Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	$ 4,692
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(18)	[1]
Net current period other comprehensive income	4,674
Accumulated comprehensive income, ending balance	4,674
Accumulated comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	1,930
Accumulated comprehensive income attributable to QR Energy, LP	2,744
Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	631
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(18)	[1]
Net current period other comprehensive income	613
Accumulated comprehensive income, ending balance	613
Accumulated comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	273
Accumulated comprehensive income attributable to QR Energy, LP	340
Post-retirement Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,061
Net current period other comprehensive income	4,061
Accumulated comprehensive income, ending balance	4,061
Accumulated comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	1,657
Accumulated comprehensive income attributable to QR Energy, LP	$ 2,404

[1] Amounts were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss) into “Other income (expense), net” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.