Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Activity for equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
Balance at January 1	$ 137,832		$ 122,181
Net income	6,239		6,499
Dividends	(1,736)		(1,590)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(10)		(8)
Treasury shares, net	(1,041)		(1,016)
Other changes, net	202	[1]	260	[1]
Balance at March 31	141,486		126,326
Chevron Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Activity for equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
Balance at January 1	136,524		121,382
Net income	6,178		6,471
Dividends	(1,736)		(1,590)
Treasury shares, net	(1,041)		(1,016)
Other changes, net	209	[1]	260	[1]
Balance at March 31	140,134		125,507
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Activity for equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
Balance at January 1	1,308		799
Net income	61		28
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(10)		(8)
Other changes, net	(7)	[1]	0	[1]
Balance at March 31	$ 1,352		$ 819

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