Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures, Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] U.S. [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] International [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax, [Abstract] Net Periodic Benefit Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service credits Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of actuarial losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Settlement losses/gains Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net (Gain) Loss Due to Settlements Curtailment losses Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Net Periodic Pension Benefit Costs Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Segment Reporting [Abstract] Number of reportable segments (in segments) Number of Reportable Segments Number of segments reported by the entity. A reportable segment is a component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Number of operating segments (in segments) Number of Operating Segments Number of operating segments. An operating segment is a component of an enterprise: (a) that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with other components of the same enterprise), (b) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and (c) for which discrete financial information is available. An operating segment may engage in business activities for which it has yet to earn revenues, for example, start-up operations may be operating segments before earning revenues. Employee Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Summarized Financial Data of Subsidiary One [Abstract] Summarized financial data - Chevron USA Inc. Summarized Financial Data - Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Summarized Financial Data Subsidiary One [Table Text Block] Summarized financial data subsidiary one. Summarized Financial Data and its Subsidiary Summarized Financial Data Subsidiary Net Equity One [Table Text Block] Schedule one of summarized financial data subsidiary net equity. Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding U.S. [Member] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Employee Benefits (Textual) [Abstract] Employee Benefits (Textual) [Abstract] Employee benefits. Maximum annual increase percentage to company contribution for retiree medical coverage Maximum Annual Increase Percentage to Company Contribution for Retiree Medical Coverage Maximum annual increase percentage to Company contribution for retiree medical coverage. Defined benefit plan estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Contribution to employee pension plan Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Contribution to other post retirement plans Other Postretirement Benefits Payments Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Net (increase) decrease in operating working capital Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Decrease (increase) in accounts and notes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Notes Receivable Increase in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Decrease) increase in income and other taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Net (increase) decrease in operating working capital Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Cash Payment for Interest on Debt and For Income Taxes Net Cash Payments for Interest on Debt and Income Taxes Provided by Operating Activities [Abstract] Net cash payments for interest on debt and income taxes. Interest on debt (net of capitalized interest) Interest Paid, Net Income taxes Income Taxes Paid Net sales (purchases) of time deposits Time Deposits [Abstract] Time deposits purchased Time deposits purchased Time deposits purchased. Time deposits matured Time deposits matured Time deposits matured. Net sales (purchases) of time deposits Net purchases of time deposits Net purchases of time deposits. Net sales (purchases) of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities [Abstract] Marketable securities purchased Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Marketable securities sold Marketable Securities Sold Marketable securities sold. Net purchases of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Capital expenditures Capital and Exploratory Expenditures, Including Equity Affiliates [Abstract] Capital and exploratory expenditures, including equity affiliates. Additions to properties, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Additions to investments Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Current year dry hole expenditures Results of Operations, Dry Hole Costs Payments for other liabilities and assets, net Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Expensed exploration expenditures Payments to Explore and Develop Oil and Gas Properties Assets acquired through capital lease obligations Payments to Acquire Equipment on Lease Capital and exploratory expenditures, excluding equity affiliates Capital and exploratory expenditures, excluding equity affiliates Capital and exploratory expenditures, excluding equity affiliates. Company's share of expenditures by equity affiliates Company's share of expenditures by equity affiliates Company's share of expenditures by equity affiliates. Capital and exploratory expenditures, including equity affiliates Capital and exploratory expenditures, including equity affiliates Capital and exploratory expenditures, including equity affiliates. Net (increase) decrease in operating working capital Cash Flow, Operating Capital [Table Text Block] Cash payment for interest on debt and for income taxes Net Cash Payments for Interest on Debt and Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Net Cash payments for interest on debt and income taxes. Net sales (purchases) of time deposits Net Purchases of Time Deposits [Table Text Block] Net purchases of time deposits. Net sales (purchases) of marketable securities Marketable Securities [Text Block] Capital expenditures Capital Expenditures [Table Text Block] Capital expenditures. Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting for Suspended Exploratory Wells [Abstract] Accounting for suspended exploratory wells. Capitalized cost of exploratory wells Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs Change in capitalized cost of suspended wells from the prior year end Change in capitalized cost of suspended wells from the prior year end Change in capitalized cost of suspended wells from the prior year end. Exploratory well costs suspended more than one year at prior year end that were expensed in the current period Exploratory well costs suspended more than one year at prior year end that were expensed in the current period Exploratory well costs suspended more than one year at prior year end that were expensed in the current period. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accounts and notes receivable, net [Member] Accounts and notes receivable, net [Member] Accounts and notes receivable net. Long term receivables, net [Member] Long term receivables, net [Member] Long-term receivables net. Accounts payable [Member] Accounts Payable [Member] Deferred credits and other noncurrent obligations [Member] Deferred credits and other noncurrent obligations [Member] Deferred credits and other noncurrent obligations. Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Commodity [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Consolidated Balance Sheet: Fair Value of Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Total Assets at Fair Value Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value Total Liabilities at Fair Value Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Carrying Amount of Long-term Debt [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value of Long-term Debt [Member] Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Corporate Bonds [Member] Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Other Bonds [Member] Other Bond Securities [Member] Other bond securities. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Carrying amount of long-term debt Long-term Debt Fair value o fcorporate bonds and certain other bonds Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Non Recurring Basis [Abstract] Fair value assets and liabilities measured on non recurring basis. Properties, plant and equipment, net (held and used) Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure Properties, plant and equipment, net (held for sale) Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure Investments and advances Investments in Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets at Fair Value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Properties, plant and equipment, net (held and used) Before-Tax Loss Property Plant and Equipment Fair Value before Tax Loss Property plant and equipment fair value before tax loss. Properties, plant and equipment, net (held for sale) Before-Tax Loss Assets Held for Sale Long Lived Fair Value before Tax Loss Assets held for sale long lived fair value before tax loss. Investments and advances Before Tax Loss Fair Value Investments and Advances before Tax Loss Fair value investments and advances before tax loss. Total Assets at Fair Value Before-Tax Loss Assets Fair Value Before Tax Loss Assets Fair Value Before Tax Loss. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Litigation Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Upstream [Member] Upstream [Member] Upstream. Downstream [Member] Downstream [Member] Downstream. Reportable Segment [Member] Reportable Segment [Member] All Other Segments [Member] All Other Segments [Member] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] United States [Member] UNITED STATES International [Member] Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Two [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Assets Assets [Abstract] Segment Assets Assets Goodwill Goodwill Other Contingencies and Commitments (Textual) [Abstract] Other Contingencies and Commitments (Textual) [Abstract] Other contingencies and commitments. Indemnifications Equilon Motiva YTD payments made since 2002 Indemnifications Joint Venture YTD Payments Made Indemnifications joint venture YTD payments made. Indemnifications Equilon Motiva max future payments Indemnifications Joint Venture Max Future Payments Indemnifications joint venture max future payments. Indemnifications acquirer environmental liabilities max obligation Indemnifications Acquired Company Environ Liabilities Max Obligation Indemnifications acquired company environ liabilities max obligation. Indemnification expiration Indemnification Expires Indemnification expires. Information Relating to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Time deposits Time Deposits, at Carrying Value Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net [Abstract] Crude oil and petroleum products Inventory, Finished Goods and Work in Process Chemicals Energy Related Inventory, Chemicals Materials, supplies and other Other Inventory, Supplies Total inventories Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Long-term receivables, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Investments and advances Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Properties, plant and equipment, at cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Properties, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Deferred charges and other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Short-term debt Short-term Debt Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Federal and other taxes on income Accrued Income Taxes, Current Other taxes payable Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Deferred credits and other noncurrent obligations Deferred Revenue and Credits, Noncurrent Noncurrent deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Reserves for employee benefit plans Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Preferred stock (authorized 100,000,000 shares, $1.00 par value, none issued) Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock (authorized 6,000,000,000 shares, $.75 par value, 2,442,676,580 shares issued at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011) Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Deferred compensation and benefit plan trust Deferred Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Issuance of Shares or Sale of Treasury Shares Treasury stock, at cost (485,495,476 and 461,509,656 shares at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively) Treasury Stock, Value Total Chevron Corporation Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation, depletion and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Dry hole expense Other Noncash Expense Distributions less more than income from equity affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Net before-tax gains on asset retirements and sales Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Net foreign currency effects Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Deferred income tax provision Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Net (increase) decrease in operating working capital Increase in long-term receivables Increase (Decrease) in Long-term Receivables, Current Decrease in other deferred charges Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Charges Cash contributions to employee pension plans Pension Contributions Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisition of Atlas Energy Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Advance to Atlas Energy Advance to Acquired Company Advance to acquired company. Capital expenditures Proceeds and deposits related to asset sales Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Net sales (purchases) of time deposits Net purchases of marketable securities Repayment of loans by equity affiliates Proceeds from Collection of Long-term Loans to Related Parties Net (purchases) sales of other short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Net Cash Used for Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net borrowings of short-term obligations Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt and other financing obligations Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Cash dividends - common stock Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments of Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Net purchases of treasury shares Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity Net Cash Used for Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at January 1 Cash and Cash Equivalents at September 30 Summarized Financial Data of Subsidiary Two [Abstract] Summarized financial data - Chevron transport corporation. Schedule of Subsidiary Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Subsidiary Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of subsidiary financial statements. Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Chevron Transport Corporation [Member] Chevron Transport Corporation [Member] Chevron transport corporation. Subsidiary Statements Captions [Line Items] Subsidiary Statements Captions [Line Items] Subsidiary statements captions. Summarized Financial Data - Chevron Transport Corporation Statement of Income Subsidiary Two [Abstract] Statement of income subsidiary. Sales and other operating revenues Oil and Gas Revenue Costs and other deductions Costs and Expenses Net loss attributable to CTC Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Segment Earnings Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Segment Assets Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Segment Sales and Other Operating Revenues Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Activity for equity attributable to noncontrolling interests Activity for Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [Table Text Block] Activity for equity attributable to noncontrolling interests. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Net gain (loss) arising during period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Derivatives: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Net derivatives gain (loss) on hedge transactions Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Reclassification to net income of net realized gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax Income taxes on derivatives transactions Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Defined benefit plans: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Actuarial loss: Actuarial Loss [Abstract] Defined benefit plans and actuarial loss. Amortization to net income of net actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Actuarial gain (loss) arising during period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net (Gain) Loss Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Prior service cost: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax [Abstract] Amortization to net income of net prior service credits Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Defined benefit plans sponsored by equity affiliates Non Sponsored Defined Benefit Plans Non-sponsored defined benefit plans. Income taxes on defined benefit plans Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Gain, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Attributable to Chevron Corporation Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Chevron U.S.A. Inc. [Member] Chevron USA Inc [Member] Chevron USA Inc. Statement of Income - Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Statement of Income Subsidiary One [Abstract] Statements of income subsidiary. Net income Balance Sheet - Chevron Transport Corporation Balance Sheet Subsidiary Two [Abstract] Balance sheet subsidiary. Current assets Other assets Other Assets Current liabilities Other liabilities Other Liabilities Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues and Other Income Revenues [Abstract] Income from equity affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other income Other Nonoperating Income Total Revenues and Other Income Revenues Costs and Other Deductions Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Purchased crude oil and products Cost of Purchased Oil and Gas Operating expenses Operating Costs and Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Exploration expenses Exploration Expense Taxes other than on income Taxes Other than on Income Taxes other than on income. Total Costs and Other Deductions Income Before Income Tax Expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income Tax Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Attributable to Chevron Corporation Per Share of Common Stock: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net Income Attributable to Chevron Corporation - Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net Income Attributable to Chevron Corporation - Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (000s) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Includes excise, value-added and similar taxes: Excise and Sales Taxes Summarized Financial Data - Chevron Transport Corporation Summarized Financial Data of Subsidiary [Text Block] Summarized financial data of subsidiary. Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block] Information Relating to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Textual) [Abstract] Information Relating to Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Textual) [Abstract] Information relating to the consolidated statement of cash flows. Reduction for income tax benefits associated with stock options exercised Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Proceeds to be received in future periods for the sale of an equity interest Proceeds to be received in future periods for the sale of an equity interest Proceeds to be received in future periods for the sale of an equity interest Net (purchases) sales of treasury shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Common share purchase (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Share repurchase value Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method 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) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Sales and other operating revenues [Member] Sales [Member] Purchased crude oil and products [Member] Purchased crude oil and products [Member] Purchased crude oil and products. Other income [Member] Other Income [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Consolidated Statement of Income: The Effect of Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Summarized Financial Data - Chevron Transport Corporation Summarized Financial Data Subsidiary Two [Table Text Block] Summarized financial data subsidiary two. Summarized Financial Data and its Subsidiary Summarized Financial Data Subsidiary Net Equity Two [Table Text Block] Schedule two of summarized financial data subsidiary net equity. New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Standards Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Consolidated Balance Sheet: Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Consolidated Statement of Income: The Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting for Suspended Exploratory Wells Suspended Well Costs Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Sales and Other Operating Revenue [Member] Sales and Other Operating Revenue [Member] Sales and other operating revenue. Subtotal [Member] Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group One [Member] Intersegment Elimination - United States [Member] Geographical Intersegment, Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Elimination - International [Member] Geographical Intersegment International Eliminations [Member] Geographical intersegment international eliminations. Sales and Other Operating Revenues Oil and Gas Revenue [Abstract] Sales and other operating revenues Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Interim Financial Statements Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Marketable Securities Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Derivatives Derivative Assets Total Assets at Fair Value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Derivatives Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total Liabilities at Fair Value Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Summarized Financial Data - Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Upstream [Member] Downstream [Member] All Other Segments [Member] Segment Earnings Interest Income Investment Income, Interest Other Segment Earnings, Other Income Expense Segment earnings, other income (expense). Accounting Policies [Abstract] Segment reporting (ASC 280) Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting standards for fair value measurement (ASC 820) Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (ASU 2011-11) Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Policy Text Block] Offsetting assets and liabilities. Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Chevron Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Activity for equity attributable to noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 Net income Dividends Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Treasury shares, net Treasury Shares Net Treasury shares total equity. Other changes, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance at September 30 Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract] Fair value measurements. Maturity period of primarily bank time deposits, maximum, classified as cash equivalents (in days) Maturity Period of Bank time Deposits classified as Cash equivalents Maximum Maturity period of primarily bank time deposits, classified as cash equivalents, maximum. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Maturity period of bank time deposits, minimum, classified as time deposits (in days) Maturity Period of Bank Time Deposits Minimum Maturity period of bank time deposits, minimum. Time deposits Time Deposits Fair Value Time deposits fair value. Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Operating Segments and Geographic Data Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case Type [Domain] [Domain] for Litigation Case Type [Axis] MTBE [Member] MTBE [Member] MTBE. Ecuador [Member] Ecuador Litigation [Member] Ecuador Litigation [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Declatory Relief Claim [Member] Declatory Relief Claim [Member] Declatory Relief Claim [Member] Discovery Stay On Claims [Member] Discovery Stay On Claims [Member] Discovery Stay On Claims [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Pending lawsuits and claims (in number of claims) Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Litigation (Textual) [Abstract] Litigation (Textual) [Abstract] Litigation numeric. Conducted remediation program (in years) Conducted Remediation Program Conducted remediation program. Remediation program Remediation program Remediation program. Financial compensation for purported damages on mining engineer's report Financial compensation for purported damages Financial compensation for purported damages. Assessment for purported unjust enrichment on mining engineer's report Assessment for purported unjust enrichment Assessment for purported unjust enrichment. Court order requiring the parties to provide their positions on damages within (in days) Payment to Parties for Damages Within Payment to parties for damages within. Approximate damages on plaintiffs' submission, Minimum Loss Contingency Range of Loss Minimum Loss contingency range of loss, minimum. Approximate damages on plaintiffs' submission, Maximum Loss Contingency Range of Loss Maximum Loss contingency range of loss, maximum. Approximate unjust enrichment on plaintiffs' submission, Minimum Approximate Unjust Enrichment Minimum Approximate unjust enrichment, minimum. Approximate unjust enrichment on plaintiffs' submission, Maximum Approximate Unjust Enrichment Maximum Approximate unjust enrichment, maximum. Amount assessed in damages Amount Assessed in Damages Amount assessed in damages. Amount assessed for plaintiffs representatives Amount Assessed for Plaintiffs Representatives Amount assessed for plaintiffs representatives. Additional amount assessed in punitive damages Additional Amount Assessed in Punitive Damages Additional amount assessed in punitive damages. Public apology date within judgment/clarification ruling (in days) Public Apology Date within Judgment Public apology date within the judgment. Proposed additional payment for plaintiff attorney fees as percentage of judgment Proposed Additional Payment for Plaintiff Attorney Fees as Percentage of Judgment Proposed additional payment for plaintiff attorney fees as percentage of judgment. Other Contingencies and Commitments Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract] Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract] Income taxes. Income tax expense Effective tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Period for developments on tax matters in certain tax jurisdictions may result in significant increases or decreases in the company's total unrecognized tax benefits (in months) Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range Not Possible Balance Sheet - Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Balance Sheet Subsidiary One [Abstract] Balance sheets subsidiary. Memo: Total debt Debt Obligation Debt obligation.