SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Maximum time period after which costs of exploratory wells are charged to expense if determination of proved reserves has not been made	12 months
Capitalized exploratory well costs for continuing operations
Balance - Beginning of Year	$ 76	$ 141	$ 140
Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves	29	88	462
Reclassifications to property, plant and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves	(28)	(78)	(423)
Spin-off of California Resources			(17)
Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense	(21)	(75)	(21)
Balance - End of Year	56	76	$ 141
Net capitalized costs attributable to unproved properties	$ 1,400	$ 300
Chemical | Low end of range
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The estimated useful lives of Occidental's chemical assets	3 years
Chemical | High end of range
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The estimated useful lives of Occidental's chemical assets	50 years