ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES No definition available. Working interest in Lost Hills field sold Percentage of Working Interest Sold The percentage of working interest sold. Total consideration of the sale of Lost Hills field 50% interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Proceeds from divestiture of business Proceeds From Sale of Productive Assets Including Purchase Price Adjustment Proceeds From Sale of Productive Assets Including Purchase Price Adjustment Number of well development plan included in the sale of Lost Hills field Oil And Gas, Number Of Development Plan Included In Field Sold The number wells to be drilled in the development program in a field that is being sold. Minimum value of well development plan of Lost Hills field Oil And Gas Field, Development Plan, Value Estimated minimum value of development program in a field that is being sold. Proceeds from sale of non-core assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Gain on asset divestitures Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Share-based Payment Arrangement [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] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Represents Employee Stock Purchase Plan adopted by the entity. Employee awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Percentage of share purchase price of common stock under ESPP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Aggregate number of common stock shares authorized for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan as of December 31, 2018 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued Number of share instruments newly issued under a share-based compensation plan as of reporting date. Number of shares available for future issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Other long-term liabilities for the supplemental retirement plan Supplemental Retirement Plan, Supplemental Retirement Plan Accrued Liabilities This element represents the accrued liabilities for supplemental retirement benefit plan which provides restoration of benefit lost due to government limitations on qualified retirement benefits. Expenses under provisions of defined contribution and supplemental plans Defined Contribution Plan and Supplemental Plan, Cost Defined Contribution Plan and Supplemental Plan, Cost Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Chevron Chevron U.s.a. Inc. [Member] Represents information pertaining to Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Ares-led investor group Ares Management L. P. Investor Group [Member] Represents Ares Management L.P. led investor group. Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Axis] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Axis] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Domain] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Domain] Ares JV Ares Joint Venture [Member] Represents Ares joint venture (Ares JV). Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Common stock shares issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Value of common stock at issuance Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Purchase price of the CRC shares issued to Ares-led investor group in a private placement Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Office building and land Land and Building [Member] ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisition cost Purchase of Assets, Net The cash outflows related to purchasing assets other than capital expenditures, including assets acquired as the result of a merger. Rental income received Rental Income, Nonoperating Amount allocated to in-place leases Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated (Deficit) Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Equity Attributable to Common Stock Parent [Member] Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (decrease) in Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Contribution from noncontrolling interest holders, net Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest holders Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Issuance of common stock Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Warrant Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued Share-based compensation, net APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Ending balance Debt Disclosure [Abstract] DEBT Long-term Debt [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of condensed balance sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of condensed income statement Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of condensed cash flow statement Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Union employees Union Employees [Member] Union employees member Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Plan [Member] Postretirement Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Postretirement and Other Benefit Plans Disclosure Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Benefit Obligation Assumptions: Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Net Periodic Benefit Cost Assumptions: Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Assumed long-term rate of return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Assumed health care cost trend rates Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Consumer Price Index Increase This element represents the assumed Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase used for projecting health care cost trend rates. Annual decrease in healthcare cost in 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Decrease Until The Eighth Year The assumed health care cost trend rate annual decrease until the eighth year. Projected healthcare cost rate in 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Projected healthcare cost rate in 2028 Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate On The Eighth Year The assumed health care cost trend rate for on the eighth year used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan (gross eligible charges). This is based upon the annual rate of change in the cost of health care benefits currently provided by the postretirement benefit plan, due to factors other than changes in the composition of the plan population by age and dependency status. Projected ultimate health care cost trend rates after 2028 Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate On Ninth Year and Thereafter Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate On Ninth Year and Thereafter Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] LAWSUITS, CLAIMS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Number of employees accruing benefits under defined benefit plans Defined Benefit Plan, Number of Participating Employees This element represents the number of employees currently accruing benefits under defined benefit plans. Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] JOINT VENTURES Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Preferred stock, authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, outstanding shares Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, outstanding shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) items: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Reclassification of unrealized gains (losses) on pension and postretirement losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Unrealized Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Unrealized Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Reclassification of realized losses on pension and postretirement to income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Realized Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Realized Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common stock Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Deferred Gain and Issuance Costs [Abstract] Deferred Gain and Issuance Costs [Abstract] No definition available. Deferred gain Debt Instrument Unamortized Premium On Exchange Of Debt The amount of debt premium that was originally recognized on exchange of the instrument that has yet to be amortized. Deferred issuance costs and original issue discounts Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Net deferred gain and issuance costs Deferred Gain (Loss) and Issuance Costs, Net Carrying value as of the balance sheet of the deferred gain (loss) and issuance costs, net. Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Oil Oil and Condensate [Member] NGLs Propane [Member] Natural gas Natural Gas, Production [Member] Electricity Sale Of Electricity [Member] This member represents electricity sales. Marketing, trading and other Marketing, Trading, and Other [Member] Marketing, Trading, and Other Interest income Interest [Member] It represents Interest income. Disaggregation of revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenue from contract with customers Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Other revenue Other Operating Income Net derivative (loss) gain from commodity contracts Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Total revenues Revenues Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Pension Plan Assets - Gross Plan Assets Gross [Member] Sum of all major categories of plan assets based on the nature and risk of assets in an employer's plan(s). Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Fixed income Fixed Income Funds [Member] U.S. equity Us Equity [Member] Represents U.S. equity information. International equity International Equity [Member] Represents information of information equity. Bond funds Bond Funds [Member] Mutual funds that invest in bonds issued by municipalities, corporations, and the US government and its agencies. Blend funds Blend Funds [Member] Represents information pertaining to blend funds. Value funds Value Funds [Member] Represents those funds to focus on safety rather than growth, and often choose investments providing dividends as well as capital appreciation. Growth funds Growth Funds [Member] Represents information pertaining to growth funds that focus on growth. Guaranteed deposit account Guaranteed Deposit Account [Member] Represents information pertaining to guaranteed deposit accounts. Debt Securities Defined Benefit Plan, Debt Security [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure Target allocation of plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Asset Class: Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Amounts recognized in the balance sheet: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accrued liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Other long-term liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, total Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income: Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax Changes in the benefit obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation—beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost—benefits earned during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost on projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Cost of special termination benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Benefit obligation—end of year Changes in plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets—beginning of year Actual gain (loss) on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Fair value of plan assets—end of year Unfunded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest-rate contract Interest Rate Cap [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] One month LIBOR One Month Libor [Member] Represents one month LIBOR. Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Variable rate indebtedness amount Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item Interest rate to be in place to receive payment Derivative, Cap Interest Rate Loss recorded in other non-operating expense Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Payments received Payments of Derivative Issuance Costs Leases [Abstract] Operating cash flows Operating Lease, Payments Investing cash flows Operating Lease Cash Payments, Investing Operating Lease Cash Payments, Investing ROU asset obtained in exchange for lease obligations (in millions) Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted-average discount rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent ROU asset obtained in exchange for lease obligations (in millions) Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted-average discount rate Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Stock Options Equity Option [Member] Grant Date Assumption Valuation Method [Axis] Grant Date Assumption Valuation Method [Axis] Grant-date assumptions used in the Block-Scholes valuation. Grant Date Assumption Valuation Method [Domain] Grant Date Assumption Valuation Method [Domain] Grant date assumption valuation method domain Black-Scholes valuation method Black Scholes Valuation Method [Member] Black-Scholes valuation method member Vesting percentage on the day before each anniversary date follwoing date of grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage, Anniversary Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards each anniversary date. Award term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Grant-date valuations Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Exercise price per share Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expected life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Grant-date fair value of stock option awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (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, Gross Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Expired or Canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Ending balance (in shares) Exercisable, end of year (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning balance, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Exercised weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired or Canceled weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending balance, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Exercisable, end of year, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Beginning balance, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant-date fair value of options outstanding. Weighted-average, grant date fair value of stock option awards granted (in dollars per share) Exercised, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercised in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercised in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expired or Canceled weighted average, grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Expired or Canceled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average grant-date fair value of options that expired or canceled during the period. Ending balance, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Exercisable, end of year, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant-date fair value of non-vested options exercisable at the end of period. Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Joint Venture With Macquarie Infrastructure And Real Assets Inc Joint Venture With Macquarie Infrastructure And Real Assets Inc [Member] Represents the information pertaining to joint venture with Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets Inc (MIRA). Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Alpine JV Alpine JV [Member] Alpine JV [Member] Colony Capital, Inc. Colony Capital, Inc. [Member] Colony Capital, Inc. [Member] MIRA Macquarie Infrastructure And Real Assets Inc [Member] Represents Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets Inc. (MIRA). JOINT VENTURES Initial commitment Initial Investment Commitment In Joint Venture Initial Investment Commitment In Joint Venture Potential total investment commitment in joint venture Potential Total Investment Commitment in Joint Venture Potential Total Investment Commitment in Joint Venture Joint venture investment period Joint Venture, Investment Period Joint Venture, Investment Period Number of wells agreed for drilling under JV program Number Of Wells Agreed For Drilling Number Of Wells Agreed For Drilling Funding provided by MIRA for development of properties (as a percent) Joint Venture Investment Funding Percentage Joint Venture Investment Funding Percentage Working interest acquired by MIRA (as a percent) Joint Venture Working Interest Acquired JointVentureWorkingInterestAcquired Working interest retained by CRC (as a percent) Joint Venture Working Interest Retained In Properties Joint Venture Working Interest Retained In Properties CRC's working interest if MIRA receives cash distributions equal to a predetermined threshold return (as a percent) Joint Venture Working Interest After Counterparty Return Joint Venture Working Interest After Counterparty Return Warrant outstanding (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Term of tranche Tranche, Term Tranche, Term Amended commitment amount Reduced Commitment investment in Joint Venture The amount of reduction in committed amounts of initial investment. Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Proved oil and natural gas properties Proved Oil And Gas Properties [Member] Represents the proved oil and gas properties. Unproved oil and natural gas properties(a) Unproved Oil And Gas Properties [Member] Represents the unproved oil and gas properties. Facilities and other Facilities And Other [Member] Represents the facilities and other. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Asset Impairments Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract] Asset impairment charges Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Total property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Accumulated valuation allowance for unproved properties Capitalized Costs, Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Valuation Allowance Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities Capitalized exploratory well costs for the years ended December 31: Increase (Decrease) in Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs that are Pending Determination of Proved Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost, Additions Pending Determination of Proved Reserves Reclassification to property, plant and equipment Reclassification to Well, Facilities, and Equipment Based on Determination of Proved Reserves Charged to expense Capitalized Exploratory Well Cost, Charged to Expense Balance, end of year Working, surface and mineral interests in the formerly Elk Hills field Working Surface And Mineral Interests In Elk Hills Field [Member] Represents the working, surface and mineral interests in the Elk Hills field. Project [Axis] Project [Axis] Project [Domain] Project [Domain] ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES Consideration: Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract] Cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Common stock issued (2.85 million shares) Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Liabilities assumed Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Common stock issued in connection with acquisition (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Identifiable assets acquired: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Proved properties Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Proved Properties The amount of proved properties recognized as of the acquisition date. Other property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Materials and supplies Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Represents Term loan member 2014 Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Credit Agreements Line of Credit [Member] 2014 Revolving Credit Facility (Shared First Priority Lien) Secured Debt [Member] 2016 Credit Agreement (Shared First Priority Lien) Secured First Lien Second Out Credit Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to Secured First Lien Second Out Credit Agreement which is entered into by entity in 2016. Period Covered By Covenant Agreement [Axis] Period Covered By Covenant Agreement [Axis] Information about the period subject to covenant agreement. Period Covered By Covenant Agreement [Domain] Period Covered By Covenant Agreement [Domain] Identified period covered by covenant agreement. Any June 30 and December 31 As Of June And December [Member] Covenant period as of any June 30 and December 31. Debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Repurchase value of the principal amounts Early Repayment of Senior Debt Proceeds used to repay 2014 revolving credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Original issue discount Debt Original Issue Discount Represents the amount of debt discount at the time of issuance. Outstanding borrowings Long-term Debt, Gross Minimum asset coverage ratio Debt Instrument Covenant, Asset Coverage Ratio Represents the Asset Coverage Ratio under credit facility agreement. Earnings Per Share [Abstract] EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, by Legal Entity [Table] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, by Legal Entity [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Mezzanine Equity - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Ares Mezzanine Equity Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member] This element represents mezzanine equity redeemable noncontrolling interest. Mezzanine Equity - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Ares Temporary Equity [Line Items] Balance Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Redeemable Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders, net Temporary Equity, Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Holders Decrease in redeemable noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions by the non-wholly owned subsidiary or partially owned entity, included in the consolidation of the parent entity, to the noncontrolling interest holders. Balance Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Summary of fair value measurement inputs and valuation techniques Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Summary of common stock issuances Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Other upstream acquisitions Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Purchase price ARO liabilities assumed Components of pension and postretirement amounts recognized in the balance sheets Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Funding status of plans Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (expense) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated future undiscounted benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] LEASES Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] LEASES Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Projected Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets NATURE OF BUSINESS, SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER No definition available. Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Joint Venture With Benefit Street Partners Joint Venture With Benefit Street Partners [Member] Represents the information pertaining to joint venture with benefit street partners of divestitures and other. Benefit Street Partners Benefit Street Partners [Member] Represents Benefit Street Partners (BSP). ECR Ecr Corporate Holdings [Member] This member represents ECR corporate holdings Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Public Utility [Axis] Public Utility [Axis] Utility Plant [Domain] Utility Plant [Domain] Natural gas power and Gas processing plants Natural Gas Power And Gas Processing Plants [Member] Represents Natural Gas Power And Gas Processing Plants. Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Redemption prior to fifth year Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Class A common interest Common Class A [Member] Class C common interest Common Class C [Member] Class B preferred interest Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Power plant capacity Property, Plant and Equipment, Power Plant Capacity Represents the capacity of power plant. Gas processing plant capacity Property, Plant and Equipment, Gas Processing Plant Capacity Represents the capacity of gas processing plant. Percentage of common interest held by CRC Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Percentage of common interest held by ECR Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Net proceeds received by CRC from the transaction Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Joint venture transaction cost Joint Venture Transaction Cost Costs incurred by entity in entering into joint venture agreement. Period in which monthly distributions can be deferred Monthly Distributions Deferral Period Period of which monthly distributions can be deferred, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days Redemption price Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Settlement Terms, Share Value, Amount Redemption period Redemption Period Of Financial Instruments Redemption period of financial instruments, including equity instruments, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Maximum extension period of redemption Redemption Period, Extended The option to extension additional period of redemption. Make-whole payment redemption period Period of Make Whole Payment and Maximum Redemption Period The period of make whole payment and maximum redemption period. CRC shares issued to Ares-led investor group in a private placement Total Investment Commitment in Joint Venture, Maximum Total Investment Commitment in Joint Venture, Maximum Represents the total maximum investment commitment in the joint venture. Other oil and gas property Other Oil And Gas Property [Member] Represents other oil and gas property. Working, surface and mineral interests acquired Area of Land Remaining commitments to invest an oil and gas property Commitments to Invest for Evaluation and Development, Remaining The remaining amount required to invest in evaluation and development activities. NATURE OF BUSINESS, SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of differences between the U.S. federal income tax rate and the Company's effective tax rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Tax effects of temporary differences resulting in deferred income taxes Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Summary of the activity of capitalized exploratory well costs Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs, Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Net periodic benefit costs: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Settlement costs Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Net actuarial (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Settlement costs Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Before Tax Amount after tax of net gain (loss) due to settlements changes attributable to plan participants' prior service resulting from a plan amendment or plan initiation that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost (credit) before tax. Amortization of net actuarial gain/loss Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Reversal of Amortization of Net Actuarial Gain (Loss) Before Tax Amount of reversal of amortization of net actuarial gain (loss) after tax of (increase) decrease in the value of the projected benefit obligation related to a change in an actuarial assumption and increase (decrease) in the value of the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit before tax. Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Tax, after Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Schedule of purchase obligations on a discounted basis Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] BSP JV Joint venture with BSP Maximum commitment contribution Commitment contributed Total Investment Commitment in Joint Venture, Funded to Date Total Investment Commitment in Joint Venture, Funded to Date Number of equal funding contributions Number Of Commitments Funded Number of commitments funded STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Elk Hills transaction Elk Hills Transaction [Member] Represents the Elk Hills Transaction. Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Non-current asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Asset Retirement Obligations Roll forward Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Asset Retirement Obligation Liabilities incurred, capitalized to PP&E Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Liabilities settled and paid Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Acquisitions, capitalized to PP&E Asset Retirement Obligation Acquisitions Amount of increase in the asset retirement obligation from acquisition of businesses. Dispositions, reduction to PP&E Asset Retirement Obligation, Dispositions This element represents amount of the increase (decrease) in the amount of asset retirement obligations for the period associated with acquisitions activity. Other Asset Retirement Obligation, Other Asset Retirement Obligation, Other Revisions Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Ending balance Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Production Sharing Type Contracts Production Sharing Type Contracts [Abstract] No definition available. Percentage of production represented by PSC-type contracts Percentage of Production Through Production Sharing Type Contracts Percentage of represented by production sharing type contracts. Percentage of operating costs reported under PSC-type contracts Percentage of Operating Costs Reported Under Production Sharing Type Contracts The percentage of operating costs reported under PSCs. Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Common stock issuances Balance at the beginning of the year (in shares) Common stock shares canceled (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Balance at the end of the year (in shares) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Pension and post-retirement adjustments Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense [Member] Production costs Production Costs [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing expenses associated with production costs. Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items] Total stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Expected contribution in 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Estimated future undiscounted benefit payments Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract] 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2024 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2025 - 2029 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Materials and supplies Other Inventory, Supplies, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Total Inventory, Net Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long Term Purchase and Contractual Obligation Long Term Purchase And Contractual Obligation [Member] Represents the information pertains to long term purchase and contractual obligations. Long-term Purchase Commitment Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Purchase obligations Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2020 Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Fiscal Year 2021 Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year 2022 Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year 2023 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2024 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year Thereafter Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Total Contractual Obligation, Including Undiscounted Excess Amount Contractual Obligation, Including Undiscounted Excess Amount Less: Interest Contractual Obligation, Undiscounted Excess Amount Contractual Obligation, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of purchase obligations Contractual Obligation Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation, depletion and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Net derivative loss (gain) from commodity contracts Net proceeds (payments) on settled commodity derivatives Derivative Cash Settlement Proceeds (Payments) The amount of derivative, settlements paid. Net gain on early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Amortization of deferred gain Amortization of Deferred Gains The amount of amortization of deferred gains. Gain on asset divestitures Other non-cash charges to income, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Dry hole expenses Results of Operations, Dry Hole Costs Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Decrease (increase) in trade receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables (Increase) decrease in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Increase in other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital investments Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Changes in capital investment accruals Increase Decrease In Capital Investment Accrual Represents the information pertaining to changes in capital investment accruals Asset divestitures Acquisitions Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from 2014 Revolving Credit Facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments of 2014 Revolving Credit Facility Proceeds from 2017 Term Loan Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments on 2014 Term Loan Repayments of Senior Debt Debt repurchases Repayments of Subordinated Debt Debt transaction costs Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders, net Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest holders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Shares canceled for taxes Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement Net cash (used) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities (Decrease) increase in cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash—beginning of year Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash—end of year PSU 2019 Awards Performance Stock Unit 2019 Awards [Member] Performance Stock Unit 2019 Awards [Member] PSU 2018 Awards Performance Stock Unit2018 Awards [Member] Represents performance stock unit awarded in 2018. Stock-Settled PSU awards Stock Settled Performance Stock Unit Awards [Member] Stock settled performance stock unit awards member Cash-Settled PSU awards Cash Settled Performance Stock Unit Awards [Member] Cash settled performance stock unit awards member Certain executives Management [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Percentage of PSU performance target based on specified VCI results Percentage of performance target based on specified VCI results Percentage of performance target based on specified VCI results Percentage of performance target based on CRC combined production costs compared to change in peer group production costs Percentage of Performance Target Based on CRC Combined Production Costs Compared to Change in Production Costs Percentage of performance target based on CRC combined production costs compared to change in production costs. Percentage of payouts target awards Percent Of Target Award That Would Settle Fully Stock Percent of the target award that would settle, once certified, fully in stock, including awards that were originally designated to settle in cash but were modified to settle in stocks. Percentage of awards to be paid in stock Percentage of Awards Granted in Stock Percentage of awards granted in stock. Percentage of awards to be paid in cash Percentage of Awards Granted in Cash Percentage of awards granted in cash. Roll-forward of awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Unvested, beginning of year (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Unvested, end of year (in shares) PSU awards weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Unvested, beginning of year, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, end of year, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Table] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Table] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of capitalized amounts Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Number of tranches Number of Tranches Number of Tranches Common stock issued DERIVATIVES Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Operating lease costs Lease, Cost [Abstract] Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Short-term lease cost Short-term Lease, Cost Variable lease cost Variable Lease, Cost Total operating lease costs Lease, Cost Schedule of Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of financial performance covenants Debt Instrument, Financial Performance Covenants [Table Text Block] The tabular disclosure of debt instruments financial performance covenants. Schedule of Deferred Gain and Issuance Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Gain and Issuance Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Gain and Issuance Costs [Table Text Block] Principal maturities of debt outstanding Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Cash restricted under our joint venture agreements Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Basic EPS calculation Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Less: Net income allocated to participating securities Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic Net (loss) income available to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic EPS (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted EPS calculation Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net (loss) income available to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted EPS (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average antidilutive shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Debt Instrument, Redemption From Proceeds Of Asset Sale [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption From Proceeds Of Asset Sale [Axis] Information about redemption of debt from sale of proceeds of assets. Debt Instrument Redemption From Proceeds Of Asset Sale [Domain] Debt Instrument Redemption From Proceeds Of Asset Sale [Domain] Amounts from proceeds of assets that can be used to redeem or prepay debts. Debt Instrument Redemption Sale Of Assets Up To500 Million [Member] Debt Instrument Redemption Sale Of Assets Up To500 Million [Member] Amount from proceeds of assets that can be used to redeem or prepay debts up to $500 million. Debt Instrument Redemption Sale Of Assets Between500 Million To1 Billion [Member] Debt Instrument Redemption Sale Of Assets Between500 Million To1 Billion [Member] Amount from proceeds of assets that can be used to redeem or prepay debts between $500 million to $1 billion. Second Lien Notes (Second Priority Lien) Senior Lien [Member] Senior Notes (Unsecured) Senior Notes [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 8% Notes Due 2022 Senior Notes800 Percent Due2022 [Member] Represents the senior notes payable that bear an interest rate of 8.00 percent and will mature in 2022. Prior to December 15, 2018 Debt Instrument Redemption Period Prior To December152018 [Member] Period prior to December 15, 2018 of debt redemption features under terms of the debt agreement. Between December 15, 2018 and 2020 Debt Instrument Redemption Period December152018 To2020 [Member] Period between December 15, 2018 to December 15, 2020 of debt redemption features under terms of the debt agreement. After December 15, 2020 Debt Instrument Redemption Period After December152020 [Member] Period after December 15, 2020 of debt redemption features under terms of the debt agreement. Aggregate principal amount issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Proceeds from Second Lien Notes used to reduce principal amount of senior note debt through exchange Debt Instrument, Repurchased Or Exchange Face Amount Face (par) amount of the original debt instrument that was repurchased or exchanged. Pre-tax unamortized deferred gain on early extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Recourse Debt Face value of debt reduction through payment or repurchase Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Repurchase value of the principal amounts of senior debt Pre-tax unamortized deferred gain on early extinguishment of debt and deferred issuance costs Financial performance covenants Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Percentage of principal amount at which notes can be redeemed in case of change control Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Chang Of Control, Percentage Percentage price of original principal amount of debt at which debt can be redeemed by the issuer in the event of change of control triggering event, as defined in the agreement. Percentage of principal amount at which notes can be redeemed prior to their maturity date Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Redemption period start Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date Redemption period end Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Federal Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, debt Deferred Tax Assets, long-term debt Deferred tax assets, long-term debt Deferred Tax Assets, property, plant and equipment differences Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Assets, postretirement benefit accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, deferred compensation and benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, asset retirement obligations Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Asset Retirement Obligations Deferred Tax Assets, net operating loss carryforwards and credits Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Asset, business interest expense carryforward Deferred Tax Asset, Interest Carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, investment in partnerships Deferred Tax Assets, Investment in Partnerships It represents amount of investment in partnerships. Deferred Tax Assets, other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, subtotal Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, total net deferred taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, property, plant and equipment differences Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, all other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, total net deferred taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax credit carryforwards Income Tax Credits and Adjustments EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] STOCK COMPENSATION Schedule of Share Based Compensation Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share Based Compensation Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share Based Compensation Expense [Table Text Block] Summary of changes in cash and stock-settled Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of changes in cash and stock-settled Performance Stock Units (PSUs) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Performance Shares, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of grant date assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation for stock options Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summary of stock option activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Typical term of payment following invoicing Term of Payment after Invoicing for Contracts with Customers Term of payment following invoicing for contracts with customers, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision (benefit) for federal, state and local income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Provision (benefit) for federal, state and local income taxes Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) Principal maturities of long-term debt Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2024 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Long-term Debt Fair Value, Other Financial Instruments [Abstract] Fair Value, Other Financial Instruments [Abstract] No definition available. Estimated fair value of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Debt carrying value 5% Notes Due 2020 and 5.5% Notes Due 2021 Senior Notes500 Percent Due2020 And Senior Notes550 Percent Due2021 [Member] Represents the senior notes payable that bear an interest rate of 5.50 percent will mature in 2021 and 5 percent will mature in 2020. 5% Notes Due 2020 Senior Notes500 Percent Due2020 [Member] Represents the senior notes payable that bear an interest rate of 5.00 percent and will mature in 2020. 5.5% Notes Due 2021 Senior Notes550 Percent Due2021 [Member] Represents the senior notes payable that bear an interest rate of 5.50 percent and will mature in 2021. 6% Senior Notes due 2024 Senior Notes600 Percent Due2024 [Member] Represents the senior notes payable that bear an interest rate of 6.00 percent and will mature in 2024. Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes used to make cash distribution to Occidental Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Noncancelable operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Rental expense for operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Percentage of holding assets by subsidiaries in consolidated assets Percentage Of Holding Assets By subsidiaries In Consolidated Assets Percentage of total consolidated assets under financing agreement by subsidiary. Assets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Total current assets Assets, Current Investments in consolidated subsidiaries Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Amount of Equity Total property, plant and equipment, net OTHER ASSETS Other Assets, Noncurrent TOTAL ASSETS Assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current LONG-TERM DEBT Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Noncurrent Amount, before unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt, classified as noncurrent. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt. DEFERRED GAIN AND ISSUANCE COSTS, NET OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Amounts due to (from) affiliates Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Mezzanine equity Total equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity Pension and postretirement losses, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Income Statement [Abstract] REVENUES Revenues [Abstract] Oil and natural gas sales Net derivative (loss) gain from commodity contracts COSTS Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Production costs Production Costs, Period Cost General and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Taxes other than on income Taxes, Miscellaneous Exploration expense Exploration Expense Other expenses, net Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Total costs Costs and Other Deductions Total costs of sales, operating expenses, and other operating expenses for the period. OPERATING INCOME Operating Income (Loss) NON-OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest and debt expense, net Interest and Debt Expense Net gain on early extinguishment of debt Other non-operating expenses Other Nonoperating Expense INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) NET INCOME (LOSS) NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Mezzanine equity Equity Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Nonredeemable Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net (loss) income attributable to common stock per share Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Operating lease, net Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Finance lease, net Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Total lease assets Leases, Right-of-Use Asset Leases, Right-of-Use Asset Operating lease Operating Lease, Liability, Current Finance lease Finance Lease, Liability, Current Operating lease Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Finance lease Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Total lease liabilities Total Lease Liability Total Lease Liability CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] ROU asset obtained in exchange for lease obligations Operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Employees Employee [Member] Person or persons serving as employees. Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Stock-Settled Restricted Stock Stock Settled Restricted Stock [Member] Represents stock with shares for which sale is contractually or governmentally restricted for a given period of time, which are settled in shares at the time of vesting. Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Cash Settled Restricted Stock [Member] Represents stock with shares for which sale is contractually or governmentally restricted for a given period of time, which are settled in cash at the time of vesting. Restricted stock awards weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Calculation of basic and diluted EPS Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Schedule of oil hedge positions Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value (at gross and net) of outstanding derivatives Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] 2017 Credit Agreement (Shared First Priority Lien) Secured First Lien Second Out Credit Agreement2017 [Member] Represents information pertaining to Secured First Lien Second Out Credit Agreement which is entered into by entity in 2017. Applicable margin on LIBOR loans London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Applicable margin on Alternate Base Rate loans Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base Rate [Member] Represents alternate base rate Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] 91 days prior to maturity of 2016 Credit Agreement Credit Agreement201691 Days Prior To Maturity100 Million Outstanding [Member] The scenario when 2016 Credit Agreement has $100 million outstanding amount 91 days prior to maturity. Debt instrument Total Debt Less: Current Maturities Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Current Amount, before unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt, classified as current. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt. Long-Term Debt Interest rate added to variable rate basis (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage Period before maturity of the 2016 Credit Agreement notes that triggers accelerated payment Period Before Maturity of Second Debt, Maturity of First Debt that Triggers Accelerated Payment Period before maturity of the second debt that triggers accelerated payment when the first debt matures, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Includes, but not limited to, weeks in a year or quarter. Outstanding amount of 2016 Credit Agreement notes that triggers accelerated payment Debt Instrument Covenant, Outstanding Amount, Maturity Trigger The outstanding amount of certain notes that triggers the acceleration of the maturity of debt instrument under a credit agreement. Principal amount due by June 2021 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In June 2021 Amount of long-term debt payable in June 2021. Principal amount due by December 2021 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In December 2021 Amount of long-term debt payable in December 2021. Principal amount due by June 2022 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In June 2022 Amount of long-term debt payable in June 2022. Principal amount due by December 2022 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In December 2022 Amount of long term debt payable in December 2022. Offsetting Assets [Table] Offsetting Assets [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Recognized Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Presented in the Balance Sheet Reported Value Measurement [Member] Commodity Contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other current assets Other Current Assets [Member] Other assets Other Assets [Member] Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other long-term liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Fair Value of Derivatives Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Gross Amounts Recognized at Fair Value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Net Fair Value Presented in the Balance Sheet Derivative Asset Gross Amounts Recognized at Fair Value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net Fair Value Presented in the Balance Sheet Derivative Liability Total derivatives Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Interest rate derivative assets Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Summary of total consideration, including customary closing adjustments, and allocation of the consideration based on fair value of assets acquired as of acquisition date Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] CURRENT ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash Cash Trade receivables Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Inventories Other current assets, net Other Assets, Current Total current assets PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CURRENT LIABILITIES Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current maturities of long-term debt Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities MEZZANINE EQUITY Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount [Abstract] Redeemable noncontrolling interests EQUITY Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock (20 million shares authorized at $0.01 par value); no shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 or 2018 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock (200 million shares authorized at $0.01 par value); 49,175,843 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019, 48,650,420 shares outstanding at December 31, 2018 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total equity attributable to common stock Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest Mezzanine Equity Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Schedule of changes in noncontrolling interests Non-redeemable and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of non-redeemable and redeemable noncontrolling interest. Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash (used) provided by operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash provided (used) by financing activities Impairment on right-of-use asset Operating Lease, Impairment Loss Impairment of abandoned tenant improvements Abandoned Tenant Improvements, Impairment Loss Abandoned Tenant Improvements, Impairment Loss Operating lease liabilities Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Less: Interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease liabilities Finance lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2024 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Less: Interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability Crude Oil Crude Oil [Member] Puts Put Option [Member] Swaps Swap [Member] Calls Call Option [Member] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Purchased Long [Member] Sold Short [Member] Hedge Production Periods [Axis] Hedge Production Periods [Axis] Information about the production period subject to hedge instruments. Hedge Production Periods [Domain] Hedge Production Periods [Domain] Identified production period subject to hedge instruments. Q1 2020 First Quarter Production2020 [Member] Represents the entity's production during the first quarter of 2020. Q2 2020 Second Quarter Production2020 [Member] Second Quarter Production2020 [Member] Q3 2020 Third Quarter Production 2020 [Member] Third Quarter Production 2020 [Member] Q4 2020 Fourth Quarter Production 2020 [Member] Fourth Quarter Production 2020 [Member] Second Half of 2020 Second Half of 2020 [Member] Second Half of 2020 [Member] 2019 Through 2020 Year2019 Through2020 [Member] This member stands for Year 2019 Through 2020. Year2019 Through2021 Year2019 Through2021 [Member] This member stands for year 2019 through 2021. Year 2021 Year 2021 [Member] Year 2021 [Member] Daily volume (in Bbl) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Weighted-average price (in dollars per barrel) Derivative, Average Price Risk Option Strike Price Non-cash derivative (losses) gains Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Gas plant and power plant assets Gas Plant And Power Plant Assets [Member] Assets used in gas plant and power plant. Other non- producing property and equipment Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Maximum time period after which costs of exploratory wells are charged to expense if determination of proved reserves has not been made Time Period for Expensing Costs of Exploratory Wells if Determination of Proved Reserves Not Made This element describes the maximum time period after which costs of exploratory wells are charged to expense if a determination of proved reserves has not been made. Net capitalized costs attributable to unproved properties Capitalized Costs, Mineral Interests in Unproved Properties Expected useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Provision Income Tax Provision [Member] Income Tax Provision [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax provision (benefit) Total income tax expense (benefit) differs from the U.S. federal income tax rate to pre-tax income (loss) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] U.S. federal statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Exclusion of tax attributable to noncontrolling interests, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Exclusion of Tax Attributable to Noncontrolling Effective income tax rate reconciliation exclusion of tax attributable to noncontrolling. Decrease in U.S. federal corporate tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Tax credits, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Nondeductible compensation, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Compensation, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Compensation, Percent Stock-based compensation, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Percent Change in valuation allowance, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Valuation allowance, increase (decrease) Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Effective income tax rate reconciliation, change in deferred tax assets valuation allowance, amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Principal customers Principal Customers [Member] Represents principal customers Company, a major customer. Principal customers, Phillips 66 Company and Valero Marketing & Supply Company Principal Customers Phillips66 Company And Valero Marketing Supply Company [Member] Represents information pertaining to the customers principal customers, Phillips 66 Company and Valero Marketing & Supply Company combined. Principal customers, Phillips 66 Company, Andeavor, Valero Marketing & Supply Company and Shell Trading (US) Company Principal Customers Phillips66 Company Marathon Petroleum Corporation Formerly Andeavor Valero Marketing Supply Company And Shell Trading Us Company [Member] Represents the customers principal customers, Phillips 66 Company, Marathon Petroleum Corporation (formerly Andeavor), Valero Marketing & Supply Company and Shell Trading (US) Company combined. Valero Marketing Supply Company Valero Marketing Supply Company [Member] Represents Valero Marketing & Supply Company, a major customer. Phillips66 Company Phillips66 Company [Member] Represents Phillips 66 Company, a major customer. Marathon Petroleum Corporation Formerly Andeavor Marathon Petroleum Corporation Formerly Andeavor [Member] Represents the customers Marathon Petroleum Corporation (formerly Andeavor). Shell Trading U S Company Shell Trading U S Company [Member] Represents Shell Trading (US) Company a major customer. Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Oil And Gas Sales And Other Revenue Oil And Gas Sales And Other Revenue [Member] Represents the oil and gas sales and other revenue. Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Major Customers Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Revenue Recognition Concentration Risk [Line Items] Revenue Recognition Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration risk percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Organizational Changes Organizational Changes [Member] Organizational Changes [Member] Employee Salary and Severance Employee Salary and Severance [Member] Employee Salary and Severance [Member] Other Termination Benefits Other Termination Benefits [Member] Other Termination Benefits [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Accrued liabilities current [abstract] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued employee-related costs Accrued Compensation Related Costs Accrued Compensation-related costs. Accrued taxes other than on income Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Lease liability Lease, Liability, Current Lease, Liability, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Number of positions remaining Organizational Redesign, Number of Positions Remaining Organizational Redesign, Number of Positions Remaining Incurred cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Incurred cost Organizational Redesign, Incurred Cost Organizational Redesign, Incurred Cost Expected cost remaining Organizational Redesign, Expected Cost Remaining Organizational Redesign, Expected Cost Remaining Schedule of operating lease costs, including amounts capitalized to property, plant and equipment Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of other operating and finance lease information Lessee, Operating and Finance Leases, Other Information [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating and Finance Leases, Other Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases Lease Operating Balance Sheet Presentation And Other Information [Table Text Block] The tabular disclosure of the presentation of the operating lease balance sheet accounts and other information. Schedule of maturities of our operating lease liabilities Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of maturities of our financing lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of future minimum lease payments for noncancelable operating leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Allowance For Doubtful Accounts1 [Member] Allowance For Doubtful Accounts1 [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Other current assets Other Assets Current Abstract No definition required Net amounts due from joint interest partners Due from Joint Ventures Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Current Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Other current assets, net Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Risks and Uncertainties Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Customers Major Customers, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Incentive Plans Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block] Other Loss Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Production-Sharing Type Contracts Production Sharing Type Contracts [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for production sharing type contracts. Cash-settled Awards Cash Settled Employee Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Right [Member] An arrangement whereby an employee is entitled to receive in the future, subject to vesting and other restrictions, a number of shares and share appreciation rights in the entity at a specified price, which is settled in cash as defined in the agreement. Long-Term Incentive Plan Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Represents Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan). Aggregate number of common stock shares authorized for issuance Number of shares issued under the plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued To Date Number of share instruments newly issued under a share-based compensation plan as of the reporting date. Cash payments Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cash Used to Settle Award Unrecognized compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition 2014 Term Loan Term Loan2014 Credit Agreement [Member] Represents the term loan under the 2014 Credit Agreement. Payment of bank debt Repayments of Bank Debt Loss on early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Transaction costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Period before maturity of the 2016 Credit Agreement that triggers accelerated payment Period prior to maturity before which prepayment premium applies Period Before To Maturity Of Credit Facility Prior To Which Prepayment Premium Applies Period before maturity of credit facility prior to which prepayment premium applies, , in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Premium on prepayment of debt (as a percent) Premium Percentage on Prepayment of Debt Percentage of premium payable in prepayment of debt. INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Cover page. Document Type Document Type Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name 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 Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Documents Incorporated by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Schedule of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Summary of the activity of the asset retirement obligation Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Schedule of other current assets, net Schedule of Other Current Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of accrued liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Total revenues Total costs Cost of Revenue Non-operating (loss) income Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income tax provision Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract] 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 benefits – January 1 Unrecognized Tax Benefits Gross increases – tax positions in prior year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Gross increases – tax positions in current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized tax benefits – December 31 Unrecognized tax benefit that would affect effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES Acquisitions and Divestitures [Text Block] The entire disclosure for acquisitions and divestitures. Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Tranche One Tranche One [Member] Tranche One [Member] Tranche Two Tranche Two [Member] Tranche Two [Member] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Volatility Measurement Input, Price Volatility [Member] Risk-free interest rate Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member] Dividend yield Measurement Input, Expected Dividend Rate [Member] Expected term (in years) Measurement Input, Expected Term [Member] Fair value of underlying common stock Measurement Input, Share Price [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Measurement input Warrants and Rights Outstanding, Measurement Input Expected term Warrants and Rights Outstanding, Term Tranche value Warrants and Rights Outstanding New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] ACCOUNTING AND DISCLOSURE CHANGES New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Schedule of disaggregated revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Letters of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Applications of proceeds from sale of nonborrowing base assets after required payment of 2014 RCF. Application Of Proceeds From Sale Of Nonborrowing Base Assets After Required Payment Of2014 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] The scenario when proceeds from sale of nonborrowing base assets are used to pay debt after required payment of 2014 Revolving Credit Facility. Up to $500 million $500 million and $1 billion In excess of $1 billion Debt Instrument Redemption Sale Of Assets In Excess Of1 Billion [Member] Amount from proceeds of assets that can be used to redeem or prepay debts in excess of $1 billion. Through 2019 Ending Through2019 [Member] Covenant period for the year ending through 2019. After 2019 Subsequent To Year2019 [Member] Covenant period for after the year 2019. Alternative Base Rate Loan Federal fund rate Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index Swap Rate [Member] Alternative Base Rate Loan One-Month LIBOR One Month London Interbank Offered Rate L I B O R [Member] Interest rate at which a bank borrows funds from other banks in the London interbank market. This is the LIBOR for a one month deposit in U.S. Dollars on the last business day of the previous month. Increase to maximum borrowing capacity with lender approval Line of Credit Facility Contingent Increase to Maximum Borrowing Capacity Increase to maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility if any one or more of the existing or new lenders agree to provide such increased commitment amount. Available borrowing capacity, subject to minimum liquidity requirement Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Financial covenant minimum month end liquidity Debt Instrument Covenant Minimum Monthly Liquidity Amount of minimum monthly liquidity required to maintain, per debt covenant agreement. Maximum sub-limit on borrowing capacity for issuance of letters of credit Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Letters Of Credit Sublimit Maximum borrowing capacity of letters of credit as sub-limit of the main credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Letters of credit outstanding amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Commitment fees on unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Borrowing base Debt Borrowing Base The amount of money that maybe borrowed based on the value of the collateral the entity pledges. Percentage of lenders to approve increases in borrowing base Approval Percentage Measured By Total Exposure Of Lenders For Approval Of Increases In Borrowing Base Approval percentage measured by total exposure of lenders for approval of increases in borrowing base. Number of consecutive redeterminations between which CRC or lenders can request a special redetermination Number Of Consecutive Scheduled Redeterminations Represents the number of consecutive scheduled redeterminations during which the reporting entity and the lenders may request for special redeterminations. Percentage of lenders to approve decreases or affirmations in borrowing base Approval Percentage Measured By Total Exposure Of Lenders For Approval Of Decrease In Borrowing Base Approval percentage measured by total exposure of lenders for approval of decreases in borrowing base. Percentage of lenders to request special redetermination in borrowing base Percent Of Commitment Required To Be Held By Lenders In Order To Request Special Redetermination Represents the percent of commitment required to be held by lenders in order to request a special redetermination. Financial covenants Amount of cash on hand above which amounts owed under the Revolving Credit Facility must be repaid Debt agreement covenant Amount of cash on hand above which amounts owed under the Revolving Credit Facility must be repaid Amount of cash on hand above which amounts owed under the Revolving Credit Facility must be repaid Maximum leverage ratio Debt Agreement Covenant Trailing Four Quarter Maximum Leverage Ratio, Debt To Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation And Amortization Maximum trailing four quarter adjusted EBITDAX under a credit agreement. Minimum interest coverage ratio Debt Instrument Covenant, Minimum Interest Expense Coverage Ratio Represents the minimum interest expense coverage ratio as per the credit agreement. Other covenants Other Debt Covenants [Abstract] No definition available. Amount of cash on hand above which amounts owed under the Revolving Credit Facility must be repaid Percent of net cash proceeds from non-borrowing base asset sales that must be used to repay the 2014 RCF Debt agreement covenant Percent of proceeds from non-borrowing base asset sales that may be used repurchase senior unsecured notes or second lien notes Percent of net cash proceeds from non-borrowing base asset sales that may be used repurchase senior unsecured notes or second lien notes Net cash proceeds from non-borrowing base asset sales that are subject to percentage of repayment of the 2014 RCF Debt Instrument Covenant, Proceeds From Non-Borrowing Base Asset Sales That May be Used to Repurchase Senior Notes Or Second Lien Notes Proceeds from non-borrowing base asset sales that may be used repurchase senior unsecured notes or second lien notes. Amount of minimum liquidity to be maintained using proceeds from non-borrowing base asset sales to repurchase senior notes or second lien notes Debt Agreement Covenant Minimum Liquidity After Repurchase of Credit Agreement, Senior Notes Or Second Lien Notes Amount of minimum liquidity to be maintained after repurchase of 2016 credit agreement, senior notes or second lies notes.