Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating revenues
Total Operating revenues	$ 9,682	$ 10,215
Less: Transfers between affiliates	(14)	(35)
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	545	929
Identifiable assets by operating segment
Assets	40,647		39,136
Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Excise and Similar Taxes	640	560
Exploration and Production [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating revenues	2,896	2,687
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	635	979
Identifiable assets by operating segment
Assets	33,672		32,323
Marketing and Refining [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating revenues	6,800	7,563
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	11	39
Identifiable assets by operating segment
Assets	6,197		6,302
Corporate, including Interest [Member]
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	(101)	(89)
Corporate [Member]
Identifiable assets by operating segment
Assets	$ 778		$ 511