| Document And Entity Information | Mar. 31, 2023 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | VAALCO Energy, Inc. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Mar. 31, 2023 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-32167 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 76-0274813 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 9800 Richmond Avenue, Suite 700 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 77042 |
| City Area Code | 713 |
| Local Phone Number | 623-0801 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.10 |
| Trading Symbol | EGY |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000894627 |
