<DefinitionAndReference>
  <Element Id="apc_OperatedInterestPercentage">
    <definition>Operating Leasehold Interest Ownership Percentage.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InvesteeEntitiesLoaned">
    <definition>Aggregate loan from investee entities</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscountedFutureNetCashFlowsRelatingToProvedOilAndGasReservesFutureDevelopmentCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPreacquisitionContingencyAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterestIncreaseFromStockIssuance">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityFilerCategory">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueHierarchyTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Fair value of pension plan assets by asset category and fair-value hierarchy level table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostsArisingDuringPeriodTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountOfEmployerAndRelatedPartySecuritiesIncludedInPlanAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ExpectedFutureRoyaltyRevenueToThirdPartyInvestor">
    <definition>Future amount of revenue earned from the leasing or otherwise lending to a third party the entity's rights or title to certain property, prior to the 5% threshold.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PenaltiesOrFines">
    <definition>Penalties or fines assessed by local, state and federal regulations and statutes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMinimum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DivestituresAndOtherTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure related to divestitures and other.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetPriorServiceCostCredit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanCostWeightedAverageAssumptionsTableTextBlock">
    <definition>The weighted average assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_UseOfEstimatesPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Provides an entity's explanation that the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of management estimates. Estimates used in the determination of carrying amounts of assets or liabilities, or in disclosure of gain or loss contingencies should be disclosed if known information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that both of these criteria are met: (1) It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect on the financial statements of a condition, situation, or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements will change in the near term (less than one year from the date of issuance) due to one or more future confirming events, and (2) The effect of the change would be material to the financial statements. The disclosure should indicate the nature of the uncertainty and include an indication that it is at least reasonably possible that a change in the estimate will occur in the near term. Disclosure of the factors that cause the estimate to be sensitive to change also is encouraged. Entities also may identify those areas that are subject to significant estimates.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ExplorationDryHoleAbandonmentAndImpairmentExpense">
    <definition>Dry hole expense and impairments of unproved properties</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsOilAndGasProducingActivitiesNetIncomeExcludingCorporateOverheadAndInterestCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostsIncurredAcquisitionOfUnprovedOilAndGasProperties">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DescriptionOfLesseeLeasingArrangementsCapitalLeases">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_EnvironmentalContingenciesTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes the accounting policy for (1) legal obligations associated with the disposal or removal of a long-lived asset from service that result from the acquisition, construction, or development or from the normal operation of a long-lived asset; and (2) certain environmental remediation liabilities that resulted from the improper or other-than-normal operation of a long-lived asset. This accounting policy may address (1) whether the related remediation costs are expensed or capitalized, (2) whether the obligation is measured on a discounted basis, (3) the event, situation, or set of circumstances that generally triggers recognition of loss contingencies arising from the entity's environmental remediation-related obligations, and (4) the timing of recognition of any recoveries.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Assets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostAdditionsPendingDeterminationOfProvedReserves">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Quarterly financial data table disclosure.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LegalCostsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CostsIncurredTotal">
    <definition>Total costs incurred relating to oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesAwardedInPeriod">
    <definition>The number of shares awarded during the reporting period under the plan.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearTwo">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsGeneralAndAdministrativeRelatedToOilAndGasProducingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentType">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanInvestmentPoliciesTextBlock">
    <definition>Defined benefit plan investment policies disclosure.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesIncurred">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreviouslyEstimatedDevelopmentCostsIncurredDuringPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOilAndGasProducingActivitiesNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfFixedIncomeRangeMinimum">
    <definition>Target allocation minimum percentage of fixed income investments to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscountedFutureNetCashFlowsRelatingToProvedOilAndGasReservesFutureProductionCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostChargedToExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_LettersOfCreditOutstanding">
    <definition>The total amount of letters of credit outstanding</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfOtherAssetsRangeMaximum">
    <definition>Target allocation maximum percentage in other than debt securities, equity securities, and fixed income investments to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetGainsLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialNetGainsLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_IncreaseDecreaseInStandardizedMeasureOfDiscountedFutureCashFlowsRelatingToProvedReservesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>Changes in standardized measure of discounted net cash flow related to proved oil and gas reserves table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedBonusesCurrentAndNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationRepatriationOfForeignEarnings">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfCommodityContracts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PercentageOfAccretedPrincipal">
    <definition>The total percentage of accreted principal.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FormerGainContingencyRecognizedInCurrentPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AssetRetirementObligationsTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Asset Retirement Obligations Table</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueInThirdYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearOne">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_HigherRangeOfAlgerianExceptionalProfitsTaxRatesOnGrossProduction">
    <definition>The higher range of Algerian exceptional profits tax rates on gross production.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInFiveFiscalYearsThereafter">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ContingencyDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes any existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as of the balance sheet date (or prior to issuance of the financial statements) as to a probable or reasonably possible gain or loss incurred by an entity that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur, and typically discloses the amount of gain or loss recorded or a range of possible gain or loss, or an assertion that no reasonable estimate can be made.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_StockOptionActivityTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Stock Option Activity Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsSalesRevenueToUnaffiliatedEnterprises">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationAndValuationProvisions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationOfDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostBeforeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscountedFutureNetCashFlowsRelatingToProvedOilAndGasReservesFutureNetCashFlows">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostsCreditArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfFixedIncomeRangeMaximum">
    <definition>Target allocation maximum percentage of fixed income investments to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFifthYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DeepwaterHorizonEventsTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosures of potential contractual and potential environmental contingent liabilities</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsEquitySecuritiesRangeMinimum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_RoyaltyRevenuePercentage">
    <definition>Percentage of aggregate royalty payment receipts retained by APC</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ShareBasedCompensationCostTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Share Based Compensation Cost Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PensionPlansOtherPostretirementBenefitsAndEmployeeSavingsPlansPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes an entity's accounting policy for its pension plans, other postretirement benefits and employee savings plans. This disclosure may address (1) the types of plans sponsored by the entity, and the benefits provided by each plan (2) groups that participate in (or are covered by) each plan (3) how plan assets, liabilities and expenses are measured, including the use of any actuaries and (4) significant assumptions used by the entity to value plan assets and liabilities and how such assumptions are derived.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SuspendedWellCostsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsSaleLeasebackTransactions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProvedUndevelopedReservesVolume">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CommonStockReceivedForRestrictedStockVested">
    <definition>Common stock received for restricted stock vested</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CashCollateralHeldByCounterparties">
    <definition>Cash collateral held by counterparties</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccretionOfDiscount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAverageFixedPrice">
    <definition>The average delivery price committed to in the contracts.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Goodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_FixedPriceContracts">
    <definition>Fixed-Price Contracts</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_EquityMethodAndCostMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>Equity Method And Cost Method Investments Disclosure Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InterestRatePercentAboveOneMonthLibor">
    <definition>Interest rate percent above one-month LIBOR</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DebtActivityTextBlock">
    <definition>Debt Activity</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsUnprovedProperties">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_NetPropertiesAndEquipmentByRegionTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Net Properties And Equipment by Region Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ShareBasedCompensationPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>This element describes an entity's accounting policy for stock option and stock incentive plans. This disclosure may include (1) the types of stock option or incentive plans sponsored by the entity (2) the groups that participate in (or are covered by) each plan (3) significant plan provisions and (4) how stock compensation is measured, and the methodologies and significant assumptions used to determine that measurement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_FundingPercentage">
    <definition>Represents the percentage of funding.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PotentialGrossInsuranceCoverage">
    <definition>Maximum insurance coverage for potential financial losses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseContingentRentals">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedRoyaltiesCurrentAndNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_AmendmentFlag">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ProceedsFromSaleOfPreviouslyUnissuedStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvestee">
    <definition>Proceeds from sales of previously unissued stock by subsidiaries or equity investees made to investors outside the consolidated group.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PotentialNonOperatorInterestCostsPercentage">
    <definition>BP considers to be Anadarko's potential proportionate share of costs.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DerivativeTransactions">
    <definition>Derivative transactions</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PhysicalTransactions">
    <definition>Physical transactions</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerContribution">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndValuationAllowanceForRelatingToOilAndGasProducingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxBenefitTableTextBlock">
    <definition>The pension and other postretirement benefit plans table of amounts recognized in other comprehensive income, before tax benefit.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_LowerRangeUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExpectedToReverseDueToLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitationsAndAuditSettlements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationIntersegmentRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherReceivables">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAmortizationOfDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InterestRatePercentAboveLiborUpperRange">
    <definition>Interest rate percent above LIBOR, upper range</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_NetAdjustmentResultingFromSuccessfulEffortsAdoptionBeforeTax">
    <definition>The loss included in gains (losses) divestitures and other, net resulting from analysis of property records after the adoption of the successful efforts method of accounting.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CashCollateralFromCounterparties">
    <definition>Cash collateral held from counterparties</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscountedFutureNetCashFlowsRelatingToProvedOilAndGasReservesStandardizedMeasure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_NumberOfSharesOfCommonStockRepresentedByEachPerformanceUnit">
    <definition>Number of shares of common stock represented by each performance unit</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ScheduledMaturitiesOfDebtTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Scheduled Maturities of Debt Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ThreeWayCollars">
    <definition>Three-Way Collars</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_NoncashOrPartialNoncashAcquisitionFairValueOfAssetsAcquired">
    <definition>The value of an asset or business acquired in a noncash (or partially noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Partially noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanLevelThreeRollforwardTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Summary of changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostsIncurredDevelopmentCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCostsThatHaveBeenCapitalizedForPeriodGreaterThanOneYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncreaseDecreaseInSalesAndTransferPricesAndProductionCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsExplorationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventoryNaturalGasInStorage">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_SegmentReportingInformationReportableSegmentTotalExpensesAndOther">
    <definition>Amount of total expenses and other for the reportable segment. For segment reporting purposes, total expenses and other includes total costs and expenses plus realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net, other (income) expense, and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, less exploration expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&amp;A), impairment expense, and interest expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesPurchasesOfMineralsInPlace">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedReservesVolume">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DeferredTaxAssetsOilAndGasExplorationAndDevelopmentCosts">
    <definition>The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of oil and gas exploration and development costs and the basis of oil and gas exploration and development costs computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis, attributable to different capitalization of costs, depreciation, or amortization methodologies, will decrease future taxable income when such basis difference is realized.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLiabilityRefundAdjustmentFromSettlementWithTaxingAuthority">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsExpenseOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsForOilAndGasProducingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_UnfundedPensionContributions">
    <definition>The amount of cash or cash equivalents contributed by the entity to fund its unfunded pension plans.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProjectsThatHaveExploratoryWellCostsThatHaveBeenCapitalizedForPeriodGreaterThanOneYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentOnDerivativesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ReclassificationToWellFacilitiesAndEquipmentBasedOnDeterminationOfProvedReserves">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesRevisionsOfPreviousEstimatesIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ContributionsFromAndDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterests">
    <definition>Contributions from and (distributions to) noncontrolling interests and other, net.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestPaid">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostIncurredInOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGrossNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscountedFutureNetCashFlowsRelatingToProvedOilAndGasReservesFutureCashInflows">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDecreaseRepayments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingencies">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PhysicalAndDerivativeTransactionsNet">
    <definition>Physical and derivative transactions, net</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ContributedPropertyToInvesteeEntities">
    <definition>Aggregate fair value of contributed property to investee entities</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFixedInterestRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_JointInterestBillings">
    <definition>Amounts invoiced to Anadarko by BP Exploration and Production, Inc for costs for Deepwater Horizon incident.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PerformanceBasedShareAwardsTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Performance Based Share Awards Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_TotalOtherLongTermLiabilities">
    <definition>Total Other Long-term Liabilities</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_MostLikelyAllocablePercentage">
    <definition>Most likely allocable percentage within the range of loss for gross OPA-related environmental costs</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearFive">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_LossesGainsOnExtinguishmentOfDebtAndDebtCommitmentTerminationCosts">
    <definition>Losses Gains on Extinguishment of Debt and Debt Commitment Termination Costs</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ReferenceTermOfInterestRateSwaps">
    <definition>Describes the term of the interest-rate swap agreements entered into for mitigating risk.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarginDepositAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_RightToPurchasePercentageOfCommonEquity">
    <definition>Right to purchase a percentage of common equity of reorganized Tronox.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_GeneralTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes the nature of an entity's business and the major services it provides.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CeilingSoldPriceCall">
    <definition>The maximum average price that will be received for the contracted commodity volumes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OtherTaxesTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Other Taxes Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InvestmentLiquidation">
    <definition>The amount of the liquidating investment distribution.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DistributionsOnParticipatingSecurities">
    <definition>Dividends paid on nonvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid). Basic and dilutive earnings per share are generally calculated and disclosed using the two-class method when the entity has participating securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OperatingLeaseResidualValueGuarantee">
    <definition>The amount the lessee is obligated to pay related to the guarantee of residual value at the end of the useful life of a company's operating leases.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostsIncurredAcquisitionOfOilAndGasPropertiesWithProvedReserves">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMinimum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PenaltiesOrFinesMaximum">
    <definition>The maximum amount of penalties or fines assessed by local, state and federal regulations and statutes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredOtherTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PerformancPeriodOverWhichPerformanceBasedShareAwardsIsBasedOn">
    <definition>Performance period over which the performance-based share awards is based on</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_SpillVolumeFederalEstimate">
    <definition>The federal government spill-volume estimate of barrels derived using a series of assumptions and variability of the flow rate over time, inherent imprecision in the ability to accurately estimate the flow rate, and uncertainty in evaporation and dispersion rates.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDates">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_UnpaidInterestExpenseReversal">
    <definition>Unpaid interest expense reversal</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AggregateRoyaltyPaymentReceiptsHigherRange">
    <definition>Aggregate royalty payment receipts, higher range</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProductionTaxExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>The net amount of other comprehensive income other adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAmortizationOfDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostBeforeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearThree">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_LongTermDebtIssuance">
    <definition>Increase for long term debt amounts issued during the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_BasisSwaps">
    <definition>Basis Swaps</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AggregatePrincipalDueAtMaturity">
    <definition>Amount of aggregate principal due under the debt instrument at maturity.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationGoodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SummaryOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PercentageOfProceedsFromAdversaryProceeding">
    <definition>Percentage of proceeds from Adversary Proceeding</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesMineralOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AssetTrustContribution">
    <definition>The value of assets to be contributed by Tronox.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_TotalIncomeTaxesReceivablepayable">
    <definition>Total income taxes receivable/(payable)</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationYearSUnderExamination">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ShareRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAllocationOfAmount">
    <definition>Share-repurchase program, authorized allocation of amount</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ReversalOfAccrualForDeepwaterRoyaltyReliefActDispute">
    <definition>Reversal of accrued liability for royalties related to Deepwater Royalty Relief Act dispute.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_SegmentReportingInformationReportableSegmentOperatingCostsAndExpenses">
    <definition>Amount of operating costs and expenses for the reportable segment. For segment reporting purposes, operating costs and expenses includes total costs and expenses, less exploration expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&amp;A), and impairment expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueInFifthYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsRelatingToOilAndGasProducingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CurrentTaxReceivablePayableTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Current Tax Receivable Payable Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RevisionsOfPreviousQuantityEstimates">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_RealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstruments">
    <definition>The realized gain (loss) on risk management derivatives included in earnings for the period as a result of settlement of derivative instruments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ReversalOfOtherLongTermLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ThirdPartyInvestorRoyaltyRevenuePercentage">
    <definition>Third-party Investor Royalty Revenue Percentage</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitExcludingCertainInternationalLocations">
    <definition>The component of income tax expense for the period representing the net change in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations, excluding certain international locations (Algeria and Qatar).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_NumberOfMonthsFollowingMonthOfPurchaseInWhichMajorityOfCompanysReceivablesArePaid">
    <definition>Number of months following the month of purchase in which the majority of the Company's receivables are paid</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsStillHeld">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ResultsOfOperationsGainsOnPropertyDispositions">
    <definition>Net gains on sales of oil and gas properties.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedOilAndGasReserveQuantitiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_HigherRangeUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExpectedToReverseDueToLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitationsAndAuditSettlements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductionsQualifiedProductionActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsForeign">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_UnitedStatesTaxImpactFromLossesAndRestructuringOfForeignOperations">
    <definition>United States tax impact from losses and restructuring of foreign operations</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OperatingLeaseAgreementsNoncancelableCommitments">
    <definition>Amount of various commitments under noncancelable operating lease agreements.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InterestExpenseAffiliateNotePayable">
    <definition>Interest expense, notes payable to affiliates</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsRevenueFromOilAndGasProducingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ConsolidatedAdjustedEBITDAX">
    <definition>Operating results analyzed as income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense, exploration expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&amp;A) expense, impairments, and unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments, net less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InterestExpenseRelatedPartyNotePayable">
    <definition>Interest expense incurred during the period on note payable to related party.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardExpirationDating">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PotentialInsuranceDeductible">
    <definition>Estimated insurance coverage, deductibles for potential financial losses</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid">
    <definition>Aggregate dividends paid during the period for each share of preferred stock outstanding.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ImpairedAssetsInOilAndGasOperatingAndMarketingSegmentsNetBookValue">
    <definition>The book value of impaired oil and gas exploration and production operating and marketing operating segment assets.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableNumber">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InterestRatePercentAboveLiborLowerRange">
    <definition>Interest rate percent above LIBOR, lower range</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_FloorPurchasedPricePut">
    <definition>The minimum average price that will be received for the contracted commodity volumes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ValuationAllowanceOnDeferredTaxAssetsRollforwardTextBlock">
    <definition>Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets Rollforward Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesProduction">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowanceNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PensionContributions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventoryPetroleum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OperatingLeaseResidualValueGuaranteesAccrued">
    <definition>The liability amount accrued for operating lease residual value guarantees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventoryNaturalGasLiquids">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsCurrentAndNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsPayments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomers">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionVariabilityOnCostAndObligationTableTextBlock">
    <definition>The effect of variability in the assumed health care cost trend rates on the other postretirement benefit obligation and service and interest cost components for health care benefits table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesSalesOfMineralsInPlace">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ExplorationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_NoncontrollingInterestPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes the entity's accounting policies for noncontrolling interests.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InterestRateDerivativesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>Interest Rate Derivatives Disclosure.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationAndPlanAssetsRollforwardTableTextBlock">
    <definition>The pension and other postretirement benefit plans table of changes in benefit obligations and plan assets, as well as the funded status of the plans and amounts recognized in the financial statements.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueInFourthYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPrincipalOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_IncreaseDecreaseInTaxLiabilities">
    <definition>The change during the reporting period in tax liabilities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsProductionOrLiftingCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OperatingLeasesLongTermDrillingRigCommitments">
    <definition>Amount of long-term drilling rig commitments relating to leases defined as operating.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssetsAndOtherNet">
    <definition>The gains and losses included in earnings resulting from the sale or disposal of tangible assets, minerals revenue and other, net.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsRollforwardTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Unrecognized Tax Benefits Rollforward Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDueDisclosureTableTextBlock">
    <definition>The future contractually required payments on leases defined as operating disclosure table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_GrossDerivativeLiabilityPermittedToOffSetGrossDerivativeAssetWithFinancialInstitutions">
    <definition>Amount of the derivative liability balance that would be available, in the event of default, for setoff against the Company gross derivative asset balance with financial institutions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InventoryDisclosureTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Inventory Disclosure Table</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_BrentCrudeMinimumAveragePricePerBarrelOnAverageDailyProductionVolumesForEachCalendarMonthInDeterminationOfAlgerianExceptionalProfitsTaxRate">
    <definition>Brent crude minimum average price per barrel on average daily production volumes for each calendar month in determination of Algerian exceptional profits tax rate.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CommonStockRollforwardTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Common Stock Rollforward Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainLossDueToSettlements">
    <definition>The amount of net (gain) loss recognized in other comprehensive income as a result of an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinOneYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherReconcilingItems">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsSoldDuringPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityRegistrantName">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_TaxesExcludingIncomeTaxesExciseTaxesProductionTaxesSeveranceTaxesAndAdValoremTaxes">
    <definition>Taxes Excluding Income Taxes Excise Taxes Production Taxes Severance Taxes And Ad Valorem Taxes</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CashFlowSupplementalTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Cash Flow Supplemental Table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AssetImpairmentChargesAfterTax">
    <definition>Asset Impairment Charges After Tax</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PercentageIncreaseInProvedReservesVolumesResultingFromUseOfReliableTechnologies">
    <definition>The percent of total proved reserves, as of year-end, added as a result of the use of reliable technologies.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DeferredTaxesByTaxJurisdictionTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Deferred Taxes by Tax Jurisdiction Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DecreaseDueToSalesOfMineralsInPlace">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_UndistributedIncomeAllocatedToParticipatingSecurities">
    <definition>Income remaining after distributions to participating securities and common stockholders, reallocated to participating securities based on all dilutive shares including participating securities, to the extent that each may share in earnings.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_StockOptionValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Stock Option Valuation Assumptions Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_SuspendedWellCostsByGeographicAreaDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>Suspended Well Costs By Geographic Area Disclosure Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ResultsOfOperationsTotalProductionCostsRelatedToOilAndGasProducingActivities">
    <definition>Total production costs from oil and gas producing activities. These costs could include operating, transportation, general and administrative and other taxes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedInCalculationsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Description and explanation of the assumptions (including assumed discount rates, rates of compensation increase, and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets) used to calculate the benefit obligation and the assumptions used to calculate net periodic benefit cost. May also include other assumptions such as market-related value, average remaining service period, and average remaining life expectancy.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PotentialNetInsuranceRecoveries">
    <definition>Potential net insurance recoveries</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedReservesExtensionsDiscoveriesAndAdditions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ProceedsBeforeIncomeTaxFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment">
    <definition>The cash inflow, pre-tax, to dispose of long lived physical asset and mineral interests in oil and gas properties use for the normal oil and gas operation.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AccountsPayablePolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes the entity's accounting policies for accounts payable.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_IssuanceOfCommonStockPricePerShare">
    <definition>Issuance of common stock, price per share</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Components of Income Tax Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ExpectedUnfundedPensionContributions">
    <definition>The amount of cash or cash equivalents expected to be contributed by the entity to fund its unfunded pension plans by the end of the next fiscal year.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ExtensionsDiscoveriesAdditionsAndImprovedRecoveryLessRelatedCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_IncomeTaxReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferentialAndValuationAllowance">
    <definition>The portion of the difference, between total income tax expense (benefit) as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations, that is attributable to total foreign income tax expense (benefit) and valuation allowance. The foreign income tax expense (benefit) difference represents the income tax expense (benefit) at applicable domestic statutory income tax rates applied to foreign earnings (loss) for the period versus the foreign income tax expense (benefit) calculated by applying the appropriate foreign tax rates.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscountedFutureNetCashFlowsRelatingToProvedOilAndGasReserves10PercentAnnualDiscountForEstimatedTimingOfCashFlows">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ValueOfAgreedUponClaim">
    <definition>Value of agreed-upon claim</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InterestRatePercentAboveFederalFundsRate">
    <definition>Interest rate percent above federal funds rate</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AggregateRoyaltyPaymentReceiptsLowerRange">
    <definition>Aggregate royalty payment receipts, lower range</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_TaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure of taxes other than income taxes</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_LimitedPartnerCapitalAccountUnitsIssued">
    <definition>The number of limited partner units issued. The limited partners are partners of a publicly traded limited partnership or master limited partnership. Limited partners have limited liability and do not manage the partnership.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCovenantDescription">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_NumberOfSharesHeldByExecutivesAndDirectorsBenefitsTrust">
    <definition>Number of shares held by the Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Executives and Directors Benefits Trust.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OilAndGasExplorationAndProductionIndustriesDisclosuresTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFutureIncomeTaxExpenseEstimatesOnFutureCashFlowsRelatedToProvedOilAndGasReserves">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnprovedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsForeign">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ProductionAndSeveranceTaxes">
    <definition>Production and severance taxes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxEffect">
    <definition>Accumulated change, before tax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AmountOfNoncontrollingInterestsThatWillBeTransferredToPaidInCapitalUponConversionOfUnits">
    <definition>Amount of noncontrolling interests that will be transferred to paid-in capital upon conversion of units.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DebtOutstandingTextBlock">
    <definition>Debt Outstanding</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsWithHighlyCertainUltimateDeductibilityAndUncertainTiming">
    <definition>Unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but timing is uncertain.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureBenefitPaymentsTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Benefits expected to be paid in the future table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PercentageOfEnvironmentalLiabilitiesLowerLimit">
    <definition>Percentage Of OPA-related Environmental Liabilities Lower Limit</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CostsIncurred">
    <definition>Deepwater Horizon event-related costs incurred by BP Exploration and Production Inc.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_FairValuePolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes an entity's accounting policy for determining the fair value of its assets and liabilities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PercentageOfCommonEquity">
    <definition>Percentage of common equity of reorganized Tronox.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEstimatedFutureDevelopmentCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_MaximumOtherLiabilities">
    <definition>Liability limit as set forth by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 for other non-clean-up costs, where there is not a finding of gross negligence or willful misconduct.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AdValoremTaxes">
    <definition>Ad Valorem Taxes</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StandardizedMeasureOfDiscountedFutureCashFlowsRelatingToProvedReservesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscountedFutureNetCashFlowsRelatingToProvedOilAndGasReservesFutureIncomeTaxExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_CashTrustContribution">
    <definition>The amount of cash be contributed by Tronox.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsProvedProperties">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsTransportationCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentOnDerivativesIncludedInNetIncomeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesMidstreamAndOtherDepreciableProperties">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ReversalOfTronoxReimbursementObligation">
    <definition>Reversal of Tronox reimbursement obligation</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_RestrictedStockActivityTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Restricted Stock Activity Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_SegmentReportingInformationCapitalExpenditures">
    <definition>Segment Reporting Information Capital Expenditures</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperty">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DefinedBenefitPlanObligationsWeightedAverageAssumptionsTableTextBlock">
    <definition>The weighted-average assumptions used in determining the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_BasisOfPresentationTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure related to the basis of presentation of financial statements and use of estimates.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsIncomeTaxExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_LowerRangeOfAlgerianExceptionalProfitsTaxRatesOnGrossProduction">
    <definition>The lower range of Algerian exceptional profits tax rates on gross production.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AnnualRateOfCumulativeCashDividendsPerShare">
    <definition>Annual rate of cumulative cash dividends per share</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOilAndGasProducingActivitiesGross">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_LitigationChargesAndAdjustments">
    <definition>The increase or adjustments in the period for legal accruals incurred on or before the balance sheet date pertaining to resolved, pending or threatened litigation.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SalesAndTransfersOfOilAndGasProducedNetOfProductionCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Revenues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ExpectedPensionContributions">
    <definition>The amount of cash or cash equivalents expected to be contributed by the entity to fund its pension plans by the end of the next fiscal year.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_FloorSoldPricePut">
    <definition>When the market price for the commodity falls below the sold put strike price, the average minimum price equals the reference price (i.e. NYMEX) plus the excess of the purchased put strike price over the sold put strike price.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AdjustmentResultingFromSuccessfulEffortsAdoptionBeforeTax">
    <definition>The loss included in gains (losses) divestitures and other, net resulting from analysis of property records after the adoption of the successful efforts method of accounting.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearFour">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_RevolvingCreditAgreement">
    <definition>Revolving credit agreement</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingSegmentRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueInSecondYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_InterestExpenseDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure of interest expense</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOilAndGasExplorationAndDevelopmentOperations">
    <definition>The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of capital assets and the basis of capital assets computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis, attributable to different capitalization of costs, depreciation, or amortization methodologies, will increase future taxable income when such basis difference is realized. Capital assets include asset that are used in oil and gas exploration and development operations.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_AccountsPayableForOutstandingChecksInExcessOfBankAccountBalance">
    <definition>Liability, included in accounts payable, representing the amount by which checks issued, but not presented to the bank for collection, exceed balances in the applicable bank accounts</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PercentageOfEnvironmentalLiabilitiesUpperLimit">
    <definition>Percentage Of OPA-related Environmental Liabilities Upper Limit</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsSalesOrTransfersToEntitysOtherOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OwnershipInterest">
    <definition>Ownership interest</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardExpirationDates">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProfitLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_OtherChangesToStandardizedMeasureOfDiscountedFutureNetCashFlowRelatingToProvedOilAndGasReserves">
    <definition>Other changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows related to proved oil and gas reserves not previously disclosed within this table.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAmortizationOfDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDueToPurchasesOfMineralsInPlace">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_SalesRevenuesByRegionTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Sales Revenues By Region Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_NetAdjustmentResultingFromSuccessfulEffortsAdoptionAfterTax">
    <definition>The loss included in gains (losses) divestitures and other, net resulting from analysis of property records after the adoption of the successful efforts method of accounting.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ReceivablesPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostsIncurredExplorationCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityPublicFloat">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainLossBeforeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PercentageVotingCapitalStockForeignSubsidiaries">
    <definition>Percentage of voting capital stock of the wholly owned foreign subsidiaries that will secure the borrowings and other obligations under the Facilities</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_TaxYearsByMajorTaxJurisdictionTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StandardizedMeasureOfDiscountedFutureNetCashFlowRelatingToProvedOilAndGasReserves">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsEquitySecuritiesRangeMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPurchasesSalesAndSettlements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_NonOperatedInterestPercentage">
    <definition>Non-operating Leasehold Interest Ownership Percentage.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCovenantTerms">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ReconciliationOfConsolidatedAdjustedEBITDAXToIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesTextBlock">
    <definition>Reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDAX to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ExpectedOtherPostretirementBenefitsPayments">
    <definition>The amount of cash or cash equivalents expected to be contributed during the reporting period by the entity to fund non-pension postretirement benefits by the end of the next fiscal year.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_ReconciliationBetweenTaxComputedAtStatutoryRateAndIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Reconciliation between Tax Computed at Statutory Rate and Income Tax Expense Benefit Table Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="apc_PreferredStockDividendsPerDepositaryShareCashPaid">
    <definition>Aggregate preferred stock dividends paid during the period for each Depositary Share.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
</DefinitionAndReference>
