Stock-Based and Other Compensation Plans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation (Income) Expense	$ (12)	$ (25)	$ 26
401K Plan Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	6.00%
401K Plan Employer Cash Contributions	$ 35	26	$ 21
Mutual Fund Investments	63	83
Noble Energy Common Stock (at Fair Value)	35	51
Total Rabbi Trust Assets	98	134
Liability Under Related Deferred Compensation Plan	$ 98	$ 134
Number of Shares of Noble Energy Common Stock Held by Rabbi Trust	872,276.87	1,073,285.68
Shares of common stock held by rabbi trust (in dollars per share)	$ 16.72
Deferred compensation arrangement most shares held by individual	800,000
Deferred compensation arrangement, percent of the most shares held by individual	92.00%
Deferred compensation distribution timeline	4 years
Deferred compensation arrangement plan, distribution amount	200,000	200,000
Deferred compensation arrangement shares sold	1,009	19,049	1,008
Deferred compensation arrangements trust plan, distribution amount	$ 18	$ 22	$ 25
Deferred compensation liabilities	119	$ 84
Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit, Before Tax	88
Rabbi Trust [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation (Income) Expense	$ (16)