FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC, 10-Q filed on 11/9/2018
Quarterly Report
v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information Document - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Oct. 31, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000831259  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   1,449,033,664
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2018  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business false  
v3.10.0.1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,556 $ 4,447
Trade accounts receivable 1,064 1,246
Income and other tax receivables 226 325
Inventories:    
Total materials and supplies, net 1,439 1,305
Mill and leach stockpiles 1,439 1,422
Product 1,169 1,166
Other current assets 402 270
Assets held for sale 626 508
Total current assets 10,921 10,689
Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net 23,013 22,934
Long-term mill and leach stockpiles 1,355 1,409
Other assets 2,460 2,270
Total assets 37,749 37,302
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,396 2,321
Accrued income taxes 645 565
Current portion of environmental and asset retirement obligations 460 388
Dividends Payable, Current 73 0
Current portion of debt 4 1,414
Liabilities held for sale 273 323
Total current liabilities 3,851 5,011
Long-term debt, less current portion 11,123 11,703
Deferred income taxes 3,839 3,649
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion 3,564 3,631
Other liabilities 1,918 2,012
Total liabilities 24,295 26,006
Stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock 158 158
Capital in excess of par value 26,603 26,751
Accumulated deficit (12,526) (14,722)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (532) (487)
Common stock held in treasury (3,726) (3,723)
Total stockholders’ equity 9,977 7,977
Noncontrolling interests 3,477 3,319
Total equity 13,454 11,296
Total liabilities and equity $ 37,749 $ 37,302
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 26, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]          
Revenues   $ 4,908 $ 4,310 $ 14,944 $ 11,362
Cost of sales:          
Production and delivery   3,069 2,794 8,792 7,462
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   458 418 1,351 1,257
Total cost of sales   3,527 3,212 10,143 8,719
Selling, general and administrative expenses   101 104 341 362
Mining exploration and research expenses   27 27 72 60
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs   8 72 76 76
Net gain on sales of assets   (70) (33) (126) (66)
Total costs and expenses   3,593 3,382 10,506 9,151
Operating income   1,315 928 4,438 2,211
Interest expense, net   (143) (304) (436) (633)
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt   0 11 8 8
Other income (expense), net   14 (9) 63 (9)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings   1,186 626 4,073 1,577
Provision for income taxes   (522) (387) (1,543) (747)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings   4 3 5 6
Net income from continuing operations   668 242 2,535 836
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations   (4) 3 (19) 50
Net income   664 245 2,516 886
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests:          
Continuing operations   (108) 35 (399) (106)
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests   0 0 0 (4)
Net income attributable to common stockholders   $ 556 $ 280 $ 2,117 $ 776
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]          
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share   $ 0.38 $ 0.19 $ 1.47 $ 0.50
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share   0.00 0.00 (0.01) 0.03
Earnings Per Share, Basic   0.38 0.19 1.46 0.53
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]          
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share   0.38 0.19 1.46 0.50
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share   0.00 0.00 (0.01) 0.03
Earnings Per Share, Diluted   $ 0.38 $ 0.19 $ 1.45 $ 0.53
Basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding   1,450 1,448 1,449 1,447
Diluted weighted-average shares of common shares outstanding   1,458 1,454 1,458 1,453
Dividends declared per share of common stock $ 0.05 $ 0.05 $ 0 $ 0.15 $ 0
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]        
Adoption of new accounting standard for reclassification of income taxes (refer to Note 11) $ 0   $ 0  
Net income 664 $ 245 2,516 $ 886
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:        
Unrealized gains on securities 0 0 0 2
Defined benefit plans:        
Actuarial gains arising during the period, net of taxes of $48 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 0 0 0 69
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax   0   48
Amortization of unrecognized amounts included in net periodic benefit costs 13 12 36 42
Foreign exchange (losses) gains (1) 1 (2) 0
Other comprehensive income 12 13 34 113
Total comprehensive income 676 258 2,550 999
Total comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (109) 35 (399) (118)
Total comprehensive income (loss) 567 293 2,151 881
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]        
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]        
Adoption of new accounting standard for reclassification of income taxes (refer to Note 11) (79)   (79)  
Defined benefit plans:        
Other comprehensive income $ 11 $ 13 $ 34 $ 105
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flow from operating activities:    
Net income $ 2,516 $ 886
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 1,351 1,257
Net gain on sales of assets (126) (66)
Stock-based Compensation 70 58
Net charges for Cerro Verde royalty dispute 0 359
Payments for Cerro Verde royalty dispute (32) (32)
Net charges for environmental and asset retirement obligations, including accretion 206 196
Payments for environmental and asset retirement obligations (179) (85)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Noncash 59 95
Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (60) (152)
Net (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt (8) (8)
Deferred income taxes 202 77
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operations 19 (41)
Increase (decrease) in long term mill and leach stockpiles (54) (181)
Non-cash drillship settlements/idle rig costs and other oil and gas adjustments 0 (33)
Oil and gas contract settlement payments 0 (70)
Other, net 7 1
Changes in working capital and other tax payments:    
Accounts receivable 321 420
Inventories (326) (314)
Other current assets (16) (17)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (2) (93)
Accrued income taxes and timing of other tax payments (131) 393
Net cash provided by operating activities 3,925 3,012
Cash flow from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (1,391) (1,020)
Proceeds from Sale of Other Assets, Investing Activities 10 68
Intangible water rights and other, net (91) (2)
Net cash used in investing activities (1,472) (954)
Cash flow from financing activities:    
Proceeds from debt 475 795
Repayments of debt (2,410) (1,991)
Cash dividends paid:    
Common stock (145) (2)
Noncontrolling interests (241) (67)
Stock-based awards net proceeds (payments) 4 (10)
Debt financing costs and other, net (23) (12)
Net cash used in financing activities (2,340) (1,287)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect 113 771
Decrease (increase) in cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale 55 (45)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year 4,631 4,403
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period 4,799 5,129
North America Copper Mines Segment [Member]    
Cash flow from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (413) (106)
South America Mines Segment [Member]    
Cash flow from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (188) (65)
Grasberg Segment [Member]    
Cash flow from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (695) (663)
Molybdenum [Member]    
Cash flow from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (6) (4)
Other Segments [Member]    
Cash flow from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures $ (89) $ (182)
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Common Stock
Capital in Excess of Par Value
Accumulated Deficit
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Common Stock Held in Treasury
Total Stockholder's Equity
Noncontrolling Interests
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016   1,574       129    
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016 $ 9,257 $ 157 $ 26,690 $ (16,540) $ (548) $ (3,708) $ 6,051 $ 3,206
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)   4       0    
Exercised and vested stock-based awards 5 $ 1 4 0 0 $ 0 5 0
Stock-based compensation, including the tender of shares 35 0 49 0 0 $ (14) 35 0
Stock-based compensation, including the tender of shares (in shares)           1    
Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures, Dividends       1     1  
Dividends (66)             (67)
Net income attributable to common stockholders 776 0   776   $ 0 776 0
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 110 0       0 0 110
Other comprehensive income 113 $ 0 0   105 $ 0 105 8
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 999              
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017   1,578       130    
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017 10,230 $ 158 26,743 (15,763) (443) $ (3,722) 6,973 3,257
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2017   1,577       130    
Balance at Jun. 30, 2017 9,993 $ 158 26,734 (16,043) (456) $ (3,720) 6,673 3,320
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)   1       0    
Exercised and vested stock-based awards 0 $ 0 0 0 0 $ 0 0 0
Stock-based compensation, including the tender of shares 7 0 9 0 0 $ (2) 7 0
Stock-based compensation, including the tender of shares (in shares)           0    
Dividends (28) 0 0   0 $ 0 0 (28)
Net income attributable to common stockholders 280 0   280   0 280 0
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (35) 0       0 0 (35)
Other comprehensive income 13 $ 0 0   13 $ 0 13 0
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 258              
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017   1,578       130    
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017 10,230 $ 158 26,743 (15,763) (443) $ (3,722) 6,973 3,257
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017   1,578       130    
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017 11,296 $ 158 26,751 (14,722) (487) $ (3,723) 7,977 3,319
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Dividends       0        
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018   1,579       130    
Balance at Jun. 30, 2018 12,842 $ 158 26,667 (13,161) (464) $ (3,726) 9,474 3,368
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017   1,578       130    
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017 11,296 $ 158 26,751 (14,722) (487) $ (3,723) 7,977 3,319
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)   1       0    
Exercised and vested stock-based awards 8 $ 0 8 0 0 $ 0 8 0
Stock-based compensation, including the tender of shares 59 0 62 0 0 $ (3) 59 0
Stock-based compensation, including the tender of shares (in shares)           0    
Dividends (459) $ 0 (218)   0 $ 0 (218) (241)
Tender of shares for stock based awards shares   0       0    
Net income attributable to common stockholders 2,117 $ 0   2,117   $ 0 2,117 0
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net     0   0      
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 399 0       0 0 399
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value     0 0 0      
Other comprehensive income 34 $ 0 0   34 $ 0 34 0
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 2,550     0        
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018   1,579       130    
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018 13,454 $ 158 26,603 (12,526) (532) $ (3,726) 9,977 3,477
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018   1,579       130    
Balance at Jun. 30, 2018 12,842 $ 158 26,667 (13,161) (464) $ (3,726) 9,474 3,368
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Stock-based compensation, including the tender of shares 9 0 9 0 0 $ 0 9 0
Stock-based compensation, including the tender of shares (in shares)           0    
Dividends (73) 0 (73)   0 $ 0 (73) 0
Net income attributable to common stockholders 556 0   556   0 556 0
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 108 0       0 0 108
Other comprehensive income 12 $ 0 0   11 $ 0 11 1
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 676              
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018   1,579       130    
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018 13,454 $ 158 $ 26,603 (12,526) (532) $ (3,726) 9,977 $ 3,477
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Adoption of new accounting standard for reclassification of income taxes (refer to Note 11) $ 0     $ 79 $ (79)   $ 0  
v3.10.0.1
General Information (Unaudited)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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, 2017. 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 accounting for discontinued operations, assets held for sale and the remeasurement of a pension plan in second-quarter 2017, all such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018.

Assets Held for Sale.  FCX continues to market and evaluate the fair value of its effective 56 percent interest in Freeport Cobalt, which includes the large-scale cobalt refinery in Kokkola, Finland, and the related sales and marketing business. During third-quarter 2018, the fair value evaluations resulted in an increase to the estimated fair value less costs to sell of $50 million (included in net gain on sales of assets in the consolidated statements of income).

FCX is continuing to assess opportunities for its Kisanfu copper and cobalt exploration project, located in the Democratic of Republic of Congo, including development of the project on its own or a sale of all or a minority stake in the project. In second-quarter 2018, management concluded it no longer believes that it is probable an outright sale will occur in the near term and the related assets and liabilities should no longer be classified as held for sale. In addition, because of this conclusion, revisions to the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017, included a $90 million increase to property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net, with an offsetting reduction in current assets held for sale, and a $27 million increase to deferred income taxes, with an offsetting reduction in current liabilities held for sale.
v3.10.0.1
Earnings per Share (Unaudited) Earnings per Share (Notes)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings Per Share
EARNINGS PER SHARE

FCX calculates its basic net income per share of common stock under the two-class method and calculates its diluted net income per share of common stock using the more dilutive of the two-class method or the treasury-stock method. Basic net income per share of common stock was computed by dividing net 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 calculated by including the basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding adjusted for the effects of all potential dilutive shares of common stock, unless their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Reconciliations of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income per share follow (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
Net income from continuing operations
$
668

 
$
242

 
$
2,535

 
$
836

 
Net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests
(108
)
 
35

 
(399
)
 
(106
)
 
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities
(4
)
 
(3
)
 
(5
)
 
(3
)
 
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders
556

 
274

 
2,131

 
727

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations
(4
)
 
3

 
(19
)
 
50

 
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
(4
)
 
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders
(4
)
 
3

 
(19
)
 
46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
552

 
$
277

 
$
2,112

 
$
773

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
1,450

 
1,448

 
1,449

 
1,447

 
Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units
8

 
6

 
9

a 
6

 
Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
1,458

 
1,454

 
1,458

 
1,453

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.38

 
$
0.19

 
$
1.47

 
$
0.50

 
Discontinued operations

 

 
(0.01
)
 
0.03

 
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.19

 
$
1.46

 
$
0.53

 
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.38

 
$
0.19

 
$
1.46

 
$
0.50

 
Discontinued operations

 

 
(0.01
)
 
0.03

 
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.19

 
$
1.45

 
$
0.53

 

a.
Excludes approximately 2 million shares of common stock for the first nine months of 2018 associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of FCX’s common stock 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. Stock options for 38 million shares of common stock were excluded for both third-quarter 2018 and third-quarter 2017, 35 million for the first nine months of 2018 and 42 million for the first nine months of 2017.
v3.10.0.1
Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles
INVENTORIES, INCLUDING LONG-TERM MILL AND LEACH STOCKPILES

The components of inventories follow (in millions):
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Current inventories:
 
 
 
 
Total materials and supplies, neta
$
1,439

 
$
1,305

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mill stockpiles
$
287

 
$
360

 
Leach stockpiles
1,152

 
1,062

 
Total current mill and leach stockpiles
$
1,439

 
$
1,422

 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials (primarily concentrate)
$
299

 
$
265

 
Work-in-process
174

 
154

 
Finished goods
696

 
747

 
Total product inventories
$
1,169

 
$
1,166

 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term inventories:
 
 
 
 
Mill stockpiles
$
285

 
$
300

 
Leach stockpiles
1,070

 
1,109

 
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles
$
1,355

 
$
1,409

 

a.
Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $25 million at September 30, 2018, and $29 million at December 31, 2017.
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes (Unaudited)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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. FCX’s consolidated effective income tax rate was 38 percent for the first nine months of 2018 and 47 percent for the first nine months of 2017. Geographic sources of FCX’s (provision for) benefit from income taxes follow (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
U.S. operations
$
(6
)
 
$
2

a 
$
2

b 
$
24

a 
International operations
(516
)
 
(389
)
c 
(1,545
)
 
(771
)
c 
Total
$
(522
)
 
$
(387
)
 
$
(1,543
)
 
$
(747
)
 

a.
Includes net tax (charges) credits of $(10) million in third-quarter 2017 and $21 million for the first nine months of 2017 associated with alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards.
b.
Includes a tax credit of $5 million associated with the settlement of a state income tax examination.
c.
Includes net charges of $2 million associated with the Cerro Verde mining royalties dispute, consisting of tax charges of $127 million for disputed royalties and other related mining taxes for the period October 2011 through the year 2013 (when royalties were determined based on operating income), mostly offset by a tax benefit of $125 million associated with disputed royalties and other related mining taxes for the period December 2006 through the year 2013. Refer to Note 8 for further discussion of the Cerro Verde royalty dispute.

As a result of the unfavorable Peruvian Supreme Court ruling on the Cerro Verde royalty dispute in October 2017, FCX recorded pre-tax charges of $357 million to income from continuing operations and $2 million of net tax expense in third-quarter 2017 and for the first nine months of 2017. FCX’s consolidated effective income tax rate was 39 percent for the first nine months of 2017 excluding these charges.

The December 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) included significant modifications to then-existing U.S. tax laws and created many new complex tax provisions. As of December 31, 2017, FCX recorded provisional impacts of the tax effects related to specific provisions and continues to evaluate other provisions of the Act. During the first nine months of 2018, no adjustments were made to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017, as FCX has not fully completed its analysis of the Act, and the provisional amounts continue to represent FCX’s best estimates. FCX’s current analysis of the Act indicates that there may be adjustments to tax receivables associated with minimum tax credit refunds resulting from an ongoing review of tax positions taken in prior years and impacts from the Act’s Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income provisions resulting in use of net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards against income that would not generate a net tax liability absent the availability of NOLs. FCX continues to carry a valuation allowance against all U.S. federal NOLs. During fourth-quarter 2018, FCX will finalize its calculations, including quantifying potential impacts discussed above, as it completes its analysis of the Act.
v3.10.0.1
Debt
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt
NOTE 5. DEBT AND EQUITY

The components of debt follow (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31, 2017
Senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
Issued by FCX
 
$
9,594

 
$
11,429

Issued by Freeport Minerals Corporation (FMC)
 
358

 
358

Issued by Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC (FM O&G LLC)
 

 
54

Cerro Verde credit facility
 
1,171

 
1,269

Other
 
4

 
7

Total debta
 
11,127

 
13,117

Less current portion of debt
 
(4
)
 
(1,414
)
Long-term debt
 
$
11,123

 
$
11,703


a.
Includes additions for unamortized fair value adjustments totaling $60 million at September 30, 2018 ($97 million at December 31, 2017), and is net of reductions for unamortized net discounts and unamortized debt issuance costs totaling $73 million at September 30, 2018 ($85 million at December 31, 2017).

Revolving Credit Facility. At September 30, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding and $13 million in letters of credit issued under FCX’s revolving credit facility, resulting in availability of approximately $3.5 billion, of which approximately $1.5 billion could be used for additional letters of credit.

In April 2018, FCX, PT Freeport Indonesia (PT-FI) and FM O&G LLC entered into a new $3.5 billion, five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility, which replaced FCX’s prior revolving credit facility (scheduled to mature on May 31, 2019). The new revolving credit facility is available until April 20, 2023, with $500 million available to PT-FI, and up to $1.5 billion available in letters of credit, and has a substantially similar structure and terms as the prior revolving credit facility. Interest on loans made under the new revolving credit facility will, at the option of FCX, be determined based on the adjusted London Interbank Offered rate or the alternate base rate (each as defined in the new revolving credit facility) plus a spread to be determined by reference to FCX’s credit ratings. The new revolving credit facility contains customary affirmative covenants and representations, and also contains a number of negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of FCX's subsidiaries that are not borrowers or guarantors to incur additional indebtedness (including guarantee obligations) and FCX's or its subsidiaries’ ability to: create liens on assets; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; engage in mergers, liquidations and dissolutions; and sell assets. FCX’s new revolving credit facility also contains financial ratios governing maximum total leverage and minimum interest expense coverage. FCX’s total leverage ratio (ratio of total debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), as defined in the credit agreement) cannot exceed 3.75x, and the minimum interest expense coverage ratio (ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated cash interest expense, as defined in the credit agreement) is 2.25x.
 
Senior Notes.  In March 2018, FCX’s 2.375% Senior Notes matured, and the $1.4 billion outstanding principal balance was repaid.

On April 4, 2018, FCX redeemed $454 million of aggregate principal amount of outstanding senior notes (as discussed in Early Extinguishment of Debt).

Cerro Verde Credit Facility. In March 2018, Cerro Verde prepaid $100 million of its credit facility.

Early Extinguishment of Debt. During second-quarter 2018, FCX redeemed in full certain senior notes, and holders received the principal amounts together with the redemption premiums and accrued and unpaid interest up to the redemption date. A summary of these redemptions follows (in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Amount
 
Net Adjustments
 
Book Value
 
Redemption Value
 
Gain
FCX 6.75% Senior Notes due 2022
$
404

 
$
22

 
$
426

 
$
418

 
$
8

FM O&G LLC 67/8% Senior Notes due 2023
50

 
4

 
54

 
52

 
2

 
$
454

 
$
26

 
$
480

 
$
470

 
$
10



Partially offsetting the $10 million gain were losses of $2 million for the first nine months of 2018, primarily associated with entering into the new revolving credit facility.

During third-quarter 2017 and for the first nine months of 2017, FCX redeemed in full certain senior notes, which resulted in gains of $11 million. Partially offsetting the gain on early extinguishment of debt for the first nine months of 2017 was a net loss of $3 million, primarily associated with the modification of Cerro Verde’s credit facility in second-quarter 2017.

Interest Expense, Net. Consolidated interest costs (before capitalized interest and excluding interest expense associated with disputed Cerro Verde royalties totaling $1 million in third-quarter 2018, $7 million for the first nine months of 2018 and $141 million in third-quarter 2017 and for the first nine months of 2017) totaled $166 million in third-quarter 2018, $196 million in third-quarter 2017, $501 million for the first nine months of 2018 and $583 million for the first nine months of 2017. Capitalized interest added to property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net, totaled $24 million in third-quarter 2018, $33 million in third-quarter 2017, $72 million for the first nine months of 2018 and $91 million for the first nine months of 2017.

Common Stock.  In February 2018, FCX’s Board of Directors (the Board) reinstated a cash dividend on FCX’s common stock. On September 26, 2018, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, which was paid on November 1, 2018, to common stockholders of record as of October 15, 2018.
v3.10.0.1
Financial Instruments (Unaudited)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [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. Derivative financial instruments used by FCX to manage its risks do not contain credit risk-related contingent provisions. As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, 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) 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 resulting from hedge ineffectiveness during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. At September 30, 2018, FCX held copper futures and swap contracts that qualified for hedge accounting for 78 million pounds at an average contract price of $2.81 per pound, with maturities through June 2020.

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, including the unrealized gains (losses) on the related hedged item follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Copper futures and swap contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
$
7

 
$

 
$
(12
)
 
$
(1
)
Hedged item – firm sales commitments
(7
)
 

 
12

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized (losses) gains:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Matured derivative financial instruments
(19
)
 
12

 
(17
)
 
21



Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Embedded Derivatives. Certain FCX concentrate and cathode contracts are provisionally priced at the time of shipment. The provisional prices are finalized in a specified future month (generally one to four months from the shipment date) based on quoted monthly average copper settlement prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) or COMEX and quoted monthly average London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) gold settlement prices as specified in the contract. FCX receives market prices based on prices in the specified future month, which results in price fluctuations until the date of settlement. Similarly, FCX purchases copper and cobalt 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 concentrate or cathode at the then-current metal 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 inventory for purchase contracts.

A summary of FCX’s embedded derivatives at September 30, 2018, follows:
 
Open Positions
 
Average Price
Per Unit
 
Maturities Through
 
 
Contract
 
Market
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper (millions of pounds)
567

 
$
2.82

 
$
2.84

 
January 2019
Gold (thousands of ounces)
375

 
1,201.40

 
1,188.75

 
December 2018
Embedded derivatives in provisional purchase contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper (millions of pounds)
125

 
2.78

 
2.84

 
January 2019
Cobalt (millions of pounds)a
7

 
23.80

 
22.14

 
December 2018

a.
Relates to assets held for sale. 

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 September 30, 2018, Atlantic Copper held net copper forward sales contracts for 31 million pounds at an average contract price of $2.73 per pound, with maturities through November 2018.

Summary of (Losses) Gains. A summary of the realized and unrealized (losses) gains recognized in operating income for commodity contracts that do not qualify as hedge transactions, including embedded derivatives, follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts:a
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper
$
(93
)
 
$
133

 
$
(242
)
 
$
275

Gold and other metals
(25
)
 
4

 
(37
)
 
22

Copper forward contractsb
9

 
(9
)
 
17

 
(14
)
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):
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31, 2017
Commodity Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Copper futures and swap contracts
 
$
5

 
$
11

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts
 
49

 
155

Copper forward contracts
 

 
1

Total derivative assets
 
$
54

 
$
167

 
 
 
 
 
Commodity Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Copper futures and swap contracts
 
$
5

 
$

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts
 
50

 
31

Copper forward contracts
 
4

 
2

Total derivative liabilities
 
$
59

 
$
33



The table above and the following table excludes $12 million of embedded derivatives in provisional cobalt purchase contracts (in a gross asset position) at September 30, 2018, and $24 million (in a gross liability position) at December 31, 2017, which are both reflected in liabilities held for sale.

FCX’s commodity contracts have netting arrangements with counterparties with which the right of offset exists, and it is FCX’s policy to generally offset balances by contract on its balance sheet. FCX’s embedded derivatives on provisional sales/purchase contracts are netted with the corresponding outstanding receivable/payable balances. A summary of these unsettled commodity contracts that are offset in the balance sheets follows (in millions):
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross amounts recognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and gold sales/purchase contracts
 
$
49

 
$
155

 
$
50

 
$
31

Copper derivatives
 
5

 
12

 
9

 
2

 
 
54

 
167

 
59

 
33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less gross amounts of offset:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and gold sales/purchase contracts
 
12

 

 
12

 

Copper derivatives
 
5

 
1

 
5

 
1

 
 
17

 
1

 
17

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net amounts presented in balance sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and gold sales/purchase contracts
 
37

 
155

 
38

 
31

Copper derivatives
 

 
11

 
4

 
1

 
 
$
37

 
$
166

 
$
42

 
$
32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance sheet classification:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable
 
$
32

 
$
151

 
$
24

 
$

Other current assets
 

 
11

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
5

 
4

 
18

 
32

 
 
$
37

 
$
166

 
$
42

 
$
32




Credit Risk.  FCX is exposed to credit loss when financial institutions with which it 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 September 30, 2018, the maximum amount of credit exposure associated with derivative transactions was $49 million (including embedded derivatives in provisional cobalt purchase contracts of $12 million).

Other Financial Instruments.  Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents, accounts receivable, 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 $2.4 billion at September 30, 2018, and $2.9 billion at December 31, 2017), restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents, 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).

In addition, as of September 30, 2018, FCX has contingent consideration assets related to certain 2016 asset sales (refer to Note 7 for the related fair values and to Note 2 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for further discussion of these instruments).

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents. The following table provides a reconciliation of total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows to the components presented in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Balance sheet components:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
4,556

 
$
4,447

Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in:
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
 
116

 
52

Other assets
 
127

 
132

Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows
 
$
4,799

 
$
4,631



FCX’s restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are primarily related to PT-FI’s commitment for smelter development in Indonesia; guarantees and commitments for certain mine closure and reclamation obligations, and customs duty taxes; and funds held as cash collateral for surety bonds related to plugging and abandonment obligations of certain oil and gas properties. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are classified as a current or long-term asset based on the timing and nature of when or how the cash is expected to be used or when the restrictions are expected to lapse. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are comprised of time deposits and money market funds.
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value Measurement
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
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) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). FCX did not have any significant transfers in or out of Level 3 during third-quarter 2018.

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new Accounting Standards Update (ASU) in connection with the disclosure framework project that modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. FCX early adopted this ASU in third-quarter 2018, which did not have a material impact on its financial statements.


FCX’s financial instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value except for contingent consideration associated with the sale of the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM) oil and gas properties (which was recorded under the loss recovery approach) and debt. A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of FCX’s financial instruments (including those measured at net asset value (NAV) as a practical expedient), other than cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and dividends payable (refer to Note 6) follows (in millions):
 
At September 30, 2018
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Total
 
NAV
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:a,b
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. core fixed income fund
$
24

 
$
24

 
$
24

 
$

 
$

 
$

Equity securities
5

 
5

 

 
5

 

 

Total
29

 
29

 
24

 
5

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legally restricted funds:a
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. core fixed income fund
54

 
54

 
54

 

 

 

Government bonds and notes
31

 
31

 

 

 
31

 

Government mortgage-backed securities
39

 
39

 

 

 
39

 

Corporate bonds
28

 
28

 

 

 
28

 

Asset-backed securities
14

 
14

 

 

 
14

 

Collateralized mortgage-backed securities
8

 
8

 

 

 
8

 

Money market funds
3

 
3

 

 
3

 

 

Municipal bonds
1

 
1

 

 

 
1

 

Total
178

 
178

 
54

 
3

 
121

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts in a gross asset positionc,d
49

 
49

 

 

 
49

 

Copper futures and swap contractsc
5

 
5

 

 
4

 
1

 

Contingent consideration for the sales of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TF Holdings Limited (TFHL) and onshore
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
California oil and gas propertiesa
167

 
167

 

 

 
167

 

Total
221

 
221

 

 
4

 
217

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration for the sale of the
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deepwater GOM oil and gas propertiesa
148

 
130

 

 

 

 
130

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:c
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts in a gross liability position
$
50

 
$
50

 
$

 
$

 
$
50

 
$

Copper futures and swap contracts
5

 
5

 

 
4

 
1

 

Total
55

 
55

 

 
4

 
51

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, including current portione
11,127

 
10,865

 

 

 
10,865

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
At December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Total
 
NAV
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:a,b
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. core fixed income fund
$
25

 
$
25

 
$
25

 
$

 
$

 
$

Equity securities
5

 
5

 

 
5

 

 

Total
30

 
30

 
25

 
5

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legally restricted funds:a
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. core fixed income fund
55

 
55

 
55

 

 

 

Government bonds and notes
40

 
40

 

 

 
40

 

Corporate bonds
32

 
32

 

 

 
32

 

Government mortgage-backed securities
27

 
27

 

 

 
27

 

Asset-backed securities
15

 
15

 

 

 
15

 

Money market funds
11

 
11

 

 
11

 

 

Collateralized mortgage-backed securities
8

 
8

 

 

 
8

 

Municipal bonds
1

 
1

 

 

 
1

 

Total
189

 
189

 
55

 
11

 
123

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts in a gross asset positionc
155

 
155

 

 

 
155

 

Copper futures and swap contractsc
11

 
11

 

 
9

 
2

 

Copper forward contractsc
1

 
1

 

 

 
1

 

Contingent consideration for the sales of TFHL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   and onshore California oil and gas propertiesa
108

 
108

 

 

 
108

 

Total
275

 
275

 

 
9

 
266

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration for the sale of the
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Deepwater GOM oil and gas propertiesa
150

 
134

 

 

 

 
134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:c
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts in a gross liability positiond
$
31

 
$
31

 
$

 
$

 
$
31

 
$

Copper forward contracts
2

 
2

 

 
1

 
1

 

Total
33

 
33

 

 
1

 
32

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, including current portione
13,117

 
13,269

 

 

 
13,269

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

a.
Current portion included in other current assets and long-term portion included in other assets.
b.
Excludes time deposits (which approximated fair value) included in (i) other current assets of $116 million at September 30, 2018, and $52 million at December 31, 2017, primarily associated with PT-FI’s mine closure and reclamation guarantees and its disputed incremental export duty and (ii) other assets of $126 million at September 30, 2018, and $123 million at December 31, 2017, primarily associated with an assurance bond to support PT-FI’s commitment for smelter development in Indonesia.
c.
Refer to Note 6 for further discussion and balance sheet classifications.
d.
Excludes embedded derivatives in provisional cobalt purchase contracts of $12 million at September 30, 2018, and $24 million at December 31, 2017 (refer to Note 6 for further discussion).
e.
Recorded at cost except for debt assumed in acquisitions, which were recorded at fair value at the respective acquisition dates. In addition, debt excludes $160 million at September 30, 2018, and $112 million at December 31, 2017, related to assets held for sale (which approximated fair value).

Valuation Techniques. The U.S. core fixed income fund is valued at NAV. The fund strategy seeks total return consisting of income and capital appreciation primarily by investing in a broad range of investment-grade debt securities, including U.S. government obligations, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and money market instruments. There are no restrictions on redemptions (which are usually within one business day of notice).

Money market funds are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.

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.

Fixed income securities (government securities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage-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.

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 adjusted LBMA gold prices 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 embedded derivatives on provisional cobalt purchases, included in liabilities held for sale, are valued using quoted monthly LME cobalt forward prices or average published Metals Bulletin cobalt prices, subject to certain adjustments as specified by the terms of the contracts, at each reporting date based on the month of maturity (Level 2).

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.

As reported in Note 2 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, in November 2016, FCX’s sale of its interest in TFHL included contingent consideration of up to $120 million in cash, consisting of $60 million if the average copper price exceeds $3.50 per pound and $60 million if the average cobalt price exceeds $20 per pound, both during the 24-month period beginning January 1, 2018. Also in 2016, FCX Oil & Gas LLC’s (FM O&G) sale of its onshore California oil and gas properties included contingent consideration of up to $150 million, consisting of $50 million per year for 2018, 2019 and 2020 if the price of Brent crude oil averages over $70 per barrel in each of these calendar years. Future changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration derivative for the sale of TFHL will continue to be recorded in discontinued operations and for the onshore California oil and gas properties will continue to be recorded in operating income. The fair value of the contingent consideration derivative was (i) $57 million at September 30, 2018, and $74 million at December 31, 2017, associated with the sale of TFHL and (ii) $110 million at September 30, 2018, and $34 million at December 31, 2017, associated with the sale of the onshore California oil and gas properties. The contingent consideration derivatives are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets except for $49 million included in other current assets at September 30, 2018. These fair values were calculated based on average commodity price forecasts through applicable maturity dates using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The models use various observable inputs, including Brent crude oil forward prices, historical copper and cobalt prices, volatilities, discount rates and settlement terms. As a result, these contingent consideration assets are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

As reported in Note 2 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, in December 2016, FM O&G’s sale of its Deepwater GOM oil and gas properties included up to $150 million in contingent consideration that was recorded at the total amount under the loss recovery approach. The contingent consideration will be received over time as future cash flows are realized in connection with a third-party production handling agreement for an offshore platform. The first collection occurred in third-quarter 2018. The contingent consideration included in (i) other current assets totaled $12 million at September 30, 2018, and $24 million at December 31, 2017, and (ii) other assets totaled $136 million at September 30, 2018, and $126 million at December 31, 2017. The fair value of this contingent consideration was calculated based on a discounted cash flow model using inputs that include third-party estimates for reserves, production rates and production timing, and discount rates. Because significant inputs are not observable in the market, the contingent consideration is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Long-term debt, including current portion, is valued using available market quotes 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 September 30, 2018, as compared to those techniques used at December 31, 2017.

A summary of the changes in the fair value of FCX’s Level 3 instrument, contingent consideration for the sale of the Deepwater GOM oil and gas properties, during the first nine months of 2018 follows (in millions):
Fair value at January 1, 2018
$
134

 
Net unrealized loss related to assets still held at the end of the period
(2
)
 
Settlements
(2
)
 
Fair value at September 30, 2018
$
130

 
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

Environmental
Cyprus Tohono, a wholly owned subsidiary of FMC, had historical mining operations in south central Arizona, and groundwater issues at the site are expected to require remediation. FCX increased its recorded environmental obligation for this contingency by $44 million with a corresponding charge to operating income in second-quarter 2018 to reflect an updated assessment of remediation alternatives. There was no significant update to this matter during third-quarter 2018, which was also disclosed in Note 8 of FCX’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

As reported in Note 12 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, in third-quarter 2017, FCX recorded a $59 million charge to operating income related to an increase in its Borough of Carteret environmental obligation as a result of off-site soil sampling in public and private areas near the former smelter. In addition, for the first nine months of 2017, FCX recorded a $41 million credit to operating income associated with updated cash flow and timing estimates for environmental obligations at former uranium mining sites in Arizona and New Mexico.

Litigation
There were no significant 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, 2017, other than the matter below, which was also disclosed in Note 8 of FCX’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018, and June 30, 2018.

On April 1, 2016, a purported class action titled David Garcia v. Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Barbara (Case No. 16CV01305) against FM O&G LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of FCX. A former FM O&G LLC employee filed the case, which alleges violations of various California employment laws and seeks relief for past wages, overtime, penalties, interest and attorney’s fees. The primary issue underlying the claims is whether compensation must be paid to non-exempt shift workers on platforms located offshore California on the outer-continental shelf for sleep time and other non-working time. In June 2016, FM O&G LLC removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Santa Barbara (the District Court). In September 2016, the District Court dismissed the complaint on the grounds that all four FM O&G LLC platforms potentially involved are located in federal waters, that federal law, not state law, applies, and that federal law does not require an employer to compensate for non-work time. In October 2016, the plaintiff appealed the dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Ninth Circuit). In June 2017, the Ninth Circuit stayed the Garcia case pending its decision in another case involving essentially the same legal issues, titled Newton v. Parker Drilling Management Services, Ltd. In February 2018, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in the Newton case. Because that decision conflicts with longstanding precedent in the Fifth Circuit and could set a precedent that will result in a reversal of the dismissal in the Garcia case, FM O&G LLC and others filed amicus briefs in April 2018 in support of Parker Drilling’s petition for an en banc rehearing in the Newton case. The Ninth Circuit denied that request on April 27, 2018, but modified its original opinion noting that the question of whether the Ninth Circuit’s holding should be applied retrospectively is reserved for the District Court’s consideration on remand. On May 16, 2018, the Ninth Circuit granted Parker Drilling’s motion to stay further proceedings in the District Court pending the possible filing of a petition for review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which was filed in September 2018. FCX expects to learn whether the U.S. Supreme Court will grant review of the Ninth Circuit’s decision in the Newton case in early 2019. The Ninth Circuit has placed the Garcia case on administrative hold pending the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration of the petition for review in the Newton case.

The amount of the exposure in the Garcia case is uncertain because FM O&G LLC has potential defenses to the claims even if state law would be applied; however, absent success on those defenses, FCX estimates that the exposure could be in the range of approximately $60 million to $100 million if California wage and hour law is applied retroactively to FM O&G LLC’s operations offshore California. FCX has not established a reserve for this contingency because it believes that its legal position is correct and does not believe a loss is probable. FCX intends to vigorously defend this matter.

Tax and Other Matters
Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute
As reported in Note 12 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, SUNAT, Peru’s national tax authority, assessed mining royalties on ore processed by the Cerro Verde concentrator, which commenced operations in late 2006, for the period December 2006 to December 2011. In 2018, SUNAT issued assessments for the period January 2012 to December 2013. Cerro Verde contested each of these assessments because it believes that its 1998 stability agreement exempts from royalties all minerals extracted from its mining concession, irrespective of the method used for processing such minerals. No assessments can be issued for years after 2013, as Cerro Verde began paying royalties on all of its production in January 2014 under its new 15-year stability agreement. Since 2014, Cerro Verde has been paying the disputed assessments for the period from December 2006 through December 2008 under an installment program ($177 million paid by Cerro Verde through September 30, 2018). In October 2017, the Peruvian Supreme Court issued a ruling in favor of SUNAT that the assessments of royalties for the year 2008 on ore processed by the Cerro Verde concentrator were proper under Peruvian law. As a result of the unfavorable Peruvian Supreme Court ruling on the 2008 royalty dispute, Cerro Verde has recorded cumulative charges totaling $487 million ($355 million net of tax benefits and $187 million net of noncontrolling interests), which were primarily recorded in third-quarter 2017 and consist of $244 million in royalty assessments, $158 million of penalties and interest related to the December 2006 to December 2008 assessments, and $85 million for related items (primarily associated with the special mining tax and net assets tax) that Cerro Verde would have incurred under the view that its concentrator was not stabilized.

In September 2018, the Peruvian Tax Tribunal denied Cerro Verde’s request to waive penalties and interest for the period January 2009 through September 2011. In October 2018, SUNAT served Cerro Verde with demands for payments associated with the Tax Tribunal ruling, including interest and penalties, for the period January 2009 through September 2011. Without waiving its rights to appeal these claims, Cerro Verde expects to begin making monthly payments starting in second-quarter 2019 under a 66-month payment plan and believes amounts paid for penalties and interest would be recoverable following judicial appeals.

Cerro Verde acted in good faith in applying the provisions of its 1998 stability agreement and continues to evaluate alternatives to defend its rights in the Peruvian judicial system and under international law. Cerro Verde intends to continue to pursue waivers available under Peruvian law of penalties and interest associated with this matter and has not recorded charges for potential penalties and interest totaling $406 million ($217 million net of noncontrolling interests) at September 30, 2018, for the period January 2009 to December 2013 as FCX believes that Cerro Verde should obtain waivers under Peruvian law.

Other Peru Tax Matters
There were no significant changes to other Peru tax matters during third-quarter 2018 (refer to Note 12 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017).

Indonesia Tax Matters
There were no significant 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, 2017, other than the surface water tax matter below, which was also updated in Note 8 of FCX’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018, and June 30, 2018, and the mine development costs matter below.

PT-FI received assessments from the local regional tax authority in Papua, Indonesia, for additional taxes and penalties related to surface water taxes for the period from January 2011 through August 2018. PT-FI has filed or will file appeals of these assessments with the Indonesia Tax Court. During the first half of 2018, the Indonesia Tax Court ruled partially in favor of PT-FI with respect to assessments for the period January 2016 through April 2016 by reducing these assessments that amounted to $20 million, including penalties, to $12 million, including penalties (based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2018), or an approximate 40 percent reduction. Hearings in the Indonesia Tax Court related to assessments for the period from May 2016 through April 2017 have concluded with no written decisions issued.

During 2017, PT-FI filed reconsideration request petitions to the Indonesia Supreme Court with respect to assessments for the period from January 2011 through December 2015; and in second-quarter 2018, filed reconsideration request petitions with respect to the Indonesia Tax Court decisions related to the assessments for the period from January 2016 through April 2016. In second-quarter 2018, the Indonesia Supreme Court issued favorable decisions relating to surface water tax assessments for the period January 2011 through July 2015. The Indonesia Supreme Court ruling concluded that PT-FI and the Indonesian government are bound by PT-FI’s Contract of Work (COW), which is lex specialis, and prevails as the law for the parties to the COW that should be carried out in good faith. As a result, FCX estimates the total amount of the assessments, including penalties, (based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2018) for the period from August 2015 through August 2018 totals $173 million, including $87 million in penalties. As of September 30, 2018, no charges have been recorded for these assessments because PT-FI believes its COW exempts it from these payments. As of November 9, 2018, PT-FI has not paid and does not intend to pay these assessments.

In September 2018, PT-FI received an unfavorable decision from the Indonesian Tax Court with respect to its appeal of disallowed items on its 2012 corporate income tax return. The most significant disallowed item relates to the tax treatment of mine development costs. A similar decision on PT-FI’s 2014 corporate income tax return was announced in October 2018. PT-FI will appeal these decisions to the Indonesian Supreme Court because it believes the COW is explicit about the tax treatment associated with mine development costs. No adjustments have been recorded for this matter as of September 30, 2018, because FCX believes PT-FI has properly determined and paid its taxes. As of September 30, 2018, PT-FI had long-term receivables totaling approximately $300 million related to this matter. FCX estimates the potential exposure for penalties for the years 2013, 2016 and 2017 in which the Indonesian tax authorities may assert that PT-FI has underpaid income taxes totals $212 million based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 2018.

Indonesia Mining Contract. Refer to Note 13 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for further discussion. The following is the latest information related to PT-FI’s COW and the pending divestment transaction.

In October 2017, Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (the Ministry) notified PT-FI of administrative sanctions related to certain activities the Ministry indicated are not reflected in PT-FI’s environmental permit. The Ministry also notified PT-FI that certain operational activities were inconsistent with factors set forth in PT-FI’s environmental permitting studies and that additional monitoring and improvements need to be undertaken related to air quality, water drainage, treatment and handling of certain wastes, and tailings management. PT-FI has been engaged in a process to update its permits through submissions and dialogue with the Ministry that began in late 2014, and PT-FI believes that it has submitted the required documentation to update such permits. In April 2018, the Ministry issued decrees imposing unattainable environmental standards related to PT-FI’s controlled riverine tailings management system that must be complied with by October 2018. The decrees, which PT-FI believes are contrary to the Indonesian government’s obligations under PT-FI’s COW, conflict with PT-FI’s approved environmental management programs and existing environmental permits. If these unattainable environmental standards are not modified or delayed, PT-FI could be adversely affected, including possible shutdown of its operations. PT-FI is currently engaged in constructive discussions with the Ministry in working toward a resolution of these issues. During these discussions, the Ministry has advised PT-FI that the transition period for compliance with the decrees will be extended for up to an additional six months.

On September 27, 2018, FCX, PT-FI, PT Indocopper Investama (PT-II) and PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (PT Inalum), a state-owned enterprise that currently holds 9.36 percent of PT-FI’s outstanding common stock, entered into a Divestment Agreement on previously agreed economic terms in connection with PT Inalum’s acquisition of shares of PT-FI. Under the Divestment Agreement, PT Inalum will acquire, for cash consideration of $350 million, 100 percent of FCX's interests in PT-II, which owns 9.36 percent of PT-FI (equates to a 5.6 percent interest in the project after 2022). PT Inalum also entered into a definitive agreement with Rio Tinto to acquire, for cash consideration of $3.5 billion, all of Rio Tinto's interests (40 percent interest in the project after 2022) associated with its joint venture with PT-FI (the Joint Venture). The arrangements provide for FCX and existing PT-FI shareholders to retain the economics of the revenue and cost sharing arrangements under the Joint Venture and for FCX to continue to manage PT-FI’s operations. Following completion of the transaction, PT Inalum's share ownership will be 51.2 percent of PT-FI (subject to a dividend assignment mechanism to replicate the Joint Venture economics), and FCX's ownership will be 48.8 percent.

PT-FI has agreed to complete the construction of a smelter within five years of the closing, with economics shared pro rata by FCX and PT Inalum according to their respective equity ownership in PT-FI. Concurrent with the closing of the divestment transaction, PT-FI will be granted a special mining license (IUPK) providing long-term mining rights with assured legal and fiscal terms and legal enforceability through 2041. The IUPK issued at closing will initially be valid through 2031 and will include an assured extension through 2041 upon PT-FI’s satisfaction of agreed conditions, including those related to smelter construction and payment of state revenues in accordance with the IUPK.

The transaction, which is expected to close in late 2018 or early 2019, is subject to certain conditions, including the documentation and issuance by the Indonesian government of the IUPK providing for the extension and stability of PT-FI’s long-term mining rights with assured legal and fiscal terms and legal enforceability through 2041 in a form acceptable to FCX and PT Inalum; resolution of environmental regulatory matters that include amendments to the decrees imposing unattainable environmental standards on PT-FI pending before the Ministry satisfactory to the Indonesian government, FCX and PT Inalum; various other Indonesian regulatory actions and approvals, including modification or revocation of current regulations and the implementation of new regulations by the Indonesian government and assurances or approvals by Indonesian tax authorities with respect to the pending transaction; and receipt of customary regulatory approvals from international competition authorities.

The Divestment Agreement provides FCX and PT Inalum with the right to terminate, in certain circumstances, including if the transaction is not consummated on or before December 31, 2018, subject to a six-month extension, if needed, to obtain regulatory approvals from international competition authorities.

PT-FI’s export license is effective through February 15, 2019. In October 2018, PT-FI’s temporary IUPK was extended to November 30, 2018, and PT-FI will continue to seek extensions to its temporary IUPK until closing of the pending transaction. On February 28, 2018, PT Smelting (PT-FI’s 25 percent-owned smelter and refinery in Indonesia) received an extension of its anode slimes export license through February 26, 2019.

Until the pending transaction is completed, PT-FI has reserved all rights under its COW.
v3.10.0.1
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Business Segment
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
FCX has organized its mining operations into four primary divisions – North America copper mines, South America mining, Indonesia mining and Molybdenum mines, and operating segments that meet certain thresholds are reportable segments. Separately disclosed in the following tables are FCX’s reportable segments, which include the Morenci, Cerro Verde and Grasberg (Indonesia Mining) copper mines, the Rod & Refining operations and Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining.
 
Intersegment sales between FCX’s business segments are based on terms similar to 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 segments, including Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining 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.
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 Financial Information by Business Segment 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.

Product Revenues. FCX’s revenues attributable to the products it sold for the third quarters and first nine months of 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Copper:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Concentrate
$
1,743

 
$
1,571

 
$
5,093

 
$
3,793

Cathode
1,271

 
1,197

 
4,159

 
3,192

Rod and other refined copper products
561

 
604

 
1,899

 
1,818

Gold
1,073

 
495

 
2,814

 
1,334

Molybdenum
286

 
213

 
882

 
661

Othera
381

 
307

 
1,179

 
819

Adjustments to revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Treatment charges
(162
)
 
(147
)
 
(433
)
 
(378
)
Royalty expenseb
(75
)
 
(46
)
 
(217
)
 
(112
)
Export dutiesc
(52
)
 
(21
)
 
(153
)
 
(62
)
Revenues from contracts with customers
5,026

 
4,173

 
15,223

 
11,065

Embedded derivativesd
(118
)
 
137

 
(279
)
 
297

Total consolidated revenues
$
4,908

 
$
4,310

 
$
14,944

 
$
11,362

a.
Primarily includes revenues associated with cobalt, silver, oil, gas and natural gas liquids.
b.
Reflects royalties for sales from PT-FI and Cerro Verde that will vary with the volume of metal sold and the prices of copper and gold.
c.
Reflects PT-FI export duties.
d.
Refer to Note 6 for discussion of embedded derivatives related to FCX’s provisionally priced concentrate and cathode sales contracts.

Financial Information by Business Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Atlantic
 
Corporate,
 
 
 
 
North America Copper Mines
 
South America
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cerro
 
 
 
 
 
Indonesia
 
Molybdenum
 
Rod &
 
Smelting
 
& Elimi-
 
FCX
 
 
Morenci
 
Other
 
Total
 
Verde
 
Other
 
Total
 
Mining
 
Mines
 
Refining
 
& Refining
 
nations
 
Total
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaffiliated customers
$
30

 
$
2

 
$
32

 
$
687

 
$
122

 
$
809

 
$
1,703

a 
$

 
$
1,212

 
$
579

 
$
573

b 
$
4,908

 
Intersegment
467

 
587

 
1,054

 
71

 

 
71

 
61

 
101

 
8

 

 
(1,295
)
 

 
Production and delivery
304

 
485

 
789

 
519

c 
105

 
624

 
522

 
76

 
1,215

 
559

 
(716
)
 
3,069

 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
43

 
45

 
88

 
122

 
20

 
142

 
181

 
20

 
3

 
6

 
18

 
458

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
1

 

 
1

 
3

 

 
3

 
29

 

 

 
5

 
63

 
101

 
Mining exploration and research expenses

 
1

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
26

 
27

 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs

 
2

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
6

 
8

 
Net gain on sales of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(70
)
d 
(70
)
 
Operating income (loss)
149

 
56

 
205

 
114

 
(3
)
 
111

 
1,032

 
5

 
2

 
9

 
(49
)
 
1,315

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
1

 

 
1

 
15

 

 
15

 

 

 

 
7

 
120

 
143

 
Provision for income taxes

 

 

 
37

 
5

 
42

 
424

 

 

 

 
56

 
522

 
Total assets at September 30, 2018
2,826

 
4,465

 
7,291

 
8,613

 
1,709

 
10,322

 
11,764

 
1,808

 
284

 
835

 
5,445

e 
37,749

 
Capital expenditures
63

 
118

 
181

 
47

 
3

 
50

 
246

 
4

 
1

 
3

 
22

 
507

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaffiliated customers
$
57

 
$
40

 
$
97

 
$
850

 
$
109

 
$
959

 
$
1,121

a 
$

 
$
1,137

 
$
554

 
$
442

b 
$
4,310

 
Intersegment
460

 
548

 
1,008

 
64

 

 
64

 

 
65

 
8

 
1

 
(1,146
)
 

 
Production and delivery
242

 
410

 
652

 
683

f 
76

 
759

 
407

 
57

 
1,140

 
533

 
(754
)
 
2,794

g 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
42

 
54

 
96

 
116

 
18

 
134

 
136

 
20

 
2

 
7

 
23

 
418

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
1

 
1

 
2

 
2

 

 
2

 
32

 

 

 
4

 
64

 
104

 
Mining exploration and research expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
27

 
27

 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
72

 
72

 
Net gain on sales of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(33
)
d 
(33
)
 
Operating income (loss)
232

 
123

 
355

 
113

 
15

 
128

 
546

 
(12
)
 
3

 
11

 
(103
)
 
928

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
1

 

 
1

 
156

f 

 
156

 
1

 

 

 
5

 
141

 
304

 
Provision for income taxes

 

 

 
134

f 
5

 
139

 
233

 

 

 
1

 
14

 
387

 
Total assets at September 30, 2017
2,844

 
4,223

 
7,067

 
8,851

 
1,595

 
10,446

 
11,100

 
1,885

 
264

 
751

 
5,814

e 
37,327

 
Capital expenditures
26

 
13

 
39

 
17

 
3

 
20

 
206

 
2

 
1

 
5

 
41

 
314

 
a.
Includes PT-FI's sales to PT Smelting totaling $827 million in third-quarter 2018 and $652 million in third-quarter 2017.
b.
Includes revenues from FCX's molybdenum sales company, which includes sales of molybdenum produced by the Molybdenum mines and by certain of the North America and South America copper mines.
c.
Includes charges of $69 million associated with Cerro Verde’s new three-year collective labor agreement.
d.
Includes gains in third-quarter 2018 of $50 million associated with an increase to the estimated fair value less costs to sell for Freeport Cobalt (refer to Note 1) and $20 million reflecting adjustments to the fair value of the potential contingent consideration related to the 2016 sale of onshore California oil and gas properties, and a gain in third-quarter 2017 of $33 million associated with the sale of oil and gas properties.
e.
Includes assets held for sale, primarily Freeport Cobalt, totaling $626 million at September 30, 2018, and $459 million at September 30, 2017.
f.
Includes net charges of $216 million in production and delivery costs, $141 million in interest expense and $2 million in provision for income taxes associated with disputed royalties for prior years.
g.
Includes an $8 million decrease related to the adoption of the new guidance for the presentation of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (refer to Note 11 for further discussion).
Financial Information by Business Segment (continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Atlantic
 
Corporate,
 
 
 
 
North America Copper Mines
 
South America Mining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cerro
 
 
 
 
 
Indonesia
 
Molybdenum
 
Rod &
 
Smelting
 
& Elimi-
 
FCX
 
 
Morenci
 
Other
 
Total
 
Verde
 
Other
 
Total
 
Mining
 
Mines
 
Refining
 
& Refining
 
nations
 
Total
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaffiliated customers
$
58

 
$
30

 
$
88

 
$
2,031

 
$
443

 
$
2,474

 
$
4,863

a 
$

 
$
3,984

 
$
1,758

 
$
1,777

b 
$
14,944

 
Intersegment
1,636

 
1,917

 
3,553

 
273

 

 
273

 
114

 
307

 
24

 
2

 
(4,273
)
 

 
Production and delivery
892

 
1,477

 
2,369

 
1,391

c 
354

 
1,745

 
1,404

 
214

 
3,992

 
1,694

 
(2,626
)
 
8,792

 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
133

 
141

 
274

 
336

 
66

 
402

 
534

 
60

 
8

 
20

 
53

 
1,351

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
3

 
2

 
5

 
7

 

 
7

 
96

 

 

 
16

 
217

 
341

 
Mining exploration and research expenses

 
2

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
70

 
72

 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs

 
2

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
74

 
76

 
Net gain on sales of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(126
)
d 
(126
)
 
Operating income (loss)
666

 
323

 
989

 
570

 
23

 
593

 
2,943

 
33

 
8

 
30

 
(158
)
 
4,438

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
3

 

 
3

 
48

 

 
48

 

 

 

 
18

 
367

 
436

 
Provision for income taxes

 

 

 
207

 
15

 
222

 
1,254

 

 

 
1

 
66

 
1,543

 
Capital expenditures
151

 
262

 
413

 
178

 
10

 
188

 
695

 
6

 
3

 
10

 
76

 
1,391

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaffiliated customers
$
168

 
$
122

 
$
290

 
$
2,057

 
$
332

 
$
2,389

 
$
2,720

a 
$

 
$
3,290

 
$
1,412


$
1,261

b 
$
11,362

 
Intersegment
1,354

 
1,704

 
3,058

 
237

 

 
237

 

 
199

 
22

 
1

 
(3,517
)
 

 
Production and delivery
765

 
1,273

 
2,038

 
1,450

e 
245

 
1,695

 
1,224

f 
167

 
3,296

 
1,369

 
(2,327
)
 
7,462

g 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
138

 
192

 
330

 
332

 
60

 
392

 
372

 
58

 
7

 
21

 
77

 
1,257

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
2

 
2

 
4

 
7

 

 
7

 
92

f 

 

 
13

 
246

 
362

 
Mining exploration and research expenses

 
2

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
58

 
60

 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
76

 
76

 
Net gain on sales of assets


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(66
)
d 
(66
)
 
Operating income (loss)
617

 
357

 
974

 
505

 
27

 
532

 
1,032

 
(26
)
 
9

 
10

 
(320
)
 
2,211

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
2

 
1

 
3

 
187

e 

 
187

 
1

 

 

 
13

 
429

 
633

 
Provision for income taxes

 

 

 
288

e 
10

 
298

 
435

 

 

 
4

 
10

 
747

 
Capital expenditures
78

 
28

 
106

 
60

 
5

 
65

 
663

 
4

 
3

 
30

 
149

 
1,020

 

a.
Includes PT-FI’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $2.1 billion for the first nine months of 2018 and $1.4 billion for the first nine months of 2017.
b.
Includes revenues from FCX’s molybdenum sales company, which includes sales of molybdenum produced by the Molybdenum mines and by certain of the North America and South America copper mines.
c.
Includes charges of $69 million associated with Cerro Verde’s new three-year collective labor agreement.
d.
Includes gains for the first nine months of 2018 of $50 million associated with an increase to the estimated fair value less costs to sell for Freeport Cobalt (refer to Note 1) and $76 million reflecting adjustments to the fair value of the potential contingent consideration related to the 2016 sale of onshore California oil and gas properties; and net gains for the first nine months of 2017, primarily associated with sales of oil and gas properties of $49 million and a favorable adjustment of $13 million associated with the estimated fair value less costs to sell for the Kisanfu exploration project.
e.
Includes net charges of $216 million in production and delivery, $141 million in interest expense and $2 million in provision for income taxes associated with disputed royalties for prior years.
f.
Includes net charges at PT-FI associated with workforce reductions totaling $112 million in production and delivery costs and $5 million in selling, general and administrative expenses.
g.
Includes a $35 million decrease related to the adoption of the new guidance for the presentation of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (refer to Note 11 for further discussion).
v3.10.0.1
Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Guarantor Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Guarantor Financial Statements
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

All of the senior notes issued by FCX are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis jointly and severally by FM O&G LLC, as guarantor, which is a 100-percent-owned subsidiary of 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 FCX’s 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. The indentures provide that 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 revolving credit facility or any other senior debt or, in each case, any refinancing thereof.

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 September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, and the related condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions), which should be read in conjunction with FCX’s notes to the consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
September 30, 2018
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
549

 
$
577

 
$
10,817

 
$
(1,022
)
 
$
10,921

Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net
19

 
3

 
22,991

 

 
23,013

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
19,681

 

 

 
(19,681
)
 

Other assets
546

 
67

 
3,279

 
(77
)
 
3,815

Total assets
$
20,795

 
$
647

 
$
37,087

 
$
(20,780
)
 
$
37,749

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
$
246

 
$
137

 
$
4,614

 
$
(1,146
)
 
$
3,851

Long-term debt, less current portion
9,594

 
6,784

 
5,095

 
(10,350
)
 
11,123

Deferred income taxes
820

a 

 
3,019

 

 
3,839

Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion

 
209

 
3,355

 

 
3,564

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries

 
601

 
10,424

 
(11,025
)
 

Other liabilities
158

 
3,340

 
1,907

 
(3,487
)
 
1,918

Total liabilities
10,818

 
11,071

 
28,414

 
(26,008
)
 
24,295

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
9,977

 
(10,424
)
 
5,832

 
4,592

 
9,977

Noncontrolling interests

 

 
2,841

 
636

 
3,477

Total equity
9,977

 
(10,424
)
 
8,673

 
5,228

 
13,454

Total liabilities and equity
$
20,795

 
$
647

 
$
37,087

 
$
(20,780
)
 
$
37,749

a.
All U.S.-related deferred income taxes are recorded at the parent company.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2017
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
75

 
$
671

 
$
10,733

 
$
(790
)
 
$
10,689

Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net
14

 
11

 
22,919

 
(10
)
 
22,934

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
19,570

 

 

 
(19,570
)
 

Other assets
943

 
48

 
3,179

 
(491
)
 
3,679

Total assets
$
20,602

 
$
730

 
$
36,831

 
$
(20,861
)
 
$
37,302

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
$
1,683

 
$
220

 
$
4,046

 
$
(938
)
 
$
5,011

Long-term debt, less current portion
10,021

 
6,512

 
5,440

 
(10,270
)
 
11,703

Deferred income taxes
748

a 

 
2,901

 

 
3,649

Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion

 
201

 
3,430

 

 
3,631

Investments in consolidated subsidiary

 
853

 
10,397

 
(11,250
)
 

Other liabilities
173

 
3,340

 
1,987

 
(3,488
)
 
2,012

Total liabilities
12,625

 
11,126

 
28,201

 
(25,946
)
 
26,006

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
7,977

 
(10,396
)
 
5,916

 
4,480

 
7,977

Noncontrolling interests

 

 
2,714

 
605

 
3,319

Total equity
7,977

 
(10,396
)
 
8,630

 
5,085

 
11,296

Total liabilities and equity
$
20,602

 
$
730

 
$
36,831

 
$
(20,861
)
 
$
37,302

a.
All U.S.-related deferred income taxes are recorded at the parent company.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
Revenues
$

 
$
15

 
$
4,893

 
$

 
$
4,908

Total costs and expenses
7

 
(2
)
 
3,588

 

 
3,593

Operating (loss) income
(7
)
 
17

 
1,305

 

 
1,315

Interest expense, net
(93
)
 
(79
)
 
(96
)
 
125

 
(143
)
Other income (expense), net
124

 

 
15

 
(125
)
 
14

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
24

 
(62
)
 
1,224

 

 
1,186

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
(188
)
 
11

 
(345
)
 

 
(522
)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
720

 
(6
)
 
(54
)
 
(656
)
 
4

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
556

 
(57
)
 
825

 
(656
)
 
668

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
Net income (loss)
556

 
(57
)
 
821

 
(656
)
 
664

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests


 

 
(47
)
 
(61
)
 
(108
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
556

 
$
(57
)
 
$
774

 
$
(717
)
 
$
556

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
11

 

 
11

 
(11
)
 
11

Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
567

 
$
(57
)
 
$
785

 
$
(728
)
 
$
567

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
Revenues
$

 
$
13

 
$
4,297

 
$

 
$
4,310

Total costs and expenses
8

 
25

 
3,350

 
(1
)
 
3,382

Operating (loss) income
(8
)
 
(12
)
 
947

 
1

 
928

Interest expense, net
(116
)
 
(59
)
 
(218
)
 
89

 
(304
)
Other income (expense), net
97

 
3

 
(9
)
 
(89
)
 
2

(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
(27
)
 
(68
)
 
720

 
1

 
626

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes
21

 
24

 
(432
)
 

 
(387
)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
286

 
20

 
(20
)
 
(283
)
 
3

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
280

 
(24
)
 
268

 
(282
)
 
242

Net income from discontinued operations

 

 
3

 

 
3

Net income (loss)
280

 
(24
)
 
271

 
(282
)
 
245

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
69

 
(34
)
 
35

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
280

 
$
(24
)
 
$
340

 
$
(316
)
 
$
280

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
13

 

 
13

 
(13
)
 
13

Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
293

 
$
(24
)
 
$
353

 
$
(329
)
 
$
293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
Revenues
$

 
$
46

 
$
14,898

 
$

 
$
14,944

Total costs and expenses
20

 
(10
)
 
10,506

 
(10
)
 
10,506

Operating (loss) income
(20
)
 
56

 
4,392

 
10

 
4,438

Interest expense, net
(294
)
 
(219
)
 
(273
)
 
350

 
(436
)
Other income (expense), net
357

 
2

 
62

 
(350
)
 
71

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
43

 
(161
)
 
4,181

 
10

 
4,073

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
(282
)
 
33

 
(1,292
)
 
(2
)
 
(1,543
)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
2,356

 
(10
)
 
(133
)
 
(2,208
)
 
5

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
2,117

 
(138
)
 
2,756

 
(2,200
)
 
2,535

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 
(19
)
 

 
(19
)
Net income (loss)
2,117

 
(138
)
 
2,737

 
(2,200
)
 
2,516

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(220
)
 
(179
)
 
(399
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
2,117

 
$
(138
)
 
$
2,517

 
$
(2,379
)
 
$
2,117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
34

 

 
34

 
(34
)
 
34

Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
2,151

 
$
(138
)
 
$
2,551

 
$
(2,413
)
 
$
2,151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
Revenues
$

 
$
38

 
$
11,324

 
$

 
$
11,362

Total costs and expenses
30

 
86

 
9,024

 
11

 
9,151

Operating (loss) income
(30
)
 
(48
)
 
2,300

 
(11
)
 
2,211

Interest expense, net
(355
)
 
(167
)
 
(363
)
 
252

 
(633
)
Other income (expense), net
255

 
3

 
(7
)
 
(252
)
 
(1
)
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
(130
)
 
(212
)
 
1,930

 
(11
)
 
1,577

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
(111
)
 
74

 
(714
)
 
4

 
(747
)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
1,017

 
14

 
(118
)
 
(907
)
 
6

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
776

 
(124
)
 
1,098

 
(914
)
 
836

Net income from discontinued operations

 

 
50

 

 
50

Net income (loss)
776

 
(124
)
 
1,148

 
(914
)
 
886

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations

 

 
(42
)
 
(64
)
 
(106
)
Discontinued operations

 

 
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
776

 
$
(124
)
 
$
1,102

 
$
(978
)
 
$
776

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
105

 

 
105

 
(105
)
 
105

Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
881

 
$
(124
)
 
$
1,207

 
$
(1,083
)
 
$
881

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
(181
)
 
$
(285
)
 
$
4,391

 
$

 
$
3,925

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(2
)
 

 
(1,389
)
 

 
(1,391
)
Intercompany loans
(558
)
 

 

 
558

 

Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries
2,726

 

 
65

 
(2,791
)
 

Asset sales and other, net
4

 
3

 
(88
)
 

 
(81
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
2,170

 
3

 
(1,412
)
 
(2,233
)
 
(1,472
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from debt

 

 
475

 

 
475

Repayments of debt
(1,826
)
 
(52
)
 
(532
)
 

 
(2,410
)
Intercompany loans

 
327

 
231

 
(558
)
 

Cash dividends paid and contributions received, net
(145
)
 

 
(3,016
)
 
2,775

 
(386
)
Other, net
(18
)
 

 
(17
)
 
16

 
(19
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(1,989
)
 
275

 
(2,859
)
 
2,233

 
(2,340
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

 
(7
)
 
120

 

 
113

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale

 

 
55

 

 
55

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year

 
7

 
4,624

 

 
4,631

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period
$

 
$

 
$
4,799

 
$

 
$
4,799

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
(222
)
 
$
(383
)
 
$
3,617

 
$

 
$
3,012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures

 
(24
)
 
(996
)
 

 
(1,020
)
Intercompany loans
(609
)
 

 

 
609

 

Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries
1,757

 
(16
)
 
93

 
(1,834
)
 

Asset sales and other, net

 
58

 
8

 

 
66

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
1,148

 
18

 
(895
)
 
(1,225
)
 
(954
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from debt

 

 
795

 

 
795

Repayments of debt
(915
)
 
(139
)
 
(937
)
 

 
(1,991
)
Intercompany loans

 
512

 
97

 
(609
)
 

Cash dividends paid and contributions received, net
(2
)
 

 
(1,839
)
 
1,772

 
(69
)
Other, net
(9
)
 
(11
)
 
(64
)
 
62

 
(22
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(926
)
 
362

 
(1,948
)
 
1,225

 
(1,287
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

 
(3
)
 
774

 

 
771

Increase in cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale

 

 
(45
)
 

 
(45
)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year

 
11

 
4,392

 

 
4,403

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period
$

 
$
8

 
$
5,121

 
$

 
$
5,129

v3.10.0.1
New Accounting Standard (Unaudited)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]  
New Accounting Standards
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, FASB issued a new ASU related to revenue recognition. FCX adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018, under the modified retrospective approach applied to contracts that remain in force at the adoption date. The adoption of this standard did not result in any financial statement impacts or changes to FCX’s revenue recognition policies or processes as revenue is primarily derived from arrangements in which the transfer of control coincides with the fulfillment of performance obligations (refer to Note 1 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for disclosure of FCX’s revenue recognition policy). In connection with the adoption of the standard and consistent with FCX’s policy prior to adoption of the standard, FCX has elected to account for shipping and handling activities performed after control of goods has been transferred to a customer as a fulfillment cost recorded in production and delivery costs on the consolidated statements of income.

FCX recognizes revenue for all of its products upon transfer of control in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those products. Transfer of control is in accordance with the terms of customer contracts, which is generally upon shipment or delivery of the product. While payment terms vary by contract, terms generally include payment to be made within 30 days, but not longer than 60 days. Certain of FCX’s concentrate and cathode sales contracts also provide for provisional pricing, which is accounted for as an embedded derivative (refer to Note 6 for further discussion). For provisionally priced sales, 90 percent to 100 percent of the provisional payment is made upon shipment or within 20 days, and final balances are settled in a contractually specified future month (generally one to four months from the shipment date) based on quoted monthly average copper settlement prices on the LME or COMEX and quoted monthly average LBMA gold settlement prices. FCX’s product revenues are also recorded net of treatment charges, royalties and export duties. Refer to Note 9 for a summary of revenue by product type.

Financial Instruments. In January 2016, FASB issued an ASU that amends the guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. This ASU makes limited changes to prior guidance and amends certain disclosure requirements. FCX adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018, and adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

Leases. In February 2016, FASB issued an ASU that will require lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. This ASU allows lessees to make an accounting policy election to not recognize a lease asset and liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less and do not have a purchase option that is expected to be exercised. For public entities, this ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, FASB issued a practical expedient, which FCX expects to elect, allowing for entities to apply the provisions of the updated lease guidance at the January 1, 2019, effective date, without adjusting the comparative periods presented. FCX is completing an assessment of its lease portfolio and is in the process of implementing a new system, collecting data, and designing processes and controls to account for its leases in accordance with the new standard. Based on FCX’s efforts to date, it does not expect adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. In November 2016, FASB issued an ASU that changes the classification and presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. The ASU requires that a statement of cash flows include the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. FCX adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018, and adjusted its consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents.
The impact of adopting this ASU for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, follows (in millions):
 
 
Previously Reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Current Presentation
Accrued income taxes and changes in other tax payments included in cash flow from operating activities
 
$
399

 
$
(6
)
 
$
393

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
3,018

 
(6
)
 
3,012

Other, net included in cash flow from investing activities
 
(22
)
 
20

 
(2
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(974
)
 
20

 
(954
)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
 
757

 
14

 
771

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
4,245

 
158

 
4,403

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period
 
4,957

 
172

 
5,129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefit Cost. In March 2017, FASB issued an ASU that changes how entities with defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans present net periodic benefit cost in the income statement. This ASU requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the same income statement line item or items as other compensation costs for those employees who are receiving the benefit. In addition, only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization when applicable (i.e., as a cost of inventory or an internally constructed asset). The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented separately from the service cost component and outside of operating income. These other components of net periodic benefit cost are not eligible for capitalization, and FCX elected to include these other components in other income (expense), net. FCX adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018, and adjusted its presentation in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, to conform with the new guidance. The impact of adopting this ASU for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, follows (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Previously Reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Current Presentation
Production and delivery
 
$
2,802

 
$
(8
)
 
$
2,794

Total cost of sales
 
3,220

 
(8
)
 
3,212

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
106

 
(2
)
 
104

Environmental obligations and shutdown costs
 
73

 
(1
)
 
72

Total costs and expenses
 
3,393

 
(11
)
 
3,382

Operating income
 
917

 
11

 
928

Other income (expense), net
 
2

 
(11
)
 
(9
)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Previously Reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Current Presentation
Production and delivery
 
$
7,497

 
$
(35
)
 
$
7,462

Total cost of sales
 
8,754

 
(35
)
 
8,719

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
366

 
(4
)
 
362

Mining exploration and research expenses
 
61

 
(1
)
 
60

Environmental obligations and shutdown costs
 
81

 
(5
)
 
76

Total costs and expenses
 
9,196

 
(45
)
 
9,151

Operating income
 
2,166

 
45

 
2,211

Other income (expense), net
 
36

 
(45
)
 
(9
)


Tax Reform Reclassification. In February 2018, FASB issued an ASU that allows entities to elect to reclassify the stranded income tax effects caused by the Act in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings. This election applies to the U.S. federal income tax rate change from 35 percent to 21 percent. FCX elected to early adopt this standard effective July 1, 2018, which resulted in a one-time reclassification totaling $79 million from AOCI to retained earnings in third-quarter 2018. FCX has not elected to reclassify other “indirect” income tax effects of the Act stranded in AOCI. Any additional income tax effects stranded in AOCI will continue to pass through earnings in future periods as specific classes of AOCI items are reversed in full.
v3.10.0.1
Subsequent Events (Unaudited)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

FCX evaluated events after September 30, 2018, 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.
v3.10.0.1
New Accounting Standard (Unaudited) (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, FASB issued a new ASU related to revenue recognition. FCX adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018, under the modified retrospective approach applied to contracts that remain in force at the adoption date. The adoption of this standard did not result in any financial statement impacts or changes to FCX’s revenue recognition policies or processes as revenue is primarily derived from arrangements in which the transfer of control coincides with the fulfillment of performance obligations (refer to Note 1 of FCX’s annual report on Form 10-K for disclosure of FCX’s revenue recognition policy). In connection with the adoption of the standard and consistent with FCX’s policy prior to adoption of the standard, FCX has elected to account for shipping and handling activities performed after control of goods has been transferred to a customer as a fulfillment cost recorded in production and delivery costs on the consolidated statements of income.

FCX recognizes revenue for all of its products upon transfer of control in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those products. Transfer of control is in accordance with the terms of customer contracts, which is generally upon shipment or delivery of the product. While payment terms vary by contract, terms generally include payment to be made within 30 days, but not longer than 60 days. Certain of FCX’s concentrate and cathode sales contracts also provide for provisional pricing, which is accounted for as an embedded derivative (refer to Note 6 for further discussion). For provisionally priced sales, 90 percent to 100 percent of the provisional payment is made upon shipment or within 20 days, and final balances are settled in a contractually specified future month (generally one to four months from the shipment date) based on quoted monthly average copper settlement prices on the LME or COMEX and quoted monthly average LBMA gold settlement prices. FCX’s product revenues are also recorded net of treatment charges, royalties and export duties. Refer to Note 9 for a summary of revenue by product type.

v3.10.0.1
Earnings per Share (Unaudited) Earnings per Share (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Reconciliation of net income (loss) and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
Reconciliations of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income per share follow (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
Net income from continuing operations
$
668

 
$
242

 
$
2,535

 
$
836

 
Net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests
(108
)
 
35

 
(399
)
 
(106
)
 
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities
(4
)
 
(3
)
 
(5
)
 
(3
)
 
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders
556

 
274

 
2,131

 
727

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations
(4
)
 
3

 
(19
)
 
50

 
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
(4
)
 
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders
(4
)
 
3

 
(19
)
 
46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
552

 
$
277

 
$
2,112

 
$
773

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
1,450

 
1,448

 
1,449

 
1,447

 
Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units
8

 
6

 
9

a 
6

 
Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
1,458

 
1,454

 
1,458

 
1,453

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.38

 
$
0.19

 
$
1.47

 
$
0.50

 
Discontinued operations

 

 
(0.01
)
 
0.03

 
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.19

 
$
1.46

 
$
0.53

 
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.38

 
$
0.19

 
$
1.46

 
$
0.50

 
Discontinued operations

 

 
(0.01
)
 
0.03

 
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.19

 
$
1.45

 
$
0.53

 

a.
Excludes approximately 2 million shares of common stock for the first nine months of 2018 associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of FCX’s common stock that were anti-dilutive.
v3.10.0.1
Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited) (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Inventory
The components of inventories follow (in millions):
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Current inventories:
 
 
 
 
Total materials and supplies, neta
$
1,439

 
$
1,305

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mill stockpiles
$
287

 
$
360

 
Leach stockpiles
1,152

 
1,062

 
Total current mill and leach stockpiles
$
1,439

 
$
1,422

 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials (primarily concentrate)
$
299

 
$
265

 
Work-in-process
174

 
154

 
Finished goods
696

 
747

 
Total product inventories
$
1,169

 
$
1,166

 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term inventories:
 
 
 
 
Mill stockpiles
$
285

 
$
300

 
Leach stockpiles
1,070

 
1,109

 
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles
$
1,355

 
$
1,409

 

a.
Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $25 million at September 30, 2018, and $29 million at December 31, 2017.
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income before income taxes and equity in an affiliated companies' net earnings
Geographic sources of FCX’s (provision for) benefit from income taxes follow (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
U.S. operations
$
(6
)
 
$
2

a 
$
2

b 
$
24

a 
International operations
(516
)
 
(389
)
c 
(1,545
)
 
(771
)
c 
Total
$
(522
)
 
$
(387
)
 
$
(1,543
)
 
$
(747
)
 
v3.10.0.1
Debt (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Schedule of Debt
The components of debt follow (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31, 2017
Senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
Issued by FCX
 
$
9,594

 
$
11,429

Issued by Freeport Minerals Corporation (FMC)
 
358

 
358

Issued by Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC (FM O&G LLC)
 

 
54

Cerro Verde credit facility
 
1,171

 
1,269

Other
 
4

 
7

Total debta
 
11,127

 
13,117

Less current portion of debt
 
(4
)
 
(1,414
)
Long-term debt
 
$
11,123

 
$
11,703


a.
Includes additions for unamortized fair value adjustments totaling $60 million at September 30, 2018 ($97 million at December 31, 2017), and is net of reductions for unamortized net discounts and unamortized debt issuance costs totaling $73 million at September 30, 2018 ($85 million at December 31, 2017).
Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table Text Block]
A summary of these redemptions follows (in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Amount
 
Net Adjustments
 
Book Value
 
Redemption Value
 
Gain
FCX 6.75% Senior Notes due 2022
$
404

 
$
22

 
$
426

 
$
418

 
$
8

FM O&G LLC 67/8% Senior Notes due 2023
50

 
4

 
54

 
52

 
2

 
$
454

 
$
26

 
$
480

 
$
470

 
$
10

v3.10.0.1
Financial Instruments (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [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, including the unrealized gains (losses) on the related hedged item follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Copper futures and swap contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
$
7

 
$

 
$
(12
)
 
$
(1
)
Hedged item – firm sales commitments
(7
)
 

 
12

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized (losses) gains:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Matured derivative financial instruments
(19
)
 
12

 
(17
)
 
21

Schedule of Derivative Instruments
A summary of FCX’s embedded derivatives at September 30, 2018, follows:
 
Open Positions
 
Average Price
Per Unit
 
Maturities Through
 
 
Contract
 
Market
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper (millions of pounds)
567

 
$
2.82

 
$
2.84

 
January 2019
Gold (thousands of ounces)
375

 
1,201.40

 
1,188.75

 
December 2018
Embedded derivatives in provisional purchase contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper (millions of pounds)
125

 
2.78

 
2.84

 
January 2019
Cobalt (millions of pounds)a
7

 
23.80

 
22.14

 
December 2018

a.
Relates to assets held for sale.
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 operating income for commodity contracts that do not qualify as hedge transactions, including embedded derivatives, follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts:a
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper
$
(93
)
 
$
133

 
$
(242
)
 
$
275

Gold and other metals
(25
)
 
4

 
(37
)
 
22

Copper forward contractsb
9

 
(9
)
 
17

 
(14
)
a.
Amounts recorded in revenues. 
b.
Amounts recorded in cost of sales as production and delivery costs.

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
A summary of the fair values of unsettled commodity derivative financial instruments follows (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31, 2017
Commodity Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Copper futures and swap contracts
 
$
5

 
$
11

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts
 
49

 
155

Copper forward contracts
 

 
1

Total derivative assets
 
$
54

 
$
167

 
 
 
 
 
Commodity Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Copper futures and swap contracts
 
$
5

 
$

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts
 
50

 
31

Copper forward contracts
 
4

 
2

Total derivative liabilities
 
$
59

 
$
33



The table above and the following table excludes $12 million of embedded derivatives in provisional cobalt purchase contracts (in a gross asset position) at September 30, 2018, and $24 million (in a gross liability position) at December 31, 2017, which are both reflected in liabilities held for sale.

Offsetting Assets
A summary of these unsettled commodity contracts that are offset in the balance sheets follows (in millions):
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross amounts recognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and gold sales/purchase contracts
 
$
49

 
$
155

 
$
50

 
$
31

Copper derivatives
 
5

 
12

 
9

 
2

 
 
54

 
167

 
59

 
33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less gross amounts of offset:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and gold sales/purchase contracts
 
12

 

 
12

 

Copper derivatives
 
5

 
1

 
5

 
1

 
 
17

 
1

 
17

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net amounts presented in balance sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and gold sales/purchase contracts
 
37

 
155

 
38

 
31

Copper derivatives
 

 
11

 
4

 
1

 
 
$
37

 
$
166

 
$
42

 
$
32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance sheet classification:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable
 
$
32

 
$
151

 
$
24

 
$

Other current assets
 

 
11

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
5

 
4

 
18

 
32

 
 
$
37

 
$
166

 
$
42

 
$
32

Offsetting Liabilities
A summary of these unsettled commodity contracts that are offset in the balance sheets follows (in millions):
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross amounts recognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and gold sales/purchase contracts
 
$
49

 
$
155

 
$
50

 
$
31

Copper derivatives
 
5

 
12

 
9

 
2

 
 
54

 
167

 
59

 
33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less gross amounts of offset:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and gold sales/purchase contracts
 
12

 

 
12

 

Copper derivatives
 
5

 
1

 
5

 
1

 
 
17

 
1

 
17

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net amounts presented in balance sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and gold sales/purchase contracts
 
37

 
155

 
38

 
31

Copper derivatives
 

 
11

 
4

 
1

 
 
$
37

 
$
166

 
$
42

 
$
32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance sheet classification:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable
 
$
32

 
$
151

 
$
24

 
$

Other current assets
 

 
11

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
5

 
4

 
18

 
32

 
 
$
37

 
$
166

 
$
42

 
$
32



Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]
The following table provides a reconciliation of total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows to the components presented in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Balance sheet components:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
4,556

 
$
4,447

Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in:
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
 
116

 
52

Other assets
 
127

 
132

Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows
 
$
4,799

 
$
4,631

v3.10.0.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurement Inputs Disclosure
A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of FCX’s financial instruments (including those measured at net asset value (NAV) as a practical expedient), other than cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and dividends payable (refer to Note 6) follows (in millions):
 
At September 30, 2018
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Total
 
NAV
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:a,b
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. core fixed income fund
$
24

 
$
24

 
$
24

 
$

 
$

 
$

Equity securities
5

 
5

 

 
5

 

 

Total
29

 
29

 
24

 
5

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legally restricted funds:a
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. core fixed income fund
54

 
54

 
54

 

 

 

Government bonds and notes
31

 
31

 

 

 
31

 

Government mortgage-backed securities
39

 
39

 

 

 
39

 

Corporate bonds
28

 
28

 

 

 
28

 

Asset-backed securities
14

 
14

 

 

 
14

 

Collateralized mortgage-backed securities
8

 
8

 

 

 
8

 

Money market funds
3

 
3

 

 
3

 

 

Municipal bonds
1

 
1

 

 

 
1

 

Total
178

 
178

 
54

 
3

 
121

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts in a gross asset positionc,d
49

 
49

 

 

 
49

 

Copper futures and swap contractsc
5

 
5

 

 
4

 
1

 

Contingent consideration for the sales of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TF Holdings Limited (TFHL) and onshore
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
California oil and gas propertiesa
167

 
167

 

 

 
167

 

Total
221

 
221

 

 
4

 
217

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration for the sale of the
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deepwater GOM oil and gas propertiesa
148

 
130

 

 

 

 
130

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:c
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts in a gross liability position
$
50

 
$
50

 
$

 
$

 
$
50

 
$

Copper futures and swap contracts
5

 
5

 

 
4

 
1

 

Total
55

 
55

 

 
4

 
51

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, including current portione
11,127

 
10,865

 

 

 
10,865

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
At December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Total
 
NAV
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:a,b
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. core fixed income fund
$
25

 
$
25

 
$
25

 
$

 
$

 
$

Equity securities
5

 
5

 

 
5

 

 

Total
30

 
30

 
25

 
5

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legally restricted funds:a
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. core fixed income fund
55

 
55

 
55

 

 

 

Government bonds and notes
40

 
40

 

 

 
40

 

Corporate bonds
32

 
32

 

 

 
32

 

Government mortgage-backed securities
27

 
27

 

 

 
27

 

Asset-backed securities
15

 
15

 

 

 
15

 

Money market funds
11

 
11

 

 
11

 

 

Collateralized mortgage-backed securities
8

 
8

 

 

 
8

 

Municipal bonds
1

 
1

 

 

 
1

 

Total
189

 
189

 
55

 
11

 
123

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts in a gross asset positionc
155

 
155

 

 

 
155

 

Copper futures and swap contractsc
11

 
11

 

 
9

 
2

 

Copper forward contractsc
1

 
1

 

 

 
1

 

Contingent consideration for the sales of TFHL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   and onshore California oil and gas propertiesa
108

 
108

 

 

 
108

 

Total
275

 
275

 

 
9

 
266

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration for the sale of the
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Deepwater GOM oil and gas propertiesa
150

 
134

 

 

 

 
134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:c
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in provisional copper and gold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sales/purchase contracts in a gross liability positiond
$
31

 
$
31

 
$

 
$

 
$
31

 
$

Copper forward contracts
2

 
2

 

 
1

 
1

 

Total
33

 
33

 

 
1

 
32

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, including current portione
13,117

 
13,269

 

 

 
13,269

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

a.
Current portion included in other current assets and long-term portion included in other assets.
b.
Excludes time deposits (which approximated fair value) included in (i) other current assets of $116 million at September 30, 2018, and $52 million at December 31, 2017, primarily associated with PT-FI’s mine closure and reclamation guarantees and its disputed incremental export duty and (ii) other assets of $126 million at September 30, 2018, and $123 million at December 31, 2017, primarily associated with an assurance bond to support PT-FI’s commitment for smelter development in Indonesia.
c.
Refer to Note 6 for further discussion and balance sheet classifications.
d.
Excludes embedded derivatives in provisional cobalt purchase contracts of $12 million at September 30, 2018, and $24 million at December 31, 2017 (refer to Note 6 for further discussion).
e.
Recorded at cost except for debt assumed in acquisitions, which were recorded at fair value at the respective acquisition dates. In addition, debt excludes $160 million at September 30, 2018, and $112 million at December 31, 2017, related to assets held for sale (which approximated fair value).

Summary of Unobservable Input Reconciliation
A summary of the changes in the fair value of FCX’s Level 3 instrument, contingent consideration for the sale of the Deepwater GOM oil and gas properties, during the first nine months of 2018 follows (in millions):
Fair value at January 1, 2018
$
134

 
Net unrealized loss related to assets still held at the end of the period
(2
)
 
Settlements
(2
)
 
Fair value at September 30, 2018
$
130

 
v3.10.0.1
Business Segments (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services
FCX’s revenues attributable to the products it sold for the third quarters and first nine months of 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Copper:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Concentrate
$
1,743

 
$
1,571

 
$
5,093

 
$
3,793

Cathode
1,271

 
1,197

 
4,159

 
3,192

Rod and other refined copper products
561

 
604

 
1,899

 
1,818

Gold
1,073

 
495

 
2,814

 
1,334

Molybdenum
286

 
213

 
882

 
661

Othera
381

 
307

 
1,179

 
819

Adjustments to revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Treatment charges
(162
)
 
(147
)
 
(433
)
 
(378
)
Royalty expenseb
(75
)
 
(46
)
 
(217
)
 
(112
)
Export dutiesc
(52
)
 
(21
)
 
(153
)
 
(62
)
Revenues from contracts with customers
5,026

 
4,173

 
15,223

 
11,065

Embedded derivativesd
(118
)
 
137

 
(279
)
 
297

Total consolidated revenues
$
4,908

 
$
4,310

 
$
14,944

 
$
11,362

a.
Primarily includes revenues associated with cobalt, silver, oil, gas and natural gas liquids.
b.
Reflects royalties for sales from PT-FI and Cerro Verde that will vary with the volume of metal sold and the prices of copper and gold.
c.
Reflects PT-FI export duties.
d.
Refer to Note 6 for discussion of embedded derivatives related to FCX’s provisionally priced concentrate and cathode sales contracts.

Schedule of financial information by business segment
Financial Information by Business Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Atlantic
 
Corporate,
 
 
 
 
North America Copper Mines
 
South America
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cerro
 
 
 
 
 
Indonesia
 
Molybdenum
 
Rod &
 
Smelting
 
& Elimi-
 
FCX
 
 
Morenci
 
Other
 
Total
 
Verde
 
Other
 
Total
 
Mining
 
Mines
 
Refining
 
& Refining
 
nations
 
Total
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaffiliated customers
$
30

 
$
2

 
$
32

 
$
687

 
$
122

 
$
809

 
$
1,703

a 
$

 
$
1,212

 
$
579

 
$
573

b 
$
4,908

 
Intersegment
467

 
587

 
1,054

 
71

 

 
71

 
61

 
101

 
8

 

 
(1,295
)
 

 
Production and delivery
304

 
485

 
789

 
519

c 
105

 
624

 
522

 
76

 
1,215

 
559

 
(716
)
 
3,069

 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
43

 
45

 
88

 
122

 
20

 
142

 
181

 
20

 
3

 
6

 
18

 
458

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
1

 

 
1

 
3

 

 
3

 
29

 

 

 
5

 
63

 
101

 
Mining exploration and research expenses

 
1

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
26

 
27

 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs

 
2

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
6

 
8

 
Net gain on sales of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(70
)
d 
(70
)
 
Operating income (loss)
149

 
56

 
205

 
114

 
(3
)
 
111

 
1,032

 
5

 
2

 
9

 
(49
)
 
1,315

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
1

 

 
1

 
15

 

 
15

 

 

 

 
7

 
120

 
143

 
Provision for income taxes

 

 

 
37

 
5

 
42

 
424

 

 

 

 
56

 
522

 
Total assets at September 30, 2018
2,826

 
4,465

 
7,291

 
8,613

 
1,709

 
10,322

 
11,764

 
1,808

 
284

 
835

 
5,445

e 
37,749

 
Capital expenditures
63

 
118

 
181

 
47

 
3

 
50

 
246

 
4

 
1

 
3

 
22

 
507

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaffiliated customers
$
57

 
$
40

 
$
97

 
$
850

 
$
109

 
$
959

 
$
1,121

a 
$

 
$
1,137

 
$
554

 
$
442

b 
$
4,310

 
Intersegment
460

 
548

 
1,008

 
64

 

 
64

 

 
65

 
8

 
1

 
(1,146
)
 

 
Production and delivery
242

 
410

 
652

 
683

f 
76

 
759

 
407

 
57

 
1,140

 
533

 
(754
)
 
2,794

g 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
42

 
54

 
96

 
116

 
18

 
134

 
136

 
20

 
2

 
7

 
23

 
418

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
1

 
1

 
2

 
2

 

 
2

 
32

 

 

 
4

 
64

 
104

 
Mining exploration and research expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
27

 
27

 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
72

 
72

 
Net gain on sales of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(33
)
d 
(33
)
 
Operating income (loss)
232

 
123

 
355

 
113

 
15

 
128

 
546

 
(12
)
 
3

 
11

 
(103
)
 
928

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
1

 

 
1

 
156

f 

 
156

 
1

 

 

 
5

 
141

 
304

 
Provision for income taxes

 

 

 
134

f 
5

 
139

 
233

 

 

 
1

 
14

 
387

 
Total assets at September 30, 2017
2,844

 
4,223

 
7,067

 
8,851

 
1,595

 
10,446

 
11,100

 
1,885

 
264

 
751

 
5,814

e 
37,327

 
Capital expenditures
26

 
13

 
39

 
17

 
3

 
20

 
206

 
2

 
1

 
5

 
41

 
314

 
a.
Includes PT-FI's sales to PT Smelting totaling $827 million in third-quarter 2018 and $652 million in third-quarter 2017.
b.
Includes revenues from FCX's molybdenum sales company, which includes sales of molybdenum produced by the Molybdenum mines and by certain of the North America and South America copper mines.
c.
Includes charges of $69 million associated with Cerro Verde’s new three-year collective labor agreement.
d.
Includes gains in third-quarter 2018 of $50 million associated with an increase to the estimated fair value less costs to sell for Freeport Cobalt (refer to Note 1) and $20 million reflecting adjustments to the fair value of the potential contingent consideration related to the 2016 sale of onshore California oil and gas properties, and a gain in third-quarter 2017 of $33 million associated with the sale of oil and gas properties.
e.
Includes assets held for sale, primarily Freeport Cobalt, totaling $626 million at September 30, 2018, and $459 million at September 30, 2017.
f.
Includes net charges of $216 million in production and delivery costs, $141 million in interest expense and $2 million in provision for income taxes associated with disputed royalties for prior years.
g.
Includes an $8 million decrease related to the adoption of the new guidance for the presentation of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (refer to Note 11 for further discussion).
Financial Information by Business Segment (continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Atlantic
 
Corporate,
 
 
 
 
North America Copper Mines
 
South America Mining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cerro
 
 
 
 
 
Indonesia
 
Molybdenum
 
Rod &
 
Smelting
 
& Elimi-
 
FCX
 
 
Morenci
 
Other
 
Total
 
Verde
 
Other
 
Total
 
Mining
 
Mines
 
Refining
 
& Refining
 
nations
 
Total
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaffiliated customers
$
58

 
$
30

 
$
88

 
$
2,031

 
$
443

 
$
2,474

 
$
4,863

a 
$

 
$
3,984

 
$
1,758

 
$
1,777

b 
$
14,944

 
Intersegment
1,636

 
1,917

 
3,553

 
273

 

 
273

 
114

 
307

 
24

 
2

 
(4,273
)
 

 
Production and delivery
892

 
1,477

 
2,369

 
1,391

c 
354

 
1,745

 
1,404

 
214

 
3,992

 
1,694

 
(2,626
)
 
8,792

 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
133

 
141

 
274

 
336

 
66

 
402

 
534

 
60

 
8

 
20

 
53

 
1,351

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
3

 
2

 
5

 
7

 

 
7

 
96

 

 

 
16

 
217

 
341

 
Mining exploration and research expenses

 
2

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
70

 
72

 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs

 
2

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
74

 
76

 
Net gain on sales of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(126
)
d 
(126
)
 
Operating income (loss)
666

 
323

 
989

 
570

 
23

 
593

 
2,943

 
33

 
8

 
30

 
(158
)
 
4,438

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
3

 

 
3

 
48

 

 
48

 

 

 

 
18

 
367

 
436

 
Provision for income taxes

 

 

 
207

 
15

 
222

 
1,254

 

 

 
1

 
66

 
1,543

 
Capital expenditures
151

 
262

 
413

 
178

 
10

 
188

 
695

 
6

 
3

 
10

 
76

 
1,391

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaffiliated customers
$
168

 
$
122

 
$
290

 
$
2,057

 
$
332

 
$
2,389

 
$
2,720

a 
$

 
$
3,290

 
$
1,412


$
1,261

b 
$
11,362

 
Intersegment
1,354

 
1,704

 
3,058

 
237

 

 
237

 

 
199

 
22

 
1

 
(3,517
)
 

 
Production and delivery
765

 
1,273

 
2,038

 
1,450

e 
245

 
1,695

 
1,224

f 
167

 
3,296

 
1,369

 
(2,327
)
 
7,462

g 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
138

 
192

 
330

 
332

 
60

 
392

 
372

 
58

 
7

 
21

 
77

 
1,257

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
2

 
2

 
4

 
7

 

 
7

 
92

f 

 

 
13

 
246

 
362

 
Mining exploration and research expenses

 
2

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
58

 
60

 
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
76

 
76

 
Net gain on sales of assets


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(66
)
d 
(66
)
 
Operating income (loss)
617

 
357

 
974

 
505

 
27

 
532

 
1,032

 
(26
)
 
9

 
10

 
(320
)
 
2,211

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
2

 
1

 
3

 
187

e 

 
187

 
1

 

 

 
13

 
429

 
633

 
Provision for income taxes

 

 

 
288

e 
10

 
298

 
435

 

 

 
4

 
10

 
747

 
Capital expenditures
78

 
28

 
106

 
60

 
5

 
65

 
663

 
4

 
3

 
30

 
149

 
1,020

 

a.
Includes PT-FI’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $2.1 billion for the first nine months of 2018 and $1.4 billion for the first nine months of 2017.
b.
Includes revenues from FCX’s molybdenum sales company, which includes sales of molybdenum produced by the Molybdenum mines and by certain of the North America and South America copper mines.
c.
Includes charges of $69 million associated with Cerro Verde’s new three-year collective labor agreement.
d.
Includes gains for the first nine months of 2018 of $50 million associated with an increase to the estimated fair value less costs to sell for Freeport Cobalt (refer to Note 1) and $76 million reflecting adjustments to the fair value of the potential contingent consideration related to the 2016 sale of onshore California oil and gas properties; and net gains for the first nine months of 2017, primarily associated with sales of oil and gas properties of $49 million and a favorable adjustment of $13 million associated with the estimated fair value less costs to sell for the Kisanfu exploration project.
e.
Includes net charges of $216 million in production and delivery, $141 million in interest expense and $2 million in provision for income taxes associated with disputed royalties for prior years.
f.
Includes net charges at PT-FI associated with workforce reductions totaling $112 million in production and delivery costs and $5 million in selling, general and administrative expenses.
g.
Includes a $35 million decrease related to the adoption of the new guidance for the presentation of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (refer to Note 11 for further discussion).
v3.10.0.1
Guarantor Financial Statements (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Guarantor Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Table Text Block]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
September 30, 2018
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
549

 
$
577

 
$
10,817

 
$
(1,022
)
 
$
10,921

Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net
19

 
3

 
22,991

 

 
23,013

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
19,681

 

 

 
(19,681
)
 

Other assets
546

 
67

 
3,279

 
(77
)
 
3,815

Total assets
$
20,795

 
$
647

 
$
37,087

 
$
(20,780
)
 
$
37,749

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
$
246

 
$
137

 
$
4,614

 
$
(1,146
)
 
$
3,851

Long-term debt, less current portion
9,594

 
6,784

 
5,095

 
(10,350
)
 
11,123

Deferred income taxes
820

a 

 
3,019

 

 
3,839

Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion

 
209

 
3,355

 

 
3,564

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries

 
601

 
10,424

 
(11,025
)
 

Other liabilities
158

 
3,340

 
1,907

 
(3,487
)
 
1,918

Total liabilities
10,818

 
11,071

 
28,414

 
(26,008
)
 
24,295

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
9,977

 
(10,424
)
 
5,832

 
4,592

 
9,977

Noncontrolling interests

 

 
2,841

 
636

 
3,477

Total equity
9,977

 
(10,424
)
 
8,673

 
5,228

 
13,454

Total liabilities and equity
$
20,795

 
$
647

 
$
37,087

 
$
(20,780
)
 
$
37,749

a.
All U.S.-related deferred income taxes are recorded at the parent company.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2017
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
75

 
$
671

 
$
10,733

 
$
(790
)
 
$
10,689

Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net
14

 
11

 
22,919

 
(10
)
 
22,934

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
19,570

 

 

 
(19,570
)
 

Other assets
943

 
48

 
3,179

 
(491
)
 
3,679

Total assets
$
20,602

 
$
730

 
$
36,831

 
$
(20,861
)
 
$
37,302

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
$
1,683

 
$
220

 
$
4,046

 
$
(938
)
 
$
5,011

Long-term debt, less current portion
10,021

 
6,512

 
5,440

 
(10,270
)
 
11,703

Deferred income taxes
748

a 

 
2,901

 

 
3,649

Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion

 
201

 
3,430

 

 
3,631

Investments in consolidated subsidiary

 
853

 
10,397

 
(11,250
)
 

Other liabilities
173

 
3,340

 
1,987

 
(3,488
)
 
2,012

Total liabilities
12,625

 
11,126

 
28,201

 
(25,946
)
 
26,006

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
7,977

 
(10,396
)
 
5,916

 
4,480

 
7,977

Noncontrolling interests

 

 
2,714

 
605

 
3,319

Total equity
7,977

 
(10,396
)
 
8,630

 
5,085

 
11,296

Total liabilities and equity
$
20,602

 
$
730

 
$
36,831

 
$
(20,861
)
 
$
37,302

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 INCOME (LOSS)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
Revenues
$

 
$
15

 
$
4,893

 
$

 
$
4,908

Total costs and expenses
7

 
(2
)
 
3,588

 

 
3,593

Operating (loss) income
(7
)
 
17

 
1,305

 

 
1,315

Interest expense, net
(93
)
 
(79
)
 
(96
)
 
125

 
(143
)
Other income (expense), net
124

 

 
15

 
(125
)
 
14

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
24

 
(62
)
 
1,224

 

 
1,186

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
(188
)
 
11

 
(345
)
 

 
(522
)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
720

 
(6
)
 
(54
)
 
(656
)
 
4

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
556

 
(57
)
 
825

 
(656
)
 
668

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
Net income (loss)
556

 
(57
)
 
821

 
(656
)
 
664

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests


 

 
(47
)
 
(61
)
 
(108
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
556

 
$
(57
)
 
$
774

 
$
(717
)
 
$
556

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
11

 

 
11

 
(11
)
 
11

Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
567

 
$
(57
)
 
$
785

 
$
(728
)
 
$
567

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
Revenues
$

 
$
13

 
$
4,297

 
$

 
$
4,310

Total costs and expenses
8

 
25

 
3,350

 
(1
)
 
3,382

Operating (loss) income
(8
)
 
(12
)
 
947

 
1

 
928

Interest expense, net
(116
)
 
(59
)
 
(218
)
 
89

 
(304
)
Other income (expense), net
97

 
3

 
(9
)
 
(89
)
 
2

(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
(27
)
 
(68
)
 
720

 
1

 
626

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes
21

 
24

 
(432
)
 

 
(387
)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
286

 
20

 
(20
)
 
(283
)
 
3

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
280

 
(24
)
 
268

 
(282
)
 
242

Net income from discontinued operations

 

 
3

 

 
3

Net income (loss)
280

 
(24
)
 
271

 
(282
)
 
245

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
69

 
(34
)
 
35

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
280

 
$
(24
)
 
$
340

 
$
(316
)
 
$
280

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
13

 

 
13

 
(13
)
 
13

Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
293

 
$
(24
)
 
$
353

 
$
(329
)
 
$
293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
Revenues
$

 
$
46

 
$
14,898

 
$

 
$
14,944

Total costs and expenses
20

 
(10
)
 
10,506

 
(10
)
 
10,506

Operating (loss) income
(20
)
 
56

 
4,392

 
10

 
4,438

Interest expense, net
(294
)
 
(219
)
 
(273
)
 
350

 
(436
)
Other income (expense), net
357

 
2

 
62

 
(350
)
 
71

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
43

 
(161
)
 
4,181

 
10

 
4,073

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
(282
)
 
33

 
(1,292
)
 
(2
)
 
(1,543
)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
2,356

 
(10
)
 
(133
)
 
(2,208
)
 
5

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
2,117

 
(138
)
 
2,756

 
(2,200
)
 
2,535

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 
(19
)
 

 
(19
)
Net income (loss)
2,117

 
(138
)
 
2,737

 
(2,200
)
 
2,516

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(220
)
 
(179
)
 
(399
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
2,117

 
$
(138
)
 
$
2,517

 
$
(2,379
)
 
$
2,117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
34

 

 
34

 
(34
)
 
34

Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
2,151

 
$
(138
)
 
$
2,551

 
$
(2,413
)
 
$
2,151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
Revenues
$

 
$
38

 
$
11,324

 
$

 
$
11,362

Total costs and expenses
30

 
86

 
9,024

 
11

 
9,151

Operating (loss) income
(30
)
 
(48
)
 
2,300

 
(11
)
 
2,211

Interest expense, net
(355
)
 
(167
)
 
(363
)
 
252

 
(633
)
Other income (expense), net
255

 
3

 
(7
)
 
(252
)
 
(1
)
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
(130
)
 
(212
)
 
1,930

 
(11
)
 
1,577

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
(111
)
 
74

 
(714
)
 
4

 
(747
)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses)
1,017

 
14

 
(118
)
 
(907
)
 
6

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
776

 
(124
)
 
1,098

 
(914
)
 
836

Net income from discontinued operations

 

 
50

 

 
50

Net income (loss)
776

 
(124
)
 
1,148

 
(914
)
 
886

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations

 

 
(42
)
 
(64
)
 
(106
)
Discontinued operations

 

 
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
776

 
$
(124
)
 
$
1,102

 
$
(978
)
 
$
776

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
105

 

 
105

 
(105
)
 
105

Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
881

 
$
(124
)
 
$
1,207

 
$
(1,083
)
 
$
881

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Table Text Block]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
(181
)
 
$
(285
)
 
$
4,391

 
$

 
$
3,925

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(2
)
 

 
(1,389
)
 

 
(1,391
)
Intercompany loans
(558
)
 

 

 
558

 

Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries
2,726

 

 
65

 
(2,791
)
 

Asset sales and other, net
4

 
3

 
(88
)
 

 
(81
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
2,170

 
3

 
(1,412
)
 
(2,233
)
 
(1,472
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from debt

 

 
475

 

 
475

Repayments of debt
(1,826
)
 
(52
)
 
(532
)
 

 
(2,410
)
Intercompany loans

 
327

 
231

 
(558
)
 

Cash dividends paid and contributions received, net
(145
)
 

 
(3,016
)
 
2,775

 
(386
)
Other, net
(18
)
 

 
(17
)
 
16

 
(19
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(1,989
)
 
275

 
(2,859
)
 
2,233

 
(2,340
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

 
(7
)
 
120

 

 
113

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale

 

 
55

 

 
55

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year

 
7

 
4,624

 

 
4,631

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period
$

 
$

 
$
4,799

 
$

 
$
4,799

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCX
 
FM O&G LLC
 
Non-guarantor
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Issuer
 
Guarantor
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
FCX
 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
(222
)
 
$
(383
)
 
$
3,617

 
$

 
$
3,012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures

 
(24
)
 
(996
)
 

 
(1,020
)
Intercompany loans
(609
)
 

 

 
609

 

Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries
1,757

 
(16
)
 
93

 
(1,834
)
 

Asset sales and other, net

 
58

 
8

 

 
66

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
1,148

 
18

 
(895
)
 
(1,225
)
 
(954
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from debt

 

 
795

 

 
795

Repayments of debt
(915
)
 
(139
)
 
(937
)
 

 
(1,991
)
Intercompany loans

 
512

 
97

 
(609
)
 

Cash dividends paid and contributions received, net
(2
)
 

 
(1,839
)
 
1,772

 
(69
)
Other, net
(9
)
 
(11
)
 
(64
)
 
62

 
(22
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(926
)
 
362

 
(1,948
)
 
1,225

 
(1,287
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

 
(3
)
 
774

 

 
771

Increase in cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale

 

 
(45
)
 

 
(45
)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year

 
11

 
4,392

 

 
4,403

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period
$

 
$
8

 
$
5,121

 
$

 
$
5,129

v3.10.0.1
New Accounting Standard (Unaudited) (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]  
Impact of Adopting New Accounting Standards
The impact of adopting this ASU for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, follows (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Previously Reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Current Presentation
Production and delivery
 
$
2,802

 
$
(8
)
 
$
2,794

Total cost of sales
 
3,220

 
(8
)
 
3,212

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
106

 
(2
)
 
104

Environmental obligations and shutdown costs
 
73

 
(1
)
 
72

Total costs and expenses
 
3,393

 
(11
)
 
3,382

Operating income
 
917

 
11

 
928

Other income (expense), net
 
2

 
(11
)
 
(9
)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Previously Reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Current Presentation
Production and delivery
 
$
7,497

 
$
(35
)
 
$
7,462

Total cost of sales
 
8,754

 
(35
)
 
8,719

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
366

 
(4
)
 
362

Mining exploration and research expenses
 
61

 
(1
)
 
60

Environmental obligations and shutdown costs
 
81

 
(5
)
 
76

Total costs and expenses
 
9,196

 
(45
)
 
9,151

Operating income
 
2,166

 
45

 
2,211

Other income (expense), net
 
36

 
(45
)
 
(9
)
The impact of adopting this ASU for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, follows (in millions):
 
 
Previously Reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Current Presentation
Accrued income taxes and changes in other tax payments included in cash flow from operating activities
 
$
399

 
$
(6
)
 
$
393

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
3,018

 
(6
)
 
3,012

Other, net included in cash flow from investing activities
 
(22
)
 
20

 
(2
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(974
)
 
20

 
(954
)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
 
757

 
14

 
771

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
4,245

 
158

 
4,403

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period
 
4,957

 
172

 
5,129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
v3.10.0.1
General Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net $ 23,013,000,000   $ 23,013,000,000   $ 22,934,000,000
Deferred income taxes 3,839,000,000   3,839,000,000   3,649,000,000
Assets held for sale 626,000,000 $ 459,000,000 626,000,000 $ 459,000,000 508,000,000
Liabilities held for sale 273,000,000   273,000,000   323,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets 70,000,000 $ 33,000,000 $ 126,000,000 $ 66,000,000  
Freeport Cobalt [Member]          
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets $ 50        
Freeport Cobalt [Member] | FCX [Member]          
Investment Owned, Percent of Net Assets 56.00%   56.00%    
Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale $ 50,000,000        
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Kisanfu Exploration Project [Member]          
Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net         90,000,000
Deferred income taxes         27,000,000
Assets held for sale         (90,000,000)
Liabilities held for sale         $ (27,000,000)
v3.10.0.1
Earnings per Share (Unaudited) Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]        
Net income from continuing operations $ 668 $ 242 $ 2,535 $ 836
Net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (108) 35 (399) (106)
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities (4) (3) (5) (3)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders 556 274 2,131 727
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations (4) 3 (19) 50
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 0 0 (4)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders (4) 3 (19) 46
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 552 $ 277 $ 2,112 $ 773
Basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding 1,450 1,448 1,449 1,447
Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units 8 6 9 6
Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding 1,458 1,454 1,458 1,453
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:        
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share $ 0.38 $ 0.19 $ 1.47 $ 0.50
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share 0.00 0.00 (0.01) 0.03
Earnings Per Share, Basic 0.38 0.19 1.46 0.53
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:        
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share 0.38 0.19 1.46 0.50
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share 0.00 0.00 (0.01) 0.03
Earnings Per Share, Diluted $ 0.38 $ 0.19 $ 1.45 $ 0.53
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount     2  
Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of EPS Amount 38 38 35 42
v3.10.0.1
Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Components of Inventories [Line Items]    
Total materials and supplies, net $ 1,439 $ 1,305
Mill stockpiles, current 287 360
Leach stockpiles, current 1,152 1,062
Total current mill and leach stockpiles 1,439 1,422
Raw materials (primarily concentrate) 299 265
Work-in-process 174 154
Finished goods 696 747
Total product inventories 1,169 1,166
Mill stockpiles, noncurrent 285 300
Leach stockpiles, noncurrent 1,070 1,109
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles 1,355 1,409
Inventory obsolescence reserves $ 25 $ 29
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 15 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]          
Consolidated effective income tax rate (percent)     38.00% 47.00%  
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]          
U.S. operations $ (6,000,000) $ 2,000,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 24,000,000  
International operations (516,000,000) (389,000,000) (1,545,000,000) (771,000,000)  
Total (522,000,000) (387,000,000) (1,543,000,000) $ (747,000,000)  
Effective Income Tax Rate, Adjusted, Percent       39.00%  
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     0    
Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority $ 5,000,000   $ 5,000,000   $ 5,000,000
Minimum Tax Credit Carryforwards [Member]          
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]          
U.S. operations   10,000,000   $ (21,000,000)  
Royalty Assessments [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Cerro Verde [Member]          
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]          
International operations   (2,000,000)   (2,000,000)  
Royalty Assessments [Member] | October 2011 to Tax Year 2013 [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Cerro Verde [Member]          
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]          
International operations   (127,000,000)   (127,000,000)  
Royalty Assessments [Member] | December 2006 to Tax Year 2013 [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Cerro Verde [Member]          
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]          
International operations   (125,000,000)   (125,000,000)  
Judicial Ruling [Member] | Royalty Assessments [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member]          
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]          
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period         244,000,000
Judicial Ruling [Member] | Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member]          
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]          
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period   $ 357,000,000   $ 357,000,000 $ 487,000,000
v3.10.0.1
Debt (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 26, 2018
$ / shares
Apr. 04, 2018
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
$ / shares
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
$ / shares
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
$ / shares
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities       $ 11,127         $ 11,127   $ 13,117
Current portion of debt       (4)         (4)   (1,414)
Long-term debt       11,123         11,123   11,703
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment                 60   97
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net       73         73   85
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]                      
Debt Instrument, Term     5 years                
Senior Notes Issued by FCX [Abstract]                      
Repayments of Debt                 2,410 $ 1,991  
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Net loss (gain) on exchanges and early extinguishment of debt       0     $ 11   8 8  
Interest expense, net       (143)     (304)   (436) (633)  
Interest Costs Incurred       $ 166     $ 196   $ 501 $ 583  
Dividends declared per share of common stock | $ / shares $ 0.05     $ 0.05     $ 0   $ 0.15 $ 0  
Long-term debt, less current portion       $ 11,123         $ 11,123   11,703
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]                      
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Interest Costs Capitalized       24     $ 33   72 $ 91  
Line of Credit [Member] | Cerro Verde [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities       1,171         1,171   1,269
Line of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]                      
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]                      
Long-term Line of Credit       13         13    
Revolving Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity     $ 1,500 1,500         1,500    
Line of Credit [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Long-term Debt       0         0    
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]                      
Revolving Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity       3,500         3,500    
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity     3,500                
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Amount of revolving credit facility available to subsidiary     $ 500                
Senior Notes [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount         $ 480            
Debt Instrument, Face Amount         454            
Debt Issuance Costs, Net         26            
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Extinguishment Of Debt, Redemption Value         470            
Net loss (gain) on exchanges and early extinguishment of debt         10         11  
Gains (losses) primarily associated with modification of credit facility               $ 3 2    
Repayments of Lines of Credit           $ 100          
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.375% Senior Notes due March 2018 [Member]                      
Senior Notes Issued by FCX [Abstract]                      
Repayments of Debt           $ 1,400          
Senior Notes [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount         426            
Debt Instrument, Face Amount         404            
Debt Issuance Costs, Net         22            
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Extinguishment Of Debt, Redemption Value         418            
Net loss (gain) on exchanges and early extinguishment of debt         8            
Senior Notes [Member] | FCX [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities       9,594         9,594   11,429
Senior Notes [Member] | Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities       0         0   54
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Extinguishment Of Debt, Redemption Value   $ 454                  
Senior Notes [Member] | Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas | 6.875% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount         54            
Debt Instrument, Face Amount         50            
Debt Issuance Costs, Net         4            
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Extinguishment Of Debt, Redemption Value         52            
Net loss (gain) on exchanges and early extinguishment of debt         $ 2            
Debentures [Member] | Freeport McMoRan Corporation [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities       358         358   358
Other Debt, Including Capital Leases and Short Term Borrowings [Member]                      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                      
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities       4         4   $ 7
Maximum [Member]                      
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Leverage Ratio     3.75                
Minimum [Member]                      
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
DebtInstrumentCovenantComplianceCoverageRatio     2.25                
Operating Segments | South America                      
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Interest expense, net       (15)     (156)   (48) (187)  
Operating Segments | South America | Cerro Verde [Member]                      
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Interest expense, net       (15)     (156)   (48) $ (187)  
Operating Segments | Royalty Assessments [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | South America | Cerro Verde [Member]                      
Exchanges and Early Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]                      
Interest expense, net       $ 1     $ 141   $ 7    
v3.10.0.1
Financial Instruments (Unrealized gains losses) (Details)
oz in Thousands, lb in Millions, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
lb
$ / lb
$ / lb
$ / oz
Sep. 30, 2018
lb
oz
$ / lb
$ / lb
$ / oz
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
$ / lb
$ / lb
$ / oz
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
$ / lb
$ / lb
$ / oz
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Amounts recorded in Sales [Member]            
Realized gains (losses):            
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net | $     $ (118) $ 137 $ (279) $ 297
Commodity Contract [Member]            
Unrealized gains (losses):            
Derivative financial instruments | $     7 0 (12) (1)
Hedged item – firm sales commitments | $     (7) 0 12 1
Realized gains (losses):            
Matured derivative financial instruments | $     $ (19) 12 $ (17) 21
Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]            
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]            
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb 78          
Derivative, Average Forward Price 2.81 2.81 2.81   2.81  
Copper Forward Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]            
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]            
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb   31        
Derivative, Average Forward Price 2.73 2.73 2.73   2.73  
Copper Forward Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Amounts recorded in Cost of Sales            
Realized gains (losses):            
Matured derivative financial instruments | $     $ 9 (9) $ 17 (14)
Copper | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Amounts recorded in Sales [Member]            
Realized gains (losses):            
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net | $     $ (93) 133 $ (242) 275
Copper | Short [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]            
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]            
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb   567        
Derivative, Average Forward Price 2.82 2.82 2.82   2.82  
Realized gains (losses):            
Derivative Average Market Price 2.84 2.84 2.84   2.84  
Copper | Long [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]            
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]            
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb   125        
Derivative, Average Forward Price 2.78 2.78 2.78   2.78  
Realized gains (losses):            
Derivative Average Market Price 2.84 2.84 2.84   2.84  
Gold | Short [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]            
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]            
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | oz   375        
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / oz 1,201.40 1,201.40 1,201.40   1,201.40  
Realized gains (losses):            
Derivative Average Market Price | $ / oz 1,188.75 1,188.75 1,188.75   1,188.75  
gold and other [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Amounts recorded in Sales [Member]            
Realized gains (losses):            
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net | $     $ (25) $ 4 $ (37) $ 22
Cobalt | Long [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]            
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]            
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb   7        
Derivative, Average Forward Price 23.80 23.80 23.80   23.80  
Realized gains (losses):            
Derivative Average Market Price 22.14 22.14 22.14   22.14  
v3.10.0.1
Financial Instruments (Unsettled Derivatives) (Details)
oz in Thousands, lb in Millions, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
lb
$ / lb
$ / lb
$ / oz
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
lb
oz
$ / lb
$ / lb
$ / oz
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
$ / lb
$ / lb
$ / oz
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
$ / lb
$ / lb
$ / oz
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset $ 54 $ 54 $ 54   $ 54   $ 167
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 59 59 59   59   33
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability 17 17 17   17   1
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset 17 17 17   17   1
Derivative Asset 37 37 37   37   166
Derivative Liability 42 42 42   42   32
Trade accounts receivable [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Asset 32 32 32   32   151
Derivative Liability 24 24 24   24   0
Other Current Assets              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Asset 0 0 0   0   11
Derivative Liability 0 0 0   0   0
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Asset 5 5 5   5   4
Derivative Liability 18 18 18   18   32
Commodity Contract [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net     (19) $ 12 (17) $ 21  
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 5 5 5   5   12
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 9 9 9   9   2
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability 5 5 5   5   1
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset 5 5 5   5   1
Derivative Asset 0 0 0   0   11
Derivative Liability 4 4 4   4   1
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 49 49 49   49   155
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 50 50 50   50   31
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability 12 12 12   12   0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset 12 12 12   12   0
Derivative Asset 37 37 37   37   155
Derivative Liability 38 38 38   38   31
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset $ 5 $ 5 $ 5   $ 5   11
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb 78            
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / lb 2.81 2.81 2.81   2.81    
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset $ 49 $ 49 $ 49   $ 49   155
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability $ 50 $ 50 $ 50   $ 50   31
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb   31          
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / lb 2.73 2.73 2.73   2.73    
Future [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | FMC's Copper Futures and Swap Contracts [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability $ 5 $ 5 $ 5   $ 5   0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 4 4 4   4   2
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset $ 0 $ 0 $ 0   $ 0   1
Copper | Short [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Average Market Price | $ / lb 2.84 2.84 2.84   2.84    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb   567          
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / lb 2.82 2.82 2.82   2.82    
Copper | Long [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Average Market Price | $ / lb 2.84 2.84 2.84   2.84    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb   125          
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / lb 2.78 2.78 2.78   2.78    
Gold | Short [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Average Market Price | $ / oz 1,188.75 1,188.75 1,188.75   1,188.75    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | oz   375          
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / oz 1,201.40 1,201.40 1,201.40   1,201.40    
Sales [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net     $ (118) 137 $ (279) 297  
Sales [Member] | Copper | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net     (93) 133 (242) 275  
Sales [Member] | gold and other [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net     (25) 4 (37) 22  
Cost of Sales [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net     9 $ (9) 17 $ (14)  
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]              
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]              
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability $ 12 $ 12 $ 12   $ 12   $ 24
v3.10.0.1
Financial Instruments (Derivative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,556 $ 4,447    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current 116 52    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent 127 132    
Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows 4,799 4,631 $ 5,129 $ 4,403
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted 49      
Bank Time Deposits [Member]        
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,400 $ 2,900    
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value Measurement (Fair Value Measurement Inputs) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
$ / bbl
Nov. 16, 2016
USD ($)
$ / lb
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Other current assets       $ 402 $ 270      
Other assets       2,460 2,270      
Assets       37,749 37,302 $ 37,327    
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability       59 33      
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       37 166      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       42 32      
Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure       24 25      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       54 55      
Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure       5 5      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       3 11      
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       4 9      
Contingent receivable       0 0      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       4 1      
Long-term debt, including current portion       0 0      
Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       121 123      
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       217 266      
Contingent receivable       0 0      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       51 32      
Long-term debt, including current portion       10,865 13,269      
Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       0 0      
Contingent receivable       130 134      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       0 0      
Long-term debt, including current portion       0 0      
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure       29 30      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       178 189      
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       221 275      
Contingent receivable       130 134      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       55 33      
Long-term debt, including current portion       10,865 13,269      
Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure       29 30      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       178 189      
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       221 275      
Contingent receivable       148 150      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       55 33      
Long-term debt, including current portion       11,127 13,117      
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability       50 31      
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       37 155      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       38 31      
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Level 1                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       0 0      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       0 0      
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Level 2                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       49 155      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       50 31      
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Level 3                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       0 0      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       0 0      
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       49 155      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       50 31      
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       49 155      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       50 31      
Forward Contracts [Member] | Level 1                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         0      
Forward Contracts [Member] | Level 2                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         1      
Forward Contracts [Member] | Level 3                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         0      
Forward Contracts [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         1      
Forward Contracts [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         1      
Commodity Contract [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability       9 2      
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       0 11      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       4 1      
Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 1                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         9      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       4        
Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 2                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         2      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       1        
Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 3                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         0      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       0        
Commodity Contract [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         11      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       5        
Commodity Contract [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset         11      
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability       5        
Future [Member] | Level 1                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       4        
Future [Member] | Level 2                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       1        
Future [Member] | Level 3                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       0        
Future [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       5        
Future [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       5        
Africa and onshore California [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 1                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       0 0      
Africa and onshore California [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 2                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       167 108      
Africa and onshore California [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 3                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       0 0      
Africa and onshore California [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       167 108      
Africa and onshore California [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Derivative Asset       167 108      
U.S. core fixed income fund [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       24 25      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       54 55      
U.S. core fixed income fund [Member] | Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       0 0      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
U.S. core fixed income fund [Member] | Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       0 0      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
U.S. core fixed income fund [Member] | Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       0 0      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
U.S. core fixed income fund [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       24 25      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       54 55      
U.S. core fixed income fund [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       24 25      
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       54 55      
Equity securities | Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       5 5      
Equity securities | Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       0 0      
Equity securities | Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       0 0      
Equity securities | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       5 5      
Equity securities | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Marketable Securities       5 5      
Government bonds | Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Government bonds | Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       31 40      
Government bonds | Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Government bonds | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       31 40      
Government bonds | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       31 40      
Corporate bonds [Member] | Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Corporate bonds [Member] | Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       28 32      
Corporate bonds [Member] | Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Corporate bonds [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       28 32      
Corporate bonds [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       28 32      
Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       39 27      
Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       39 27      
Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       39 27      
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       14 15      
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       14 15      
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       14 15      
Money market funds [Member] | Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       3 11      
Money market funds [Member] | Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Money market funds [Member] | Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Money market funds [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       3 11      
Money market funds [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       3 11      
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       8 8      
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       8 8      
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       8 8      
Municipal bonds [Member] | Level 1                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Municipal bonds [Member] | Level 2                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       1 1      
Municipal bonds [Member] | Level 3                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       0 0      
Municipal bonds [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       1 1      
Municipal bonds [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Investment securities (current and long-term):                
Trust Assets Fair Value Disclosure       1 1      
Bank Time Deposits [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Other current assets       116 52      
Other assets       126 123      
Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 1                
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability         1      
Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 2                
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability         1      
Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 3                
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability         0      
Commodity Contract [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability         2      
Commodity Contract [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]                
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Derivative Liability         2      
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability       50 31      
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]                
Derivatives: [Abstract]                
Long-term debt, including current portion       160 112      
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability       12 24      
TF Holdings Limited | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Other assets       57 74      
Derivatives:                
Contingent receivable               $ 120
Copper | TF Holdings Limited | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale                
Derivatives:                
Contingent receivable               60
Cobalt | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability       12 24      
Cobalt | TF Holdings Limited | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale                
Derivatives:                
Contingent receivable               $ 60
Contingent consideration, reference threshold (in us dollars per pound) | $ / lb               20
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas | Onshore California [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Other current assets       49        
Other assets         34      
Assets       110        
Derivatives:                
Contingent receivable             $ 150  
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas | Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Interests [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]                
Other current assets       12 24      
Other assets       $ 136 $ 126      
Derivatives:                
Contingent receivable             $ 150  
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas | Onshore California [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Contingent receivable $ 50 $ 50 $ 50          
Crude Oil [Member] | Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas | Onshore California [Member]                
Derivatives:                
Contingent consideration, reference threshold (in us dollars per pound) | $ / bbl             70  
Maximum [Member] | Copper | TF Holdings Limited | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale                
Derivatives:                
Contingent consideration, reference threshold (in us dollars per pound) | $ / lb               3.50
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value Measurement (Unobservable inputs) (Details) - Gulf of Mexico Contingent Consideration [Member]
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]  
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements $ (2)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]  
Fair value at January 1, 2018 134
Net unrealized loss related to assets still held at the end of the period (2)
Fair value at September 30, 2018 $ 130
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited) Litigation (Details) - David Garcia v. Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Litigation [Member]
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Minimum [Member]  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss $ 60
Maximum [Member]  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss $ 100
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited) Environmental Obligation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2018
Cyprus Tohono [Member]      
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]      
Environmental Costs Recognized, Capitalized     $ 44
Uranium Mining Sites on Tribal Land [Member]      
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]      
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates   $ (41)  
Borough of Carteret [Member]      
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]      
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Charges to Expense for New Losses $ 59    
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited) Tax and Other Matters (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 15 Months Ended 57 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Other assets   $ 2,460,000,000   $ 2,460,000,000 $ 2,460,000,000   $ 2,270,000,000
Payments for Legal Settlements   32,000,000 $ 32,000,000        
PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Other assets   300,000,000   300,000,000 300,000,000    
PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] | Relating to January 2016 through April 2016 [Member] | Tax Authority, In Papau, Indonesia [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss           $ 12,000,000 $ 20,000,000
Change in Loss Contingency, percent           40.00%  
PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] | Relating to August 2015 through March 2018 [Member] | Tax Authority, In Papau, Indonesia [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss   173,000,000   173,000,000 173,000,000    
Loss Contingency Accrual   0   0 0    
PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] | Relating to August 2015 through March 2018 [Member] | Tax Authority, In Papau, Indonesia [Member] | Penalties [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss   87,000,000   87,000,000 87,000,000    
PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] | Relating to 2011 through 2017 [Member] | Tax Authority, In Papau, Indonesia [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss   212,000,000   212,000,000 212,000,000    
Judicial Ruling [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Royalty Assessments [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period       244,000,000      
Judicial Ruling [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period $ 357,000,000   $ 357,000,000 487,000,000      
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period, Including Tax Charges       355,000,000      
Loss Contingency, Loss In Period, Attributable To Parent       187,000,000      
Judicial Ruling [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Royalty Assessments, Penalties And Interests [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period       158,000,000      
Judicial Ruling [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Royalty Assessments, Taxes [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period       85,000,000      
Judicial Ruling [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Tax Year 2006 To Tax Year 2008 [Member] | Royalty Assessments [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Payments for Legal Settlements         177,000,000    
Pending Litigation [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Tax Year 2009 to Tax Year 2013 [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss   406,000,000   406,000,000 406,000,000    
Parent Company [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member] | Cerro Verde Royalty Dispute [Member] | Tax Year 2009 to Tax Year 2013 [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss   $ 217,000,000   $ 217,000,000 $ 217,000,000    
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited) Mining Contract (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2022
Sep. 27, 2018
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Term to construct smelter   5 years    
PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]        
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses, pending $ 350      
Rio Tinto [Member] | Rio Tinto Share In Joint Venture [Member]        
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses, pending $ 3,500      
Pt Smelting [Member] | PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]        
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Investment Owned, Percent of Net Assets 25.00% 25.00%    
Interest In PT Indocopper Investama [Member] | PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum) [Member]        
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Ownership percentage pending acquired       100.00%
PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] | PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum) [Member]        
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Ownership percentage pending acquired       40.00%
Ownership interest subsequent to acquisition, pending       51.00%
PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]        
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Ownership interest by parent subsequent to business acquisition, pending       49.00%
PT Indocopper Investama [Member] | PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]        
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners 9.36% 9.36%    
PT Indocopper Investama [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]        
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners     5.60%  
PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum) [Member] | PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]        
Contractual Obligations Mining Contracts [Line Items]        
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners 9.36% 9.36%    
v3.10.0.1
Business Segments (Product Revenue) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]        
Treatment And Refining Charges Included In Copper Concentrates Revenues $ (162) $ (147) $ (433) $ (378)
Royalty Expense (75) (46) (217) (112)
Export Duties Expense (52) (21) (153) (62)
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax 5,026 4,173 15,223 11,065
Revenues 4,908 4,310 14,944 11,362
Copper In Concentrates [Member]        
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 1,743 1,571 5,093 3,793
Copper Cathode [Member]        
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 1,271 1,197 4,159 3,192
Refined Copper Products [Member]        
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 561 604 1,899 1,818
Gold        
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 1,073 495 2,814 1,334
Molybdenum [Member]        
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 286 213 882 661
Other Products Or Services [Member]        
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 381 307 1,179 819
Sales [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]        
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]        
Matured derivative financial instruments $ (118) $ 137 $ (279) $ 297
v3.10.0.1
Business Segments (Segment Reporting) (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
segment
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Number of Operating Segments | segment     4    
Deferred Intercompany Profit, Percentage     25.00%    
Revenues $ 4,908 $ 4,310 $ 14,944 $ 11,362  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (3,069) (2,794) (8,792) (7,462)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 458 418 1,351 1,257  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (101) (104) (341) (362)  
Mining exploration and research expenses 27 27 72 60  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 8 72 76 76  
Net gain on sales of assets (70) (33) (126) (66)  
Operating income 1,315 928 4,438 2,211  
Interest expense, net (143) (304) (436) (633)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 522 387 1,543 747  
Total assets 37,749 37,327 37,749 37,327 $ 37,302
Capital expenditures 507 314 1,391 1,020  
Assets held for sale 626 459 626 459 $ 508
Operating Segments | North America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 32 97 88 290  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (789) (652) (2,369) (2,038)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 88 96 274 330  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (1) (2) (5) (4)  
Mining exploration and research expenses 1 0 2 2  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 2 0 2 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income 205 355 989 974  
Interest expense, net (1) (1) (3) (3)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 0 0 0 0  
Total assets 7,291 7,067 7,291 7,067  
Capital expenditures 181 39 413 106  
Operating Segments | South America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 809 959 2,474 2,389  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (624) (759) (1,745) (1,695)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 142 134 402 392  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (3) (2) (7) (7)  
Mining exploration and research expenses 0 0 0 0  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 0 0 0 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income 111 128 593 532  
Interest expense, net (15) (156) (48) (187)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 42 139 222 298  
Total assets 10,322 10,446 10,322 10,446  
Capital expenditures 50 20 188 65  
Corporate And Eliminations          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 573 442 1,777 1,261  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization 716 754 2,626 2,327  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 18 23 53 77  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (63) (64) (217) (246)  
Mining exploration and research expenses 26 27 70 58  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 6 72 74 76  
Net gain on sales of assets (70) (33) (126) (66)  
Operating income (49) (103) (158) (320)  
Interest expense, net (120) (141) (367) (429)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 56 14 66 10  
Total assets 5,445 5,814 5,445 5,814  
Capital expenditures 22 41 76 149  
Intersegment          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 0 0 0 0  
Intersegment | North America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 1,054 1,008 3,553 3,058  
Intersegment | South America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 71 64 273 237  
Pt Smelting [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 827 652 2,100 1,400  
Morenci [Member] | Operating Segments | North America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 30 57 58 168  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (304) (242) (892) (765)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 43 42 133 138  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (1) (1) (3) (2)  
Mining exploration and research expenses 0 0 0 0  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 0 0 0 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income 149 232 666 617  
Interest expense, net (1) (1) (3) (2)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 0 0 0 0  
Total assets 2,826 2,844 2,826 2,844  
Capital expenditures 63 26 151 78  
Morenci [Member] | Intersegment | North America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 467 460 1,636 1,354  
Other Individually Immaterial Operating Segments [Member] | Operating Segments | North America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 2 40 30 122  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (485) (410) (1,477) (1,273)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 45 54 141 192  
Selling, general and administrative expenses 0 (1) (2) (2)  
Mining exploration and research expenses 1 0 2 2  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 2 0 2 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income 56 123 323 357  
Interest expense, net 0 0 0 (1)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 0 0 0 0  
Total assets 4,465 4,223 4,465 4,223  
Capital expenditures 118 13 262 28  
Other Individually Immaterial Operating Segments [Member] | Operating Segments | South America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 122 109 443 332  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (105) (76) (354) (245)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 20 18 66 60  
Selling, general and administrative expenses 0 0 0 0  
Mining exploration and research expenses 0 0 0 0  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 0 0 0 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income (3) 15 23 27  
Interest expense, net 0 0 0 0  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 5 5 15 10  
Total assets 1,709 1,595 1,709 1,595  
Capital expenditures 3 3 10 5  
Other Individually Immaterial Operating Segments [Member] | Intersegment | North America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 587 548 1,917 1,704  
Other Individually Immaterial Operating Segments [Member] | Intersegment | South America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 0 0 0 0  
Cerro Verde [Member] | Operating Segments | South America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 687 850 2,031 2,057  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (519) (683) (1,391) (1,450)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 122 116 336 332  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (3) (2) (7) (7)  
Mining exploration and research expenses 0 0 0 0  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 0 0 0 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income 114 113 570 505  
Interest expense, net (15) (156) (48) (187)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 37 134 207 288  
Total assets 8,613 8,851 8,613 8,851  
Capital expenditures 47 17 178 60  
Cerro Verde [Member] | Intersegment | South America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 71 64 273 237  
Grasberg Segment [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Capital expenditures     695 663  
Grasberg Segment [Member] | Operating Segments | Indonesia          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 1,703 1,121 4,863 2,720  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (522) (407) (1,404) (1,224)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 181 136 534 372  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (29) (32) (96) (92)  
Mining exploration and research expenses 0 0 0 0  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 0 0 0 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income 1,032 546 2,943 1,032  
Interest expense, net 0 (1) 0 (1)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 424 233 1,254 435  
Total assets 11,764 11,100 11,764 11,100  
Capital expenditures 246 206 695 663  
Grasberg Segment [Member] | Intersegment | Indonesia          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 61 0 114 0  
Molybdenum [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Capital expenditures     6 4  
Molybdenum [Member] | Operating Segments          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 0 0 0 0  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (76) (57) (214) (167)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 20 20 60 58  
Selling, general and administrative expenses 0 0 0 0  
Mining exploration and research expenses 0 0 0 0  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 0 0 0 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income 5 (12) 33 (26)  
Interest expense, net 0 0 0 0  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 0 0 0 0  
Total assets 1,808 1,885 1,808 1,885  
Capital expenditures 4 2 6 4  
Molybdenum [Member] | Intersegment          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 101 65 307 199  
Rod and Refining Segment [Member] | Operating Segments          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 1,212 1,137 3,984 3,290  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (1,215) (1,140) (3,992) (3,296)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 3 2 8 7  
Selling, general and administrative expenses 0 0 0 0  
Mining exploration and research expenses 0 0 0 0  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 0 0 0 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income 2 3 8 9  
Interest expense, net 0 0 0 0  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 0 0 0 0  
Total assets 284 264 284 264  
Capital expenditures 1 1 3 3  
Rod and Refining Segment [Member] | Intersegment          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 8 8 24 22  
Atlantic Copper Smelting and Refining Segment [Member] | Operating Segments          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 579 554 1,758 1,412  
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (559) (533) (1,694) (1,369)  
Cost, Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion 6 7 20 21  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (5) (4) (16) (13)  
Mining exploration and research expenses 0 0 0 0  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 0 0 0 0  
Net gain on sales of assets 0 0 0 0  
Operating income 9 11 30 10  
Interest expense, net (7) (5) (18) (13)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 0 1 1 4  
Total assets 835 751 835 751  
Capital expenditures 3 5 10 30  
Atlantic Copper Smelting and Refining Segment [Member] | Intersegment          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues 0 1 2 1  
Corporate And Eliminations | Intersegment          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenues (1,295) (1,146) (4,273) (3,517)  
One-time Termination Benefits [Member] | Grasberg Segment [Member] | Operating Segments | Indonesia          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization       (112)  
Selling, general and administrative expenses       (5)  
Cerro Verde Collective Labor Agreement [Member] | Cerro Verde [Member] | Operating Segments | South America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (69)   69    
Onshore California [Member] | Corporate And Eliminations          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net gain on sales of assets (20)   (76)    
Gulf of Mexico Shelf and Madden properties [Member] | Corporate And Eliminations          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net gain on sales of assets   (33)   (49)  
Freeport Cobalt [Member] | Corporate And Eliminations          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net gain on sales of assets $ (50)   $ (50)    
Kisanfu Exploration Project [Member] | Corporate And Eliminations          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net gain on sales of assets       (13)  
Royalty Assessments [Member] | Cerro Verde [Member] | Operating Segments | South America          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization   (216)   (216)  
Interest expense, net   (141)   (141)  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   2   2  
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2017-05 [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization   8   35  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   2   4  
Mining exploration and research expenses       (1)  
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs   (1)   (5)  
Operating income   $ 11   $ 45  
v3.10.0.1
Guarantor Financial Statements (Details)
Sep. 30, 2018
FM O&G LLC Guarantor [Member]  
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]  
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent 10000.00%
v3.10.0.1
Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS            
Current assets, other than assets held-for-sale $ 10,921   $ 10,689      
Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net 23,013   22,934      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 0   0      
Other assets 3,815   3,679      
Total assets 37,749   37,302 $ 37,327    
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
Current liabilities, other than liabilities held for sale 3,851   5,011      
Long-term debt, less current portion 11,123   11,703      
Deferred income taxes 3,839   3,649      
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion 3,564   3,631      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 0   0      
Other liabilities 1,918   2,012      
Total liabilities 24,295   26,006      
Equity:            
Stockholders' equity 9,977   7,977      
Noncontrolling interests 3,477   3,319      
Total equity 13,454 $ 12,842 11,296 $ 10,230 $ 9,993 $ 9,257
Total liabilities and equity 37,749   37,302      
Eliminations [Member]            
ASSETS            
Current assets, other than assets held-for-sale (1,022)   (790)      
Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net 0   (10)      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries (19,681)   (19,570)      
Other assets (77)   (491)      
Total assets (20,780)   (20,861)      
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
Current liabilities, other than liabilities held for sale (1,146)   (938)      
Long-term debt, less current portion (10,350)   (10,270)      
Deferred income taxes 0   0      
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion 0   0      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries (11,025)   (11,250)      
Other liabilities (3,487)   (3,488)      
Total liabilities (26,008)   (25,946)      
Equity:            
Stockholders' equity 4,592   4,480      
Noncontrolling interests 636   605      
Total equity 5,228   5,085      
Total liabilities and equity (20,780)   (20,861)      
FCX Issuer [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]            
ASSETS            
Current assets, other than assets held-for-sale 549   75      
Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net 19   14      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 19,681   19,570      
Other assets 546   943      
Total assets 20,795   20,602      
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
Current liabilities, other than liabilities held for sale 246   1,683      
Long-term debt, less current portion 9,594   10,021      
Deferred income taxes 820   748      
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion 0   0      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 0   0      
Other liabilities 158   173      
Total liabilities 10,818   12,625      
Equity:            
Stockholders' equity 9,977   7,977      
Noncontrolling interests 0   0      
Total equity 9,977   7,977      
Total liabilities and equity 20,795   20,602      
FM O&G LLC Guarantor [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]            
ASSETS            
Current assets, other than assets held-for-sale 577   671      
Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net 3   11      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 0   0      
Other assets 67   48      
Total assets 647   730      
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
Current liabilities, other than liabilities held for sale 137   220      
Long-term debt, less current portion 6,784   6,512      
Deferred income taxes 0   0      
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion 209   201      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 601   853      
Other liabilities 3,340   3,340      
Total liabilities 11,071   11,126      
Equity:            
Stockholders' equity (10,424)   (10,396)      
Noncontrolling interests 0   0      
Total equity (10,424)   (10,396)      
Total liabilities and equity 647   730      
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]            
ASSETS            
Current assets, other than assets held-for-sale 10,817   10,733      
Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net 22,991   22,919      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 0   0      
Other assets 3,279   3,179      
Total assets 37,087   36,831      
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
Current liabilities, other than liabilities held for sale 4,614   4,046      
Long-term debt, less current portion 5,095   5,440      
Deferred income taxes 3,019   2,901      
Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion 3,355   3,430      
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 10,424   10,397      
Other liabilities 1,907   1,987      
Total liabilities 28,414   28,201      
Equity:            
Stockholders' equity 5,832   5,916      
Noncontrolling interests 2,841   2,714      
Total equity 8,673   8,630      
Total liabilities and equity $ 37,087   $ 36,831      
v3.10.0.1
Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues $ 4,908 $ 4,310 $ 14,944 $ 11,362
Total costs and expenses 3,593 3,382 10,506 9,151
Operating income (loss) 1,315 928 4,438 2,211
Interest expense, net (143) (304) (436) (633)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) 14 2 71 (1)
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt 0 11 8 8
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings 1,186 626 4,073 1,577
Provision for income taxes (522) (387) (1,543) (747)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses) 4 3 5 6
Net income from continuing operations 668 242 2,535 836
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations (4) 3 (19) 50
Net income 664 245 2,516 886
Net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (108) 35 (399) (106)
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 0 0 (4)
Net income attributable to common stockholders 556 280 2,117 776
Other comprehensive income (loss) 11 13 34 105
Total comprehensive income (loss) 567 293 2,151 881
Eliminations [Member]        
Revenues 0 0 0 0
Total costs and expenses 0 (1) (10) 11
Operating income (loss) 0 1 10 (11)
Interest expense, net 125 89 350 252
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) (125) (89) (350) (252)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings 0 1 10 (11)
Provision for income taxes 0 0 (2) 4
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses) (656) (283) (2,208) (907)
Net income from continuing operations (656) (282) (2,200) (914)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations 0 0 0 0
Net income (656) (282) (2,200) (914)
Net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (61) (34) (179) (64)
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests       0
Net income attributable to common stockholders (717) (316) (2,379) (978)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (11) (13) (34) (105)
Total comprehensive income (loss) (728) (329) (2,413) (1,083)
FCX Issuer [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]        
Revenues 0 0 0 0
Total costs and expenses 7 8 20 30
Operating income (loss) (7) (8) (20) (30)
Interest expense, net (93) (116) (294) (355)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) 124 97 357 255
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings 24 (27) 43 (130)
Provision for income taxes (188) 21 (282) (111)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses) 720 286 2,356 1,017
Net income from continuing operations 556 280 2,117 776
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations 0 0 0 0
Net income 556 280 2,117 776
Net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 0 0 0
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests       0
Net income attributable to common stockholders 556 280 2,117 776
Other comprehensive income (loss) 11 13 34 105
Total comprehensive income (loss) 567 293 2,151 881
FM O&G LLC Guarantor [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]        
Revenues 15 13 46 38
Total costs and expenses (2) 25 (10) 86
Operating income (loss) 17 (12) 56 (48)
Interest expense, net (79) (59) (219) (167)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) 0 3 2 3
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (62) (68) (161) (212)
Provision for income taxes 11 24 33 74
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses) (6) 20 (10) 14
Net income from continuing operations (57) (24) (138) (124)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations 0 0 0 0
Net income (57) (24) (138) (124)
Net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 0 0 0
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests       0
Net income attributable to common stockholders (57) (24) (138) (124)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 0 0 0 0
Total comprehensive income (loss) (57) (24) (138) (124)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]        
Revenues 4,893 4,297 14,898 11,324
Total costs and expenses 3,588 3,350 10,506 9,024
Operating income (loss) 1,305 947 4,392 2,300
Interest expense, net (96) (218) (273) (363)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) 15 (9) 62 (7)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings 1,224 720 4,181 1,930
Provision for income taxes (345) (432) (1,292) (714)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings (losses) (54) (20) (133) (118)
Net income from continuing operations 825 268 2,756 1,098
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations (4) 3 (19) 50
Net income 821 271 2,737 1,148
Net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (47) 69 (220) (42)
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests       (4)
Net income attributable to common stockholders 774 340 2,517 1,102
Other comprehensive income (loss) 11 13 34 105
Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 785 $ 353 $ 2,551 $ 1,207
v3.10.0.1
Guarantor Financial Statements (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year $ 4,799 $ 5,129 $ 4,799 $ 5,129 $ 4,631 $ 4,403
Cash flow from operating activities:            
Net cash provided by operating activities     3,925 3,012    
Cash flow from investing activities:            
Capital expenditures (507) (314) (1,391) (1,020)    
Intercompany loans     0 0    
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries     0 0    
Asset sales and other, net     (81) 66    
Net cash used in investing activities     (1,472) (954)    
Cash flow from financing activities:            
Proceeds from debt     475 795    
Repayments of debt     (2,410) (1,991)    
Intercompany loans     0 0    
Cash dividends paid and contributions received, net     (386) (69)    
Other, net     (19) (22)    
Net cash used in financing activities     (2,340) (1,287)    
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect     113 771    
Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents In Assets Held For Sale     55 (45)    
Eliminations [Member]            
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cash flow from operating activities:            
Net cash provided by operating activities     0 0    
Cash flow from investing activities:            
Capital expenditures     0 0    
Intercompany loans     558 609    
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries     (2,791) (1,834)    
Asset sales and other, net     0 0    
Net cash used in investing activities     (2,233) (1,225)    
Cash flow from financing activities:            
Proceeds from debt     0 0    
Repayments of debt     0 0    
Intercompany loans     (558) (609)    
Cash dividends paid and contributions received, net     2,775 1,772    
Other, net     16 62    
Net cash used in financing activities     2,233 1,225    
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect     0 0    
Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents In Assets Held For Sale     0 0    
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | FCX Issuer [Member]            
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cash flow from operating activities:            
Net cash provided by operating activities     (181) (222)    
Cash flow from investing activities:            
Capital expenditures     (2) 0    
Intercompany loans     (558) (609)    
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries     2,726 1,757    
Asset sales and other, net     4 0    
Net cash used in investing activities     2,170 1,148    
Cash flow from financing activities:            
Proceeds from debt     0 0    
Repayments of debt     (1,826) (915)    
Intercompany loans     0 0    
Cash dividends paid and contributions received, net     (145) (2)    
Other, net     (18) (9)    
Net cash used in financing activities     (1,989) (926)    
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect     0 0    
Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents In Assets Held For Sale     0 0    
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]            
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year 0 8 0 8 7 11
Cash flow from operating activities:            
Net cash provided by operating activities     (285) (383)    
Cash flow from investing activities:            
Capital expenditures     0 (24)    
Intercompany loans     0 0    
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries     0 (16)    
Asset sales and other, net     3 58    
Net cash used in investing activities     3 18    
Cash flow from financing activities:            
Proceeds from debt     0 0    
Repayments of debt     (52) (139)    
Intercompany loans     327 512    
Cash dividends paid and contributions received, net     0 0    
Other, net     0 (11)    
Net cash used in financing activities     275 362    
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect     (7) (3)    
Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents In Assets Held For Sale     0 0    
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]            
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year $ 4,799 $ 5,121 4,799 5,121 $ 4,624 $ 4,392
Cash flow from operating activities:            
Net cash provided by operating activities     4,391 3,617    
Cash flow from investing activities:            
Capital expenditures     (1,389) (996)    
Intercompany loans     0 0    
Dividends from (investments in) consolidated subsidiaries     65 93    
Asset sales and other, net     (88) 8    
Net cash used in investing activities     (1,412) (895)    
Cash flow from financing activities:            
Proceeds from debt     475 795    
Repayments of debt     (532) (937)    
Intercompany loans     231 97    
Cash dividends paid and contributions received, net     (3,016) (1,839)    
Other, net     (17) (64)    
Net cash used in financing activities     (2,859) (1,948)    
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect     120 774    
Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents In Assets Held For Sale     $ 55 $ (45)    
v3.10.0.1
New Accounting Standard (Unaudited) Restricted Cash ASU (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]    
Accrued income taxes and timing of other tax payments $ (131) $ 393
Net cash provided by operating activities 3,925 3,012
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities (91) (2)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities (1,472) (954)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) 113 771
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year 4,631 4,403
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period $ 4,799 5,129
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member]    
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]    
Accrued income taxes and timing of other tax payments   (6)
Net cash provided by operating activities   (6)
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities   20
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities   20
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)   14
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year   158
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period   172
Previously Reported [Member]    
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]    
Accrued income taxes and timing of other tax payments   399
Net cash provided by operating activities   3,018
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities   (22)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities   (974)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)   757
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year   4,245
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period   $ 4,957
v3.10.0.1
New Accounting Standard (Unaudited) Pension/Postretirement ASU (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]        
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization $ 3,069 $ 2,794 $ 8,792 $ 7,462
Cost of Revenue 3,527 3,212 10,143 8,719
Selling, general and administrative expenses 101 104 341 362
Mining exploration and research expenses 27 27 72 60
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs 8 72 76 76
Costs and Expenses 3,593 3,382 10,506 9,151
Operating income (loss) 1,315 928 4,438 2,211
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) $ 14 (9) $ 63 (9)
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2017-05 [Member]        
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]        
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization   (8)   (35)
Cost of Revenue   (8)   (35)
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (2)   (4)
Mining exploration and research expenses       (1)
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs   (1)   (5)
Costs and Expenses   (11)   (45)
Operating income (loss)   11   45
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)   (11)   (45)
Previously Reported [Member]        
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]        
Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization   2,802   7,497
Cost of Revenue   3,220   8,754
Selling, general and administrative expenses   106   366
Mining exploration and research expenses       61
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs   73   81
Costs and Expenses   3,393   9,196
Operating income (loss)   917   2,166
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)   $ 2   $ 36
v3.10.0.1
New Accounting Standard (Unaudited) Tax Reform Reclassification (Details)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]  
Adoption of new accounting standard for reclassification of income taxes (refer to Note 11) $ 0
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]  
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]  
Adoption of new accounting standard for reclassification of income taxes (refer to Note 11) $ (79)