Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	$ 838	$ (895)	$ 1,104	$ (1,540)
Carrizo United Kingdom [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
General and administrative	1,166	466	1,367	903
Increase (decrease) in estimated future obligations	(3,086)	913	(3,695)	1,448
(Gain) loss on derivatives, net	0	(2)	0	18
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations Before Income Taxes	1,920	(1,377)	2,328	(2,369)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1,082)	482	(1,224)	829
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	$ 838	$ (895)	$ 1,104	$ (1,540)