Summarized Financial Data - Tengizchevroil LLP (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summarized Financial Data (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of affiliate's summarized financial information presented	100.00%
Tengizchevroil LLP [Member]
Balance Sheet - Tengizchevroil LLP
Current assets	$ 3,477	$ 3,376
Other assets	11,619	11,813
Current liabilities	2,995	2,402
Other liabilities	3,759	4,130
Total net equity	$ 8,342	$ 8,657
Summarized Financial Data (Textual) [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

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

+ References+ Details

The amount of current assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

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

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

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of current liabilities reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of equity (capital), including the noncontrolling interest (if any), reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of noncurrent assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of noncurrent liabilities reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

+ Details