| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 01, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K12B |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Registrant Name | WHITING PETROLEUM CORP |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001255474 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 1, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or 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 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | WLL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
