Venoco (VQ) 10-Q 15 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	15-May-15
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Denver Parent Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	1588242
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,297,459
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,054	$15,656
Accounts receivable	12,307	14,912
Inventories	3,386	3,370
Other current assets	3,337	4,721
Commodity derivatives	49,484	48,298
Total current assets	76,568	86,957
Oil and gas properties, full cost method of accounting
Proved	1,868,441	1,866,415
Unproved	8,522	8,360
Accumulated depletion	-1,409,110	-1,400,738
Net oil and gas properties	467,853	474,037
Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $14,566 and $15,015 at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, respectively	14,071	14,477
Net property, plant and equipment	481,924	488,514
OTHER ASSETS:
Commodity derivatives	26,647	29,793
Deferred loan costs	11,186	11,614
Other	4,082	4,069
Total other assets	41,915	45,476
TOTAL ASSETS	600,407	620,947
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	18,073	20,535
Interest payable	5,535	17,329
Share-based compensation	602	2,236
Total current liabilities	24,210	40,100
LONG-TERM DEBT	855,736	840,065
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	30,848	30,351
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	731	648
Total liabilities	911,525	911,164
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT):
Common stock, $.01 par value (200,000,000 shares authorized for Venoco and 100,000,000 authorized for DPC; 29,936,378 Venoco shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015; 30,297,459 DPC shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015)	303	303
Additional paid-in capital	74,398	73,902
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-385,819	-364,422
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	-311,118	-290,217
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	600,407	620,947
Venoco, Inc.
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	7,921	15,455
Accounts receivable	12,307	14,912
Inventories	3,386	3,370
Other current assets	3,333	4,715
Commodity derivatives	49,484	48,298
Total current assets	76,431	86,750
Oil and gas properties, full cost method of accounting
Proved	1,868,441	1,866,415
Unproved	8,522	8,360
Accumulated depletion	-1,409,110	-1,400,738
Net oil and gas properties	467,853	474,037
Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $14,566 and $15,015 at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, respectively	14,071	14,477
Net property, plant and equipment	481,924	488,514
OTHER ASSETS:
Commodity derivatives	26,647	29,793
Deferred loan costs	6,962	7,128
Other	4,082	4,069
Total other assets	37,691	40,990
TOTAL ASSETS	596,046	616,254
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	18,073	20,535
Interest payable	5,535	17,329
Share-based compensation	602	2,236
Total current liabilities	24,210	40,100
LONG-TERM DEBT	571,400	565,000
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	30,848	30,351
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	731	648
Total liabilities	627,189	636,099
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT):
Common stock, $.01 par value (200,000,000 shares authorized for Venoco and 100,000,000 authorized for DPC; 29,936,378 Venoco shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015; 30,297,459 DPC shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015)	299	299
Additional paid-in capital	285,616	285,120
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-317,058	-305,264
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	-31,143	-19,845
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$596,046	$616,254

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Other property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization (in dollars)	$15,015	$14,566
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	30,297,459	30,297,459
Common stock, shares outstanding	30,297,459	30,297,459
Venoco, Inc.
Other property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization (in dollars)	$15,015	$14,566
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	29,936,378	29,936,378
Common stock, shares outstanding	29,936,378	29,936,378

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
REVENUES:
Oil and natural gas sales	$19,749	$62,538
Other	669	459
Total revenues	20,418	62,997
EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense	14,932	19,468
Property and production taxes	2,132	1,736
Transportation expense	47	57
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	8,821	11,176
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	497	667
General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized	6,738	8,916
Total expenses	33,167	42,020
Income (loss) from operations	-12,749	20,977
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Interest expense, net	20,682	21,123
Amortization of deferred loan costs	871	1,077
Commodity derivative losses (gains), net	-12,905	-2,095
Total financing costs and other	8,648	20,105
Income (loss) before income taxes	-21,397	872
Net income (loss)	-21,397	872
Venoco, Inc.
REVENUES:
Oil and natural gas sales	19,749	62,538
Other	669	459
Total revenues	20,418	62,997
EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense	14,932	19,468
Property and production taxes	2,132	1,736
Transportation expense	47	57
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	8,821	11,176
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	497	667
General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized	6,670	8,662
Total expenses	33,099	41,766
Income (loss) from operations	-12,681	21,231
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Interest expense, net	11,411	12,940
Amortization of deferred loan costs	607	833
Commodity derivative losses (gains), net	-12,905	-2,095
Total financing costs and other	-887	11,678
Income (loss) before income taxes	-11,794	9,553
Net income (loss)	($11,794)	$9,553

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Venoco, Inc.	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Venoco, Inc.		Venoco, Inc.		Venoco, Inc.
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014	$299	$303	$285,120	$73,902	($305,264)	($364,422)	($19,845)	($290,217)
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	29,936,000	30,297,000					29,936,378	30,297,459
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Excess of share-based compensation expense recognized over payments made			496	496			496	496
Net income (loss)					-11,794	-21,397	-11,794	-21,397
BALANCE at Mar. 31, 2015	$299	$303	$285,616	$74,398	($317,058)	($385,819)	($31,143)	($311,118)
BALANCE (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015	29,936,000	30,297,000					29,936,378	30,297,459

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	($21,397)	$872
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	8,821	11,176
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	497	667
Share-based compensation	496	1,600
Interest paid-in-kind	8,974	3,065
Amortization of deferred loan costs	871	1,077
Amortization of bond discounts and other	297	261
Unrealized commodity derivative (gains) losses and amortization of premiums	1,960	-5,620
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	2,605	5,171
Inventories	-16	431
Other current assets	1,350	1,058
Other assets	-13	216
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-13,624	-17,548
Share-based compensation liabilities	-1,551	-13,950
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-10,730	-11,524
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties	-4,596	-26,182
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties	-10	-16
Expenditures for other property and equipment	-43	-177
Proceeds provided by sale of oil and natural gas properties	1,786
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-2,863	-26,375
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt	15,000	97,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-8,600	-55,000
Payments for deferred loan costs	-409	-17
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,991	41,983
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-7,602	4,084
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	15,656	17,336
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	8,054	21,420
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information-
Cash paid for interest	23,187	39,941
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Activities-
(Decrease) increase in accrued capital expenditures	-632	80
Excess of share-based compensation expense recognized over payments made	496
Venoco, Inc.
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	-11,794	9,553
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	8,821	11,176
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	497	667
Share-based compensation	496	1,600
Amortization of deferred loan costs	607	833
Unrealized commodity derivative (gains) losses and amortization of premiums	1,960	-5,620
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	2,605	5,025
Inventories	-16	431
Other current assets	1,350	1,123
Other assets	-13	216
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-13,624	-6,767
Share-based compensation liabilities	-1,551	-13,950
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-10,662	4,287
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties	-4,596	-26,182
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties	-10	-16
Expenditures for other property and equipment	-43	-177
Proceeds provided by sale of oil and natural gas properties	1,786
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-2,863	-26,375
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt	15,000	97,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-8,600	-55,000
Payments for deferred loan costs	-409	-13
Dividend to Denver Parent Corporation		-3,905
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,991	38,082
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-7,534	15,994
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	15,455	828
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	7,921	16,822
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information-
Cash paid for interest	23,187	24,322
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Activities-
(Decrease) increase in accrued capital expenditures	-632	80
Excess of share-based compensation expense recognized over payments made	$496

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Description of Operations    Denver Parent Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("DPC"), was formed in January 2012 for the purpose of acquiring all of the outstanding common stock of Venoco, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Venoco"), in a transaction referred to as the "going private transaction". The going private transaction was completed in October 2012. DPC has no operations and no material assets other than 100% of the common stock of Venoco. Venoco is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of oil and natural gas properties with a focus on properties offshore and onshore in California.
	Basis of Presentation    In 2011, Venoco's board of directors received a proposal from its then-chairman and chief executive officer, Timothy Marquez, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Venoco of which he was not the beneficial owner for $12.50 per share in cash. On October 3, 2012, Mr. Marquez and certain of his affiliates, including DPC, completed the going private transaction and acquired all of the outstanding stock of Venoco. As a result, Venoco's common stock is no longer publicly traded and Venoco is a wholly owned subsidiary of DPC. DPC is majority-owned and controlled by Mr. Marquez and his affiliates.
	This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report being filed by DPC and Venoco. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, (i) references to "DPC" refer only to DPC, (ii) references to the "Company," "we," "our" and "us" refer, for periods following the going private transaction, to DPC and its subsidiaries, including Venoco and its subsidiaries, and for periods prior to the going private transaction, to Venoco and its subsidiaries and (iii) references to "Venoco" refer to Venoco and its subsidiaries. Each registrant included herein is filing on its own behalf all of the information contained in this report that pertains to such registrant. When appropriate, disclosures specific to DPC and Venoco are identified as such. Each registrant included herein is not filing any information that does not relate to such registrant, and therefore makes no representation as to any such information. Where the information provided is substantially the same for both companies, such information has been combined. Where information is not substantially the same for both companies, we have provided separate information. In addition, separate financial statements for each company are included in this report.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DPC and its subsidiaries, and Venoco and its subsidiaries. All such subsidiaries are wholly owned. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's interim results have been reflected. All such adjustments are considered to be of a normal recurring nature. The Company has evaluated subsequent events and transactions for matters that may require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for Venoco and DPC includes certain definitions and a summary of significant accounting policies and should be read in conjunction with this report. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results.
	In the course of preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements, management makes various assumptions, judgments and estimates to determine the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and in the disclosures of commitments and contingencies. Changes in these assumptions, judgments and estimates will occur as a result of the passage of time and the occurrence of future events and, accordingly, actual results could differ from amounts initially established. Significant areas requiring the use of assumptions, judgments and estimates include (1) oil and gas reserves; (2) cash flow estimates used in ceiling tests of oil and natural gas properties; (3) depreciation, depletion and amortization; (4) asset retirement obligations; (5) assigning fair value and allocating purchase price in connection with business combinations; (6) accrued revenue and related receivables; (7) valuation of commodity derivative instruments; (8) accrued liabilities; (9) valuation of share-based payments and (10) income taxes. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.
	Liquidity    The additional indebtedness that the Company incurred in connection with the going private transaction and the associated financial covenants in Venoco's revolving credit facility (which was subsequently paid down in April 2015) have increased debt-related risks. We have undertaken a variety of measures to reduce our indebtedness, including in particular sales of our Sacramento Basin and West Montalvo properties for an aggregate price of approximately $450 million. However, our deleveraging efforts have been impacted by various operational issues, including an extended shutdown of the pipeline that transports our South Ellwood field production in 2014 and apparent communication issues affecting production from some of our wells in the same field. More recently, our deleveraging efforts have also been affected by the dramatic decline in the price of oil that occurred over the second half of 2014 with prices remaining low in and the first quarter of 2015. Prior to the termination of Venoco's revolving credit facility in April 2015, we were required to obtain numerous amendments to and waivers from the lenders under the facility as a result of these factors. We may be forced to seek further amendments or waivers from current or future lenders, and there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain them in a timely manner or at all. We are currently exploring additional deleveraging efforts and have significantly curtailed our planned capital expenditures for 2015 relative to prior years.
	Income Taxes    The Company computes its quarterly taxes under the effective tax rate method based on applying an anticipated annual effective rate to its year-to-date income or loss, except for discrete items. Income taxes for discrete items are computed and recorded in the period in which the specific transaction occurs.
	As of December 31, 2014, DPC has net operating loss carryovers ("NOLs") of $499 million for federal income tax purposes and $459 million for financial reporting purposes, and Venoco has net NOLs as of December 31, 2014 of $418 million for federal income tax purposes and $377 million for financial reporting purposes. The difference between the federal income tax NOLs and the financial reporting NOLs of $40 million relates to tax deductions for compensation expense for financial reporting purposes for which the benefit will not be recognized until the related deductions reduce taxes payable. The net operating loss carryovers may be carried back two years and forward twenty years from the year the net operating loss was generated. The net operating losses may be used to offset taxable income through 2034.
	Venoco has incurred losses before income taxes in 2008, 2009, and 2012 as well as taxable losses in each of the tax years from 2008 through 2013. DPC has incurred losses before income taxes in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2014 as well as taxable losses in each of the tax years from 2008 through 2014. These losses and expected future taxable losses were a key consideration that led Venoco and DPC to provide a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014 and March 31,2015, since it cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that its net deferred tax assets will be fully realized on future income tax returns.
	The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. At each reporting period, management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, available taxes in carryback periods, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. Future events or new evidence which may lead the Company to conclude that it is more likely than not that its net deferred tax assets will be realized include, but are not limited to, cumulative historical pre-tax earnings; consistent and sustained pre-tax earnings; sustained or continued improvements in oil and natural gas commodity prices; meaningful incremental oil production and proved reserves from the Company's development efforts at its Southern California legacy properties; consistent, meaningful production and proved reserves from the Company's onshore Monterey shale project; meaningful production and proved reserves from the CO2 project at the Hastings Complex; and taxable events resulting from one or more deleveraging transactions. The Company will continue to evaluate whether the valuation allowance is needed in future reporting periods.
	As long as the Company concludes that it will continue to have a need for a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets, the Company likely will not have any income tax expense or benefit other than for federal alternative minimum tax expense, a release of a portion of the valuation allowance for net operating loss carryback claims or for state income taxes.
	Reclassifications    Certain amounts in prior years footnotes to the financials have been reclassified to 2015 presentation. Reclassified amounts were not material to the financials presentation.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards    In May 2014, the FASB issued new authoritative accounting guidance related to the recognition of revenue. This authoritative accounting guidance is effective for the annual period beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and is to be applied using one of two acceptable methods. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing its impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and provide related footnote disclosures. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing its impact on the Company's consolidated financials.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 to revise the presentation of debt issuance costs. Under ASU 2015-03, entities will present debt issuance costs in their balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the deferred costs will continue to be included in interest expense. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The standard will be applied retrospectively to all prior periods. The company is currently evaluating provisions of this guidance and assessing its impact on the Company's consolidated financials.

DEBT

DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
DEBT
DEBT
	2. DEBT
	As of the dates indicated, the Company's long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Venoco, Inc.				Denver Parent
						Corporation
		December 31,		March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
		2014		2015		2014		2015
	Venoco Revolving credit agreement due March 2016	$	65,000	$	71,400	$	65,000	$	71,400
	Venoco 8.875% senior notes due February 2019 (face value $500,000)		500,000		500,000		500,000		500,000
	DPC 12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due August 2018		—		—		275,065		284,336
	Total long-term debt		565,000		571,400		840,065		855,736
	Less: current portion of long-term debt		—		—		—		—
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	565,000	$	571,400	$	840,065	$	855,736
	We recently completed a series of financing transactions in response to our indebtedness and liquidity situation. On April 2, 2015, Venoco entered into agreements relating to three new debt instruments: (i) first lien senior secured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $175 million (the "first lien secured notes"), (ii) second lien senior secured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $150 million (the "second lien secured notes") and (iii) a $75 million cash collateralized senior secured credit facility (the "term loan facility"). Approximately $72 million of proceeds from the issuance of the first lien secured notes and the term loan facility were used to repay all amounts outstanding under Venoco's revolving credit facility, which was then terminated. The second lien secured notes were issued in exchange for $194 million aggregate principal amount of, and accrued interest on, Venoco's outstanding 8.875% senior notes due 2019. The terms of the new debt instruments are summarized in "—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Resources and Requirements." These transactions increased our indebtedness overall, but reduced our near-term cash interest expense and provided us with flexibility and additional liquidity that we intend to use to advance longer term projects.
	The following summarizes the terms of the agreements governing the Company's debt outstanding as of March 31, 2015.
	Venoco Revolving Credit Facility.    Prior to its refinancing and termination in April 2015, Venoco was party to a fifth amended and restated credit agreement which governed its revolving credit facility. The credit facility had a maximum size of $500 million and a maturity date of March 31, 2016. The borrowing base, which was subject to redetermination twice each year, and was subject to redetermination at other times at Venoco's request or at the request of the lenders, was $88.5 million as of March 31, 2015. The credit facility was secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of Venoco's oil and natural gas properties and other assets, including the equity interests in all of its subsidiaries, and was unconditionally guaranteed by each of those subsidiaries other than Ellwood Pipeline, Inc. The collateral also secured Venoco's obligations to hedging counterparties that were also lenders, or affiliates of lenders, under the facility. Loans made under the revolving credit facility were designated, at our option, as either "Base Rate Loans" or "LIBO Rate Loans." Loans designated as Base Rate Loans under the facility bore interest at a floating rate equal to (i) the greater of (x) the administrative agent's announced prime rate, (y) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (z) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus (ii) an applicable margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.00%, based on utilization. Loans designated as LIBO Rate Loans under the facility bore interest at (i) LIBOR plus (ii) an applicable margin ranging from 2.25% to 3.00%, based upon utilization. The applicable margin for both Base Rate Loans and LIBO Rate Loans was increased by 0.50% when Venoco's debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio exceeded 3.75 to 1.00 on the last day of each of the two fiscal quarters most recently ended. A commitment fee of 0.50% per annum was payable with respect to unused borrowing availability under the facility. The agreement governing the facility contained customary representations, warranties, events of default, indemnities and covenants, including operational covenants that restricted Venoco's ability to incur indebtedness and certain financial covenants.
	The borrowing base under the revolving credit facility was allocated at various percentages to a syndicate of banks. As of March 31, 2015, Venoco had approximately $71.4 million outstanding on the facility and had available borrowing capacity of $13.5 million under the facility, net of the outstanding balance and $3.6 million in outstanding letters of credit.
	The revolving credit facility generally permitted Venoco, subject to certain conditions, to pay cash dividends to DPC up to a maximum amount of $35 million in a four-quarter period on a rolling basis. Venoco paid cash dividends of $3.9 million to DPC in February 2014.
	Venoco 8.875% Senior Notes.    In February 2011, Venoco issued $500 million in 8.875% senior notes due in February 2019 at par. The notes pay interest semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. Venoco may redeem the notes prior to February 15, 2015 at a "make whole premium" defined in the indenture. Beginning February 15, 2015, Venoco may redeem the notes at a redemption price of 104.438% of the principal amount and declining to 100% by February 15, 2017. The notes are senior unsecured obligations and contain operational covenants that, among other things, limit Venoco's ability to make investments, incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, pay dividends, repurchase its stock, create liens or sell assets.
	DPC 12.25% / 13.00% Senior PIK Toggle Notes.    In August 2013, DPC issued $255 million principal amount of 12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due August 2018 at 97.304% of par. Interest on the notes is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2014. The initial interest payment on the notes was required to be paid in cash. For each interest period after the initial interest period (other than for the final interest period ending at the stated maturity, which will be paid in cash), DPC will, in certain circumstances, be permitted to pay interest on the notes by increasing the principal amount of the notes or issuing new notes (collectively, "PIK interest"). Cash interest on the notes accrues at the rate of 12.25% per annum. PIK interest on the notes accrues at the rate of 13.00% per annum until the next payment of cash interest. The August 2014 interest payment was paid 25% in cash and 75% PIK interest, and the February 2015 interest payment was paid entirely as PIK interest. DPC is a holding company that owns no material assets other than stock of Venoco; accordingly, it will be able to pay cash interest on its notes only to the extent that it receives cash dividends or distributions from Venoco. The notes are not currently guaranteed by any of DPC's subsidiaries. DPC may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to August 15, 2015, at a "make-whole" redemption price described in the indenture. DPC may also redeem all or any part of the notes on and after August 15, 2015 at a redemption price of 106.125% of the principal amount and declining to 100% by August 15, 2017. The notes are senior unsecured obligations and contain operational covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to make investments, incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, pay dividends, repurchase stock, create liens or sell assets.
	The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants at March 31, 2015.

HEDGING_AND_DERIVATIVE_FINANCI

HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	3. HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Commodity Derivative Agreements.    The Company utilizes swap and collar agreements and option contracts in an effort to hedge the effect of commodity price changes on its cash flows. The objective of the Company's hedging activities and the use of derivative financial instruments is to achieve more predictable cash flows. While the use of these derivative instruments limits the downside risk of adverse price movements, they also may limit future cash flows from favorable price movements. The Company may, from time to time, opportunistically restructure existing derivative contracts or enter into new transactions to effectively modify the terms of current contracts in order to improve the pricing parameters in existing contracts or realize the current value of the Company's existing positions. The Company may use the proceeds from such transactions to secure additional contracts for periods in which the Company believes it has additional unmitigated commodity price risk or for other corporate purposes.
	The use of derivatives involves the risk that the counterparties to such instruments will be unable to meet the financial terms of such contracts. The Company generally has netting arrangements with the counterparties that provide for the offset of payables against receivables from separate derivative arrangements with that counterparty in the event of contract termination. The derivative contracts may be terminated by a non-defaulting party in the event of default by one of the parties to the agreement.
	The components of commodity derivative losses (gains) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2015
	Realized commodity derivative losses (gains)	$	3,525		$	(14,865	)
	Unrealized commodity derivative losses (gains) for changes in fair value		(5,620	)		1,960
	Commodity derivative losses (gains), net	$	(2,095	)	$	(12,905	)
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company had entered into certain swap, collar and put agreements related to its oil production. The aggregate economic effects of those agreements are summarized below. Location and quality differentials attributable to the Company's properties are not included in the following prices. The agreements provide for monthly settlement based on the differential between the agreement price and the price per the applicable index, Inter-Continental Exchange Brent ("Brent").
		Oil (Brent)
		Barrels/day			Weighted Avg.
					Prices per Bbl
	January 1 - December 31, 2015:
	Swaps		460		$	100.40
	Collars		4,135		$	90.00/$100.00
	January 1 - December 31, 2016:
	Swap		1,715		$	96.00
	Collars		1,715		$	90.00/$101.75
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments.    The estimated fair values of derivatives included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized below. The net fair value of the Company's derivatives decreased by $2.0 million from a net asset of $78.1 million at December 31, 2014 to a net asset of $76.1 million at March 31, 2015, primarily due to (i) changes in the futures prices for oil, which are used in the calculation of the fair value of commodity derivatives, (ii) settlement of commodity derivative positions during the current period and (iii) changes to the Company's commodity derivative portfolio in 2015. The Company does not offset asset and liability positions with the same counterparties within the financial statements; rather, all contracts are presented at their gross estimated fair value. As of the dates indicated, the Company's derivative assets and liabilities are presented below (in thousands). These balances represent the estimated fair value of the contracts. The Company has not designated any of its derivative contracts as cash-flow hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The main headings represent the balance sheet captions for the contracts presented (in thousands).
		December 31,			March 31,
		2014			2015
	Current Assets—Commodity derivatives:
	Oil derivative contracts	$	48,298		$	49,484
	Noncurrent Assets—Commodity derivatives:
	Oil derivative contracts		29,793			26,647
	Net derivative asset (liability)		78,091		$	76,131

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
	4. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
	The following table summarizes the activities for the Company's asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2015 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2015
	Asset retirement obligations at beginning of period	$	38,182		$	30,851
	Revisions of estimated liabilities		(594	)		—
	Liabilities incurred or acquired		72			—
	Accretion expense		667			497
	Asset retirement obligations at end of period		38,327			31,348
	Less: current asset retirement obligations (classified with accounts payable and accrued liabilities)		(700	)		(500	)
	Long-term asset retirement obligations	$	37,627		$	30,848
	Discount rates used to calculate the present value vary depending on the estimated timing of the obligation, but typically range between 4% and 9%. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the liabilities settled or disposed of $9.4 million for 2014 primarily relate to the Montalvo asset sale.

SHAREBASED_PAYMENTS

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
	5. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
	The Company has granted cash settlement or liability awards to officers, directors and certain employees of the Company including rights-to-receive awards (RTR), restricted share unit awards (RSUs), share appreciation rights (SARs) and ESOP restricted share units. The Company measures its liability awards based on the award's fair value remeasured at each reporting date until the date of settlement. Compensation cost for each period until settlement is based on the change (or a portion of the change, depending on the percentage of the requisite service that has been rendered at the reporting date). Changes in the fair value of a liability that occur after the end of the requisite service period are compensation cost of the period in which the changes occur. Any difference between the amount for which a liability award is settled and its fair value at the settlement date is an adjustment of compensation cost in the period of settlement.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. The FASB has established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement).
	The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
	Level 1—Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
	Level 2—Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in level 1, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date and for substantially the full term of the instrument. Inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies.
	Level 3—Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management's best estimate of fair value.
	Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands).
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value
	Assets (Liabilities):
	Commodity derivative contracts			—			76,131			—			76,131
	Share-based compensation			—			—			(1,209	)		(1,209	)
	Derivative instruments.    The Company's commodity derivative instruments consist primarily of swaps and collars for oil and natural gas. The Company values the derivative contracts using industry standard models, based on an income approach, which considers various assumptions including quoted forward prices and contractual prices for the underlying commodities, time value and volatility factors, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of the assumptions can be observed throughout the full term of the contracts, can be derived from observable data or are supportable by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace and are therefore designated as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The discount rates used in the assumptions include a component of non-performance risk. The Company utilizes the relevant counterparty valuations to assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values.
	Share-based compensation.    The Company's current share-based compensation liability includes a liability for restricted share unit awards (RSUs), share appreciation rights (SARs) and employee stock ownership plan unit awards (ESOP). The fair value of DPC common stock is a significant input for determining the share-based compensation amounts and the liability amounts for these cash settled awards. DPC is a privately held entity for which there is no available market price or principal market for DPC common shares. Inputs for determining the fair market value of this instrument are unobservable and are therefore classified as Level 3 inputs. The Company utilizes various valuation methods for determining the fair market value of this instrument including a net asset value approach, a comparable company approach, a discounted cash flow approach and a transaction approach. The Company's estimate of the value of DPC shares is highly dependent on commodity prices, cost assumptions, discount rates, oil and natural gas proved reserves, overall market conditions and the identification of companies and transactions that are comparable to the Company's operations and reserve characteristics. While some inputs to the Company's calculation of fair value of DPC shares are from published sources, others, such as reserve values, the discount rate and expected future cash flows, are derived from the Company's own calculations and estimates. Significant changes in the unobservable inputs, summarized above, could result in a significantly different fair value estimate.
	The grant date fair value of each SAR is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair market value of DPC common shares is a significant input into the Black-Scholes valuation model. Valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock. DPC shares have characteristics significantly different from those of traded shares, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, it is management's opinion that the valuations afforded by existing models are different from the value that the shares would realize if traded in the market.
	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of financial assets (liabilities), which represent primarily share-based compensation liabilities, designated as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2015
	Fair value liability, beginning of period		$	(20,928	)	$	(1,038	)
	Transfers into Level 3(1)			(2,249	)		(181	)
	Transfers out of Level 3(2)			242			10
	Change in fair value of Level 3			(5	)		—
	Fair value liability, end of period		$	(22,940	)	$	(1,209	)
	-1	The transfers into Level 3 liability during the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 relate to RSU, SAR and ESOP grants made by the Company to officers, directors and certain employees, and requisite service period expense.
	-2	The transfers out of Level 3 liability during the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 relate to cash settlements of RSU grants, and forfeitures of RSU, SAR and ESOP grants as a result of employee terminations.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments.    The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and payable, derivatives (discussed above) and long-term debt. The carrying values of cash equivalents and accounts receivable and payable are representative of their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The carrying amount of Venoco's revolving credit facility approximated fair value because the interest rate of the facility was variable. The fair value of the Venoco senior notes listed in the table below was derived from available market data (Level 1). We used available market data and valuation techniques (Level 2) to estimate the fair value of the DPC PIK toggle notes. This disclosure does not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows (in thousands).
			December 31, 2014						March 31, 2015
			Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated
			Value			Fair Value			Value			Fair Value
	Venoco:
	Revolving credit agreement		$	65,000		$	65,000		$	71,400		$	71,400
	8.875% senior notes			500,000			262,000			500,000			255,000
	Denver Parent Corporation:
	12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes			275,065			120,369			284,336			43,717
	Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-recurring Basis.    The Company uses fair value to determine the value of its asset retirement obligations ("ARO"). The inputs used to determine such fair value under the expected present value technique are primarily based upon internal estimates prepared by reservoir engineers for costs of dismantlement, removal, site reclamation and similar activities associated with the Company's oil and gas properties and would be classified Level 3 inputs.

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
CONTINGENCIES
CONTINGENCIES
	7. CONTINGENCIES
	In the ordinary course of our business we are named from time to time as a defendant in various legal proceedings. We maintain liability insurance and believe that our coverage is reasonable in view of the legal risks to which our business is subject.
	Delaware Litigation—In August 2011 Timothy Marquez, the then-Chairman and CEO of Venoco, submitted a nonbinding proposal to the board of directors of Venoco to acquire all of the shares of Venoco he did not beneficially own for $12.50 per share in cash (the "Marquez Proposal"). As a result of that proposal, five lawsuits were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery in 2011 against Venoco and each of its directors by shareholders alleging that Venoco and its directors had breached their fiduciary duties to the shareholders in connection with the Marquez Proposal. On January 16, 2012, Venoco entered into a Merger Agreement with Mr. Marquez and certain of his affiliates pursuant to which Venoco, Mr. Marquez and his affiliates would effect the going private transaction. Following announcement of the Merger Agreement, five additional suits were filed in Delaware and three suits were filed in federal court in Colorado naming as defendants Venoco and each of its directors. In March 2013 the plaintiffs in Delaware filed a consolidated amended class action complaint in which they requested that the court determine among other things that (i) the merger consideration is inadequate and the Merger Agreement was entered into in breach of the fiduciary duties of the defendants and is therefore unlawful and unenforceable and (ii) the merger should be rescinded or in the alternative, the class should be awarded damages to compensate them for the loss as a result of the breach of fiduciary duties by the defendants. The Colorado actions have been administratively closed pending resolution of the Delaware case. Venoco has reviewed the allegations contained in the amended complaint and believes they are without merit. Trial is expected to occur in 2015.
	Denbury Arbitration—In January 2013 Venoco and its wholly owned subsidiary, TexCal Energy South Texas, L.P. ("TexCal"), notified Denbury Resources, Inc. through its subsidiary Denbury Onshore, LLC ("Denbury") that it was invoking the arbitration provisions contained in contracts between TexCal and Denbury pursuant to which TexCal conveyed its interest in the Hastings Complex to Denbury and retained a reversionary interest. Denbury is obligated to convey the reversionary interest to TexCal at "payout" as defined in the contracts. The dispute involves the calculation of the cost of CO2 delivered to the Hastings Complex which is used in Denbury's enhanced oil recovery operations. The Company believes that Denbury has materially overcharged the payout account for the cost of CO2 and the cost of transporting it to the Hastings Complex. In December 2013, the three judge arbitration panel unanimously agreed with Venoco's position. In January 2014 Denbury requested that the arbitration panel modify its decision in a way that could increase the cost of CO2. In March 2014 the Arbitration Panel modified its original award consistent with the Company's position and awarded the Company approximately $1.8 million in attorneys' fees and costs incurred in the arbitration. In late March 2014 Denbury appealed the arbitration ruling to the District Court for Harris County, Texas asking the court to vacate the arbitration award. On February 11, 2015 the District Court granted Venoco's motion to confirm the arbitration award. On March 12, 2015 Denbury filed a motion for a new trial with the District Court.
	Other—In addition, Venoco is a party from time to time to other claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. Venoco believes that the ultimate impact, if any, of these other claims and legal actions will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

GUARANTOR_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO

GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	8. GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	All subsidiaries of Venoco other than Ellwood Pipeline Inc. ("Guarantors") have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, Venoco's obligations under its 8.875% senior notes. Ellwood Pipeline, Inc. is not a Guarantor (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiary"). The condensed consolidating financial information for prior periods has been revised to reflect the guarantor and non-guarantor status of the Company's subsidiaries as of March 31, 2015. All Guarantors are 100% owned by Venoco. Presented below are Venoco's condensed consolidating balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows as required by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. There are currently no guarantors of DPC's 12.25%/13.00% senior PIK toggle notes.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
		Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
	ASSETS
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	15,455		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	15,455
	Accounts receivable		14,140			56			716			—			14,912
	Inventories		3,370			—			—			—			3,370
	Other current assets		4,715			—			—			—			4,715
	Commodity derivatives		48,298			—			—			—			48,298
	TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		85,978			56			716			—			86,750
	PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET		654,549			(184,362	)		18,327			—			488,514
	COMMODITY DERIVATIVES		29,793			—			—			—			29,793
	INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES		563,401			—			—			(563,401	)		—
	OTHER		11,138			59			—			—			11,197
	TOTAL ASSETS		1,344,859			(184,247	)		19,043			(563,401	)		616,254
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		20,535			—			—			—			20,535
	Interest payable		17,329			—			—			—			17,329
	Commodity derivatives		—			—			—			—			—
	Share-based compensation		2,236			—			—			—			2,236
	TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES:		40,100			—			—			—			40,100
	LONG-TERM DEBT		565,000			—			—			—			565,000
	COMMODITY DERIVATIVES		—			—			—			—			—
	ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS		27,906			1,652			793			—			30,351
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION		648			—			—			—			648
	INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES (RECEIVABLES)		735,845			(655,326	)		(80,555	)		36			—
	TOTAL LIABILITIES		1,369,499			(653,674	)		(79,762	)		36			636,099
	TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY(DEFICIT)		(24,640	)		469,427			98,805			(563,437	)		(19,845	)
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY(DEFICIT)	$	1,344,859		$	(184,247	)	$	19,043		$	(563,401	)	$	616,254
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	AT MARCH 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
		Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
	ASSETS
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,921		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	7,921
	Accounts receivable		11,059			51			1,197			—			12,307
	Inventories		3,386			—			—			—			3,386
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,333			—			—			—			3,333
	Commodity derivatives		49,484			—			—			—			49,484
	TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		75,183			51			1,197			—			76,431
	PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET		648,194			(184,388	)		18,118			—			481,924
	COMMODITY DERIVATIVES		26,647												26,647
	INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES		563,401			—			—			(563,401	)		—
	OTHER		10,985			59			—			—			11,044
	TOTAL ASSETS		1,324,410			(184,278	)		19,315			(563,401	)		596,046
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		18,073			—			—			—			18,073
	Interest payable		5,535			—			—			—			5,535
	Commodity derivatives		—			—			—			—			—
	Share-based compensation		602			—			—			—			602
	TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES:		24,210			—			—			—			24,210
	LONG-TERM DEBT		571,400			—			—			—			571,400
	COMMODITY DERIVATIVES		—			—			—			—			—
	ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS		28,365			1,685			798			—			30,848
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION		731			—			—			—			731
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES (RECEIVABLES)		738,681			(655,458	)		(83,259	)		36			—
TOTAL LIABILITIES		1,363,387			(653,773	)		(82,461	)		36			627,189
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY		(38,977	)		469,495			101,776			(563,437	)		(31,143	)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	1,324,410		$	(184,278	)	$	19,315		$	(563,401	)	$	596,046
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
	Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
REVENUES:
Oil and natural gas sales	$	62,213		$	325		$	—		$	—		$	62,538
Other		115			—			1,818			(1,474	)		459
Total revenues		62,328			325			1,818			(1,474	)		62,997
EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense		18,780			18			670			—			19,468
Production and property taxes		1,736			—			—			—			1,736
Transportation expense		1,435			3			—			(1,381	)		57
Depletion, depreciation and amortization		10,942			26			208			—			11,176
Accretion of asset retirement obligations		625			31			11			—			667
General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized		8,631			—			124			(93	)		8,662
Total expenses		42,149			78			1,013			(1,474	)		41,766
Income (loss) from operations		20,179			247			805			—			21,231
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Interest expense, net		14,374			—			(1,434	)		—			12,940
Amortization of deferred loan costs		833			—			—			—			833
Commodity derivative losses (gains), net		(2,095	)		—			—			—			(2,095	)
Total financing costs and other		13,112			—			(1,434	)		—			11,678
Equity in subsidiary income		1,541			—			—			(1,541	)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		8,608			247			2,239			(1,541	)		9,553
Income tax provision (benefit)		(945	)		94			851			—			—
Net income (loss)	$	9,553		$	153		$	1,388		$	(1,541	)	$	9,553
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
	Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
REVENUES:
Oil and natural gas sales	$	19,602		$	147		$	—		$	—		$	19,749
Other		121			—			2,498			(1,950	)		669
Total revenues		19,723			147			2,498			(1,950	)		20,418
EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense		14,077			11			844			—			14,932
Production and property taxes		2,132			—			—			—			2,132
Transportation expense		1,894			8			—			(1,855	)		47
Depletion, depreciation and amortization		8,586			26			209			—			8,821
Accretion of asset retirement obligations		459			33			5			—			497
General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized		6,667			—			98			(95	)		6,670
Total expenses		33,815			78			1,156			(1,950	)		33,099
Income (loss) from operations		(14,092	)		69			1,342			—			(12,681	)
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Interest expense, net		13,040			—			(1,629	)		—			11,411
Amortization of deferred loan costs		607			—			—			—			607
Commodity derivative losses (gains), net		(12,905	)		—			—			—			(12,905	)
Total financing costs and other		742			—			(1,629	)		—			(887	)
Equity in subsidiary income		1,884			—			—			(1,884	)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		(12,950	)		69			2,971			(1,884	)		(11,794	)
Income tax provision (benefit)		(1,155	)		26			1,129			—			—
Net income (loss)	$	(11,795	)	$	43		$	1,842		$	(1,884	)	$	(11,794	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
	Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	1,628		$	331		$	2,328		$	—		$	4,287
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties		(26,024	)		2			(160	)		—			(26,182	)
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties		(16	)		—			—			—			(16	)
Expenditures for property and equipment and other		(177	)		—			—			—			(177	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(26,217	)		2			(160	)		—			(26,375	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from (repayments of) intercompany borrowings		2,501			(333	)		(2,168	)		—			—
Proceeds from long-term debt		97,000			—			—			—			97,000
Principal payments on long-term debt		(55,000	)		—			—			—			(55,000	)
Payments for deferred loan costs		(13	)		—			—			—			(13	)
Dividend paid to Denver Parent Corporation		(3,905	)		—			—			—			(3,905	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		40,583			(333	)		(2,168	)		—			38,082
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		15,994			—			—			—			15,994
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		828			—			—			—			828
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	16,822		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	16,822
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
	Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiary			Eliminations			Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(13,498	)	$	132		$	2,704		$	—		$	(10,662	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties		(4,596	)		—			—			—			(4,596	)
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties		(10	)		—			—			—			(10	)
Expenditures for property and equipment and other		(43	)		—			—			—			(43	)
Proceeds provided by sale of oil and gas properties		1,786			—			—			—			1,786
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(2,863	)		—			—			—			(2,863	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from (repayments of) intercompany borrowings		2,836			(132	)		(2,704	)		—			—
Proceeds from long-term debt		15,000			—			—			—			15,000
Principal payments on long-term debt		(8,600	)		—			—			—			(8,600	)
Payments for deferred loan costs		(409	)		—			—			—			(409	)
Dividend paid to Denver Parent Corporation		—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		8,827			(132	)		(2,704	)		—			5,991
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(7,534	)		—			—			—			(7,534	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		15,455			—			—			—			15,455
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	7,921		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	7,921

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On April 2, 2015, Venoco entered into agreements relating to three new debt instruments: (i) first lien senior secured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $175 million (the "first lien secured notes"), (ii) second lien senior secured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $150 million (the "second lien secured notes") and (iii) a $75 million cash collateralized senior secured credit facility (the "term loan facility"). Approximately $72 million of proceeds from the issuance of the first lien secured notes and the term loan facility were used to repay all amounts outstanding under Venoco's revolving credit facility, which was then terminated. The second lien secured notes were issued in exchange for $194 million aggregate principal amount of and accrued interest on Venoco's outstanding 8.875% senior notes due 2019.
	First lien secured notes.    The first lien secured notes bear interest at 12% per annum and mature in February 2019. The indenture governing the first lien secured notes includes covenants customary for instruments of this type, including restrictions on Venoco's ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens on its properties, pay dividends and make investments, in each case subject to exceptions. The covenants regarding the incurrence of additional indebtedness contain exceptions for, among other things, (i) up to $25 million of additional secured or unsecured indebtedness that may be issued or incurred in connection with certain projects approved by the holders of the notes, (ii) up to $50 million of additional second lien secured notes that may be issued in exchange for Venoco's outstanding 8.875% senior notes due 2019 and (iii) up to $150 million of additional third lien or unsecured indebtedness that may be issued or incurred in exchange for the Venoco's outstanding 8.875% senior notes or to fund acquisitions. The indenture also includes restrictions on capital expenditures and an operational covenant pursuant to which Venoco is generally required to maintain a specified level of production for each quarterly period until maturity. Other covenants are generally similar to those contained in the indenture governing the existing 8.875% senior notes. Venoco's obligations under the first lien secured notes are guaranteed by all of its subsidiaries other than Ellwood Pipeline, Inc. and secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of Venoco and the guarantors other than the cash collateral under the term loan facility. Venoco may redeem the first lien secured notes at a redemption price of 109% of the principal amount beginning on January 1, 2016 and declining to 100% by January 1, 2019.
	Second lien secured notes.    The second lien secured notes bear interest at 8.875% if paid in cash or 12% if paid in kind. Interest may be paid in cash or in kind, at Venoco's option, for semiannual interest periods commencing within 24 months following issuance, but may become payable entirely in cash earlier upon the occurrence of certain events. The second lien secured notes mature in February 2019. The indenture governing the second lien secured notes includes covenants, and exceptions thereto, substantially similar to those set forth in the indenture governing the first lien secured notes. Venoco's obligations under the notes are guaranteed by Venoco's subsidiaries that guarantee the first lien secured notes and are secured by a second priority lien on the same assets securing its obligations under the first lien secured notes. Venoco may redeem the second lien secured notes on the same terms as the existing 8.875% senior notes. The first lien secured notes were issued under an Indenture dated as of April 2, 2015 among Venoco, the guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent.
	Term loan facility.    The term loan facility, which was fully drawn at closing, matures in October 2015. Amounts borrowed under the facility will bear interest at 4.0% per annum for the first thirty days and at 12% thereafter. Venoco may repay or refinance the term facility at any time. The facility contains representations, warranties and covenants typical for instruments of this type. Venoco's obligations under the term loan facility are secured by a first priority lien on cash collateral, which collateral may be released upon the occurrence of certain events, and are guaranteed by Venoco's subsidiaries that guarantee the first lien secured notes and second lien secured notes. The term facility was incurred under a term loan and security agreement dated as of April 2, 2015 among Venoco, the guarantors and the lenders party thereto.
	Derivatives.    In connection with the debt transactions noted above that were entered into on April 2, 2015 Venoco unwound our 2016 derivative contract with ABN AMRO which hedged 1,715 barrels per day of our 2016 oil production, receiving proceeds of $15.6 million. We also novated the remaining derivative contracts to Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML).

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE1

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Operations
	Description of Operations    Denver Parent Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("DPC"), was formed in January 2012 for the purpose of acquiring all of the outstanding common stock of Venoco, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Venoco"), in a transaction referred to as the "going private transaction". The going private transaction was completed in October 2012. DPC has no operations and no material assets other than 100% of the common stock of Venoco. Venoco is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of oil and natural gas properties with a focus on properties offshore and onshore in California.
Basis of Presentation
	Basis of Presentation    In 2011, Venoco's board of directors received a proposal from its then-chairman and chief executive officer, Timothy Marquez, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Venoco of which he was not the beneficial owner for $12.50 per share in cash. On October 3, 2012, Mr. Marquez and certain of his affiliates, including DPC, completed the going private transaction and acquired all of the outstanding stock of Venoco. As a result, Venoco's common stock is no longer publicly traded and Venoco is a wholly owned subsidiary of DPC. DPC is majority-owned and controlled by Mr. Marquez and his affiliates.
	This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report being filed by DPC and Venoco. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, (i) references to "DPC" refer only to DPC, (ii) references to the "Company," "we," "our" and "us" refer, for periods following the going private transaction, to DPC and its subsidiaries, including Venoco and its subsidiaries, and for periods prior to the going private transaction, to Venoco and its subsidiaries and (iii) references to "Venoco" refer to Venoco and its subsidiaries. Each registrant included herein is filing on its own behalf all of the information contained in this report that pertains to such registrant. When appropriate, disclosures specific to DPC and Venoco are identified as such. Each registrant included herein is not filing any information that does not relate to such registrant, and therefore makes no representation as to any such information. Where the information provided is substantially the same for both companies, such information has been combined. Where information is not substantially the same for both companies, we have provided separate information. In addition, separate financial statements for each company are included in this report.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DPC and its subsidiaries, and Venoco and its subsidiaries. All such subsidiaries are wholly owned. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's interim results have been reflected. All such adjustments are considered to be of a normal recurring nature. The Company has evaluated subsequent events and transactions for matters that may require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for Venoco and DPC includes certain definitions and a summary of significant accounting policies and should be read in conjunction with this report. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results.
	In the course of preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements, management makes various assumptions, judgments and estimates to determine the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and in the disclosures of commitments and contingencies. Changes in these assumptions, judgments and estimates will occur as a result of the passage of time and the occurrence of future events and, accordingly, actual results could differ from amounts initially established. Significant areas requiring the use of assumptions, judgments and estimates include (1) oil and gas reserves; (2) cash flow estimates used in ceiling tests of oil and natural gas properties; (3) depreciation, depletion and amortization; (4) asset retirement obligations; (5) assigning fair value and allocating purchase price in connection with business combinations; (6) accrued revenue and related receivables; (7) valuation of commodity derivative instruments; (8) accrued liabilities; (9) valuation of share-based payments and (10) income taxes. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Liquidity
	Liquidity    The additional indebtedness that the Company incurred in connection with the going private transaction and the associated financial covenants in Venoco's revolving credit facility (which was subsequently paid down in April 2015) have increased debt-related risks. We have undertaken a variety of measures to reduce our indebtedness, including in particular sales of our Sacramento Basin and West Montalvo properties for an aggregate price of approximately $450 million. However, our deleveraging efforts have been impacted by various operational issues, including an extended shutdown of the pipeline that transports our South Ellwood field production in 2014 and apparent communication issues affecting production from some of our wells in the same field. More recently, our deleveraging efforts have also been affected by the dramatic decline in the price of oil that occurred over the second half of 2014 with prices remaining low in and the first quarter of 2015. Prior to the termination of Venoco's revolving credit facility in April 2015, we were required to obtain numerous amendments to and waivers from the lenders under the facility as a result of these factors. We may be forced to seek further amendments or waivers from current or future lenders, and there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain them in a timely manner or at all. We are currently exploring additional deleveraging efforts and have significantly curtailed our planned capital expenditures for 2015 relative to prior years.
Income Taxes
	Income Taxes    The Company computes its quarterly taxes under the effective tax rate method based on applying an anticipated annual effective rate to its year-to-date income or loss, except for discrete items. Income taxes for discrete items are computed and recorded in the period in which the specific transaction occurs.
	As of December 31, 2014, DPC has net operating loss carryovers ("NOLs") of $499 million for federal income tax purposes and $459 million for financial reporting purposes, and Venoco has net NOLs as of December 31, 2014 of $418 million for federal income tax purposes and $377 million for financial reporting purposes. The difference between the federal income tax NOLs and the financial reporting NOLs of $40 million relates to tax deductions for compensation expense for financial reporting purposes for which the benefit will not be recognized until the related deductions reduce taxes payable. The net operating loss carryovers may be carried back two years and forward twenty years from the year the net operating loss was generated. The net operating losses may be used to offset taxable income through 2034.
	Venoco has incurred losses before income taxes in 2008, 2009, and 2012 as well as taxable losses in each of the tax years from 2008 through 2013. DPC has incurred losses before income taxes in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2014 as well as taxable losses in each of the tax years from 2008 through 2014. These losses and expected future taxable losses were a key consideration that led Venoco and DPC to provide a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014 and March 31,2015, since it cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that its net deferred tax assets will be fully realized on future income tax returns.
	The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. At each reporting period, management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, available taxes in carryback periods, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. Future events or new evidence which may lead the Company to conclude that it is more likely than not that its net deferred tax assets will be realized include, but are not limited to, cumulative historical pre-tax earnings; consistent and sustained pre-tax earnings; sustained or continued improvements in oil and natural gas commodity prices; meaningful incremental oil production and proved reserves from the Company's development efforts at its Southern California legacy properties; consistent, meaningful production and proved reserves from the Company's onshore Monterey shale project; meaningful production and proved reserves from the CO2 project at the Hastings Complex; and taxable events resulting from one or more deleveraging transactions. The Company will continue to evaluate whether the valuation allowance is needed in future reporting periods.
	As long as the Company concludes that it will continue to have a need for a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets, the Company likely will not have any income tax expense or benefit other than for federal alternative minimum tax expense, a release of a portion of the valuation allowance for net operating loss carryback claims or for state income taxes.
Reclassifications
	Reclassifications    Certain amounts in prior years footnotes to the financials have been reclassified to 2015 presentation. Reclassified amounts were not material to the financials presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards    In May 2014, the FASB issued new authoritative accounting guidance related to the recognition of revenue. This authoritative accounting guidance is effective for the annual period beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and is to be applied using one of two acceptable methods. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing its impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and provide related footnote disclosures. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing its impact on the Company's consolidated financials.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 to revise the presentation of debt issuance costs. Under ASU 2015-03, entities will present debt issuance costs in their balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the deferred costs will continue to be included in interest expense. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The standard will be applied retrospectively to all prior periods. The company is currently evaluating provisions of this guidance and assessing its impact on the Company's consolidated financials.

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
DEBT
Schedule of long-term debt
	As of the dates indicated, the Company's long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Venoco, Inc.				Denver Parent
						Corporation
		December 31,		March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
		2014		2015		2014		2015
	Venoco Revolving credit agreement due March 2016	$	65,000	$	71,400	$	65,000	$	71,400
	Venoco 8.875% senior notes due February 2019 (face value $500,000)		500,000		500,000		500,000		500,000
	DPC 12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due August 2018		—		—		275,065		284,336
	Total long-term debt		565,000		571,400		840,065		855,736
	Less: current portion of long-term debt		—		—		—		—
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	565,000	$	571,400	$	840,065	$	855,736

HEDGING_AND_DERIVATIVE_FINANCI1

HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Schedule of oil derivatives
		Oil (Brent)
		Barrels/day			Weighted Avg.
					Prices per Bbl
	January 1 - December 31, 2015:
	Swaps		460		$	100.40
	Collars		4,135		$	90.00/$100.00
	January 1 - December 31, 2016:
	Swap		1,715		$	96.00
	Collars		1,715		$	90.00/$101.75
Schedule of estimated fair values of derivatives included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets
	The main headings represent the balance sheet captions for the contracts presented (in thousands).
		December 31,			March 31,
		2014			2015
	Current Assets—Commodity derivatives:
	Oil derivative contracts	$	48,298		$	49,484
	Noncurrent Assets—Commodity derivatives:
	Oil derivative contracts		29,793			26,647
	Net derivative asset (liability)		78,091		$	76,131
Commodity derivatives
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Schedule of components of derivative losses (gains) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations
	The components of commodity derivative losses (gains) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2015
	Realized commodity derivative losses (gains)	$	3,525		$	(14,865	)
	Unrealized commodity derivative losses (gains) for changes in fair value		(5,620	)		1,960
	Commodity derivative losses (gains), net	$	(2,095	)	$	(12,905	)

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_T

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
Schedule of the activities for the Company's asset retirement obligations
	The following table summarizes the activities for the Company's asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2015 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2015
	Asset retirement obligations at beginning of period	$	38,182		$	30,851
	Revisions of estimated liabilities		(594	)		—
	Liabilities incurred or acquired		72			—
	Accretion expense		667			497
	Asset retirement obligations at end of period		38,327			31,348
	Less: current asset retirement obligations (classified with accounts payable and accrued liabilities)		(700	)		(500	)
	Long-term asset retirement obligations	$	37,627		$	30,848

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Schedule of financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value
	The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands).
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value
	Assets (Liabilities):
	Commodity derivative contracts			—			76,131			—			76,131
	Share-based compensation			—			—			(1,209	)		(1,209	)
Summary of changes in fair value of financial assets (liabilities), which represent primarily share-based compensation liabilities, designated as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy
	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of financial assets (liabilities), which represent primarily share-based compensation liabilities, designated as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2015
	Fair value liability, beginning of period		$	(20,928	)	$	(1,038	)
	Transfers into Level 3(1)			(2,249	)		(181	)
	Transfers out of Level 3(2)			242			10
	Change in fair value of Level 3			(5	)		—
	Fair value liability, end of period		$	(22,940	)	$	(1,209	)
	-1	The transfers into Level 3 liability during the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 relate to RSU, SAR and ESOP grants made by the Company to officers, directors and certain employees, and requisite service period expense.
	-2	The transfers out of Level 3 liability during the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 relate to cash settlements of RSU grants, and forfeitures of RSU, SAR and ESOP grants as a result of employee terminations.
Schedule of fair value of financial instruments
	This disclosure does not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows (in thousands).
			December 31, 2014						March 31, 2015
			Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated
			Value			Fair Value			Value			Fair Value
	Venoco:
	Revolving credit agreement		$	65,000		$	65,000		$	71,400		$	71,400
	8.875% senior notes			500,000			262,000			500,000			255,000
	Denver Parent Corporation:
	12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes			275,065			120,369			284,336			43,717

GUARANTOR_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO1

GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheets
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
		Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
	ASSETS
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	15,455		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	15,455
	Accounts receivable		14,140			56			716			—			14,912
	Inventories		3,370			—			—			—			3,370
	Other current assets		4,715			—			—			—			4,715
	Commodity derivatives		48,298			—			—			—			48,298
	TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		85,978			56			716			—			86,750
	PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET		654,549			(184,362	)		18,327			—			488,514
	COMMODITY DERIVATIVES		29,793			—			—			—			29,793
	INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES		563,401			—			—			(563,401	)		—
	OTHER		11,138			59			—			—			11,197
	TOTAL ASSETS		1,344,859			(184,247	)		19,043			(563,401	)		616,254
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		20,535			—			—			—			20,535
	Interest payable		17,329			—			—			—			17,329
	Commodity derivatives		—			—			—			—			—
	Share-based compensation		2,236			—			—			—			2,236
	TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES:		40,100			—			—			—			40,100
	LONG-TERM DEBT		565,000			—			—			—			565,000
	COMMODITY DERIVATIVES		—			—			—			—			—
	ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS		27,906			1,652			793			—			30,351
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION		648			—			—			—			648
	INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES (RECEIVABLES)		735,845			(655,326	)		(80,555	)		36			—
	TOTAL LIABILITIES		1,369,499			(653,674	)		(79,762	)		36			636,099
	TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY(DEFICIT)		(24,640	)		469,427			98,805			(563,437	)		(19,845	)
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY(DEFICIT)	$	1,344,859		$	(184,247	)	$	19,043		$	(563,401	)	$	616,254
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	AT MARCH 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
		Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
	ASSETS
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,921		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	7,921
	Accounts receivable		11,059			51			1,197			—			12,307
	Inventories		3,386			—			—			—			3,386
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,333			—			—			—			3,333
	Commodity derivatives		49,484			—			—			—			49,484
	TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		75,183			51			1,197			—			76,431
	PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET		648,194			(184,388	)		18,118			—			481,924
	COMMODITY DERIVATIVES		26,647												26,647
	INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES		563,401			—			—			(563,401	)		—
	OTHER		10,985			59			—			—			11,044
	TOTAL ASSETS		1,324,410			(184,278	)		19,315			(563,401	)		596,046
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		18,073			—			—			—			18,073
	Interest payable		5,535			—			—			—			5,535
	Commodity derivatives		—			—			—			—			—
	Share-based compensation		602			—			—			—			602
	TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES:		24,210			—			—			—			24,210
	LONG-TERM DEBT		571,400			—			—			—			571,400
	COMMODITY DERIVATIVES		—			—			—			—			—
	ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS		28,365			1,685			798			—			30,848
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION		731			—			—			—			731
	INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES (RECEIVABLES)		738,681			(655,458	)		(83,259	)		36			—
TOTAL LIABILITIES		1,363,387			(653,773	)		(82,461	)		36			627,189
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY		(38,977	)		469,495			101,776			(563,437	)		(31,143	)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	1,324,410		$	(184,278	)	$	19,315		$	(563,401	)	$	596,046
Schedule of condensed consolidating statements of operations
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
		Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
	REVENUES:
	Oil and natural gas sales	$	62,213		$	325		$	—		$	—		$	62,538
	Other		115			—			1,818			(1,474	)		459
	Total revenues		62,328			325			1,818			(1,474	)		62,997
	EXPENSES:
	Lease operating expense		18,780			18			670			—			19,468
	Production and property taxes		1,736			—			—			—			1,736
	Transportation expense		1,435			3			—			(1,381	)		57
	Depletion, depreciation and amortization		10,942			26			208			—			11,176
	Accretion of asset retirement obligations		625			31			11			—			667
	General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized		8,631			—			124			(93	)		8,662
	Total expenses		42,149			78			1,013			(1,474	)		41,766
	Income (loss) from operations		20,179			247			805			—			21,231
	FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
	Interest expense, net		14,374			—			(1,434	)		—			12,940
	Amortization of deferred loan costs		833			—			—			—			833
	Commodity derivative losses (gains), net		(2,095	)		—			—			—			(2,095	)
	Total financing costs and other		13,112			—			(1,434	)		—			11,678
	Equity in subsidiary income		1,541			—			—			(1,541	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		8,608			247			2,239			(1,541	)		9,553
	Income tax provision (benefit)		(945	)		94			851			—			—
	Net income (loss)	$	9,553		$	153		$	1,388		$	(1,541	)	$	9,553
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
		Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
	REVENUES:
	Oil and natural gas sales	$	19,602		$	147		$	—		$	—		$	19,749
	Other		121			—			2,498			(1,950	)		669
	Total revenues		19,723			147			2,498			(1,950	)		20,418
	EXPENSES:
	Lease operating expense		14,077			11			844			—			14,932
	Production and property taxes		2,132			—			—			—			2,132
	Transportation expense		1,894			8			—			(1,855	)		47
	Depletion, depreciation and amortization		8,586			26			209			—			8,821
	Accretion of asset retirement obligations		459			33			5			—			497
	General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized		6,667			—			98			(95	)		6,670
	Total expenses		33,815			78			1,156			(1,950	)		33,099
	Income (loss) from operations		(14,092	)		69			1,342			—			(12,681	)
	FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
	Interest expense, net		13,040			—			(1,629	)		—			11,411
	Amortization of deferred loan costs		607			—			—			—			607
	Commodity derivative losses (gains), net		(12,905	)		—			—			—			(12,905	)
	Total financing costs and other		742			—			(1,629	)		—			(887	)
	Equity in subsidiary income		1,884			—			—			(1,884	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(12,950	)		69			2,971			(1,884	)		(11,794	)
	Income tax provision (benefit)		(1,155	)		26			1,129			—			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(11,795	)	$	43		$	1,842		$	(1,884	)	$	(11,794	)
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
		Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiary
	CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	1,628		$	331		$	2,328		$	—		$	4,287
	CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties		(26,024	)		2			(160	)		—			(26,182	)
	Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties		(16	)		—			—			—			(16	)
	Expenditures for property and equipment and other		(177	)		—			—			—			(177	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(26,217	)		2			(160	)		—			(26,375	)
	CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Net proceeds from (repayments of) intercompany borrowings		2,501			(333	)		(2,168	)		—			—
	Proceeds from long-term debt		97,000			—			—			—			97,000
	Principal payments on long-term debt		(55,000	)		—			—			—			(55,000	)
	Payments for deferred loan costs		(13	)		—			—			—			(13	)
	Dividend paid to Denver Parent Corporation		(3,905	)		—			—			—			(3,905	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		40,583			(333	)		(2,168	)		—			38,082
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		15,994			—			—			—			15,994
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		828			—			—			—			828
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	16,822		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	16,822
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
		Venoco, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiary			Eliminations			Consolidated
	CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(13,498	)	$	132		$	2,704		$	—		$	(10,662	)
	CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties		(4,596	)		—			—			—			(4,596	)
	Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties		(10	)		—			—			—			(10	)
	Expenditures for property and equipment and other		(43	)		—			—			—			(43	)
	Proceeds provided by sale of oil and gas properties		1,786			—			—			—			1,786
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(2,863	)		—			—			—			(2,863	)
	CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Net proceeds from (repayments of) intercompany borrowings		2,836			(132	)		(2,704	)		—			—
	Proceeds from long-term debt		15,000			—			—			—			15,000
	Principal payments on long-term debt		(8,600	)		—			—			—			(8,600	)
	Payments for deferred loan costs		(409	)		—			—			—			(409	)
	Dividend paid to Denver Parent Corporation		—			—			—			—			—
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		8,827			(132	)		(2,704	)		—			5,991
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(7,534	)		—			—			—			(7,534	)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		15,455			—			—			—			15,455
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	7,921		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	7,921

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes
Net operating loss carryovers	$459
Net operating loss carryovers for financial reporting purposes	459
Tax deductions for compensation expense for financial reporting purposes	40
Period for which net operating loss carryovers may be carried back	2 years
Period for which net operating loss carryovers may be carried forward	20 years
Federal
Income Taxes
Net operating loss carryovers	499
Venoco, Inc.
Description of Operations
Percentage of common stock held		100.00%
Income Taxes
Net operating loss carryovers for financial reporting purposes	377
Venoco, Inc. | Federal
Income Taxes
Net operating loss carryovers	418
Venoco, Inc. | Former Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Marquez
Basis of Presentation
Share price (in dollars per share)			$12.50
Sale of Sacramento Basin and West Montalvo properties
Liquidity
Amount for which properties are sold		$450

DEBT_Details

DEBT (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 02, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
		item	item
LONG-TERM DEBT
Total long-term debt			$855,736,000			$840,065,000
Long-term debt, net of current portion			855,736,000			840,065,000
Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Total long-term debt			571,400,000			565,000,000
Long-term debt, net of current portion			571,400,000			565,000,000
Dividend paid to DPC	3,900,000
Subsequent event
LONG-TERM DEBT
Number of debt instruments		3
Subsequent event | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Number of debt instruments		3
Borrowing base			88,500,000
Term Loan | Subsequent event | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Face value		75,000,000
Senior Notes | First lien senior secured notes | Subsequent event | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Interest rate (as a percent)		12.00%
Face value		175,000,000
Senior Notes | Second lien senior secured notes | Subsequent event | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Cash interest rate (as a percent)		8.88%
Paid in kind interest rate (as a percent)		12.00%
Face value		150,000,000
Revolving credit agreement
LONG-TERM DEBT
Total long-term debt			71,400,000			65,000,000
Revolving credit agreement | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Total long-term debt			71,400,000			65,000,000
Percentage of increase in applicable margin for both Base Rate Loans and LIBO Rate Loans			0.50%
Number of fiscal quarters used to determine the debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio			2
Unused borrowing availability commitment fee (as a percent)			0.50%
Revolving credit agreement | Subsequent event
LONG-TERM DEBT
Proceeds from issuance used for repayments of debt		72,000,000
Revolving credit agreement | Subsequent event | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Proceeds from issuance used for repayments of debt		72,000,000
Amount outstanding under the facility			71,400,000
Available borrowing capacity			13,500,000
Outstanding letters of credit			3,600,000
Revolving credit agreement | Maximum | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Maximum borrowing capacity			500,000,000
Debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio			3.75
Annual cash dividends payable			35,000,000
Revolving credit agreement | Base Rate Loans | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Applicable margin (as a percent)			1.00%
Revolving credit agreement | Base Rate Loans | Minimum | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Applicable margin (as a percent)			1.25%
Revolving credit agreement | Base Rate Loans | Maximum | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Applicable margin (as a percent)			2.00%
Revolving credit agreement | Base Rate Loans | Federal funds rate | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Applicable margin (as a percent)			0.50%
Revolving credit agreement | LIBO Rate Loans | Minimum | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Applicable margin (as a percent)			2.25%
Revolving credit agreement | LIBO Rate Loans | Maximum | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Applicable margin (as a percent)			3.00%
8.875% senior notes
LONG-TERM DEBT
Interest rate (as a percent)			8.88%
Total long-term debt			500,000,000			500,000,000
8.875% senior notes | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Interest rate (as a percent)			8.88%
Face value			500,000,000
Total long-term debt			500,000,000			500,000,000
8.875% senior notes | Subsequent event
LONG-TERM DEBT
Proceeds from issuance used for repayments of debt		194,000,000
8.875% senior notes | Subsequent event | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Proceeds from issuance used for repayments of debt		194,000,000
8.875% senior notes | Two year period beginning on February 15, 2015 | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount			104.44%
8.875% senior notes | Two year period beginning on February 15, 2017 | Venoco, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount			100.00%
12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Denver Parent Corporation
LONG-TERM DEBT
Interest rate (as a percent)			13.00%
Cash interest rate (as a percent)			12.25%
Paid in kind interest rate (as a percent)			13.00%
Face value					255,000,000
Total long-term debt			$284,336,000			$275,065,000
Percentage of interest paid in cash				25.00%
Percentage of interest paid in PIK				75.00%
Issuance price as a percentage of par value					97.30%
12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Three year period beginning on and after August 15, 2015 | Denver Parent Corporation
LONG-TERM DEBT
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount			106.13%
12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Twelve month period beginning on August 15, 2017 | Denver Parent Corporation
LONG-TERM DEBT
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount			100.00%
12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Minimum | Denver Parent Corporation
LONG-TERM DEBT
Interest rate (as a percent)			12.25%
Cash interest rate (as a percent)			12.25%
12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Maximum | Denver Parent Corporation
LONG-TERM DEBT
Interest rate (as a percent)			13.00%
Paid in kind interest rate (as a percent)			13.00%

HEDGING_AND_DERIVATIVE_FINANCI2

HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative losses (gains), net	($12,905)	($2,095)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Realized derivative losses (gains)	-14,865
Unrealized interest rate swap derivative (gains) losses	1,960
Derivative losses (gains), net	-12,905
Commodity derivatives | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Realized derivative losses (gains)		3,525
Unrealized interest rate swap derivative (gains) losses		-5,620
Derivative losses (gains), net		($2,095)

HEDGING_AND_DERIVATIVE_FINANCI3

HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details 2) (Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Oil Swaps | January 1 - December 31, 2015
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Nonmonetary notional amount	460
Oil Swaps | January 1 - December 31, 2015 | Weighted Avg.
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Weighted Avg. Prices (in dollars per bbl/MMBtu)	100.4
Oil Swaps | January 1 - December 31, 2016
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Nonmonetary notional amount	1,715
Oil Swaps | January 1 - December 31, 2016 | Weighted Avg.
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Weighted Avg. Prices (in dollars per bbl/MMBtu)	96
Oil Collars | January 1 - December 31, 2015
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Nonmonetary notional amount	4,135
Oil Collars | January 1 - December 31, 2015 | Minimum
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Weighted Avg. Prices (in dollars per bbl/MMBtu)	90
Oil Collars | January 1 - December 31, 2015 | Maximum
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Weighted Avg. Prices (in dollars per bbl/MMBtu)	100
Oil Collars | January 1 - December 31, 2016
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Nonmonetary notional amount	1,715
Oil Collars | January 1 - December 31, 2016 | Minimum
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Weighted Avg. Prices (in dollars per bbl/MMBtu)	90
Oil Collars | January 1 - December 31, 2016 | Maximum
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Weighted Avg. Prices (in dollars per bbl/MMBtu)	101.75

HEDGING_AND_DERIVATIVE_FINANCI4

HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Change in net fair value of the derivatives	$2,000,000
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Current Assets Commodity derivatives:	49,484,000	48,298,000
Non current Assets Commodity derivatives:	26,647,000	29,793,000
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Net derivative asset (liability)	76,131,000	78,091,000
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Oil derivative contracts
HEDGING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Current Assets Commodity derivatives:	49,484,000	48,298,000
Non current Assets Commodity derivatives:	$26,647,000	$29,793,000

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_D

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Activities for the Company's asset retirement obligations
Asset retirement obligations at beginning of period	$30,851,000		$38,182,000
Revisions of estimated liabilities			-594,000
Liabilities incurred or acquired			72,000
Liabilities settled or disposed		9,400,000
Accretion expense	497,000		667,000
Asset Retirement Obligation at end of period	31,348,000	30,851,000	38,327,000
Less: current asset retirement obligations (classified with accounts payable and accrued liabilities)	-500,000		-700,000
Long-term asset retirement obligations	$30,848,000	$30,351,000	$37,627,000
Minimum
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
Discount rates used to calculate the present value of asset retirement obligations (as a percent)	4.00%
Maximum
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
Discount rates used to calculate the present value of asset retirement obligations (as a percent)	9.00%

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in fair value of financial assets (liabilities) designated as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy
Fair value liability, beginning of period	($1,038)	($20,928)
Transfers into Level 3	-181	-2,249
Transfers out of Level 3	10	242
Change in fair value of Level 3		-5
Fair value liability, end of period	-1,209	-22,940
Level 2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Commodity derivative contracts, assets	76,131
Level 3
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Share-based compensation	-1,209
Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Commodity derivative contracts, assets	76,131
Share-based compensation	($1,209)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
8.875% senior notes
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.88%
Denver Parent Corporation | 12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Interest rate (as a percent)	13.00%
Denver Parent Corporation | 12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Minimum
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Interest rate (as a percent)	12.25%
Denver Parent Corporation | 12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Maximum
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Interest rate (as a percent)	13.00%
Venoco, Inc. | 8.875% senior notes
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.88%
Carrying Value | Denver Parent Corporation | 12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Long-term debt	$284,336	$275,065
Carrying Value | Venoco, Inc. | Revolving credit agreement
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Long-term debt	71,400	65,000
Carrying Value | Venoco, Inc. | 8.875% senior notes
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Long-term debt	500,000	500,000
Fair Value | Denver Parent Corporation | 12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Long-term debt	43,717	120,369
Fair Value | Venoco, Inc. | Revolving credit agreement
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Long-term debt	71,400	65,000
Fair Value | Venoco, Inc. | 8.875% senior notes
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Long-term debt	$255,000	$262,000

CONTINGENCIES_Details

CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 16, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2014
	lawsuit	lawsuit
Former Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Marquez | Venoco, Inc.
CONTINGENCIES
Price per share offered for shares of common stock proposed to be acquired by related party of which it is not the beneficial owner (in dollars per share)		12.5
Delaware Litigation | Venoco, Inc.
CONTINGENCIES
Number of lawsuits filed	5	5
Denbury Arbitration
CONTINGENCIES
Liability accrued under litigation			$1.80
Colorado Litigation | Venoco, Inc.
CONTINGENCIES
Number of lawsuits filed	3

GUARANTOR_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO2

GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Percentage of ownership interest of guarantor subsidiaries	1.00%
8.875% senior notes
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.88%
12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Venoco, Inc
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Interest rate (as a percent)	12.25%
12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Denver Parent Corporation
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Interest rate (as a percent)	13.00%
Number of guarantors	0
12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Denver Parent Corporation | Minimum
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Interest rate (as a percent)	12.25%
12.25% / 13.00% senior PIK toggle notes due 2018 | Denver Parent Corporation | Maximum
GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Interest rate (as a percent)	13.00%

GUARANTOR_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO3

GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,054	$15,656	$21,420	$17,336
Accounts receivable	12,307	14,912
Inventories	3,386	3,370
Other current assets	3,337	4,721
Commodity derivatives	49,484	48,298
Total current assets	76,568	86,957
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET	481,924	488,514
COMMODITY DERIVATIVES	26,647	29,793
TOTAL ASSETS	600,407	620,947
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	18,073	20,535
Interest payable	5,535	17,329
Share-based compensation	602	2,236
Total current liabilities	24,210	40,100
LONG-TERM DEBT	855,736	840,065
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	30,848	30,351	37,627
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	731	648
Total liabilities	911,525	911,164
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	-311,118	-290,217
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	600,407	620,947
Eliminations
CURRENT ASSETS:
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES	-563,401	-563,401
TOTAL ASSETS	-563,401	-563,401
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES (RECEIVABLES)	36	36
Total liabilities	36	36
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	-563,437	-563,437
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	-563,401	-563,401
Venoco, Inc.
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	7,921	15,455	16,822	828
Accounts receivable	12,307	14,912
Inventories	3,386	3,370
Other current assets	3,333	4,715
Commodity derivatives	49,484	48,298
Total current assets	76,431	86,750
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET	481,924	488,514
COMMODITY DERIVATIVES	26,647	29,793
OTHER	11,044	11,197
TOTAL ASSETS	596,046	616,254
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	18,073	20,535
Interest payable	5,535	17,329
Share-based compensation	602	2,236
Total current liabilities	24,210	40,100
LONG-TERM DEBT	571,400	565,000
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	30,848	30,351
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	731	648
Total liabilities	627,189	636,099
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	-31,143	-19,845
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	596,046	616,254
Venoco, Inc
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	7,921	15,455	16,822	828
Accounts receivable	11,059	14,140
Inventories	3,386	3,370
Other current assets	3,333	4,715
Commodity derivatives	49,484	48,298
Total current assets	75,183	85,978
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET	648,194	654,549
COMMODITY DERIVATIVES	26,647	29,793
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES	563,401	563,401
OTHER	10,985	11,138
TOTAL ASSETS	1,324,410	1,344,859
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	18,073	20,535
Interest payable	5,535	17,329
Share-based compensation	602	2,236
Total current liabilities	24,210	40,100
LONG-TERM DEBT	571,400	565,000
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	28,365	27,906
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	731	648
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES (RECEIVABLES)	738,681	735,845
Total liabilities	1,363,387	1,369,499
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	-38,977	-24,640
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	1,324,410	1,344,859
Guarantor Subsidiaries
CURRENT ASSETS:
Accounts receivable	51	56
Total current assets	51	56
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET	-184,388	-184,362
OTHER	59	59
TOTAL ASSETS	-184,278	-184,247
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	1,685	1,652
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES (RECEIVABLES)	-655,458	-655,326
Total liabilities	-653,773	-653,674
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	469,495	469,427
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	-184,278	-184,247
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
CURRENT ASSETS:
Accounts receivable	1,197	716
Total current assets	1,197	716
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET	18,118	18,327
TOTAL ASSETS	19,315	19,043
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	798	793
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES (RECEIVABLES)	-83,259	-80,555
Total liabilities	-82,461	-79,762
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	101,776	98,805
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$19,315	$19,043

GUARANTOR_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO4

GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
REVENUES:
Oil and natural gas sales	$19,749	$62,538
Other	669	459
Total revenues	20,418	62,997
EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense	14,932	19,468
Production and property taxes	2,132	1,736
Transportation expense	47	57
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	8,821	11,176
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	497	667
General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized	6,738	8,916
Total expenses	33,167	42,020
Income (loss) from operations	-12,749	20,977
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Interest expense, net	20,682	21,123
Amortization of deferred loan costs	871	1,077
Commodity derivative losses (gains), net	-12,905	-2,095
Total financing costs and other	8,648	20,105
Income (loss) before income taxes	-21,397	872
Net income (loss)	-21,397	872
Eliminations
REVENUES:
Other	-1,950	-1,474
Total revenues	-1,950	-1,474
EXPENSES:
Transportation expense	-1,855	-1,381
General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized	-95	-93
Total expenses	-1,950	-1,474
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Equity in subsidiary income	-1,884	-1,541
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,884	-1,541
Net income (loss)	-1,884	-1,541
Venoco, Inc.
REVENUES:
Oil and natural gas sales	19,749	62,538
Other	669	459
Total revenues	20,418	62,997
EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense	14,932	19,468
Production and property taxes	2,132	1,736
Transportation expense	47	57
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	8,821	11,176
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	497	667
General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized	6,670	8,662
Total expenses	33,099	41,766
Income (loss) from operations	-12,681	21,231
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Interest expense, net	11,411	12,940
Amortization of deferred loan costs	607	833
Commodity derivative losses (gains), net	-12,905	-2,095
Total financing costs and other	-887	11,678
Income (loss) before income taxes	-11,794	9,553
Net income (loss)	-11,794	9,553
Venoco, Inc
REVENUES:
Oil and natural gas sales	19,602	62,213
Other	121	115
Total revenues	19,723	62,328
EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense	14,077	18,780
Production and property taxes	2,132	1,736
Transportation expense	1,894	1,435
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	8,586	10,942
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	459	625
General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized	6,667	8,631
Total expenses	33,815	42,149
Income (loss) from operations	-14,092	20,179
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Interest expense, net	13,040	14,374
Amortization of deferred loan costs	607	833
Commodity derivative losses (gains), net	-12,905	-2,095
Total financing costs and other	742	13,112
Equity in subsidiary income	1,884	1,541
Income (loss) before income taxes	-12,950	8,608
Income tax provision (benefit)	-1,155	-945
Net income (loss)	-11,795	9,553
Guarantor Subsidiaries
REVENUES:
Oil and natural gas sales	147	325
Total revenues	147	325
EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense	11	18
Transportation expense	8	3
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	26	26
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	33	31
Total expenses	78	78
Income (loss) from operations	69	247
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Income (loss) before income taxes	69	247
Income tax provision (benefit)	26	94
Net income (loss)	43	153
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
REVENUES:
Other	2,498	1,818
Total revenues	2,498	1,818
EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense	844	670
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	209	208
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	5	11
General and administrative, net of amounts capitalized	98	124
Total expenses	1,156	1,013
Income (loss) from operations	1,342	805
FINANCING COSTS AND OTHER:
Interest expense, net	-1,629	-1,434
Total financing costs and other	-1,629	-1,434
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,971	2,239
Income tax provision (benefit)	1,129	851
Net income (loss)	$1,842	$1,388

GUARANTOR_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO5

GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	($10,730)	($11,524)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties	-4,596	-26,182
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties	-10	-16
Expenditures for property and equipment and other	-43	-177
Proceeds provided by sale of oil and natural gas properties	1,786
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-2,863	-26,375
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt	15,000	97,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-8,600	-55,000
Payments for deferred loan costs	-409	-17
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,991	41,983
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-7,602	4,084
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	15,656	17,336
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	8,054	21,420
Venoco, Inc.
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-10,662	4,287
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties	-4,596	-26,182
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties	-10	-16
Expenditures for property and equipment and other	-43	-177
Proceeds provided by sale of oil and natural gas properties	1,786
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-2,863	-26,375
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt	15,000	97,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-8,600	-55,000
Payments for deferred loan costs	-409	-13
Dividend paid to Denver Parent Corporation		-3,905
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,991	38,082
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-7,534	15,994
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	15,455	828
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	7,921	16,822
Venoco, Inc
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-13,498	1,628
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties	-4,596	-26,024
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties	-10	-16
Expenditures for property and equipment and other	-43	-177
Proceeds provided by sale of oil and natural gas properties	1,786
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-2,863	-26,217
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from (repayments of) intercompany borrowings	2,836	2,501
Proceeds from long-term debt	15,000	97,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-8,600	-55,000
Payments for deferred loan costs	-409	-13
Dividend paid to Denver Parent Corporation		-3,905
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	8,827	40,583
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-7,534	15,994
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	15,455	828
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	7,921	16,822
Guarantor Subsidiaries
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	132	331
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties		2
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		2
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from (repayments of) intercompany borrowings	-132	-333
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-132	-333
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	2,704	2,328
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for oil and natural gas properties		-160
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		-160
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from (repayments of) intercompany borrowings	-2,704	-2,168
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	($2,704)	($2,168)

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 02, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	item
8.875% senior notes
Subsequent Event
Interest rate (as a percent)		8.88%
Subsequent event
Subsequent Event
Number of debt instruments	3
Subsequent event | January 1 - December 31, 2016
Subsequent Event
Proceeds of derivative contract	15.6
Nonmonetary notional amount	1,715
Subsequent event | Revolving credit agreement
Subsequent Event
Proceeds from issuance used for repayments of debt	72
Subsequent event | 8.875% senior notes
Subsequent Event
Proceeds from issuance used for repayments of debt	194
Venoco, Inc. | 8.875% senior notes
Subsequent Event
Face value		500
Interest rate (as a percent)		8.88%
Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event
Subsequent Event
Number of debt instruments	3
Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event | Term Loan
Subsequent Event
Face value	75
Interest rate for first thirty days (as a percent)	4.00%
Number of days until which Interest rate remains 4 percent	30 days
Interest rate after first thirty days (as a percent)	12.00%
Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event | Senior Notes | First lien senior secured notes
Subsequent Event
Face value	175
Interest rate (as a percent)	12.00%
Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event | Senior Notes | First lien senior secured notes | First redemption
Subsequent Event
Redemption price (as a percent)	109.00%
Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event | Senior Notes | First lien senior secured notes | Final redemption
Subsequent Event
Redemption price (as a percent)	100.00%
Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event | Senior Notes | Second lien senior secured notes
Subsequent Event
Face value	150
Cash interest rate (as a percent)	8.88%
Paid in kind interest rate (as a percent)	12.00%
Period for commencing interest payment	24 months
Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event | Revolving credit agreement
Subsequent Event
Proceeds from issuance used for repayments of debt	72
Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event | 8.875% senior notes
Subsequent Event
Proceeds from issuance used for repayments of debt	194
Maximum | Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event
Subsequent Event
Additional secured or unsecured indebtedness	25
Maximum | Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event | Senior Notes | Second lien senior secured notes
Subsequent Event
Additional secured or unsecured indebtedness	50
Maximum | Venoco, Inc. | Subsequent event | Senior Notes | Third lien senior secured notes or unsecured debt
Subsequent Event
Additional secured or unsecured indebtedness	150