Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Trading securities loss Trading Gain (Loss) Foreign currency derivatives loss (gain) Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Loss (gain) on Investments and Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Gain (Loss) on Investments and Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Gain (Loss) on Investments and Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax basis in excess of book basis Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Basis in Excess of Book Basis The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax reductions attributable to a difference between the tax basis and the generally accepted accounting principles basis of a company's investments which will decrease future taxable income when such basis difference reverses. Foreign tax credits and other accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Tax benefit of capital loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Net Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Accounts receivable and other long-term assets Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaids Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Accounts payable and accrued and other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Taxes receivable and payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Net changes in assets and liabilities from operating activities of continuing operations Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Segment Reporting [Abstract] Reportable Geographic Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Long-lived Assets by Geographical Area Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Expected dividend rate for fair value assumption Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected volatility rate for fair value assumption, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Expected volatility rate for fair value assumption, maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Weighted average volatility fair value assumption Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Risk free interest rate for fair value assumption, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Risk free interest rate for fair value assumption, maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Expected term for fair value assumption Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Depletion, depreciation and accretion Results of Operations, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion Asset impairment Asset Impairment Charges Deferred tax (recovery) expense Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Non-cash stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Financial instruments loss Unrealized foreign exchange gain Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Cash settlement of foreign currency derivatives Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Investing Activities Cash settlement of asset retirement obligation Increase (Decrease) Asset Retirement Obligations, Settlements Asset Retirement Obligations, Settlements Other loss Other Nonrecurring Expense Other gain Other Nonrecurring Income Equity tax Foreign Equity tax Foreign tax payable based on balance sheet equity for tax purposes Net change in assets and liabilities from operating activities of continuing operations Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Decrease (increase) in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Changes in non-cash investing working capital Increase (Decrease) in Investing Working Capital Increase (Decrease) in Investing Working Capital Proceeds from oil and gas properties Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Proceeds from sale of Argentina business unit, net of cash sold and transaction costs Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations Payments for Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Payments for Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repurchase of shares of Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of shares of Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Foreign exchange loss on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of year Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Impairment of oil and gas properties Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Impairment of inventory Inventory Write-down Asset impairment Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Solana [Member] Solana [Member] Acquisition of the Canadian company, Solana. Argosy [Member] Argosy Energy International L.P. [Member] Argosy Energy International L.P. [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Allowance for doubtful receivables Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Depreciation rate for other capital assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Other Capital Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Other Capital Assets Goodwill Goodwill Deferred tax liabilities, current Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Deferred tax assets, current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivable and Inventory Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Net liabilities related to property, plant and equipment, end of year Liabilities Related to Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Liabilities Related to Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Acquisition of marketable securities as proceeds from sale of Argentina business unit Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] National Taxes and Customs Direction (DIAN) [Member] National Taxes and Customs Direction (DIAN) [Member] National Taxes and Customs Direction (DIAN) [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Colombia [Member] COLOMBIA Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] United States Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign (LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Income tax (recovery) expense from continuing operations expected Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Foreign currency translation adjustments Income Tax Reconciliation Foreign Currency Translation Tax Benefit Expense The portion of the difference, between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations, that is attributable to foreign exchange translation differences. Impact of foreign taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Other local taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Stock-based compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount Increase in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Non-deductible third party royalty in Colombia Income tax reconciliation non-deductible third party royalty The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to third party royalty payments. Other permanent differences Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Total income tax (recovery) expense from continuing operations Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current income tax expense from continuing operations Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] United States Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Current income tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax (recovery) expense from continuing operations Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax rate reconciliation, tax basis and loss adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Income tax rate reconciliation, tax basis and loss adjustments offset by change in valuation allowance Income Tax Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Offset by Change in Valuation Allowance Income Tax Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Offset by Change in Valuation Allowance Deferred tax recovery associated with ceiling test impairment Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Resulting From Ceiling Test Adjustment Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Resulting From Ceiling Test Adjustment Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities, by Geographic Area [Table] Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities, by Geographic Area [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Peru [Member] PERU Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities, by Geographic Area [Line Items] Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities, by Geographic Area [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year Asset Retirement Obligation Settlements Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Liability incurred Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Liabilities associated with the Argentina business unit sold Asset Retirement Obligations, Liabilities Sold Through Divestiture Asset Retirement Obligations, Liabilities Sold Through Divestiture Accretion Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Revisions in estimated liability Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Balance, end of year Asset retirement obligation - current Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Asset retirement obligation - long-term Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Fair value of legally restricted assets Asset Retirement Obligation, Legally Restricted Assets, Fair Value Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Brazil and Colombia [Member] Brazil and Colombia [Member] Brazil and Colombia [Member] Brazil [Member] BRAZIL Oil and Gas property, plant and equipment [Axis] Oil and Gas property, plant and equipment [Axis] Description of acquisitions of new oil and gas properities. Oil and Gas property, plant and equipment [Domain] Oil and Gas property, plant and equipment [Domain] Description of acquisitions of new oil and gas properities. Block 95 [Member] Block 95 [Member] Block 95 [Member] Mecaya Block [Member] Mecaya Block [Member] Mecaya Block [Member] Property , Plant and Equipment Cost Center categories [Axis] Property , Plant and Equipment Cost Center categories [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment , by Country Property , Plant and Equipment Cost Center categories [Domain] Property , Plant and Equipment Cost Center categories [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment by Cost Center Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Discount rate Full Cost Accounting, Discount Rate Full Cost Accounting, Discount Rate Depletion and depreciation expense Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Proceeds from termination of farm-in agreement Proceeds from Oil and Gas Property from Termination of Farm-in Agreement Proceeds from Oil and Gas Property from Termination of Farm-in Agreement Proceeds from sale of a blow-out preventer Number of blocks successfully bid Number of Blocks Successfully Bid Number of Blocks Successfully Bid Payments for signature bonus Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property, Signature Bonus Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property, Signature Bonus Unproved assets by cost center Cost Center Unproved Oil And Gas Property Full Cost Method Oil and Gas properties at a specific cost center with unproved reserves under the full cost method Costs transferred to depletable base within 5 years Oil and Gas Property, Costs Transferred to Depletable Base within Five Years, Percentage Oil and Gas Property, Costs Transferred to Depletable Base within Five Years, Percentage Transfer of costs to depletable base, period Oil and Gas Property, Transfer of Costs to Depletable Base, Time Period Oil and Gas Property, Transfer of Costs to Depletable Base, Time Period Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Marketable securities Trading Securities Inventory Inventory, Net Taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Oil and Gas Properties (using the full cost method of accounting) Oil and Gas Properties (using the full cost method of accounting) [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Proved Proved Oil and gas properties full cost accounting Oil and Gas properties with proved reserves under the full cost method. Unproved Unproved oil and gas property full cost accounting Unproved oil and gas properties under the full cost method. Total Oil and Gas Properties Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Net Other capital assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net Total Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Long-Term Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Noncurrent Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Goodwill Total Other Long-Term Assets Total Other Long Term Assets Total Other Long Term Assets Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Foreign currency derivative Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Asset retirement obligation Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-Term Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Asset retirement obligation Other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total Long-Term Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common Stock (273,442,799 and 276,072,351 shares of Common Stock and 8,572,066 and 10,119,745 exchangeable shares, par value $0.001 per share, issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively) Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid in capital Additional Paid in Capital (Deficit) retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Cumulative Production under Putumayo Block [Member] Cumulative Production under Putumayo Block [Member] Cumulative Production under Putumayo Block [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Petroamerica [Member] Petroamerica Oil Corp [Member] Petroamerica Oil Corp [Member] Gran Tierra Energy Inc. [Member] Gran Tierra Energy Inc. [Member] Gran Tierra Energy Inc. [Member] PetroGranda Colombia Limited [Member] PetroGranda Colombia Limited [Member] PetroGranda Colombia Limited [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Shares of Gran Tierra per share of Petroamerica Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued And Issuable Number Of Shares For Each Share Of Acquired Entity Shares Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued And Issuable Number Of Shares For Each Share Of Acquired Entity Shares Cash transferred (per share) Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Cash Paid for Each Share of Acquired Entity Shares Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Cash Paid for Each Share of Acquired Entity Shares Shares issued in acquisition (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Common shares, par value (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Share Price Cash paid for acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Fair value of common stock issued Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Net purchase price Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net working capital Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Noncontrolling interest percentage ownership Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Percentage ownership Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Total consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Volume threshold (exceeds) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Volume Threshold Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Volume Threshold Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Share Capital Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Trade Accounts Payable, Trade Royalties Accrued Royalties VAT and withholding tax Accrued Value Added Tax and Payroll Taxes Accrued Value Added Tax and Payroll Taxes Employee compensation and severance Employee-related Liabilities Other Other Accrued Liabilities Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Income Tax Expense Reported Reconciliation To Computed Statutory Rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefit Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Credit Facility Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Alternate Base Rate [Member] Alternate Base Rate [Member] Alternate Base Rate [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity (up to) Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Number of subsidiaries used as collateral for reserve based facility Number of Subsidiaries used as Collateral for Reserve Based Facility Number of Subsidiaries used as Collateral for Reserve Based Facility Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Stand-by fee on unutilized balance Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Amounts drawn on facility Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Schedule of Accounts Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Description of Business [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Description of Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Schedule of common stock Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Black Scholes option pricing model assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Stock options outstanding Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Amounts recognized for stock-based compensation Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Weighted average shares outstanding Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Basis of consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Discontinued operations Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for doubtful accounts Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign currency derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Oil and gas properties Oil and Gas Properties Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other capital assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Option, Warrants and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option, Warrants and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign currency translations Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Net income or loss per share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue and other income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Loss income from operations of discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Loss from operations of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Loss on sale before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Loss on sale Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] All Other [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Continuing Operations [Member] Continuing Operations [Member] All Other [Member] Other Segments [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment All other assets Other Current And Noncurrent Assets Assets other than PPE and goodwill, including working capital, restricted cash, deferred tax, other long term assets. Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance [Table] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Year 2015 [Member] Tax Year 2015 [Member] Tax Year 2015 [Member] Tax Year 2016 [Member] Tax Year 2016 [Member] Tax Year 2016 [Member] Tax Year 2017 [Member] Tax Year 2017 [Member] Tax Year 2017 [Member] Tax Year 2018 [Member] Tax Year 2018 [Member] Tax Year 2018 [Member] Tax Year 2019 and Thereafter [Member] Tax Year 2019 and Thereafter [Member] Tax Year 2019 and Thereafter [Member] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Increase in deferred tax liability Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability CREE surtax rate CREE Surtax Rate CREE Surtax Rate Consolidated income tax rate, CREE tax and surtax, combined (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Statutory Rate, CREE Tax and Surtax, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Statutory Rate, CREE Tax and Surtax, Percent Foreign income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Foreign Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Foreign Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Capital losses before valuation allowance Capital Loss Carryforwards Capital losses in excess of statutory limitations in historical filings, and which can only be utilized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods and providing tax laws continue to allow such utilization. Net operating loss carryforward from foreign subsidiaries Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Operations The sum of foreign operating loss carryforwards, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws. Increase in valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized income tax penalties and interest accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Unrecognized tax benefit included in income tax expense (recovery) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Equity tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Allocated Directly to Equity Effective Income Tax Rate Allocated Directly to Equity Equity tax Foreign equity tax expense Foreign tax payable in the period based on balance sheet equity for tax purposes Equity taxes payable Foreign Equity Tax Payable, Noncurrent Foreign Equity Tax Payable, Noncurrent Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Three Month LIBOR [Member] Three Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR [Member] Three Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Legal Dispute, Oil [Member] Legal Dispute, Oil [Member] Legal Dispute, Oil [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Pending Litigation Moqueta Discovery [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Pending Litigation Royalty, Transportation and Related Costs [Member] [Member] Pending Litigation Royalty, Transportation and Related Costs [Member] [Member] Pending Litigation Royalty, Transportation and Related Costs [Member] [Member] Pending Litigation Moqueta Discovery, Transportation and Related Costs [Member] Pending Litigation Moqueta Discovery, Transportation and Related Costs [Member] Pending Litigation Moqueta Discovery, Transportation and Related Costs [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Notes payable provided as security for letter of credit Debt Instrument, Collateral, Promissory Notes Provided as Collateral for Letters of Credit Debt Instrument, Collateral, Promissory Notes Provided as Collateral for Letters of Credit Value of damages sought for loss contingency Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Related interest costs Loss Contingency, Interest Sought Loss Contingency, Disputed Interest, Maximum Royalty agreement, spread on U.S. dollar denominated debt Royalty Agreement, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Royalty Agreement, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Royalty agreement, spread on peso denominated debt Loss Contingency, Contested Interest Rate Loss Contingency, Contested Interest Rate Related interest Loss Contingency, Disputed Interest Loss Contingency, Disputed Interest Threshold by which additional royalty due (barrels) Threshold by which additional royalty due Represents the threshold amount of millions of barrels by which an additional royalty is to be paid. Total cumulative production of oil field (barrels) Total cumulative production of oil field (in barrels millions) The number of barrel of oil equivalents (BOE) which is a measurement used by oil and gas companies as a way of combining oil and natural gas reserves and production into a single measurement. Natural gas volumes are converted to BOE based on the energy content of 6,000 cubic feet of gas to one barrel of oil. Amount awarded by the appeal court Litigation Settlement, Amount Gain on litigation settlement Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Description of Revenue from External Customers Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract] Oil and natural gas sales Oil and Gas Sales Revenue Interest income Interest Income, Operating DD&A expenses DD&A - per unit of sales Amortization And Impairment Expense Per Physical Units Of Sales Amortization And Impairment Expense Per Physical Units Of Sales General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Segment capital expenditures Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions Working interest sold, percentage Oil and Gas Properties, Working Interest Sold, Percentage Oil and Gas Properties, Working Interest Sold, Percentage Income Statement [Abstract] REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME Revenues [Abstract] OIL AND NATURAL GAS SALES EXPENSES Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating Operating Costs and Expenses Transportation Oil Pipeline and Trucking Costs Oil Pipeline and Trucking Costs Asset impairment General and administrative Severance expenses Severance Costs Foreign exchange gain Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Other loss Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Other gain Total expenses Costs and Expenses INTEREST INCOME Current Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense (LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent BASIC Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] LOSS (INCOME) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAXES (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share NET INCOME (LOSS) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic DILUTED Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] (LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAXES (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share NET INCOME (LOSS) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - DILUTED Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average number of common and exchangeable shares outstanding Shares issuable pursuant to stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Shares assumed to be purchased from proceeds of stock options Shares to be purchased from proceeds of stock options The number of shares to be purchased from the proceeds of stock options exercises. Weighted average number of diluted common and exchangeable shares outstanding Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Expenses by Segment Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Change in Severance Expense Liability Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Liability incurred Settlements Restructuring Reserve, Settlements Restructuring Reserve, Settlements Balance, end of period Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2015 Program [Member] 2015 Program [Member] 2015 Program [Member] Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc [Member] Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc [Member] Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc [Member] Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc [Member] Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc [Member] Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc Member Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Authorized share capital (in shares) Authorized share capital The maximum number of shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common shares, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Special voting stock-authorized (in shares) Special voting stock - Authorized The maximum number of Special voting stock permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Special voting stock-par value (in dollars per share) Special voting stock - par value Face amount or stated value per share of Special voting stock; generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Common shares, issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Exchangeable shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Other Shares, Outstanding Number of common shares authorized to be repurchased (up to) Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Percent of issued and outstanding common shares authorized to be be repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Percent of Issued and Outstanding Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Percent of Issued and Outstanding Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Shares repurchased and canceled Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Average purchase price (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Repurchase of shares of Common Stock Votes per common stock Number of votes per common stock Represents the number of votes each shareholder is entitled to per share. Common voting shares per exchangeable share (in shares) Number of common voting shares per exchangeable share Represents the number of common voting shares for each exchangeable share. Number of shares available for issuance under 2007 Equity Incentive Plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Option term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Option term after leaving service of company Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period After Leaving Service of Company Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period After Leaving Service of Company Stock issued during period upon exercise of stock options (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock option exercises in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Cash used to settle awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Flow Effect, Cash Used to Settle Awards Weighted average contractual term of of outstanding stock options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average contractual term of exercisable options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average grant date fair value for options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value for options vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value of stock options vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Stock Options [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unvested stock options recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Options excluded from the diluted income per share calculation Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Share Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Issuance of Common Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Repurchase of Common Stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Balance, end of year Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Table] Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Table] Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items] Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items] Acquisition costs Costs Incurred, Acquisition of Oil and Gas Properties Exploration costs Costs Incurred, Exploration Costs Total oil and natural gas properties not subject to depletion Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization, Period Cost Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contractual Obligations Future Lease Payments Schedule of Contractual Obligations Future Lease Payments [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of future minimum contractual obligations as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented. Segment and Geographic Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Argentina [Member] ARGENTINA Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Argentina Business Unit [Member] Argentina Business Unit [Member] Argentina Business Unit [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] GTE ULC and PCESA [Member] Gran Tierra Argentina Holdings ULC and Petroleros Canadienses de Ecuador S.A. [Member] Gran Tierra Argentina Holdings ULC and Petroleros Canadienses de Ecuador S.A. [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Aggregate consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Cash received Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Value of shares received Impairment loss Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Asset Impairment Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset [Table Text Block] Summary of Oil and Natural Gas Properties Summary of Oil and Natural Gas Properties Cost and Accumulated Depletion [Table Text Block] Summary of Oil and Natural Gas Properties Cost and Accumulated Depletion [Table Text Block] Employee Stock Option [Member] Compensation cost Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense including Capitalized Portion Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense including Capitalized Portion Less: Stock-based compensation costs capitalized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Stock-based compensation costs expensed Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Ecopetrol [Member] Ecopetrol [Member] Ecopetrol [Member] Customer Two [Member] Other Customer Number Two [Member] Other Customer Number Two [Member] Customer Three [Member] Customer Three [Member] Customer Three [Member] Customer Four [Member] Customer Four [Member] Customer Four [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Sales to significant customers, as a percent (in hundredths) Concentration Risk Specific Customer Percentage of Sales Sales to a single specific customer as a percentage of total revenue. Changes in Asset Retirement Obligations Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Trading securities Foreign currency derivative liability Contingent consideration liability Business Combinations, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High, Fair Value Business Combinations, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High, Fair Value Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Revenue and Other Income and Loss from Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contractual Obligations [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Oil transportation services [Member] This element represents the future minimum payments due on Oil transportation services. Drilling, Completions and Seismic [Member] Drilling and geological and geophysical [Member] This element represents the future minimum payments due on drilling and geological and geophysical services. Operating leases [Member] Operating leases [Member] This element represents the future minimum payments due on operating leases. Software and telecommunication [Member] Software and telecommunication [Member] This element represents the future minimum payments due on software and telecommunication leases. Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Total Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases 2016 Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due in Next Twelve Months Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due in Next Twelve Months 2017 Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Two Years Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Two Years 2018 Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Three Years Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Three Years 2019 Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Four Years Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Four Years 2020 Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Five Years Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due within Five Years Thereafter Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due after Five Years Purchase Obligations, Firm Agreements and Leases, Due after Five Years Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Proved [Member] Proved Oil and Gas Properties [Member] Oil and gas properties depletable base under full cost accounting Unproved [Member] Unproved - Oil and Gas Properties [Member] Long lived, assets used to produce or oil or gas, unproved. Oil and natural gas properties [Member] Oil and Gas Properties [Member] Furniture and Fixtures and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Furniture and Fixtures and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Long lived, depreciable assets, commonly used in offices and stores. , additions or improvements to assets held under lease arrangement (including addition or improvement to asset held by lessee under operating lease arrangement). Cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depletion, depreciation and impairment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Beginning balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Options exercised Shares repurchased and canceled Exchange of exchangeable shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Shares canceled Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Canceled Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Canceled Ending balance Net Changes in Assets and Liabilities from Operating Activities Cash Flow, Operating Capital [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Subsequent events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Severance Expenses Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments, Fair Value Measurements, Credit Risk and Foreign Exchange Risk Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Other Accounts Receivable [Member] Other Accounts Receivable [Member] Other Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Crude oil inventories Energy Related Inventory, Crude Oil and Natural Gas Liquids Supplies Other Inventory, Supplies, Gross Oil inventory impairment Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Unrecognized tax benefit relating to loss or income from continuing operations, beginning of year Increases for positions relating to prior year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases for positions relating to prior year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized tax benefit relating to loss or income from continuing operations, end of year Common shares, outstanding Exchangeable shares, issued Common Shares Exchangeable Shares Issued Common Shares, Exchangeable Shares, Issued Exchangeable shares, outstanding Common Shares Exchangeable Shares Outstanding Common Shares Exchangeable Shares Outstanding Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Oil gas Gas property, plant and equipment [Axis] Oil gas Gas property, plant and equipment [Axis] Description of acquisitions of new oil and gas properities. Oil gas Gas property, plant and equipment [Domain] Oil gas Gas property, plant and equipment [Domain] Description of acquisitions of new oil and gas properities. Block-Brazil [Member] Block-Brazil [Member] Block-Brazil [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Participating interest percentage oil and gas property, remaining percentage Participating Interest Percentage Oil And Gas Property, Remaining Percentage Participating Interest Percentage Oil And Gas Property, Remaining Percentage Foreign exchange losses, Colombian peso to U.S. dollar Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Before Tax Peso to US Dollar The aggregate foreign currency transaction gain (loss) (both realized and unrealized) if there were a one Columbian Peso change against the U.S. Dollar. Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Percentage of revenues denominated in United States dollars Percentage of Revenues Denominated in United States Dollars Percentage of Revenues Denominated in United States Dollars Number of major customers Number of Major Customers Number of Major Customers Number of significant customers Entity-Wide Revenue, Number of Major Customers Entity-Wide Revenue, Number of Major Customers Number of Outstanding Share Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Balance, Beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Expirations Balance, End of period (in shares) Number of Outstanding Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Balance, Beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (in shares) Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Balance, End of period (in shares) Exercisable, at end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Vested, or expected to vest, at end of period through the life of the options (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Weighted Average Exercise Price $/Option Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted Average Exercise Price $/Option, beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price $/Option, Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price $/Options Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price $/Options, Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price $/Options, Expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price $/Option, ending balance (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Exercise Price $/Option, Exercisable, at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price $/Option, Vested, or expected to vest, at end of period through the life of the options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Fair Value of Trading Securities, Foreign Currency Derivative Liability and Contingent Consideration Schedule of Fair Value, Contingent Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Contingent Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Losses or Gains on Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]