Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Earnings
Net Income attributable to Chevron Corporation	$ 26,895	$ 19,024	$ 10,483
Upstream [Member]
Segment Earnings
Net Income attributable to Chevron Corporation	24,786	17,677	10,932
Upstream [Member] | United States [Member]
Segment Earnings
Net Income attributable to Chevron Corporation	6,512	4,122	2,262
Upstream [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Earnings
Net Income attributable to Chevron Corporation	18,274	13,555	8,670
Downstream [Member]
Segment Earnings
Net Income attributable to Chevron Corporation	3,591	2,478	473
Downstream [Member] | United States [Member]
Segment Earnings
Net Income attributable to Chevron Corporation	1,506	1,339	(121)
Downstream [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Earnings
Net Income attributable to Chevron Corporation	2,085	1,139	594
Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Earnings
Net Income attributable to Chevron Corporation	28,377	20,155	11,405
All Other Segments [Member]
Segment Earnings
Interest Expense		(41)	(22)
Interest Income	78	70	46
Other	$ (1,560)	$ (1,160)	$ (946)