Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q4
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Registrant Name	CROSSTEX ENERGY INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001209821
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	47,389,723
Entity Public Float	$ 363,961,250