Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Partners' Capital (USD $) In Thousands	Class C Convertible Preferred [Member]	General Partner [Member]	Class B Convertible Unitholder [Member]	Limited Partners-Public Common [Member]	Limited Partners-Affiliated - Common [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	QR Energy, LP [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011
Distributions to unitholders	$ (3,500)	$ (25)		$ (25,275)	$ (3,484)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	373,068	710		403,757	(62,971)
Distributions to unitholders	(3,500)	(25)		(25,480)	(3,484)
Balances at Mar. 31, 2013
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	373,068	710		403,757	(62,971)		714,564		714,564
Recognition of unit-based awards				5,120			5,120		5,120
Unit issuance costs				(78)			(78)		(78)
Distributions to unitholders	(10,500)	(75)	(8,970)	(76,230)	(10,451)		(106,226)		(106,226)
Amortization of discount on increasing rate distributions	11,605						11,605		11,605
Noncash distribution to preferred unitholders	(11,605)						(11,605)		(11,605)
Management incentive fee earned		(2,013)					(2,013)		(2,013)
Other		1		765	(792)		(26)	5,956	5,930
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax						100	100	79	179
Net income	22,105	2,014	8,970	(157)	789		33,721	222	33,943
Balances at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 384,673	$ 637		$ 333,177	$ (73,425)	$ 100	$ 645,162	$ 6,257	$ 651,419