Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table]
Asset Class [Axis]
Asset Class [Axis]
Asset Class [Domain]
Asset Class [Domain]
Equity Securities
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Opening balance
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value
Acquisition
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases
Unrealized gain on valuation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings
Closing balance
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful receivables
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Debt Issuance Costs
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Summary of Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restrictions on 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]
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year
Asset Retirement Obligation
Liability incurred
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred
Settlements
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled
Accretion
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense
Revisions in estimated liability
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate
Liabilities associated with assets sold
Asset Retirement Obligations Liabilities Associated With Assets Sold
Asset Retirement Obligations Liabilities Associated With Assets Sold
Liabilities assumed in acquisitions
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Assumed In Acquisition
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Assumed In Acquisition
Balance, end of year
Asset retirement obligation - current
Asset Retirement Obligation, Current
Asset retirement obligation - long-term
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent
Balance, end of year
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Equity Award [Domain]
Equity Award [Domain]
PSUs
Performance Share Units [Member]
Performance Share Units [Member]
Range [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Range [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Number of PSUs that vest (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage
Award subject to targets relating to total shareholder return (as a percent)
Award Vesting Percentage Subject to Targets Relating to Total Shareholder Return
Award Vesting Percentage Subject to Targets Relating to Total Shareholder Return
Award subject to targets relating to net asset value (as a percent)
Award Vesting Percentage Subject to Targets Relating to Net Asset Value
Award Vesting Percentage Subject to Targets Relating to Net Asset Value
Net present value discount rate
Net Asset Valuation, Discount Rate
Net Asset Valuation, Discount Rate
Award subject to targets relating to execution of corporate strategy (as a percent)
Award Vesting Percentage Subject to Targets Relating to the Execution of Corporate Strategy
Award Vesting Percentage Subject to Targets Relating to the Execution of Corporate Strategy
Asset Retirement Obligation
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business
Nature of Operations [Text Block]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Additional Paid in Capital
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Equity Award [Domain]
Stock Options
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Expected term during grantee's service
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term
Expected term after end of grantee's service
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Following Termination of Employment
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Following Termination of Employment
Term for stock options granted prior to May of 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period
Stock issued, exercise of stock options (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures
Exercise of stock options
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding stock options
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted average remaining contractual term of exercisable stock options
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted average grant date fair value for options granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted average grant date fair value for options vested (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total fair value of stock options vested
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value
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]
Balance, Beginning of period (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
Expired (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Expirations
Balance, End of period (in shares)
Number of Outstanding Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of period (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
Expired (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period
Balance, End of period (in shares)
Exercisable, at end of period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number
Vested, or expected to vest, at end of period through the life of the options (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number
Weighted Average Exercise Price /Stock Option ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning of period (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
Expired (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance, End of period (in dollars per share)
Exercisable, at end of period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Vested, or expected to vest, at end of period through the life of the options (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Property, Plant and Equipment [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]
Gran Tierra Energy International Peru Holdings B.V.
Gran Tierra Energy International Peru Holdings B.V. [Member]
Gran Tierra Energy International Peru Holdings B.V. [Member]
Brazil Divestiture
Brazil Divestiture [Member]
Brazil Divestiture [Member]
Disposal Group Classification [Axis]
Disposal Group Classification [Axis]
Disposal Group Classification [Domain]
Disposal Group Classification [Domain]
Sold
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Current assets
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current
Property, plant and equipment
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent
Other long-term assets
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent
Total assets
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets
Current liabilities
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current
Long-term liabilities
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total liabilities
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Table]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Table]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain]
Capital loss carryforwards
Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount
Of the operating loss and capital loss carryforwards, losses generated by the foreign subsidiaries of the Company.
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards, Losses Generated By Foreign Subsidiaries
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards, Losses Generated By Foreign Subsidiaries
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Common Stock
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Information About PSU, DSU, RSU and Stock Option Activity
Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Assumptions Using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Sterling
Sterling [Member]
Sterling [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest divested (as a percent)
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Number of directors eligible to be nominated by the company
Number Of Directors Eligible To Be Nominated
Number Of Directors Eligible To Be Nominated
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Class of Warrant or Right [Axis]
Class of Warrant or Right [Axis]
Class of Warrant or Right [Domain]
Class of Warrant or Right [Domain]
Subscription Receipts
Subscription Receipts [Member]
Subscription Receipts [Member]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
PGC
PGC [Member]
PGC [Member]
Investment [Axis]
Investment [Axis]
Investment [Domain]
Investment [Domain]
Block 107 [Member]
Block 107 [Member]
Block 107 [Member]
Subsegments [Axis]
Subsegments [Axis]
Subsegments [Domain]
Subsegments [Domain]
Block 95
Block 95 [Member]
Block 95 [Member]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Entity [Domain]
Entity [Domain]
Selling Subsidiaries
Selling Subsidiaries [Member]
Selling Subsidiaries [Member]
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]
Valuation Technique [Axis]
Valuation Technique [Axis]
Valuation Technique [Domain]
Valuation Technique [Domain]
Income Approach Valuation Technique
Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Assets
Assets [Member]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Colombia
Colombia Segment [Member]
Colombia Segment [Member]
Brazil Segment
Brazil Segment [Member]
Brazil Segment [Member]
Peru Segment
Peru Segment [Member]
Peru Segment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Oil and natural gas properties
Oil and Gas Properties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depletion and depreciation expense
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Impairment losses
Asset Impairment Charges
Impairment of unproved properties
Impairment Of Oil And Gas Properties, Unproved
Impairment Of Oil And Gas Properties, Unproved
Discount rate
Full Cost Accounting, Discount Rate
Full Cost Accounting, Discount Rate
Average Brent price per barrel (in dollars per barrel)
Ceiling Test Price
Ceiling Test Price
Payments to acquire assets
Payments to Acquire Assets, Gross
Payments to Acquire Assets, Gross
Property acquisitions
Asset Acquisition, Net Purchase Price
Asset Acquisition, Net Purchase Price
New working capital
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Working Capital
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Working Capital
Contingent consideration, liability
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current
Consideration on sale of business unit
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration
Shares acquired in disposal of business unit (in shares)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable
Sale of business unit, working capital adjustment
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Working Capital Adjustment
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Working Capital Adjustment
Percent of share consideration subject to escrow conditions from sale of business unit
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation,, Percent Of Share Consideration Subject To Escrow Conditions
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation,, Percent Of Share Consideration Subject To Escrow Conditions
Consideration subject to escrow conditions, percent released per period from sale of business unit
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Subject To Escrow Conditions, Percent Released Per Period
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Subject To Escrow Conditions, Percent Released Per Period
Consideration subject to escrow conditions, release duration
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Subject To Escrow Conditions, Release Duration
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Subject To Escrow Conditions, Release Duration
Consideration subject to escrow conditions, total release duration
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Subject To Escrow Conditions, Total Release Duration
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Subject To Escrow Conditions, Total Release Duration
Warrants and rights, purchased
Warrants and Rights, Purchased
Warrants and Rights, Purchased
Number of shares called by warrants (in shares)
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights
Number of shares of common stock owned by the company (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Working interest percent
Asset Acquisition, Percentage Of Working Interest Acquired
Asset Acquisition, Percentage Of Working Interest Acquired
Loss on sale of business unit
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business
Number of indirect subsidiaries involved in disposition of assets
Number Of Indirect Subsidiaries Involved In Disposition Of Assets
Number Of Indirect Subsidiaries Involved In Disposition Of Assets
Proceeds from sale of business unit
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets
Proceeds from the sale of oil and gas properties
Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment
Costs not expected to be subject to depletion (as a percent)
Oil and Gas Property, Costs Transferred to Depletable Base within Five Years, Percentage
Oil and Gas Property, Costs Transferred to Depletable Base within Five Years, Percentage
Period until transferred to depletable base
Oil and Gas Property, Transfer of Costs to Depletable Base, Time Period
Oil and Gas Property, Transfer of Costs to Depletable Base, Time Period
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Measurement Basis [Axis]
Measurement Basis [Axis]
Fair Value Measurement [Domain]
Fair Value Measurement [Domain]
Portion at Fair Value Measurement
Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Reported Value Measurement
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Geographic Concentration Risk
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Oil and natural gas sales
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Value of the Notes
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures
Foreign exchange losses for each one peso decrease in exchange rate of Colombian peso to one U.S. dollar
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Before Tax Peso to US Dollar
The aggregate foreign currency transaction gain (loss) (both realized and unrealized) if there were a one Columbian Peso change against the U.S. Dollar.
Sales to each significant customer as % of oil and gas sales
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Revenues received in U.S. dollars (as a percent)
Percentage of Revenues Denominated in United States Dollars
Percentage of Revenues Denominated in United States Dollars
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain]
National Taxes and Customs Direction (DIAN)
National Taxes and Customs Direction (DIAN) [Member]
National Taxes and Customs Direction (DIAN) [Member]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Foreign Tax Authority
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income (Loss) before income taxes
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
United States
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic
Foreign
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (NOTE 3)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest
Statutory rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Income tax expense (recovery) expected
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount
Impact of foreign taxes
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount
Other local taxes
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount
Stock-based compensation
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount
Increase in valuation allowance
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount
Sale of Peru and Brazil business units
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Amount
Non-deductible third party royalty in Colombia
Income tax reconciliation non-deductible third party royalty
The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to third party royalty payments.
Other permanent differences
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount
Current income tax expense
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
United States
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current income tax expense
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Foreign
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (RECOVERY)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred tax recovery associated with ceiling test impairment loss
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Resulting From Ceiling Test Adjustment
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Resulting From Ceiling Test Adjustment
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
2025 Notes
Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Senior Notes
Senior Notes [Member]
Gran Tierra Energy International Holdings Ltd.
Gran Tierra Energy International Holdings Ltd. [Member]
Gran Tierra Energy International Holdings Ltd. [Member]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Stated interest rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Basis of consolidation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of estimates
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Equity method investment
Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block]
Derivatives
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block]
Inventory
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income taxes
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Oil and gas properties
Oil and Gas Properties Policy [Policy Text Block]
Asset retirement obligation
Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block]
Other capital assets
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Convertible Notes
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue recognition
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Stock-based compensation
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign currency translation
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Loss per share
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Revolving Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Convertible senior notes
Convertible Debt [Member]
Revolving credit facility
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross
Long-term Debt, Gross
Unamortized debt issuance costs
Debt Issuance Costs, Net
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt
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]
(Deficit) Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings [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]
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]
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
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred tax asset
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Credit Agreement
Letter of credit
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity [Axis]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity [Axis]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity [Axis]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity [Domain]
[Domain] for Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity [Axis]
Readily available
Readily Available [Member]
Readily Available [Member]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Domain]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Base Rate
Base Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Readily available
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity
Basis spread on variable rate
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Weighted-average interest rate
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time
Interest rate on undrawn amounts
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage
Participation fee (as a percent)
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage
Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Table]
Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Table]
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]
Acquisition costs
Costs Incurred, Acquisition of Oil and Gas Properties
Exploration costs
Costs Incurred, Exploration Costs
Total oil and natural gas properties not subject to depletion
Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization, Period Cost
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Concentration Risk [Table]
Concentration Risk [Table]
Customer [Axis]
Customer [Axis]
Customer [Domain]
Customer [Domain]
Customer One
Customer One [Member]
Customer One [Member]
Customer Two
Customer Two [Member]
Customer Two [Member]
Customer Three
Customer Three [Member]
Customer Three [Member]
Customer Four
Customer Four [Member]
Customer Four [Member]
Customer Concentration Risk
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Sales
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Operating Segments
Operating Segments [Member]
All Other
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Goodwill
Goodwill
All other assets
Other Assets
Total Assets (Note 3)
Assets
Schedule of Debt
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Total Interest Expense Recognized
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock [Member]
Special voting stock
Special Voting Stock [Member]
Special Voting Stock [Member]
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
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 shares, par value (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Preferred Stock, shares authorized
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Common shares, outstanding (in shares)
Exchangeable shares outstanding (in shares)
Common Stock, Other Shares, Outstanding
Number of votes per common stock
Number of votes per common stock
Represents the number of votes each shareholder is entitled to per share.
Common voting shares per exchangeable share (in shares)
Number of common voting shares per exchangeable share
Represents the number of common voting shares for each exchangeable 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 5)
General and administrative (Note 3)
General and Administrative Expense
Severance
Severance Costs
Transaction
Business Combination, Integration Related Costs
Equity tax (Note 9)
Foreign equity tax expense
Foreign tax payable in the period based on balance sheet equity for tax purposes
Foreign exchange loss (gain)
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax
Financial instruments loss (Note 12)
Gain (Loss) on Investments and Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax
Gain (Loss) on Investments and Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax
Other gain
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net
Interest expense (Notes 3 and 6)
Interest Expense, Debt
Total expenses
Costs and Expenses
(LOSS) ON SALE OF BUSINESS UNITS (NOTE 3 and 5) AND GAIN ON ACQUISITION
(LOSS) ON SALE OF BUSINESS UNITS (NOTE 3 and 5) AND GAIN ON ACQUISITION
Business Combination, Bargain Purchase, Gain Recognized, Amount
INTEREST INCOME
Interest Income, Operating
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (RECOVERY)
Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
Current (Note 9)
Deferred (Note 9)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
NET LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
NET LOSS PER SHARE - BASIC AND DILUTED (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]
Receivable Type [Axis]
Receivable Type [Axis]
Receivable [Domain]
Receivable [Domain]
Trade
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Other
Other Accounts Receivable [Member]
Other Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Agreements
Schedule of Contractual Obligations Future Lease Payments [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of future minimum contractual obligations as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented.
Schedule of Fair Value of Trading Securities, Derivative Assets, 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 Losses or Gains on Financial Instruments Recognized
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of the Rollforward of Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities:
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [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]
Dividend yield (per share) (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate
Volatility (minimum) (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum
Volatility (maximum) (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum
Weighted average volatility (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate
Risk-free interest rate (minimum) (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum
Risk-free interest rate (maximum) (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum
Expected term
Share Capital
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Class of Treasury Stock [Table]
Class of Treasury Stock [Table]
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
2017 Program
2017 Program [Member]
2017 Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased
Percent of stock issued and outstanding stock, authorized for repurchase
Stock Repurchase Program, Number Of Shares Authorized To Be Repurchased, Percent Of Issued And Outstanding Shares Of Common Stock
Stock Repurchase Program, Number Of Shares Authorized To Be Repurchased, Percent Of Issued And Outstanding Shares Of Common Stock
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]
Schedule of Allocation of Cost of Acquisition
Schedule of Asset Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Asset Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]
Summary of Assets and Liabilities of Disposal Groups
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]
Summary of Oil and Natural Gas Properties
Summary of Oil and Natural Gas Properties Cost and Accumulated Depletion [Table Text Block]
Summary of Oil and Natural Gas Properties Cost and Accumulated Depletion [Table Text Block]
Reportable Geographic Segments
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Long-lived Assets by Geographical Area
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]
Schedules of Consolidated Oil and Gas Sales
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]
Derivative [Table]
Derivative [Table]
Financial Instrument [Axis]
Financial Instrument [Axis]
Financial Instruments [Domain]
Financial Instruments [Domain]
Swap
Swap [Member]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Commodity Hedge
Commodity Hedge [Member]
Commodity Hedge [Member]
Position [Axis]
Position [Axis]
Position [Domain]
Position [Domain]
Purchased Put ($/bbl)
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]
Sold Call ($/bbl)
Call Option [Member]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Swap: January 1, to December 31, 2018
Commodity Foreign Currency Contract, Swap: January 1 To December 31, 2018 [Member]
Commodity Foreign Currency Contract, Swap: January 1 To December 31, 2018 [Member]
Participating Swap: January 1, to December 31, 2018
Commodity Foreign Currency Contract, Participating Swap: January 1 To December 31, 2018 [Member]
Commodity Foreign Currency Contract, Participating Swap: January 1 To December 31, 2018 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volume (in barrels)
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume
Put price (in dollars per barrel)
Derivative, Floor Price
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Public Float
Entity Public Float
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
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Operating Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Net loss
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]
Asset impairment
Deferred tax expense (recovery) (Note 9)
Stock-based compensation (Note 7)
Share-based Compensation
Amortization of debt issuance costs (Note 6)
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs
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 loss (gain)
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized
Financial instruments loss (Note 12)
Cash settlement of financial instruments
Cash Settlement of Financial Instruments
Cash Settlement of Financial Instruments
Cash settlement of asset retirement obligation (Note 8)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Cash Paid to Settle
Loss on sale of business units (Note 3 and 5) and (gain) on acquisition
Loss on sale of business units (Note 3 and 5) and (gain) on acquisition
Other gain
Other Nonrecurring Income
Net change in assets and liabilities from operating activities (Note 13)
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 (Note 3)
Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property and Equipment
Property acquisitions (Note 5)
Net proceeds from sale of business units (Note 5)
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested
Cash paid for investments (Note 5)
Payments to Acquire Trading Securities Held-for-investment
Cash paid for business combinations, net of cash acquired
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Proceeds from the sale of oil and gas properties (Note 5)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities (Note 12)
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities
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
Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs
Repayment of bank debt
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock (Note 7)
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Proceeds from issuance of shares of Common Stock, net of issuance costs
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
Proceeds from issuance of subscription receipts, net of issuance costs
Proceeds From Issuance Of Subscription Receipts, Net Of Issuance Costs
Proceeds From Issuance Of Subscription Receipts, Net Of Issuance Costs
Proceeds from issuance of Convertible Notes, net of issuance costs
Proceeds From Convertible Debt, Net Of Issuance Costs
Proceeds From Convertible Debt, Net Of Issuance Costs
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Foreign exchange (loss) 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
Net 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 and restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year (Note 13)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of year (Note 13)
Investment Secondary Categorization [Axis]
Investment Secondary Categorization [Axis]
Investments by Secondary Categorization [Domain]
Investments by Secondary Categorization [Domain]
Bank 1
Bank 1 [Member]
Bank 1 [Member]
Put Option
Put Option [Member]
Purchased Call
Sold
Short [Member]
Collar: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018
Foreign Currency, Collar: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 [Member]
Foreign Currency, Collar: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 [Member]
Amount Hedged (Millions COP)
Derivative, Notional Amount
Call price (in COP per collar)
Derivative, Cap Price
Put price (in COP per collar)
Segment and Geographic Reporting
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Asset Retirement Obligation
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common shares, issued (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Exchangeable shares, issued (in shares)
Common Shares Exchangeable Shares Issued
Common Shares, Exchangeable Shares, Issued
Exchangeable shares, outstanding (in shares)
Common Shares Exchangeable Shares Outstanding
Common Shares Exchangeable Shares Outstanding
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Annual rate for furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and automobiles
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Other Capital Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Other Capital Assets
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 - long-term
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents
Impairment of oil and gas properties
Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties
Impairment of inventory
Inventory Write-down
Asset impairment
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges
Business combination, equity interests transferred
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable
Trade
Accounts Payable, Trade
Royalties
Accrued Royalties
Employee compensation
Employee-related Liabilities
Other
Other Accrued Liabilities
Total
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Financial Instruments, Fair Value Measurement, Credit Risk and Foreign Exchange Risk
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards
Tax basis in excess of book basis
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Basis in Excess of Book Basis
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax reductions attributable to a difference between the tax basis and the generally accepted accounting principles basis of a company's investments which will decrease future taxable income when such basis difference reverses.
Foreign tax credits and other accruals
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign
Tax benefit of capital loss carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Deferred tax assets, net
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)(1)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Cash payments included in settlements
Fair value of assets legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Legally Restricted Assets, Fair Value
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table]
Commodity price derivative loss
Commodity Contract [Member]
Foreign currency derivative (gain) loss
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative loss (gain)
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net
Investment gain
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)
Trading securities loss
Trading Gain (Loss)
Financial instruments loss
5.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021
Five Percent Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Five Percent Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Conversion rate
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio
Initial conversion price (in dollars per share)
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price
Percentage of conversion price when Company may redeem for all cash or any portion of the Notes
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger
Threshold trading days
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days
Threshold consecutive trading days
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days
Redemption price (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage
Repurchase price (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Percentage
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Percentage
Net proceeds from sale of the Notes
DSUs that will vest at such time the grantee ceases to be a member (as a percent)
Cash used to settle awards
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Flow Effect, Cash Used to Settle Awards
Convertible Senior Notes
Accounts receivable and other long-term assets
Increase (Decrease) in Receivables
Derivatives
Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities
Inventory
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Other prepaids
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expenses, Other
Accounts payable and accrued and other long-term liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Prepaid tax and 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
Schedule of Income Tax Expense Reported
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Summary of Operating Loss and Capital Loss Carryforwards
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]
Goodwill, impairment loss
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Weighted average options excluded from diluted loss per share calculation (in shares)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Investment - current and long-term assets
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure
Foreign currency derivative asset
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value
Fair value of assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Commodity price derivative liability
Derivative Liability, Current
RSU, PSU and DSU liability
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Recorded Liability, Fair Value Disclosure
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Recorded Liability, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair value of liabilities
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure
Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Previously Reported
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
Performance Stock Units
Stock options
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
G&A expenses
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Equity awards granted (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Grants in Period, Percent of Equity Awards Granted in Period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Grants in Period, Percent of Equity Awards Granted in Period
Common stock available for issuance (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
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 of recognition
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Weighted average remaining contractual term
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Schedule of Accounts Receivable
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 13)
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Notes 8 and 13)
Accounts receivable (Note 4)
Investment (Note 12)
Trading Securities
Derivatives (Note 12)
Inventory
Inventory, Net
Taxes receivable
Income Taxes Receivable, Current
Prepaid taxes (Notes 2 and 9)
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 Properties (using the full cost method of accounting) [Abstract]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
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
Total Property, Plant and Equipment (Notes 3 and 5)
Other Long-Term Assets
Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets (Note 2 and 9)
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net
Prepaid taxes (Notes 2 and 9)
Investment (Note 12)
Trading Securities, Equity
Other long-term assets (Note 13)
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 (Note 10)
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current
Derivatives (Note 12)
Taxes payable (Note 9)
Taxes Payable, Current
Asset retirement obligation (Note 8)
Total Current Liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Long-Term Liabilities
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-term debt (Notes 6 and 12)
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Deferred tax liabilities (Note 2 and 9)
Asset retirement obligation (Note 8)
Other long-term liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total Long-Term Liabilities
Liabilities, Noncurrent
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common Stock (Note 7) (385,191,042 and 390,807,194 shares of Common Stock and 6,111,665 and 8,199,894 exchangeable shares, par value $0.001 per share, issued and outstanding as at December 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
Oil and natural gas sales
DD&A expenses
General and administrative expenses
Interest expense
Loss on sale
Gain on acquisition
Loss before income taxes
Segment capital expenditures
Common Stock
Common Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2016 (in shares)
Exchange of exchangeable shares (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities
Shares repurchased and canceled (in shares)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares
Balance, December 31, 2017 (in shares)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Share Capital
Statement [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Cumulative adjustment for accounting changes related to tax reorganizations (Note 2)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Issuance of Common Stock, net of share issuance costs (Note 7)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Repurchase of Common Stock (Note 7)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value
Exercise of stock options (Note 7)
Stock-based compensation (Note 7)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Balance, end of year
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]
Total rent expense
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Promissory notes as security for letters of credit
Debt Instrument, Collateral, Promissory Notes Provided as Collateral for Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument, Collateral, Promissory Notes Provided as Collateral for Letters of Credit
Estimated compensation which would be payable if interpretation is correct
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value
Amount accrued for improbable loss
Loss Contingency Accrual
Valuation Allowance [Table]
Valuation Allowance [Table]
Tax Period [Axis]
Tax Period [Axis]
Tax Period [Domain]
Tax Period [Domain]
2015
Tax Year 2015 [Member]
2016
Tax Year 2016 [Member]
2017
Tax Year 2017 [Member]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Domain]
Geographical [Domain]
LUXEMBOURG
LUXEMBOURG
United States, Colombia, And Canada
United States, Colombia, And Canada [Member]
United States, Colombia, And Canada [Member]
COLOMBIA
COLOMBIA
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, provisional income tax expense
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense
Tax and Jobs Act of 2017, decrease in deferred tax benefit
Tax And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Tax And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Decrease in valuation allowance
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount
Decrease in valuation allowance due to sale of business units
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Sale Of Business Unit
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Sale Of Business Unit
Tax benefit of capital loss carryforwards
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Capital Losses
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Capital Losses
Increase in foreign tax credits
Income Tax Credits and Adjustments
Foreign Earnings Repatriated
Foreign Earnings Repatriated
Foreign losses incurred and other credits
Other Noncash Income Tax Expense
Equity tax rates
Foreign equity tax rate
Tax rate for foreign tax payable based on balance sheet equity for tax purposes
Annual amount of equity tax expense
Included in accounts payable
Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current
Contractual interest and other financing expenses
Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization
Amortization of debt issuance costs
Interest expense
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]
Schedule of Contractual Obligations [Table]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis]
Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain]
Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain]
Oil transportation services
Oil transportation services [Member]
This element represents the future minimum payments due on Oil transportation services.
Facility construction
Facility construction [Member]
This element represents the future minimum payments due on facility construction.
Operating leases
Operating leases [Member]
This element represents the future minimum payments due on operating leases.
Software and telecommunication
Software and telecommunication [Member]
This element represents the future minimum payments due on software and telecommunication leases.
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Total
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases
2018
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due in Next Twelve Months
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due in Next Twelve Months
2019
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Two Years
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Two Years
2020
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Three Years
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Three Years
2021
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Four Years
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Four Years
2022
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Five Years
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Five Years
Thereafter
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due after Five Years
Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due after Five Years
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, gross
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Accumulated depletion, depreciation and impairment
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash
Allocation of Consideration Paid:
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Oil and gas properties
Oil and Gas Property [Abstract]
Proved
Asset Acquisition Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Oil and Gas Properties Proved
Asset Acquisition Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Oil and Gas Properties Proved
Unproved
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Oil And Gas Properties, Unproved
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Oil And Gas Properties, Unproved
Oil and gas properties
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Oil And Gas Properties
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Oil And Gas Properties
Inventory
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Inventory
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Inventory
Asset retirement obligation - long-term
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligation, Noncurrent
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligation, Noncurrent
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Net
Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Net
Net working capital (including cash acquired of $0.2 million and restricted cash of $18.6 million)
Cash Acquired from acquisition
Cash Acquired from Acquisition
Restricted cash acquired from acquisition
Restricted Cash Acquired From Acquisition
Restricted Cash Acquired From Acquisition
Cash paid for income taxes
Income Taxes Paid
Cash paid for interest
Interest Paid
Non-cash investing activities:
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net liabilities related to property, plant and equipment, end of year
Liabilities Related to Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Liabilities Related to Property, Plant and Equipment, Net