Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)

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Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
6 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Jun. 30, 2014
Gabon
Sep. 30, 2014
Gabon
Sep. 30, 2014
Angola
Well
acre
Oct. 31, 2014
Angola
Subsequent Event
Well
Dec. 31, 2014
Scenario Forecast
Gabon
Dec. 31, 2014
Scenario Forecast
Angola
Commitments And Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]                
Cash funding arrangement for abandonment of the offshore wells, platforms and facilities       $ 2,400,000     $ 1,200,000  
Number of exploration wells         2      
Area under acquire property exploration rights agreement term         1,400,000      
Joint operation agreement related to third party in working interest percentage         40.00%      
Additional joint operation agreement related to third party in working interest percentage         10.00%      
Production license agreement term extended by government         3 years      
Exploration activities new expiry date           Nov. 30, 2017    
Number of additional exploration wells due to exploration period extension           2    
Number of total exploration wells           4    
Total assessment of the exploration           10,000,000    
Assessment net to VAALCO           5,000,000    
Number of well satisfying well obligation         1      
Decrease in restricted cash         5,000,000      
Recorded restricted cash         10,000,000     10,000,000
Asset retirement obligation 13,659,000 11,463,000            
Undeveloped leasehold capitalized     $ 800,000