| Cover | Mar. 31, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 31, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | EXTRACTION OIL & GAS, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001655020 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-37907 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-1473923 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 370 17th Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 5300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Denver |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80202 |
| City Area Code | 720 |
| Local Phone Number | 557-8300 |
| 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 $0.01 |
| Trading Symbol | XOG |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
