Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Stock Based Compensation Two Thousand Twelve Incentive Plan [Member] Stock Based Compensation Two Thousand Twelve Incentive Plan [Member] Stock Based Compensation Two Thousand Twelve Incentive Plan [Member] 2003 Stock and Incentive Plan [Member] Stock Based Compensation Two Thousand and Three Stock and Incentive Plan [Member] Stock Based Compensation Two Thousand and Three Stock and Incentive Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Weighted average assumptions used to estimate fair value of stock options granted under the Stock and Incentive Plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Stock option pricing model Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used Expected option life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Estimated forfeiture rate Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Estimated Forfeiture Rate Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award fair value assumptions estimated forfeiture rate. Weighted average fair value of stock option awards granted during the year Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of changes in Company's asset retirement obligations Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] 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 [Member] Open Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open costless collar contracts. Open Swap Contracts [Member] Open Swap Contracts [Member] Open Swap Contracts [Member] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Type of Reserve [Domain] Type of Reserve [Domain] Oil, Calculation Period Two [Member] Oil, Calculation Period Two [Member] Oil, Calculation Period Two [Member] Oil - WTI [Member] Oil - WTI [Member] Oil - WTI [Member] Oil - LLS [Member] Oil - LLS [Member] Oil - LLS [Member] Natural Gas, Calculation Period One [Member] Natural Gas, Calculation Period One [Member] Natural Gas, Calculation Period One [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. Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Price Floor Derivative, Floor Price Price Ceiling Derivative, Cap Price Fair Value of Asset (Liability) Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Fixed price Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price Fair Value of Asset (Liability) Derivative, Fair Value, Net STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [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 Accretion Expense Ending asset retirement obligations Less: current asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Long-term asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Equity [Abstract] SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [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] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Public Stock Offering [Member] Public Stock Offering [Member] Public Stock Offering [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Harvey E Yates Company [Member] Harvey E Yates Company [Member] Harvey E Yates Company [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Shares issued for acquisition Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Shares issued upon conversion Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Shares issued as consideration in business combination Shares issued as consideration in business combination Shares issued as consideration in business combination Shares converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Shares held in escrow Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted, Held in Escrow Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted, Held in Escrow Issuance of Class A common stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Offering costs Public Offering, Underwriting Discounts, Commissions, and Direct Offering Costs Public Offering, Underwriting Discounts, Commissions, and Direct Offering Costs Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Forfeitures of non-vested restricted stock awards (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Net Acres Net Acres Net Acres Acquisition Costs, Period Cost Acquisition Costs, Period Cost Supplemental Disclosures [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures. Supplemental Disclosures [Table] Supplemental Disclosures [Table] Supplemental disclosures. Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Accrued evaluated and unproved and unevaluated property costs [Member] Accrued Evaluated and Unproved and Unevaluated Property Costs [Member] Accrued evaluated and unproved and unevaluated property costs. Accrued support equipment and facilities costs [Member] Accrued Support Equipment and Facilities Costs [Member] Accrued support equipment and facilities costs. Accrued lease operating expenses [Member] Accrued Lease Operating Expenses [Member] Accrued lease operating expenses. Accrued interest on debt [Member] Accrued Interest On Borrowings Under Credit Agreement [Member] Accrued interest on borrowings under credit agreement. Accrued asset retirement obligations [Member] Accrued Asset Retirement Obligations [Member] Accrued asset retirement obligations. Accrued partners' share of joint interest charges [Member] Accrued Partners Share Of Joint Interest Charges [Member] Accrued Partners Share Of Joint Interest Charges [Member] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental disclosures. Summary of current accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Oil [Member] Oil [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] NGL's [Member] Natural Gas Liquids [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Revenues [Member] 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, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract] Realized (loss) gain on derivatives Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives 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 Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amortization of debt issuance cost Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Net gain on asset sales and inventory impairment Net (gain) loss on asset sales and inventory impairment 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 Lease and Well Equipment Inventories The increase (decrease) during the period in lease and well equipment inventory. 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, Net of Income Taxes Receivable 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 Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sales of Assets, Investing Activities 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] Repayments of borrowings Borrowings under Credit Agreement Proceeds from Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes Swing Sale Profit Swing Sale Profit Cost to issue equity Cost to issue senior unsecured notes Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Capital commitments from non-controlling interest owners of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Proceeds from Capital Commitments from Noncontrolling Interest Proceeds from Capital Commitments from Noncontrolling Interest Contributions related to formation of Joint Venture Capital Contributed to Corporate Joint Ventures Capital Contributed to Corporate Joint Ventures Capital contribution from non-controlling interest owners in less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Distributions to non-controlling interest owners of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Payments of Capital Distribution Taxes paid related to net share settlement of stock-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Purchase of non-controlling interest of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiary Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities (Decrease) increase in cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash at beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash at end of year Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Unrealized loss on derivatives Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative, Noncurrent Net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Noncurrent Deferred tax assets operating loss carryforwards noncurrent. Alternative minimum tax carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax Percentage depletion carryover Deferred Tax Asset, Noncurrent Attributable to Percentage Depletion Carryover Deferred Tax Asset, Noncurrent Attributable to Percentage Depletion Carryover Property and equipment Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment Basis increase related to the San Mateo transaction Deferred Tax Assets, Basis Increase Related to the San Mateo Transaction Deferred Tax Assets, Basis Increase Related to the San Mateo Transaction Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Noncurrent Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Property and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Other Deferred Tax Liabilities Other Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities other noncurrent. Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Noncurrent Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of significant accounting policies. Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Plains Marketing [Member] Plains Marketing, L.P. [Member] Plains Marketing, L.P. [Member] Shell Trading (US) Company [Member] Shell Trading (US) Company [Member] Shell Trading (US) Company [Member] Western Refining Oil [Member] Western Refining Oil [Member] Western Refining Oil [Member] Occidental Energy Marketing [Member] Occidental Energy Marketing, Inc. [Member] Occidental Energy Marketing, Inc. [Member] Enterprise Crude Oil LLC [Member] Enterprise Crude Oil LLC [Member] Enterprise Crude Oil LLC [Member] Sequent Energy Management [Member] Sequent Energy Management, L.P. [Member] Sequent Energy Management, L.P. [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted stock [Member] Stock options [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of significant accounting policies. Accounts receivable due period Accounts Receivable Due Period Accounts receivable due period. Billing date Billing date Billing date. Outstanding days of account receivable Past Due Days Of Account Receivable Considered Delinquent Past Due Days Of Account Receivable Considered Delinquent Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Capitalized general and administrative costs Capitalized General And Administrative Costs Capitalized general and administrative costs. Capitalized interest expense Interest Costs Capitalized Present value discounted percent of future net revenues of proved oil and natural 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. Average oil and natural gas prices Average Sales Prices Impairment charge of net capitalized costs Useful life using the straight-line Useful Life Using Straight Line Useful life using straight line. Useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Number of purchasers Number of Purchasers Number of purchasers. Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Stock-based compensation (non-cash) expense Common stock and restricted stock unit expense Common Stock And Restricted Stock Expense Common stock and restricted stock expense. Accelerated compensation cost Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Accelerated Compensation Cost Percentage being realized up on ultimate settlement Minimum Percentage Likelihood Of Tax Benefit To Be Realized Upon Final Settlement Minimum percentage likelihood of tax benefit to be realized upon final settlement. Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of future minimum lease payments required under the office lease agreement Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] 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 Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Current period net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Weighted average common shares outstanding — denominator Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings (loss) per common share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Total (usd per share) Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Increase in asset retirement obligations related to mineral properties Increase (Decrease) in Asset Retirement Obligations, Mineral Properties Increase (Decrease) in Asset Retirement Obligations, Mineral Properties (Decrease) increase in asset retirement obligations related to support equipment and facilities Increase (Decrease) in Asset Retirement Obligations, Support Equipment and Facilities Increase (Decrease) in Asset Retirement Obligations, Support Equipment and Facilities Increase (decrease) in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures Increase (Decrease) in Liabilities for Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Capital Expenditures Increase (Decrease) in Liabilities for Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Capital Expenditures (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. Issuance of restricted stock units for director and advisor services Issuance Of Restricted Stock Units For Board And Advisor Services Issuance of restricted stock units 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. (Decrease) 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. Transfer of inventory (to) from oil and natural gas properties Transfer of Inventory from Oil and Natural Gas Properties Transfer of inventory from oil and natural gas properties. Transfer of inventory to other property and equipment Transfer of inventory to other property and equipment Transfer of inventory to other property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Summary of the Company's property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Breakdown of the Company's unproved and unevaluated property costs not subject to amortization Schedule of Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization [Table Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Receivables, Intercompany Receivables, Intercompany Receivables, Intercompany Other Assets, Current Other Assets, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Other Assets Other Assets Assets Assets Payables, Intercompany Payables, Intercompany Payables, Intercompany Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Other Sundry Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Sundry Liabilities, Noncurrent Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Subsidiary ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plan (Textual) [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plan (Textual) [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plan (Textual) [Abstract] Employees annual compensation Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Safe Harbor match Defined Contribution Plan Employer Matching Contribution Amount Defined contribution plan employer matching contribution amount Discretionary matching contributions Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount No additional discretionary contributions Defined Contribution Plan Employer Additional Discretionary Contribution Amount Defined contribution plan employer additional discretionary contribution amount. Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Maximum shares that may be issued pursuant to options or restricted stock grants (in shares) Stock Allocated During Period For Shares Stock Options Or Restricted Stock Grants Stock allocated during period for shares stock options or restricted stock grants. Maximum shares of common stock provided (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Vesting period of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Maximum vesting period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Period Maximum Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award expiration period maximum. Maximum vesting period 2 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Period One Maximum Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award expiration period one maximum. Maximum vesting period 3 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Period Two Maximum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Period Two Maximum Fair value of stock option awards outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Quoted closing market price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Tax related benefits realized from the exercise of stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options Weighted average remaining requisite service period of unvested stock awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Fair value of option shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Stock based long term liability Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Stock based current liability Deferred Compensation Liability, Current Restricted stock or unit expenses Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Restricted stock grants (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Weighted average fair value, Granted Share Price Fair value of grants Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options and Restricted Stock Grants In Period Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options and Restricted Stock Grants In Period Fair Value Restricted stock grants (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Aggregate intrinsic value for the restricted stock and restricted stock units outstanding Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options outstanding aggregate intrinsic value. Tax benefits recognized for stock based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Capitalized stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Expensed stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common stock Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury stock Treasury Stock [Member] Parent Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest 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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Beginning Balance, shares (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Issuance of Class A common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Issuance of Class A common stock to Board member and advisors, shares Stock Issued During Period Value Common Stock to Board Members and Advisors Shares Stock issued during period value common stock to board members and advisors. Issuance of Class A common stock to Board member and advisors Stock Issued During Period Value Common Stock to Board Members and Advisors Issuance of Class A common stock to Board members and advisors. Stock options 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 Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Liability-based stock option awards settled, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Settlements in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Settlements in Period Liability-based stock option awards settled Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Settled Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Settled Restricted stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock issued, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Cost to issue equity Restricted stock forfeited, Shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Restricted stock forfeited Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Purchase of non-controlling interest of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiary Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Contributions related to formation of Joint Venture (see Note 5) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Formation of Joint Venture Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Formation of Joint Venture Contributions from non-controlling interest owners of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Distributions to non-controlling interest owners of less-than wholly-owned subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Vesting of restricted stock units Restricted Stock Vesting, Shares Restricted Stock Vesting, Shares Restricted stock and restricted stock units expense Cancellation of treasury stock (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Cancellation of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Class B dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock Ending Balance, shares (in shares) Ending Balance Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] NATURE OF OPERATIONS Nature of Operations [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] 2012 Incentive Plan [Member] Weighted average assumptions used to estimate fair value of stock options granted under the Stock and Incentive Plan Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summarized information about stock options outstanding Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summarized information about outstanding and exercisable stock option Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Summary of the non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Rustler Breaks and Wolf Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks and Wolf Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks and Wolf Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks Asset Area Wolf Asset Area [Member] Wolf Asset Area [Member] Loving County, Texas [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Five Point [Member] Five Point [Member] Five Point [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] San Mateo Midstream [Member] San Mateo Midstream [Member] San Mateo Midstream [Member] Permian Basin [Axis] Permian Basin [Axis] Permian Basin [Axis] Permian Basin [Domain] Permian Basin [Domain] [Domain] for Permian Basin [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] EnLink [Member] EnLink [Member] EnLink [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Number of wells contributed to joint venture Number of Wells Contributed to Joint Venture Number of Wells Contributed to Joint Venture Payments to acquire interest in joint venture Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture Proceeds from divestiture of interest in joint venture Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture Deferred performance incentives Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives Deferred performance incentives, term Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives, Term Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives, Term Contributions to joint venture, operating capital Equity Method Investment, Contributions to Joint Venture, Operating Capital Equity Method Investment, Contributions to Joint Venture, Operating Capital Contractual obligation, term Contractual Obligation, Term Contractual Obligation, Term Number of gross acres in acreage acquired Business Combinations Acreage Acquired, Gross Business Combinations Acreage Acquired, Gross Number of net acres in acreage acquired Business Combinations Acreage Acquired, Net Business Combinations Acreage Acquired, Net Business combination, consideration transferred, liabilities incurred Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Proceeds from sale of oil and gas property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Proceeds from sale of oil and gas property and equipment net of purchase price adjustments Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment, Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment, Net Purchase price adjustments for production, revenues and operating and capital expenditures Sale Leaseback Transaction, Purchase Price Adjustments for Production, Revenues and Operating and Capital Expenditures Business Combinations, Purchase Price Adjustments for Production, Revenues and Operating and Capital Expenditures Gas gathering and processing agreement, term Sale Leaseback Transaction, Fixed Fee Natural Gas Gathering and Processing Agreement, Term Sale Leaseback Transaction, Fixed Fee Natural Gas Gathering and Processing Agreement, Term Carrying value of net assets sold Carrying Value of the Assets Sold in the Sale and Leaseback Transaction Carrying Value of the Assets Sold in the Sale and Leaseback Transaction Sale leaseback transaction, deferred gain Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Gain, Net Sale leaseback transaction, transaction costs Sale Leaseback Transaction, Transaction Costs, Investing Activities Sale leaseback transaction, current period gain recognized Sale Leaseback Transaction, Current Period Gain Recognized SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental disclosures. Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Pipe and other equipment [Member] Pipelines [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair value of notes payable Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Impairment charge for equipments held in inventory Inventory Write-down PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Oil and natural gas revenues Oil and Gas Sales Revenue Third-party midstream services revenues Natural Gas Midstream Revenue Total revenues Revenues Expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Production taxes, transportation and processing 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 Plant and other midstream services operating Natural Gas Midstream Costs General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Net gain on asset sales and inventory impairment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Interest expense Interest Expense Other income (expense) Interest and Other Income (Expense) Interest and Other Income (Expense) Total other (expense) income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (benefit) provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Total income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income (loss) Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to Matador Resources Company shareholders Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Total revenues Total expenses Operating (loss) income Net gain on asset sales and inventory impairment Interest expense Other income Other Income Earnings in subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax Total income tax (benefit) provision Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash Cash Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Investments, 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 and other assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, 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 Midstream and 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 Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities 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. Amounts due to joint ventures Due to Joint Ventures, Current Due to Joint Ventures, 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 Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Amounts due to joint ventures Due to Joint Ventures, Non-Current Due to Joint Ventures, Non-Current Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock — $0.01 par value, 160,000,000 and 120,000,000 shares authorized; 108,513,597 and 99,518,764 shares issued; and 108,510,160 and 99,511,931 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury stock, at cost, 3,437 and 6,833 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total shareholders' equity Total shareholders’ equity Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Domain] [Domain] for Long-term Purchase Commitment [Axis] Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement [Member] Eddy County [Member] Eddy County [Member] Eddy County [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 [Member] 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 [Member] Drilling Rig Commitments [Member] Drilling Rig Commitments [Member] 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] Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Term of leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Rent expense, including fees for operating expenses and consumption of electricity Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Supply agreement, term Supply Agreement, Term Supply Agreement, Term Total deficiency fee estimate Product Liability Contingency, Loss Exposure Not Accrued, Best Estimate Transportation and processing fees under the agreement Gas Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing Costs Deficiency fees Oil and Gas, Deficiency Fees Oil and Gas, Deficiency Fees Contractual obligation Contractual Obligation Long-term purchase commitment Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Payment for long-term purchase commitment Payment for Long-term Purchase Commitment Payment for Long-term Purchase Commitment Remaining minimum amount committed Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed Maximum termination outstanding obligations of contracts Maximum Termination Outstanding Obligations of Contracts Maximum termination outstanding obligations of contracts. Minimum outstanding commitments Minimum Outstanding Aggregate Commitments Minimum outstanding aggregate commitments. Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value on a recurring basis [Member] 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 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Oil [Member] 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. Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Derivative, Fair Value, Net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Restricted Stock Service Based [Member] Restricted Stock Service Based [Member] Restricted stock service based. Restricted Stock Units Service Based [Member] Restricted Stock Units Service Based [Member] Restricted stock units service based. 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Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value, Granted (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value, Vested (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value, Forfeited (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value, Ending Balance (usd per share) Reconciliations of basic and diluted distributed and undistributed earnings (loss) per common share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Exploration and Production Segment [Member] Exploration and Production Segment [Member] Exploration and Production Segment [Member] Midstream Segment [Member] Midstream Segment [Member] Midstream Segment Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of business segments Number of Operating Segments Oil and natural gas revenues Realized gain on derivatives Unrealized gain on derivatives Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Payments to acquire productive assets Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Noncontrolling Interest Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Noncontrolling Interest BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVESTITURES Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Lease and Well Equipment Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Regulatory Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Current liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Gross amounts of recognized liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Gross amounts netted in the consolidated balance sheet Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Gross amounts of recognized assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Gross amounts netted in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Asset Derivative Asset Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Decrease in cash Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization [Table] Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization [Table] Project [Axis] Project [Axis] Project [Domain] Project [Domain] 2017 Current Year [Member] Current Year [Member] 2016 Prior Year [Member] Prior Year [Member] 2015 Two Years Prior [Member] Two Years Prior [Member] 2014 and prior Three Years and Prior [Member] Three Years and Prior [Member] Total Projects Inception to Date [Member] Projects Inception to Date [Member] Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization [Line Items] Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization [Line Items] Costs incurred for Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization, Cumulative [Abstract] Property acquisition Acquisition Costs, Cumulative Exploration wells Exploration Costs, Cumulative Development wells Development Costs, Cumulative Total unproved and unevaluated Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Increase in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Provisional income tax Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net current income tax (benefit) provision EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Summary of contracts for oil and natural gas Open Option Contracts Written, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block] Summary of offsetting assets Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] Summary of offsetting liabilities Offsetting Liabilities [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] Summary of net deferred tax position Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Income tax expense reconciled to the tax computed at the statutory federal rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Number of joint ventures 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 joint ventures owned by partners Percentage of Corporate Joint Ventures Owned BY Joint Venture Partners Percentage of Corporate Joint Ventures Owned BY Joint Venture Partners Capital commitment to joint ventures Capital Commitment To Corporate Joint Ventures Capital Commitment To Corporate Joint Ventures Capital contributed to joint ventures Revolving Credit Agreement [Table] Revolving Credit Agreement [Table] Revolving credit agreement. Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Redemption, 2018 [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Debt Redemption, 2019 [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt Redemption, 2020 [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] Debt Redemption, 2021 and thereafter [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Eurodollar [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member] Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member] Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member] Base Rate Loan [Member] Base Rate Loan [Member] Base rate loan. Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Base rate loan [Member] LIBOR rate [Member] Libor Rate [Member] LIBOR rate. Subsequent Event [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Third amended credit agreement [Member] Third Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Third amended credit agreement. Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] 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. Company amended and restated its senior secured revolving credit agreement Line of Credit Amendment Date Line of credit amendment date. Senior secured revolving credit maximum facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity, amended Line Of Credit Facility Amended Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility amended maximum borrowing capacity. Deferred loan costs Unamortized Deferred Finance Costs Unamortized deferred finance costs. Repay deficit in agreement Period Repay Deficit in Agreement Period Repay deficit in agreement period. Borrowings under Credit Agreement Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Borrowings interest rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Additional interest rate Line of Credit Additional Interest Rate Line of credit additional interest rate. Percentage of reserves required to maintain Percentage of Reserves Required to Maintain Percentage of reserves required to maintain. Commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Debt to EBITDA ratio covenant Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Debt to EBITDA Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Debt to EBITDA Ratio Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Redemption Price Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Percentage of principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Percentage of aggregate principal amount of notes outstanding after redemption Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Outstanding After Redemption Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Outstanding After Redemption Percentage of principal amount outstanding Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Percentage of Principal Amount Outstanding Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Percentage of Principal Amount Outstanding Period of default when due of interest Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Period of Default when Due of Interest Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Period of Default when Due of Interest Period after notice to comply with reporting obligations Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Period after Notice to comply with Reporting Obligations Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Period after Notice to comply with Reporting Obligations Period after notice to comply with agreements in indenture Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Period after Notice to Comply with Agreements in Indenture Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Period after Notice to Comply with Agreements in Indenture Aggregate principal amount related to payment defaults or accelerations Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Aggregate Principal Amount Related to Payment Defaults or Accelerations Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Aggregate Principal Amount Related to Payment Defaults or Accelerations Amount of failure to pay final judgments Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Amount of Failure to Pay Final Judgments Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Amount of Failure to Pay Final Judgments Period for failure to pay final judgments Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Period for Failure to Pay Final Judgments Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Period for Failure to Pay Final Judgments Number of options (in thousands) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) Options exercised (in shares) Options forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Options expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) Weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted average exercise price, Options outstanding Beginning Balance (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Options granted (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Options exercised (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Options forfeited (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Options expired (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Options outstanding Ending Balance (usd per share) Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Common stock, par value (usd per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Current income tax provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] State income tax Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal alternative minimum tax Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Net current income tax (benefit) provision Deferred income tax provision (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal tax (benefit) expense at statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State income tax Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Permanent differences Income Tax Reconciliation Permanent Differences Income tax reconciliation permanent differences. AMT credit refundable (net of sequestration) Income Tax Reconciliation Income Federal Alternative Minimum Tax Income tax reconciliation income federal alternative minimum tax. AMT credit refundable (net of sequestration) Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Refundable Credit Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Refundable Credit Tax Cuts and Jobs Act rate change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Change in federal valuation allowance Change in state valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in State Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in State Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Net deferred income tax benefit Federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] $8.18 - $9.55 Range [Member] Range One [Member] Range one. $13.22 - $17.80 Range [Member] Range Two [Member] Range two. $19.71 - $22.70 Range [Member] Range Three [Member] Range Three [Member] $23.40-27.33 Range [Member] Range Four [Member] Range Four [Member] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Liability, Current Summarized information about outstanding and exercisable stock option Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract] Range of exercise prices, Lower limit Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Range of exercise prices, Upper limit Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Shares outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Weighted average remaining contractual price Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average exercise price (usd per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares exercisable Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Weighted average exercise price (usd per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Amortization costs Cost Incurred On Proved Reserves Transferred To Amortization Base Cost incurred on proved reserves transferred to amortization base. Exploration costs Anticipated amount for wells Capitalized Costs, Wells and Related Equipment and Facilities 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] 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] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Midstream equipment and facilities Support Equipment and Facilities [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other equipment Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Software Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] Land Other Machinery and Equipment [Member] Leasehold improvements Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Summary of the Company's property and equipment Movement in Property, Plant and Equipment [Roll Forward] Oil and natural gas properties Oil and Gas Property [Abstract] Evaluated (subject to amortization) Total unproved and unevaluated Total oil and natural gas properties Oil And Gas Property Full Cost Method Including Unproved And Unevaluated Gross Oil and gas property full cost method including unproved and unevaluated gross. Accumulated depletion Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Depletion Net oil and natural gas properties Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Net Other property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation And Amortization Of Other Property And Equipment Accumulated depreciation and amortization of other property and equipment. Net other property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Excluding Capital Leased Assets Schedule of future minimum lease payments required under the office lease agreement Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Joint development area (acres) Area of Land