Other Contingencies and Commitments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Indemnifications acquirer environmental liabilities max obligation		$ 200
Indemnification expiration	2022-04

Indemnifications acquired company environ liabilities max obligation.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_IndemnificationsAcquiredCompanyEnvironLiabilitiesMaxObligation
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant