| **Reconciliation of Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Derivative Financial Instrument Net Assets, USD $)In Thousands, unless otherwise specified** | 3 Months Ended |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|
||
| **Roll-forward of Level 3 Assets**                                                                                                                          |           |   |
| Fair Value, net assets, beginning of period                                                                                                                 | $ 1,397        | $ 13,669 |
| Fair Value, net assets, end of period                                                                                                                       | 105            | 7,663 |
| Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets (liabilities) still held as of period end, included in statement of operations line item;           | (1,536)        | (2,755) |
| Commodity Price Risk Management (loss), net                                                                                                                 |           |   |
| **Roll-forward of Level 3 Assets**                                                                                                                          |           |   |
| Changes in fair value included in statement of operations line item:                                                                                        | (1,395)        | (2,731) |
| Settlements included in statement of operations line items:                                                                                                 | 119            | (3,234) |
| Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets (liabilities) still held as of period end, included in statement of operations line item;           | (1,531)        | (2,739) |
| Sales From Natural Gas Marketing                                                                                                                            |           |   |
| **Roll-forward of Level 3 Assets**                                                                                                                          |           |   |
| Changes in fair value included in statement of operations line item:                                                                                        | (22)           | (16) |
| Settlements included in statement of operations line items:                                                                                                 | 6              | (25) |
| Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets (liabilities) still held as of period end, included in statement of operations line item;           | $ (5)          | $ (16) |

| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Net Asset, Period Increase (Decrease).
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details**Name:**pdce_ChangesInUnrealizedGainsLossesRelatingToAssetsLiabilitiesStillHeldAsOfPeriodEndIncludedInStatementOfOperationsLineItem**Namespace Prefix:**pdce_**Data Type:**xbrli:monetaryItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
This element represents net assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details**Name:**pdce_FairValueMeasuredWithUnobservableInputReconcilitionRecurringBasisNetAssetValue**Namespace Prefix:**pdce_**Data Type:**xbrli:monetaryItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**instant |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Amount of purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (net) which have taken place in relation to net assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3).
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details**Name:**pdce_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisNetAssetPurchasesSalesIssuesSettlements**Namespace Prefix:**pdce_**Data Type:**xbrli:monetaryItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Description of where the gain (loss), arising from net assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3), is to be recognized in earnings.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details**Name:**pdce_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisNetAssetsGainLossIncludedInEarnings**Namespace Prefix:**pdce_**Data Type:**xbrli:monetaryItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Details**Name:**us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap_**Data Type:**xbrli:stringItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |