Consolidated Statement Of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 5,651,138	$ 1,331	$ 3,613,808	$ (458,281)	$ 2,335,066	$ (3,130)	$ 162,344
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		121,856,000
Dividends declared ($0.04 per share)	(4,982)				(4,982)
Exercise of long-term incentive plan stock options	1,008		(965)	2,780	(807)
Exercise of long-term incentive plan stock options, shares		65,000
Treasury stock purchases	(56,317)			(56,129)			(188)
Treasury stock purchases, shares		(527,000)
Conversion of 2.875% senior convertible notes	0		(2)	2
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation	17,545		17,545
Deferred tax provision attributable to 2008 Pioneer Southwest initial public offering	(49,072)		(49,072)
Compensation costs:
Vested compensation awards, net	0	17	(17)
Vested compensation awards, net, shares		1,642,000
Compensation costs included in net income	31,061		30,502				559
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	(17,956)						(17,956)
Net income	181,421				144,227		37,194
Deferred hedging activity, net of tax:
Net hedge losses included in continuing operations	3,130					3,130
Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	$ 5,756,976	$ 1,348	$ 3,611,799	$ (511,628)	$ 2,473,504	$ 0	$ 181,953
Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2012		123,036,000