| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 26, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000006769 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 26, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | APACHE CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-4300 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 41-0747868 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2000 Post Oak Boulevard |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77056-4400 |
| City Area Code | 713 |
| Local Phone Number | 296-6000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| 7.75% Notes Due 2029 | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.75% Notes Due 2029 |
| Trading Symbol | APA/29 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| New York Stock Exchange | Common Stock | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.625 par value |
| Trading Symbol | APA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Chicago Stock Exchange | Common Stock | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.625 par value |
| Trading Symbol | APA |
| Security Exchange Name | CHX |
| NASDAQ Global Select Market | Common Stock | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.625 par value |
| Trading Symbol | APA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
