HOVENSA L.L.C. Joint Venture (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2011 bbl	Dec. 31, 2011 bbl	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Joint Venture (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage ownership in joint venture with Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A.(PDVSA)	50.00%			50.00%
Hess Corporation's income (loss) from Equity investment in HOVENSA L.L.C.				$ (1,073)	$ (522)	$ (229)
Income (loss) from equity investment in HOVENSA L.L.C related to shutdown (Before income taxes)	875
Income (loss) from equity investment in HOVENSA L.L.C related to shutdown (After income taxes)	525
Long-term Debt classified as current liability				356
Write-off of subsidiary assets				135
Estimated share of future funding commitments related to shutdown	487
Deferred Income tax benefit related to shutdown	350
A pre-tax charge to reduce the carrying value of the Corporation's equity investment		300
An after-tax charge to reduce the carrying value of the Corporation's equity investment		$ 289
Crude oil refining capacity before the strategic assessment (barrels per day)				500,000
Crude oil refining capacity after the strategic assessment (barrels per day)			350,000