Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Operations [Abstract]
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ 259,246,000	$ 150,329,000	$ 245,056,000	$ 250,533,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(7,139,000)	0	(2,976,000)	0
Interest rate lock derivative contracts reclassified to income, net of tax	18,000	17,000	35,000	34,000
Change in deferred hedge loss on interest rate swaps, net of tax	0	(60,000)	0	(87,000)
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	252,125,000	150,286,000	242,115,000	250,480,000
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(14,950,000)	0	(18,235,000)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Denbury stockholders	$ 252,125,000	$ 135,336,000	$ 242,115,000	$ 232,245,000