Chapter 11 Proceedings, Liquidity and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 25, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Apr. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 16, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liquidity
Face amount of debt		$ 2,726,000	$ 2,726,000
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 254,973	254,973		$ 3,252		$ 5,774	$ 11,821
Current maturities of long-term debt					$ 1,988,883
Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11
Threshold percentage of beneficial interest		4.75%
Period to file a plan of reorganization		120 days
New Revolving Credit Facility
Liquidity
Proceeds from borrowing	$ 356,000
Face amount of debt		$ 876,000	876,000
Letters of credit outstanding		26,300	26,300
Borrowing base				$ 750,000		$ 1,000,000
2017 Senior Notes
Liquidity
Face amount of debt		350,000	350,000
Legacy Forest Oil Debt
Liquidity
Face amount of debt		800,000	800,000
Term Loan Facility
Liquidity
Face amount of debt		$ 700,000	$ 700,000
Period prior to debt maturity			91 days