Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Activity for equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
Balance at January 1			$ 122,181		$ 105,811
Net income	5,308	7,857	19,039		21,856
Dividends			(5,102)		(4,541)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(23)		(56)
Treasury shares, net			(3,017)		(2,148)
Other changes, net			1,144	[1]	754	[1]
Balance at September 30	134,222	121,676	134,222		121,676
Chevron Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Activity for equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
Balance at January 1			121,382		105,081
Net income			18,934		21,772
Dividends			(5,102)		(4,541)
Treasury shares, net			(3,017)		(2,148)
Other changes, net			744	[1]	727	[1]
Balance at September 30	132,941	120,891	132,941		120,891
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Activity for equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
Balance at January 1			799		730
Net income			105		84
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(23)		(56)
Other changes, net			400	[1]	27	[1]
Balance at September 30	$ 1,281	$ 785	$ 1,281		$ 785

[1] Primarily includes components of comprehensive income, which are disclosed separately in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.