Chapter 11 Proceedings, Liquidity and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (Details) $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2016 USD ($) item	Feb. 25, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11
Number of claims filed | item	1,542
Value of claims filed	$ 4,970,000
Threshold percentage of beneficial interest			4.75%
Minimum number of claims, as a percent, in each class voting to accept the plan of reorganization			50.00%
Minimum dollar amount, as a percent, of claims in each class voting to accept the plan of reorganization			66.67%
Minimum amount of equity interests, as a percent, in each class voting to accept the plan of reorganization			66.67%
Number of classes junior to the common stock receiving or retaining property under the reorganization plan | item			0
Number of classes of claims or interests senior to the common stock being paid more than in full | item			0
Liquidity and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
Total outstanding principal amount of debt obligations			$ 2,800,000
Cash and cash equivalents			208,637	$ 3,252	$ 11,821	$ 6,193
Revolving Credit Facility
Liquidity and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
Proceeds from New Revolving Credit Facility		$ 356,000
Total outstanding principal amount of debt obligations			902,000
2017 Senior Notes
Liquidity and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
Unsecured notes outstanding			350,000
Legacy Forest Oil Debt
Liquidity and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
Total outstanding principal amount of debt obligations			800,000
Term Loan Facility
Liquidity and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
Total outstanding principal amount of debt obligations			$ 700,000		$ 650,000
Minimum
Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11
Number of impaired classes of claims or equity interests that may reject reorganization plan but Bankruptcy Court may still approve plan | item			1