Segment Information - Corporation's Results and Identifiable Assets by Operating Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 1,538	$ 2,673
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Hess Corporation	(376)	364
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation, Discontinued operations	(13)	22
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO HESS CORPORATION	(389)	386
Identifiable assets	36,101		38,578
Continuing Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,538	2,673
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Hess Corporation	(376)	364
Identifiable assets	36,002		37,420
Continuing Operations [Member] | Exploration and Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues	1,538	2,673
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Hess Corporation	(286)	508
Identifiable assets	35,981		36,512
Continuing Operations [Member] | Corporate, Interest and Other [Member]
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Hess Corporation	(90)	(144)
Identifiable assets	21		908
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation, Discontinued operations	(13)	22
Identifiable assets	$ 99		$ 1,158