| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 15, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001528129 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 15, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | LAREDO PETROLEUM, INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35380 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 45-3007926 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 15 W. Sixth Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 900 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Tulsa |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OK |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 74119 |
| City Area Code | 918 |
| Local Phone Number | 513-4570 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | LPI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
