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, 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
Award Type [Axis]
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
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.
Amendment Description
Debt Instrument Additional Interest Expense Effective Interest
Deferred interest expense
Represents the additional interest expense recognized using the effective interest method.
Amendment Flag
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.
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]
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.
Jubilee Field Unitization
Jubilee Field Unitization Disclosure [Text Block]
Jubilee Field Unitization
Entire disclosure on the Jubilee Field Unitization.
Notes receivable applied to FPSO purchase
Notes Receivable Applied
The fair value of notes receivable applied in noncash investing activities.
Acquisition of FPSO
All Countries [Domain]
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)
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.
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals Cost of Acquired Assets Cash Paid
Amount of cash paid to acquire the asset.
Cash paid for purchase
Common Units [Member]
Common units
Represent the common units of the entity.
Voting Rights Per Common Share
Voting rights per common share
Represents the number of voting rights per each common share held.
Acquisition of FPSO
Acquisition of FPSO Disclosure [Text Block]
The entire disclosure for acquisition of FPSO. It also includes the disclosure for notes receivable applied to the purchase price.
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.
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.
Major Projects Construction Period for Capitalization of Interest
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.
Current Fiscal Year End Date
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.
BERMUDA
Bermuda
Capitalized Interest [Abstract]
Capitalized Interest
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.
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.
Teak 1 Discovery [Member]
Teak-1 Discovery
Represents information pertaining to the Teak-1 Discovery.
Teak 2 Discovery [Member]
Teak-2 Discovery
Represents information pertaining to the Teak-2 Discovery.
Ntomme Discovery [Member]
Ntomme Discovery
Represents information pertaining to the Ntomme Discovery.
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.
Document Period End Date
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).
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.
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.
Jubilee Unitization and Unit Operating Agreement [Member]
Represents details pertaining to the Jubilee Unitization and Unit Operating Agreement (Jubilee UUOA).
Jubilee UUOA
WCTP Block
West Cape Three Points Block [Member]
Represents details pertaining to the West Cape Three Points Block (WCTP).
West Cape Three Points Block Petroleum Agreements [Member]
Represents details pertaining to the West Cape Three Points petroleum agreements.
WCTP PA
Entity [Domain]
DT Block
Deepwater Tano Block [Member]
Represents details pertaining to the Deepwater Tano Block (DT).
Ghana National Petroleum Corporation [Member]
GNPC
Represents the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, a unit partner of an entity.
EO Group [Member]
EO Group
Represents the EO Group Limited, a unit partner of an entity.
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.
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.
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.
Represents the percentage of contractual working interest acquired from one unit partner by another unit partner.
Acquired Working Interest Percentage
Working interest acquired in EO Group (as a percent)
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.
Working interest upon closing of transaction
Divestiture Oil And Gas Properties Working Interest Assigned
Represents percentage of working interest assigned (subject to government approval) in an oil and gas property.
Working interest to be assigned to Chevron (as a percent)
Oil and Gas Discoveries [Axis]
Represents the details pertaining to various oil and gas discoveries wherein exploratory activities are carried out.
Oil and Gas Operating Agreements [Axis]
Represents the activity related to oil and gas operating agreements.
Oil and Gas Blocks [Axis]
Represents activity related to various oil and gas blocks.
Oil and Gas Discoveries[Domain]
Represents the names of various oil and gas discoveries wherein exploratory activities are carried out.
Oil and Gas Blocks [Domain]
Represents the activity by individual oil and gas blocks.
Oil and Gas Operating Agreements [Domain]
Represents activity by specific oil and gas operating agreements.
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.
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 October 2012 to December 2012 [Member]
Term October 2012 to December 2012
Represents the derivative contracts with a term from July 2012 to December 2012.
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.
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
GHANA
Ghana
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
Noble Energy EG Ltd [Member]
Noble
Represents the party to an offshore drilling contract.
Initial rig rate per day
Represents the initial rig rate per day under an offshore drilling contract entered into by the entity.
Offshore Drilling Initial Rig Rate, Per Day
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.
Drilling contract period (in days)
Represents the period of offshore drilling contract entered into by the entity.
Offshore Drilling Contract Period
Offshore Drilling Contract Allotted Period
Drilling contract allotted period (in days)
Represents the allotted period of offshore drilling contract to the entity.
Profit Units [Member]
Represents the details pertaining to common units designated as profit units issued by the entity.
Profit units
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Represents the details pertaining to Long-Term Incentive Plan, which provides for the granting of incentive awards.
LTIP
Accounting Policies
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.
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.
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
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.
Entity Voluntary Filers
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)
Entity Current Reporting Status
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)
Entity Filer Category
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
Entity Public Float
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)
Entity Registrant Name
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 (in shares)
Entity Central Index Key
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
Income Taxes [Table]
Disclosures pertaining to income taxes.
All Countries [Axis]
Geopolitical areas recognized by governments of the world as grouping of countries.
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Other Foreign Countries [Member]
Represents the foreign countries other than United States.
Foreign-other
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Taxes
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
Offshore Drilling Contract Commitments [Member]
Represents the commitments under offshore drilling contract.
Offshore drilling contract commitments
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
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.
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
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 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
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.
Accrued 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
Commitment fees
Represents the charge against earnings during the period for commitment fees.
Debt Related Commitment Fees
Threeway 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
Document Fiscal Year Focus
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.
Document Fiscal Period Focus
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.
Akasa Discovery [Member]
Akasa Discovery
Represents information pertaining to the Akasa discovery.
Represents United States and Ghana.
United States and Ghana
United States and Ghana [Member]
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 swaps with calls 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.
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.
Legal Entity [Axis]
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.
Document Type
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]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Oil sales
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.
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)
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.
Derivative, Deferred Premium, Current
Deferred premiums related to purchased puts and three-way collar contacts
Represents the amount of deferred premiums of the derivative contracts included in current derivative liabilities.
Derivative, Deferred Premium, Non Current
Deferred premiums realed to three-way collar contracts
Represents the amount of deferred premiums of the derivative contracts included in non-current derivative liabilities.
Debt Instrument, Covenant Net Debt to EBITDAX Ratio
Net debt to EBITDAX ratio
Represents the ratio of net debt to EBITDAX (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and exploration expenses) permitted under financial covenants.
Debt Instrument, Covenant EBITDAX to Interest Payable Ratio
EBITDAX to interest payable ratio
Represents the ratio of EBITDAX (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and exploration expenses) to interest payable permitted under financial covenants.
Threeway Collars 1 [Member]
Three-way collars
Represents the second three-way collar derivative contract which establishes a floor, swap and a ceiling strike price.
Ndian River Block [Member]
Ndian River Block
Represents information pertaining to Ndian River Block, located onshore Cameroon.
Underlift Asset in Oil and Gas
Depletion costs included in crude oil inventory and other receivables
Amount of asset recognized due to an underlift position in oil and gas producing activities.
Swap with Calls [Member]
A forward-based contract in which two parties agree to swap streams of payments over a specified period and with call option. The payment streams are based on an agreed-upon (or notional) principal amount. The term notional is used because swap contracts generally involve no exchange of principal at either inception or maturity. Rather, the notional amount serves as a basis for calculation of the payment streams to be exchanged.
Swaps with calls
Represents the amount of cash settlements on derivatives.
Cash settlements on derivatives
Cash Settlements on Derivatives
Line of Credit Facility, Increase in Remaining Borrowing Capacity
Increase in undrawn availability
Represents the increase in availability under the credit facility after the normal borrowing base determination.
Block 42 and Block 45 [Member]
Block 42 and Block 45
Represents information pertaining to Block 42 and Block 45, located offshore Suriname.
Chevron Global Energy Inc [Member]
Chevron
Represents information pertaining to Chevron Global Energy Inc. (Chevron).
Schedule of Organization [Line Items]
Organization
Schedule of Organization [Table]
Information pertaining to the organization of the entity.
Provisional Pricing Average Subject to Final Pricing
Average price, subject to final pricing
Average price, subject to final pricing.
Accounts Payable, Current
Accounts payable
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities:
UNITED STATES
United States
Accrued Income Taxes, Current
Accrued income taxes
Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities
Accrued Liabilities, Current
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
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Compensation expense recognized
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
Long-term receivables - joint interest billings, allowance (in dollars)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent
Amortization of Financing Costs
Amortization - deferred financing costs
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units
Diluted adjustments to income allocable to participating securities
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 (income) per share (in shares)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense
Accretion expense
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent
Asset retirement obligations
Beginning asset retirement obligations
Ending asset retirement obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred
Liabilities incurred during period
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Asset retirement obligations:
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled
Liabilities settled during period
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate
Revisions in estimated retirement obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Assets, Net
Total fair value, net
Current assets:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets
Total assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets:
Basic Earnings Per Share, Pro Forma
Pro forma basic (in dollars per share)
General
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs, Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of capitalized exploratory well costs
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 Greater than One Year
Exploratory well costs capitalized for a period one to three years
Capitalized Costs, Support Equipment and Facilities
Support equipment and facilities
Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs
Balance at the beginning of the period
Balance at the end of the period
Ending balance
Capitalized Interest Costs [Member]
Capitalized interest
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
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months
Gains expected to be reclassified from AOCI to interest expense
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
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Restricted Cash
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted Cash
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Class of Stock [Domain]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain]
Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Contingencies
Commodity Contract [Member]
Commodity derivatives
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 September 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 income (loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Concentration of Credit Risk
Schedule I Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule I Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Principles of Consolidation
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Variable Interest 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
Conversion of Stock [Table]
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Convertible preferred units
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Costs and expenses:
Costs and Expenses
Total costs and expenses
Credit Facility [Domain]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis
Variable rate basis
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Debt
Debt
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Applicable margin (as a percent)
Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract]
Compensation agreement
Title of Individual [Axis]
Deferred financing costs and other assets
Deferred Costs and Other Assets
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Gross
Deferred financing costs
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $13,164 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 of Oil and Gas Properties
Depletion expense
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Weighted average ceiling price per Bbl
Derivative, Average Cap Price
Derivative Liabilities, Current
Derivatives
Derivatives liabilities - current
Derivative Assets, Noncurrent
Derivatives
Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net
Amount of Gain/(Loss), derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Assets
Derivative asset, fair value
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net
Total
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate
Weighted Average Fixed Rate
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative liability, fair value
Derivative Assets, Current
Derivatives
Derivatives assets - current
Derivative [Table]
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative [Member]
Derivatives, net
Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent
Derivatives
Derivatives liabilities - long-term
Floor price per Bbl
Derivative, Average Floor Price
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis
Floating Rate
Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net
Derivative, by Nature [Axis]
Call price per Bbl
Derivative, Average Price Risk Option Strike Price
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net
Amount of Gain/(Loss), reclassified from AOCI into earnings
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Derivative, Name [Domain]
Weighted average price per Bbl
Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price
Derivative Contract Type [Domain]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, Location of Gain/(Loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table]
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, Balance Sheet Location
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, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income (loss) per share
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders:
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:
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)
Provisional Oil Sales
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Oil and gas revenue
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation agreement
Hydrocarbons inventory
Energy Related Inventory, Petroleum
Convertible Preferred Units
Equity Component [Domain]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Total
Exploration Expense
Exploration expenses
Exploratory Drilling Costs Capitalization and Impairment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Exploration and Development Costs
Exploratory Wells Drilled [Table]
Exploratory Wells Drilled, Net Productive
Number of appraisal wells which were drilled
Exploratory Wells Drilled [Line Items]
Projects with exploratory well costs capitalized for more than one year
Jubilee field unitization
Commitment amount cancelled
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Recurring basis
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Level 1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Level 2
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign Currency Translation
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Common Units
General Partner [Member]
General and administrative
General and Administrative Expense
Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis]
Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Incentive from Lessor
Leasehold improvement allowance
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Income Statement Location [Axis]
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 Statement Location [Domain]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income Taxes
Income Taxes Paid
Income taxes
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
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities
Settlement of previously recognized hedge losses
Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
(Increase) decrease 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
(Increase) decrease in receivables
Increase (Decrease) in Receivables
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements
Restricted stock awards (in shares)
Interest Payable, Current
Accrued interest
Interest Costs Capitalized
Capitalized interest
Interest Expense
Interest expense
Interest Capitalization, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Capitalized Interest
Interest Expense, Debt
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest
Interest Paid
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Interest rate contracts
Interest rate derivatives
Interest Expense [Member]
Interest expense
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Inventories
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories
Inventory, Net
Inventories
Inventory, Supplies, Net of Reserves
Materials and supplies inventory
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Leasehold improvements
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, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities:
Liabilities and Equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity
Undrawn availability
Borrowings
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding
Line of Credit [Member]
Commercial Debt Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year
2012
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Scheduled maturities of debt during the five year period and thereafter
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Commitments and Contingencies
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
2014
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2013
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2015
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
2016
Category of Item Purchased [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities
Current maturities of long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Thereafter
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain]
Maximum [Member]
Maximum
Minimum [Member]
Minimum
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value
Money market accounts
Nature of Error [Domain]
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
Basic net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]
Numerator:
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted
Diluted net income (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 income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders/unit holders
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recent Accounting Standards
Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Non-cash activity:
Nonmonetary Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives
Volumes (in MBbl)
Sales volume (in MBbls)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Other expenses, net
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current
Notes
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives
Weighted Average Notional Amount
Notional amount
Number of Operating Segments
Number of business segments
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Not designated as hedging instruments
Oil and Gas Joint Interest Billing Receivables, Current
Joint interest billings
Current joint interest billings
Total oil and gas properties
Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Gross
Oil and Gas Sales Revenue
Oil and gas revenue
Suspended Well Costs
Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Net [Abstract]
Oil and gas properties:
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 $262,698 and $135,622, respectively
Oil and gas properties, net
Organization
Other
Other Noncash Income (Expense)
Other Receivables, Net, Current
Other
Other receivables
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax
Reclassification adjustments for derivative (gains) losses included in net income (loss)
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 (loss):
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)
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
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Purchase of treasury stock
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]
Performance based restricted stock awards
Performance Shares [Member]
Petroleum agreements - performance guarantees
Performance Guarantee [Member]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Axis]
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued
Preference shares, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 authorized shares; zero issued at September 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
Reclassifications
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Pro Forma Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Pro forma diluted (in shares)
Pro forma diluted (in shares)
Pro Forma [Member]
Pro forma
Net proceeds from issuance of units
Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt
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
Net income (loss)
Net loss
Net income (loss)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
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
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Estimated useful lives (in years)
Property and equipment:
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net
Other property, net of accumulated depreciation of $10,614 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 [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of estimated useful lives of other property
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Property and Equipment
Proved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method
Proved properties
Purchased Puts
Purchased Put Option [Member]
Purchased Calls
Purchased Call Option [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount
Capitalization, which was previously recorded as exploration expense
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Correction of immaterial error by capitalization
Nature of Error [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Receivables:
Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract]
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Receivables
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Payments on long-term debt
Restricted stock units
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Restricted cash
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain]
Restricted Stock [Member]
Restricted stock awards
Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current
Restricted cash
Current restricted cash
Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
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
Depletion and depreciation
Results of Operations, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated Deficit
Retained Earnings [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition
Revenues
Total revenues and other income
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Corporate Revolver
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term
Expected life
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Revenues and other income:
Sales [Member]
Oil and gas revenue
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
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
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
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of changes in asset retirement obligations
Schedule of equity-based incentive awards activity
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
Schedule of components of income (loss) before income taxes
Schedule of restricted stock units activity
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Schedule of maturities of debt
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of components of accrued liabilities
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block]
Schedule of interest rate swaps derivative contracts
Schedule of plan activity
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]
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]
Schedule of Price Risk Derivatives [Table Text Block]
Schedule of oil derivative contracts
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table]
Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatement Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule of derivative instruments by balance sheet location
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table]
Schedule of derivative instruments by location of gain/(loss)
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]
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]
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
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
Equity-based compensation
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations
Relinquished (in shares)
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)
Forfeited (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Awards forfeited (in shares)
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, Award Vesting Period
Vesting period
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 [Line Items]
Equity-based Compensation
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, Nonvested, Number
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, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Forfeited/Relinquished (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding awards activity
Original unit purchase price
Share Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Granted (in shares)
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate
Expected volatility (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate
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)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Awards available for future grant (in shares)
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, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Significant assumptions used to calculate fair values
Awards issued after May 16, 2011 (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period
Award Type [Domain]
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Equity-based Compensation
Shares, Issued
Balance (in shares)
Balance (in shares)
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Accounting Policies
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Acquisition of FPSO
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals by Transaction [Axis]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds
Acquisition cost
Letter of Credit
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
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
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)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross
Restricted stock awards
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
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent events
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent event
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsidiaries [Member]
Kosmos Energy Holdings
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:
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
Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain]
Treasury Stock, Value
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,454,279 and 649,818 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired
Treasury Stock, Shares
Treasury stock, shares
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Member]
Purchase of treasury stock
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities
Less: Basic income allocable to participating securities
Unproved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method
Unproved properties
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Non-cash change in fair value of derivatives
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Kosmos Energy Finance International
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable interest entity
Variable Interest Entities [Axis]
Vehicles [Member]
Vehicles
Weighted average number of shares used to compute net loss per share:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted average number of shares used to compute net income (loss) per share:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Denominator:
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)