CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net earnings (loss)	$ (458,552)	$ 87,718	$ (1,002,398)	$ 123,362
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation losses	0	(38,234)	0	(27,763)
Unfunded postretirement benefits, net of tax	185	93	558	311
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	185	(38,141)	558	(27,452)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(458,367)	49,577	(1,001,840)	95,910
Less: total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(1,824)	0	(1,330)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Forest Oil Corporation common shareholders	$ (458,367)	$ 51,401	$ (1,001,840)	$ 97,240