Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NOBLE ENERGY INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000072207
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float		$ 17.0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	477,643,425
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018