No definition available.

Name:	cvx_ChargesToExpenseForCashBonuses
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Company's estimated amount that will be recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss during next year related to lump sum settlement costs from domestic pension plans.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_CompanysEstimatedAmountThatWillBeRecognizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDuringNextYearRelatedToLumpSumSettlementCostsFromDomesticPensionPlans
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Company's pension plans as percentage of pension assets.

No definition available.

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

Credits to expense for leveraged employee stock ownership plan.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_CreditsToExpenseForLeveragedEmployeeStockOwnershipPlan
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Defined benefit plan target allocation percentage of assets fixed income and cash range maximum.

No definition available.

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

Defined benefit plan target allocation percentage of assets fixed income and cash range minimum.

No definition available.

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

Discount rate for domestic pension plan.

No definition available.

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

Discount rate for domestic postretirement benefit plan.

No definition available.

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

- Details

Name:	cvx_EmployeeBenefitsTextualAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Higher percentage of projected benefit obligation or market related value of plan assets of which losses are amortized.

No definition available.

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

Interest expense for LESOP debt.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_InterestExpenseForLesopDebt
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Investment in company's common stock.

No definition available.

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

Maximum Annual Increase Percentage to Company Contribution for Retiree Medical Coverage.

No definition available.

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

Maximum annual increases in contribution rate in post retirement benefit.

No definition available.

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

Number of treasury stocks held in the benefit plan trust for funding obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_NumberOfTreasuryStocksHeldInBenefitPlanTrustForFundingObligations
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Number of years net actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss for company's domestic pension plans are being amortized for over straight line basis.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_NumberOfYearsNetActuarialLossesRecordedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossForCompanysDomesticPensionPlansAreBeingAmortizedForOverStraightLineBasis
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Number of years net actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss for company's international pension plans are being amortized for over straight line basis.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_NumberOfYearsNetActuarialLossesRecordedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossForCompanysInternationalPensionPlansAreBeingAmortizedForOverStraightLineBasis
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Number of years net actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss for company's OPEB plans are being amortized for over straight line basis.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_NumberOfYearsNetActuarialLossesRecordedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossForCompanysOpebPlansAreBeingAmortizedForOverStraightLineBasis
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Open market purchases for the company matching contributions to employee accounts within the ESIP.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_OpenMarketPurchasesForCompanyMatchingContributionsToEmployeeAccountsWithinEsip
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Percentage of domestic pension plan assets relative to pension plan assets.

No definition available.

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

Value of shares released from leveraged employee stock ownership plan to reduce cost of company matching contributions to employee accounts within ESIP.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_ValueOfSharesReleasedFromLeveragedEmployeeStockOwnershipPlanToReduceCostOfCompanyMatchingContributionsToEmployeeAccountsWithinEsip
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Various Unocal grantor trust assets invested primarily in interest-earning accounts.

No definition available.

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

Weighted average amortization period in years for recognizing prior service costs credits recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss for domestic pension plan.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriodInYearsForRecognizingPriorServiceCostsCreditsRecordedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossForDomesticPensionPlan
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Weighted average amortization period in years for recognizing prior service costs credits recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss for international pension plan.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriodInYearsForRecognizingPriorServiceCostsCreditsRecordedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossForInternationalPensionPlan
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Weighted average amortization period in years for recognizing prior service costs credits recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss for other postretirement benefit plan.

No definition available.

Name:	cvx_WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriodInYearsForRecognizingPriorServiceCostsCreditsRecordedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossForOtherPostretirementBenefitPlan
Namespace Prefix:	cvx_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

For defined benefit pension plans, the actuarial present value of benefits (whether vested or nonvested) attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered before a specified date and based on employee service and compensation (if applicable) before that date. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels. For plans with flat-benefit or nonpay-related pension benefit formulas, the accumulated benefit obligation and the projected benefit obligation are the same.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph e

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Accumulated Benefit Obligation

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503844

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

The pretax total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

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

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income related to gains and losses that are not recognized immediately and are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year that follows the most recent annual statement of financial position presented.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph s

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 158

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (s)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

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

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income related to prior service cost or credit expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year that follows the most recent annual statement of financial position presented.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph s

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 158

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (s)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

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

An assumption as to the rate of return on plan assets reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (k)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 87

-Paragraph 264

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph j

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512013

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 30

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer.

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

The employer's best estimate, as soon as it can be reasonably determined, of contributions expected to be paid to the plan during the next fiscal year beginning after the date of the latest statement of financial position. Estimated contributions may be presented in the aggregate combining (1) contributions required by funding regulations or laws, (2) discretionary contributions, and (3) noncash contributions.

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

The assumed health care cost trend rate for the next year used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan (gross eligible charges). This is based upon the annual rate of change in the cost of health care benefits currently provided by the postretirement benefit plan, due to factors other than changes in the composition of the plan population by age and dependency status.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph l

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Health Care Cost Trend Rate

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6514820

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (l)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The date(s) used to measure (at least the majority of) plan assets and benefit obligations for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Disclosure required by FAS 132R paragraph 5k prior to being amended by FAS 158.

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

Target allocation maximum percentage of investments in equity securities to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsEquitySecuritiesRangeMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Target allocation minimum percentage of investments in equity securities to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsEquitySecuritiesRangeMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Target allocation maximum percentage in other than debt securities, equity securities, and real estate to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsOtherRangeMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Target allocation minimum percentage in other than debt securities, equity securities, and real estate to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsOtherRangeMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Target allocation maximum percentage of investments in real estate to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsRealEstateRangeMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Target allocation minimum percentage of investments in real estate to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsRealEstateRangeMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The ultimate trend rate for health care costs.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The year when the ultimate health care cost trend rate is expected to be reached.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearThatRateReachesUltimateTrendRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The amount of plan compensation cost recognized during the period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 93-6

-Paragraph 53

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

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

For grandfathered ESOP shares acquired prior to January 1, 1993, the amount of ESOP dividends used to pay debt service by the sop.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 93-6

-Paragraph 53

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 89-8

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.