| Cover | Aug. 28, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 31, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SANDRIDGE ENERGY, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-33784 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-8084793 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 123 Robert S. Kerr Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Oklahoma City |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OK |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 73102 |
| City Area Code | 405 |
| Local Phone Number | 429-5500 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | SD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001349436 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
