Stock-Based and Other Compensation Plans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation (Income) Expense	$ 11	$ (12)	$ (25)
401K Plan Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	6.00%
401K Plan Employer Cash Contributions	$ 32	35	$ 26
Mutual Fund Investments	62	63
Noble Energy Common Stock (at Fair Value)	26	35
Total Rabbi Trust Assets	88	98
Liability Under Related Deferred Compensation Plan	$ 88	$ 98
Number of Shares of Noble Energy Common Stock Held by Rabbi Trust	671,269	872,276.87
Shares of common stock held by rabbi trust (in dollars per share)	$ 16.72
Deferred compensation arrangement most shares held by individual	600,000
Deferred compensation arrangement, percent of the most shares held by individual	89.00%
Deferred compensation distribution timeline	3 years
Deferred compensation arrangement plan, distribution amount	200,000	200,000
Deferred compensation arrangement shares sold	1,009	1,009	19,049
Deferred compensation arrangements trust plan, distribution amount	$ 22	$ 18	$ 22
Deferred compensation liabilities	121	$ 119
Phantom Share Units (PSUs)
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards	$ 18
The weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is to be recognized (in years)	2 years