| **Document and Entity Information**         | May 17, 2023                            |
|---------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| **Cover [Abstract]**                        |                                    |
| 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             | 80202                                   |
| City Area Code                              | 303                                     |
| Local Phone Number                          | 860-5800                                |
| Written Communications                      | false                                   |
| Entity Registrant Name                      | PDC Energy, Inc.                        |
| Entity Address, Address Line One            | 1099 18th Street                        |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two            | Suite 1500                              |
| Entity Address, City or Town                | Denver                                  |
| Entity Central Index Key                    | 0000077877                              |
| Trading Symbol                              | PDCE                                    |
| Document Type                               | 8-K                                     |
| Document Period End Date                    | May 17,  2023                           |
| 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                                   |
| **Document Information [Line Items]**       |                                    |
| Document Type                               | 8-K                                     |
| Document Period End Date                    | May 17,  2023                           |

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For the EDGAR submission types of Form 8-K: the date of the report, the date of the earliest event reported; for the EDGAR submission types of Form N-1A: the filing date; for all other submission types: the end of the reporting or transition period.  The format of the date is YYYY-MM-DD.
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The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.
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The Tax Identification Number (TIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique 9-digit value assigned by the IRS.
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