Leases [Abstract] Operating Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2019 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Total lease obligations Operating Lease, Liability Less current obligations Operating Lease, Liability, Current Long-term lease obligations Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Financing Leases Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2019 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due Less imputed interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Total lease obligations Finance Lease, Liability Less current obligations Finance Lease, Liability, Current Long-term lease obligations Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Equity [Abstract] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Matador Parent Company [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Eliminating Entries Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Total revenues Revenues Total expenses Costs and Expenses Operating (loss) income Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest Expense Other (expense) income Other Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Earnings in subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Total income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Matador Resources Company shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net loss on asset sales and inventory impairment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Cash paid related to lease liabilities Lessee, Cash Flow [Abstract] Lessee, Cash Flow [Abstract] Operating cash payments for operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Investing cash payments for operating leases Operating Lease, Payments, Use Financing cash payments for financing leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations entered into during the period Right-Of-Use Asset Obtained [Abstract] Right-Of-Use Asset Obtained [Abstract] Operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Financing leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] 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, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair value of notes Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Accounting Policies [Abstract] Disaggregation of revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table 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] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Other assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Operating lease liability Discount rate, present value of future revenue 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. Impairment charges Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Capitalized general and administrative costs Capitalized General And Administrative Costs Capitalized general and administrative costs. Interest costs capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Antidilutive securities (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount 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] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Property Contribution Property Contribution [Member] Property Contribution [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] San Mateo II San Mateo Midstream [Member] San Mateo Midstream [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Five Point Five Point [Member] Five Point [Member] Matador Resources Company Matador Resources Company [Member] Matador Resources Company [Member] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Corporate Joint Venture Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] San Mateo San Mateo [Member] San Mateo [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Performance-Based Stock Units Performance-Based Stock Units [Member] Performance-Based Stock Units [Member] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units To Be Settled In Cash Service-Based Restricted Stock Units To Be Settled In Cash [Member] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units To Be Settled In Cash [Member] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units Service-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares granted in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Options granted in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Vesting period of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Fair value 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 Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Due to related party Due to Related Parties Capital expenditures incurred Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid 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 related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Performance incentives earned Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives, Amount Recognized Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives, Amount Recognized Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [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] Summary of the valuation of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Assets (Liabilities) Asset (Liabilities) [Abstract] Asset liability. Derivative Asset Derivative Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Total Derivative, Fair Value, Net FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Disclosures [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures. 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 changes in Company's asset retirement obligations Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] 2026 Notes Offering 2026 Notes Offering [Member] 2026 Notes Offering [Member] Additional 2026 Notes Additional 2026 Notes [Member] Additional 2026 Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Segment Reporting [Abstract] SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] 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] Drilling Rig Leases Drilling Rig Leases [Member] Drilling Rig Leases [Member] Drilling Rig Leases And Other Equipment Rentals Drilling Rig Leases And Other Equipment Rentals [Member] Drilling Rig Leases And Other Equipment Rentals [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Lease operating Operating Lease Expense [Member] Operating Lease Expense [Member] Plant and other midstream services Oil and Gas Service [Member] General and administrative General and Administrative Expense [Member] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Operating leases Operating Lease, Cost Short-term leases Short-term Lease, Cost Financing leases Lease, Cost [Abstract] Depreciation of assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Total financing leases Finance Lease, Cost Finance Lease, Cost Total lease expense Lease, Cost Gross payments Other Payments For Leases Other Payments For Leases Incremental borrowing rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Selected financial information for segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] 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] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gross amounts of recognized assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Gross amounts netted in the condensed consolidated balance sheets 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 Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) derivatives Gross amounts netted in the condensed consolidated balance sheets Derivative Asset (Liability) Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative Asset (Liability) Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets Derivative Asset (Liability), Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Net SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental disclosures. Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] 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 Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Operating leases Asset And Liabilities, Lessee, Operating Leases [Abstract] Asset And Liabilities, Lessee, Operating Leases [Abstract] Other current liabilities Other long-term liabilities Total operating lease liabilities Financing leases Assets And Liabilities, Lessee, Finance Leases [Abstract] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee, Finance Leases [Abstract] Other property and equipment, at cost Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Gross Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Gross Accumulated depreciation Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Net property and equipment Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Other current liabilities Other long-term liabilities Total financing lease liabilities Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] Mineral Properties Mineral Properties [Member] Mineral Properties [Member] Midstream Properties Midstream Properties [Member] Midstream Properties [Member] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cash paid for interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Increase (decrease) in asset retirement obligations Increase (Decrease) in Asset Retirement Obligations 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 Increase in liabilities for midstream properties capital expenditures 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 senior notes Increase (Decrease) In Liabilities For Accrued Cost To Issue Senior Notes Increase (Decrease) In Liabilities For Accrued Cost To Issue Senior Notes Transfer of inventory from oil and natural gas properties Transfer of Inventory From (To) Oil and Natural Gas Properties Transfer of Inventory From (To) Oil and Natural Gas Properties Transfer of inventory to midstream properties Transfer of inventory to other property and equipment Transfer of inventory to other property and equipment SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Type of Reserve [Domain] Type of Reserve [Domain] Oil Oil [Member] Natural Gas Natural Gas [Member] 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 (loss) 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 Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Oil and natural gas revenues Oil and Gas [Member] Third-party midstream services revenues Natural Gas, Midstream [Member] Sales of purchased natural gas Natural Gas, Sales [Member] Natural Gas, Sales [Member] Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Exploration and Production Exploration and Production Segment [Member] Exploration and Production Segment [Member] Midstream Midstream Segment [Member] Midstream Segment Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Consolidations and Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Lease bonus - mineral acreage Lease Bonus, Mineral Acreage Income Lease Bonus, Mineral Acreage Income Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments Realized gain (loss) on derivatives Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives Expenses Total assets Assets Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Depletion, depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Capital expenditures attributable to non-controlling interest Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Noncontrolling Interest Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Noncontrolling Interest Capital expenditures attributable to land and seismic acquisition expenditures Payments To Acquire Productive Assets, Land And Seismic Acquisition Expenditures Payments To Acquire Productive Assets, Land And Seismic Acquisition Expenditures Derivative liability Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] NATURE OF OPERATIONS Nature of Operations [Text Block] 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 Accrued Evaluated and Unproved and Unevaluated Property Costs [Member] Accrued evaluated and unproved and unevaluated property costs. Accrued midstream property costs Accrued Support Equipment and Facilities Costs [Member] Accrued support equipment and facilities costs. 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] Other Other Accrued Liability [Member] Other Accrued Liability [Member] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental disclosures. Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Current period net (loss) income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income 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 Accretion of asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Prepayment premium on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) On Extinguishment Of Debt, Premium On Debt Redemption Gain (Loss) On Extinguishment Of Debt, Premium On Debt Redemption Deferred income tax provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amortization of debt issuance cost Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Net 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. 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 Midstream capital expenditures Payments To Acquire Midstream Capital Expenditures Payments To Acquire Midstream Capital Expenditures Expenditures for other property and equipment Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment 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 Repayments of Lines of Credit Borrowings under Credit Agreement Proceeds from Lines of Credit Borrowings under San Mateo Credit Facility Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Cost to amend credit facilities Payments of Debt Restructuring Costs Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Cost to issue senior unsecured notes Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Purchase of senior unsecured notes Repayments of Unsecured Debt Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Cost to issue equity Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Contributions related to formation of San Mateo I Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture Contributions from non-controlling interest owners of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Distributions to non-controlling interest owners of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Taxes paid related to net share settlement of stock-based compensation Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement Cash paid under financing lease obligations Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Increase in cash and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and restricted cash at end of period ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current [Abstract] Oil and natural gas revenues Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, 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 properties Natural Gas, Midstream Properties Natural Gas, Midstream 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 [Abstract] Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets 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 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] Borrowings under Credit Agreement Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Borrowings under San Mateo Credit Facility Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Senior unsecured notes payable Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, 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, 160,000,000 shares authorized; 116,880,345 and 116,374,503 shares issued; and 116,638,712 and 116,353,590 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, 241,633 and 20,913 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value 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 Revolving Credit Agreement [Table] Revolving Credit Agreement [Table] Revolving credit agreement. Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Third Amended Credit Agreement Third Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Third amended credit agreement. San Mateo Credit Facility San Mateo Credit Facility [Member] San Mateo Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Agreement [Line Items] Revolving Credit Agreement [Line Items] Revolving credit agreement. Long-term debt outstanding Long-term Debt Line of credit facility Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Oil revenues Oil Revenues [Member] Oil Revenues [Member] Natural gas revenues Natural Gas Revenues [Member] Natural Gas Revenues [Member] Total revenues from contracts with customers Oil and Natural Gas Revenues [Member] Oil and Natural Gas Revenues [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenues from contracts with customers Total revenue Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value Of Net Minimum Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value Of Net Minimum Payments Less imputed interest Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included In Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included In Payments Total lease obligations Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less current obligations Operating Lease Obligations, Current Operating Lease Obligations, Current Long-term lease obligations Operating Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Operating Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Financing Leases Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2023 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Less imputed interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Total lease obligations Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments Less current obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Open Option Contracts Written [Table] Open Option Contracts Written [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. Open Option Contracts Written [Line Items] Open Option Contracts Written [Line Items] Summary of contracts for oil and natural gas Open Option Contracts Written, Schedule of Investments [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] 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] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Matador Resources Company Parent [Member] Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries 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 Beginning balance Issuance of common stock pursuant to directors' and advisors' compensation plan (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, before Forfeiture Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock compensation plan Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, before Forfeiture Issuance of common stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Cost to issue equity Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Issuance of common stock pursuant to directors' and advisors' compensation plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services Issuance of common stock pursuant to directors’ and advisors’ compensation plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services Stock-based compensation expense related to equity-based awards including amounts capitalized APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Increase for Cost Recognition Stock options exercised, net of options forfeited in net share settlements (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock options exercised, net of options forfeited in net share settlements APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Recognition and Exercise Restricted stock forfeited (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Restricted stock forfeited Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Contribution related to formation of property 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 Ending Balance, shares Ending balance Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of options and restricted stock units Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash provided by financing activities Increase in borrowing base Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Increase In Borrowing Base Line of credit facility amended maximum borrowing capacity. Maximum borrowing commitment Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum facility amount Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Facility Amount Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Facility Amount Line of credit, accordian feature Line Of Credit Facility, Accordian Feature, Increase Limit Line Of Credit Facility, Accordian Feature, Increase Limit Contribution related to formation of San Mateo, tax Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital, Formation Of Joint Venture, Tax Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital, Formation Of Joint Venture, Tax Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] 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 and Fractionation Agreement Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement [Member] 2019 15-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement 2019 15-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] 2019 15-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] Operational Agreements Operational Agreements [Member] Operational Agreements [Member] Engineering, Procurement, Construction And Installation Of Processing Plant Engineering, Procurement, Construction And Installation Of Processing Plant [Member] Engineering, Procurement, Construction And Installation Of Processing Plant [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Rustler Breaks and Wolf Asset Area Rustler Breaks and Wolf Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks and Wolf Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks Asset Area Rustler Breaks Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks Asset Area Eddy County Eddy County [Member] Eddy County [Member] San Mateo Midstream Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Delivery Of Natural Gas And Oil Production To Third Parties Delivery Of Natural Gas And Oil Production To Third Parties [Member] Delivery Of Natural Gas And Oil Production To Third Parties [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Volume requirement commitment Other Commitment Payment for volume requirement agreement Payment For Other Commitment Payment For Other Commitment Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments and contingencies. Agreement term Supply Agreement, Term Supply Agreement, Term Contractual obligation Contractual Obligation Contract agreement term Related Party Transaction, Contract Agreement Term Related Party Transaction, Contract Agreement Term Term of contractual obligation Contractual Obligation, Term Contractual Obligation, Term Payments made under agreement Payment For Purchase Agreement Payment For Purchase Agreement Remaining obligation Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Fiscal Year 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 Divestitures during period Asset Retirement Obligation, Divestitures Asset Retirement Obligation, Divestitures Accretion expense Ending asset retirement obligations Less: current asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Long-term asset retirement obligations Lease, Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Lessee, Lease Terms Lessee, Lease Terms [Table Text Block] Lessee, Lease Terms [Table Text Block] Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Cash Total cash and restricted cash 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. Change in Accounting Principles and Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Total 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 Operating Lease, Expense Plant and other midstream services operating Cost of Goods and Services Sold Purchased natural gas Oil And Gas, Purchases Of Natural Gas Oil And Gas, Purchases Of Natural Gas General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total expenses Operating income Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Prepayment premium on extinguishment of debt Other expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred Net income Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Earnings 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) Diluted (shares) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Contract, Period [Axis] Derivative Contract, Period [Axis] Derivative Contract, Period [Axis] Derivative Contract, Period [Domain] Derivative Contract, Period [Domain] [Domain] for Derivative Contract, Period [Axis] Derivative Contract, Calculation Period One Derivative Contract, Calculation Period One [Member] Derivative Contract, Calculation Period One [Member] Derivative Contract, Calculation Period Two Derivative Contract, Calculation Period Two [Member] Derivative Contract, Calculation Period Two [Member] Derivative Contract, Calculation Period Three Derivative Contract, Calculation Period Three [Member] Derivative Contract, Calculation Period Three [Member] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Short Call Short [Member] Long Call Long [Member] Open Three-way Costless Collar Contracts Open Three-way Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open Three-way Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open Swap Collar Contracts Open Swap Contracts [Member] Open Swap Contracts [Member] Oil - WTI Oil - WTI [Member] Oil - WTI [Member] Natural Gas Oil Basis Swaps Oil Basis Swap [Member] Oil Basis Swap [Member] Derivative Asset (Liability), Net 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, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price 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 Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term Lessee, Lease Term [Abstract] Lessee, Lease Term [Abstract] Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Financing leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Cover page. Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key 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 EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Eliminating Entries Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Intercompany receivable Receivables, Intercompany Receivables, Intercompany Current assets Other Assets, Current Net property and equipment Investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Long-term assets Intercompany payable Payables, Intercompany Payables, Intercompany Current liabilities Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Senior unsecured notes payable Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Sundry Liabilities, Noncurrent Total equity attributable to Matador Resources Company Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Total liabilities and equity