Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Company's share of undistributed earnings for equity affiliates	$ 10,127	$ 9,159
Shares available for issuance under the Chevron Corporation LTIP	67,000,000
Maximum number of share that may be issued under LTIP from April 2004 through January 2014	160,000,000
Shares available for issuance under company's non employee directors plan	258,000
Shares authorized for issuance under company's non employee directors plan	800,000