| Cover Page | Feb. 26, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 26, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34018 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0479924 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 900 |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 520 - 3rd Avenue S.W. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Calgary |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AB |
| Entity Address, Country | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | T2P 0R3 |
| City Area Code | 403 |
| Local Phone Number | 265-3221 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | GTE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSEAMER |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001273441 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
