Accumulated Amortization Of Deferred Finance Costs And Other Assets Represents the amount of accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs and other assets on the reporting date by the entity. Deferred financing costs and other assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars) Accrete convertible preferred units to redemption amount Represents the accretion of preferred units to redemption amount. Accrete of Preferred Units to Redemption Cash Paid for [Abstract] Cash paid for: Aggregate par or stated value of issued common units. Common Units Common units, 100,000,000 units authorized; zero and 19,069,662 issued at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively The authorized number of common units permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Common Units Authorized Common units, units authorized Common units, authorized (in shares) Common Units Issued Total number of common units of an entity that have been sold or granted to owners (includes common units that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These units represent capital invested by the firm's owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of units authorized. Units issued include units outstanding and shares held in the treasury. Common units, units issued Deemed Payment and Termination of Notes Receivable Deemed payment and termination of notes receivable The value of deemed payment and termination of notes receivable in noncash investing or financing transactions. Document and Entity Information Joint Interest Billings Jubilee Field Unitization Amendment Description Jubilee Field Unitization Disclosure [Text Block] Jubilee Field Unitization Entire disclosure on the Jubilee Field Unitization. Amendment Flag Notes receivable applied to FPSO purchase Notes Receivable Applied The fair value of notes receivable applied in noncash investing activities. Acquisition of FPSO Acquisition of FPSO Acquisition of F P S O Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for acquisition of FPSO. It also includes the disclosure for notes receivable applied to the purchase price. Joint Interest Billings Oil and Gas Joint Interest Billing Receivable Disclosure [Text Block] Represents all disclosure related to joint interest billings in one text block. Stock Issued During Period Shares Share Based Compensation Forfeited and Cancelled Number of shares (or other type of equity) forfeited and cancelled during the period. Relinquishments of profit units (in shares) Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Accounting Policies Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Oil sales Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued liabilities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Equity-based compensation Long-term receivables - joint interest billings, allowance (in dollars) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization - deferred financing costs Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Asset retirement obligations Beginning asset retirement obligations Ending asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Assets, Current Total current assets Assets Total assets Basic Earnings Per Share, Pro Forma Pro forma basic (in dollars per share) Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Class of Stock [Domain] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies Common Shares Common Stock [Member] Common Stock, Value, Issued Common shares, $0.01 par value; 2,000,000,000 authorized shares; 391,411,703 and 390,530,946 issued at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common shares, issued shares Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common shares, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common shares, authorized shares 401(k) Plan Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule I Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements Schedule I Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible preferred units Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Deferred financing costs and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $10,970 and $6,582, respectively Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Current deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Long-term deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Depletion, depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivatives Derivatives liabilities - current Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Derivatives Derivatives liabilities - long-term Pro forma diluted (in dollars per share) Diluted Earnings Per Share Pro Forma Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Equity-based Compensation Equity-based Compensation Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders: Convertible Preferred Units Equity Component [Domain] Exploration Expense Exploration expenses Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on extinguishment of debt Common Units General Partner [Member] General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Incentive from Lessor Leasehold improvement allowance CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) Income Taxes Paid Income taxes Decrease in accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Decrease in accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Increase in prepaid expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets (Increase) decrease in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Additional restricted cash related to cash collateralization for performance guarantees Decrease in receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Interest Paid Inventory, Net Inventories Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term liabilities: Liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Nature of Operations [Text Block] Organization Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net loss attributable to common shareholders/unit holders Net loss attributable to common shareholders Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net loss Net loss Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Non-cash activity: Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other expenses, net Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Notes Oil and Gas Joint Interest Billing Receivables, Current Joint interest billings Current joint interest billings Oil and Gas Sales Revenue Oil and gas revenue Suspended Well Costs Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Oil and gas properties, accumulated depletion (in dollars) Less: accumulated depletion Oil and Gas Joint Interest Billing Receivables, Noncurrent Long-term receivables - joint interest billings, net of allowance of zero and $39.8 million, respectively Oil and Gas Production Expense Oil and gas production Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Net Oil and gas properties, net of accumulated depletion of $213,040 and $135,622, respectively Oil and gas properties, net Organization Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Receivables, Net, Current Other Other receivables Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Other assets: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Derivatives, net Other Nonoperating Income Interest income Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Revenue, Net Other income Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Income tax benefit Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Notes receivable Oil and gas assets Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Payments of Financing Costs Deferred financing costs Other property Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 401(k) Plan Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preference shares, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 authorized shares; zero issued at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preference shares, authorized shares Preferred Stock [Text Block] Convertible Preferred Units Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preference shares, issued shares Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preference shares, par value (in dollars per share) Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other Pro Forma Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Diluted Pro forma diluted (in shares) Pro forma diluted (in shares) Net proceeds from issuance of units Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Borrowings under long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Net proceeds from the initial public offering Property and equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net Other property, net of accumulated depreciation of $10,021 and $8,068, respectively Other property, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Accumulated Depreciation Other property, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Receivables: Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract] Repayments of Long-term Debt Payments on long-term debt Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted cash Current restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash Long-term restricted cash Additional long-term restricted cash Results of Operations, Dry Hole Costs Unsuccessful well costs Unsuccessful well costs Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated deficit Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Revenues Total revenues and other income Revenue, Net [Abstract] Revenues and other income: Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Series A Convertible Preferred Units Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series C Convertible Preferred Units Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Convertible Preferred Units Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Equity-based compensation Shares, Issued Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Accounting Policies Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Equity Components [Axis] CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Class of Stock [Axis] Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Units Effect of exchange on book value of shareholders' equity Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Units Common and restricted shares issued upon corporate reorganization (in shares) Number of common shares into which the units were exchanged Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Common shares issued at initial public offering, net of offering costs Issuance of C1 units (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited Relinquishments of profit units Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Common shares issued at initial public offering, net of offering costs (in shares) Common shares issued Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Restricted stock forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of profit units Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of profit units (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other Issuance of C1 units Shareholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Total shareholders' equity Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Supplemental cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Suspended Well Costs Disclosure [Text Block] Suspended Well Costs Temporary Equity, Shares Authorized Convertible preferred units, units authorized Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Convertible preferred units, units issued Temporary Equity [Abstract] Convertible preferred units, 100,000,000 units authorized: Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost, 2,171,410 and 649,818 shares at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Change in fair value of cash flow hedges Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Derivative related activity Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Weighted average number of shares used to compute net loss per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Basic Shares Outstanding, Pro Forma Pro forma basic (in shares) Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Assets Acquisition of oil and gas assets The cash outflow for acquisition of oil and gas assets during the reporting period. Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchase of treasury stock Purchase of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Purchase of treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Common Units [Member] Common units Represent the common units of the entity. Conversion of Stock [Line Items] Number of common shares into which the convertible preferred units were exchanged Convertible Preferred Units Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued Number of common shares into which the units were exchanged Number of common shares into which the units were exchanged Voting Rights Per Common Share Voting rights per common share Represents the number of voting rights per each common share held. Number of Operating Segments Number of business segments Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivables Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block] Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization Interest Capitalization, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Interest Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-lived Assets Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Estimates of Proved Oil and Natural Gas Reserve [Policy Text Block] Estimates of Proved Oil and Natural Gas Reserves Disclosure of accounting policy for estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves. Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-based Compensation Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Standards Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated useful lives of other property Restricted Cash, Required Period for Contractual Future Payments Restricted cash period required as per commercial debt facility to meet interest and commitment fee payments Period of time used to determine level of contractually required restricted cash balances. Inventory, Net [Abstract] Inventories Leasehold Improvements [Member] Leasehold improvements Office Furniture Fixtures and Computer Equipment [Member] Office furniture, fixtures and computer equipment Represents the equipment commonly used in offices and stores that have no permanent connection to the structure of a building or utilities and the long lived, depreciable assets that are used in the creation, maintenance and utilization of information systems. Vehicles [Member] Vehicles Minimum [Member] Minimum Maximum [Member] Maximum Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Estimated useful lives (in years) Capitalized Interest [Abstract] Capitalized Interest Major Projects Construction Period for Capitalization of Interest Expected construction period for capitalization of interest costs on major projects The expected period of time estimated for a major construction project to qualify for capitalization of interest. Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Kosmos Energy Finance International Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable interest entity Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Net [Abstract] Oil and gas properties: Proved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method Proved properties Unproved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method Unproved properties Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties Depletion expense Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs, Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of capitalized exploratory well costs Schedule of Aging of Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of aging of capitalized exploratory well costs and number of projects for which exploratory well costs were capitalized for more than one year Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost Expensed in Same Period Capitalized exploratory well costs subsequently expensed in the same period Represents the capitalized exploratory well costs that were subsequently expensed in the same period. Increase (Decrease) in Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs that are Pending Determination of Proved Reserves [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of capitalized exploratory well costs on completed wells Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Ending balance Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost, Additions Pending Determination of Proved Reserves Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs that Have Been Capitalized for Period of One Year or Less Exploratory well costs capitalized for a period of one year or less Projects that have Exploratory Well Costs that have been Capitalized for Period Greater than One Year, Number of Projects Number of projects with exploratory well costs that were capitalized for more than one year Mahogany East Area [Member] Mahogany East Area Represents information pertaining to the Mahogany east area. Tweneboa Discovery [Member] Tweneboa Discovery Represents the information pertaining to the Tweneboa discovery. Enyenra Discovery [Member] Enyenra Discovery Represents information pertaining to the Enyenra discovery. Exploratory Wells Drilled [Line Items] Projects with exploratory well costs capitalized for more than one year Jubilee field unitization Exploratory Wells Drilled, Net Productive Number of appraisal wells which were drilled Submission of Plan of Development to Ministry of Energy Period Submission of PoD to Ghana's Ministry of Energy, period Represents the period taken in which plan of development would be prepared and submitted to Ministry of Energy. Period of Negotiation and Consultation of Notice of Dispute Given to Ministry of Energy Period of negotiation and consultation of notice of dispute issued to Ministry of Energy by the entity Represents the period of negotiation and consultation of notice of dispute issued to Ministry of Energy that can be extended if mutually agreed upon. Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued liabilities: Accrued Exploration Development and Production Costs, Current Accrued exploration, development and production Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of exploration, development and production costs that are incurred and payable. It is used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accrued General and Administrative Expenses, Current Accrued general and administrative expenses Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of expenses of managing and administering the affairs of the entity that are incurred and payable. It is used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Interest Payable, Current Accrued interest Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel [Member] FPSO Represents the details pertaining to the floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO). Tullow [Member] Tullow Represents Tullow Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Tullow Oil plc, unit operator of the Jubilee Field. Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Acquisition of FPSO Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds Acquisition cost Notes receivable applied to FPSO purchase Significant Acquisitions and Disposals Cost of Acquired Asset, Other Noncash Consideration Fair value of noncash consideration given by the acquirer to acquire the asset. Does not include cash paid, the fair value of debt and securities issued and liabilities incurred to acquire the asset. Jubilee Field Jubilee Field [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Jubilee Field. WCTP Block West Cape Three Points Block [Member] Represents details pertaining to the West Cape Three Points Block (WCTP). DT Block Deepwater Tano Block [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Deepwater Tano Block (DT). Oil and Gas Joint Interest Billing Receivables [Line Items] Joint interest billings Initial Tract Participation Percentage Per Block Initial tract participation for each block (as a percent) Represents the initial percentage of tract participation for each block under operating agreement. Percentage of Participation Interest Required to Call for Second Redetermination Percentage participation interest required to call for second redetermination Represents the percentage of participation interest of a party under the unitization and unit operating agreement who may call for a second redetermination. Unit Interest Percentage as Previously Held Unit interest as previously held (as a percent) Represents the percentage of unit interest as previously held by the entity immediately before the date when additional interest is acquired by the unit operator. Unit Interest Percentage after Redetermination Unit interest after redetermination process (as a percent) Represents the percentage of unit interest, retroactively applied, held by the entity after redetermination process under the terms of a operating agreement. Participation Interest Change Increase in Joint Interest Billing Receivables after Redetermination Process Increase in joint interest billing receivables due to change in participation interest as a result of redetermination process Represents the amount of increase in joint interest billing receivables due to change in participation interest related to redetermination process. Participation Interest Change Increase in Oil and Gas Properties after Redetermination Process Increases in oil and gas properties due to change in participation interest resulting from redetermination process Represents the amount of increase in oil and gas properties due to change in participation interest as a result of redetermination process. Participation Interest Change Increase in Notes Receivable after Redetermination Process Increases in notes receivable due to change in participation interest resulting from redetermination process Represents the amount of increase in notes receivable due to change in participation interest as a result of the redetermination process. Participation Interest Change Increase in Inventories after Redetermination Process Increases in inventories due to change in participation interest resulting from redetermination process Represents the amount of increase in inventories due to change in participation interest as a result of the redetermination process. Participation Interest Change Increase in Oil and Gas Production Expenses after Redetermination Process Increases in oil and gas production expenses due to change in participation interest from redetermination process Represents the amount of increase in oil and gas production expenses due to change in participation interest as a result of the redetermination process. Participation Interest Change Increase in General and Administrative Expenses after Redetermination Process Increases in general and administrative expenses due to change in participation interest from redetermination process Represents the amount of increase in general and administrative expenses due to change in participation interest as a result of the redetermination process. Participation Interest Change Increase in Accounts Payable after Redetermination Process Increases in accounts payable due to change in participation interest from redetermination process Represents the amount of increase in accounts payable due to change in participation interest as a result of the redetermination process. Oil and Gas Joint Interest Billing Receivables [Table] Schedule of net carrying value as of the Balance Sheet date of accounts receivable attributable to joint interest partners in oil and gas properties. Also includes details pertaining to the information regarding the unit holders. Acquired Working Interest Percentage Working interest acquired in EO Group (as a percent) Represents the percentage of contractual working interest acquired from one unit partner by another unit partner. Participation Interest Percentage Increase Increase in the participation interest in the Jubilee Unit (as a percent) Represents the increase in percentage of participation interest during the period due to the acquisition by the Unit Operator of another unit partner's interest. Paying Interest, Percentage GNPC's paying interest Represents percentage of paying interest during the period. Working Interest Percentage Working interest (as a percent) Represents the percentage of investment in oil and gas operations in which an entity is directly liable for a portion of the ongoing costs associated with exploration and appraisal activities. Ghana National Petroleum Corporation [Member] GNPC Represents the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, a unit partner of an entity. Oil and Gas Discoveries [Axis] Represents the details pertaining to various oil and gas discoveries wherein exploratory activities are carried out. Oil and Gas Discoveries[Domain] Represents the names of various oil and gas discoveries wherein exploratory activities are carried out. Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Components [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Tabular disclosure of the components of property, plant and equipment. Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Conversion of Stock [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Exploratory Wells Drilled [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals by Transaction [Axis] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of maturities of debt Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Gross Deferred financing costs Interest Costs Capitalized Capitalized interest Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Applicable margin (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility Unavailable Capacity Commitment Fees, Percentage Commitment fee percentage of the then-applicable margin when commitment is not available for utilization The commitment fees, expressed as a percentage of the then-applicable respective margin, for unavailable credit capacity under the credit facility. Debt Instrument Additional Interest Expense Effective Interest Deferred interest expense Represents the additional interest expense recognized using the effective interest method. Debt Instrument Covenant Compliance Field Life Cover Ratio Field life cover ratio Represents the ratio of (x) net present value of net cash flow through the depletion of the Jubilee Field plus the net present value of capital expenditures incurred in relation to the Jubilee Field and certain other fields in Ghana, to (y) the aggregate loan amounts outstanding under the Facility, required to be maintained as per the terms of financial covenants. Debt Instrument Covenant Compliance Loan Life Cover Ratio Loan life cover ratio Represents the ratio of (x) net present value of net cash flow through the final maturity date of the Facility plus the net present value of capital expenditures incurred in relation to the Jubilee Field and certain other fields in Ghana, to (y) the aggregate loan amounts outstanding under the Facility, required to be maintained as per the terms of financial covenants. Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Scheduled maturities of debt during the five year period and thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Thereafter Derivative Contract Term [Axis] Represents the grouping of derivative contract terms. Derivative Contract Term [Domain] This element represents individual derivative contract terms. Term January 2013 to December 2013 [Member] Term January 2013 to December 2013 Represents the derivative contracts with a term from January 2013 to December 2013. Term July 2012 to December 2012 [Member] Term July 2012 to December 2012 Represents the derivative contracts with a term from July 2012 to December 2012. Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Weighted Average Deferred Premium Per Barrel Weighted Average Deferred Premium per Bbl Represents the weighted average deferred premium per barrel of the derivative contracts expressed in dollars per barrel. Weighted average deferred premium per Bbl Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swaps Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Weighted Average Notional Amount Notional amount Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity derivatives Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest rate derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Total Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain/(Loss), reclassified from AOCI into earnings Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Amount of Gain/(Loss), derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Company's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Recurring basis Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Total Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative instruments, Location of Gain/(Loss) Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets: Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Money market accounts Derivative Assets Derivative asset, fair value Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities: Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative liability, fair value Assets, Net Total fair value, net Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset retirement obligations: Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Liabilities incurred during period Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Revisions in estimated retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Liabilities settled during period Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Accretion expense Preferred return per annum for first nine years (as a percent) Represents the preferred return amount per unit of the accreted value per annum, compounded quarterly, for the first nine years after the year of the Kosmos Energy Holdings' initial operating agreement. Percentage of Accreted Value for First Nine Years Preferred return per annum after first nine years (as a percent) Represents the preferred return amount per unit of the accredited value per annum, compounded quarterly, after the first nine years of the Kosmos Energy Holdings' initial operating agreement. Percentage of Accreted Value after Nine Years Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative instruments, Balance Sheet Location Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of income (loss) before income taxes Noble Energy E G Ltd [Member] Noble Represents the party to an offshore drilling contract. Offshore Drilling Initial Rig Rate, Per Day Initial rig rate per day Represents the initial rig rate per day under an offshore drilling contract entered into by the entity. Offshore Drilling Adjusted Rig Rate, Per Day Adjusted rig rate per day Represents the adjusted rig rate per day under an offshore drilling contract entered into by the entity. Offshore Drilling Contract Period Drilling contract period (in days) Represents the period of offshore drilling contract entered into by the entity. Offshore Drilling Contract Allotted Period Drilling contract allotted period (in days) Represents the allotted period of offshore drilling contract to the entity. Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted stock awards Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units Profit Units [Member] Represents the details pertaining to common units designated as profit units issued by the entity. Profit units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Equity-based Compensation Schedule of Share Based Compensation Stock Awards Available for Issuance [Table Text Block] Schedule of number of shares available for issuance pursuant to awards Tabular disclosure of share-based compensation plans that may be presented in a table for awards available for future grant. The information that may be disclosed in this table may include, but not limited to, number of approved and authorized awards, number of awards issued and forfeited. Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Long-Term Incentive Plan, which provides for the granting of incentive awards. LTIP Subsidiaries [Member] Kosmos Energy Holdings Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Threshold Value Threshold value to employees, management and directors Represents the threshold value of an award for employees, management and directors for profit units. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Vesting Rights Percentage as of Date of Issuance Vesting rights as of the date of issuance (as a percent) Description of award terms as to how many shares or portion of an award as of the date of issuance are no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, thereby giving the employee the legal right to convert the award to shares, shown as a percentage. Vesting Rights Percentage on Anniversary Date for Each of Next Four Years Description of award terms as to how many shares or portion of an award as on the anniversary date for each of the next four years are no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, thereby giving the employee the legal right to convert the award to shares, shown as a percentage. Additional vesting rights on the anniversary date for each of the next four years (as a percent) Vesting Rights Percentage on Second and Fourth Anniversary of Issuance Date Description of award terms as to how many shares or portion of an award as on the second and fourth anniversary of issuance date are no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, thereby giving the employee the legal right to convert the award to shares, shown as a percentage. Vesting rights on the second and fourth anniversary of issuance date (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Approved and authorized awards (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value for awards Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Represents the weighted average grant date fair value of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Outstanding at beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (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 Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding unvested awards activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Exchange in Period Represents the number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options which were exchanged during the reporting period. Unvested profit units exchanged for restricted stock awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (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 Vested (in dollars per share) Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Compensation expense recognized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Significant assumptions used to calculate fair values Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected life Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Projected Turnover Rate Projected turnover rate (as a percent) Represents the projected turnover rate assumption that is used in valuing an share-based award. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Number of Shares Available for Grant [Abstract] Number of shares available for future grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Awards issued after May 16, 2011 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Awards available for future grant (in shares) Income Taxes [Table] Disclosures pertaining to income taxes. All Countries [Axis] Geopolitical areas recognized by governments of the world as grouping of countries. BERMUDA Bermuda UNITED STATES United States Other Foreign Countries [Member] Represents the foreign countries other than United States. Foreign-other GHANA Ghana Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Statutory rate (as a percent) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net of Participating Securities Distributed and Undistributed Earnings Basic net loss attributable to common shareholders Represents the net income after excluding the aggregate of earnings distributed and earnings allocated to participating securities under the two-class method. Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Diluted net loss attributable to common shareholders Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Restricted stock awards (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Outstanding restricted stock awards and restricted stock units excluded from the computations of diluted net loss per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Denominator: Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited/Relinquished (in dollars per share) Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest rate swaps derivative contracts Schedule of Price Risk Derivatives [Table Text Block] Schedule of oil derivative contracts Nonmonetary Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives Volume per day (Bbls per day) Volume (in Bbls) Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis Floating Rate Derivative Assets, Current Derivatives Derivatives assets - current Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Gains expected to be reclassified from AOCI to interest expense Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Debt Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Undrawn availability Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense, net of capitalized interest Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Variable rate basis Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2012 Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Borrowing capacity Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract] Compensation agreement Offshore Drilling Contract Commitments [Member] Represents the commitments under offshore drilling contract. Offshore drilling contract commitments Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Derivative [Table] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] All Countries [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Commercial Debt Facility Borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility Contingent Increase to Maximum Borrowing Capacity Increased maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility if any one or more of the existing banks or new banks agree to provide such increased commitment amount. Maximum increased borrowing capacity Share Price Original unit purchase price General Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Exploratory Drilling Costs Capitalization and Impairment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Exploration and Development Costs Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Number of restricted shares issued to management and employees (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock awards (in shares) Capitalized Interest Costs [Member] Capitalized interest Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Type of Restriction [Axis] Information by type or source of restriction on available cash. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Type of Restriction [Domain] Type or source of restriction on available cash. Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Petroleum agreements - performance guarantees Performance Guarantee [Member] Letter of Credit Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Restricted Cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Instruments, Net Pretax Aggregate net gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments recognized in earnings during the period, before tax effects. Derivatives, net Derivative Financial Instruments Liabilities Fair Value Nonperformance Risk Impact Decrease in fair value of derivative liabilities attributable to nonperformance risk The amount of the reduction in the derivative instrument liability related to nonperformance risk as of the balance sheet date Capitalized Costs, Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Valuation Allowance Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities Depletion costs included in crude oil inventory and other receivables Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Pro Forma [Member] Pro forma Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Net income (loss) per share Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units Diluted adjustments to income allocable to participating securities Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities Less: Basic income allocable to participating securities Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Schedule of calculation of the numerator and denominator used in earnings per share and pro forma earnings per share Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals Cost of Acquired Assets Cash Paid Amount of cash paid to acquire the asset. Cash paid for purchase Oil and Gas Operating Agreements [Axis] Represents the activity related to oil and gas operating agreements. Oil and Gas Operating Agreements [Domain] Represents activity by specific oil and gas operating agreements. Jubilee Unitization and Unit Operating Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Jubilee Unitization and Unit Operating Agreement (Jubilee UUOA). Jubilee UUOA Oil and Gas Blocks [Axis] Represents activity related to various oil and gas blocks. Oil and Gas Blocks [Domain] Represents the activity by individual oil and gas blocks. Redetermination Tract Participation Percentage Per Block Tract participation for each block after redetermination (as a percent) Represents the percentage of tract participation for each block under operating agreement retroactively applied after redetermination process. West Cape Three Points Block Petroleum Agreements [Member] Represents details pertaining to the West Cape Three Points petroleum agreements. WCTP PA Aging of capitalized exploratory well costs and number of projects for which exploratory well costs were capitalized for more than one year Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs that Have Been Capitalized for Period Greater than One Year [Abstract] Performance based restricted stock awards Performance Shares [Member] Founding Management and Directors [Member] Persons responsible in establishing and organizing the company. Founding Management and Directors Employees [Member] Employees Persons working for the entity. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding awards activity Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Compensation agreement Stock Issued During Period Share Based Compensation Cancelled Threshold Amount The threshold value of the common units that were cancelled as part of a corporate reorganization. Threshold value of awards cancelled Schedule of derivative instruments by balance sheet location Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of equity-based incentive awards activity Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of plan activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Hydrocarbons inventory Energy Related Inventory, Petroleum E O Group [Member] EO Group Represents the EO Group Limited, a unit partner of an entity. Taxes other than income Accrual for All Other Taxes Current Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for taxes other than income taxes. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Commitment fee percentage of the then-applicable margin when commitment is available for utilization Line of Credit Facility Available Capacity Commitment Fees Percentage The commitment fees, expressed as a percentage of the then-applicable respective margin, for available but unused credit capacity under the credit facility. Line of Credit Facility Revolving Credit Conversion to Term Loan [Member] Represents activity related to a facility that converts from a revolver to a term loan. Facility Depletion and depreciation Results of Operations, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion Commitment fees Represents the charge against earnings during the period for commitment fees. Debt Related Commitment Fees Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Awards forfeited (in shares) Schedule of derivative instruments by location of gain/(loss) Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations Relinquished (in shares) Deferred financing costs and other assets Deferred Costs and Other Assets Teak 1 Discovery [Member] Teak-1 Discovery Represents information pertaining to the Teak-1 Discovery. Ntomme Discovery [Member] Ntomme Discovery Represents information pertaining to the Ntomme Discovery. Teak 2 Discovery [Member] Teak-2 Discovery Represents information pertaining to the Teak-2 Discovery. Swaps with calls Swap [Member] Purchased Calls Purchased Call Option [Member] Three-way Collars [Member] Three-Way Collars Represents a three-way collar derivative contract which establishes a floor, swap and ceiling strike price. Three-way collar contracts indexed to Dated Brent prices Weighted Average Price per Bbl Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Price Per Barrel Money Market Accounts Excluded Amount of money market accounts excluded from fair value measurements, as reported in our annual report on Form 10-K Represents the amount of money market accounts excluded from fair value measurements, as reported in our annual report on Form 10-K. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax Reclassification adjustments for derivative losses included in net loss Inventory, Supplies, Net of Reserves Materials and supplies inventory Capitalized Costs, Support Equipment and Facilities Support equipment and facilities Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense Represents the capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense exclusive of costs capitalized and expensed in the same period. Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost Charged to Expense Excluding Costs Capitalized and Expensed in Same Period Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs that Have Been Capitalized for Period Greater than One Year Exploratory well costs capitalized for a period one to three years Plus: Accretion to redemption value of convertible preferred units Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value, Adjustment Accretion to redemption value of convertible preferred units Accretion amount Stock Issued During Period Shares, New Issues Over Allotment Option Number of new stock issued during the period pursuant to the over-allotment option exercised by the underwriters. Shares issued pursuant to over-allotment option Odum Discovery [Member] Odum Discovery Represents information pertaining to the Odum discovery. Chief Executive Officer [Member] Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer United States and Ghana [Member] Represents United States and Ghana. United States and Ghana Term August 2012 to December 2012 [Member] Term August 2012 to December 2012 Represents the derivative contracts with a term from August 2012 to December 2012. Term January 2014 to December 2014 [Member] Term January 2014 to December 2014 Represents the derivative contracts with a term from January 2014 to December 2014. Term January 2015 to December 2015 [Member] Term January 2015 to December 2015 Represents the derivative contracts with a term from January 2015 to December 2015. Term January 2016 to June 2016 [Member] Term January 2016 to June 2016 Represents the derivative contracts with a term from January 2016 to June 2016. Cash Settlements Made Included in Derivative Liabilities Current Cash settlements made on purchased puts and compound options which were settled in the month subsequent to period end Represents the amount of cash settlements made included in current derivative liabilities. Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block] Treasury Stock Disclosure of accounting policy for treasury stock. Total oil and gas properties Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Gross Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Essaouira Offshore Block [Member] Essaouira Offshore Block Represents the information pertaining to Essaouira Offshore Block, located offshore Morocco. Canamens Energy Morocco SARL [Member] Canamens Represents the information pertaining to Canamens Energy Morocco SARL. Subsequent events Subsequent Event [Line Items] Floor price per Bbl Derivative, Floor Price Ceiling price per Bbl Derivative, Cap Price Business Acquisition Oil and Gas Properties Participating Interest Acquired Percentage Participating interest to be acquired (as a percent) The level of participating interest acquired (subject to government approval) in an oil and gas property. Business Acquisition Oil and Gas Properties Participating Interest Percentage Participating interest upon closing of transaction (as a percent) The level of participating interest held in an oil and gas property. Schedule of restricted stock units activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Restricted stock units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] Represents information pertaining to the restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (RSUs) as awarded by the entity to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Service Vesting Restricted Stock Awards Represents information pertaining to the restricted stock awards with service vesting criteria. Service Vesting Restricted Stock Awards [Member] Market/Service Vesting Restricted Stock Awards Represents information pertaining to the restricted stock awards with market and service vesting criteria. Market and Service Vesting Restricted Stock Awards [Member] Service Vesting Restricted Stock Units Represents information pertaining to the restricted stock units with service vesting criteria. Service Vesting Restricted Stock Units [Member] Market/Service Vesting Restricted Stock Units Represents information pertaining to the restricted stock units with market and service vesting criteria. Market and Service Vesting Restricted Stock Units [Member] Expected volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Percentage Vesting percentage of the awards granted Represents the vesting percentage of the awards granted during the period. Business Acquisition [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Table] Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Weighted Average Fixed Rate Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Relinquished in Period Weighted Average Grant Date, Fair Value Represents the weighted average grant date fair value of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options which were relinquished during the reporting period. Relinquished (in dollars per share) Derivative, Price Risk Option Strike Price Call price per Bbl Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries Doubtful accounts expense Reversal of valuation allowance for long-term joint interest billing receivables related to Jubilee Field development costs Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock awards Purchased Puts Purchased Put Option [Member] Correction of Error Amount Capitalized Previously Recorded as Exploration Expense [Member] Correction of immaterial error Represents the capitalization which was previously recorded as exploration expense. Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount Capitalization, which was previously recorded as exploration expense Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatement Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table] Nature of Error [Axis] Nature of Error [Domain] Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items] Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net