Equity and Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Changes in Equity :
Beginning Balance			$ 16,809	$ 13,528
Net Income (loss)	267	1,091	1,810	2,055
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, after-tax
Effect of hedge losses recognized in income			321	508
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges			(8)	(226)
Change in post retirement plan liabilities, after-tax			22	24
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment and other			(40)	(6)
Comprehensive income (loss)			2,105	2,355
Activity related to restricted common stock awards, net			39	44
Employee stock options, including income tax benefits			105	54
Cash dividends declared			(102)	(98)
Noncontrolling interests, net			(42)	(55)
Ending Balance	18,914	15,828	18,914	15,828
Total Hess Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Changes in Equity :
Beginning Balance			16,689	13,384
Net Income (loss)			1,834	2,067
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, after-tax
Effect of hedge losses recognized in income			321	508
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges			(8)	(226)
Change in post retirement plan liabilities, after-tax			22	24
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment and other			(43)	(8)
Comprehensive income (loss)			2,126	2,365
Activity related to restricted common stock awards, net			39	44
Employee stock options, including income tax benefits			105	54
Cash dividends declared			(102)	(98)
Noncontrolling interests, net			(24)	(19)
Ending Balance	18,833	15,730	18,833	15,730
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Changes in Equity :
Beginning Balance			120	144
Net Income (loss)			(24)	(12)
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, after-tax
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment and other			3	2
Comprehensive income (loss)			(21)	(10)
Noncontrolling interests, net			(18)	(36)
Ending Balance	$ 81	$ 98	$ 81	$ 98