Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 Chesapeake	Dec. 31, 2011 Chesapeake	Jun. 30, 2012 Chesapeake Holdings Corporation	Jun. 30, 2012 Properties Operated by Chesapeake	Jun. 30, 2011 Properties Operated by Chesapeake	Jun. 30, 2012 Properties Operated by Chesapeake	Jun. 30, 2011 Properties Operated by Chesapeake	Jun. 30, 2012 Properties Operated by Chaparral	Jun. 30, 2011 Properties Operated by Chaparral	Jun. 30, 2012 Properties Operated by Chaparral	Jun. 30, 2011 Properties Operated by Chaparral
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Chaparral common stock owned by Chesapeake			20.00%
Revenue from jointly owned properties				$ 824	$ 1,185	$ 1,769	$ 2,462	$ (836)	$ (958)	$ (1,459)	$ (1,419)
Joint interest billings				(2,995)	(278)	(3,467)	(536)	3,107	1,293	4,644	3,059
Amounts receivable from Chesapeake	1,353	223
Amounts payable to Chesapeake	$ 339	$ 207