| Cover Document | Oct. 27, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 27, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Concho Resources Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-33615 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 76-0818600 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | One Concho Center |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 600 West Illinois Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Midland |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 79701 |
| City Area Code | 432 |
| Local Phone Number | 683-7443 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CXO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001358071 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
