W&T Offshore, Inc. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
11.00% 1.5 Lien Term Loan, Due November 2019
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, term loan fair value	$ 75,000
9.00 % Second Lien Term Loan, Due May 2020
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, term loan fair value	255,000	$ 217,500
9.00%/10.75% Second Lien PIK Toggle Notes, Due May 2020
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, notes fair value	122,255
8.50%/10.00% Third Lien PIK Toggle Notes, Due June 2021
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, notes fair value	80,243
8.50% Unsecured Senior Notes, Due June 2019
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, notes fair value	$ 123,389	$ 324,000