Document and Entity Information Document - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 25, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SM Energy Co
Entity Central Index Key	0000893538
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		112,244,545
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false