| Cover | Oct. 19, 2020 | Mar. 30, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 19, 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 | ||
| Trading Symbol | ||
| Security Exchange Name | ||
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
