| **Segment Information (Details) (USD $)**                                      | 12 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                          |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
||
| **Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]**                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| Number of Operating Segments                                                   | 4us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments                                                                                                                                                       |   |   |
| Oil and Gas Sales Revenue                                                      | $ 4,931,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue                                                                                                                                             | $ 4,809,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue | $ 4,037,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue |
| Income from Equity Method Investees                                            | 170,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments                                                                                                                                 | 206,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments | 186,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments |
| Revenues                                                                       | 5,101,000,000us-gaap_Revenues                                                                                                                                                            | 5,015,000,000us-gaap_Revenues | 4,223,000,000us-gaap_Revenues |
| DD&A                                                                       | 1,759,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization                                                                                                                                | 1,568,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization | 1,370,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization |
| Asset Impairments                                                              | 500,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties                                                                                                                                       | 86,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties | 104,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties |
| Gain on Divestitures                                                           | (73,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty                                                                                                                                    | (36,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty | (154,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty |
| Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net | (976,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet                                                                                                   | 133,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet | (75,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet |
| Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes                   | 1,710,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest                                                                         | 1,344,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest | 1,356,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest |
| Equity Method Investments                                                      | 325,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments                                                                                                                                               | 437,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments | 367,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments |
| Additions to Long-Lived Assets                                                 | 5,152,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions                                                                                                                                  | 4,534,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions | 3,525,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions |
| Goodwill at End of Year                                                        | 620,000,000us-gaap_Goodwill                                                                                                                                                              | 627,000,000us-gaap_Goodwill | 635,000,000us-gaap_Goodwill |
| Total Assets at End of Year                                                    | 22,553,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs                                                                                                                                                        | 19,598,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs | 17,509,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs |
| Foreign Countries [Member]                                                     |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| **Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]**                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| Other Revenue, Net                                                             | 1,800,000,000us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_ForeignCountriesMember                                                                             |   | 1,700,000,000us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_ForeignCountriesMember |
| Total Assets at End of Year                                                    | 4,400,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_ForeignCountriesMember                                                                                      | 4,500,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_ForeignCountriesMember | 4,200,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_ForeignCountriesMember |
| United States [Member]                                                         |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| **Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]**                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| Oil and Gas Sales Revenue                                                      | 3,175,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                                            | 3,004,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 2,339,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Income from Equity Method Investees                                            | 9,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                                | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Revenues                                                                       | 3,184,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                                                         | 3,004,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 2,339,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| DD&A                                                                       | 1,318,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                             | 1,117,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 929,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Asset Impairments                                                              | 392,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                                    | 39,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 73,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Gain on Divestitures                                                           | (34,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                                 | (36,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | (154,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net | (604,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                | 67,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | (76,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes                   | 1,150,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                      | 790,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 806,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Equity Method Investments                                                      | 82,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                                             | 184,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 121,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Additions to Long-Lived Assets                                                 | 4,389,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                               | 3,475,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 2,046,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Goodwill at End of Year                                                        | 620,000,000us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                                                           | 627,000,000us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 635,000,000us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| Total Assets at End of Year                                                    | 16,400,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US                                                                                                     | 13,094,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US | 11,199,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= country_US |
| West Africa [Member]                                                           |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| **Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]**                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| Oil and Gas Sales Revenue                                                      | 1,177,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                                  | 1,252,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 1,343,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Income from Equity Method Investees                                            | 161,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                    | 206,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 186,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Revenues                                                                       | 1,338,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                                               | 1,458,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 1,529,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| DD&A                                                                       | 299,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                     | 261,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 255,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Asset Impairments                                                              | 0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                                    | 0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Gain on Divestitures                                                           | 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net | (372,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                      | 66,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 1,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes                   | 1,222,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember            | 936,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 1,074,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Equity Method Investments                                                      | 223,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                                  | 234,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 230,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Additions to Long-Lived Assets                                                 | 261,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                       | 453,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 447,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Goodwill at End of Year                                                        | 0us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                                                           | 0us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 0us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Total Assets at End of Year                                                    | 2,763,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember                                                                                            | 3,199,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember | 3,063,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_AfricaMember |
| Eastern Mediterranean [Member]                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| **Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]**                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| Oil and Gas Sales Revenue                                                      | 479,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                                                          | 391,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 178,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Income from Equity Method Investees                                            | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                                                    | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Revenues                                                                       | 479,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                                                                       | 391,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 178,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| DD&A                                                                       | 63,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                                            | 97,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 111,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Asset Impairments                                                              | 14,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                                                 | 47,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 31,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Gain on Divestitures                                                           | 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                                                        | 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net | 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                        | 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes                   | 284,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember    | 162,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 9,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Equity Method Investments                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                | 0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Additions to Long-Lived Assets                                                 | 201,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                                             | 420,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 869,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Goodwill at End of Year                                                        | 0us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                                                                                 | 0us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 0us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Total Assets at End of Year                                                    | 2,806,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember                                                                                  | 2,753,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember | 2,572,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= nbl_EasternMediterraneanMember |
| Other International And Corporate [Member]                                     |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| **Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]**                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                     |   |   |
| Oil and Gas Sales Revenue                                                      | 100,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                                         | 162,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 177,000,000us-gaap_OilAndGasSalesRevenue/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Income from Equity Method Investees                                            | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                                   | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Revenues                                                                       | 100,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                                                      | 162,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 177,000,000us-gaap_Revenues/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| DD&A                                                                       | 79,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                           | 93,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 75,000,000us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Asset Impairments                                                              | 94,000,000us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                                | 0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 0us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Gain on Divestitures                                                           | (39,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                            | 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net | 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                       | 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes                   | (946,000,000)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | (544,000,000)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | (533,000,000)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Equity Method Investments                                                      | 20,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                                        | 19,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 16,000,000us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Additions to Long-Lived Assets                                                 | 301,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                            | 186,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 163,000,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Goodwill at End of Year                                                        | 0us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                                                                | 0us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | 0us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |
| Total Assets at End of Year                                                    | $ 584,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember                                                                                 | $ 552,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember | $ 675,000,000nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis= us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember |

| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Sum of carrying amounts as of balance sheet date of all assets (with the exception of assets that are held for sale) that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or results.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details**Name:**nbl_AssetsNetOfAhfs**Namespace Prefix:**nbl_**Data Type:**xbrli:monetaryItemType**Balance Type:**debit**Period Type:**instant |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.
+ References
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|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) of derivative instruments not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments.
+ References
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|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - 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
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|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of proven and unproven oil and gas properties.
+ References
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|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.
+ References
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|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
The expense recorded to reduce the value of oil and gas assets consisting of proved properties and unproved properties as the estimate of future successful production from these properties is reduced.
+ References
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|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investments, but before income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 940 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35710027&loc=d3e41242-110953Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 10 -Article 5
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|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.
+ References
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|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Number of operating segments. An operating segment is a component of an enterprise: (a) that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with other components of the same enterprise), (b) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and (c) for which discrete financial information is available. An operating segment may engage in business activities for which it has yet to earn revenues, for example, start-up operations may be operating segments before earning revenues.
+ References
No definition available.
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|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Revenue from the sale of oil and gas during the period.
+ References
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|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Revenues from the sale of other goods or rendering of other services, not elsewhere specified in the taxonomy; net of (reduced by) sales adjustments, returns, allowances, and discounts.
+ References
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|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Amount of acquisition of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.
+ References
No definition available.
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|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss).
+ References
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