Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industries Disclosures [Abstract] Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industries Disclosures [Text Block] Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industries Disclosures [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Capitalized Costs Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Capitalized Costs Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities Disclosure [Table Text Block] COMMON STOCK [Abstract] COMMON STOCK [Abstract] Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Text Block] Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Shares, Issued Shares, Issued Shares issued pursuant to sale of equity Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Exercise of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Retirement of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Purchase of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Issuance of treasury shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Non-employee directors' deferred compensation plan Deferred Compensation Plan, Shares, Change During the Period DeferredCompensationPlan,Shares,ChangeDuringthePeriod Shares end of year Shares, Outstanding Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Beginning, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Purchase of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Convertible debt discount, net of issuance costs and taxes Proceeds from Convertible Debt Retirement of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Compensation expense Share-based Compensation Issuance of treasury shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Tax benefit (detriment) of stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Contribution by investing partner in PDCM Proceeds From Investing Partner Contribution The cash inflow contributed by Investing Partner to increase their ownership stake in a joint venture. Effect of PDCM deconsolidation/change in ownership interest Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Non-employee directors' deferred compensation plan Deferred Compensation Plan, Value, Change During the Period Deferred Compensation Plan, Value, Purchase or Distribution of Shares. Net income (Loss) attributable to shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Shares issued pursuant to sale of equity Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Noncontrolling Interest in PDC Mountaineer, LLC Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity Ending, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration Risks, Types, No Concentration Percentage [Abstract] Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Long-term Debt [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract] NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to net income (loss) to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Unrealized loss (gain) loss on derivatives, net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives and Commodity Contracts Depreciation, depletion and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Impairment of natural gas and crude oil properties Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Exploratory dry hole costs Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost, Charged to Expense Accretion of asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Stock-based compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Loss (gain) from sale of properties and equipment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total adjustments to net income (loss) to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Changes in current assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Decrease (increase) in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Decrease (increase) in other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Increase (decrease) in production tax liability Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Decrease in other current liabilities Other Noncash Income (Expense) Total changes in current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Explore and Develop Oil and Gas Properties Acquisition of natural gas and crude oil properties, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from credit facility Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Proceeds from senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payment of credit facility Repayments of Long-term Debt Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from sale of equity, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Contribution by investing partner in PDCM Purchase of treasury stock Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash payments (receipts) for: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Net Income tax refunds, net of income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Non-cash investing activities: Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Change in accounts payable related to purchases of properties and equipment Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Change in asset retirement obligation, with a corresponding increase to natural gas and crude oil properties, net of disposals Increase (Decrease) in Asset Retirement Obligations Change in paid-in capital related to convertible debt, net of tax Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Equity Component of Convertible Debt Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable, net Receivables, Net, Current Accounts receivable affiliates Due from Affiliate, Current Fair value of derivatives Derivative Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Properties and equipment, net Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Net Assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Property, Plant and Equipment Fair value of derivatives Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Accounts receivable affiliates Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable affiliates Due to Affiliate, Current Production tax liability Accrued Liabilities, Current Fair value of derivatives Derivative Liabilities, Current Funds held for distribution Funds held for distribution Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable to investor partners and royalty owners. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accrued interest payable Interest Payable, Current Other accrued expenses Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Fair value of derivatives Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Accounts payable affiliates Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingent liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued: none Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common shares, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued: 23,634,958 in 2011 and 23,462,326 in 2010 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury shares, at cost: 2,938 in 2011 and 2010 Treasury Stock, Value Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Natural gas, NGL and crude oil sales Oil and Gas Sales Revenue Sales from natural gas marketing Revenue from Purchased Oil and Gas Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Well operations, pipeline income and other Other Operating Income Total revenues Revenues Costs, expenses and other: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Production costs Oil and Gas Production Expense Cost of natural gas marketing Cost of Purchased Oil and Gas Exploration expense Exploration Expense Impairment of natural gas and crude oil properties Results of Operations, Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties General and administrative expense General and Administrative Expense Depreciation, depletion and amortization Depreciation, depletion and amortization from continuing operations The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets or depleting assets to period that benefits from use of the assets in continuing operations. Gain on sale of Leaseholds GainLossonSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyFromContinuingOperations Gain (loss) recorded from sale of oil and gas properties, includes the realized gains (losses) on the sale of proved and unproved oil and gas properties, from continuing operations. Total cost, expenses and other Costs and Expenses Income (loss) from operations Operating Income (Loss) Interest income Interest Income, Domestic Deposits Interest expense Interest Expense Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision (benefit) for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders Amounts attributable to Petroleum Development Corporation shareholders: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings per share attributable to shareholders: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Equity Parenthetical [Abstract] Statement of Equity Parenthetical [Abstract] Shareholder's equity [Table] Preferred shares, par value per share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common shares, par value per share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Condensed Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Condensed Balance Sheet Parenthetical (Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Preferred stock, par value Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Treasury shares, at cost Treasury Stock, Shares