Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Equity Award [Domain]
Equity Award [Domain]
Options
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options excluded from diluted income (loss) per share calculation (in shares)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Net liabilities related to property, plant and equipment, end of period
Liabilities Related to Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Liabilities Related to Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Collar: June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017
Commodity Contract, Collar: June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 [Member]
Commodity Contract, Collar: June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 [Member]
Collar: October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017
Commodity Contract, Collar: October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 [Member]
Commodity Contract, Collar: October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 [Member]
Collar: June 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017
Commodity Contract, Collar: June 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 [Member]
Commodity Contract, Collar: June 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 [Member]
Position [Axis]
Position [Axis]
Position [Domain]
Position [Domain]
Sold
Short [Member]
Purchased
Long [Member]
Open Option Contracts Written Type [Axis]
Open Option Contracts Written Type [Axis]
Open Option Contracts Written Type [Domain]
Open Option Contracts Written Type [Domain]
Put
Put Option [Member]
Call
Call Option [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Volume (in barrels of oil per day)
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume
Floor price (in dollars per barrel)
Derivative, Floor Price
Cap price (in dollars per barrel)
Derivative, Cap Price
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table]
Disposal Group Name [Axis]
Disposal Group Name [Axis]
Disposal Group Name [Domain]
Disposal Group Name [Domain]
Brazil Divestiture
Brazil Divestiture [Member]
Brazil Divestiture [Member]
Disposal Group Classification [Axis]
Disposal Group Classification [Axis]
Disposal Group Classification [Domain]
Disposal Group Classification [Domain]
Held-for-sale
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Tie Field
Tie Field [Member]
Tie Field [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Working interest (as a percent)
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Consideration to be received on completion of divestiture
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration
Deposit paid by the Purchaser
Escrow Deposits Related to Property Sales
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - included in other long-term assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
Cash Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Convertible debt
Convertible Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual interest and other financing expenses
Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization
Amortization of debt issuance costs
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs
Total interest expense recognized
Interest Expense, Debt
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligation
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Oil and natural gas properties
Oil and Gas Properties [Member]
Proved
Proved Oil and Gas Properties [Member]
Oil and gas properties depletable base under full cost accounting
Unproved
Unproved - Oil and Gas Properties [Member]
Long lived, assets used to produce or oil or gas, unproved.
Other
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Oil and natural gas properties
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Accumulated depletion, depreciation and impairment
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Total Property, Plant and Equipment (Notes 3 and 4)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Share Capital
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid in Capital
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Deficit
Retained Earnings [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Issuance of Common Stock, net of share issuance costs (Note 6)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Exercise of stock options (Note 6)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised
Stock-based compensation (Note 6)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Net income (loss)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Cumulative adjustment for accounting change related to tax reorganizations (Note 2)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Balance, end of period
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]
Authorized share capital (in shares)
Authorized share capital
The maximum number of shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.
Common stock shares authorized
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock [Member]
Special A Voting Stock
Special A Voting Stock [Member]
Special A Voting Stock [Member]
Special B Voting Stock
Special B Voting Stock [Member]
Special B Voting Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred stock shares authorized
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
PSUs
Performance Share Units [Member]
Performance Share Units [Member]
DSUs
Deferred Share Units [Member]
Deferred Share Units [Member]
RSUs
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Number of Outstanding Share Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number
Granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted
Exercised (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised
Forfeited (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures
Ending Balance (in shares)
Number of Outstanding Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures
Exercised (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period
Forfeited (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period
Ending Balance (in shares)
Weighted Average Exercise Price/Stock Option ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Exercised (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Forfeited (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Ending balance (in dollars per share)
Income Statement [Abstract]
OIL AND NATURAL GAS SALES (NOTE 3)
Oil and Gas Sales Revenue
EXPENSES
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating
Operating Costs and Expenses
Transportation
Oil Pipeline and Trucking Costs
Oil Pipeline and Trucking Costs
Depletion, depreciation and accretion (Note 3)
Results of Operations, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion
Asset impairment (Notes 3 and 4)
Asset Impairment Charges
General and administrative (Note 3)
General and Administrative Expense
Transaction
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs
Severance
Severance Costs
Equity tax
Foreign equity tax expense
Foreign tax payable in the period based on balance sheet equity for tax purposes
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax
Financial instruments (gain) loss (Note 10)
Gain (Loss) on Investments and Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax
Gain (Loss) on Investments and Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax
Interest expense (Note 5)
Total expenses
Costs and Expenses
GAIN ON ACQUISITION
Business Combination, Bargain Purchase, Gain Recognized, Amount
INTEREST INCOME
Interest Income, Operating
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (NOTE 3)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) RECOVERY
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax (expense) recovery
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC AND DILUTED (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC (Note 6)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - DILUTED (Note 6)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table]
Commodity price derivative gain
Commodity Contract [Member]
Foreign currency derivatives gain
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative (gain) loss
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net
Trading securities loss
Trading Gain (Loss)
Financial instruments (gain) loss
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Weighted average number of common and exchangeable shares outstanding
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements
Shares assumed to be purchased from proceeds of stock options
Shares to be purchased from proceeds of stock options
The number of shares to be purchased from the proceeds of stock options exercises.
Weighted average number of diluted common and exchangeable shares outstanding
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Litigation Status [Axis]
Litigation Status [Axis]
Litigation Status [Domain]
Litigation Status [Domain]
Pending Litigation Royalty, Transportation and Related Costs
Pending Litigation Royalty, Transportation and Related Costs [Member] [Member]
Pending Litigation Royalty, Transportation and Related Costs [Member] [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated compensation which would be payable if the ANH's interpretation is correct
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value
Amount accrued
Loss Contingency Accrual
Letters of credit and other credit support provided as security relating to work commitment guarantees
Debt Instrument, Collateral, Letters Of Credit And Other Credit Support Provided As Security
Debt Instrument, Collateral, Letters of Credit And Other Credit Support Provided As Security
Currency [Axis]
Currency [Axis]
All Currencies [Domain]
All Currencies [Domain]
COP
Colombia, Pesos
U.S. Dollars
United States of America, Dollars
Collar: April 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017
Foreign Currency, Collar: April 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017 [Member]
Foreign Currency, Collar: April 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017 [Member]
Amount Hedged (in Colombian pesos and U.S. dollars)
Derivative, Notional Amount
Cap price (in Colombian pesos)
Floor price (in Colombian pesos)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Information on Reportable Segments and Other Activities
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Long-lived Assets by Geographical Area
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Operating Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Depletion, depreciation and accretion (Note 3)
Deferred tax expense (recovery)
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits
Stock-based compensation (Note 6)
Share-based Compensation
Amortization of debt issuance costs (Note 5)
Cash settlement of restricted share units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Share-based Liabilities Paid
Unrealized foreign exchange gain
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized
Financial instruments (gain) loss (Note 10)
Cash settlement of financial instruments (Note 10)
Cash Settlement of Financial Instruments
Cash Settlement of Financial Instruments
Cash settlement of asset retirement obligation (Note 7)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Cash Paid to Settle
Gain on acquisition
Net change in assets and liabilities from operating activities (Note 11)
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Investing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Additions to property, plant and equipment, excluding corporate acquisition (Note 3)
Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property and Equipment
Additions to property, plant and equipment - acquisition of PetroGranada Colombia Limited
Asset Acquisition, Net Purchase Price
Asset Acquisition, Net Purchase Price
Deposit received for Brazil Divestiture (Note 1)
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses
Cash paid for business combinations, net of cash acquired
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Changes in non-cash investing working capital
Increase (Decrease) in Investing Working Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Investing Working Capital
Net cash used in investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Financing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Proceeds from bank debt, net of issuance costs (Note 5)
Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs
Repayment of bank debt (Note 5)
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Proceeds from issuance of shares of Common Stock, net of issuance costs
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Foreign exchange gain on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Restricted Cash Equivalents
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash And Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period (Note 11)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period (Note 11)
Convertible senior notes
Revolving credit facility
Line of Credit [Member]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Revolving credit facility
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Convertible senior notes and revolving credit facility
Long-term Debt, Gross
Unamortized debt issuance costs
Debt Issuance Costs, Net
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
U.S. statutory rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Asset Impairment
Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset [Table Text Block]
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Net Changes in Assets and Liabilities
Cash Flow, Operating Capital [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Additional Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common shares, issued
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Common shares, outstanding
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Exchangeable shares, issued
Common Shares Exchangeable Shares Issued
Common Shares, Exchangeable Shares, Issued
Exchangeable shares, outstanding
Common Shares Exchangeable Shares Outstanding
Common Shares Exchangeable Shares Outstanding
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Common Stock
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Entity [Domain]
Entity [Domain]
Exchangeable Shares of Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc.
Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc [Member]
Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc [Member]
Exchangeable Shares of Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc.
Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc [Member]
Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc Member
Increase (Decrease) in Common Stock
Beginning balance (in shares)
Exchange of exchangeable shares (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities
Shares canceled (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Canceled
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Canceled
Ending balance (in shares)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period
Asset Retirement Obligation
Settlements
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled
Liabilities associated with assets sold
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Associated With Assets Sold
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Associated With Assets Sold
Liability incurred
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred
Liabilities assumed in acquisition
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Assumed in Acquisition
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Assumed in Acquisition
Accretion
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense
Revisions in estimated liability
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate
Balance, end of period
Asset retirement obligation - current
Asset Retirement Obligation, Current
Asset retirement obligation - long-term
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent
Asset retirement obligation
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
General and administrative (G&A) expenses
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Unrecognized compensation cost
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Weighted average period for recognition
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Type
Document Type
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Schedule of Debt
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Interest Expense Recognized
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Business Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Peru
Peru Segment [Member]
Peru Segment [Member]
Colombia
Colombia Segment [Member]
Colombia Segment [Member]
Brazil
Brazil Segment [Member]
Brazil Segment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Oil and Gas Production Type [Axis]
Oil and Gas Production Type [Axis]
Production Type [Domain]
Production Type [Domain]
Crude Oil and NGL
Crude Oil and NGL [Member]
Asset Class [Axis]
Asset Class [Axis]
Asset Class [Domain]
Asset Class [Domain]
Assets
Assets [Member]
Valuation Technique [Axis]
Valuation Technique [Axis]
Valuation Technique [Domain]
Valuation Technique [Domain]
Cost Approach Valuation Technique
Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment losses
Discount rate
Full Cost Accounting, Discount Rate
Full Cost Accounting, Discount Rate
Average Brent price per bbl (in dollars per barrel)
Ceiling Test Price
Ceiling Test Price
Oil inventories
Energy Related Inventory, Crude Oil and Natural Gas Liquids
Supplies inventories
Other Inventory, Supplies, Gross
Oil inventory (in barrels)
Energy Related Inventory, Volume
Energy Related Inventory, Volume
Oil inventory impairment
Inventory Write-down
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Measurement Basis [Axis]
Measurement Basis [Axis]
Fair Value Measurement [Domain]
Fair Value Measurement [Domain]
Portion at Fair Value Measurement
Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Carrying amount
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair value
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Value of the Notes
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures
Description of Business
Nature of Operations [Text Block]
Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Reportable Segments
Operating Segments [Member]
All Other
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Oil and natural gas sales
Depletion, depreciation and accretion
Asset impairment
General and administrative expenses
Income (loss) before income taxes
Segment capital expenditures
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Commodity price derivative asset
Foreign currency derivative asset
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value
Assets, fair value disclosure
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Commodity price derivative liability
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value
RSU, PSU and DSU liability
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Recorded Liability, Fair Value Disclosure
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Recorded Liability, Fair Value Disclosure
Liabilities, fair value disclosure
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure
Debt and Debt Issuance Costs
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Cash payments included in settlements
Fair value of assets that are legally restricted
Asset Retirement Obligation, Legally Restricted Assets, Fair Value
Accounts receivable and other long-term assets
Increase (Decrease) in Receivables
Inventory
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Prepaids
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expenses, Other
Accounts payable and accrued and other long-term liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Taxes receivable and payable
Increase (Decrease) In Prepaid Taxes And Income Taxes Payable, Net Of Income Taxes Receivable
Increase (Decrease) In Prepaid Taxes And Income Taxes Payable, Net Of Income Taxes Receivable
Net changes in assets and liabilities from operating activities
Segment and Geographic Reporting
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment and Inventory
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Amounts of the Asset Retirement Obligation
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]
Impairment of oil and gas properties
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties
Impairment of inventory
Total asset impairment
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges
Schedule of Fair Value of Derivatives, and RSU and PSU Liabilities
Schedule of Fair Value, Contingent Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Fair Value, Contingent Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Gains or Losses on Financial Instruments Recognized
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Outstanding Commodity Price Derivative Positions
Schedule of Price Risk Derivatives [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Outstanding Foreign Currency Derivative Positions
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Retained earnings
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis]
New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain]
New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
ASU 2016-16
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Prepaid income taxes
Prepaid Taxes
Current prepaid taxes
Prepaid Taxes, Current
Prepaid Taxes, Current
Long-term prepaid taxes
Prepaid Taxes, Noncurrent
Prepaid Taxes, Noncurrent
Current income taxes payable
Taxes Payable, Current, Tax Reorganizations
Taxes Payable, Current, Tax Reorganizations
Deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Goodwill
All other assets
Other Assets
Total Assets
Assets
Schedule of Common Stock
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of PSU, DSU, RSU and Stock Option Activity
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 11)
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Notes 7 and 11)
Accounts receivable
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Derivatives (Note 10)
Inventory (Note 4)
Inventory, Net
Taxes receivable
Income Taxes Receivable, Current
Prepaid taxes (Note 2)
Other prepaids
Other Prepaid Expense, Current
Total Current Assets
Assets, Current
Oil and Gas Properties (using the full cost method of accounting)
Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Net [Abstract]
Proved
Capitalized Costs, Proved Properties
Unproved
Capitalized Costs, Unproved Properties
Total Oil and Gas Properties
Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Net
Other capital assets
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net
Other Long-Term Assets
Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets (Note 2)
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Noncurrent
Prepaid taxes (Note 2)
Other long-term assets (Note 11)
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Goodwill (Note 3)
Total Other Long-Term Assets
Total Other Long Term Assets
Total Other Long Term Assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current Liabilities
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current
Derivatives (Note 10)
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Liabilities
Taxes payable (Note 2)
Taxes Payable, Current
Asset retirement obligation (Note 7)
Total Current Liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Long-Term Liabilities
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-term debt (Notes 5 and 10)
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Deferred tax liabilities (Note 2)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent
Asset retirement obligation (Note 7)
Other long-term liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total Long-Term Liabilities
Liabilities, Noncurrent
Contingencies (Note 9)
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common Stock (Note 6) (390,815,190 and 390,807,194 shares of Common Stock and 8,191,894 and 8,199,894 exchangeable shares, par value $0.001 per share, issued and outstanding as at March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively)
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Additional paid in capital
Additional Paid in Capital
Deficit
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities and Equity
Share Capital
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]