Lawsuits, Claims, Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	May 30, 2019
Arbitration filed by Andes Petroleum Ecuador Ltd
Lawsuits, commitments and contingencies
Proceeds from settlement		$ 1.0
Recovery of amount awarded in settlement amount (as a percent)		60.00%
Percentage of judgment amount claimed	40.00%
Own economic interest (as a percent)	60.00%
High River Ltd. P'ship v. Occidental Petroleum Corp.
Lawsuits, commitments and contingencies
Common stock accumulated			$ 1.6