Stock-Based and Other Compensation Plans (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
401K Plan Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	6.00%
401K Plan Employer Cash Contributions	$ 26		$ 21		$ 17
Mutual Fund Investments	83		88
Noble Energy Common Stock (at Fair Value)	51		88
Total Rabbi Trust Assets	134		176
Liability Under Related Deferred Compensation Plan	134		176
Number of Shares of Noble Energy Common Stock Held by Rabbi Trust (in Shares)	1,073,286		1,292,335
Shares of common stock held by rabbi trust (in dollars per share)	$ 16.72
Deferred Compensation Arrangement Most Shares Held By Individual	1,000,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement Most Shares Held By Individual Percentage	93.00%
Deferred Compensation Distribution Timeline	5 years
Deferred Compensation Arrangement Plan Distribution Amount	200,000		200,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement Shares Sold	19,049		1,008		4,536
Deferred Compensation Arrangements Trust Plan Distribution Amount	22		25		19
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	(25)	[1]	26	[1]	6	[1]
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent	84		77		70
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	287
Fair Value of Plan Assets	242
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	$ 82

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