Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The interim-period financial information presented in the financial statements included in this report is unaudited and, in the opinion of management, includes all known accruals and adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of ConocoPhillips and its results of operations and cash flows for such periods. All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature unless otherwise disclosed. Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted from the interim financial statements included in this report. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The unrealized (gain) loss on investment in Cenovus Energy included on our consolidated statement of cash flows, previously reflected on the line item “Other” within net cash provided by operating activities, has been reclassified in the comparative period to conform with the current period’s presentation.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Note 2—Changes in Accounting Principles We adopted the provisions of FASB ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” (ASC Topic 326) and its amendments, beginning January 1, 2020 . This ASU, as amended, sets forth the current expected credit loss model, a new forward-looking impairment model for certain financial instruments measured at amortized cost basis based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. This ASU, as amended, which primarily applies to our accounts receivable, also requires credit losses related to available- for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to our financial statements. The majority of our receivables are due within 30 days or less. We monitor the credit quality of our counterparties through review of collections, credit ratings, and other analyses. We develop our estimated allowance for credit losses primarily using an aging method and analyses of historical loss rates as well as consideration of current and future conditions that could impact our counterparties’ credit quality and liquidity.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Practical Expedients Typically, our commodity sales contracts are less than 12 months in duration; however, in certain specific cases may extend longer, which may be out to the end of field life. We have long-term commodity sales contracts which use prevailing market prices at the time of delivery, and under these contracts, the market- based variable consideration for each performance obligation (i.e., delivery of commodity) is allocated to each wholly unsatisfied performance obligation within the contract. Accordingly, we have applied the practical expedient allowed in ASC Topic 606 and do not disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations or when we expect to recognize revenues that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period.
Long-Duration Contracts Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We have entered into contractual arrangements where we license proprietary technology to customers related to the optimization process for operating LNG plants. The agreements typically provide for negotiated payments to be made at stated milestones. The payments are not directly related to our performance under the contract and are recorded as deferred revenue to be recognized as revenue when the customer can utilize and benefit from their right to use the license. Payments are received in installments over the construction period.

Basis of Presentation (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The interim-period financial information

presented in the financial statements included

in this report is

unaudited and, in the opinion of management,

includes all known accruals and adjustments

necessary for a fair

presentation of the consolidated financial

position of ConocoPhillips and its results

of operations and cash

flows for such periods.

All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring

nature unless otherwise disclosed.

Certain notes and other information have been

condensed or omitted from the interim

financial statements

included in this report.

Therefore, these financial statements should

be read in conjunction with the

consolidated financial statements and notes included

in our 2019 Annual Report on Form

10-K.

The unrealized (gain) loss on investment in Cenovus

Energy included on our consolidated statement of cash

flows, previously reflected on the line item

“Other” within net cash provided by operating

activities, has been

reclassified in the comparative period to conform

with the current period’s presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Note 2—Changes in Accounting Principles

adopted

the provisions of FASB ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses

on Financial

Instruments,” (ASC Topic 326) and its amendments,

beginning

January 1, 2020

This ASU, as amended, sets

forth the current expected credit loss model,

a new forward-looking impairment model

for certain financial

instruments measured at amortized cost basis

based on expected losses rather than incurred losses.

This ASU,

as amended, which primarily applies to our accounts

receivable, also requires credit losses related

to available-

for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance

for credit losses.

The adoption of this ASU did

not have a material impact to our financial statements.

The majority of our receivables are due within

30 days

or less.

We monitor the credit quality of our counterparties through review of collections,

credit ratings, and

other analyses.

We develop our estimated allowance for credit losses primarily using an aging method

and

analyses of historical loss rates as well as consideration

of current and future conditions that could impact

our

counterparties’ credit quality and liquidity.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Practical Expedients

Typically,

our

commodity

sales

contracts

are

less

than

months

duration;

however,

certain

specific

cases

may

extend

longer,

which

may

out

the

end

field

life.

We have long-term commodity sales

contracts which use prevailing market prices at the time of delivery, and under these contracts, the market-

based variable consideration for each performance obligation (i.e., delivery of commodity) is allocated to each

wholly unsatisfied performance obligation within the contract.

Accordingly,

we have applied the practical

expedient allowed in ASC Topic 606 and do not disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price

allocated to performance obligations or when we expect to recognize revenues that are unsatisfied (or partially

unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period.

Long-Duration Contracts Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We have entered into contractual arrangements where we license proprietary technology to customers related

to the optimization process for operating LNG plants. The agreements typically provide for negotiated

payments to be made at stated milestones. The payments are not directly related to our performance under the

contract and are recorded as deferred revenue to be recognized as revenue when the customer can utilize and

benefit from their right to use the license. Payments are received in installments over the construction period.