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

Derivatives and Fair Value (Narrative) (Details)					9 Months Ended
Derivatives and Fair Value (Narrative) (Details)	Aug. 06, 2021 $ / bbl bbl	May 06, 2021 $ / bbl bbl	Jan. 22, 2021 $ / bbl bbl	May 06, 2019 $ / bbl bbl	Sep. 30, 2021 $ / bbl bbl
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Barrels					1,119,723
Commodity Contract, July 2019 Through June 2020 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, average price per barrel \| $ / bbl				66.70
Barrels				500,000
Commodity Contract, February 2021 Through January 2022 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, average price per barrel \| $ / bbl			53.10
Barrels			709,262
Commodity Contract, May 2021 Through October 2021 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, average price per barrel \| $ / bbl		66.51
Barrels		672,533
Commodity Contract Three - November 2021 To February 2022 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, average price per barrel \| $ / bbl	67.70				67.70
Barrels	314,420				314,420
Commodity Contract Four - March 2022 To June 2022 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, average price per barrel \| $ / bbl					72.00
Barrels					460,000