2.2.0.25falsefalse1140 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Intereststruefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) / shares USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000773910duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00usdPerShrDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0MMboeStandardhttp://www.anadarko.com/20101231MMboeapc0USDUSD$5false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse007.  Noncontrolling Interests        Western Gas Partners, LP (WES), a consolidated subsidiary, is a limited partnership formed by Anadarko to own, operate, acquire and develop midstream assets. In 2010, WES issued approximately 13 million common units to the public, raising proceeds of $338 million, which were recorded as noncontrolling interests. In December 2009, WES issued approximately seven million common units to the public, raising proceeds of approximately $120 million, which were recorded as noncontrolling interests.        At December 31, 2010, the balance of noncontrolling interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes approximately $143 million, net of tax, which will be transferred to paid-in capital if the WES subordinated limited partner units convert to common units. At December 31, 2010, Anadarko's ownership interest in WES consists of a 46.5% limited partner interest (common and subordinated units), a 2% general partner interest and incentive distribution rights.7.  Noncontrolling Interests        Western Gas Partners, LP (WES), a consolidated subsidiary, is a limitedfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescription of noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries which could include the name of the subsidiary, the ownership percentage held by the parent, the ownership percentage held by the noncontrolling owners, the amount of the noncontrolling interest, the location of this amount on the balance sheet (when not reported separately), an explanation of the increase or decrease in the amount of the noncontrolling interest, the noncontrolling interest share of the net income (loss) of the subsidiary, the location of this amount on the income statement (when not reported separately), the nature of the noncontrolling interest such as background information and terms, the amount of the noncontrolling interest represented by preferred stock, a description of the preferred stock, and the dividend requirements of the preferred stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 falsefalseNoncontrolling Interests11Noncontrolling InterestsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue