Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	$ 9,195	$ (497)	$ 4,587
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	13,364	898	5,640
Operating Segments | Upstream
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	8,150	(2,537)	(1,961)
Operating Segments | Upstream | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	3,640	(2,054)	(4,055)
Operating Segments | Upstream | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	4,510	(483)	2,094
Operating Segments | Downstream
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	5,214	3,435	7,601
Operating Segments | Downstream | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	2,938	1,307	3,182
Operating Segments | Downstream | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	2,276	2,128	4,419
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	(264)	(168)	0
Interest income	60	58	65
Other	$ (3,965)	$ (1,285)	$ (1,118)