Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 11, 2012
Entity Registrant Name	NOBLE ENERGY INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000072207
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 15.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		177,827,784
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012