| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | NOBLE ENERGY INC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000072207 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-07964 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 73-0785597 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1001 Noble Energy Way |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77070 |
| City Area Code | (281) |
| Local Phone Number | 872-3100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | NBL |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
