Accounts and notes receivable due from affiliated companies.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_AccountsAndNotesReceivableDueFromAffiliatedCompanies
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Accounts payable due to affiliated companies.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Decrease in company investment carrying value over underlying equity in vie two net assets.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Investment in vie greater less than underlying equity in vie net assets vie one.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cvx_InvestmentInVieGreaterLessThanUnderlyingEquityInVieNetAssetsVieOne
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Investment in vie greater less than underlying equity in vie net assets vie three.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cvx_InvestmentInVieGreaterLessThanUnderlyingEquityInVieNetAssetsVieThree
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Loan provided to fund pipe line construction.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cvx_LoanProvidedToFundPipeLineConstruction
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Long term loans included in investments and advances.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Percentage of affiliate by summarized financial information.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cvx_PercentageOfAffiliateBySummarizedFinancialInformation
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Cost of oil and gas purchased during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 932
-SubTopic 235
-Section 50
-Paragraph 23
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68064819&loc=d3e62136-109447

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CostOfPurchasedOilAndGas
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, amount of receivables due from an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39599-107864

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39622-107864

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66011266&loc=d3e33918-111571

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66022249&loc=d3e33749-111570

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, amounts due from parties associated with the reporting entity as evidenced by a written promise to pay.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Reflects the sum of all other revenue and income realized from sales and other transactions (excluding transactions that are eliminated in consolidated or combined financial statements) with related party during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=cvx_TengizchevroilLlpMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=cvx_PetropiarMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=cvx_CaspianPipelineConsortiumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=cvx_PetroboscanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=cvx_AngolaLngLimitedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=cvx_GsCaltexCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=cvx_ChevronPhillipsChemicalCompanyLlcMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Investments and Advances (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percentage of affiliate by summarized financial information	100.00%
Investments and advances	$ 32,105	$ 29,789
Carrying amount of long-term debt	30,234	32,490
Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party	8,165	5,786	$ 4,850
Purchased crude oil and products	75,765	59,321	69,751
Accounts and notes receivable due from affiliated companies	1,141	676
Accounts payable due to affiliated companies	498	383
Chevron's loan to affiliates	3,853	3,535	410
Affiliated Entity
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Purchased crude oil and products	$ 4,800	$ 3,468	$ 4,240
Tengizchevroil LLP
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%
Chevron investment carrying value over underlying equity in TCO's net assets	$ 130
Notes receivable from affiliate	$ 2,060
Petropiar
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	30.00%
Chevron investment carrying value less underlying equity in Petropiar net assets	$ 145
Caspian Pipeline Consortium
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	15.00%
Long term loans of Caspian Pipeline Consortium included in investments and advances	$ 727
Percentage of Caspian Pipeline Consortium pipeline construction funded by Loans	30.00%
Petroboscan
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	39.20%
Chevron investment carrying value over underlying equity in Petroboscan's net assets	$ 105
Carrying amount of long-term debt	$ 686
Angola LNG Limited
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	36.40%
GS Caltex Corporation
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%