Other Contingencies and Commitments (Details)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Indemnifications acquirer environmental liabilities max obligation	$ 200,000,000

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