| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 06, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-2636730 |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80203 |
| City Area Code | 303 |
| Local Phone Number | 860-5800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Entity Registrant Name | PDC Energy, Inc. |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1775 Sherman Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 3000 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Denver |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000077877 |
| Trading Symbol | PDCE |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 6, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 001-37419 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
