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 Partners' Capital [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 388,621	$ 614		$ 313,302	$ (76,371)	$ 2,744	$ 628,910	$ 8,549	$ 637,459
Recognition of unit-based awards				1,743			1,743		1,743
Reduction in units to cover individuals' tax withholding				(25)			(25)		(25)
Buyout of general partner		(141,777)					(141,777)		(141,777)
Distributions to unitholders	(3,500)	(17)	(2,962)	(25,449)	(3,484)		(35,412)		(35,412)
Amortization of discount on increasing rate distributions	3,988						3,988		3,988
Noncash distribution to preferred unitholders	(3,988)						(3,988)		(3,988)
Management incentive fee earned		(1,399)					(1,399)		(1,399)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax						9	9	6	15
Net income (loss)	7,488	142,579	2,962	(147,210)	(20,429)		(14,610)	214	(14,396)
Balances at Mar. 31, 2014	$ 392,609			$ 142,361	$ (100,284)	$ 2,753	$ 437,439	$ 8,769	$ 446,208