Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	$ 70	$ 70	$ (14)
Consolidated net income	525,360	573,333	285,527
Interest rate lock derivative contracts reclassified to income, net of tax of $43, $43 and $43, respectively	70	70	69
Change in deferred hedge loss on interest rate swaps, net of tax benefit of $62	0	0	(83)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	70	70	(14)
Comprehensive income	525,430	573,403	285,513
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	(13,727)
Comprehensive income attributable to Denbury stockholders	$ 525,430	$ 573,403	$ 271,786