Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	$ (497)	$ 4,587	$ 19,241
Upstream [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	(2,537)	(1,961)	16,893
Downstream [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	3,435	7,601	4,336
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	898	5,640	21,229
Operating Segments [Member] | Upstream [Member] | United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	(2,054)	(4,055)	3,327
Operating Segments [Member] | Upstream [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	(483)	2,094	13,566
Operating Segments [Member] | Downstream [Member] | United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	1,307	3,182	2,637
Operating Segments [Member] | Downstream [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Chevron Corporation	2,128	4,419	1,699
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	(168)	0	0
Interest income	58	65	77
Other	$ (1,285)	$ (1,118)	$ (2,065)