| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | APACHE CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000006769 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State 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 |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.625 par value |
| Trading Symbol | APA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
