Summarized Quarterly Financial Information Unaudited (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
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information
Operating revenue	$ 222,742	$ 213,007	$ 234,132	$ 198,738	$ 171,447	$ 155,417	$ 167,638	$ 166,235	$ 864,557	$ 660,184	$ 718,682
Income from operations	73,399	80,694	92,155	64,752	41,100	34,555	44,107	45,392	311,000	165,154	(313,525)
Net income (loss) attributable to Stone Energy Corporation	$ 45,523	$ 51,821	$ 57,196	$ 39,792	$ 23,757	$ 19,382	$ 27,872	$ 25,418	$ 194,332	$ 96,429	$ (218,271)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stone Energy Corporation stockholders	$ 0.93	$ 1.06	$ 1.17	$ 0.81	$ 0.49	$ 0.40	$ 0.57	$ 0.52	$ 3.97	$ 1.99	$ (4.97)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stone Energy Corporation stockholders	$ 0.93	$ 1.06	$ 1.17	$ 0.81	$ 0.49	$ 0.40	$ 0.57	$ 0.52	$ 3.97	$ 1.99	$ (4.97)