VAALCO Energy, Inc. Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Leases (Lease Cost on Consolidated Statement of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Total lease expense	$ 6,638	$ 17,114
Capital expenditures	99	99
Total lease cost	6,737	17,213
Production Expense [Member]
Total lease expense	1,979	5,202
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Total lease expense	49	147
Lease Costs Billed To Joint Venture Owners [Member]
Total lease expense	$ 4,610	$ 11,765