Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Employee Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Costs [Abstract] Reconciliation of QEP Energy's restructuring cost Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Credit Risk [Abstract] Credit Risk [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Freepoint Commodities [Member] Freepoint Commodities [Member] Freepoint Commodities [Member] Chevron U.S.A., Inc. [Member] Chevron U.S.A, Inc. [Member] Chevron U.S.A, Inc. [Member] EnterpriseProductsOperatingLP [Member] EnterpriseProductsOperatingLP [Member] EnterpriseProductsOperatingLP [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility due 2016 [Member] Line of Credit [Member] QEP Midstream's Credit Facility [Member] QEP Midstream's Credit Facility [Member] QEP Midstream's Credit Facility [Member] Term Loan due 2017 [Member] Term Loan due 2017 [Member] Term Loan due in 2017 6.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2016. 6.80% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2018. 6.80% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2020. 6.875% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2021. 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2022. 5.25% Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] 5.25% Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] 5.25% Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total principal amount of debt Long-term Debt, Gross Less unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total long-term debt outstanding Long-term Debt Long-term debt, interest rate (in hundredths) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Maturity date of long-term debt Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Maturity period of long-term debt Debt Instrument Maturity Period Represents maturity period of debt instrument. Borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Potential increased borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Number of maturity date extentions Number of maturity date extentions Represents the number of maturity date extensions allowed per the provisions of the credit agreement. Additional period with in which maturity to be extended Additional period with in which maturity to be extended Represents additional period with in which maturity to be extended. Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths) Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Principal amount of senior notes outstanding Senior Notes Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Senior Notes, stated interest rate, minimum (in hundredths) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Senior Notes, stated interest rate, maximim (in hundredths) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract] (Deprecated 2012-01-31) Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure (Unaudited) [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure (Unaudited) [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Abstract [Abstract] Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Abstract [Abstract] Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] QEP Midstream [Abstract] QEP Midstream [Abstract] Schedule of Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Restricted Cash, Noncurrent Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Net Cash paid (received) for income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Non-cash investing activities Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Change in capital expenditure accrual balance Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Current year net actuarial gain loss [Member] Current year net actuarial gain loss [Member] Current year net actuarial gain loss [Member] Amortization net actuarial gain loss [Member] [Member] Amortization net actuarial gain loss [Member] [Member] Amortization net actuarial gain loss [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Other comprehensive income (loss), tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Tax benefit (expense) on gains (losses) on changes in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Tax benefit (expense) on net unamortized gain (loss) incurred Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized (Gain) Loss Arising During Period, Tax Tax expense on prior service cost incurred Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Recognized in Net Periodic Pension Cost, Tax Tax Expense on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Principles of Consolidation [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Trade [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Trade [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Industry of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Industry of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Industry of Counterparty [Domain] Industry of Counterparty [Domain] Legal Entity of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Legal Entity of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Legal Entity Type of Counterparty [Domain] Legal Entity Type of Counterparty [Domain] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Billing Status, Type [Axis] Billing Status, Type [Axis] Receivables Billing Status [Domain] Receivables Billing Status [Domain] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Domain] Receivable Type [Domain] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Types of Financial Instruments [Domain] Types of Financial Instruments [Domain] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Bad Debt Expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Components of basic and diluted shares used in EPS Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs [Abstract] Suspended Well Costs Disclosure [Text Block] Suspended Well Costs Disclosure [Text Block] Projects with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year [Table] Projects with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year [Table] Project Name [Axis] Project Name [Axis] Project with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year, Name [Domain] Project with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year, Name [Domain] Projects with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year [Line Items] Projects with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year [Line Items] Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs, Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs, Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Environmental Exit Cost [Table] Schedule of Environmental Exit Cost [Table] Environmental Exit Cost by Property [Axis] Environmental Exit Cost by Property [Axis] Environmental Exit Costs, Name of Property [Domain] Environmental Exit Costs, Name of Property [Domain] Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items] Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] QEP Midstream Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] QEP Midstream Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] QEP Midstream Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Performance Share Units [Member] Performance Share Units [Member] Incremental common shares attributable to performance share units. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Share-based Compensation, Stock Options [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Shares available for future grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Equity-based compensation Share-based Compensation Total compensation expense related to share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Fair value of options at grant date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Risk-free interest rate range, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Risk-free interest rate range, maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Weighted-average risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected dividend yield (in hundredths) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Award Expected Dividend Yield Minimum The estimated minimum dividend rate (a percentage of the share price) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the option's term. Expected life in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Weighted-Average Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted-Average Price, beginning (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Price, Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Price, Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Outstanding [RollForward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at December 31, 2012 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in shares) Options Excercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Unvested Options (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Unvested Number The number of shares into which unvested stock options outstanding as of the balance sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan. Weighted-Average Price, Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Price, Ending (in dollars per share) Weighted-Average Price, Options Excercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Price, Unvested Options hare Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Unvested Weighted Average Exercise Price The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date for unvested stock options. Weighted-Average Price, beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Price, Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Price, Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Price, Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Price, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Options Excercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Excercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Unvested Options Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Unvested Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term The weighted average period between the balance sheet date and expiration for all unvested portions of options outstanding under the plan, which may be expressed in a decimal value for number of years. Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Unvested Options Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Unvested Intrinsic Value1 The total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices of unvested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the option plan as of the balance sheet date. Intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average period for recognition of compensation costs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Total fair value of stock that vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Employee Service Share-Based Compensation Tax Expense Employee Service Share-Based Compensation Tax Expense Employee Service Share-Based Compensation Tax Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Restricted Shares Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Balance, Ending (in shares) Change in Standardized Measure of Future Cash Flows [Abstract] Change in Standardized Measure of Future Cash Flows [Abstract] Beginning Balance Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves Sales of gas, oil and NGL produced during the period, net of production costs Sales and Transfers of Oil and Gas Produced, Net of Production Costs Net change in sales prices and in production (lifting) costs related to future production Net Increase (Decrease) in Sales and Transfer Prices and Production Costs Net change due to extensions, discoveries and improved recovery Extensions, Discoveries, Additions and Improved Recovery, Less Related Costs Net change due to revisions of quantity estimates Revisions of Previous Quantity Estimates Changes due to purchases of reserves in place Increase Due to Purchases of Minerals in Place Changes due to sales of reserves in place Decrease Due to Sales of Minerals in Place Previously estimated development costs incurred during the period Previously Estimated Development Costs Incurred During Period Changes in estimated future development costs Changes in Estimated Future Development Costs Accretion of discount Accretion of Discount Net change in income taxes Changes in Future Income Tax Expense Estimates on Future Cash Flows Related to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves Other Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flow of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Other Net change Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flow of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Period Increase (Decrease) Ending Balance Divestitures [Abstract] Divestitures [Abstract] Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals by Transaction [Axis] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals by Transaction [Axis] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain] Third Quarter Property Divestitures [Member] Third Quarter Property Divestitures [Member] Third Quarter Property Divestitures [Member] Second Quarter Property Divestitures [Member] Second Quarter Property Divestitures [Member] Second Quarter Property Divestitures [Member] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Proved properties Capitalized Costs, Proved Properties Unproved properties, net Capitalized Costs, Unproved Properties Total proved and unproved properties Capitalized Costs, Oil and Gas Producing Activities, Gross Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization Capitalized Costs, Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Valuation Allowance Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities Net capitalized costs Capitalized Costs, Oil and Gas Producing Activities, Net Results of Operations [Abstract] Results of Operations [Abstract] Revenues (1) Results of Operations, Revenue from Oil and Gas Producing Activities Production costs Results of Operations, Production or Lifting Costs Exploration expenses Results of Operations, Exploration Expense Depreciation, depletion and amortization Results of Operations, Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, and Valuation Provisions Abandonment and impairment Results of Operations, Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Total expenses Results of Operations, Expense from Oil and Gas Producing Activities Income before income taxes Results of Operations, Income before Income Taxes Income taxes Results of Operations, Income Tax Expense Results of operations from producing activities excluding allocated corporate overhead and interest expenses Results of Operations, Oil and Gas Producing Activities Net Income (Excluding Corporate Overhead and Interest Costs) Debt Outstanding Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table] Schedule of Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table] Effect of Fourth Quarter Event Type [Axis] Effect of Fourth Quarter Event Type [Axis] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events, Type [Domain] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events, Type [Domain] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Revenues Oil and Gas Revenue OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME Operating Income (Loss) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO QEP Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Non-recurring income(loss) Non-recurring income(loss) Non-recurring income(loss) Basic total Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted total Earnings Per Share, Diluted Standardized Measure of Future Net Cash Flows [Abstract] Standardized Measure of Future Net Cash Flows [Abstract] Future cash inflows Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Cash Inflows Future production costs Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Production Costs Future development costs Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs Future income tax expenses Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Income Tax Expense Future net cash flows Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Net Cash Flows 10% annual discount for estimated timing of net cash flows Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, 10 Percent Annual Discount for Estimated Timing of Cash Flows Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Standardized Measure Estimated Quantities of Proved Gas and Oil Reserves [Abstract] Estimated Quantities of Proved Gas and Oil Reserves [Abstract] Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Gas Reserve Quantities [Table] Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Gas Reserve Quantities [Table] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Type of Reserve [Domain] Type of Reserve [Domain] Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Oil [Member] Oil [Member] Natural Gas Liquids [Member] Natural Gas Liquids [Member] Total Reserves Natural Gas Equivalent [Member] Total Reserves Natural Gas Equivalent [Member] This element represents total natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves, presented as natural gas equivalents. Reserve Quantities [Line Items] Reserve Quantities [Line Items] Reserves, Unit of Measure Reserves, Unit of Measure Proved reserves balance Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves, Net Extensions and discoveries Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves, Revisions of Previous Estimates Extensions and discoveries Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves, Extensions, Discoveries, and Additions Purchase of reserves in place Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves, Purchases of Minerals in Place Sale of reserves in place Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves, Sales of Minerals in Place Production Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves, Production Proved reserves balance Proved developed reserves Proved Developed Reserves (Volume) Proved undeveloped reserves Proved Undeveloped Reserve (Volume) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Subsequent Event Note 15 [Abstract] Subsequent Event Note 15 [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings Standardized Measure of Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Reserves [Abstract] Standardized Measure of Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Reserves [Abstract] Average Sales Price and Production Costs Per Unit of Production [Table] Average Sales Price and Production Costs Per Unit of Production [Table] Oil and Gas Production Type [Axis] Oil and Gas Production Type [Axis] Production Type [Domain] Production Type [Domain] Average Sales Price and Production Costs Per Unit of Production [Line Items] Average Sales Price and Production Costs Per Unit of Production [Line Items] 12 month average first-of the month commodity price Average Sales Prices NET INCOME Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Effect of derivative financial instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Current year net actuarial gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Amortization of net actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Amortization of net prior service cost Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Recognized in Net Periodic Pension Cost, Net of Tax Net curtailment cost incurred Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Non-Pension Postretirement Plan Valuation, Net of Tax Total pension and other postretirement plans adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to QEP Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building [Member] Building [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Equipment [Member] Equipment [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Interest Costs, Including Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Estimated Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Characterization of gain or loss [Axis] Characterization of gain or loss [Axis] Characterization of gain or loss [Axis] Characterization of gain or loss [Domain] Characterization of gain or loss [Domain] [Domain] for Characterization of gain or loss [Axis] Realized Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments [Member] Realized Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss or Write-down) [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss or Write-down) [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Domestic Equity Securities [Member] Domestic Equity Securities [Member] This category includes information about ownership interests or the right to acquire ownership interests in corporations and other legal entities which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable no redeemable at the option of the holder), convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants. Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Foreign Equity Securities [Member] Foreign Equity Securities [Member] This category includes information about ownership interests or the right to acquire ownership interests in corporations and other legal entities which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable no redeemable at the option of the holder), convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants. Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Multiemployer Plan, Plan Information [Axis] Multiemployer Plan, Plan Information [Axis] Multiemployer Plan, Plan Information [Domain] Multiemployer Plan, Plan Information [Domain] Active Employees [Member] Active Employees [Member] Active Employees [Member] Percent of Active Employees [Member] Percent of Active Employees [Member] Percent of Active Employees [Member] Non-active Employees [Member] Non-active Employees [Member] Non-active Employees [Member] Pension [Member] Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Postretirement benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plans Funding Type [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans Funding Type [Axis] The funding type of defined benefit plan. Plan Funding Type [Domain] Plan Funding Type [Domain] Information on defined benefit plan by funding type. Funded Pension Plan [Member] Funded Pension Plan [Member] Information on funded defined benefit pension plan. Unfunded Pension Plan [Member] Unfunded Pension Plan [Member] Information on unfunded defined benefit pension plan. Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Percentage of Total Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Description of Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Description of Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Employees Covered Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Employees Covered Postretirement Health Care Benefits, Number of Eligible Postretirement Health Care Benefits, Number of Eligible Postretirement Health Care Benefits, Number of Eligible Postretirement Health Care Benefits, Number of Employees Covered Postretirement Health Care Benefits, Number of Employees Covered Postretirement Health Care Benefits, Number of Employees Covered Contributions to pension plan Pension Contributions Expected to contribute to pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Change in benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation at January 1, Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Change in plan assumptions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Benefit payments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Change in plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual gain (loss) on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Company contributions to the plan Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Underfunded status (current and long-term) Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Ending Balance Amounts recognized in balance sheets Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued expenses Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Other long-term liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total amount recognized in balance sheet Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Amounts recognized in AOCI Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Net actuarial loss (gain) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Prior service cost Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Total amount recognized in AOCI Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Amortization of prior service costs Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Periodic expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Current period actuarial loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Arising During Period, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Arising During Period, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of increase in compensation Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Rate of increase in compensation Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2018 through 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Netting Adjustments [Member] Netting [Member] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Carrying Amount [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Oil and Gas Property or Project [Axis] Oil and Gas Property or Project [Axis] Unproved Oil and Gas Property or Major Project [Domain] Unproved Oil and Gas Property or Major Project [Domain] Proved properties [Member] Proved properties [Member] Represents proved properties and major development projects that are included from the capitalized costs being amortized. Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Financial Assets Derivative Assets [Abstract] Derivative instruments - short-term Derivative Assets, Current Derivative instruments - long-term Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Derivative Assets Derivative Assets Financial liabilities Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Derivative instruments - short-term Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivative instruments - long-term Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Derivative Liabilities Derivative Liabilities Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances, fair value disclosure The fair value amount of checks outstanding in excess of cash balances whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Level 3 Unobservable input reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Realized gains and losses Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Other Income Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3 Ending Balance Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Proved properties, estimated fair values Proved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Fair Value Disclosure The fair value of Oil and Gas properties with proved reserves under the successful effort method. Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] TreasuryStock [Policy Text Block] TreasuryStock [Policy Text Block] An entity's accounting policy for shares that have been repurchased. Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Operating lease commitments [Abstract] Operating lease commitments [Abstract] Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Business Segments [Axis] QEP Energy [Member] QEP Energy [Member] QEP Energy Company, (QEP Energy) acquires, explores for, develops and produces natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids (NGL). QEP Field Services [Member] QEP Field Services [Member] All volumes and swap price transactions for commodity derivative contracts related to QEP Field Services. QEP Marketing [Member] QEP Marketing [Member] Represents derivative contracts for QEP Marketing. QEP Resources [Member] QEP Resources [Member] Represents derivative contracts for QEP Resources. Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] One-time Termination Benefits [Member] One-time Termination Benefits [Member] Employee Relocation [Member] Employee Relocation [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Estimated restructuring costs Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Restructuring costs incurred to date Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Increase (Decrease) in Restructuring Liability [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Restructuring Liability [Abstract] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Balance at December 31, 2012 Restructuring Reserve Costs paid or otherwise settled Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Balance at December 31, 2013 Number of regional offices created Number of regional offices created Represents the number of regional offices created from Consolidation of two offices to make one Regional Head Office. Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Asset Retirement Obligation, Current ARO Liability [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] ARO liability, Beginning Balance Asset Retirement Obligation Accretion Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Liabilities incurred Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Revisions of Estimates Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate ARO Liabilities Transferred ARO Liabilities Transferred ARO Liabilities Transferred Liabilities settled Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled ARO liability, Ending Balance Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Fair value of derivative contracts Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets Gas, oil and NGL inventories, at lower of average cost or market Energy Related Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Property, Plant and Equipment (successful efforts method for gas and oil properties) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Proved properties Proved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method Unproved properties, net Unproved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method Midstream field services Midstream Field Services Property Natural gas gathering systems and treating plants. Marketing and other Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Materials and supplies Inventory, Drilling, Noncurrent Total Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction [Abstract] Exploration and production Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Midstream field services Accumulated Depreciation Midstream Field Services Accumulated depreciation of natural gas gathering systems and treating plants. Marketing and other Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Accumulated Depreciation Total Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Investment in unconsolidated affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Fair value of derivative contracts Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent TOTAL ASSETS Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances Bank Overdrafts Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Production and property taxes Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Interest payable Interest Payable, Current Fair value of derivative contracts Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Liabilities Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Fair value of derivative contracts Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) Commitments and Contingencies EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock - par value $0.01 per share; 500.0 million shares authorized; 179.3 million and 178.5 million shares issued, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Treasury stock - 0.4 million and 0.1 million shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Common Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity Supplemental Gas and Oil Information (Unaudited) [Abstract] Supplemental Gas and Oil Information (Unaudited) [Abstract] Capitalized Costs Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities Disclosure [Table Text Block] Capitalized Costs Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities Disclosure [Table Text Block] Cost Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities Disclosure [Table Text Block] Cost Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities Disclosure [Table Text Block] Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities Disclosure [Table Text Block] Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Gas Reserve Quantities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Gas Reserve Quantities [Table Text Block] Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Cash Flows Relating to Proved Reserves Disclosure Price per Unit [Table Text Block] Oil and Gas Net Production, Average Sales Price and Average Production Costs Disclosure [Table Text Block] Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Cash Flows Relating to Proved Reserves Disclosure [Table Text Block] Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Cash Flows Relating to Proved Reserves Disclosure [Table Text Block] Principal Sources of Change in Standardized measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Principal Sources of Change in Standardized measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the sources of changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows during the period. Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Discontinued operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Deferred Revenue Deferred Revenue Future Development Costs [Abstract] Future Development Costs [Abstract] Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs, Next Twelve Months Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs, Next Twelve Months 2013 - Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs, Next Twelve Months Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs, Year Two Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs, Year Two Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs, Year Two Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs, Year Three Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs, Year Three Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves, Future Development Costs, Year Three Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Fair value of financial assets and liabilities Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Change in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair value and related carrying amount of certain financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industries Disclosures [Abstract] Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industries Disclosures [Text Block] Restructuring Costs Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Federal Income Tax Note [Table] Federal Income Tax Note [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items] Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Current federal income tax expense (benefit) Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current state income tax expense (benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred state income tax expense (benefit) Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred tax liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Commodity price and interest rate derivatives Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred tax assets Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Derivatives Deferred Tax Assets, Derivatives deferred tax assets, derivatives NOL and tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Employee benefits and compensation costs Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Accrued litigation loss contingency Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Loss Reserves Bonus and vacation accrual Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Net deferred income tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred income tax liability - current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred income tax liability -current Deferred income tax liability - non-current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards [Abstract] Federal income taxes statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Increase (decrease) in rate as a result of: Effective tax rate reconciliation, increase decrease [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes Penalties Income tax rate reconciliation penalties Income tax rate reconciliation penalties Return to provision adjustment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes Noncontrolling interest Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Expense) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss, Cumulative Changes In Gain Loss From Cash Flow Hedges Effect, Before Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss, Cumulative Changes In Gain Loss From Cash Flow Hedges Effect, Before Tax Accumulated change, before tax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. Unrealized gains on derivative contracts, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Volumes and Average Prices Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Fair values of Derivatives by Balance Sheet Location Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Effects of Derivative Transactions Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Shares, Issued Shares, Issued Dividends Dividends Equity-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Equity-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Distribution to QEP Education Foundation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests TreasuryStockIssuedCharitableContribution TreasuryStockIssuedCharitableContribution Treasury stock issued for charitable contributions Equity from Questar Stockholders' Equity, Other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Gain reclassified from AOCI into income for effective portion of hedge Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Balance Shares, Issued Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] QEP Marketing and Other [Member] QEP Marketing and Other [Member] QEP Marketing Company (QEP Marketing) markets affiliate and third-party natural gas and oil, provides risk-management services, and owns and operates an underground gas-storage reservoir. Other includes other marketing businesses. Elimination [Member] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Major Customers [Axis] Major Customers [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Unaffiliated customers [Member] Unaffiliated customers [Member] Unaffiliated is a party that, indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the entity. Affiliated customers [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Revenues Oil and Gas Revenue [Abstract] Total Revenues Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Purchased gas, oil and NGL expense Refining and Marketing Costs Lease operating expense Oil and Gas Property, Lease Operating Expense Natural gas, oil and NGL transportation and other handling costs Shipping, Handling and Transportation Costs Gathering, processing and other Gas Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing Costs General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Production and property taxes Production Tax Expense Results of Operations, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion Results of Operations, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion Other Expenses Other Expenses Operating Expenses Operating Expenses Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative contracts Gain on Derivative Instruments, Pretax Interest and other income Interest Income, Operating Income from unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Loss from early extinguishment of debt Interest expense Interest Expense Income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Assets Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Cash capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Accrued capital expenditures Accrued capital expenditures Capital expendiutures, including those expeditures that have been incurred but for which cash has not been paid. Summary of operating results by line of business Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Impairment of long-lived assets [Abstract] Impairment of long-lived assets [Abstract] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Southern Region [Member] Southern Region [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Northern Region [Member] Northern Region [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Unproved properties [Member] Unproved properties [Member] Represents unproved properties and major development projects that are excluded from the capitalized costs being amortized. Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Contracts Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Beginning Balance Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost, Additions Pending Determination of Proved Reserves Reclassifications to proved properties after the determination of proved reserves Reclassification to Well, Facilities, and Equipment Based on Determination of Proved Reserves Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost, Charged to Expense Ending Balance Schedule of calculated fair value of options granted and major assumptions used Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summary of stock option transactions under the terms of LTSIP Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Restricted Shares and Performance Share Units Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Contracts [Abstract] Derivative Contracts [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative, Gain Loss by Income Statement Location [Axis] Derivative, Gain Loss by Income Statement Location [Axis] The location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance. Derivative, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Domain] Derivative, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Domain] The income statement and other comprehensive income location of gains and losses on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, by income statement location. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Natural Gas Sales (MMbtu) [Member] Natural Gas Sales [Member] Derivative contracts to lock in a margin on natural gas volumes placed into storage. NGL Sales [Member] NGL Sales [Member] Derivative contracts to lock in a margin on NGL volumes placed into storage. Oil Sales (Bbls) [Member] Oil Sales [Member] Derivative contracts utilized for oil sales. Marketing Purchases [Member] Marketing Purchases [Member] Marketing Purchases. Interest Income [Member] Interest Income [Member] Realized and unrealized gains on commodity derivative instruments [Member] Realized and unrealized gains on commodity derivative instruments [Member] The income statement location of gains and losses on derivative instruments on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, by income statement location. Derivative Instrument Contract Type [Axis] Derivative Instrument Contract Type [Axis] Information by name that identifies a derivative or a group of derivatives by (derivative) contract risk type. Derivative Instrument Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Instrument Contract Type [Domain] The name that identifies a derivative or a group of derivatives, on a disaggregated basis, by contract risk type. Natural gas derivative contracts [Member] Natural gas derivative contracts [Member] Derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to commodity prices. Oil derivative contracts [Member] Oil derivative contracts [Member] Derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to commodity prices. NGL derivative contracts [Member] NGL derivative contracts [Member] Derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to commodity prices. Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Realized gain (loss) on commodity derivative contracts Realized gain (loss) on commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments Represents the realized gain (loss) on commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments for the period. Unrealized gain (loss) on commodity derivative contracts Unrealized gain (loss) on commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments Represents the unrealized gain (loss) on commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments for the period. Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Contracts Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Contracts Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Total Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Contracts Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Realized gain (loss) derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments Realized gain (loss) derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments Realized gain (loss) derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments Unrealized gain (loss) derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments Unrealized gain (loss) derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments Unrealized gain (loss) derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments Total gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the effective portion of hedge recognized in AOCI [Abstract] Gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the effective portion of hedge recognized in AOCI [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net [Abstract] Gain on derivative instruments for the effective portion of hedge recognized in AOCI Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net [Abstract] Gain recognized in income for the ineffective portion of hedges Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Uintah Basin Field Services, LLC [Member] Unitah Basin Field Services LLC [Member] Unitah Basin Field Services LLC Three Rivers Gathering LLC [Member] Three Rivers Gathering LLC [Member] Three Rivers Gathering LLC Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Acquisitions [Abstract] Acquisitions [Abstract] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Acquisitions and divestitures [Text Block] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Used in basic calculation Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Potential number of shares issuable upon excerise of in-the-money stock options under the Long-term Stock Incentive Plan Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Average diluted common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation, depletion and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Equity-based compensation Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Net gain from asset sales Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Income from unconsolidated affiliates Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates and other Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative contracts Changes in operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Federal income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Other Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Property acquisitions Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property Property, plant and equipment, including dry exploratory well expense Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Equipment Proceeds from disposition of assets Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Acquisition deposit held in escrow acquisition deposit held in escrow acquisition deposit held in escrow Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances Increase (Decrease) in Outstanding Checks, Financing Activities Long-term debt issued Long-term debt issuance costs paid Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Long-term debt repaid Repayments of Senior Debt Proceeds from credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments of credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Treasury stock repurchased Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Other capital contributions Proceeds from Other Equity Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Excess tax benefit on equity-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Distribution from Questar Payments of Distributions to Affiliates Distribution to noncontrolling interest Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Beginning cash and cash equivalents Ending cash and cash equivalents Property acquisitions Property acquistions [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Accrued capital costs included in development costs Accrued capital costs included in development costs Represents capital costs accrued for the development of proved reserves. Costs Incurred, Asset Retirement Obligation Incurred Costs Incurred, Asset Retirement Obligation Incurred Costs Incurred To Advance The Development Of Proved Undeveloped Reserves Costs Incurred To Advance The Development Of Proved Undeveloped Reserves The costs incurred during the period to advance the development of reserves that were classified as proved undeveloped. Unproved Costs Incurred, Acquisition of Unproved Oil and Gas Properties Proved Costs Incurred, Acquisition of Oil and Gas Properties with Proved Reserves Total Property Acqusitions Total Property Acqusitions Costs Incurred Total Proved and Unproved Property Acqusitions Costs Incurred Costs Incurred, Exploration Costs Costs Incurred, Exploration Costs Costs Incurred, Development Costs Costs Incurred, Development Costs Costs Incurred, Acquisition of Oil and Gas Properties Costs Incurred, Acquisition of Oil and Gas Properties Income Statement [Abstract] REVENUES Revenues [Abstract] Natural gas sales Natural Gas Production Revenue Oil sales Oil and Condensate Revenue NGL sales Natural Gas Midstream Revenue Gathering, processing and other Gas Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing Revenue Purchased gas, oil and NGL sales Refining and Marketing Revenue Total Revenues OPERATING EXPENSES Natural gas, oil and NGL transport and other handling costs Exploration expenses Exploration Expense Total Operating Expenses Net gain from asset sales OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) Realized and unrealized gains on derivative contracts (Note 7) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO QEP Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to QEP Weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Used in diluted calculation Dividends per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs Business Combination, Consideration Given [Abstract] Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract] Cash Paid at Closing Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Total estimate consideration given Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net [Abstract] Proved properties Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Mineral Rights Unproved Properties Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Asset retirement obligations Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Liabilities assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed Other assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Assets Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Pro Forma Revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Pro Forma Net Income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Actual Basic total Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Actual Diluted total Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Operations by Line of Business Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Gas Balancing Asset (Liability) Gas Balancing Asset (Liability) Asset retirement obligations roll forward Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Short term [Member] Short term [Member] Derivative contracts with maturities of one year or less. Long term [Member] Long term [Member] Derivative contracts with maturities in excess of one year. Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Commodity Contract [Member] Swap [Member] Swap [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Purchased Gas and Oil Expense [Member] Purchased Gas and Oil Expense [Member] Derivative contracts recognized in income as purchased gas and oil expense. Derivative Contract Year [Axis] Derivative Contract Year [Axis] Tabular presentation of derivative instruments by year of contract. Derivative Contract Year [Domain] Derivative Contract Year [Domain] Tabular presentation of derivative instruments by year of contract. Year 2013 [Member] Year 2013 [Member] Derivative contracts which settle in 2012. Year 2015 [Member] [Domain] Year 2015 [Member] [Domain] Year 2015 [Member] [Domain] 2014 [Member] Year 2014 [Member] Year 2014 [Member] Energy Commodities Exchange [Axis] Energy Commodities Exchange [Axis] Exchange where various commodities and derivatives products are traded Energy Commodities Exchange Abbreviation [Domain] Energy Commodities Exchange Abbreviation [Domain] Exchange abbreviation where various commodities and derivatives products are traded. NYMEX [Member] NYMEX [Member] Energy Commodities Exchange Abbreviation IFNPCR [Member] IFNPCR [Member] Energy Commodities Exchange Abbreviation NYMEX WTI [Member] NYMEX WTI less ICE Brent differential [Member] [Domain] NYMEX WTI less ICE Brent differential [Member] [Domain] NYMEX WTI [Member] NYMEX WTI [Member] Energy Commodities Exchange Abbreviation Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Forecasted production from proved reserves (in hundredths) Maximum Forecasted Production Covered By Derivatives Potential maximum amount of forecasted production covered by derivative contracts. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Unrealized gains on derivative contracts Asset Retirement Obligation Year Derivative Contract Year The contract year for the derivative contract. Index Derivative, Underlying Basis Derivative Contracts - Volumes and Prices Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Total Volume (in Bcf, Mbbl, millions of gallons, millions of MMBtu) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Average Swap price per unit ($ per unit) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Price Per Unit Notional amount of interest rate derivatives Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Maturity Derivative, Maturity Date Fixed Rate Paid (in hundredths) Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Variable Rate Received Derivative, Description of Terms Fair Value of Derivative Contracts, Gross [Abstract] Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Table of Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Table of Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Nature of Expense [Axis] Nature of Expense [Axis] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services [Member] 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Offering Costs, Partnership Interests Offering Costs, Partnership Interests Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold to Underwriters Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold to Underwriters Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold to Underwriters in connection with Initial public offering Partners Capital Account Units Sold In Public Offering Price Per Unit Partners Capital Account Units Sold In Public Offering Price Per Unit The price per unit of units sold in a public offering of each class of partners' capital account. Partners' Capital Account, Public Sale of Units Net of Offering Costs Partners' Capital Account, Public Sale of Units Net of Offering Costs net proceeds from issuance of units to underwriters net proceeds from issuance of units to underwriters net proceeds from issuance of units to underwriters in connection with initial public offering Offering Costs from issuance of Units to Underwriters Offering Costs from issuance of Units to Underwriters Offering Costs from issuance of Units to Underwriters in connection with initial public offering Affiliate Payment for General and Administrative Services Affiliate Payment for General and Administrative Services Affiliate Payment for General and Administrative Services Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest General Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued General Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Membership Interest Related to Common Units Membership Interest Related to Common Units Membership Interest Related to Common Units Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Other Ownership Interests, Units Issued Other Ownership Interests, Units Issued Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payment of issuance costs related to midstream facility Payment of issuance costs related to midstream facility Repayments of Related Party Debt Repayments of Related Party Debt Net proceeds distributed to parent from the Offering Net proceeds distributed to parent from Offering Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold in Public Offering Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold in Public Offering