Property and equipment - Full cost ceiling impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Full cost ceiling impairment expense	$ 16,733	$ 0

Unamortized Costs Capitalized Before Related Deferred Income Taxes Exceed Ceiling Limitations, Expense

No definition available.

Name:	lpi_UnamortizedCostsCapitalizedBeforeRelatedDeferredIncomeTaxesExceedCeilingLimitationsExpense
Namespace Prefix:	lpi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration