Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable [Member] Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,856 in 2012 and $7,892 in 2011 Accrued Income Taxes Current Income taxes payable Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Interest Rate Derivatives, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Interest Rate Derivatives Net Loss deferred for fair value of interest rate derivative contracts, net of tax Loss deferred on settled interest rate derivative contracts, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Net Of Tax Retirement and postretirement benefit plan losses, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Foreign currency translation gains, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Additional Paid In Capital Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value Government imposed fee for each person covered by health insurance policy. Adjustment Policy Charges And Fee Income Government imposed fee for each person covered by health insurance policy Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation Requisite Service Period Recognition Value Stock-based compensation Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units Requisite Service Period Recognition Restricted stock transactions and other Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Compensation charged against income before tax benefit Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Leased Asset Amortization of undeveloped leases Annual Incentive Plan, 2007 Annual Plan [Member] Annual Incentive Plan Twenty Zero Seven Annual Plan [Member] Annual Incentive Plan, 2007 Annual Plan Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Price Per Share Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Price Per Share Amount Weighted average price of these options Asset Retirement Obligation Accretion Expense Accretion of asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Cash Paid To Settle Expenditures for asset retirements Asset Retirement Obligations Noncurrent Asset retirement obligations Assets Total Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets Assets Held For Sale Current Assets held for sale Assets Held For Sale Long Lived Assets held for sale Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] C A Canada Capitalized Costs Relating To Oil And Gas Producing Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Net Changes in Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost Additions Pending Determination Of Proved Reserves Additions pending the determination of proved reserves Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost Charged To Expense Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs Ending balance Beginning balance Amount Total capitalized exploratory well costs Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs That Have Been Capitalized For Period Greater Than One Year Exploratory well costs capitalized more than one year Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, ending Cash and cash equivalents, beginning Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash Collateral Received and Deposited Cash Collateral Received And Deposited Cash collateral deposits Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Cash Flow Disclosures Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Investing activities of discontinued operations: Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations From Other Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Discontinued Operations From Other Other Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations from Sales proceeds Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Discontinued Operations From Sales Proceeds Sales proceeds Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by discontinued operations C G Republic of the Congo Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity derivative contracts Common Stock [Member] Common Stock - par $1.00, authorized 450,000,000 shares, issued 194,452,935 at September 30, 2012 and 193,719,102 shares at September 30, 2011 Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, par Common Stock Shares Authorized Common Stock, authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common Stock, issued Common Stock Value Common Stock, par $1.00, authorized 450,000,000 shares, issued 194,452,935 shares in 2012 and 193,909,200 shares in 2011 Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Table] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Table] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Table] Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Corn [Member] Corn [Member] Corn Corporate [Member] Corporate Costs And Expenses Total costs and expenses Costs And Expenses [Abstract] COSTS AND EXPENSES Costs (adjustments to previously reported amounts) associated with reduction of property working interest. Costs Benefits From Reduction In Working Interests Redetermination of Terra Nova working interest Crude Oil And Natural Gas Liquids Crude oil Crude Oil And Product Purchases [Member] Crude Oil And Product Purchases [Member] Crude oil and product purchases Currency, Malaysian ringgit [Member] Currency Malaysian Ringgit [Member] Currency, Malaysian ringgit Currency, U.S. Dollar [Member] Currency United States Dollar [Member] Currency, U.S. Dollar Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Financing Arrangements Debt Instrument Face Amount New notes payable issued Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above LIBOR Rate Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above London Interbank Offered Rate Rate Credit facility interest rate above LIBOR Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage New notes stated coupon rate Debt Instrument Maturity Date New notes maturity date Debt Instrument Payment Terms New notes interest payment term Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Deferred and noncurrent income tax charges Deferred Tax Assets Net Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Defined Benefit Plan Actuarial Gain Loss Recognized actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Prior Service Cost Credit Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets Amortization of transitional asset Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Contributions to benefit plans Defined Benefit Plan Cost Of Providing Special Or Contractual Termination Benefit Recognized During Period Special termination benefits Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Employer Contributions In Current Fiscal Year Anticipated remaining funding to defined benefit pension and postretirement plans Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets The gross amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain or loss, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain or loss due to settlements or curtailments). Defined Benefit Plan Gross Periodic Benefit Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Periodic Benefit Cost, Total Defined Benefit Plan Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit expense Defined Benefit Plan Other Information Provisions of the March 2010 Health Care Reform Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain Loss Due To Settlements And Curtailments 1 Curtailment expense (gain) Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan Service Cost Service cost Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation, depletion and amortization Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset Asset Derivatives Derivative assets Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Liability Derivatives Derivative liabilities Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments and Risk Management Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Income Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Derivative Instruments Related to Oil and Gas Production Component Domain Derivative Instruments Related To Oil And Gas Production Component [Domain] Derivative Instruments Related to Oil and Gas Production Component Domain Derivative Instruments Related to Oil and Gas Production Components Axis Derivative Instruments Related To Oil And Gas Production Components [Axis] Derivative Instruments Related to Oil and Gas Production Components [Axis] Derivative Maturity Dates Derivative contract, maturity date Derivative Nonmonetary Notional Amount Outstanding derivative contracts to sell bushels of corn Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument Direct Operating Costs Operating expenses Disclosure - Aging of Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs [Abstract] Disclosure Aging Of Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs [Abstract] Disclosure - Aging of Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs [Abstract] Disclosure - Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure Carrying Value Of Assets And Liabilities Recorded At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Cash Flow Activities [Abstract] Disclosure Cash Flow Activities [Abstract] Disclosure - Cash Flow Activities [Abstract] Disclosure - Commitments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Commitments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Disclosure Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Expense [Abstract] Disclosure Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Expense [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Expense [Abstract] Disclosure - Discontinued Operations - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Discontinued Operations Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Discontinued Operations - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Effective Income Tax Rates [Abstract] Disclosure Effective Income Tax Rates [Abstract] Disclosure - Effective Income Tax Rates [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee and Retiree Benefit Plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Employee And Retiree Benefit Plans Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee and Retiree Benefit Plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Environmental and Other Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Environmental And Other Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Environmental and Other Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Interest Rate Derivative Contracts Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Interest Rate Derivative Contracts Designated As Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Interest Rate Derivative Contracts Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Instruments and Risk Management - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Financial Instruments And Risk Management Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Instruments and Risk Management - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Financing Arrangements - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Financing Arrangements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Financing Arrangements - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Incentive Plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Incentive Plans Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Incentive Plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Inventories - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Inventories Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Inventories - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Net Changes in Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs [Abstract] Disclosure Net Changes In Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs [Abstract] Disclosure - Net Changes in Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Incentive Plans Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Text Block] Share-Based Plans, Amounts Recognized Disclosure - Options to Purchase Outstanding Shares of Common Stock Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure Options To Purchase Outstanding Shares Of Common Stock Excluded From Computation Of Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Options to Purchase Outstanding Shares of Common Stock Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure Property Plant And Equipment Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Property Plant And Equipment Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Property Plant And Equipment Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Recognized Gains and Losses for Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure Recognized Gains And Losses For Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Recognized Gains and Losses for Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Results of Operations Associated with Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure Results Of Operations Associated With Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Results of Operations Associated with Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Reporting Information by Business Segments [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Reporting Information By Business Segments [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Reporting Information by Business Segments [Abstract] Disclosure - Share-Based Plans, Amounts Recognized [Abstract] Disclosure Share Based Plans Amounts Recognized [Abstract] Disclosure - Share-Based Plans, Amounts Recognized [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Events - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Subsequent Events Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Events - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Terra Nova Working Interest Redetermination - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Terra Nova Working Interest Redetermination Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Terra Nova Working Interest Redetermination - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding for Computation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure Weighted Average Shares Outstanding For Computation Of Basic And Diluted Income Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding for Computation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share [Abstract] Discontinued Operation Gain Loss On Disposal Of Discontinued Operation Net Of Tax Net gain on sale of two U.S. refineries Discontinued Operation Income Loss From Discontinued Operation Before Income Tax Income before income taxes, including a net gain on sale of two U.S. refineries of $15,959 in the three-month and nine-month periods in 2011 Discontinued Operation Tax Effect Of Discontinued Operation Income tax expense Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Revenue Revenues Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Dividend Declared [Member] Dividend declared Dividend Payable Date To Be Paid Day Month And Year Special dividend payment date Dividends Cash Cash dividends Dividends Payable Amount Per Share Special dividend payable amount, per share Dividends Payable Current Special dividend paid Dividends Payable Date Declared Day Month And Year Special dividend declared date Dividends Payable Date Of Record Day Month And Year Special dividend record date Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share Basic Net income Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract] INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Other Disclosures [Abstract] Average common shares outstanding Earnings Per Share Diluted Net income Earnings Per Share Diluted [Abstract] INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Table] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Table] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Table] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings per Share Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate Effective income tax rates for periods presented. Effective Income Tax Rate Table [Text Block] Effective Income Tax Rates Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Employee Service Share Based Compensation Tax Benefit From Compensation Expense Related income tax benefit recognized in income Employee Stock Purchase Plans [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plans [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Environmental Loss Contingency Disclosure [Text Block] Environmental and Other Contingencies Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Estimated Completion Date Estimated Completion Date Estimated completion date Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Excess tax benefits related to exercise of stock options Exploration Expense Exploration expenses, including undeveloped lease amortization Exploratory Wells Drilled Net Productive No. of Wells Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location By Derivative Contract Type By Hedging Designation [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Federal Excise Tax Rate Federal Excise Tax Rate Excise tax rate imposed on high-cost health plans beginning 2018 Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign exchange derivative contract Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase Currencies Axis Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase Currencies [Axis] Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase Currencies [Axis] Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase Currencies Domain Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase Currencies [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase Currencies Domain Gains Losses On Sales Of Assets Gain on sale of assets Pretax gain from disposition of assets G B United Kingdom Goodwill Goodwill Guarantee Obligations By Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantee Obligations Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Held To Maturity Securities Current Canadian government securities with maturities greater than 90 days at the date of acquisition Income Loss From Continuing Operations Income from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Basic Share Income from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share Income from continuing operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes Income from discontinued operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Basic Share Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Diluted Share Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes Paid Net Cash income taxes paid Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Expense Benefit Income tax expense Income Tax Reconciliation Change In Enacted Tax Rate United Kingdom, increase in tax expense of discontinued operations Income Tax Reconciliation Prior Year Income Taxes Income tax benefit associated with prior-year expenditures in Block P. Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable Increase in accounts receivable Increase Decrease In Accrued Income Taxes Payable Increase (decrease) in current income tax liabilities Increase Decrease In Deferred Income Taxes Decrease in deferred income tax assets Increase Decrease In Inventories Increase in inventories Increase Decrease In Operating Capital Net increase in noncash operating working capital Total Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Net (increase) decrease in operating working capital other than cash and cash equivalents: Increase Decrease In Prepaid Expense Increase in prepaid expenses Interest and other income, net [Member] Interest And Other Income Net [Member] Interest and other income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Paid Capitalized Interest capitalized Interest Paid Net Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest rate derivative contracts Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities At Fair Value Fair value of interest rate derivative contracts Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventory Finished Goods Net Of Reserves Finished products Inventory L I F O Reserve Carrying value of inventories under LIFO method Inventory Net [Abstract] Inventories, at lower of cost or market Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Letter Of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities Of Assets Held For Sale Liabilities associated with assets held for sale Long lived liabilities that are held for sale. Liabilities Of Assets Held For Sale Noncurrent Liabilities associated with assets held for sale Line Of Credit Facility Expiration Date 1 Credit facility, maturity date Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Long Term Debt Current Current maturities of long-term debt Long Term Debt Noncurrent Long-term debt Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Twelve [Member] Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Twelve [Member] 2012 Annual Incentive Plan Loss Contingency Accrual At Carrying Value Contingent liabilities Loss Contingency Estimate Of Possible Loss Civil penalty notice by U.K. Environment Agency Maturity Period Used to Classify Investments Maturity Period Used To Classify Investments Maturity of Canadian government securities Maximum [Member] Maximum Meraux Refinery [Member] Meraux Refinery [Member] Meraux Refinery Minimum [Member] Minimum M Y Malaysia Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash required by investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations Net cash provided by continuing operations Net Income Loss Net income for the period Income (Loss) NET INCOME Net income New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Text Block] Accounting Matters Nondesignated [Member] Nondesignated Non Employee Directors, Plan [Member] Non Employee Directors Plan [Member] Non Employee Directors, Plan Notional Amount Of Foreign Currency Derivatives Short-term derivative instruments Number of Sites Number Of Sites Superfund site company is considered to be Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Oil And Gas Delivery Commitments And Contracts Fixed Price Natural gas deliveries contract, average price per thousand cubic feet, in Canadian dollars Oil and Gas Exploration and Production [Member] Oil And Gas Exploration And Production [Member] Exploration and production Oil and Gas Tax Rate Oil And Gas Tax Rate United Kingdom, supplemental tax rate for oil and gas companies One to Two Years [Member] One To Two Years [Member] One to two years Open Tax Year Earliest year remaining open for audit and/or settlement in major taxing jurisdictions Operating Segments [Member] Total Operating Segments Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Interim Financial Statements Other Amortization Of Deferred Charges Amortization of deferred major repair costs Other Assets Noncurrent Deferred charges and other assets Other Comprehensive Income Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Deferred loss on interest rate hedges: Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Foreign currency translation gains, net of income taxes Net gain (loss) from foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Retirement and postretirement benefit plan amounts reclassified to net income Retirement and postretirement benefit plan adjustments, net of income taxes Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment On Derivatives Included In Net Income Net Of Tax Amount of loss reclassified to interest expense in consolidated statements of income Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax Change in deferred loss on interest rate hedges, net of income taxes Increase in deferred loss associated with contract revaluation and settlement Other Inventory Supplies Materials and supplies Other Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred credits and other liabilities Other Noncash Income Expense Other operating activities, net Other Nonoperating Income Expense Interest and other income (expense) Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Other Regions Other Regions [Member] Other Regions Payments For Capital Improvements Expenditures for major repairs Payments For Proceeds From Other Investing Activities Other - net Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs Issue cost of notes payable and debt facility Payments Of Dividends Common Stock Cash dividends paid Payments Related To Tax Withholding For Share Based Compensation Withholding tax on stock-based incentive awards Payments To Acquire Investments Purchase of investment securities Payments To Acquire Productive Assets Property additions and dry hole costs Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Table] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Table] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Table] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Employee and Retiree Benefit Plans Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Pension Benefits Percentage of ownership by company in joint interest properties. Percentage Of Ownership Interests Joint agreement ownership interest Percentage of Tax Relief on Oil and Gas Decommissioning Costs Percentage Of Tax Relief On Oil And Gas Decommissioning Costs United Kingdom, corporation tax rate, tax relief on oil and gas decommissioning costs Performance Based Restricted Share Awards [Member] Performance Based Restricted Share Awards [Member] Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Cumulative Preferred Stock - par $100, authorized 400,000 shares, none issued Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Cumulative Preferred Stock, par Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Cumulative Preferred Stock, authorized Preferred Stock Shares Issued Cumulative Preferred Stock, issued Preferred Stock Value Cumulative Preferred Stock, par $100, authorized 400,000 shares, none issued Prepaid Expense Current Prepaid expenses Proceeds From Repayments Of Notes Payable Borrowings of notes payable Proceeds From Sale Maturity And Collections Of Investments Proceeds from maturity of investment securities Proceeds From Sale Of Productive Assets Proceeds from sales of assets Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plans Projects that have Exploratory Well Costs that have been Capitalized Projects That Have Exploratory Well Costs That Have Been Capitalized No. of Projects Projects With Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized For More Than One Year By Project [Axis] Project Name [Axis] Projects With Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized For More Than One Year [Line Items] Projects with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year [Line Items] Projects With Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized For More Than One Year [Table] Projects with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year [Table] Project With Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized For More Than One Year Name [Domain] Project with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year, Name [Domain] Property Plant And Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property Plant And Equipment Net Property, plant and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of $7,631,197 in 2012 and $6,861,494 in 2011 Purchase Commitment of Commodities Purchase Commitment Of Commodities Fixed-price purchase commitment contracts of bushels of corn Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Reclassification To Well Facilities And Equipment Based On Determination Of Proved Reserves Reclassifications to proved properties based on the determination of proved reserves Redetermination of the companies working interests required by joint agreement between the owners based on analysts of reservoir quality among fault separated areas where varying ownership interests exist. Reduction In Working Interest Due To Redetermination [Text Block] Terra Nova Working Interest Redetermination Refineries [Member] Refineries [Member] US Refineries Refining And Marketing Costs Crude oil and product purchases Refining and Marketing [Member] Refining And Marketing [Member] Refining and Marketing Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Repayments Of Notes Payable Maturities of notes payable Maturities of notes payable matured Maturities of notes payable Results Of Operations Dry Hole Costs Dry hole costs Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings Revenues External Revenues Total revenues Revenues [Abstract] REVENUES Revenues From Transactions With Other Operating Segments Of Same Entity Inter-segment Revenues Sale Commitment of Commodities Sale Commitment Of Commodities Open physical delivery fixed-price purchase commitment contracts Sales Revenue Net Sales and other operating revenues Savings Plan [Member] Savings Plan [Member] Nonqualified employee savings plans Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule Of Aging Of Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs [Text Block] Aging of Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Options to Purchase Outstanding Shares of Common Stock Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule Of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures Table [Text Block] Cash Flow Activities Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Gain Loss In Statement Of Financial Performance [Text Block] Recognized Gains and Losses for Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position Fair Value [Text Block] Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement Disclosures. Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement Disclosures [Text Block] Results of Operations Associated with Discontinued Operations Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Schedule Of Interest Rate Derivatives Table [Text Block] Fair Value of Interest Rate Derivative Contracts Designated as Hedging Instruments Schedule Of Net Benefit Costs Table [Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Expense Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Text Block] Segment Reporting Information by Business Segments Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule Of Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Schedule Of Weighted Average Number Of Shares Table [Text Block] Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding for Computation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share Segment Continuing Operations [Member] Continuing Operations Segment Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Segment Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment Operating Activities [Domain] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Table] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Table] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Table] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segments Selling General And Administrative Expense Selling and general expenses Senior Officers [Member] Senior Officers [Member] Senior Officers Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Rights Granted restricted stock vesting scheme Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Granted restricted stock Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted restricted stock, fair value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vesting Date Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vesting Date Restricted stock vesting period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Date Shares available for issuance expiration date Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Expiration Year Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Year Long term plan expiration year Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Method Used Stock-based compensation, fair value assumption model Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Authorized Maximum number of shares available for issuance Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 1 Vested stock options, exercisable period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Granted stock options Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted stock options, valuation per option Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Percentage Of Outstanding Stock Maximum Maximum number of shares available for issuance, annual rate Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted stock options, exercise price Spin Off [Member] Spin Off [Member] Separate U.S. downstream business into an independent company Statement Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Statement Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders Equity Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Total stockholders' equity Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' equity Stock Issued During Period Value Employee Stock Purchase Plan Sale of stock under employee stock purchase plans Stock Issued During Period Value Restricted Stock Award Net Of Forfeitures Awarded restricted stock, net of forfeitures Stock Issued During Period Value Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount Stock buyback program Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Stock buyback program Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Superior Refinery [Member] Superior Refinery [Member] Superior Refinery Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplementary disclosures: Tax Benefit From Stock Options Exercised 1 Income tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Three Years or More [Member] Three Years Or More [Member] Three years or more Time Based Restricted Stock Units (RSU) [Member] Time Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Time Based Restricted Stock Units (RSU) Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Transfers And Servicing Of Financial Instruments Types Of Financial Instruments [Domain] Types of Financial Instruments [Domain] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock Shares Treasury stock, shares of Common Stock Treasury Stock Value Treasury stock, 114,854 shares of Common Stock in 2012 and 185,992 shares of Common Stock in 2011, at cost Two to Three Years [Member] Two To Three Years [Member] Two to three years Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Increase (decrease) in income before taxes due to the impact of marking to market of derivative contracts U S United States Volume of Energy Commodity Contracts, Natural Gas Volume Of Energy Commodity Contracts Natural Gas Natural gas deliveries contract, cubic feet per day Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Dilutive stock options and restricted stock units Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Diluted Diluted method Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Basic Basic method Zero to One Year Zero To One Year [Member] Zero to one year