Related Parties - Purchase of Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Senior Unsecured Notes
Purchased amount		$ 84,589
(Gain) on debt extinguishment		99,530
Magnetar Capital and Affiliates \| Low \| Beneficial owner
Senior Unsecured Notes
Beneficial ownership interest (as a percent)	5.00%
Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. and Affiliates \| Low \| Beneficial owner
Senior Unsecured Notes
Beneficial ownership interest (as a percent)	5.00%
Senior notes
Senior Unsecured Notes
Aggregate principal amount repurchased		190,900	$ 0	$ 0
(Gain) on debt extinguishment		99,500
2023 Notes \| Senior notes \| Beneficial owner
Senior Unsecured Notes
Aggregate principal amount repurchased	$ 100,000	100,000
Purchased amount		$ 46,500
(Gain) on debt extinguishment	48,300
2023 Notes \| Senior notes \| Magnetar Capital and Affiliates \| Beneficial owner
Senior Unsecured Notes
Aggregate principal amount repurchased	50,000
Purchased amount	23,300
2023 Notes \| Senior notes \| Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. and Affiliates \| Beneficial owner
Senior Unsecured Notes
Aggregate principal amount repurchased	50,000
Purchased amount	$ 23,300

Jones Energy, Inc. 10-K