Long-Term Debt QRI & Restricted Subsidiaries Indenture Financials (Cash Flow) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Indenture Disclosure Financials [Line Items]
Net cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 111,869	$ (4,983)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(25,007)	(111,444)
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment	2,978	1,942
Payments to acquire marketable securities	0	(55,890)
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities	0	222,025
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(22,029)	152,220
Issuance of debt	28,335	243,184
Repayments of debt	(170,660)	(193,689)
Debt issuance costs paid	(80)	(225)
Purchase of treasury stock	(115)	(2,388)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(143,946)	9,769
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	6,250	2,216
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	(47,856)	159,222
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	175,673	248,325	$ 223,529	$ 89,103
Quicksilver And Restricted Subsidiaries [Member]
Indenture Disclosure Financials [Line Items]
Net cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities	113,640	(11,319)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(25,007)	(111,423)
Investment in subsidiary	0	(26,395)
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment	2,978	1,942
Payments to acquire marketable securities	0	(55,890)
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities	0	222,025
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(22,029)	125,846
Issuance of debt	28,335	243,184
Repayments of debt	(170,660)	(193,689)
Debt issuance costs paid	(80)	(225)
Purchase of treasury stock	(115)	(2,388)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(142,520)	46,882
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	4,614	(2,718)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	(46,295)	158,691
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	175,543	246,719	$ 221,838	$ 88,028
Sandwash Basin [Member]
Indenture Disclosure Financials [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates	0	95,587
Sandwash Basin [Member] | Quicksilver And Restricted Subsidiaries [Member]
Indenture Disclosure Financials [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates	$ 0	$ 95,587