Basis Of Presentation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Allowances For Doubtful Accounts

	Three Months Ended March  31, 2012
	(in thousands)
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts balance	$	1,146
Bad debt expense recoveries		(116	)
Other write offs and decreases		(9	)
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts balance	$	1,021

Stock-Based Awards, Lapses, Exercises And Forfeitures

	Restricted Stock Equity Awards			Restricted Stock Liability Awards			Performance Units		Stock Options			Pioneer Southwest LTIP Restricted Units		Pioneer Southwest LTIP Phantom Units
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		1,857,612			322,925			114,128		564,044			7,492		65,157
Awards granted		834,210			216,964			47,875		98,819			—		37,487
Awards vested		(1,184,811	)		(115,245	)		—		—			—		—
Options exercised		—			—			—		(64,509	)		—		—
Awards forfeited		(2,575	)		(2,383	)		—		—			—		—
Outstanding at March 31, 2012		1,504,436			422,261			162,003		598,354			7,492		102,644