Stock-Based Compensation (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
401K Plan Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	6.00%
401K Plan Employer Cash Contributions	$ 21	$ 17	$ 14
Deferred Compensatoin Plan Additional Information [Abstract]
Shares of common stock held by rabbi trust (in dollars per share)	$ 16.72
Deferred Compensation Arrangement Most Shares Held By Individual	1,200,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement Most Shares Held By Individual Percentage	93.00%
Deferred Compensation Distribution Timeline	6 years
Deferred Compensation Arrangement Plan Distribution Amount	200,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement Shares Sold	1,008	4,536	200
Deferred Compensation Arrangements Trust Plan Distribution Amount	25	19	17
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	26	6	8	[1]
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent	77	70	60
Rabbi Trust Assets [Abstract]
Mutual Fund Investments	88	84
Noble Energy Common Stock (at Fair Value)	88	76
Total Rabbi Trust Assets	176	160
Liability Under Related Deferred Compensation Plan	$ 176	$ 160
Number of Shares of Noble Energy Common Stock Held by Rabbi Trust (in Shares)	1,292,335	1,493,343

[1] Amounts represent increases in the fair value of shares of our common stock held in a rabbi trust.