Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from unaffiliated customers	$ 38,466	$ 33,862	$ 29,614
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	1,703	2,125	740
Income (loss) from equity investment in HOVENSA L.L.C.	(1,073)	(522)	(229)
Interest expense	383	361	360
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	2,406	2,317	2,200
Asset impairments	358	532	54
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	785	1,173	715
Investments in affiliates	384	443	913
Identifiable assets	39,136	35,396	29,465
Capital employed	24,649	22,392	17,995
Capital expenditures	7,006	5,492	2,918
Exploration and Production [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating revenues	10,646	9,119	7,259
Less: Transfers between affiliates	116	143	110
Operating revenues from unaffiliated customers	10,530	8,976	7,149
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	2,675	2,736	1,042
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	2,305	2,222	2,113
Asset impairments	358	532	54
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1,313	1,417	944
Investments in affiliates	97	57	57
Identifiable assets	32,323	28,242	21,810
Capital employed	22,699	19,803	14,163
Capital expenditures	6,888	5,394	2,800
Marketing and Refining [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating revenues	27,936	24,885	22,464
Less: Transfers between affiliates	1	0	0
Operating revenues from unaffiliated customers	27,935	24,885	22,464
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	(584)	(231)	127
Income (loss) from equity investment in HOVENSA L.L.C.	(1,073)	(522)	(229)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	88	82	79
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(273)	4	24
Investments in affiliates	287	386	856
Identifiable assets	6,302	6,377	6,388
Capital employed	2,337	2,715	2,979
Capital expenditures	115	82	83
Corporate and Interest [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating revenues	1	1	1
Operating revenues from unaffiliated customers	1	1	1
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	(388)	(380)	(429)
Interest expense	383	361	360
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	13	13	8
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(255)	(248)	(253)
Identifiable assets	511	777	1,267
Capital employed	(387)	(126)	853
Capital expenditures	$ 3	$ 16	$ 35