Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids revenues	$ 16,805
Operating costs and expenses:
Seismic and exploration costs	58,170	$ 61,844	$ 85,567
Dry hole costs and impairments	1,967,180	462,234	236,930
Loss on amendment of contract	95,908
Lease operating expenses	7,574
General and administrative expenses	127,860	110,634	114,860
Accretion expense	550	99
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	21,983	3,881	4,584
Total operating costs and expenses	2,279,225	638,692	441,941
Operating loss	(2,262,420)	(638,692)	(441,941)
Other (expense) income, net:
Other (expense) income	(2,505)	1,555	(12)
Interest income	4,661	6,087	5,958
Interest expense	(83,045)	(63,376)	(74,768)
Total other expense, net	(80,889)	(55,734)	(68,822)
Net loss	$ (2,343,309)	$ (694,426)	$ (510,763)
Basic and diluted loss per share:	$ (5.69)	$ (1.70)	$ (1.25)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)	412,080	408,535	407,116