Other Required Disclosures - Equity Method Investments (Details) (HGI Energy Holdings, LLC [Member], EXCO/HGI Partnership and the General Partner [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
HGI Energy Holdings, LLC [Member] | EXCO/HGI Partnership and the General Partner [Member]
Assets
Total current assets	$ 46.6
Oil and natural gas properties, net	831.8
Other assets	34.6
Total assets	913.0
Liabilities and members' equity
Total current liabilities	51.7
Total long-term liabilities	406.0
Total members' equity	455.3
Total liabilities and members' equity	913.0
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	22.4
Costs and Expenses
Oil and natural gas direct operating costs	11.8
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	9.6
Total costs and expenses	21.4
Operating income	1.0
Other expense	(13.1)
Net loss	$ (12.1)