<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.3.1.900</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>250</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>441</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>81</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>14</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Net Property and Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/NetPropertyAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Property and Equipment</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities and Other</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesAndOther</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities and Other</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/DerivativeInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/LongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/LeaseCommitments</Role>
      <ShortName>Lease Commitments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/StockBasedCompensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2118101 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - Property Dispositions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/PropertyDispositions</Role>
      <ShortName>Property Dispositions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121100 - Disclosure - Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/CrudeOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2122100 - Disclosure - Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCrudeOilAndNaturalGasInformationUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2123100 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301302 - Disclosure - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302301 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - Net Property and Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/NetPropertyAndEquipmentTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Property and Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/NetPropertyAndEquipment</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities and Other (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities and Other (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesAndOther</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/DerivativeInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/LongTermDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/LongTermDebt</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/LeaseCommitmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Lease Commitments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/LeaseCommitments</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2314301 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/StockBasedCompensation</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2318302 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNotes</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2321301 - Disclosure - Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/CrudeOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/CrudeOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2322301 - Disclosure - Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information (Unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCrudeOilAndNaturalGasInformationUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information (Unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCrudeOilAndNaturalGasInformationUnaudited</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2323301 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401405 - Disclosure - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Inventories (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesComponentsOfInventoriesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Inventories (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401407 - Disclosure - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Service Property and Equipment (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfEstimatedUsefulLivesOfServicePropertyAndEquipmentDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Service Property and Equipment (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401408 - Disclosure - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary Of Changes In Future Abandonment Liabilities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfChangesInFutureAbandonmentLiabilitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary Of Changes In Future Abandonment Liabilities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401409 - Disclosure - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/OrganizationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsPerShareDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402402 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationSummaryOfSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - Net Property and Equipment - Schedule of Net Property and Equipment (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/NetPropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfNetPropertyAndEquipmentDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Property and Equipment - Schedule of Net Property and Equipment (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities and Other - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities and Other (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities and Other - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities and Other (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments - Summary of Outstanding Contracts with Respect to Crude Oil (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfOutstandingContractsWithRespectToCrudeOilDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments - Summary of Outstanding Contracts with Respect to Crude Oil (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments - Summary of Outstanding Contracts with Respect to Natural Gas (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfOutstandingContractsWithRespectToNaturalGasDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments - Summary of Outstanding Contracts with Respect to Natural Gas (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405404 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments - Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsRealizedAndUnrealizedGainsAndLossesOnDerivativeInstrumentsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments - Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405405 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments - Gross Amounts of Recognized Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsDerivativeInstrumentsGrossAmountsOfRecognizedDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments - Gross Amounts of Recognized Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405406 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments - Reconciles Net Amounts Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsDerivativeInstrumentsReconcilesNetAmountsDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments - Reconciles Net Amounts Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Valuation of Financial Instruments by Pricing Levels (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsValuationOfFinancialInstrumentsByPricingLevelsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements - Valuation of Financial Instruments by Pricing Levels (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406404 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Property Impairments (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsPropertyImpairmentsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements - Property Impairments (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406405 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Financial Instruments not Recorded at Fair Value (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsNotRecordedAtFairValueDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Financial Instruments not Recorded at Fair Value (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407403 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407404 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Summary of Maturity Dates, Semi-Annual Interest Payment Dates, and Optional Redemption Periods Of Outstanding Senior Note Obligations (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/LongTermDebtSummaryOfMaturityDatesSemiAnnualInterestPaymentDatesAndOptionalRedemptionPeriodsOfOutstandingSeniorNoteObligationsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt - Summary of Maturity Dates, Semi-Annual Interest Payment Dates, and Optional Redemption Periods Of Outstanding Senior Note Obligations (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/IncomeTaxesProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes with Income Tax at Federal Statutory Rate (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesWithIncomeTaxAtFederalStatutoryRateDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes with Income Tax at Federal Statutory Rate (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408405 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments - Lease Commitments (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/LeaseCommitmentsLeaseCommitmentsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Lease Commitments - Lease Commitments (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410401 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411401 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414402 - Disclosure - Stock Based Compensation - Associated Compensation Expense (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/StockBasedCompensationAssociatedCompensationExpenseDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Based Compensation - Associated Compensation Expense (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414403 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/StockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414404 - Disclosure - Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Changes in Non Vested Shares of Restricted Stock (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/StockBasedCompensationSummaryOfChangesInNonVestedSharesOfRestrictedStockDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Changes in Non Vested Shares of Restricted Stock (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418403 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.contres.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420401 - Disclosure - Property Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/PropertyDispositionsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Property Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421402 - Disclosure - Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Schedule of Results of Operations from Crude Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/CrudeOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInformationScheduleOfResultsOfOperationsFromCrudeOilAndNaturalGasProducingActivitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Schedule of Results of Operations from Crude Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421403 - Disclosure - Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Schedule of Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition Exploration and Development Activities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/CrudeOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInformationScheduleOfCostsIncurredInOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Schedule of Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition Exploration and Development Activities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421404 - Disclosure - Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/CrudeOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInformationAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421405 - Disclosure - Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Schedule of Aggregate Capitalized Costs Relates to Crude Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/CrudeOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInformationScheduleOfAggregateCapitalizedCostsRelatesToCrudeOilAndNaturalGasProducingActivitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Schedule of Aggregate Capitalized Costs Relates to Crude Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421406 - Disclosure - Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Schedule of Capitalized Exploratory Drilling Costs Pending Evaluation (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/CrudeOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInformationScheduleOfCapitalizedExploratoryDrillingCostsPendingEvaluationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Crude Oil and Natural Gas Property Information - Schedule of Capitalized Exploratory Drilling Costs Pending Evaluation (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422402 - Disclosure - Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCrudeOilAndNaturalGasInformationAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422403 - Disclosure - Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Schedule of Proved Crude Oil and Natural Gas Reserves (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCrudeOilAndNaturalGasInformationScheduleOfProvedCrudeOilAndNaturalGasReservesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Schedule of Proved Crude Oil and Natural Gas Reserves (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422404 - Disclosure - Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Schedule of Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Gas Reserve Quantities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCrudeOilAndNaturalGasInformationScheduleOfProvedDevelopedAndUndevelopedOilAndGasReserveQuantitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Schedule of Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Gas Reserve Quantities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422405 - Disclosure - Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCrudeOilAndNaturalGasInformationStandardizedMeasureOfDiscountedFutureNetCashFlowsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422406 - Disclosure - Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Changes in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/SupplementalCrudeOilAndNaturalGasInformationChangesInStandardizedMeasureOfDiscountedFutureNetCashFlowsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information - Changes in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="clr-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2423402 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data - Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.contres.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialDataDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data - Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>clr-20151231.xml</File>
    <File>clr-20151231.xsd</File>
    <File>clr-20151231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>clr-20151231_def.xml</File>
    <File>clr-20151231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>clr-20151231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
