Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.6.0.2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Feb. 28, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Registrant Name VAALCO ENERGY INC /DE/    
Entity Central Index Key 0000894627    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 61.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   58,554