Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of changes in Company's asset retirement obligations Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Shares of restricted stock granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares Exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Grant date fair value of option grants during period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Fair Value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options grants in period fair value. Vesting period of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Supplemental Disclosures [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures. Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Asset retirement obligations related to mineral properties asset retirement obligations related to mineral properties asset retirement obligations related to mineral properties Asset retirement obligations related to support equipment and facilities Asset Retirement Obligations Related to Support & Equipment Facilities Asset retirement obligations related to support & equipment facilities (Decrease) increase in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures Increase (Decrease) in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties Increase (Decrease) in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties (Decrease) increase in liabilities for support equipment and facilities Increase Decrease in Liabilities for Support Equipment and Facilities Increase decrease in liabilities for support equipment and facilities. Increase in liabilities for accrued cost to issue equity Increase (Decrease) in Liabilities for Accrued Cost to Issue Equity Increase (Decrease) in liabilities for accrued cost to issue equity. Issuance of restricted stock units for Board and advisor services Issuance Of Restricted Stock Units For Board And Advisor Services Issuance of restricted stock units for board and advisor services. Issuance of common stock for advisor services Issuance of Common Stock for Board and Advisor Services Issuance of common stock for board and advisor services . Stock-based compensation expense recognized as liability Stock-based Compensation Expense Recognized as Liability Stock based compensation expense recognized as liability. Transfer of inventory from oil and natural gas properties Transfer of Inventory from Oil and Natural Gas Properties Transfer of inventory from oil and natural gas properties. Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Oil and natural gas revenues Oil and Gas Sales Revenue Realized gain on derivatives Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives Unrealized loss on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total revenues Revenues Expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Production taxes and marketing Production Taxes and Marketing Taxes assessed on oil and gas production, and compression, transportation and marketing expenses. Lease operating Oil and Gas Property, Lease Operating Expense Depletion, depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Accretion of asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Full-cost ceiling impairment Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total expenses Costs and Expenses Operating loss Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Net gain (loss) on asset sales and inventory impairment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Interest expense Interest Expense Interest and other income Interest and Other Income Total other expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (benefit) provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax (benefit) provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to Matador Resources Company shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings (loss) per common share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Open Option Contracts Written Type [Axis] Open Option Contracts Written Type [Axis] Open Option Contracts Written Type [Domain] Open Option Contracts Written Type [Domain] Open costless collar contracts Open Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open costless collar contracts. Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Type of Reserve [Domain] Type of Reserve [Domain] Oil, Calculation Period 04/01/2016 - 12/31/2016 Oil, Calculation Period One [Member] Oil, Calculation Period One [Member] Oil, Calculation Period 01/01/2017 - 12/31/2017 Oil, Calculation Period Two [Member] Oil, Calculation Period Two [Member] Natural Gas, Calculation Period 04/01/2016 - 12/31/2016 Natural Gas, Calculation Period One [Member] Natural Gas, Calculation Period One [Member] Natural Gas, Calculation Period 01/01/2017 - 12/31/2017 Natural Gas, Calculation Period Two [Member] Natural Gas, Calculation Period Two [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Summary of contracts for oil and natural gas Open Costless Collar Contracts for Oil and Natural Gas [Abstract] Open costless collar contracts for oil and natural gas. Notional Quantity (Bbl or MMBtu) Derivative Notional Quantity Derivative notional quantity. Notional Quantity (Bbl or MMBtu) Derivative Notional Quantity Natural Gas Derivative Notional Quantity Natural Gas Weighted Average Price Floor ($/Bbl or $/MMBtu) Derivative, Floor Price Weighted Average Price Ceiling ($/Bbl or $/MMBtu) Derivative, Cap Price Fair Value of Asset (Liability) Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Oil and natural gas revenues Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Joint interest billings Oil and Gas Joint Interest Billing Receivables, Current Other Other Receivables, Net, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Current Lease and well equipment inventory Other Inventory, Net of Reserves Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, at cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Oil and natural gas properties, full-cost method Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Net [Abstract] Evaluated Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Gross Unproved and unevaluated Capitalized Costs, Unproved Properties Other property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Less accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Royalties payable Accrued Royalties, Current Amounts due to affiliates Due to Affiliate, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Advances from joint interest owners Advances From Joint Interest Owners For Costs Incurred On Joint Interest Wells Amounts received from joint interest owners in advance of costs being incurred on wells in which they have a joint interest. Deferred gain on plant sale Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Gain, Net, Current Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Gain, Net, Current Amounts due to joint ventures Due to Joint Ventures, Current Due to Joint Ventures, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Senior unsecured notes payable Debt Instrument, Face Amount Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Amounts due to joint ventures Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Deferred gain on plant sale Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Gain, Net, Noncurrent Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Gain, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock - $0.01 par value, 120,000,000 shares authorized; 93,327,432 and 85,567,021 shares issued; and 93,271,423 and 85,564,435 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Matador Resources Company shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Related Party Transactions [Abstract] RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Matador Resources Company Parent [Member] Non-controlling interest in subsidiary Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance, shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Balance at January 1, 2015 Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Cost to issue equity Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Common stock issued to Board members and advisors, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services Common stock issued to Board members and advisors Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services Stock-based compensation expense related to equity-based awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock options exercised, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock options exercised Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation and Exercise of Stock Options Stock options exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Restricted stock issued, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock forfeited, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Current period net loss Ending Balance, shares Balance at March 31, 2015 Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Natural gas processing and transportation agreement Natural Gas Processing And Transportation Agreement Maturity Period Natural gas processing and transportation agreement maturity period. Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share Dilutive effect of options, restricted stock units and preferred shares Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Shares excluded from earnings per share calculations because their effects would be anti-dilutive Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Equity [Abstract] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock, Name of Transaction [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] FOLLOW-ON PUBLIC OFFERING FOLLOW-ON PUBLIC OFFERING [Member] FOLLOW-ON PUBLIC OFFERING [Member] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Shares of common stock included in offering Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Direct offering costs Net proceeds received Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Open Option Contracts Written [Table] Open Option Contracts Written [Table] Open Option Contracts Written [Line Items] Open Option Contracts Written [Line Items] Summary of contracts for oil and natural gas Open Option Contracts Written [Table Text Block] Summary of gross asset balances of derivative instruments Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block] Summary of location and aggregate fair value of all derivative financial instruments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Summary of the valuation of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Assets (Liabilities) Asset (Liabilities) [Abstract] Asset liability. Oil and natural gas derivatives Derivative Asset Total Derivative, Fair Value, Net Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract] Summary of significant accounting policies. Discount rate present value of future revenue from proved oil and gas reserves Discounting Rate Present Value of Future Revenue from Proved Oil and Gas Reserves Discounting rate present value of future revenue from proved oil and gas reserves. Net capitalized costs less related deferred income taxes exceeded the full-cost ceiling Unamortized Costs Capitalized Less Related Deferred Income Taxes Exceed Ceiling Limitations, Expense Impairment charge Deferred income tax credit Changes in Future Income Tax Expense Estimates on Future Cash Flows Related to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves Capitalized general and administrative costs Capitalized General And Administrative Costs Capitalized general and administrative costs. Capitalized interest expense Interest Costs Capitalized Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Oil Oil [Member] Natural Gas Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas Liquids Natural Gas Liquids [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Revenues Revenues [Member] Revenues. Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Summary of location and aggregate fair value of all derivative financial instruments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract] Realized gain on derivatives Unrealized loss on derivatives Total Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsidiary Guarantors [Abstract] Subsidiary Guarantors [Abstract] SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] Interim Financial Statements, Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and Significant Estimates Interim Financial Statements Basis Of Presentation Consolidation And Significant Estimates [Policy Text Block] Interim financial statements basis of presentation consolidation and significant estimates. Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] NATURE OF OPERATIONS Nature of Operations [Text Block] Summary of the valuation of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Supplemental Disclosures [Table] Supplemental Disclosures [Table] Supplemental disclosures. Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Accrued evaluated and unproved and unevaluated property costs Accrued Evaluated and Unproved and Unevaluated Property Costs [Member] Accrued evaluated and unproved and unevaluated property costs. Accrued support equipment and facilities costs Accrued Support Equipment and Facilities Costs [Member] Accrued support equipment and facilities costs. Accrued cost to issue equity Accrued Cost to Issue Equity [Member] Accrued cost to issue equity. Accrued lease operating expenses Accrued Lease Operating Expenses [Member] Accrued lease operating expenses. Accrued interest on debt Accrued Interest On Borrowings Under Credit Agreement [Member] Accrued interest on borrowings under credit agreement. Accrued asset retirement obligations Accrued Asset Retirement Obligations [Member] Accrued asset retirement obligations. Accrued partners’ share of joint interest charges Accrued Partners Share Of Joint Interest Charges [Member] Accrued Partners Share Of Joint Interest Charges [Member] Accrued stock-based compensation Accrued Stock-Based Compensation [Member] Accrued stock-based compensation. Other Other Accrued Liability [Member] Other Accrued Liability [Member] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental disclosures. Summary of current accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total accrued liabilities Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes Due 2023 Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Unsecured Debt [Member] Fair value of notes Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Revolving Credit Agreement [Table] Revolving Credit Agreement [Table] Revolving credit agreement. Third Amended Credit Agreement Third Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Third amended credit agreement. Revolving Credit Agreement [Line Items] Revolving Credit Agreement [Line Items] Revolving credit agreement. Revolving Credit Agreement (Textual) [Abstract] Revolving Credit Agreement (Textual) [Abstract] Revolving credit agreement. Senior unsecured notes Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Borrowings under Credit Agreement Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Amount of conforming borrowing base Line Of Credit Conforming Borrowing Base Conforming borrowing base. Deferred loan costs Deferred Loan Costs Deferred loan costs. Repay deficit in agreement period Repay Deficit in Agreement Period Repay deficit in agreement period. Ownership percentage by parent Ownership Percentage by Parent Ownership Percentage by Parent DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental disclosures. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Reconciliations of basic and diluted distributed and undistributed earnings (loss) per common share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Changes in the Company's asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Beginning asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Liabilities incurred during period Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Liabilities settled during period Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Revisions in estimated cash flows Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Accretion expense Ending asset retirement obligations Less: current asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Long-term asset retirement obligations Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Unrealized loss on derivatives Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income tax (benefit) provision Amortization of debt issuance cost Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Net (gain) loss on asset sales and inventory impairment Changes in operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Lease and well equipment inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Royalties payable Increase (Decrease) in Royalties Payable Advances from joint interest owners Increase Decrease in Payments Made in Advance by Joint Interest Partners in Oil and Gas Properties The increase (decrease) in payments made in advance by joint interest partners in oil and gas properties. Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Deferred Liability Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures Payments to Explore and Develop Oil and Gas Properties Expenditures for other property and equipment Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment Business combination, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Restricted cash in less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Increase (Decrease) in restricted cash, less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under Credit Agreement Proceeds from Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Cost to issue equity Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Capital contribution from non-controlling interest owners in less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Taxes paid related to net share settlement of stock-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Increase (decrease) in cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash at beginning of period Cash at end of period Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Current assets Other Current Assets [Member] Other assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Current liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Gross amounts of recognized assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) derivatives Summary of gross liability balances of derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract] Gross amounts of recognized liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Gross amounts netted in the condensed consolidated balance sheet Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net amounts of liabilities presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet Derivative Liability ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Ownership Percentage by Parent Income tax expense (benefit) Summary of current accrued liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Term Of Old Contract Drilling Rig Term Of Old Contract Drilling Rig [Member] Term Of Old Contract Drilling Rig [Member] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Axis] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Axis] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Oil Producing Property [Domain] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Oil Producing Property [Domain] Loving County System Agreement Loving County System Agreement [Member] Loving County System Agreement [Member] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Drilling Rig Commitments Drilling Rig Commitments [Member] Drilling Rig Commitments [Member] Construction Contracts Construction Contracts [Member] Outside Operated Drilling Commitments Outside Operated Drilling Commitments [Member] Outside Operated Drilling Commitments [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments and contingencies. Minimum delivery commitment to avoid paying gas deficiency fee Minimum Delivery Commitment To Avoid Paying Gas Deficiency Fee Minimum delivery commitment to avoid paying gas deficiency fee. Undiscounted minimum commitments Remaining Aggregate Undiscounted Minimum Commitments Under Agreement Remaining aggregate undiscounted minimum commitments under agreement. Product Liability Contingency, Loss Exposure Not Accrued, Best Estimate Product Liability Contingency, Loss Exposure Not Accrued, Best Estimate Transportation and processing fee under the agreement Gas Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing Costs Purchase Commitment, Description Purchase Commitment, Description Maximum termination outstanding obligations of contracts Maximum Termination Outstanding Obligations of Contracts Maximum termination outstanding obligations of contracts. Payments made under contract Payments for Construction in Process Minimum outstanding commitments Minimum Outstanding Commitments Minimum outstanding commitments. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Corporate Joint Venture Corporate Joint Venture [Member] HEYCO Affiliates [Member] HEYCO Affiliates [Member] HEYCO Affiliates [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Number of Joint Ventures With Affiliates Number of Joint Ventures With Affiliates Number of Joint Ventures With Affiliates Acreage Contributed By Joint Venture Partner Acreage Contributed By Joint Venture Partner Acreage Contributed By Joint Venture Partner Percentage of Corporate Joint Ventures Owned BY Joint Venture Partners Percentage of Corporate Joint Ventures Owned BY Joint Venture Partners Percentage of Corporate Joint Ventures Owned BY Joint Venture Partners Capital Commitment To Corporate Joint Ventures Capital Commitment To Corporate Joint Ventures Capital Commitment To Corporate Joint Ventures Percentage of Corporate Joint Ventures Owned By Matador Percentage of Corporate Joint Ventures Owned By Matador Percentage of Corporate Joint Ventures Owned By Matador Capital Contributed to Corporate Joint Ventures Capital Contributed to Corporate Joint Ventures Capital Contributed to Corporate Joint Ventures Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction