| Document and Entity Information | Mar. 17, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001108827 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 17, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | QEP RESOURCES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34778 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 87-0287750 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1050 17th Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 800 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Denver |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80265 |
| City Area Code | (303) |
| Local Phone Number | 672-6900 |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | QEP |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
