Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Partnership Credit Facility [Member] Partnership Credit Facility [Member] Revolving credit facility entered into by Viper Energy Partners, LP, a subsidiary of the reporting entity. Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Number of interim redeterminations that may be requested Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Base, Number of Redeterminations Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Base, Number of Redeterminations Period of redeterminations (in months) Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Base, Period of Redetermination Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Base, Period of Redetermination Current borrowing base Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Basis spread on variable rate (percentage) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Quarterly commitment fee percentage based on unused portion of borrowing base Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Financial covenant, maximum issuance of unsecured debt Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Maximum Issuance of Additional Indebtedness Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Maximum Issuance of Additional Indebtedness Financial covenant, reduction of borrowing base (percentage) Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Decrease of Borrowing Base Upon Issuance of Additional Indebtedness, Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Decrease of Borrowing Base, Percentage Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes due 2025 [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes due 2025 [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes due 2025 [Member] Company Credit Facility [Member] Company Credit Facility [Member] Revolving credit facility entered into by Diamondback O&G, LLC. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Unamortized premium cost Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Ratio of total net debt to EBITDAX Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Ratio of Total Debt to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Exploration Expense Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Ratio of Total Debt to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Exploration Expense Ratio of current assets to liabilities, as defined in the credit agreement Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Ratio of Current Assets to Liabilities Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Ratio of Current Assets to Liabilities Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Oil and Gas Properties [Member] Oil and Gas Properties [Member] Other Property and Equipment, Net [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Oil and natural gas properties: Oil and Gas Property [Abstract] Subject to depletion Capitalized Costs, Proved Properties Not subject to depletion Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization, Cumulative Gross oil and natural gas properties Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Gross Accumulated depletion and depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated impairment Capitalized Costs Accumulated Impairment Capitalized costs of accumulated impairment for oil and natural gas properties Oil and natural gas properties, net Capitalized Costs, Oil and Gas Producing Activities, Net Midstream assets Midstream Assets Midstream Assets Other property, equipment and land Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Net property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Balance of costs not subject to depletion: Capitalized Costs of Unproved Properties Excluded from Amortization, Period Cost Capitalized internal costs Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities Timing of inclusion of costs in amortization calculation Timing of inclusion of costs in amortization calculation The period of time over which it is anticipated that unevaluated costs will be included in the amortization base of oil and gas properties. Exploration costs or development costs not subject to depletion Exploration costs or development costs not subject to depletion Exploration costs or development costs not subject to depletion Capitalized interest not subject to depletion Capitalized interest not subject to depletion Capitalized interest not subject to depletion Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Current assets: derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Current Noncurrent assets: derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Total assets Derivative Asset Current liabilities: derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Noncurrent liabilities: derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Total liabilities Derivative Liability Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Additions to oil and natural gas properties Payments to Explore and Develop Oil and Gas Properties, Including Related Party Payments to Explore and Develop Oil and Gas Properties, Including Related Party Additions to midstream assets Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Equipment Purchase of other property, equipment and land Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets Acquisition of leasehold interests Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property Acquisition of mineral interests Payments to Acquire Mineral Rights Acquisition of midstream assets Payments to Acquire Midstream Assets Payments to Acquire Midstream Assets Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Funds held in escrow Increase (Decrease) in Deposit Assets Equity investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Intercompany transfers Intercompany Transfers, Investing Activities Intercompany Transfers, Investing Activities Investment in real estate Payments to Acquire Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from borrowing under credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayment under credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Proceeds from senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Purchase of subsidiary units by parent Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Public offering costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Proceeds from public offerings Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Contributions to subsidiaries Payments Related to Tax Exchange Unit Conversion Payments Related to Tax Exchange Unit Conversion Contributions by members Contributions Related to Tax Exchange Unit Conversion Contributions Related to Tax Exchange Unit Conversion Distributions from subsidiary Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from unit options exercised Proceeds From Unit Options Exercised Amount of cash inflow from exercise of unit options granter under unit-based compensation arrangement. Dividends to stockholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Distributions to non-controlling interest Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Intercompany transfers Intercompany Transfers, Financing Activities Intercompany Transfers, Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Equity Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Alliance with Obsidian Resources, L.L.C. [Table] Alliance with Obsidian Resources, L.L.C. [Table] Alliance with Obsidian Resources, L.L.C. [Table] Alliance with Obsidian Resources [Axis] Alliance with Obsidian Resources [Axis] Alliance with Obsidian Resources [Axis] Alliance with Obsidian Resources [Domain] Alliance with Obsidian Resources [Domain] [Domain] for Alliance with Obsidian Resources [Axis] Alliance with Obsidian Resources, L.L.C. [Line Items] Alliance with Obsidian Resources, L.L.C. [Line Items] [Line Items] for Alliance with Obsidian Resources, L.L.C. [Table] Line of Credit Facility, Elected Borrowing Base Line of Credit Facility, Elected Borrowing Base Line of Credit Facility, Elected Borrowing Base Maximum Funding Amount Through Joint Venture Maximum Funding Amount Through Joint Venture Maximum Funding Amount Through Joint Venture Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring and nonrecurring basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Revolving credit facility Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure Senior Notes Loans Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Two-Year [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Three-Year [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Equity Plan [Member] Equity Plan [Member] The Company's Equity Incentive Plan Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Performance shares, performance period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Number of shares authorized to be awarded, percent of initial awards received Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized, Percent of Shares Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized, Percent of Shares Granted Awards & Units (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Unvested at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Unvested at September 30, 2018 Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Unvested at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at September 30, 2018 Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Maximum Award Potential Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Maximum Award Potential The maximum number of shares that can be awarded assuming maximum performance earned. Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation cost, period of recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Equity [Abstract] Basic: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income attributable to common stock Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic weighted average common units outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic net income attributable to common stock Earnings Per Share, Basic Effect of Dilutive Securities: Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Dilutive effect of potential common shares issuable (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted net income attributable to common stock Earnings Per Share, Diluted Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Viper Energy Partners LP Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Viper Energy Partners LP Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Viper Energy Partners LP Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member] Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member] Aggregate fair value of share-based awards that vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Outstanding at September 30, 2018 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at September 30, 2018 Weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Intrinsic value of options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Schedule of reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Receivables, Net, Current Accounts receivable - related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Intercompany receivable Intercompany Receivable Intercompany Receivable Inventories Inventory, Net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment: Oil and natural gas properties, at cost, based on the full cost method of accounting Midstream assets Pipeline and Gas Gathering Assets Pipeline and Gas Gathering Assets Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment Funds held in escrow Deposits Assets, Noncurrent Investment in subsidiaries Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries Deferred tax asset Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Investment in real estate, net Real Estate Investments, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable-trade Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Intercompany payable Intercompany Payable Intercompany Payable Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Derivative instruments Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Diamondback Energy, Inc. [Member] Diamondback Energy, Inc. [Member] Diamondback Energy, Inc. [Member] Viper Energy Partners LP [Member] Viper Energy Partners LP [Member] Viper Energy Partners LP [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Oil sales Oil Exploration and Production [Member] Process related to upstream activity for viscous liquid derived from petroleum occurring naturally underground. Activity includes, but is not limited to, exploration, development and production. Natural gas sales Natural Gas, Production [Member] Natural gas liquid sales Natural Gas Liquids Production [Member] Process related to upstream activity for viscous liquid derived from flammable gas occurring naturally underground. Royalty [Member] Royalty [Member] Midstream services Natural Gas, Midstream [Member] Gathering and Transportation [Member] Gathering and Transportation [Member] Gathering and Transportation [Member] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Lease bonus Lease bonus Amount received to extend the lease term. Other operating income Other Operating Income Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Lease operating expenses Operating Lease, Expense Production and ad valorem taxes Production Tax Expense Cost of Goods and Services Sold Cost of Goods and Services Sold Depreciation, depletion and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization General and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Asset retirement obligation accretion Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Other operating expense Other Cost and Expense, Operating Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Income (loss) from operations Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense): Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Gain (loss) on revaluation of investment Gain (Loss) on Investments Total other income (expense), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to non-controlling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Viper Energy Partners LP [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Interest in Viper Energy Partners LP (percentage) Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent The effects of stock-based compensation plans and related costs Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of restricted stock units Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of grant-date fair values of performance restricted stock units granted and related assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of performance restricted stock units activity Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Performance-Based Units, Vested and Expected to Vest [Table Text Block] Partnership unit options activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Phantom units activity Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Fair value measurement information for financial instruments measured on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair value measurement information for financial instruments measured on a nonrecurring basis Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Viper Energy Partners LP Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Company Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] Medium-term Notes, Series A [Member] Medium-term Notes, Series A, Due July 28, 2022 [Member] Medium-term Notes, Series A, Due July 28, 2022 [Member] Medium-term Notes, Series A, Due July 28, 2027 [Member] Medium-term Notes, Series A, Due July 28, 2027 [Member] Medium-term Notes, Series A, Due July 28, 2027 [Member] Medium-term Notes, Series B [Member] Medium-term Notes, Series B [Member] Medium-term Notes, Series B [Member] Delaware Basin Interests [Member] Delaware Basin Interests [Member] Leasehold interests and related assets acquired in the Delaware Basin. Energen Corporation Acquisition [Member] Energen Corporation Acquisition [Member] Energen Corporation Acquisition [Member] Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Ajax Acquisition [Member] Ajax Acquisition [Member] Ajax Acquisition [Member] Investment in real estate Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Pending Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Amount of long-term debt due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, to be assumed at the close of the pending acquisition date. Tier One Acres to be Acquired Combined Tier One Acres After Close of Pending Acquisition Combined Tier One Acres After Close of Pending Acquisition Current Tier One Acreage Current Tier One Acreage Current Tier One Acreage Combined Net Acreage After Close of Pending Acquisition Combined Net Acreage After Close of Pending Acquisition Combined Net Acreage After Close of Pending Acquisition Current Net Acreage Current Net Acreage Current Net Acreage Net acres acquired Net acres acquired Net acres acquired Mineral Properties Acquired, Gross Acres Mineral Properties Acquired, Gross Acres Mineral Properties Acquired, Gross Acres Mineral Properties Acquired, Net Royalty Acres Mineral Properties Acquired, Net Royalty Acres The amount of net royalty acres acquired. Net royalty acres are defined as gross acreage multiplied by the average royalty interest. Percentage of mineral acres operated by affiliate Percentage of mineral acres operated by affiliate Percentage of mineral acres operated by affiliate. Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Payments to acquire leasehold interests and related assets Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Number of shares issued to acquire leasehold interests and related assets Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Shares Held in Escrow Shares Held in Escrow Shares held in escrow Gross acres acquired Oil and Gas Area, Gross Developed and undeveloped gross acres Net acres acquired Oil and Gas Area, Net Developed and undeveloped gross acres Acquisition of leasehold interests Acquisition of midstream assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Proved Oil and Gas Properties Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Proved Oil and Gas Properties Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Proved Oil and Gas Properties Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Unevaluated Oil and Natural Gas Properties Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Unevaluated Oil and Natural Gas Properties Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Unevaluated Oil and Natural Gas Properties Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Midstream Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Midstream Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Midstream Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Prepaid Costs Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Prepaid Costs Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Prepaid Costs Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Oil Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Revenues Payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Revenues Payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Revenues Payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Direct Operating Expenses since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Direct Operating Expenses since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Direct Operating Expenses since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income from Operations Pro forma income (loss) from operations Amount before tax of pro forma income (loss) from continuing operations as if the business combination had been completed at the beginning of a period. Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Ex Transition Period Entity Ex Transition Period Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Federal Income Tax Note [Table] Federal Income Tax Note [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investments [Domain] Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items] Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items] Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Discrete income tax benefit recorded during the period Discrete income tax benefit related to equity based compensation recorded during the period Discrete income tax benefit related to equity-based compensation recorded during the period. Discrete income tax benefit related to deferred taxes recorded during the period Discrete income tax benefit related to deferred taxes recorded during the period Discrete income tax benefit related to deferred taxes recorded during the period Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Financial Covenants Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities, Covenant Terms [Table Text Block] Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities, Covenant Terms [Table Text Block] Guarantor Financial Statements Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] WTI Cushing Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] WTI Cushing Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] WTI Cushing Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] WTI Cushing Oil Swaps 2019 [Member] WTI Cushing Oil Swaps 2019 [Member] WTI Cushing Oil Swaps 2019 [Member] WTI Magellan East Houston Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] WTI Magellan East Houston Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] WTI Magellan East Houston Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] WTI Magellan East Houston Oil Swaps 2019 [Member] WTI Magellan East Houston Oil Swaps 2019 [Member] WTI Magellan East Houston Oil Swaps 2019 [Member] BRENT Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] BRENT Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] BRENT Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] BRENT Oil Swaps 2019 [Member] BRENT Oil Swaps 2019 [Member] BRENT Oil Swaps 2019 [Member] Oil Basis Swaps 2018 [Member] Oil Basis Swaps 2018 [Member] 2018 Oil Basis Swaps Oil Basis Swaps 2019 [Member] Oil Basis Swaps 2019 [Member] Oil Basis Swaps 2019 [Member] Natural Gas Swaps 2018 [Member] Natural Gas Swaps 2018 [Member] 2018 Natural Gas Swaps Natural Gas Swaps 2019 [Member] Natural Gas Swaps 2019 [Member] Natural Gas Swaps 2019 [Member] 2018 Three-Way Collars - WTI Magellan East Houston [Member] 2018 Three-Way Collars - WTI Magellan East Houston [Member] 2018 Three-Way Collars - WTI Magellan East Houston [Member] 2019 Three-Way Collars - WTI Cushing [Member] 2019 Three-Way Collars - WTI [Member] 2019 Three-Way Collars - WTI [Member] 2019 Three-Way Collars - BRENT [Member] 2019 Three-Way Collars - BRENT [Member] 2019 Three-Way Collars - BRENT [Member] 2019 Three-Way Collars - WTI Magellan East Houston [Member] 2019 Three-Way Collars - WTI Magellan East Houston [Member] 2019 Three-Way Collars - WTI Magellan East Houston [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Volume (Bbls) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume Volume (MMBtu) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure Fixed Swap Price (in dollars per bbl) Derivative, Swap Type, Fixed Price Short put price (per Bbl) Derivative, Sub Floor Price Sub floor rate on a price risk derivative. A receipt is triggered if the settlement price for any settlement period is less than the ceiling price to a maximum difference between the floor price and the sub floor price. Floor price (per Bbl) Derivative, Floor Price Ceiling price (per Bbl) Derivative, Cap Price Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Schedule of derivative instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Gross amounts of assets presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net amounts of assets presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross amounts of liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Net amounts of liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [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] Provision for deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Depreciation, depletion and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Excluding Amortization of Financing Costs Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Excluding Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Change in fair value of derivative instruments Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Income from equity investment Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Gain on revaluation of investment (Gain) Loss on Revaluation of Investments (Gain) Loss on Revaluation of Investments Equity-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable-related party Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities-related party Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Accrued interest Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Income tax payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Revenues and royalties payable Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to oil and natural gas properties Payments to Explore and Develop Oil and Gas Properties Acquisition of leasehold interests Proceeds from sale of assets Funds held in escrow Equity investments Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility Debt issuance costs Public offering costs Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Change in accrued capital expenditures Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Capital Expenditures Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Capital Expenditures Capitalized stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Common stock issued for oil and natural gas properties Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial or Equity Instrument Consideration, Shares Issued Asset retirement obligations acquired Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Acquired The increase in asset retirement obligations related to properties acquired. Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Wexford [Member] Wexford [Member] Wexford Capital LP, the equity sponsor of the reporting entity prior to the initial public offering, that continues to own common stock in the reporting entity and is affiliated with the Chairman of the Board prior to January 1, 2017. Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Advisory Services Agreement [Member] Advisory Services Agreement [Member] Advisory Services Agreement [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction, Annual Fee for Advisory Services with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Annual Fee for Advisory Services with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Annual Fee for Advisory Services with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Original Term for Advisory Services with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Original Term for Advisory Services with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Original Term for Advisory Services with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Renewal Term for Advisory Services with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Renewal Term for Advisory Services with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Renewal Term for Advisory Services with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Minimum Period for Cancellation of Renewal Term Related Party Transaction, Minimum Period for Cancellation of Renewal Term Related Party Transaction, Minimum Period for Cancellation of Renewal Term Payments for Operating Activities Payments for Operating Activities Revenue from Related Parties Revenue from Related Parties Number of leases extended Number of leases extended Number of leases extended Average price per acre Average price per acre Average price per acre Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Balance at beginning of period, shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Net proceeds from issuance of common units - Viper Energy Partners LP Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-01, net of tax Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Unit-based compensation Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Unit-based Compensation Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Unit-based Compensation Common units issued for acquisition Noncontrolling Interest, Units Issued During the Period Pursuant to Acquisitions Noncontrolling Interest, Units Issued During the Period Pursuant to Acquisitions Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Distribution to non-controlling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Common shares issued in public offering, net of offering costs Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Common shares issued for acquisition Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Dividend paid Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Common shares issued for acquisition, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net Exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Balance at end of period Balance at end of period, shares ExL Acquisition [Member] ExL Acquisition [Member] ExL Acquisition [Member] Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] Oil Swaps 2018 [Member] 2018 Oil Swaps [Member] Divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, amount Divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, amount Divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, amount Divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, gross acreage Divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, gross acreage Divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, gross acreage Divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, net acreage Divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, net acreage Divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, net acreage Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividends declared per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends Payable, Date of Record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Schedule of netting offsets of derivative assets and liabilities Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheet Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Summary of derivative contract gains and losses included in the consolidated statements of operations Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Follow-on Public Offering [Member] Follow-on Public Offering [Member] Follow-on Public Offering Over-Allotment Option [Member] Over-Allotment Option [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Executive Officer [Member] Executive Officer [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Repayments of Lines of Credit Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] HMW Fluid Management LLC [Member] HMW Fluid Management LLC [Member] HMW Fluid Management LLC, a limited liability company formed to develop, own and operate an integrated water management system to gather, store, process, treat, distribute and dispose of water to exploration and production companies operating in Midland, Martin and Andrews Counties, Texas. Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Amount invested in equity method investments Income from equity method investments Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accounts receivable: Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Joint interest and other Oil and Gas Joint Interest Billing Receivables, Current Oil and natural gas sales Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Derivative instruments Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method of accounting ($4,283,629 and $4,105,865 excluded from amortization at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively) Investment in real estate, net Accrued capital expenditures Accrued Capital Expenditures Accrued Capital Expenditures Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Revenues and royalties payable Deferred Revenue, Current Derivative instruments Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 98,673,563 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018; 98,167,289 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Diamondback Energy, Inc. stockholders’ equity Total equity Total liabilities and equity Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] General and Administrative Expense [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member] Non-cash stock based compensation, net of capitalized amount Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Changes in ARO liability Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset retirement obligations, beginning of period Asset Retirement Obligation Additional liabilities incurred Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Liabilities acquired Liabilities settled Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Accretion expense Revisions in estimated liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Asset retirement obligations, end of period Less current portion Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Asset retirement obligations - long-term Change in fair value of open non-hedge derivative instruments Gain (loss) on settlement of non-hedge derivative instruments Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives Gain (loss) on derivative instruments Gathering and transportation Natural Gas, Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing [Member] Lease bonus Depreciation, depletion and amortization General and administrative expenses (including non-cash equity-based compensation, net of capitalized amounts, of $5,350 and $6,187 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $18,451 and $19,418 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively) Total costs and expenses Income from operations Other income, net Total other income (expense), net Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income Net income attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. Earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] General and administrative expenses Equity-based compensation capitalized pursuant to full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas properties Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Vested Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Senior Unsecured Additional Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Unsecured Additional Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Unsecured Additional Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Unsecured Additional Notes due 2025 [Member] Senior Unsecured Additional Notes due 2025 [Member] Senior Unsecured Additional Notes due 2025 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 [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member] Aggregate principal amount Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Debt Instrument Percentage Eligible for Redemption Debt Instrument Percentage Eligible for Redemption Maximum amount of debt which is eligible to be redeemed during the specified redemption period. Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] General Partner [Member] General Partner [Member] Partnership Agreement [Member] Partnership Agreement [Member] Partnership Agreement [Member] Tax Sharing Agreement [Member] Tax Sharing Agreement [Member] Tax sharing agreement between Diamondback and Viper Units of Partnership Interest, Amount Units of Partnership Interest, Amount Other Partners' Capital Class B Units Outstanding Number of Class B units of ownership outstanding of a limited liability company (LLC). Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest General Partners' Contributed Capital General Partners' Contributed Capital Limited Partners' Contributed Capital Limited Partners' Contributed Capital Limited partners capital account, percentage of distribution Limited partners capital account, percentage of distribution The percentage of limited partners' capital account distributed. Number of Class B Units Converted Number of Class B Units Converted Number of Class B Units Converted Partners' Capital Account, Units, Converted Partners' Capital Account, Units, Converted Limited Partners' Capital Account, Distribution Amount Limited Partners' Capital Account, Distribution Amount Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Fixed price swaps Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract] Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Cumulative effect due to the impact of adoption of ASU 2016.01 Cost Method Investments Cost Method Investments Funds Held in Escrow [Abstract] Funds Held in Escrow [Abstract] Funds Held in Escrow [Abstract] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block] Risk-free rate (percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Company volatility (percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Oil and natural gas properties, amortization excluded Common Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Shares Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Shares Outstanding