Other Comprehensive Earnings (Components Of Other Comprehensive Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Foreign currency translation:
Beginning accumulated foreign currency translation and other		$ 1,159	$ 1,309	$ 1,226
Change in cumulative translation adjustment		78	(166)	113
Release of Canadian cumulative translation adjustment	[1]	(1,237)
Income tax benefit (expense)			14	(30)
Other			2
Ending accumulated foreign currency translation and other			1,159	1,309
Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
Beginning accumulated pension and postretirement benefits		(132)	(143)	(172)
Net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service cost arising in current year		(10)	(3)	10
Recognition of net actuarial loss and prior service cost in earnings	[2]	6	12	19
Curtailment and settlement of pension benefits		21	47
Income tax expense		(4)	(12)
Other	[3]		(33)
Ending accumulated pension and postretirement benefits		(119)	(132)	(143)
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax		$ (119)	$ 1,027	$ 1,166

[1] In conjunction with the sale of substantially all of its oil and gas assets and operations in Canada, Devon released the cumulative translation adjustment as part of its gain on the disposition of its Canadian business. See Note 18 for additional details.

[2] These accumulated other comprehensive earnings components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost, which is a component of other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings. See Note 16 for additional details.

[3] As a result of Devon’s early adoption of ASU 2018-02 in the fourth quarter of 2018, Devon reclassified $33 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in the December 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet.