Acquisitions and Divestitures - Divestitures (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets [Abstract]
Proceeds from divestitures	$ 418	$ 258
Net gains on divestitures	$ 157	$ (29)

Amount of gain (loss) on sale of property, plant, and equipment and other assets that were sold during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	apc_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipmentAndOtherAssets
Namespace Prefix:	apc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration