v2.4.0.6

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Changes In Level 3 Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Level 3 plan assets | $ 90 | $ 58 | $ 51
Investment Returns Of Hedge Funds [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Level 3 plan assets | (1) | 4 |
Purchases Of Hedge Funds [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Level 3 plan assets | $ 33 | $ 3 |

X
- Definition Level Three Plan Asset + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dvn_LevelThreePlanAsset
Namespace Prefix: | dvn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration