Quarterly Financial Results (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 85,145	$ 97,660	$ 79,462	$ 87,128	$ 93,206	$ 80,892	$ 84,851	$ 98,350
(Loss) income from operations	52,847	12,430	(33,685)	(41,967)	(18,230)	(16,267)	23,348	50,780
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 54,178	$ 11,715	$ (34,074)	$ (40,894)	$ (18,760)	$ (8,485)	$ 23,499	$ 50,808
(Loss applicable) income available per share to SandRidge Energy, Inc. common stockholders
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.53	$ 0.33	$ (0.97)	$ (1.18)	$ (0.54)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.69	$ 1.90
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.53	$ 0.33	$ (0.97)	$ (1.18)	$ (0.54)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.69	$ 1.90
Loss (gain) on derivative contracts	$ (42,600)	$ 11,300	$ 30,100	$ 18,300	$ 21,900	$ 11,700	$ (23,500)	$ (34,200)
Employee termination benefits				$ 31,600			$ 4,400
Accelerated vesting of employment compensation			6,500
Proxy contest			$ 7,200
Terminated merger costs					$ 8,200