Quicksilver Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011 years MMcf MBbls Mcf
Quicksilver Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Outstanding at January 1, 2011	3,348,642
Granted	834,970
Exercised	(118,140)
Cancelled	(148,764)
Expired	(60,021)
Outstanding at September 30, 2011	3,856,687
Beginning weighted average exercise price	$ 11.10
Granted weighted average exercise price	$ 14.88
Exercised weighted average exercise price	$ 6.21
Cancelled weighted average exercise price	$ 10.78
Expired weighted average exercise price	$ 24.28
Ending weighted average exercise price	$ 11.88
Ending balance weighted average remaining contractual life	7.7
Ending balance aggregate intrinsic value	$ 2,655
Exercisable shares	1,910,306
Exercisable weighted average exercise price	$ 11.52
Exercisable weighted average remaining contractual life	7.1
Exercisable aggregate intrinsic value	$ 1,762

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The total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices of vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the option plan as of the balance sheet date.

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