Eqt Re 10-Q 14 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	9-May-14
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Rice Energy Inc.	'
Trading Symbol	'RICE	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001588238	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	128,211,999

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash	$228,669	$31,612
Restricted cash	0	8,268
Accounts receivable	68,216	31,765
Receivable from affiliate	159	2,244
Prepaid expenses and other	5,916	863
Total current assets	302,960	74,752
Investments in joint ventures	0	49,814
Gas collateral account	3,995	3,700
Proved natural gas properties, net	589,986	270,523
Unproved natural gas properties	632,119	457,836
Property and equipment, net	7,125	5,972
Deferred financing costs, net	8,796	12,292
Goodwill	338,036	0
Derivative assets	5,726	4,921
Total assets	1,888,743	879,810
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	13,086	20,120
Accounts payable	72,456	51,219
Royalties payable	33,499	9,393
Accrued capital expenditures	39,628	16,753
Other accrued liabilities	12,937	8,533
Leasehold payable	6,144	18,606
Derivative liabilities	23,987	965
Payable to affiliate	2	6,148
Operated prepayment liability	2,456	1,201
Total current liabilities	204,195	132,938
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	290,841	406,822
Leasehold payable	1,064	1,675
Deferred tax liabilities	191,813	0
Restricted units	0	36,306
Other long-term liabilities	4,969	3,422
Total liabilities	692,882	581,163
Stockholders’/members’ equity	1,195,861	298,647
Total liabilities and stockholders’/members’ equity	$1,888,743	$879,810

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'	'
Natural gas sales	$90,466	$13,049
Other revenue	0	184
Total revenues	90,466	13,233
Operating expenses:	'	'
Lease operating	5,187	1,236
Gathering, compression and transportation	7,130	1,528
Production taxes and impact fees	639	169
Exploration	486	898
Incentive unit expense	73,802	0
General and administrative	11,521	1,743
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	25,507	5,131
Total operating expenses	124,272	10,705
Operating income (loss)	-33,806	2,528
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	'	'
Interest expense	-7,042	-1,915
Gain on purchase of Marcellus joint venture	203,579	0
Other income	602	248
Loss on derivative instruments	-20,380	-4,993
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-489	-1,865
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-143	0
Write-off of deferred financing costs	-836	0
Equity in loss of joint ventures	-2,656	-778
Income (loss) before income taxes	138,829	-6,775
Income tax expense	-9,375	0
Net income (loss)	$129,454	($6,775)
Earnings Per Share	'	'
Earnings (loss) per share—basic	$1.04	($0.05)
Earnings (loss) per share—diluted	$1.03	($0.05)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$129,454	($6,775)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	25,507	5,131
Amortization of deferred financing costs	489	1,865
Incentive unit expense	73,802	0
Write-off of deferred financing costs	836	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	143	0
Derivative instruments fair value loss	20,380	4,993
Income tax expense	9,375	0
Fair value gain on purchase of Marcellus joint venture	-203,579	0
Equity in loss of joint ventures	2,656	778
(Increase) decrease in:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-21,059	-52
Receivable from affiliate	2,096	7,025
Gas collateral account	0	-1,500
Prepaid expenses and other	-4,963	-378
Cash payments for settled derivatives	-11,158	-206
Increase (decrease) in:	'	'
Accounts payable	-860	453
Royalties payable	16,197	1,178
Other accrued expenses	5,871	-970
Payable to affiliate	-9,643	-1,977
Net cash provided by operating activities	35,544	9,565
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures for natural gas properties	-178,445	-27,583
Acquisition of Marcellus joint venture, net of cash acquired	-82,766	0
Capital expenditures for property and equipment	-1,342	-40
Proceeds from sale of interest in gas properties	11,263	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-251,290	-27,623
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings	0	25,000
Repayments of debt obligations	-192,114	-193
Restricted cash for convertible debt	8,268	0
Debt issuance costs	-446	-607
Repurchase of restricted units	0	-2,267
Costs relating to initial public offering	-1,405	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock sold in initial public offering, net of underwriting fees	598,500	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	412,803	21,933
Net increase in cash	197,057	3,875
Cash at the beginning of the year	31,612	8,547
Cash at the end of the year	$228,669	$12,422

Statements_of_Condensed_Consol

Statements of Condensed Consolidated Equity (USD $)	Total	Preferred Units	Warrants	Common Stock ($0.01 par)	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated (Deficit) Earnings
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$138,191	$164,228	$3,294	'	'	($29,331)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital contributions, net	64	64	0	'	'	0
Net loss	-6,775	0	0	'	'	-6,775
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	131,480	164,292	3,294	'	'	-36,106
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	298,647	360,461	3,294	0	0	-65,108
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares of common stock issued in corporate reorganization	0	-360,461	-3,294	878	362,877	0
Shares of common stock sold in initial public offering, net of offering costs	593,420	0	0	300	593,120	0
Shares of common stock issued in purchase of Marcellus joint venture	222,000	0	0	95	221,905	0
Conversion of restricted units into shares of common stock at IPO	36,306	0	0	2	36,304	0
Conversion of convertible debentures into shares of common stock after IPO	6,605	0	0	6	6,599	0
Conversion of warrants into shares of common stock after IPO	40	0	0	1	39	0
Incentive unit compensation	73,802	0	0	0	73,802	0
Restricted stock compensation	91	0	0	0	91	0
Tax impact of initial public offering and corporate reorganization	-164,504	0	0	0	-164,504	0
Net loss	129,454	0	0	0	0	129,454
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$1,195,861	$0	$0	$1,282	$1,130,233	$64,346

Statements_of_Condensed_Consol1

Statements of Condensed Consolidated Equity (Parenthetical) (Common Stock ($0.01 par), USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
Common Stock ($0.01 par)	'
Common Stock, par value per share	$0.01

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Rice Energy Inc. have been prepared by the Company’s management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein contain all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2014 and its condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Rice Energy Inc. for the period from January 1, 2014 through January 29, 2014, as contained within the three months ended March 31, 2014; the three months ended March 31, 2013; and as of December 31, 2013, pertain to the historical financial statements and results of operations of Rice Drilling B, our accounting predecessor, which reflects the 50% equity investment in our Marcellus joint venture owned by Rice Drilling B prior to January 29, 2014. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes therein for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company in its 2013 Annual Report.

Long_Term_Debt

Long Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
	Description	31-Mar-14		December 31, 2013
	Long-term Debt
	Debentures (a)	$	—	$	6,890
	Second Lien Term Loan Facility (b)	293,280		293,821
	NPI Note, due June 2014 (1)	8,286		8,028
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (c)	—		115,000
	Other	2,361		3,203
	Total debt	$	303,927	$	426,942
	Less current portion	13,086		20,120
	Long-term debt	$	290,841	$	406,822
	(1) The NPI Note was repaid in full in April 2014.
	Debentures (a)
	In June of 2011, Rice Drilling B sold $60.0 million of its 12% Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures due 2014 (the “Debentures”) in a private placement to certain accredited investors as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D. The Debentures accrued interest at 12% per year payable monthly in arrears by the 15th day of the month and mature on July 31, 2014 (“Maturity Date”). The Debentures were Rice Drilling B’s unsecured senior obligations and ranked equally with all of Rice Drilling B’s then-current and future senior unsecured indebtedness.
	From July 31, 2013 through August 20, 2013 (the “put redemption period”), any holder of Debentures had the right to cause Rice Drilling B to repurchase all or any portion of the Debentures owned by such holder at 100% of the portion of the principal amount of the Debentures as to which the right was being exercised, plus a premium of 20%. During the put redemption period, Rice Drilling B repurchased $53.1 million of outstanding Debentures and paid a put premium of $10.6 million in accordance with the terms of the agreements.
	At any time after July 31, 2013 until the Maturity Date, Rice Drilling B had the right to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Debentures on 30 days prior written notice at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures plus a premium of 50%. In connection with the IPO, the Debentures and warrants of Rice Drilling B were amended to become convertible or exercisable for shares of common stock of Rice Energy Inc. On February 28, 2014, Rice Drilling B issued a redemption notice on the remaining Debentures, which set a redemption date of March 28, 2014. Prior to the redemption date, $6.6 million of the Debentures were converted into 570,945 shares of Rice Energy Inc. common stock. The remaining principal balance of $0.3 million was not converted and is recorded as an accrued liability as of March 31, 2014 in the amount of $0.4 million, including the 50% premium of $0.1 million, and will be paid upon request from holders of the remaining Debentures. The premium of $0.1 million was recorded to expense in the three months ended March 31, 2014. As the principal amount of the Debentures outstanding has been reduced to zero, Rice Drilling B is no longer required to maintain restricted cash or comply with the restrictive covenants which apply thereto.
	In connection with the convertible debt offering, Rice Drilling B granted warrants that were issued on August 15, 2011, to certain of the broker-dealers involved in the private placement. These warrants are considered to be separate instruments issued solely in lieu of cash compensation for services provided by the broker-dealers. Two separate classes of warrants were issued with the sole difference being the exercise price. At March 31, 2014, 1,137 warrants remain exercisable at a weighted average price of $11.01 per share of Rice Energy Inc. common stock. The 1,137 warrants are exercisable into up to 982,837 shares. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, warrants were exercised in exchange for 54,032 shares of Rice Energy Inc. common stock.
	Second Lien Term Loan Facility (b)
	On April 25, 2013, Rice Drilling B entered into a Second Lien Term Loan Facility (“Second Lien Term Loan Facility”) with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders in an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million. Rice Drilling B estimated the discount on issuance of this instrument based upon an estimate of market rates at the inception of the instrument and recorded a discount of $4.5 million. The discount was being amortized over the life of the note using an effective interest rate of 0.284%. As of March 31, 2014, Rice Drilling B had a balance of $293.3 million relating to the Second Lien Term Loan Facility, this included borrowings outstanding of $297.0 million less a discount of $3.7 million. The Second Lien Term Loan Facility was to mature on October 25, 2018. Approximately $7.4 million in fees were capitalized in connection with the Second Lien Term Loan Facility. On April 25, 2014, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the Senior Notes Offering to repay and retire the Second Lien Term Loan Facility in the amount of $301.8 million.
	Rice Drilling B was in compliance with the covenants and ratios under the Second Lien Term Loan Facility as of March 31, 2014.
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (c)
	On April 25, 2013, Rice Drilling B entered into a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (“Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders with a maximum credit amount of $500.0 million and a sublimit for letters of credit of $10.0 million. Concurrently with the closing of Rice Energy’s IPO, on January 29, 2014, Rice Drilling B amended its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility to, among other things, allow for the corporate reorganization that was completed simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, add Rice Energy Inc. as a guarantor, increase the maximum commitment amount to $1.5 billion and lower the interest rate on amounts borrowed under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds of the IPO to repay $115.0 million of borrowings under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. After giving effect to the amendment, the borrowing base under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility was increased to $350.0 million as a result of the Marcellus JV Buy-In. The amount available to be borrowed under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base that is redetermined semiannually as of each January 1 and July 1 and depends on the volumes of Rice Drilling B’s proved oil and gas reserves and estimated cash flows from these reserves, its commodity hedge positions, and other factors. The next redetermination is scheduled to occur in May 2014. As of March 31, 2014, the borrowing base was $350.0 million and the sublimit for letters of credit was $100.0 million. Rice Drilling B had no borrowings and approximately $71.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2014, resulting in availability of $278.7 million.
	Eurodollar loans under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 150 to 250 basis points, depending on the percentage of borrowing base utilized. Base rate loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (i) the agent bank’s reference rate, (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 50 basis points and (iii) the rate for one month Eurodollar loans plus 100 basis points, plus an applicable margin ranging from 50 to 150 basis points, depending on the percentage of borrowing base utilized. Rice Drilling B is subject to the same financial ratios and substantively the same restricted covenants as under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility prior to such amendment. The Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility will mature upon the earlier of the date that is five years following the closing of the amendment and the date that is 180 days prior to the maturity of the Second Lien Term Loan Facility, if any amounts are outstanding under that facility as of such date.
	Concurrently with the Senior Notes Offering (as defined below), the Company, as borrower, and Rice Drilling B, as predecessor borrower, amended and restated its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (“Amended Credit Agreement”) to, among other things, assign all of its rights and obligations under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility to the Company, and the Company assumed all such rights and obligations as borrower under the Amended Credit Agreement. Please see “14. Subsequent Events—Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement” for additional details on the Amended Credit Agreement.
	Rice Drilling B was in compliance with the covenants and ratios under its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2014.
	6.25% Senior Notes Due 2022
	On April 25, 2014, the Company offered $900.0 million (the “Senior Notes Offering”) in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due 2022 (the “Notes”) in a private placement to eligible purchasers under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act, which resulted in net proceeds to it of $882.7 million after deducting estimated expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $17.3 million. The Company used $301.8 million of the net proceeds to repay and retire the Second Lien Term Loan Facility, with the remainder expected to be used to fund the Company’s 2014 capital expenditure program.
	Expected Aggregate Maturities
	Expected aggregate maturities of notes payable as of March 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of Year Ended December 31, 2014 (1)	$	13,086
	Year Ended December 31, 2015	2,847
	Year Ended December 31, 2016	2,257
	Year Ended December 31, 2017	2,173
	Year Ended December 31, 2018 and Beyond (2)	283,564
	Total	$	303,927
	(1) Includes $8.3 million attributable to the NPI Note, which was repaid in full in April 2014.
	(2) Excludes $900.0 million attributable to the Notes issued in the Senior Notes Offering in April 2014.
	Interest paid in cash was $7.0 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments
	The Company uses derivative commodity instruments that are placed with major financial institutions whose creditworthiness is regularly monitored. Our derivative counterparties share in the Amended Credit Agreement collateral. The Company’s derivative commodity instruments have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes; therefore, all gains and losses are recognized in income currently. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has entered into derivative instruments with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Bank of Montreal and Barclays Bank PLC, fixing the price it receives for a portion of its natural gas through December 1, 2017, as summarized in the following table:
	Swap Contract Expiration	MMbtu/day			Weighted
					Average Price
	2014	163,000			$	4.12
	2015	92,000			$	4.16
	2016	98,000			$	4.2
	2017	60,000			$	4.24
	Collar Contract Expiration	MMbtu/day			Floor/Ceiling
	2014	10,000			$3.000/$5.800
	2015	70,000			$3.910/$4.680
	Basis Contract Expiration	MMbtu/day			Swap ($/MMBtu)
	2014	48,000			$	(0.240	)
	2015	37,000			$	(0.420	)
	2016	17,000			$	(0.420	)
	Put Contract Expiration	MMbtu/day			Swap ($/MMBtu)
	2014	33,000			$	0.45
	The following is a summary of the Company’s derivative instruments, which are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands). Included within current derivative liabilities is a deferred put premium liability of $4.1 million.
		As of March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	Current derivative assets	$	—			$	2,270
	Long-term derivative assets	5,726				6,030
		$	5,726			$	8,300
	Current derivative liabilities	$	23,987			$	3,235
	Long-term derivative liabilities	—				1,109
		$	23,987			$	4,344
	Net current value of derivative liabilities	$	(23,987	)		$	(965	)
	Net long-term value of derivative assets	$	5,726			$	4,921
	The following tables present the gross amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, the amounts offset under netting arrangements with counterparties, and the resulting net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented, all at fair value (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014
	Description	Gross Amounts of				Gross Amounts			Net Amounts of
		Recognized Assets				Offset on			Assets  (Liabilities) on
						Balance Sheet			Balance Sheet
	Derivative assets	$	13,647			$	(7,921	)	$	5,726
	Derivative liabilities	$	5,221			$	(29,208	)	$	(23,987	)
		As of December 31, 2013
	Description	Gross Amounts of				Gross Amounts			Net Amounts of
		Recognized Assets				Offset on			Assets  (Liabilities) on
						Balance Sheet			Balance Sheet
	Derivative assets	$	13,000			$	(4,700	)	$	8,300
	Derivative liabilities	$	256			$	(4,600	)	$	(4,344	)
	Both realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a gain or loss on derivatives in the condensed consolidated statement of operations under loss on derivative instruments. The Company had an unrealized loss of $9.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and an unrealized loss of $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The Company had realized losses related to contract settlements of $11.2 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company determines fair value on a recurring basis for its liability related to restricted units and recorded amounts for derivative instruments as these instruments are required to be recorded at fair value for each reporting amount. Certain amounts in the Company’s financial statements are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis including discounts associated with long-term debt. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon models that use as inputs market-based parameters, including but not limited to forward curves, discount rates, broker quotes, volatilities, and nonperformance risk.
	The Company has categorized its fair value measurements into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Company’s fair value measurements relating to restricted units are included in Level 3. The Company’s fair value measurements relating to derivative instruments are included in Level 2. Since the adoption of fair value accounting, the Company has not made any changes to its classification of financial instruments in each category.
	Items included in Level 3 are valued using internal models that use significant unobservable inputs. Items included in Level 2 are valued using management’s best estimate of fair value corroborated by third-party quotes.
	The following assets and liabilities were measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period (refer to Note 3 for details relating to derivative instruments) (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description	Carrying Value			Total Fair Value			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
								Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
								for Identical		Inputs		Inputs (Level 3)
								Assets		(Level 2)
								(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivative instruments, at fair value	$	5,726		$	5,726		$	—	$	5,726	$	—
	Total assets	$	5,726		$	5,726		$	—	$	5,726	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative instruments, at fair value	$	23,987		$	23,987		$	—	$	23,987	$	—
	Total liabilities	$	23,987		$	23,987		$	—	$	23,987	$	—
		As of December 31, 2013
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description	Carrying Value			Total Fair Value			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
								Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
								for Identical		Inputs		Inputs (Level 3)
								Assets		(Level 2)
								(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivative instruments, at fair value	$	4,921		$	4,921		$	—	$	4,921	$	—
	Total assets	$	4,921		$	4,921		$	—	$	4,921	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Restricted units, at fair value	$	36,306		$	36,306		$	—	$	—	$	36,306
	Derivative instruments, at fair value	965			965			—		965		—
	Total liabilities	$	37,271		$	37,271		$	—	$	965	$	36,306
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		2014			2013
	Balance as of January 1,	$	36,306		$	5,667
	Total gain or losses:
	Included in earnings	—			—
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—			—
	Repurchase of restricted units	—			(2,267		)
	Converted to shares of common stock	(36,306		)	—
	Balance as of March 31,	$	—		$	3,400
	Gains and losses related to restricted units included in earnings for the period are reported in operating expenses in the statements of consolidated operations.
	The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short maturity of the instruments.
	The estimated fair value and carrying amount of long-term debt as reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is shown in the table below (refer to Note 2 for details relating to the borrowing arrangements) (in thousands). The fair value was estimated using Level 3 inputs based on rates reflective of the remaining maturity as well as the Company’s financial position.
	Long-Term Debt	As of March 31, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
	Description	Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Debentures	$	—		$	—		$	6,890	$	12,671
	Second Lien Term Loan Facility (1)	293,280			314,743			293,821		315,284
	NPI Note (2)	8,286			8,500			8,028		8,028
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	—			—			115,000		115,000
	Other	2,361			2,361			3,203		3,203
	Total	$	303,927		$	325,604		$	426,942	$	454,186
	(1) The Second Lien Term Loan Facility was repaid in full and retired in April 2014.
	(2) The NPI Note was repaid in full in April 2014.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Acquisitions
	Marcellus JV Buy-In
	Prior to the completion of the Marcellus JV Buy-In, the Company accounted for its 50% equity interest in the Marcellus joint venture under the equity method of accounting. Immediately prior to the completion of the Marcellus JV Buy-In, the fair value of the existing equity in the Marcellus joint venture was approximately $250.6 million. The acquisition date fair value of the existing equity investment was based on an income approach. The income approach, considered to be a Level 3 fair value method, calculated the present value of the future cash flows related to the natural gas properties as of the date of the transaction, utilizing a discount rate based upon market participant assumptions, natural gas strip prices as of the date of the transaction, and a decline curve consistent with our geographic peers. As a result of the Marcellus JV Buy-In, the Company was required to remeasure its equity investment at fair value, which resulted in a non-recurring gain of approximately $203.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014. Based on valuations performed as of the acquisition date, the natural gas properties had a fair value of approximately $343.0 million. The acquisition consolidated the resources of the Company and the Marcellus joint venture, which enables management to optimize and prioritize the development of their combined natural gas properties. The management team of the Company historically served as the management team of the Marcellus joint venture, providing it with familiarity with its assets and operations. As a result of these factors, the excess purchase price over net assets and liabilities assumed of $338.0 million was allocated to goodwill.
	The purchase price allocation and resulting impact on the corresponding condensed consolidated balance sheet relating to the Marcellus JV Buy-In is as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Financial assets	$	34,242
	Proved natural gas properties, net	288,000
	Unproved natural gas properties	55,000
	Goodwill	338,036
	Financial liabilities	(49,313		)
	Long-term debt	(75,400		)
	Deferred tax liability	(17,933		)
	Total identifiable net assets	$	572,632
	Cash paid for acquisitions	$	100,000
	Fair value of equity issued	222,000
	Fair value of pre-existing equity investment	250,632
	Total consideration	$	572,632
	Subsequent to the completion of the Marcellus JV Buy-In and excluding the related gain of $203.6 million recorded at January 29, 2014, the 100%-owned Marcellus joint venture contributed the following to the Company’s consolidated operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	(in thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Revenue	$	34,935
	Net income	$	29,467
	Pro Forma Information (Unaudited)
	The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information presents the Company’s results as though the Marcellus JV Buy-In has been completed at January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2013, respectively.
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 (Pro Forma)			Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 (Pro Forma)
	Pro forma net revenues	$	102,402		$	30,172
	Pro forma net income (loss)	$	124,142		$	(7,762	)
	Pro forma earnings per share (basic)	$	1		$	(0.06	)
	Pro forma earnings per share (diluted)	$	0.99		$	(0.06	)
	Momentum Acquisition
	On February 12, 2014, the Company, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Rice Poseidon Midstream LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Rice Poseidon”), entered into a purchase and sale agreement with M3 Appalachia Gathering LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“M3”), to acquire (the “Momentum Acquisition”) certain gas gathering assets in eastern Washington and Greene Counties, Pennsylvania. On April 17, 2014, the Company completed the Momentum Acquisition for aggregate consideration of approximately $110.0 million (the “Purchase Price”). The effective date for the Momentum Acquisition is March 1, 2014. The Company funded the Purchase Price with cash on hand.
	The properties acquired in the Momentum Acquisition consist of a 28-mile, 6”-16” gathering system in eastern Washington County, Pennsylvania, and permits and rights of way in Washington and Greene Counties, Pennsylvania, necessary to construct an 18-mile, 30” gathering system connecting the northern system to the Texas Eastern pipeline. The northern system is supported by long-term contracts with acreage dedications covering approximately 20,000 acres from third parties. Once fully constructed, the acquired systems are expected to have an aggregate capacity of over 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.

Sale_of_Interests_in_Gas_Prope

Sale of Interests in Gas Properties	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Sale of Interests in Gas Properties	'
	Sale of Interests in Gas Properties
	In December 2013, the Company agreed to sell interests in noncore assets in Guernsey County, Ohio representing an undivided 75.0% interest in certain of its Guernsey County leaseholds (representing approximately 2,136 net acres) to a third party in exchange for approximately $22.0 million, consisting of $11.0 million in cash and an $11.0 million carried working interest. Of the 2,136 net acres, 1,033 net acres closed in the first quarter of 2014. No gain or loss was recorded on this transaction.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	On October 14, 2013, the Company entered into a Development Agreement and Area of Mutual Interest (“AMI”) Agreement with Gulfport Energy Corporation (“Gulfport”) covering approximately 50,000 aggregate net acres in the Utica Shale in Belmont County, Ohio. The Company refers to these agreements as “Utica Development Agreements.” Pursuant to the Utica Development Agreements, the Company had approximately 68.80% participating interest in acreage currently owned or to be acquired by the Company or Gulfport located within Goshen and Smith Townships (the “Northern Contract Area”) and an approximately 42.63% participating interest in acreage currently owned or to be acquired by the Company or Gulfport located within Wayne and Washington Townships (the “Southern Contract Area”), each within Belmont County, Ohio. The remaining participating interests are held by Gulfport. The participating interests of the Company and Gulfport in each of the Northern and Southern Contract Areas approximate the Company’s current relative acreage positions in each area.
	Each quarter during the term of the Development Agreement, the Company and Gulfport will establish a work program and budget detailing the proposed exploration and development to be performed in the Northern and Southern Contract Areas, respectively, for the following year. The number of horizontal wells proposed to be drilled in each of the Northern Contract Area and Southern Contract Area is limited by the Development Agreement as follows: in 2013, no more than five wells; in 2014, between eight and 40 wells; in 2015, between eight and 50 wells; and thereafter, unlimited.
	The Utica Development Agreements have terms of ten years and are terminable upon 90 days’ notice by either party; provided that, with respect to interests included within a drilling unit, such interests shall remain subject to the applicable joint operating agreement and the Company and Gulfport shall remain operators of drilling units located in the Northern and Southern Contract Areas, respectively, following such termination.
	The Company has commitments for gathering and firm transportation under existing contracts with third parties. Future payments for these items as of March 31, 2014 totaled $1,751.7 million (remainder of 2014 - $25.6 million, 2015 - $68.1 million, 2016 - $81.6 million, 2017 - $81.5 million, 2018 - $80.0 million, 2019 - $75.7 million and thereafter - $1,339.2 million).
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company had two horizontal drilling rigs under contract. One of these contracts expires in 2014 and the other contract expires in 2015. Future payments for these items as of March 31, 2014 totaled $17.0 million (remainder of 2014 - $7.3 million and 2015 - $9.7 million). Any other rig performing work for us is doing so on a well-by-well basis and therefore can be released without penalty at the conclusion of drilling on the current well. These types of drilling obligations have not been included in the amounts above. The values above represent the gross amounts that we are committed to pay without regard to our proportionate share based on our working interest.
	The Company is involved in various litigation matters arising in the normal course of business. Management is not aware of any actions that are expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	On January 29, 2014, pursuant to the Master Reorganization Agreement (the “Master Reorganization Agreement”) among Rice Energy Inc., Rice Drilling B, Rice Appalachia, Rice Holdings, Rice Partners, NGP Holdings, NGP RE Holdings, L.L.C., (“NGP RE Holdings”) NGP RE Holdings II, L.L.C. (“NGP RE II” and, together with NGP RE Holdings, “Natural Gas Partners”), Mr. Daniel J. Rice III, Rice Merger LLC (“Merger Sub”) and each of the persons holding incentive units representing interests in Rice Appalachia (collectively, the “Incentive Unitholders”) dated as of January 23, 2014, (i) (a) Rice Partners contributed a portion of its interests in Rice Appalachia to Rice Holdings, (b) Natural Gas Partners contributed its interests in Rice Appalachia to NGP Holdings and (c) the Incentive Unitholders contributed a portion of their incentive units to Rice Holdings and NGP Holdings, each in return for substantially similar incentive units in such entities; (ii) NGP Holdings, Rice Holdings and Mr. Daniel J. Rice III contributed their respective interests in Rice Appalachia to the Company in exchange for 43,452,550, 20,300,923 and 2,356,844 shares of Common Stock, respectively; (iii) Rice Partners contributed its remaining interest in Rice Appalachia to Rice Energy Inc. in exchange for 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock; (iv) the Incentive Unitholders contributed their remaining interests in Rice Appalachia to the Company in exchange for 160,831 shares of Common Stock, each of which were issued by the company in connection with the closing of the IPO. In connection with the IPO, in the first quarter of 2014, we recognized a non-cash compensation expense of $3.4 million for these 160,831 shares.
	In addition, on January 29, 2014, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) among the Company, Rice Drilling B and Merger Sub dated as of January 23, 2014, Rice Energy Inc. issued 1,728,852 shares of Common Stock to the members of Rice Drilling B (other than Rice Appalachia) for settlement of the restricted units.
	The Company’s Board of Directors did not declare or pay a dividend for the three months ended March 31, 2014 or 2013.

Incentive_Units

Incentive Units	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Incentive Units	'
	Incentive Units
	In connection with the IPO and the related corporate reorganization, the Rice Appalachia incentive unit holders contributed their Rice Appalachia incentive units to Rice Holdings and NGP Holdings in return for substantially similar incentive units in such entities (except for those related to the incentive units attributable to Mr. Daniel J. Rice III, which were settled with the issuance of 160,831 shares of our common stock). In the first quarter of 2014, certain incentive units granted by NGP Holdings to certain employees triggered the pre-determined payout criteria, resulting in a cash payment by NGP Holdings of $4.4 million. No payments were made in respect of incentive units prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO. These two transactions resulted in non-cash compensation expense of $7.8 million being recorded in the first quarter of 2014 by the Company.
	As a result of the IPO, the payment likelihood related to the incentive units was deemed probable, requiring that we recognize expense. Accordingly, we recognized approximately $66.0 million of compensation expense in the first quarter of 2014 relative to these interests, and we expect to recognize approximately $85.5 million of additional compensation expense over the remaining expected service periods, related to the Rice Holdings interests. The NGP Holdings interests are considered a liability-based award and will be adjusted on a quarterly basis until all payments have been made. As of March 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the NGP Holdings units is approximately $93.7 million which will be recognized over the remaining expected service period. The compensation expense related to these interests is treated as additional paid in capital from Rice Holdings and NGP Holdings in our financial statements and is not deductible for federal or state income tax purposes. The compensation expense recognized is a non-cash charge, with the settlement obligation resting on NGP Holdings and Rice Holdings. Payments on the incentive units will be made by Rice Holdings and NGP Holdings and not Rice Energy Inc., and as such are not dilutive to Rice Energy Inc.
	Three tranches of the incentive units have a time vesting feature. A rollforward of those units from IPO to March 31, 2014 is included below.
	Vested Units Balance, January 29, 2014	641,236
	Vested During Period	126,296
	Forfeited During Period	—
	Cancelled During Period	—
	Vested Units Balance, March 31, 2014	767,532
	Four tranches of the incentive units do not have a time vesting feature, and their payouts are triggered upon a future payment condition. There were no forfeitures or cancellations of those units during the first quarter of 2014.
	The fair value of the incentive units was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the following assumptions:
	Rice Holdings
	Valuation Date	1/29/14
	Dividend Yield	0	%
	Expected Volatility	47	%
	Risk-Free Rate	1.11	%
	Expected Life (Years)	4
	NGP Holdings
	Valuation Date	3/31/14
	Dividend Yield	0	%
	Expected Volatility	41	%
	Risk-Free Rate	0.38	%
	Expected Life (Years)	1.8

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share takes into account the dilutive effect of potential common stock that could be issued by the Company in conjunction with stock awards that have been granted to directors and employees. On January 29, 2014 (the “grant date”), the Company granted restricted stock units to two of its non-employee directors which are subject to a one-year cliff vesting schedule. In addition, the Company granted restricted stock units to one employee which are subject to a three-year cliff vesting schedule. On February 24, 2014, the Company granted additional restricted stock units to one employee which are subject to a three-year cliff vesting schedule. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, $0.1 million was recorded in compensation expense related to the restricted stock units. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has unrecorded compensation expense related to the restricted stock units of $0.8 million. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 260, awards of nonvested shares shall be considered to be outstanding as of the grant date for purposes of computing diluted EPS even though their exercise is contingent upon vesting. The following is a calculation of the basic and diluted weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding and EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Net income and weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding is based on the actual days in which the shares were outstanding for the period from January 29, 2014, the closing date of the IPO, to March 31, 2014.
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Income (loss) (numerator):
	Net income (loss)	$	129,454	$	(6,775	)
	Weighted-average shares (denominator):
	Weighted-average number of shares of common stock - basic	124,646		124,646
	Weighted-average number of shares of common stock - diluted	125,192		125,192
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	1.04	$	(0.05	)
	Diluted	$	1.03	$	(0.05	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	At the date of IPO, Rice Energy indirectly owned 100% of Rice Drilling B and its subsidiaries. Rice Drilling B was a limited liability company not subject to federal income taxes before IPO. However, in connection with the closing of the IPO, as a result of our corporate reorganization, the Company became a corporation subject to federal income tax and, as such, our future income taxes will be dependent upon our future taxable income. The change in tax status requires the recognition of a deferred tax asset or liability for the initial temporary differences at the time of the change in status. The resulting deferred tax liability of approximately $164.5 million was recorded in equity at the date of the completion of the IPO as it represents a transaction among shareholders.
	Based on management’s analysis, the Company did not have any uncertain tax positions as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date,” or ASU No. 2013-04. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations to be disclosed. ASU 2013-04 is effective for fiscal and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2014. Please refer to Note 2 and Note 13 for the required disclosure.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	6.25% Senior Notes Due 2022
	On April 25, 2014, the Company offered $900.0 million in aggregate principal amounts of 6.25% senior notes (the “Notes”) due 2022 in a private placement to eligible purchasers under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act, which resulted in net proceeds to us of $882.7 million after deducting estimated expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $17.3 million. The Company used $301.8 million of the net proceeds to repay and retire the Second Lien Term Loan Facility. The Company’s obligations under the Notes, including the due and punctual payment of interest on the Notes, are fully and unconditionally, and jointly and severally, guaranteed on an unsecured basis by the Company’s subsidiary guarantors.
	Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
	Concurrently with the Senior Notes Offering, the Company, as borrower, and Rice Drilling B, as predecessor borrower, amended and restated its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (“Amended Credit Agreement”) to, among other things, assign all of its rights and obligations under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility to the Company, and the Company assumed all such rights and obligations as borrower under the Amended Credit Agreement. Furthermore, the Amended Credit Agreement (i) allowed for the issuance of the Notes described above and (ii) provided that the Company did not incur an immediate reduction in the borrowing base under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility as a result of the issuance of the Notes (though the borrowing base will be redetermined within approximately 30 days after the issuance of the Notes) and, as such, the borrowing base under the Amended Credit Agreement immediately following the issuance of the Notes remained at $350.0 million until the next redetermination. The Amended Credit Agreement also extended the maturity date of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility from April 25, 2018 to January 29, 2019. The interest rate did not change under the Amended Credit Agreement.
	The Amended Credit Agreement is secured by liens on at least 80% of the proved oil and gas reserves of the Company and its subsidiaries (other than any subsidiary that is designated as an unrestricted subsidiary), as well as significant unproved acreage and substantially all of the personal property of the Company and such restricted subsidiaries, and the Amended Credit Agreement is guaranteed by such restricted subsidiaries. The Amended Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:
	•	incur additional indebtedness;
	•	sell assets;
	•	make loans to others;
	•	make investments;
	•	enter into mergers;
	•	make or declare dividends;
	•	hedge future production or interest rates;
	•	incur liens; and
	•	engage in certain other transactions without the prior consent of the lenders.
	The Amended Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, which are measured at the end of each calendar quarter, beginning March 31, 2014:
	•	a current ratio, which is the ratio of consolidated current assets (including unused commitments under the Amended Credit Agreement and excluding non-cash derivative assets) to consolidated current liabilities (excluding current maturities under the Amended Credit Agreement and non-cash derivative liabilities), of not less than 1.0 to 1.0; and
	•	a minimum interest coverage ratio, which is the ratio of consolidated EBITDAX (as such term is defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) based on the trailing 12 month period to consolidated interest expense, of not less than 2.5 to 1.0.
	The Company was in compliance with such covenants and ratios effective as of March 31, 2014.
	Momentum Acquisition
	On April 17, 2014, the Company completed the Momentum Acquisition for aggregate consideration of approximately $110.0 million. The effective date for the Momentum Acquisition is March 1, 2014.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Rice Energy Inc. have been prepared by the Company’s management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein contain all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2014 and its condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Rice Energy Inc. for the period from January 1, 2014 through January 29, 2014, as contained within the three months ended March 31, 2014; the three months ended March 31, 2013; and as of December 31, 2013, pertain to the historical financial statements and results of operations of Rice Drilling B, our accounting predecessor, which reflects the 50% equity investment in our Marcellus joint venture owned by Rice Drilling B prior to January 29, 2014. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes therein for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company in its 2013 Annual Report.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date,” or ASU No. 2013-04. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations to be disclosed. ASU 2013-04 is effective for fiscal and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2014. Please refer to Note 2 and Note 13 for the required disclosure.

Long_Term_Debt_Tables

Long Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	'
	Long-term debt consists of the following as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
	Description	31-Mar-14		December 31, 2013
	Long-term Debt
	Debentures (a)	$	—	$	6,890
	Second Lien Term Loan Facility (b)	293,280		293,821
	NPI Note, due June 2014 (1)	8,286		8,028
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (c)	—		115,000
	Other	2,361		3,203
	Total debt	$	303,927	$	426,942
	Less current portion	13,086		20,120
	Long-term debt	$	290,841	$	406,822
	(1) The NPI Note was repaid in full in April 2014.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	Expected aggregate maturities of notes payable as of March 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of Year Ended December 31, 2014 (1)	$	13,086
	Year Ended December 31, 2015	2,847
	Year Ended December 31, 2016	2,257
	Year Ended December 31, 2017	2,173
	Year Ended December 31, 2018 and Beyond (2)	283,564
	Total	$	303,927
	(1) Includes $8.3 million attributable to the NPI Note, which was repaid in full in April 2014.
	(2) Excludes $900.0 million attributable to the Notes issued in the Senior Notes Offering in April 2014.

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	'
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company has entered into derivative instruments with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Bank of Montreal and Barclays Bank PLC, fixing the price it receives for a portion of its natural gas through December 1, 2017, as summarized in the following table:
	Swap Contract Expiration	MMbtu/day			Weighted
					Average Price
	2014	163,000			$	4.12
	2015	92,000			$	4.16
	2016	98,000			$	4.2
	2017	60,000			$	4.24
	Collar Contract Expiration	MMbtu/day			Floor/Ceiling
	2014	10,000			$3.000/$5.800
	2015	70,000			$3.910/$4.680
	Basis Contract Expiration	MMbtu/day			Swap ($/MMBtu)
	2014	48,000			$	(0.240	)
	2015	37,000			$	(0.420	)
	2016	17,000			$	(0.420	)
	Put Contract Expiration	MMbtu/day			Swap ($/MMBtu)
	2014	33,000			$	0.45
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	'
	The following is a summary of the Company’s derivative instruments, which are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands). Included within current derivative liabilities is a deferred put premium liability of $4.1 million.
		As of March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	Current derivative assets	$	—			$	2,270
	Long-term derivative assets	5,726				6,030
		$	5,726			$	8,300
	Current derivative liabilities	$	23,987			$	3,235
	Long-term derivative liabilities	—				1,109
		$	23,987			$	4,344
	Net current value of derivative liabilities	$	(23,987	)		$	(965	)
	Net long-term value of derivative assets	$	5,726			$	4,921
Offsetting Assets	'
	The following tables present the gross amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, the amounts offset under netting arrangements with counterparties, and the resulting net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented, all at fair value (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014
	Description	Gross Amounts of				Gross Amounts			Net Amounts of
		Recognized Assets				Offset on			Assets  (Liabilities) on
						Balance Sheet			Balance Sheet
	Derivative assets	$	13,647			$	(7,921	)	$	5,726
	Derivative liabilities	$	5,221			$	(29,208	)	$	(23,987	)
		As of December 31, 2013
	Description	Gross Amounts of				Gross Amounts			Net Amounts of
		Recognized Assets				Offset on			Assets  (Liabilities) on
						Balance Sheet			Balance Sheet
	Derivative assets	$	13,000			$	(4,700	)	$	8,300
	Derivative liabilities	$	256			$	(4,600	)	$	(4,344	)
Offsetting Liabilities	'
	The following tables present the gross amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, the amounts offset under netting arrangements with counterparties, and the resulting net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented, all at fair value (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014
	Description	Gross Amounts of				Gross Amounts			Net Amounts of
		Recognized Assets				Offset on			Assets  (Liabilities) on
						Balance Sheet			Balance Sheet
	Derivative assets	$	13,647			$	(7,921	)	$	5,726
	Derivative liabilities	$	5,221			$	(29,208	)	$	(23,987	)
		As of December 31, 2013
	Description	Gross Amounts of				Gross Amounts			Net Amounts of
		Recognized Assets				Offset on			Assets  (Liabilities) on
						Balance Sheet			Balance Sheet
	Derivative assets	$	13,000			$	(4,700	)	$	8,300
	Derivative liabilities	$	256			$	(4,600	)	$	(4,344	)

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	'
	The following assets and liabilities were measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period (refer to Note 3 for details relating to derivative instruments) (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description	Carrying Value			Total Fair Value			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
								Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
								for Identical		Inputs		Inputs (Level 3)
								Assets		(Level 2)
								(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivative instruments, at fair value	$	5,726		$	5,726		$	—	$	5,726	$	—
	Total assets	$	5,726		$	5,726		$	—	$	5,726	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative instruments, at fair value	$	23,987		$	23,987		$	—	$	23,987	$	—
	Total liabilities	$	23,987		$	23,987		$	—	$	23,987	$	—
		As of December 31, 2013
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description	Carrying Value			Total Fair Value			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
								Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
								for Identical		Inputs		Inputs (Level 3)
								Assets		(Level 2)
								(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivative instruments, at fair value	$	4,921		$	4,921		$	—	$	4,921	$	—
	Total assets	$	4,921		$	4,921		$	—	$	4,921	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Restricted units, at fair value	$	36,306		$	36,306		$	—	$	—	$	36,306
	Derivative instruments, at fair value	965			965			—		965		—
	Total liabilities	$	37,271		$	37,271		$	—	$	965	$	36,306
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		2014			2013
	Balance as of January 1,	$	36,306		$	5,667
	Total gain or losses:
	Included in earnings	—			—
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—			—
	Repurchase of restricted units	—			(2,267		)
	Converted to shares of common stock	(36,306		)	—
	Balance as of March 31,	$	—		$	3,400
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	'
	The estimated fair value and carrying amount of long-term debt as reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is shown in the table below (refer to Note 2 for details relating to the borrowing arrangements) (in thousands). The fair value was estimated using Level 3 inputs based on rates reflective of the remaining maturity as well as the Company’s financial position.
	Long-Term Debt	As of March 31, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
	Description	Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Debentures	$	—		$	—		$	6,890	$	12,671
	Second Lien Term Loan Facility (1)	293,280			314,743			293,821		315,284
	NPI Note (2)	8,286			8,500			8,028		8,028
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	—			—			115,000		115,000
	Other	2,361			2,361			3,203		3,203
	Total	$	303,927		$	325,604		$	426,942	$	454,186
	(1) The Second Lien Term Loan Facility was repaid in full and retired in April 2014.
	(2) The NPI Note was repaid in full in April 2014.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The purchase price allocation and resulting impact on the corresponding condensed consolidated balance sheet relating to the Marcellus JV Buy-In is as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Financial assets	$	34,242
	Proved natural gas properties, net	288,000
	Unproved natural gas properties	55,000
	Goodwill	338,036
	Financial liabilities	(49,313		)
	Long-term debt	(75,400		)
	Deferred tax liability	(17,933		)
	Total identifiable net assets	$	572,632
	Cash paid for acquisitions	$	100,000
	Fair value of equity issued	222,000
	Fair value of pre-existing equity investment	250,632
	Total consideration	$	572,632
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	'
	Subsequent to the completion of the Marcellus JV Buy-In and excluding the related gain of $203.6 million recorded at January 29, 2014, the 100%-owned Marcellus joint venture contributed the following to the Company’s consolidated operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	(in thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Revenue	$	34,935
	Net income	$	29,467
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information presents the Company’s results as though the Marcellus JV Buy-In has been completed at January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2013, respectively.
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 (Pro Forma)			Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 (Pro Forma)
	Pro forma net revenues	$	102,402		$	30,172
	Pro forma net income (loss)	$	124,142		$	(7,762	)
	Pro forma earnings per share (basic)	$	1		$	(0.06	)
	Pro forma earnings per share (diluted)	$	0.99		$	(0.06	)

Incentive_Units_Incentive_Unit

Incentive Units Incentive Units (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments	'
	Three tranches of the incentive units have a time vesting feature. A rollforward of those units from IPO to March 31, 2014 is included below.
	Vested Units Balance, January 29, 2014	641,236
	Vested During Period	126,296
	Forfeited During Period	—
	Cancelled During Period	—
	Vested Units Balance, March 31, 2014	767,532
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques	'
	The fair value of the incentive units was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the following assumptions:
	Rice Holdings
	Valuation Date	1/29/14
	Dividend Yield	0	%
	Expected Volatility	47	%
	Risk-Free Rate	1.11	%
	Expected Life (Years)	4
	NGP Holdings
	Valuation Date	3/31/14
	Dividend Yield	0	%
	Expected Volatility	41	%
	Risk-Free Rate	0.38	%
	Expected Life (Years)	1.8

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following is a calculation of the basic and diluted weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding and EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Net income and weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding is based on the actual days in which the shares were outstanding for the period from January 29, 2014, the closing date of the IPO, to March 31, 2014.
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Income (loss) (numerator):
	Net income (loss)	$	129,454	$	(6,775	)
	Weighted-average shares (denominator):
	Weighted-average number of shares of common stock - basic	124,646		124,646
	Weighted-average number of shares of common stock - diluted	125,192		125,192
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	1.04	$	(0.05	)
	Diluted	$	1.03	$	(0.05	)

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Jan. 29, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

Marcellus Joint Venture

Marcellus Joint Venture

Incentive Units

NGP Holdings

Rice Holdings

Mr. Daniel J. Rice III

Rice Partners

Incentive Unitholders

Incentive Unitholders

Rice Drilling B

Selling Stockholder

Underwriters of Initial Public Offering

NGP Holdings

NGP Holdings

Rice Holdings

Rice Energy Inc

Incentive Units

Incentive Units

Incentive Units

Incentive Units

Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity investment ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

Number of shares sold with the completion of the IPO

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000,000

6,000,000

'

'

'

30,000,000

'

'

Common Stock, par value per share

'

'

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Public offering price per share

'

'

$21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds of IPO

'

'

$993,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds of IPO after deducting expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

399,000,000

'

'

'

'

593,600,000

'

'

Underwriting discounts and commissions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,000,000

'

'

'

'

36,400,000

'

'

Cash paid for acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

Common stock (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,356,844

20,000,000

160,831

'

1,728,852

'

'

43,452,550

'

20,300,923

'

'

'

Payment for pre-determined payout criteria

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,400,000

'

'

'

'

Incentive unit expense

73,802,000

0

'

3,400,000

66,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

7,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of shares of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,523,810

'

Common stock outstanding (shares)

'

'

127,523,810

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

'

'

93,700,000

85,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,700,000

'

'

'

'

Percentage of voting interests acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

Total consideration amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

322,000,000

'

Gain on purchase of Marcellus joint venture

$203,579,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$203,600,000

'

Long_Term_Debt_Schedule_of_Lon

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt	$303,927		$426,942
Current portion of long-term debt	13,086		20,120
Long-term debt	290,841		406,822
Debentures | Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Maturing in 2014	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt	0	[1]	6,890	[1]
Second Lien Term Loan Facility | Second Lien Term Loan Facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt	293,280	[2]	293,821	[2]
NPI Note | NPI Note	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt	8,286	[3]	8,028	[3]
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt	0	[4]	115,000	[4]
Other	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt	$2,361		$3,203
[1]	Debentures (a)In June of 2011, Rice Drilling B sold $60.0 million of its 12% Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures due 2014 (the “Debentures”) in a private placement to certain accredited investors as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D. The Debentures accrued interest at 12% per year payable monthly in arrears by the 15th day of the month and mature on July 31, 2014 (“Maturity Date”). The Debentures were Rice Drilling B’s unsecured senior obligations and ranked equally with all of Rice Drilling B’s then-current and future senior unsecured indebtedness.From July 31, 2013 through August 20, 2013 (the “put redemption period”), any holder of Debentures had the right to cause Rice Drilling B to repurchase all or any portion of the Debentures owned by such holder at 100% of the portion of the principal amount of the Debentures as to which the right was being exercised, plus a premium of 20%. During the put redemption period, Rice Drilling B repurchased $53.1 million of outstanding Debentures and paid a put premium of $10.6 million in accordance with the terms of the agreements.At any time after July 31, 2013 until the Maturity Date, Rice Drilling B had the right to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Debentures on 30 days prior written notice at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures plus a premium of 50%. In connection with the IPO, the Debentures and warrants of Rice Drilling B were amended to become convertible or exercisable for shares of common stock of Rice Energy Inc. On February 28, 2014, Rice Drilling B issued a redemption notice on the remaining Debentures, which set a redemption date of March 28, 2014. Prior to the redemption date, $6.6 million of the Debentures were converted into 570,945 shares of Rice Energy Inc. common stock. The remaining principal balance of $0.3 million was not converted and is recorded as an accrued liability as of March 31, 2014 in the amount of $0.4 million, including the 50% premium of $0.1 million, and will be paid upon request from holders of the remaining Debentures. The premium of $0.1 million was recorded to expense in the three months ended March 31, 2014. As the principal amount of the Debentures outstanding has been reduced to zero, Rice Drilling B is no longer required to maintain restricted cash or comply with the restrictive covenants which apply thereto. In connection with the convertible debt offering, Rice Drilling B granted warrants that were issued on August 15, 2011, to certain of the broker-dealers involved in the private placement. These warrants are considered to be separate instruments issued solely in lieu of cash compensation for services provided by the broker-dealers. Two separate classes of warrants were issued with the sole difference being the exercise price. At March 31, 2014, 1,137 warrants remain exercisable at a weighted average price of $11.01 per share of Rice Energy Inc. common stock. The 1,137 warrants are exercisable into up to 982,837 shares. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, warrants were exercised in exchange for 54,032 shares of Rice Energy Inc. common stock.
[2]	Second Lien Term Loan Facility (b)On April 25, 2013, Rice Drilling B entered into a Second Lien Term Loan Facility (“Second Lien Term Loan Facility”) with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders in an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million. Rice Drilling B estimated the discount on issuance of this instrument based upon an estimate of market rates at the inception of the instrument and recorded a discount of $4.5 million. The discount was being amortized over the life of the note using an effective interest rate of 0.284%. As of March 31, 2014, Rice Drilling B had a balance of $293.3 million relating to the Second Lien Term Loan Facility, this included borrowings outstanding of $297.0 million less a discount of $3.7 million. The Second Lien Term Loan Facility was to mature on October 25, 2018. Approximately $7.4 million in fees were capitalized in connection with the Second Lien Term Loan Facility. On April 25, 2014, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the Senior Notes Offering to repay and retire the Second Lien Term Loan Facility in the amount of $301.8 million. Rice Drilling B was in compliance with the covenants and ratios under the Second Lien Term Loan Facility as of March 31, 2014.
[3]	The NPI Note was repaid in full in April 2014.
[4]	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (c)On April 25, 2013, Rice Drilling B entered into a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (“Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders with a maximum credit amount of $500.0 million and a sublimit for letters of credit of $10.0 million. Concurrently with the closing of Rice Energy’s IPO, on January 29, 2014, Rice Drilling B amended its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility to, among other things, allow for the corporate reorganization that was completed simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, add Rice Energy Inc. as a guarantor, increase the maximum commitment amount to $1.5 billion and lower the interest rate on amounts borrowed under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds of the IPO to repay $115.0 million of borrowings under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. After giving effect to the amendment, the borrowing base under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility was increased to $350.0 million as a result of the Marcellus JV Buy-In. The amount available to be borrowed under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base that is redetermined semiannually as of each January 1 and July 1 and depends on the volumes of Rice Drilling B’s proved oil and gas reserves and estimated cash flows from these reserves, its commodity hedge positions, and other factors. The next redetermination is scheduled to occur in May 2014. As of March 31, 2014, the borrowing base was $350.0 million and the sublimit for letters of credit was $100.0 million. Rice Drilling B had no borrowings and approximately $71.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2014, resulting in availability of $278.7 million.Eurodollar loans under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 150 to 250 basis points, depending on the percentage of borrowing base utilized. Base rate loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (i) the agent bank’s reference rate, (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 50 basis points and (iii) the rate for one month Eurodollar loans plus 100 basis points, plus an applicable margin ranging from 50 to 150 basis points, depending on the percentage of borrowing base utilized. Rice Drilling B is subject to the same financial ratios and substantively the same restricted covenants as under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility prior to such amendment. The Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility will mature upon the earlier of the date that is five years following the closing of the amendment and the date that is 180 days prior to the maturity of the Second Lien Term Loan Facility, if any amounts are outstanding under that facility as of such date. Concurrently with the Senior Notes Offering (as defined below), the Company, as borrower, and Rice Drilling B, as predecessor borrower, amended and restated its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (“Amended Credit Agreement”) to, among other things, assign all of its rights and obligations under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility to the Company, and the Company assumed all such rights and obligations as borrower under the Amended Credit Agreement. Please see “14. Subsequent Events—Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement” for additional details on the Amended Credit Agreement. Rice Drilling B was in compliance with the covenants and ratios under its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2014.

Long_Term_Debt_Debentures_Deta

Long Term Debt (Debentures) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Aug. 15, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Aug. 20, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
			Class	Debentures	Debentures	Debentures	Debentures	Debentures	Debentures	Debentures	Debentures
				Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Maturing in 2014	Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Maturing in 2014	Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Maturing in 2014	Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Maturing in 2014	Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Maturing in 2014	Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Maturing in 2014	Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Maturing in 2014	Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Maturing in 2014
					Period from July 31, 2013 through August 20, 2013	Period from July 31, 2013 through August 20, 2013	At any time after July 31, 2013	At any time after July 31, 2013	At any time after July 31, 2013	At any time after July 31, 2013	Other Accrued Liabilities
										Common Stock	At any time after July 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amounts of debt offered	'	'	'	$60,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate	'	'	'	12.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of principal amount redeemed	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'
Put premium redemption percentage	'	'	'	'	20.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of debt repurchased	'	'	'	'	53,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Put premium paid	'	'	'	'	'	10,600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of days of prior written notice	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'30 days	'	'
Call premium redemption percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Amount of converted debentures	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,600,000	'	'	'	'
Shares converted into common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	570,945	'
Remaining principal balance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	'	300,000
Remaining principal balance not converted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	400,000	400,000	'	'
Accrued call premium	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100,000	100,000	'	'
Loss on extinguishment of debt	($143,000)	$0	'	'	'	'	'	($100,000)	'	'	'
Number of different classes of warrants issued	'	'	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of warrants that are exercisable	1,137	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares in which warrants are convertible	982,837	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Warrants weighted average exercise price per share	11.01	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares issued due to the exercise of warrants	54,032	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Long_Term_Debt_Second_Lien_Ter

Long Term Debt (Second Lien Term Loan Facility (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended					0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 25, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Apr. 25, 2014
				Second Lien Term Loan Facility	Second Lien Term Loan Facility		Second Lien Term Loan Facility		Second Lien Term Loan Facility
									Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Aggregate principal amounts of debt offered	'	'	'	$300,000,000	'		'		'
Amount of discount	'	'	'	4,500,000	3,700,000		'		'
Effective interest rate (percentage)	'	'	'	0.28%	'		'		'
Outstanding balance	303,927,000	'	426,942,000	'	293,280,000	[1]	293,821,000	[1]	'
Borrowings outstanding	'	'	'	'	297,000,000		'		'
Fees capitalized	'	'	'	7,400,000	'		'		'
Repayments of debt obligations	$192,114,000	$193,000	'	'	'		'		$301,800,000
[1]	Second Lien Term Loan Facility (b)On April 25, 2013, Rice Drilling B entered into a Second Lien Term Loan Facility (“Second Lien Term Loan Facility”) with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders in an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million. Rice Drilling B estimated the discount on issuance of this instrument based upon an estimate of market rates at the inception of the instrument and recorded a discount of $4.5 million. The discount was being amortized over the life of the note using an effective interest rate of 0.284%. As of March 31, 2014, Rice Drilling B had a balance of $293.3 million relating to the Second Lien Term Loan Facility, this included borrowings outstanding of $297.0 million less a discount of $3.7 million. The Second Lien Term Loan Facility was to mature on October 25, 2018. Approximately $7.4 million in fees were capitalized in connection with the Second Lien Term Loan Facility. On April 25, 2014, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the Senior Notes Offering to repay and retire the Second Lien Term Loan Facility in the amount of $301.8 million. Rice Drilling B was in compliance with the covenants and ratios under the Second Lien Term Loan Facility as of March 31, 2014.

Long_Term_Debt_Senior_Secured_

Long Term Debt (Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility) (Details) (Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 25, 2013
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Minimum	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate spread (percentage)	1.50%	'	'
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Maximum	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate spread (percentage)	2.50%	'	'
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Federal Funds Rate	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate spread (percentage)	0.50%	'	'
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate spread (percentage)	1.00%	'	'
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate | Minimum	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate spread (percentage)	0.50%	'	'
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate | Maximum	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate spread (percentage)	1.50%	'	'
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum credit amount	$1,500,000,000	'	$500,000,000
Amount of borrowings repaid	'	115,000,000	'
Borrowing base after amendment	350,000,000	350,000,000	'
Borrowings outstanding	'	0	'
Availability under revolving credit facility	'	278,700,000	'
Maturity period	'5 years	'	'
Period prior to maturity of second lien term loan facility	'180 days	'	'
Letters of Credit | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum credit amount	'	'	10,000,000
Borrowing base after amendment	'	100,000,000	'
Borrowings outstanding	'	$71,300,000	'

Long_Term_Debt_625_Senior_Note

Long Term Debt (6.25% Senior Notes Due 2022) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2013	Apr. 25, 2014
			Senior Notes	Second Lien Term Loan Facility	Second Lien Term Loan Facility
			Senior Notes Due 2022		Subsequent Event
			Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate	'	'	6.25%	'	'
Aggregate principal amounts of debt offered	'	'	$900,000,000	$300,000,000	'
Proceeds from borrowings	0	25,000,000	882,700,000	'	'
Underwriting discounts and commissions	446,000	607,000	17,300,000	'	'
Repayments of debt obligations	$192,114,000	$193,000	'	'	$301,800,000

Long_Term_Debt_Schedule_of_Exp

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Expected Maturities of Notes Payable) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Apr. 25, 2014
					NPI Note		NPI Note		Senior Notes
									Senior Notes Due 2022
									Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'		'
Remainder of Year Ended December 31, 2014	$13,086,000	[1]	'	'	'		'		'
Year Ended December 31, 2015	2,847,000		'	'	'		'		'
Year Ended December 31, 2016	2,257,000		'	'	'		'		'
Year Ended December 31, 2017	2,173,000		'	'	'		'		'
Year Ended December 31, 2018 and beyond	283,564,000	[2]	'	'	'		'		'
Total debt	303,927,000		'	426,942,000	8,286,000	[3]	8,028,000	[3]	'
Aggregate principal amounts of debt offered	'		'	'	'		'		900,000,000
Interest paid in cash	$7,000,000		$3,400,000	'	'		'		'
[1]	Includes $8.3 million attributable to the NPI Note, which was repaid in full in April 2014.
[2]	Excludes $900.0 million attributable to the Notes issued in the Senior Notes Offering in April 2014.
[3]	The NPI Note was repaid in full in April 2014.

Derivative_Instruments_Summary

Derivative Instruments (Summary of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Natural Gas)	Mar. 31, 2014
Swap Commodity Contract 2014 | Swap Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	163,000
Weighted Average Price	4.12
Swap Commodity Contract 2015 | Swap Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	92,000
Weighted Average Price	4.16
Swap Commodity Contract 2016 | Swap Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	98,000
Weighted Average Price	4.2
Swap Commodity Contract 2017 | Swap Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	60,000
Weighted Average Price	4.24
Collar Commodity Contract 2014 | Collar Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	10,000
Floor	3
Ceiling	5.8
Collar Commodity Contract 2015 | Collar Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	70,000
Floor	3.91
Ceiling	4.68
Basis Commodity Contract 2014 | Basis Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	48,000
Swap ($/MMBtu)	-0.24
Basis Commodity Contract 2015 | Basis Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	37,000
Swap ($/MMBtu)	-0.42
Basis Commodity Contract 2016 | Basis Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	17,000
Swap ($/MMBtu)	-0.42
Put Commodity Contract 2014 | Put Contract Expiration	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
MMbtu/day	33,000
Swap ($/MMBtu)	0.45

Derivative_Instruments_Summary1

Derivative Instruments (Summary of Derivative Instruments in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Current derivative assets	$0	$2,270
Long-term derivative assets	5,726	6,030
Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) on Balance Sheet, Derivative Assets	5,726	8,300
Derivative liabilities	23,987	3,235
Long-term derivative liabilities	0	1,109
Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) on Balance Sheet, Derivative liabilities	23,987	4,344
Net current value of derivative liabilities	-23,987	-965
Net long-term value of derivative assets	$5,726	$4,921

Derivative_Instruments_Schedul

Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets, Derivative Assets	$13,647	$13,000
Gross Amounts Offset on Balance Sheet, Derivative Assets	-7,921	-4,700
Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) on Balance Sheet, Derivative Assets	5,726	8,300
Gross Amounts Offset on Balance Sheet, Derivative liabilities	5,221	256
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	-29,208	-4,600
Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) on Balance Sheet, Derivative liabilities	($23,987)	($4,344)

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative put premium liability	$4.10	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Gain or loss on derivatives	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Unrealized loss	-9.2	-4.8
Realized losses related to contract settlements	($11.20)	($0.20)

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Derivative instruments, at fair value	$5,726	$8,300
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative instruments, at fair value	23,987	4,344
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Derivative instruments, at fair value	5,726	4,921
Total assets	5,726	4,921
Liabilities:	'	'
Restricted units, at fair value	'	36,306
Derivative instruments, at fair value	23,987	965
Total liabilities	23,987	37,271
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Derivative instruments, at fair value	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Restricted units, at fair value	'	0
Derivative instruments, at fair value	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Derivative instruments, at fair value	5,726	4,921
Total assets	5,726	4,921
Liabilities:	'	'
Restricted units, at fair value	'	0
Derivative instruments, at fair value	23,987	965
Total liabilities	23,987	965
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Derivative instruments, at fair value	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Restricted units, at fair value	'	36,306
Derivative instruments, at fair value	0	0
Total liabilities	0	36,306
Carrying Value | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Derivative instruments, at fair value	5,726	4,921
Total assets	5,726	4,921
Liabilities:	'	'
Restricted units, at fair value	'	36,306
Derivative instruments, at fair value	23,987	965
Total liabilities	$23,987	$37,271

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) (Restricted Units, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Restricted Units	'	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of the beginning of the period	$36,306	$5,667
Included in earnings	0	0
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	0	0
Repurchase of restricted units	0	-2,267
Converted to shares of common stock	-36,306	0
Balance as of the end of the period	$0	$3,400

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule of the Estimated Fair Value and Carrying Amount of Long-term Debt) (Details) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3), USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Debentures	$0		$6,890
Second Lien Term Loan Facility	293,280	[1]	293,821	[1]
NPI Note	8,286	[2]	8,028	[2]
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	0		115,000
Other	2,361		3,203
Total fair value	303,927		426,942
Fair Value	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Debentures	0		12,671
Second Lien Term Loan Facility	314,743	[1]	315,284	[1]
NPI Note	8,500	[2]	8,028	[2]
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	0		115,000
Other	2,361		3,203
Total fair value	$325,604		$454,186
[1]	The Second Lien Term Loan Facility was repaid in full and retired in April 2014.
[2]	The NPI Note was repaid in full in April 2014.

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 12, 2014

Feb. 12, 2014

Feb. 12, 2014

Feb. 12, 2014

Feb. 12, 2014

Jan. 27, 2014

Marcellus Joint Venture

Marcellus Joint Venture

Marcellus Joint Venture

Momentum Acquisition

Momentum Acquisition

Momentum Acquisition

Minimum

Maximum

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

acre

Washington County, Pennsylvania

Washington and Greene Counties, Pennsylvania

Momentum Acquisition

Momentum Acquisition

Marcellus Joint Venture

mi

mi

Washington County, Pennsylvania

Washington County, Pennsylvania

in

in

in

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity investment ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of pre-existing equity investment

'

'

'

$250,632,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$250,600,000

Gain on purchase of Marcellus joint venture

203,579,000

0

'

203,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of natural gas properties

'

'

'

343,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

'

'

338,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

100.00%

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total consideration amount

'

'

'

$322,000,000

'

'

$110,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Length of gathering system (miles)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28

'

'

'

'

Width of gathering system (inches)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6

16

'

Length of pipelines to be constructed (miles)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18

'

'

'

Width of gathering system to be constructed (inches)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30

'

'

'

Number of acres dedicated

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate capacity of acquired systems (Bcf)

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_Schedule_of_Purch

Acquisitions (Schedule of Purchase Price Allocations) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 29, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Marcellus Joint Venture
Assets	'	'	'
Financial assets	'	'	$34,242
Proved natural gas properties, net	'	'	288,000
Unproved natural gas properties	'	'	55,000
Goodwill	338,036	0	338,036
Liabilities	'	'	'
Financial liabilities	'	'	-49,313
Long-term debt	'	'	-75,400
Deferred tax liability	'	'	-17,933
Total identifiable net assets	'	'	572,632
Cash paid for acquisitions	'	'	100,000
Fair value of equity issued	'	'	222,000
Fair value of pre-existing equity investment	'	'	250,632
Total consideration	'	'	$572,632

Acquisitions_Schedule_of_Profo

Acquisitions (Schedule of Proforma Information) (Details) (Marcellus Joint Venture, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Marcellus Joint Venture	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	$34,935	'
Net income	29,467	'
Pro forma net revenues	102,402	30,172
Pro forma net income (loss)	$124,142	($7,762)
Pro forma earnings per share (basic)	$1	($0.06)
Pro forma earnings per share (diluted)	$0.99	($0.06)

Sale_of_Interests_in_Gas_Prope1

Sale of Interests in Gas Properties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
			Sale of Interests in Non-core Leasehold Assets	Sale of Interests in Non-core Leasehold Assets
			Guernsey County, Ohio	Guernsey County, Ohio
			acre	acre
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Undivided interest in leaseholds (percentage)	'	'	75.00%	'
Net acres	'	'	2,136	'
Amount exchanged in sale of interests in gas properties	'	'	$22,000,000	'
Proceeds from sale of interest in gas properties	11,263,000	0	11,000,000	'
Proceeds from sale of carried working interest	'	'	11,000,000	'
Net acres closed	'	'	'	1,033
Loss from sale of interest in gas properties	'	'	'	$0

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Oct. 14, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 14, 2013	Oct. 14, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Horizontal_Drilling_Rig	Utica Development Agreements	Utica Development Agreements	Utica Development Agreements	Utica Development Agreements	Utica Development Agreements	Utica Development Agreements
	Contract	acre	Minimum	Maximum	Maximum	Goshen and Smith Townships in Belmont County, Ohio	Wayne and Washington Townships in Belmont County, Ohio
			Well	Well	Well
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net acres	'	50,000	'	'	'	'	'
Participating interest in acreage (percentage)	'	'	'	'	'	68.80%	42.63%
Number of horizontal wells to be drilled in 2013	'	'	'	'	5	'	'
Number of horizontal wells to be drilled in 2014	'	'	8	40	'	'	'
Number of horizontal wells to be drilled in 2015	'	'	8	50	'	'	'
Utica Development Agreements, terms	'	'10 years	'	'	'	'	'
Period of notice prior to termination	'	'90 days	'	'	'	'	'
Number of horizontal drilling rigs under contract	2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of contracts that expire in 2014	1	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total future payments for horizontal drilling rigs under contract	$17	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future payments for horizontal drilling rigs under contract, remainder of 2014	7.3	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future payments for horizontal drilling rigs under contract, 2015	$9.70	'	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Commitment for Gathering and Firm Transportation) (Details) (Gathering and Firm Transportation, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Gathering and Firm Transportation	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'
Total commitment for gathering and firm transportation	$1,751.70
Commitment for gathering and firm transportation, remainder of 2014	25.6
Commitment for gathering and firm transportation, 2015	68.1
Commitment for gathering and firm transportation, 2016	81.6
Commitment for gathering and firm transportation, 2017	81.5
Commitment for gathering and firm transportation, 2018	80
Commitment for gathering and firm transportation, 2019	75.7
Commitment for gathering and firm transportation, Thereafter	$1,339.20

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014
			IPO	IPO	IPO	IPO	IPO	IPO	IPO
				NGP Holdings	Rice Holdings	Mr. Daniel J. Rice III	Rice Partners	Incentive Unitholders	Rice Drilling B
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock (shares)	'	'	'	43,452,550	20,300,923	2,356,844	20,000,000	160,831	1,728,852
Compensation expense	$73,802	$0	$3,400	'	'	'	'	'	'

Incentive_Units_Narrative_Deta

Incentive Units Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

IPO

NGP Holdings

Incentive Unitholders

Incentive Units

Incentive Units

Incentive Units

Incentive Units

Incentive Units

Incentive Units

Incentive Units

IPO

IPO

IPO

NGP Holdings

NGP Holdings

Incentive Unitholders

Rice Holdings

Time Vesting Feature

Future Payment Condition Vesting Feature

IPO

IPO

IPO

IPO

Tranche

Tranche

Transaction

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock (shares)

'

'

'

43,452,550

160,831

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment for pre-determined payout criteria

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,400,000

'

'

'

'

Number of transactions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

Incentive unit expense

73,802,000

0

3,400,000

'

'

66,000,000

'

'

7,800,000

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

$93,700,000

$93,700,000

'

$85,500,000

'

'

Number of tranches with time vest feature

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

Number of tranches without time vest feature

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

Forfeited during period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Cancelled during period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Incentive_Units_Roll_Forward_o

Incentive Units Roll Forward of Incentive Units (Details) (Incentive Units, Time Vesting Feature)	2 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Incentive Units | Time Vesting Feature	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Vested Units Balance, January 29, 2014	641,236
Vested During Period	126,296
Forfeited During Period	0
Cancelled During Period	0
Vested Units Balance, March 31, 2014	767,532

Incentive_Units_Fair_Value_of_

Incentive Units Fair Value of Incentive Units (Details) (Incentive Units)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014
	Rice Holdings	NGP Holdings
	1/29/14	3/31/14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Dividend Yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected Volatility	47.00%	41.00%
Risk-Free Rate	1.11%	0.38%
Expected Life (Years)	'4 years	'1 year 9 months 18 days

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units, USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014
		Non-employee director	Employee	Employee
		Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of non-employee directors	'	2	'	'
Cliff vesting period	'	'1 year	'3 years	'3 years
Number of employees	'	'	1	1
Compensation expense	$0.10	'	'	'
Unrecorded compensation expense	$0.80	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Net income (loss)	$129,454	($6,775)
Weighted-average shares (denominator):	'	'
Weighted-average number of shares of common stock - basic	124,646	124,646
Weighted-average number of shares of common stock - diluted	125,192	125,192
Earnings (loss) per share:	'	'
Earnings (loss) per share—basic	$1.04	($0.05)
Earnings (loss) per share—diluted	$1.03	($0.05)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage	'	100.00%	'	'	'
Deferred tax liability recorded in equity	$1,195,861	'	$298,647	$131,480	$138,191
IPO | Deferred Tax Liability Recorded In Equity	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liability recorded in equity	'	164,500	'	'	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 25, 2013	Jan. 29, 2014	Apr. 25, 2013	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Feb. 12, 2014
			Second Lien Term Loan Facility	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Momentum Acquisition
				Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.	Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.	Senior Notes Due 2022	Second Lien Term Loan Facility	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
						Senior Notes		Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.	Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
									Minimum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	6.25%	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amounts of debt offered	'	'	$300,000,000	'	'	$900,000,000	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings	0	25,000,000	'	'	'	882,700,000	'	'	'	'
Underwriting discounts and commissions	446,000	607,000	'	'	'	17,300,000	'	'	'	'
Repayments of debt obligations	192,114,000	193,000	'	'	'	'	301,800,000	'	'	'
Borrowing base redetermination period after issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'30 days	'	'
Maximum credit amount	'	'	'	1,500,000,000	500,000,000	'	'	350,000,000	'	'
Percentage lien on proved oil and gas reserves	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	80.00%	'
Current ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Minimum interest coverage ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.5	'	'
Total consideration amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$110,000,000