		10		—		—
	Municipal bonds	1				1		—		1		—
	Total	175				175		10		165		—
	Derivatives:a,e
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
	contracts in a gross asset position	46				46		—		46		—
	Crude oil options	268				268		—		—		268
	Copper futures and swap contracts	4				4		4		—		—
	Copper forward contracts	3				3		2		1		—
	Total	321				321		6		47		268
	Total assets					$	544	$	41	$	235	$	268
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:a,e
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
	contracts in a gross liability position	$	60			$	60	$	—	$	60	$	—
	Copper futures and swap contracts	5				5		4		1		—
	Total	65				65		4		61		—
	Long-term debt, including current portionf	20,312				19,866		—		19,866		—
	Total liabilities					$	19,931	$	4	$	19,927	$	—
		At December 31, 2014
		Carrying				Fair Value
		Amount				Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Investment securities:a,b,c
	U.S. core fixed income fund	$	23			$	23	$	—	$	23	$	—
	Money market funds	20				20		20		—		—
	Equity securities	3				3		3		—		—
	Total	46				46		23		23		—
	Legally restricted funds:a,b,d
	U.S. core fixed income fund	52				52		—		52		—
	Government bonds and notes	39				39		—		39		—
	Corporate bonds	27				27		—		27		—
	Government mortgage-backed securities	25				25		—		25		—
	Asset-backed securities	17				17		—		17		—
	Money market funds	11				11		11		—		—
	Municipal bonds	1				1		—		1		—
	Total	172				172		11		161		—
	Derivatives:a,e
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
	contracts in a gross asset position	15				15		—		15		—
	Crude oil options	316				316		—		—		316
	Total	331				331		—		15		316
	Total assets					$	549	$	34	$	199	$	316
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:a,e
	Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
	contracts in a gross liability position	$	93			$	93	$	—	$	93	$	—
	Copper futures and swap contracts	7				7		6		1		—
Total	100				100		6		94		—
Long-term debt, including current portionf	18,849				18,735		—		18,735		—
Total liabilities					$	18,835	$	6	$	18,829	$	—
a.	Recorded at fair value.
b.	Current portion included in other current assets and long-term portion included in other assets.
c.	Excludes time deposits of $116 million (which approximated fair value) included in other assets at March 31, 2015, and $115 million at December 31, 2014, associated with an assurance bond to support PT Freeport Indonesia's (PT-FI) commitment for smelter development in Indonesia.
d.	Excludes time deposits of $18 million (which approximated fair value) included in other current assets at March 31, 2015, and $17 million at December 31, 2014, associated with a customs audit assessment and a reclamation guarantee at PT-FI. Also, excludes $115 million (which approximated fair value) included in other current assets at March 31, 2015, associated with a restricted escrow account for the shareholder derivative litigation (refer to Note 8).
e.	Refer to Note 6 for further discussion and balance sheet classifications. Crude oil options are net of $159 million at March 31, 2015, and $210 million at December 31, 2014, for deferred premiums and accrued interest.
f.	Recorded at cost except for debt assumed in acquisitions, which were recorded at fair value at the respective acquisition dates.

Business_Segments_Unaudited_Ta

Business Segments (Unaudited) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information By Segment	Financial Information by Business Segments
	(In millions)	Mining Operations
		North America Copper Mines								South America								Indonesia				Africa
																												Atlantic			Other											Corporate,
																								Molyb-				Copper			Mining							U.S.				Other
				Other						Cerro		Other												denum		Rod &		Smelting			& Elimi-				Total			Oil & Gas				& Elimi-			FCX
		Morenci		Mines			Total			Verde		Minesa				Total		Grasberg				Tenke		Mines		Refining		& Refining			nations				Mining			Operationsb				nations			Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Revenues:
	Unaffiliated customers	$	106	$	115		$	221		$	248	$	231			$	479	$	621		c	$	382	$	—	$	1,062	$	540		$	348		d	$	3,653		$	500		e	$	—		$	4,153
	Intersegment	450		664			1,114			14		(7		)	f	7		(14		)	f	28		113		7		6			(1,261		)		—			—				—			—
	Production and delivery	374		569			943			198		147				345		439				235		83		1,063		519			(1,001		)		2,626			283				3			2,912
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization	51		82			133			37		38				75		70				73		26		2		10			16				405			530				4			939
	Impairment of oil and gas properties	—		—			—			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			—				—			3,104				—			3,104
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		—			1			1		—				1		25				3		—		—		5			6				41			54				59			154
	Mining exploration and research expenses	—		3			3			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			30				33			—				—			33
	Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		—			—			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			13				13			—				—			13
	Net gain on sale of assets	—		(39		)	(39		)	—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			—				(39		)	—				—			(39		)
	Operating income (loss)	130		164			294			26		39				65		73				99		4		4		12			23				574			(3,471		)		(66		)	(2,963		)
	Interest expense, net	1		—			1			1		—				1		—				—		—		—		3			40				45			37				64			146
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	—		—			—			5		19				24		29				26		—		—		—			—				79			—				(774		)	(695		)
	Total assets at March 31, 2015	3,802		5,646			9,448			7,991		1,970				9,961		8,882				5,108		2,075		314		809			1,379				37,976			17,887				202			56,065
	Capital expenditures	84		23			107			431		14				445		225				39		3		1		4			16				840			1,018				9			1,867
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Revenues:
	Unaffiliated customers	$	23	$	61		$	84		$	280	$	422			$	702	$	462		c	$	306	$	—	$	1,146	$	588		$	436		d	$	3,724		$	1,261		e	$	—		$	4,985
	Intersegment	444		758			1,202			64		132				196		8				21		126		8		5			(1,566		)		—			—				—			—
	Production and delivery	283		503			786			165		311				476		383				152		76		1,148		588			(1,183		)		2,426			311				—			2,737
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization	34		73			107			36		51				87		48				51		22		2		10			19				346			616				4			966
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	—		1			1			1		1				2		21				3		—		—		4			7				38			57				40			135
	Mining exploration and research expenses	—		2			2			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			28				30			—				—			30
	Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		—			—			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		—			6				6			—				—			6
	Operating income (loss)	150		240			390			142		191				333		18				121		28		4		(9		)	(7		)		878			277				(44		)	1,111
	Interest expense, net	1		—			1			—		—				—		—				—		—		—		4			18				23			76				62			161
	Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			57		70				127		18				24		—		—		—			—				169			—				188			357
	Total assets at March 31, 2014	3,412		5,827			9,239			6,730		4,059				10,789		7,466				4,904		2,101		289		951			1,119				36,858			26,385				489			63,732
	Capital expenditures	244		59			303			400		23				423		236				31		19		1		1			10				1,024			579				9			1,612
	a.	First-quarter 2014 amounts include the results of the Candelaria and Ojos del Salado mining operations, which were sold in November 2014.
	b.	First-quarter 2014 includes the results from Eagle Ford, which was sold in June 2014.
	c.	Includes PT-FI’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $350 million in first-quarter 2015 and $373 million in first-quarter 2014.
	d.	Includes revenues from FCX's molybdenum sales company, which includes sales of molybdenum produced by the Molybdenum mines and by certain of the North and South America copper mines.
	e.	Includes net mark-to-market gains (losses) associated with crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts totaling $52 million in first-quarter 2015 and $(50) million in first-quarter 2014.
	f.	Amounts include net reductions for provisional pricing adjustments to prior period open sales. There were no intersegment sales from El Abra or Grasberg in first-quarter 2015.

Guarantor_Financial_Statements1

Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantor Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	March 31, 2015
		FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
		Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
	ASSETS
	Current assets	$	288			$	3,623			$	8,257			$	(3,314	)		$	8,854
	Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	21				48				26,526				—				26,595
	Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method:
	Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	—				2,309				4,404				—				6,713
	Not subject to amortization	—				2,553				7,112				—				9,665
	Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	25,828				4,117				7,005				(36,950		)		—
	Other assets	9,814				4,276				4,160				(14,012		)		4,238
	Total assets	$	35,951			$	16,926			$	57,464			$	(54,276	)		$	56,065
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities	$	1,819			$	400			$	5,505			$	(3,314	)		$	4,410
	Long-term debt, less current portion	15,900				4,771				9,625				(10,542		)		19,754
	Deferred income taxes	2,390			a	—				3,235				—				5,625
	Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	—				303				3,375				—				3,678
	Other liabilities	49				3,359				1,874				(3,470		)		1,812
	Total liabilities	20,158				8,833				23,614				(17,326		)		35,279
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—				—				755				—				755
	Equity:
	Stockholders' equity	15,793				8,093				29,376				(37,469		)		15,793
	Noncontrolling interests	—				—				3,719				519				4,238
	Total equity	15,793				8,093				33,095				(36,950		)		20,031
	Total liabilities and equity	$	35,951			$	16,926			$	57,464			$	(54,276	)		$	56,065
	a.	All U.S. related deferred income taxes are recorded at the parent company.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2014
		FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
		Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
	ASSETS
	Current assets	$	323			$	2,635			$	8,659			$	(2,572	)		$	9,045
	Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	22				46				26,152				—				26,220
	Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method:
	Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	—				3,296				5,907				(16		)		9,187
	Not subject to amortization	—				2,447				7,640				—				10,087
	Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	28,765				6,460				10,246				(45,471		)		—
	Other assets	8,914				3,947				4,061				(12,787		)		4,135
	Total assets	$	38,024			$	18,831			$	62,665			$	(60,846	)		$	58,674
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities	$	1,592			$	560			$	5,592			$	(2,572	)		$	5,172
	Long-term debt, less current portion	14,930				3,874				8,879				(9,312		)		18,371
	Deferred income taxes	3,161			a	—				3,237				—				6,398
	Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	—				302				3,345				—				3,647
	Other liabilities	54				3,372				1,910				(3,475		)		1,861
	Total liabilities	19,737				8,108				22,963				(15,359		)		35,449
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—				—				751				—				751
	Equity:
	Stockholders' equity	18,287				10,723				35,268				(45,991		)		18,287
	Noncontrolling interests	—				—				3,683				504				4,187
	Total equity	18,287				10,723				38,951				(45,487		)		22,474
	Total liabilities and equity	$	38,024			$	18,831			$	62,665			$	(60,846	)		$	58,674
	a.	All U.S. related deferred income taxes are recorded at the parent company.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
		Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
	Revenues	$	—			$	181			$	3,972			$	—			$	4,153
	Total costs and expenses	16				1,318			a	5,798			a	(16		)		7,116
	Operating (loss) income	(16		)		(1,137		)		(1,826		)		16				(2,963		)
	Interest expense, net	(115		)		(4		)		(57		)		30				(146		)
	Other income (expense), net	29				—				8				(30		)		7
	(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings	(102		)		(1,141		)		(1,875		)		16				(3,102		)
	(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(421		)		1,157				(35		)		(6		)		695
	Equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings	(1,951		)		(2,359		)		(3,530		)		7,841				1
	Net (loss) income	(2,474		)		(2,343		)		(5,440		)		7,851				(2,406		)
	Net income and preferred dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	—				—				(56		)		(12		)		(68		)
	Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	$	(2,474	)		$	(2,343	)		$	(5,496	)		$	7,839			$	(2,474	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	12				—				12				(12		)		12
	Total comprehensive (loss) income	$	(2,462	)		$	(2,343	)		$	(5,484	)		$	7,827			$	(2,462	)
	a.	Includes impairment charges totaling $1.1 billion at the FM O&G LLC guarantor and $2.0 billion at the non-guarantor subsidiaries related to ceiling test impairment charges for FCX's oil and gas properties pursuant to full cost accounting rules.
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
		Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
	Revenues	$	—			$	644			$	4,341			$	—			$	4,985
	Total costs and expenses	11				526				3,339				(2		)		3,874
	Operating (loss) income	(11		)		118				1,002				2				1,111
	Interest expense, net	(82		)		(41		)		(58		)		20				(161		)
	Other income (expense), net	20				—				33				(20		)		33
	(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings (losses)	(73		)		77				977				2				983
	Provision for income taxes	(21		)		(43		)		(292		)		(1		)		(357		)
	Equity in affiliated companies' net earnings (losses)	604				130				185				(919		)		—
	Net income (loss)	510				164				870				(918		)		626
	Net income and preferred dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	—				—				(111		)		(5		)		(116		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	510			$	164			$	759			$	(923	)		$	510
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	3				—				3				(3		)		3
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	513			$	164			$	762			$	(926	)		$	513
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor								Consolidated
		Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				FCX
	Cash flow from operating activities:
	Net (loss) income	$	(2,474	)		$	(2,343	)		$	(5,440	)		$	7,851			$	(2,406	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1				119				835				(16		)		939
	Impairment of oil and gas properties	—				1,062				2,042				—				3,104
	Net gains on crude oil derivative contracts	—				(52		)		—				—				(52		)
	Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries	1,951				2,359				3,530				(7,841		)		(1		)
	Other, net	(701		)		6				(86		)		—				(781		)
	Decreases (increases) in working capital and changes in other tax payments	1,171				(1,321		)		58				6				(86		)
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(52		)		(170		)		939				—				717
	Cash flow from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—				(302		)		(1,565		)		—				(1,867		)
	Intercompany loans	(905		)		(400		)		—				1,305				—
	Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries	310				(14		)		32				(328		)		—
	Other, net	—				—				127				—				127
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(595		)		(716		)		(1,406		)		977				(1,740		)
	Cash flow from financing activities:
	Proceeds from debt	1,515				—				758				—				2,273
	Repayments of debt	(530		)		—				(272		)		—				(802		)
	Intercompany loans	—				903				402				(1,305		)		—
	Cash dividends and distributions paid, and contributions received	(327		)		—				(319		)		296				(350		)
	Other, net	(11		)		(18		)		(16		)		32				(13		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	647				885				553				(977		)		1,108
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—				(1		)		86				—				85
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—				1				463				—				464
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—			$	—			$	549			$	—			$	549
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		FCX				FM O&G LLC				Non-guarantor									Consolidated
		Issuer				Guarantor				Subsidiaries					Eliminations				FCX
	Cash flow from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	510			$	164			$	870				$	(918	)		$	626
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1				285				682					(2		)		966
	Net losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts	—				50				—					—				50
	Equity in (earnings) losses of consolidated subsidiaries	(604		)		(130		)		(185		)			919				—
	Other, net	134				(9		)		(140		)			(13		)		(28		)
	(Increases) decreases in working capital and changes in other tax payments	(234		)		339				(518		)			—				(413		)
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(193		)		699				709					(14		)		1,201
	Cash flow from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—				(335		)		(1,277		)			—				(1,612		)
	Intercompany loans	190				(43		)		—			—		(147		)		—
	Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries	212				(96		)		(430		)			314				—
	Other, net	—				4				3					—				7
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	402				(470		)		(1,704		)			167				(1,605		)
	Cash flow from financing activities:
	Proceeds from debt	895				—				254					—				1,149
	Repayments of debt	(780		)		—				(207		)			—				(987		)
	Intercompany loans	—				(213		)		66					147				—
	Cash dividends and distributions paid, and contributions received	(326		)		(14		)		237					(300		)		(403		)
	Other, net	2				—				—					—				2
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(209		)		(227		)		350					(153		)		(239		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—				2				(645		)			—				(643		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—				—				1,985					—				1,985
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—			$	2			$	1,340				$	—			$	1,342

General_Information_Unaudited_

General Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	10.00%
Impairment of oil and gas properties	($3,104)	$0
Crude Oil [Member]
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]
Average Sales Prices	82.72		94.99

Earnings_Per_Share_Unaudited_D

Earnings Per Share (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	($2,406)		$626
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-58		-106
Preferred dividends on redeemable noncontrolling interest	-10		-10
Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities	-3		-1
Net (loss) income allocable to common stockholders	($2,477)		$509
Basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	1,040		1,038
Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of dilutive stock options and RSUs	0	[1]	6	[1]
Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	1,040		1,044
Basic net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders	($2.38)		$0.49
Diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders	($2.38)		$0.49
Potential anti-dilutive additional shares of common stock (in shares)	3		2
Outstanding stock options with exercise prices greater than average market price of common stock (in shares)	40		30
[1]	Excludes shares of common stock totaling approximately three million for first-quarter 2015 and two million for first-quarter 2014 associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of FCX's common stock and RSU's that were anti-dilutive.

Inventories_Including_LongTerm2

Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Raw materials (primarily concentrates)	$272		$288
Work-in-process	158		174
Finished goods	1,012		1,099
Total product inventories	1,442		1,561
Total mill and leach stockpiles	1,877		1,914
Total materials and supplies, net	1,919	[1]	1,886	[1]
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	2,261		2,179
Inventory obsolescence reserves	21		20
Current [Member]
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Mill stockpiles	101		86
Leach stockpiles	1,776		1,828
Total mill and leach stockpiles	1,877		1,914
Long-Term [Member]
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Mill stockpiles	346		360
Leach stockpiles	1,915		1,819
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	$2,261	[2]	$2,179	[2]
[1]	Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $21 million at March 31, 2015, and $20 million at December 31, 2014.
[2]	Estimated metals in stockpiles not expected to be recovered within the next 12 months.

Income_Taxes_Unaudited_Details

Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. operations	($835)	$136
International operations	140	221
Total	-695	357
Consolidated effective income tax rate (percent)	22.00%	36.00%
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	($458)

Debt_and_Equity_Transactions_U1

Debt and Equity Transactions (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 27, 2015
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$20,300,000,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	233,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	21,000,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	122,000,000	121,000,000
Bank Term Loan [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	4,000,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two		650,000,000	205,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three		200,000,000	272,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four		2,200,000,000	1,000,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five			313,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five			1,300,000,000
Credit Facility [Domain] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	985,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	42,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	3,000,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility Remaining Borrowing Capacity Available For Letters Of Credit	1,500,000,000
Cerro Verde [Member] | Credit Facility [Domain]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	847,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,800,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Other, Net	422,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$0
Term of Debt Agreement	5 years

Debt_and_Equity_Transactions_U2

Debt and Equity Transactions (Unaudited) Interest, Dividends and Maturities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Capitalized Interest [Line Items]
Interest costs incurred	$210		$224
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	24-Mar-15
Authorized Quarterly Rate Of Common Stock Dividend	$0.05	$0.31
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	1-May-15
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	15-Apr-15
Property, Plant, Equipment and Mining Development Costs, Net [Member]
Capitalized Interest [Line Items]
Interest costs capitalized	45		40
Oil and Gas Properties Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Capitalized Interest [Line Items]
Interest costs capitalized	$19		$23

Financial_Instruments_Unaudite2

Financial Instruments (Unaudited) (Details) (Commodity Contract [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	$6		($12)
Hedged item – firm sales commitments	-6		12
Matured derivative financial instruments	-10		2
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)	-72	[1]	-169	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Amounts recorded in Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)	-1	[2]	1	[2]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Plains Exploration & Production Company [Member] | Crude Oil Options [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)	52	[1]	-36	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Plains Exploration & Production Company [Member] | Natural gas swaps [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)	$0	[1]	($14)	[1]
[1]	Amounts recorded in revenues.
[2]	Amounts recorded in cost of sales as production and delivery costs.

Financial_Instruments_Unaudite3

Financial Instruments (Unaudited) Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	lb
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts - Copper [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	577,000,000
Average contract price	2.75
Average market price	2.74
Maturities through	Sep-15
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts - Gold [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	155,000
Average contract price	1,195
Average market price	1,183
Maturities through	Jul-15
Embedded derivatives in provisional purchase contracts - Copper [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	126,000,000
Average contract price	2.68
Average market price	2.75
Maturities through	Jul-15
Atlantic Copper [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	36,000,000
Average contract price	2.68
Maturities through	May-15
Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	55,000,000
Average contract price	2.75
Maturities through	Dec-16

Financial_Instruments_Unaudite4

Financial Instruments (Unaudited) Oil and Gas (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	MBbls
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	$51		$99
Maximum Price Limit per Barrel				20
2015 Positions [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Crude Oil Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Daily Volumes (Bbls)	23,000,000
2015 Positions [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Crude Oil Options [Member] | 84 MBbls [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Daily Volumes (Bbls)	84	[1]
Derivative, Average Floor Price	90	[1],[2]
Derivative, Average Floor Price Limit	70	[1],[2]
Derivative, Underlying Basis	Brent	[1]
Weighted Average [Member] | Crude Oil Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Deferred Premium Price	6.89
Weighted Average [Member] | 2015 Positions [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Crude Oil Options [Member] | 84 MBbls [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Deferred Premium Price	6.89	[1]
[1]	If the index price is less than the per barrel floor, FCX receives the difference between the per barrel floor and the index price up to a maximum of $20 per barrel less the option premium. If the index price is at or above the per barrel floor, FCX pays the option premium and no cash settlement is received.
[2]	The average strike prices do not reflect any premiums to purchase the put options.

Financial_Instruments_Unaudite5

Financial Instruments (Unaudited) Unsettled Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$307		$330
Derivative Liability	51		99
Paid to brokers associated with margin requirements	5		10
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	32		5
Derivative Liability	22		56
Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	270		316
Derivative Liability	0		0
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	5		9
Derivative Liability	29		43
Commodity Contract [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	321		331
Liability position	65		100
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	14		1
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	14		1
Derivative Asset	307		330
Derivative Liability	51		99
Commodity Contract [Member] | Copper Derivatives [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	7		0
Liability position	5		7
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	5		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	5		0
Derivative Asset	2		0
Derivative Liability	0		7
Commodity Contract [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	4	[1]	0	[1]
Liability position	5	[1]	7	[1]
Commodity Contract [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	3		0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	46		15
Liability position	60		93
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	9		1
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	9		1
Derivative Asset	37		14
Derivative Liability	51		92
Commodity Contract [Member] | Crude Oil and Natural Gas Derivatives [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	268		316
Liability position	0		0
Derivative Asset	268		316
Derivative Liability	0		0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Crude Oil Options [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	268	[2]	316	[2]
Deferred Option Premiums and Accrued Interest [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$159		$210
[1]	FCX paid $5 million to brokers at March 31, 2015, and $10 million at December 31, 2014, for margin requirements (recorded in other current assets).
[2]	$159 million at March 31, 2015, and $210 million at December 31, 2014, for deferred premiums and accrued interest.

Financial_Instruments_Unaudite6

Financial Instruments (Unaudited) Other Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$333
Cash and cash equivalents	549	464	1,342	1,985
Time Deposits [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$17	$48

Fair_Value_Measurement_Unaudit2

Fair Value Measurement (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Escrow Deposit	$115
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	307		330
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	51		99
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	25	[1],[2],[3]	23	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	10	[2],[3],[4]	11	[2],[3],[4]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	6	[2],[5]	0	[2],[5]
Total assets	41		34
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	4	[2],[5]	6	[2],[5]
Long-term debt, including current portion	0	[6]	0	[6]
Total liabilities	4		6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	23	[1],[2],[3]	23	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	165	[2],[3],[4]	161	[2],[3],[4]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	47	[2],[5]	15	[2],[5]
Total assets	235		199
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	61	[2],[5]	94	[2],[5]
Long-term debt, including current portion	19,866	[6]	18,735	[6]
Total liabilities	19,927		18,829
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	0	[1],[2],[3]	0	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	268	[2],[5]	316	[2],[5]
Total assets	268		316
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	0	[2],[5]	0	[2],[5]
Long-term debt, including current portion	0	[6]	0	[6]
Total liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	0	[2],[5]	0	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	60	[2],[5]	93	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	0	[2],[5]	0	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	4	[2],[5]	6	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	1	[2],[5]	1	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	0	[2],[5]	0	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. core fixed income fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	0	[1],[2],[3]	0	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. core fixed income fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	23	[1],[2],[3]	23	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	52	[2],[3],[4]	52	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. core fixed income fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	0	[1],[2],[3]	0	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	22	[1],[2],[3]	20	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	10	[2],[3],[4]	11	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	0	[1],[2],[3]	0	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	0	[1],[2],[3]	0	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	3	[1],[2],[3]	3	[1],[2],[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	0	[1],[2],[3]	0	[1],[2],[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	0	[1],[2],[3]	0	[1],[2],[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government bonds and notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government bonds and notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	39	[2],[3],[4]	39	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government bonds and notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	29	[2],[3],[4]	25	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	28	[2],[3],[4]	27	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	16	[2],[3],[4]	17	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	1	[2],[3],[4]	1	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	0	[2],[3],[4]	0	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	0	[2],[5]	0	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	46	[2],[5]	15	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	0	[2],[5]	0	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Crude oil options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	0	[2],[5]	0	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Crude oil options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	0	[2],[5]	0	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Crude oil options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	268	[2],[5]	316	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	4	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	0	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	0	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	2	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	1	[2],[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	0	[2],[5]
Deferred Option Premiums and Accrued Interest [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	159		210
Other Current Assets [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Escrow Deposit	115
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	270		316
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	0		0
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	48	[1],[2],[3]	46	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	175	[2],[3],[4]	172	[2],[3],[4]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	321	[2],[5]	331	[2],[5]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	65	[2],[5]	100	[2],[5]
Long-term debt, including current portion	20,312	[6]	18,849	[6]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	60	[2],[5]	93	[2],[5]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	5	[2],[5]	7	[2],[5]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. core fixed income fund [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	23	[1],[2],[3]	23	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	52	[2],[3],[4]	52	[2],[3],[4]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	22	[1],[2],[3]	20	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	10	[2],[3],[4]	11	[2],[3],[4]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	3	[1],[2],[3]	3	[1],[2],[3]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government bonds and notes [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	39	[2],[3],[4]	39	[2],[3],[4]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	29	[2],[3],[4]	25	[2],[3],[4]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	28	[2],[3],[4]	27	[2],[3],[4]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	16	[2],[3],[4]	17	[2],[3],[4]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	1	[2],[3],[4]	1	[2],[3],[4]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	46	[2],[5]	15	[2],[5]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Crude oil options [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	268	[2],[5]	316	[2],[5]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	4	[2],[5]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	3	[2],[5]
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Time Deposits [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	18
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Time Deposits [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities			17
Liabilities
Escrow Deposit Disbursements Related to Property Acquisition	116		115
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	48	[1],[2],[3]	46	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	175	[2],[3],[4]	172	[2],[3],[4]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	321	[2],[5]	331	[2],[5]
Total assets	544		549
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	65	[2],[5]	100	[2],[5]
Long-term debt, including current portion	19,866	[6]	18,735	[6]
Total liabilities	19,931		18,835
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	60	[2],[5]	93	[2],[5]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability	5	[2],[5]	7	[2],[5]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. core fixed income fund [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	23	[1],[2],[3]	23	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	52	[2],[3],[4]	52	[2],[3],[4]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	22	[1],[2],[3]	20	[1],[2],[3]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	10	[2],[3],[4]	11	[2],[3],[4]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
Investment securities	3	[1],[2],[3]	3	[1],[2],[3]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government bonds and notes [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	39	[2],[3],[4]	39	[2],[3],[4]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	29	[2],[3],[4]	25	[2],[3],[4]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	28	[2],[3],[4]	27	[2],[3],[4]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	16	[2],[3],[4]	17	[2],[3],[4]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Legally restricted funds (long-term):
Legally restricted funds	1	[2],[3],[4]	1	[2],[3],[4]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	46	[2],[5]	15	[2],[5]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Crude oil options [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	268	[2],[5]	316	[2],[5]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	4	[2],[5]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets	$3	[2],[5]
[1]	Excludes time deposits of $116 million (which approximated fair value) included in other assets at March 31, 2015, and $115 million at December 31, 2014, associated with an assurance bond to support PT Freeport Indonesia's (PT-FI) commitment for smelter development in Indonesia.
[2]	Recorded at fair value.
[3]	Current portion included in other current assets and long-term portion included in other assets.
[4]	Excludes time deposits of $18 million (which approximated fair value) included in other current assets at March 31, 2015, and $17 million at December 31, 2014, associated with a customs audit assessment and a reclamation guarantee at PT-FI.
[5]	Refer to Note 6 for further discussion and balance sheet classifications. Crude oil options are net of $159 million at March 31, 2015, and $210 million at December 31, 2014, for deferred premiums and accrued interest.
[6]	Recorded at cost except for debt assumed in acquisitions, which were recorded at fair value at the respective acquisition dates.

Fair_Value_Measurement_Unaudit3

Fair Value Measurement (Unaudited) Unobservable Inputs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Liability			$99
Derivative Liability	51		99
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Liability			0	[1],[2]
Derivative Liability	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Crude Oil Options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	316
Net realized gains (losses)	3	[3]
Net unrealized gains included in earnings related to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the period	48
Net settlement (receipts) payments	-99	[4]
Derivative Liability	268
Crude Oil Options [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Implied Volatilities	31.00%
Crude Oil Options [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Implied Volatilities	56.00%
Crude Oil Options [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Deferred Premium Price	6.89
Crude Oil Options [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Implied Volatilities	38.00%
Sales [Member] | Crude Oil Options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)	4
Interest Expense [Member] | Crude Oil Options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)	-1	[3]
Net settlement (receipts) payments	($1)
[1]	Refer to Note 6 for further discussion and balance sheet classifications. Crude oil options are net of $159 million at March 31, 2015, and $210 million at December 31, 2014, for deferred premiums and accrued interest.
[2]	Recorded at fair value.
[3]	Includes net realized gains of $4 million, partially offset by $1 million of interest expense associated with the deferred premiums.
[4]	Includes interest payments of $1 million.

Contingencies_and_Commitments_1

Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
	USD ($)	PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]	PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
		USD ($)	IDR	USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Escrow Deposit	$115,000,000
Special Dividend, Cash				115,000,000
Special Dividend, Per Share				$0.11
Assessment By Foreign Government Of Alleged Obligations		177,000,000
Assessment By Foreign Government of Alleged Obligations, Expressed in Foreign Currency			2,300,000,000,000

Business_Segments_Unaudited_De

Business Segments (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$4,153		$4,985
Intersegment	0		0
Production and delivery	2,912		2,737
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	939		966
Impairment of oil and gas properties	3,104		0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	154		135
Mining exploration and research expenses	33		30
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	13		6
Net gain on sale of assets	-39		0
Operating income (loss)	-2,963		1,111
Interest expense, net	146		161
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	-695		357
Total Assets	56,065		63,732			58,674
Capital expenditures	1,867		1,612
Mining Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	3,653		3,724
Intersegment	0		0
Production and delivery	2,626		2,426
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	405		346
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	41		38
Mining exploration and research expenses	33		30
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	13		6
Net gain on sale of assets	-39
Operating income (loss)	574		878
Interest expense, net	45		23
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	79		169
Total Assets	37,976		36,858
Capital expenditures	840		1,024
North America Copper Mines [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	221		84
Intersegment	1,114		1,202
Production and delivery	943		786
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	133		107
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		1
Mining exploration and research expenses	3		2
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	-39
Operating income (loss)	294		390
Interest expense, net	1		1
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0		0
Total Assets	9,448		9,239
Capital expenditures	107		303
Morenci [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	106		23
Intersegment	450		444
Production and delivery	374		283
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	51		34
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		0
Mining exploration and research expenses	0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	130		150
Interest expense, net	1		1
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0		0
Total Assets	3,802		3,412
Capital expenditures	84		244
Other North America Copper Mines [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	115		61
Intersegment	664		758
Production and delivery	569		503
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	82		73
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0		1
Mining exploration and research expenses	3		2
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	-39
Operating income (loss)	164		240
Interest expense, net	0		0
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0		0
Total Assets	5,646		5,827
Capital expenditures	23		59
South America Mines [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	479		702
Intersegment	7		196
Production and delivery	345		476
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	75		87
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		2
Mining exploration and research expenses	0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	65		333
Interest expense, net	1		0
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	24		127
Total Assets	9,961		10,789
Capital expenditures	445		423
Cerro Verde [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	248		280
Intersegment	14		64
Production and delivery	198		165
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	37		36
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		1
Mining exploration and research expenses	0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	26		142
Interest expense, net	1		0
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	5		57
Total Assets	7,991		6,730
Capital expenditures	431		400
Other South America Mines [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	231	[1]	422	[1]
Intersegment	-7	[1],[2]	132	[1]
Production and delivery	147	[1]	311	[1]
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	38	[1]	51	[1]
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0	[1]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	[1]	1	[1]
Mining exploration and research expenses	0	[1]	0	[1]
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net gain on sale of assets	0	[1]
Operating income (loss)	39	[1]	191	[1]
Interest expense, net	0	[1]	0	[1]
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	19	[1]	70	[1]
Total Assets	1,970	[1]	4,059	[1]
Capital expenditures	14	[1]	23	[1]
Indonesia - Grasberg [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	621	[3]	462	[3]
Intersegment	-14	[2]	8
Production and delivery	439		383
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	70		48
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	25		21
Mining exploration and research expenses	0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	73		18
Interest expense, net	0		0
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	29		18
Total Assets	8,882		7,466
Capital expenditures	225		236
Africa - Tenke [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	382		306
Intersegment	28		21
Production and delivery	235		152
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	73		51
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3		3
Mining exploration and research expenses	0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	99		121
Interest expense, net	0		0
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	26		24
Total Assets	5,108		4,904
Capital expenditures	39		31
Molybdenum mines [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	0		0
Intersegment	113		126
Production and delivery	83		76
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	26		22
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0		0
Mining exploration and research expenses	0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	4		28
Interest expense, net	0		0
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0		0
Total Assets	2,075		2,101
Capital expenditures	3		19
Rod & Refining [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	1,062		1,146
Intersegment	7		8
Production and delivery	1,063		1,148
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	2		2
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0		0
Mining exploration and research expenses	0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	4		4
Interest expense, net	0		0
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0		0
Total Assets	314		289
Capital expenditures	1		1
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	540		588
Intersegment	6		5
Production and delivery	519		588
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	10		10
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5		4
Mining exploration and research expenses	0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	12		-9
Interest expense, net	3		4
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0		0
Total Assets	809		951
Capital expenditures	4		1
Other Mining & Eliminations [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	348	[4]	436	[4]
Intersegment	-1,261		-1,566
Production and delivery	-1,001		-1,183
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	16		19
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	6		7
Mining exploration and research expenses	30		28
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	13		6
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	23		-7
Interest expense, net	40		18
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0		0
Total Assets	1,379		1,119
Capital expenditures	16		10
U.S. Oil & Gas Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	500	[5],[6]	1,261	[5],[6]
Intersegment	0	[6]	0	[6]
Production and delivery	283	[6]	311	[6]
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	530	[6]	616	[6]
Impairment of oil and gas properties	3,104	[6]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	54	[6]	57	[6]
Mining exploration and research expenses	0	[6]	0	[6]
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0	[6]	0	[6]
Net gain on sale of assets	0	[6]
Operating income (loss)	-3,471	[6]	277	[6]
Interest expense, net	37	[6]	76	[6]
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	0	[6]	0	[6]
Total Assets	17,887	[6]	26,385	[6]
Capital expenditures	1,018	[6]	579	[6]
Corporate, Other & Eliminations [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	0		0
Intersegment	0		0
Production and delivery	3		0
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	4		4
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	59		40
Mining exploration and research expenses	0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0
Net gain on sale of assets	0
Operating income (loss)	-66		-44
Interest expense, net	64		62
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	-774		188
Total Assets	202		489
Capital expenditures	9		9
Crude oil and natural gas swaps [Member]
Revenues:
Net mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative contracts	52		-50
Pt Smelting [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deferred Intercompany Profit, Percentage					25.00%
Revenues:
Revenues	$350		$373
[1]	First-quarter 2014 amounts include the results of the Candelaria and Ojos del Salado mining operations, which were sold in November 2014.
[2]	Amounts include net reductions for provisional pricing adjustments to prior period open sales. There were no intersegment sales from El Abra or Grasberg in first-quarter 2015.
[3]	Includes PT-FI’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $350 million in first-quarter 2015 and $373 million in first-quarter 2014.
[4]	Includes revenues from FCX's molybdenum sales company, which includes sales of molybdenum produced by the Molybdenum mines and by certain of the North and South America copper mines.
[5]	Includes net mark-to-market gains (losses) associated with crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts totaling $52 million in first-quarter 2015 and $(50) million in first-quarter 2014.
[6]	First-quarter 2014 includes the results from Eagle Ford, which was sold in June 2014.

Guarantor_Financial_Statements2

Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Details) (FM O&G LLC Guarantor [Member])	Mar. 31, 2015
FM O&G LLC Guarantor [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	100.00%

Guarantor_Financial_Statements3

Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Current assets	$8,854		$9,045
Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	26,595		26,220
Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method
Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	6,713		9,187
Not subject to amortization	9,665		10,087
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	0		0
Other assets	4,238		4,135
Total assets	56,065		58,674		63,732
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities	4,410		5,172
Long-term debt, less current portion	19,754		18,371
Deferred income taxes	5,625		6,398
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	3,678		3,647
Other liabilities	1,812		1,861
Total liabilities	35,279		35,449
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	755		751
Equity:
Stockholders' equity	15,793		18,287
Noncontrolling interests	4,238		4,187
Total equity	20,031		22,474
Total liabilities and equity	56,065		58,674
FCX Issuer [Member]
ASSETS
Current assets	288		323
Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	21		22
Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method
Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	0		0
Not subject to amortization	0		0
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	25,828		28,765
Other assets	9,814		8,914
Total assets	35,951		38,024
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities	1,819		1,592
Long-term debt, less current portion	15,900		14,930
Deferred income taxes	2,390	[1]	3,161	[1]
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	0		0
Other liabilities	49		54
Total liabilities	20,158		19,737
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0		0
Equity:
Stockholders' equity	15,793		18,287
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	15,793		18,287
Total liabilities and equity	35,951		38,024
FM O&G LLC Guarantor [Member]
ASSETS
Current assets	3,623		2,635
Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	48		46
Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method
Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	2,309		3,296
Not subject to amortization	2,553		2,447
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	4,117		6,460
Other assets	4,276		3,947
Total assets	16,926		18,831
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities	400		560
Long-term debt, less current portion	4,771		3,874
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	303		302
Other liabilities	3,359		3,372
Total liabilities	8,833		8,108
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0		0
Equity:
Stockholders' equity	8,093		10,723
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	8,093		10,723
Total liabilities and equity	16,926		18,831
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Current assets	8,257		8,659
Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	26,526		26,152
Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method
Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	4,404		5,907
Not subject to amortization	7,112		7,640
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	7,005		10,246
Other assets	4,160		4,061
Total assets	57,464		62,665
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities	5,505		5,592
Long-term debt, less current portion	9,625		8,879
Deferred income taxes	3,235		3,237
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	3,375		3,345
Other liabilities	1,874		1,910
Total liabilities	23,614		22,963
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	755		751
Equity:
Stockholders' equity	29,376		35,268
Noncontrolling interests	3,719		3,683
Total equity	33,095		38,951
Total liabilities and equity	57,464		62,665
Eliminations [Member]
ASSETS
Current assets	-3,314		-2,572
Property, plant, equipment and mining development costs, net	0		0
Oil and gas properties, net - full cost method
Subject to amortization, less accumulated amortization	0		-16
Not subject to amortization	0		0
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	-36,950		-45,471
Other assets	-14,012		-12,787
Total assets	-54,276		-60,846
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities	-3,314		-2,572
Long-term debt, less current portion	-10,542		-9,312
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion	0		0
Other liabilities	-3,470		-3,475
Total liabilities	-17,326		-15,359
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0		0
Equity:
Stockholders' equity	-37,469		-45,991
Noncontrolling interests	519		504
Total equity	-36,950		-45,487
Total liabilities and equity	($54,276)		($60,846)
[1]	All U.S. related deferred income taxes are recorded at the parent company.

Guarantor_Financial_Statements4

Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues	$4,153		$4,985
Total costs and expenses	7,116		3,874
Operating (loss) income	-2,963		1,111
Interest expense, net	-146		-161
Other income (expense), net	7		33
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings	-3,102		983
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	695		-357
Equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings	1		0
Net (loss) income	-2,406		626
Net income and preferred dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	-68		-116
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	-2,474		510
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12		3
Total comprehensive (loss) income	-2,462		513
Impairment of oil and gas properties	3,104		0
FCX Issuer [Member]
Revenues	0		0
Total costs and expenses	16		11
Operating (loss) income	-16		-11
Interest expense, net	-115		-82
Other income (expense), net	29		20
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings	-102		-73
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	-421		-21
Equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings	-1,951		604
Net (loss) income	-2,474		510
Net income and preferred dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	-2,474		510
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12		3
Total comprehensive (loss) income	-2,462		513
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
FM O&G LLC Guarantor [Member]
Revenues	181		644
Total costs and expenses	1,318	[1]	526
Operating (loss) income	-1,137		118
Interest expense, net	-4		-41
Other income (expense), net	0		0
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings	-1,141		77
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	1,157		-43
Equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings	-2,359		130
Net (loss) income	-2,343		164
Net income and preferred dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	-2,343		164
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0		0
Total comprehensive (loss) income	-2,343		164
Impairment of oil and gas properties	1,062
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenues	3,972		4,341
Total costs and expenses	5,798	[1]	3,339
Operating (loss) income	-1,826		1,002
Interest expense, net	-57		-58
Other income (expense), net	8		33
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings	-1,875		977
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	-35		-292
Equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings	-3,530		185
Net (loss) income	-5,440		870
Net income and preferred dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	-56		-111
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	-5,496		759
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12		3
Total comprehensive (loss) income	-5,484		762
Impairment of oil and gas properties	2,042
Eliminations [Member]
Revenues	0		0
Total costs and expenses	-16		-2
Operating (loss) income	16		2
Interest expense, net	30		20
Other income (expense), net	-30		-20
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings	16		2
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	-6		-1
Equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings	7,841		-919
Net (loss) income	7,851		-918
Net income and preferred dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	-12		-5
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	7,839		-923
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-12		-3
Total comprehensive (loss) income	7,827		-926
Impairment of oil and gas properties	$0
[1]	Includes impairment charges totaling $1.1 billion at the FM O&G LLC guarantor and $2.0 billion at the non-guarantor subsidiaries related to ceiling test impairment charges for FCX's oil and gas properties pursuant to full cost accounting rules.

Guarantor_Financial_Statements5

Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	($2,406)	$626
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	939	966
Impairment of oil and gas properties	3,104	0
Net (gains) losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts	-52	50
Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries	-1	0
Other, net	-781	-28
Decreases (increases) in working capital and changes in other tax payments	-86	-413
Net cash provided by operating activities	717	1,201
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-1,867	-1,612
Intercompany loans	0	0
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Other, net	127	7
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,740	-1,605
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	2,273	1,149
Repayments of debt	-802	-987
Intercompany loans	0	0
Cash dividends and distributions paid, and contributions received	-350	-403
Other, net	-13	2
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,108	-239
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	85	-643
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	464	1,985
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	549	1,342
FCX Issuer [Member]
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	-2,474	510
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1	1
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Net (gains) losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts	0	0
Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries	1,951	-604
Other, net	-701	134
Decreases (increases) in working capital and changes in other tax payments	1,171	-234
Net cash provided by operating activities	-52	-193
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Intercompany loans	-905	190
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries	310	212
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-595	402
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	1,515	895
Repayments of debt	-530	-780
Intercompany loans	0	0
Cash dividends and distributions paid, and contributions received	-327	-326
Other, net	-11	2
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	647	-209
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
FM O&G LLC Guarantor [Member]
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	-2,343	164
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	119	285
Impairment of oil and gas properties	1,062
Net (gains) losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts	-52	50
Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries	2,359	-130
Other, net	6	-9
Decreases (increases) in working capital and changes in other tax payments	-1,321	339
Net cash provided by operating activities	-170	699
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-302	-335
Intercompany loans	-400	-43
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries	-14	-96
Other, net	0	4
Net cash used in investing activities	-716	-470
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	0	0
Repayments of debt	0	0
Intercompany loans	903	-213
Cash dividends and distributions paid, and contributions received	0	-14
Other, net	-18	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	885	-227
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1	2
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	2
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	-5,440	870
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	835	682
Impairment of oil and gas properties	2,042
Net (gains) losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts	0	0
Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries	3,530	-185
Other, net	-86	-140
Decreases (increases) in working capital and changes in other tax payments	58	-518
Net cash provided by operating activities	939	709
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-1,565	-1,277
Intercompany loans	0	0
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries	32	-430
Other, net	127	3
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,406	-1,704
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	758	254
Repayments of debt	-272	-207
Intercompany loans	402	66
Cash dividends and distributions paid, and contributions received	-319	237
Other, net	-16	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	553	350
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	86	-645
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	463	1,985
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	549	1,340
Eliminations [Member]
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	7,851	-918
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	-16	-2
Impairment of oil and gas properties	0
Net (gains) losses on crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts	0	0
Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries	-7,841	919
Other, net	0	-13
Decreases (increases) in working capital and changes in other tax payments	6	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	-14
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Intercompany loans	1,305	-147
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries	-328	314
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	977	167
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	0	0
Repayments of debt	0	0
Intercompany loans	-1,305	147
Cash dividends and distributions paid, and contributions received	296	-300
Other, net	32	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-977	-153
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$0	$0

New_Accounting_Standard_Unaudi1

New Accounting Standard (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
New Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$122	$121