| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 13, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | WHITING PETROLEUM CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001255474 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-31899 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-0098515 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1700 Lincoln Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 4700 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Denver |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80203-4547 |
| City Area Code | (303) |
| Local Phone Number | 837-1661 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | WLL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Stock Purchase Rights [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
