| **Stock-Based and Other Compensation Plans (Details 4) (USD $)In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified**                 | 12 Months Ended                                                                                     |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
||
| **Share-based Compensation [Abstract]**                                                                                                    |                                                                                                |  |   |  |   |  |
| 401K Plan Employer Matching Contribution, Percent                                                                                          | 6.00%us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent                             |  |   |  |   |  |
| 401K Plan Employer Cash Contributions                                                                                                      | $ 26us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount                          |  | $ 21us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount |  | $ 17us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount |  |
| Mutual Fund Investments                                                                                                                    | 83nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementMutualFundInvestments                                          |  | 88nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementMutualFundInvestments |  |   |  |
| Noble Energy Common Stock (at Fair Value)                                                                                                  | 51us-gaap_CommonStockIssuedEmployeeStockTrust                                                       |  | 88us-gaap_CommonStockIssuedEmployeeStockTrust |  |   |  |
| Total Rabbi Trust Assets                                                                                                                   | 134nbl_TotalRabbiTrustPlanAssets                                                                    |  | 176nbl_TotalRabbiTrustPlanAssets |  |   |  |
| Liability Under Related Deferred Compensation Plan                                                                                         | 134us-gaap_OtherDeferredCompensationArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent                       |  | 176us-gaap_OtherDeferredCompensationArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent |  |   |  |
| Number of Shares of Noble Energy Common Stock Held by Rabbi Trust (in Shares)                                                              | 1,073,286us-gaap_CommonStockSharesHeldInEmployeeTrustShares                                         |  | 1,292,335us-gaap_CommonStockSharesHeldInEmployeeTrustShares |  |   |  |
| Shares of common stock held by rabbi trust (in dollars per share)                                                                          | $ 16.72nbl_SharesOfCommonStockHeldByRabbiTrust                                                      |  |   |  |   |  |
| Deferred Compensation Arrangement Most Shares Held By Individual                                                                           | 1,000,000nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementMostSharesHeldByIndividual                              |  |   |  |   |  |
| Deferred Compensation Arrangement Most Shares Held By Individual Percentage                                                                | 93.00%nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementMostSharesHeldByIndividualPercentage                       |  |   |  |   |  |
| Deferred Compensation Distribution Timeline                                                                                                | 5 years                                                                                             |  |   |  |   |  |
| Deferred Compensation Arrangement Plan Distribution Amount                                                                                 | 200,000nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementPlanDistributionAmount                                    |  | 200,000nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementPlanDistributionAmount |  |   |  |
| Deferred Compensation Arrangement Shares Sold                                                                                              | 19,049nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementSharesSold                                                 |  | 1,008nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementSharesSold |  | 4,536nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementSharesSold |  |
| Deferred Compensation Arrangements Trust Plan Distribution Amount                                                                          | 22nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementsTrustPlanDistributionAmount                                   |  | 25nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementsTrustPlanDistributionAmount |  | 19nbl_DeferredCompensationArrangementsTrustPlanDistributionAmount |  |
| Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense                                                                    | (25)us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense                        | [1] | 26us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense | [1] | 6us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense | [1] |
| Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent                                                                                    | 84us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent                                         |  | 77us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent |  | 70us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent |  |
| Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation                                                                                       | 287us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation                                           |  |   |  |   |  |
| Fair Value of Plan Assets                                                                                                                  | 242us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets                                                  |  |   |  |   |  |
| Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax | $ 82us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax |  |   |  |   |  |
|                                                                                                                                            |
| [1]Amounts represent increases (decreases) in the fair value of shares of our common stock held in a rabbi trust.                          |

| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Number of shares of company stock held in the rabbi trust attributable to a member of the board of directors.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Percentage of shares of company stock held in the rabbi trust attributable to a member of the board of directors.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Mutual fund investments held in a rabbi trust. These mutual funds may include equities, money market instruments, and other types of investments.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
The amount of distributions to rabbi trust participants.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
The number of company shares sold by plan participants in the rabbi trust.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
The decreases to net income related to deferred compensation gains on common stock held in a rabbi trust.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Period of time over which remaining shares held in deferred compensation plan are expected to be distributed.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Price per share of common stock held in a trust that has been set up specifically to accumulate stock for the sole purpose of distribution to participating employees but not yet earned.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of assets held in a Rabbi Trust related to deferred compensation agreements.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Value of common stock issued to a trust (for example, a 'rabbi trust') set up specifically to accumulate stock for the sole purpose of distribution to participating employees. This trust does not allow employees to immediately or after a holding period diversify into nonemployer securities. The deferred compensation plan for which this trust is set up must be settled by the delivery of a fixed number of shares of employer stock.
+ References
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Number of common stock held in a trust that has been set up specifically to accumulate stock for the sole purpose of distribution to participating employees but not yet earned.
+ References
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangement.
+ References
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for all deferred compensation arrangements. Represents currently earned compensation under compensation arrangements that is not actually paid until a later date.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
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.
+ References
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Amount related to the pretax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.
+ References
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.
+ References
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Amount of discretionary contributions made by an employer to a defined contribution plan.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Percentage of employees' gross pay for which the employer contributes a matching contribution to a defined contribution plan.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details**Name:**us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap_**Data Type:**num:percentItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for deferred compensation arrangements other than those specified elsewhere in the taxonomy.
+ References
No definition available.
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| X                                                                                                                                                                  |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
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