Operating Segments - Segment Income (Loss) Attributable to Harvest (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									$ (83,946)	$ 2,199	$ (30,285)
Discontinued operations	(1,073)	(2,586)	(1,006)	(485)	(6,472)	(347)	(2,164)	(5,427)	(5,150)	(14,410)	86,245
Net income (loss) attributable to Harvest	(122,680)	1,953	(4,466)	36,097	(23,147)	5,751	6,225	(1,040)	(89,096)	(12,211)	55,960
Venezuela [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									58,640	51,584	54,974
Gabon [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									(12,908)	(2,902)	(6,158)
Indonesia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									(9,213)	(4,052)	(45,416)
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									$ (120,465)	$ (42,431)	$ (33,685)