Debt and Interest Expense - Outstanding Letters of Credit (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Committed lines	$ 25	$ 274
Uncommitted lines	372	136
Total	$ 397hes_OutstandingLettersOfCredit	$ 410hes_OutstandingLettersOfCredit

Amount of letters of credit outstanding at the balance sheet date related to uncommitted lines.

No definition available.

Name:	hes_OutstandingLettersOfCreditUncommittedLines
Namespace Prefix:	hes_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant