Supplemental Disclosures (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes			$ (2,156)
Cash paid for interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	780	634
Asset retirement obligations related to mineral properties	1,195	488	862
Asset retirement obligations related to support equipment and facilities	49	12	126
Increase in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures	24,847	1,864	15,531
Increase in liabilities for support equipment and facilities	1,112	175	40
Issuance of treasury stock for Board and advisor services			47
Issuance of restricted stock units for Board and advisor services	73
Issuance of common stock for Board and advisor services	71	230	198
(Decrease) increase in liabilities for accrued cost to issue equity	(332)	(27)	359
Stock based compensation expense recognized as liability	(1,092)	2,102	164
Transfer of inventory to oil and natural gas properties	$ 69	$ 96	$ 353