CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ (1,971)	$ 922	$ (938)	$ 1,269
Other comprehensive income, net of income tax:
Unrealized Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $1 million, $44 million, $1 and $133 million	3	72	3	218
Reclassification of gain on settled derivative instruments, net of income taxes of ($3) million, ($49) million, ($10) million and ($88) million	(6)	(80)	(18)	(144)
Ineffective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of income taxes of $0, $2 million, $0 and ($5) million	0	3	0	(8)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of income taxes of ($2) million, ($1) million, ($4) million and ($2) million	(3)	(1)	(7)	(4)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(6)	(6)	(22)	62
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	(1,977)	916	(960)	1,331
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	(41)	0	(131)	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHESAPEAKE	$ (2,018)	$ 916	$ (1,091)	$ 1,331