In this paper, we propose a three-dimensional metamaterial absorber based on tailored resistive film patch array. The numerical results show that a broadband abs orption more than 90% can be achieved from 58.6 to 91.4 GHz for either transverse electric or magnetic polarization wave at normal incidence. And the E-field, surface current and power loss density distributions in the absorber are investigated to explain the physical mechanism of high absorption. In addition, the absorption efficiency of oblique incidence is also elucidated. According to the analysis of the E-field and power loss density distributions, we explain the absorption differences between TE and TM mode at oblique incidence. The proposed metamaterial absorber will pave the way for practical applications, such as sensing, imaging and stealth technology. Importantly, the design idea has the ability to be extended to terahertz, infrared and optical region. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.