Segment Information - Corporation's Results by Operating Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues and non-operating income	$ 2,698	$ 3,494	$ 10,920	$ 9,776
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	366	504	2,962	1,574
Discontinued operations	54	53	165	77
Total	420	557	3,127	1,651
Continuing operations [Member]
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	366	504	2,962	1,574
Continuing operations [Member] | Exploration and Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues and non-operating income	2,706	3,072	9,183	9,292
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	455	608	3,274	1,887
Continuing operations [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation	(89)	(104)	(312)	(313)
Discontinued operations-Downstream businesses [Member]
Net income (loss) attributable to Hess Corporation:
Discontinued operations	$ 54	$ 53	$ 165	$ 77