Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Options forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Options cancelled Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Other Increases (Decreases) in Period Outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted average exercise price, beginning of year Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, granted in period Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, forfeited in period Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, canceled in period Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Other Share Increase (Decrease) in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, end of year Options exercisable, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Unvested options, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares Unvested options, weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average remaining contractual term, options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual term, options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual term, options unvested 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, options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, options unvested 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. Restructuring Costs [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] 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 2019 [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2016. Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2018. Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2020. Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2021. 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] Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Less unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Income Statement Impact Of Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Income Statement Impact Of Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Income Statement Impact Of Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] 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 Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [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] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Type of Reserve [Domain] Type of Reserve [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] 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 Additions Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Asset Retirement Obligations, Significant Changes Asset Retirement Obligations, Liabilities Related to Divestitures Asset Retirement Obligations, Liabilities Related to Divestitures Liabilities settled Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled ARO liability, Ending Balance Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Permian Basin [Member] Permian Basin [Member] Permian Basin [Member] 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] Midcontinent Divestitures [Member] Midcontinent Divestitures [Member] Midcontinent Divestitures [Member] Southern Region Divestitures [Member] Southern Region Divestitures [Member] Southern Region Divestitures [Member] Term Loan due 2017 [Member] Term Loan due 2017 [Member] Term Loan due in 2017 Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Oil and Gas and Timber Property Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Oil and Gas and Timber Property Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses Net Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Net acres of producing and undeveloped oil and gas properties Gas And Oil Acreage Acquired Producing And Undeveloped Gas And Oil Acreage Acquired Producing And Undeveloped Number of vertical producing wells Number Of Vertical Producing Wells Number of vertical producing wells Escrow Deposit Escrow Deposit Borrowings to Fund Acquisition Borrowings to Fund Acquisition Borrowings to Fund Acquisition 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 Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] 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] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] NGL sales Natural Gas Midstream Revenue Other revenue Gas Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing Revenue Purchased gas and oil sales Refining and Marketing Revenue Total Revenues Oil and Gas Revenue Purchased gas and oil 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 Depreciation, depletion and amortization Results of Operations, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment OPERATING INCOME Operating Income (Loss) Income from unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Interest expense Interest Expense INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation NET INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Net Income From Discontinued Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net Income From Discontinued Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAX Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Income from discontinued operations before income taxes attributable to QEP from QEP Midstream Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Ownership percentage Ownership Percentage Ownership Percentage Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances Bank Overdrafts Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Term Loan Tranche [Axis] Term Loan Tranche [Axis] Term Loan Tranche [Axis] Term Loan Tranche [Domain] Term Loan Tranche [Domain] [Domain] for Term Loan Tranche [Axis] First Term Loan Tranche [Member] First Term Loan Tranche [Member] First Term Loan Tranche [Member] Second Term Loan Tranche [Member] Second Term Loan Tranche [Member] Second Term Loan Tranche [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Maximum Forecasted Production Covered By Derivatives Maximum Forecasted Production Covered By Derivatives Potential maximum amount of forecasted production covered by derivative contracts. Expected Annual Production Covered By Derivatives Expected Annual Production Covered By Derivatives Expected Annual Production Covered By Derivatives Line of Credit Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Amortization of net actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Amortization of prior service cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Tax Total pension and other postretirement plans adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] New accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Nature of Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Continuing Operations [Member] Continuing Operations [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] REVENUES Revenues [Abstract] Gas sales Natural Gas Production Revenue Oil sales Oil and Condensate Revenue OPERATING EXPENSES Operating Expenses [Abstract] Gas, oil and NGL transportation and other handling costs Gathering and other expense Production and property taxes Exploration expenses Exploration Expense Impairment Asset Impairment Charges Net gain (loss) from asset sales OPERATING INCOME Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative contracts (Note 8) Gain on Derivative Instruments, Pretax Interest and other income (expense) Interest Income, Operating Income from unconsolidated affiliates INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (provision) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income from discontinued operations, net of income tax NET INCOME (LOSS) Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to QEP Weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Used in basic calculation (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Used in diluted calculation (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Weighted-average basic common shares outstanding (in shares) 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 Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Average diluted common shares outstanding (in shares) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Energy [Axis] Energy [Axis] Energy [Domain] Energy [Domain] Natural Gas Sales [Member] Natural Gas Sales [Member] Derivative contracts to lock in a margin on natural gas volumes placed into storage. Purchased Gas and Oil Expense [Member] Purchased Gas and Oil Expense [Member] Derivative contracts recognized in income as purchased gas and oil expense. Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Oil Sales [Member] Oil Sales [Member] Derivative contracts utilized for oil sales. Gas Basis Swaps [Member] Gas Basis Swaps [Member] Gas Basis Swaps [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] 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 Marketing [Member] QEP Marketing [Member] Represents derivative contracts for QEP Marketing. 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 2015 [Member] Year 2015 [Member] Year 2015 [Member] Year 2016 [Member] Year2016 [Member] Year2016 [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 HH [Member] NYMEX [Member] Energy Commodities Exchange Abbreviation IFNPCR [Member] IFNPCR [Member] Energy Commodities Exchange Abbreviation NYMEX WTI [Member] NYMEX WTI [Member] Energy Commodities Exchange Abbreviation BRENT ICE [Member] BRENT ICE [Member] BRENT ICE [Member] NYMEX HH LESS IFNPCR [Member] NYMEX HH LESS IFNPCR [Member] NYMEX HH LESS IFNPCR [Member] Derivative Contract Year Derivative Contract Year The contract year for the derivative contract. Derivative, Underlying Basis Derivative, Underlying Basis Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Underlying, Derivative Asset Underlying, Derivative Asset Underlying, Derivative Asset Underlying, Derivative Derivative Average Price Floor Derivative Average Price Floor Derivative Average Price Floor Derivative Average Price Ceiling Derivative Average Price Ceiling Derivative Average Price Ceiling Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Proved Property [Member] Proved Property [Member] Proved Property [Member] Unproved Property [Member] Unproved Property [Member] Unproved Property [Member] Asset Retirement Obligation [Member] Asset Retirement Obligation [Member] Asset Retirement Obligation [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Fair value of assets acquired (liabilities assumed) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Operations by Line of Business Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Long-term [Member] Long term [Member] Derivative contracts with maturities in excess of one year. Short-term [Member] Short term [Member] Derivative contracts with maturities of one year or less. Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] 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] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] 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] Netting Adjustments [Member] Netting Adjustments [Member] Netting Adjustments [Member] Financial Assets Derivative Asset [Abstract] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net amount of derivative assets presented on condensed consolidated balance sheets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Financial liabilities Derivative Liability [Abstract] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Net amount of derivative liabilities presented on condensed consolidated balance sheets Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Fair value of financial assets and liabilities Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Fair value and related carrying amount of certain financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Business Segments [Axis] 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 Eliminations [Member] Major Customers [Axis] Customer [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] 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] Revenues Oil and Gas Revenue [Abstract] Total Revenues Operating expenses Other operating expenses Other Expenses Operating income (loss) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative contracts Income (loss) before income taxes Income taxes Income from continuing operations NET INCOME (LOSS) Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] 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 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. Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] 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. Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses On Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses On Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses On Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Realized gain (loss) on commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments 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. Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Unrealized gain (loss) on commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments 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 Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Funded Pension Plan [Member] Funded Pension Plan [Member] Information on funded defined benefit pension plan. OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 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 Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Net (gain) loss from asset sales Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates and other Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Unrealized (gains) loss on derivative contracts Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Changes in operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Net Cash (Used In) 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 Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Long-term debt issuance costs paid Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments of credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Treasury stock repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Other capital contributions Proceeds from Other Equity Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Excess tax (provision) benefit on equity-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Distribution to noncontrolling interest Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Net Cash (Used In) 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) Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances Beginning cash and cash equivalents Ending cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Net Cash paid 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 Performance Share Units [Member] Performance Share Units [Member] Incremental common shares attributable to performance share units. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Unvested balance at beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Shares granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Shares vested and canceled Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments other than Options, Canceled in the Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments other than Options, Canceled in the Period Shares forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Unvested balance at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value, grants 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 grant date fair value, vested 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 grant date fair value, vested and canceled Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments other than Options, Canceled in the Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments other than Options, Canceled in the Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value, end of period Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Table Text Block] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Unfunded Pension Plan [Member] Unfunded Pension Plan [Member] Information on unfunded defined benefit pension plan. Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Pension Contributions Pension Contributions Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Value of midstream business sold Value Of Business Sold Value Of Business Sold Debt Refinanced In Business Sale Debt Refinanced In Business Sale Debt Refinanced In Business Sale Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Flows after Disposal Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Flows after Disposal Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Employee Retention Bonus Cost Employee Retention Bonus Cost Employee Retention Bonus Cost Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Income Taxes Receivable, Current Income Taxes Receivable, 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 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 Unproved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method Marketing and resources Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Material 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 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 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] Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Production and property taxes Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Interest payable Interest Payable, Current Derivative Liability, Current Derivative Liability, Current 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 Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) Commitments and Contingencies EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock - par value $0.01 per share; 500.0 million shares authorized; 177.0 million and 176.2 million shares issued, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Treasury stock - 0.4 million and 0.8 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Common Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity Basis of Presentation of Interim Consolidated Financial Statements Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Shares available for future grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Unrecognized compensation costs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted average period for recognition of equity-based compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Total fair value of stock that vested during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value 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. Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] 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 Amortization of prior service costs (1) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of actuarial losses (1) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Special Termination Benefits Special Termination Benefits Special Termination Benefits Periodic expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Summary of operating results by line of business Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] 6.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member] 6.80% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] 6.80% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member] Long-term debt, interest rate (in hundredths) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Maturity date of long-term debt Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Maturity Period Debt Maturity Period Debt Maturity Period Borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths) Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate 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 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 Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Restructuring Costs Restructuring Costs 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 Asset retirement obligations roll forward Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Debt Outstanding Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Litigation Settlement, Amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Components of basic and diluted shares used in EPS Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Tax expense (benefit) on net unamortized gain (loss) incurred Tax expense (benefit) on prior service cost incurred Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Weighted-average expected price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected term in years at the date of grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Acquisitions [Text Block] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]