Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interest, Net of Capitalized Interest	$ 186,718,000	$ 146,731,000	$ 100,939,000
Income Taxes, Net of Refunds Received	260,224,000	233,462,000	51,684,000
Cash Flow, Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure
Issuance of shares of EOG common stock in connection with the purchase of reserves and acreage (shares in thousands)			1,450
Value of EOG common stock issued in connection with the purchase of reserves and acreage			90,000,000
Non-cash additions to oil and gas properties in connection with contingent consideration			353,000,000
Accrued Capital Expenditures	$ 663,000,000	$ 709,000,000	$ 334,000,000