Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Statements of Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	$ 792	$ (1,191)	$ (748)	$ 23,599
Carrizo United Kingdom [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
General and administrative	259	408	1,162	709
Accretion related to asset retirement obligations	0	0	0	36
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	0	0	(37,294)
Increase in estimated future obligations	(2,144)	1,187	(696)	(1,378)
Loss on derivative instruments, net	16	18	34	93
Other income, net	0	(106)	0	(438)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations Before Income Taxes	1,869	(1,507)	(500)	38,272
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1,077)	316	(248)	(14,673)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	$ 792	$ (1,191)	$ (748)	$ 23,599