Other Expense (Schedule Of Components Of Other Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Other Expense [Abstract]
Transportation commitment charges	$ 8,453	[1]	$ 5,272	[1]
Inventory impairments	6,041	[2]	285	[2]
Above market drilling and rig termination costs	4,986	[3]	5,159	[3]
Contingency and environmental accrual adjustments	1,216		1,295
Other	2,714		3,483
Loss on extinguishment of debt	197		2,367
Total other expense	$ 23,607		$ 17,861

[1] Primarily represents firm transportation payments on excess pipeline capacity commitments.

[2] Represents valuation charges on excess materials and supplies inventories related to dry gas assets.

[3] Primarily represents charges for the portion of Pioneer's contracted drilling rig rates that are above current market rates and are not charged to joint operations.