Equity and Distributions - Summary of Previous Owners' Equity Transactions Related to Property Swap (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Structure And Transactions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ (321,885)	$ (32,866)	$ (147,550)	$ (38,097)	$ 73,007	$ (191,981)	$ (113,859)	$ (162,658)	$ (540,398)	$ (395,491)	$ 115,614
Contributions										4,877	6,560
Distributions									(13,300)	(163,259)	(164,738)
Distribution of net asset to MRD Holdco											(26,131)
Other											227
Deferred tax liability retained by previous owner										28,020
Previous Owners [Member]
Equity Structure And Transactions [Line Items]
Balance				$ 0				$ 220,657	$ 0	220,657	283,405
Net income (loss)										(2,268)	(2,465)
Contributions										1,912	5,990
Distributions											(9,886)
Distribution of net asset to MRD Holdco											(26,131)
Tax related effects attributable to Memorial Resource restructuring transactions and initial public offering											(30,483)
Other											227
Net book value of net assets exchanged										(248,321)
Deferred tax liability retained by previous owner										28,020
Balance					$ 0					$ 0	$ 220,657