Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Unsecured Debt Unsecured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes Due 2023 Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] 2026 Notes Offering 2026 Notes Offering [Member] 2026 Notes Offering [Member] Additional 2026 Notes Additional 2026 Notes [Member] Additional 2026 Notes [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Senior unsecured notes payable Debt Instrument, Face Amount Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Percentage of principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Proceeds from issuance of unsecured debt Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) On Extinguishment Of Debt, Premium On Debt Redemption Gain (Loss) On Extinguishment Of Debt, Premium On Debt Redemption Repayments of debt Payments To Holders Of Debt Payments To Holders Of Debt Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt redemption price, percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Threshold percentage of outstanding principal remaining Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Threshold Percentage of Outstanding Principal Remaining Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Threshold Percentage of Outstanding Principal Amount Remaining Redemption period Debt Instrument, Redemption Period Debt Instrument, Redemption Period Threshold percentage of principle Debt Instrument, Covenant, Threshold Percentage Of Principle Debt Instrument, Covenant, Threshold Percentage Of Principle Default period Debt Instrument, Covenant, Default Period, When Due Of Interest Debt Instrument, Covenant, Default Period, When Due Of Interest Period after notice to comply Debt Instrument, Covenant, Failure To Comply With Reporting Obligations, Period After Notice Debt Instrument, Covenant, Failure To Comply With Reporting Obligations, Period After Notice Period after notice to comply with other agreements Debt Instrument, Covenant, Failure To Comply With Other Agreements, Period After Notice Debt Instrument, Covenant, Failure To Comply With Other Agreements, Period After Notice Maximum aggregate payment defaults and accelerations Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Aggregate Payment Defaults And Accelerations Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Aggregate Payment Defaults And Accelerations Maximum outstanding judgments Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Outstanding Judgements Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Outstanding Judgements Maximum outstanding judgements, payment period Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Outstanding Judgements, Payment Period Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Outstanding Judgements, Payment Period Long-term line of credit Long-term Line of Credit Long-term debt Long-term Debt Retirement Benefits [Abstract] EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash 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 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Royalties payable Accrued Royalties, Current Amounts due to affiliates Due to Affiliate, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Advances from joint interest owners Advances From Joint Interest Owners For Costs Incurred On Joint Interest Wells Amounts received from joint interest owners in advance of costs being incurred on wells in which they have a joint interest. 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 Long-term Line of Credit Borrowings under San Mateo Credit Facility Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent 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 (Note 13) Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock — $0.01 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized; 116,374,503 and 108,513,597 shares issued; and 116,353,590 and 108,510,160 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, 20,913 and 3,437 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total 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 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] 2003 Stock and Incentive Plan Stock Based Compensation Two Thousand and Three Stock and Incentive Plan [Member] Stock Based Compensation Two Thousand and Three Stock and Incentive Plan [Member] 2012 Incentive Plan Stock Based Compensation Two Thousand Twelve Incentive Plan [Member] Stock Based Compensation Two Thousand Twelve 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 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] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Net income (loss) attributable to Matador Resources Company shareholders — numerator Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Weighted average common shares outstanding — denominator Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of options and restricted stock units (in shares) 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 attributable to Matador Resources Company shareholders Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Total (usd per share) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVESTITURES Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] 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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Options exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period 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) Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Employee Stock Option Restricted Stock Service Based Restricted Stock Service Based [Member] Restricted stock service based. Restricted Stock Units Service Based Restricted Stock Units Service Based [Member] Restricted stock units service based. Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Summary of non-vested stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Non-vested Shares, Beginning Balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Shares Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Shares Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Shares Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Non-vested Shares, Ending Balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted average fair value, Beginning Balance (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, 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) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] 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] Current assets Other Current Assets [Member] Long-term liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Current liabilities Other Current 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 Derivative Liability Total Derivative, Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative Asset (Liability) Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative Asset (Liability) Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative Asset (Liability), Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Net 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 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] $9.00 Range One [Member] Range one. $13.22 - $15.00 Range Two [Member] Range two. $19.71 - $22.70 Range Three [Member] Range Three [Member] $23.40 - $29.68 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] 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 Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy 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] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Summary of the valuation of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract] Assets (Liabilities) Asset (Liabilities) [Abstract] Asset liability. Oil derivatives and basis swaps Natural gas derivatives 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. Percentage depletion carryover Deferred Tax Asset, Noncurrent Attributable to Percentage Depletion Carryover Deferred Tax Asset, Noncurrent Attributable to Percentage Depletion Carryover 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 Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other 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] Unrealized gain on derivatives Deferred Tax Liabilities Derivatives Non Current Deferred tax liabilities derivatives non current. 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 assets Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] 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 Accrued Evaluated and Unproved and Unevaluated Property Costs [Member] Accrued evaluated and unproved and unevaluated property costs. Accrued midstream properties 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] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental disclosures. Summary of current accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total accrued liabilities Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current 2021 2022 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] 2023 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] 2024 and thereafter Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member] Redemption Price Common stock, par value (usd per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of changes in Company's asset retirement obligations Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] 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, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities 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 Increase (decrease) in asset retirement obligations related to midstream properties Increase (Decrease) in Asset Retirement Obligations, Support Equipment and Facilities Increase (Decrease) in Asset Retirement Obligations, Support Equipment and Facilities (Decrease) increase 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 Increase (decrease) 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. 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 (benefit) 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. Increase in liabilities for accrued cost to issue debt 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 (to) 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 midstream and other property and equipment Transfer of inventory to other property and equipment Transfer of inventory to other property and equipment Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [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 Public Stock Offering [Member] Public Stock Offering [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Shares issued (in shares) Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Offering costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Repayment of debt Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Consideration received on sale of stock Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Issuance cost of equity Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Preferred shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [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] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Lease bonus - mineral acreage Lease Bonus, Mineral Acreage Income Lease Bonus, Mineral Acreage Income Realized gain (loss) on derivatives Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives 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 Operating Lease, Expense Plant and other midstream services operating Cost of Services, Oil and Gas Purchased natural gas Oil And Gas, Purchases Of Natural Gas Oil And Gas, Purchases Of Natural Gas Depletion, depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Accretion of asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Full-cost ceiling impairment Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Net (loss) gain on asset sales and inventory impairment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Interest expense Interest Expense Prepayment premium on extinguishment of debt Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other (expense) income 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 Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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 Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Diluted (in shares) 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 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 Wolf Asset Area Wolf Asset Area [Member] Loving County, Texas [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Five Point Five Point [Member] Five Point [Member] 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 Midstream San Mateo Midstream [Member] San Mateo Midstream [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] EnLink 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 Subsidiary ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage 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 Natural gas capacity, MMcf per day Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Available Amounts to be Received 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 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] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units Service-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance-Based Stock Units Performance-Based Stock Units [Member] Performance-Based Stock Units [Member] Class A Common Class A [Member] Common stock Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [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) 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 Restricted stock or unit expenses Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Restricted stock grants (in shares) Restricted stock grants (in shares) 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 Vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage 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 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 Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 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 Total expenses Net loss on asset sales and inventory impairment Interest expense Prepayment penalty on extinguishment of debt Other income Other Income Earnings in subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax Total income tax benefit Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Instrument Redemption Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Oil Oil [Member] Natural gas revenues Natural Gas [Member] Third-party midstream services revenues Sales of purchased natural gas Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenue from contract with customer Lease bonus - mineral acreage Realized gain on derivatives Unrealized gain on derivatives EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] 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] 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 Current income tax (benefit) provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal income tax Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State income tax Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Net current income tax benefit Deferred income tax (benefit) provision Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits [Abstract] Federal income tax Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State income tax Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net deferred income tax benefit 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 Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Permanent differences Income Tax Reconciliation Permanent Differences Income tax reconciliation permanent differences. AMT credit refundable Income Tax Reconciliation Income Federal Alternative Minimum Tax Income tax reconciliation income federal alternative minimum tax. AMT credit refundable 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 Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount 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 current income tax benefit Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income (loss) 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 Prepayment premium on extinguishment of debt Prepayment Premium On Extinguishment Of Debt Prepayment Premium On Extinguishment Of Debt Deferred income tax benefit Amortization of debt issuance cost Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Net loss (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 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 Long-term Debt Borrowings under Credit Agreement Proceeds from Lines of Credit Borrowings under San Mateo Credit Facility Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Cost to enter into or amend credit facilities Payments of Financing Costs Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes Swing Sale Profit Swing Sale Profit 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 Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Contributions related to formation of Joint Venture Capital Contributed to Corporate Joint Ventures Capital Contributed to Corporate Joint Ventures 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 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 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 year Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and restricted cash at end of year Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] The Bank Of Nova Scotia The Bank Of Nova Scotia [Member] The Bank Of Nova Scotia [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Federal Funds Effective Rate Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] Adjusted LIBO Rate Adjusted LIBO Rate [Member] Adjusted LIBO Rate [Member] Statutory Reserve Rate Statutory Reserve Rate [Member] Statutory Reserve Rate [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Libor Rate Libor Rate [Member] LIBOR rate. Base Rate Loan Base Rate Loan [Member] Base rate loan. Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Eurodollar Eurodollar [Member] Federal Funds Effective Rate Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member] Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member] Third Amended Credit Agreement Third Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Third amended credit agreement. Credit Agreement Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement [Member] San Mateo Credit Facility San Mateo Credit Facility [Member] San Mateo Credit Facility [Member] Secured debt, percentage of mortgages used as security Debt Instrument, Secured Debt, Percentage Of OIl And Gas Properties Debt Instrument, Secured Debt, Percentage Of OIl And Gas Properties 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. Decrease in borrowing rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease) Leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Leverage Ratio 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 Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Additional interest rate Line of Credit Additional Interest Rate Line of credit additional interest rate. Commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage EBITDA ratio, debt outstanding, cash and cash equivalents limit Line Of Credit Facility, Covenant, Cash And Cash Equivalent Limit Line Of Credit Facility, Covenant, Cash And Cash Equivalent Limit Debt to EBITDA ratio covenant Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Debt to EBITDA Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Debt to EBITDA Ratio Accordian feature, increase limit Line Of Credit Facility, Accordian Feature, Increase Limit Line Of Credit Facility, Accordian Feature, Increase Limit Deferred loan costs Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Gross Debt outstanding Secured Debt Interest coverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] BLM Acquisition BLM Acquisition [Member] BLM Acquisition [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Acres of land, gross Area of Land Acres of land, net Area of Land, Net Acres Area of Land, Net Acres Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Amortization costs Cost Incurred On Proved Reserves Transferred To Amortization Base Cost incurred on proved reserves transferred to amortization base. Exploration costs Exploration Costs, Cumulative Development wells Development Costs, Cumulative Anticipated amount for wells Capitalized Costs, Wells and Related Equipment and Facilities Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Short Short [Member] Long Long [Member] 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] 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 Three-way Costless Collar Contracts Open Three-way Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open Three-way Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open costless collar contracts Open Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open costless collar contracts. Open Swap Contracts Open Swap Contracts [Member] Open Swap Contracts [Member] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Type of Reserve [Domain] Type of Reserve [Domain] Oil - WTI Oil - WTI [Member] Oil - WTI [Member] Natural Gas Natural Gas, Calculation Period One [Member] Natural Gas, Calculation Period One [Member] Oil, Calculation Period Two Oil, Calculation Period Two [Member] Oil, Calculation Period Two [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] 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) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Weighted Average Price Floor (usd per Bbl) Derivative, Floor Price Weighted Average Price Ceiling (usd per Bbl) Derivative, Cap Price Fair Value of Asset (Liability) Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Fixed price (usd per Bbl) Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price Derivative liability Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Consolidations and Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [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 Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of business segments Number of Operating Segments Expenses Assets Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 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 Impairment charge of net capitalized costs Payments to acquire productive assets Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Noncontrolling Interest Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Noncontrolling Interest Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [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] Operational Agreements Operational Agreements [Member] Operational Agreements [Member] Matador Resources Company Matador Resources Company [Member] Matador Resources Company [Member] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Ownership percentage Commitment to pay, amount Due to Related Parties Capital expenditures incurred Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Contract agreement term Related Part Transaction, Contract Agreement Term Related Part Transaction, Contract Agreement Term Minimum contractual obligation Contractual Obligation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] NATURE OF OPERATIONS Nature of Operations [Text Block] 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 Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Natural Gas NGLs Natural Gas Liquids [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Revenues Revenues [Member] Revenues. Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Summary of location and aggregate fair value of all derivative financial instruments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract] Total Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax 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) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards 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 Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] 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] 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 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. Total cash and restricted cash Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] 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 Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury stock Treasury Stock [Member] Parent Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance, shares (in shares) Issuance of Class A common stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of Class A common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock compensation plan, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plan Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock compensation plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan 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 Stock options exercised, net of options forfeited in net share settlements Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Cost to issue equity 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 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 Cancellation of treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Cancellation of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Net (loss) income Ending Balance, shares (in shares) Ending Balance SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental disclosures. 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 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] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Accumulated Deficit Machinery and Equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Plains Marketing, L.P. Plains Marketing, L.P. [Member] Plains Marketing, L.P. [Member] Shell Trading (US) Company Shell Trading (US) Company [Member] Shell Trading (US) Company [Member] BP America Production Company BP America Production Company [Member] BP America Production Company [Member] Occidental Energy Marketing, Inc. Occidental Energy Marketing, Inc. [Member] Occidental Energy Marketing, Inc. [Member] Western Refining Oil Western Refining Oil [Member] Western Refining Oil [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Contract term after production Contract With Customer, Contract Term, After Production Contract With Customer, Contract Term, After Production Stock-based compensation (non-cash) expense Capitalized general and administrative costs Capitalized General And Administrative Costs Capitalized general and administrative costs. Accounts receivable due period Accounts Receivable Due Period Accounts receivable due period. Cost of revenue Cost of Goods and Services Sold 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 Number of purchasers Number of Purchasers Number of purchasers. Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage 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 Useful life using the straight-line Useful Life Using Straight Line Useful life using straight line. Useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Common stock and restricted stock unit expense Common Stock And Restricted Stock Expense Common stock and restricted stock expense. RIght-of-use asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of future minimum lease payments required under the office lease agreement Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 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 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due 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 used in investing activities Net cash provided by financing activities Schedule of future minimum lease payments required under the office lease agreement Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [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] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Axis] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Axis] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Domain] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Domain] Natural Gas Transportation Agreement Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas, Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing Natural Gas, Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing [Member] Transportation Fees Transportation Fees [Member] Transportation Fees [Member] Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement [Member] 16-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement 16-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] 16-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] 10-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement 10-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] 10-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] Eddy County 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 Loving County System Agreement [Member] Loving County System Agreement [Member] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Drilling Rig Commitments Drilling Rig Commitments [Member] Drilling Rig Commitments [Member] 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] Field Compression and Amine Gas Treatment Field Compression and Amine Gas Treatment [Member] Field Compression and Amine Gas Treatment [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 Contractual obligation Processing and gathering fees 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 Long-term purchase commitment, remaining obligation Long-term Purchase Commitment, Remaining Obligation Long-term Purchase Commitment, Remaining Obligation 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. Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, 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] 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] 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] Pipe and other equipment Pipelines [Member] Fair value of notes payable Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Impairment charge for equipments held in inventory Inventory Write-down 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] 2018 Current Year [Member] Current Year [Member] 2017 Prior Year [Member] Prior Year [Member] 2016 Two Years Prior [Member] Two Years Prior [Member] 2015 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 Total unproved and unevaluated