Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Basic:
Net income (loss) attributable to Stone Energy Corporation									$ 194,332	$ 96,429	$ (218,298)
Net income attributable to participating securities									(3,670)	(1,559)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock - basic									190,662	94,870	(218,298)
Diluted:
Net income (loss) attributable to Stone Energy Corporation									194,332	96,429	(218,298)
Net income attributable to participating securities									(3,667)	(1,558)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock - diluted									$ 190,665	$ 94,871	$ (218,298)
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Weighted average shares - basic									47,988	47,681	43,953
Diluted effect of stock options									42	25
Weighted average shares - diluted									48,030	47,706	43,953
Basic income (loss) per common share	$ 0.93	$ 1.06	$ 1.17	$ 0.81	$ 0.49	$ 0.40	$ 0.57	$ 0.52	$ 3.97	$ 1.99	$ (4.97)
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$ 0.93	$ 1.06	$ 1.17	$ 0.81	$ 0.49	$ 0.40	$ 0.57	$ 0.52	$ 3.97	$ 1.99	$ (4.97)