CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ (594)	$ 1,757	$ 1,774
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $4 million, $137 million and $129 million	6	224	212
Reclassification of gain on settled derivative instruments, net of income taxes of ($10) million, ($139) million and ($298) million	(17)	(225)	(491)
Ineffective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of income taxes of $0, $3 million and $9 million	0	4	14
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of income taxes of ($4) million, ($1) million and ($3) million	(5)	(1)	(5)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(16)	2	(270)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	(610)	1,759	1,504
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(175)	(15)	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHESAPEAKE	$ (785)	$ 1,744	$ 1,504