| Cover | Jan. 26, 2024 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 26, 2024 |
| Entity File Number | 1-32414 |
| Entity Registrant Name | W&T Offshore, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001288403 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 72-1121985 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TX |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 5718 Westheimer Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 700 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77057 |
| City Area Code | 713 |
| Local Phone Number | 626.8525 |
| 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 $0.00001 |
| Trading Symbol | WTI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
