Supplemental Disclosures (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	$ 5,801	$ 780	$ 634
Asset retirement obligations related to mineral properties	1,363	1,195	488
Asset retirement obligations related to support equipment and facilities	3	49	12
Increase in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures	7,548	24,847	1,864
Increase in liabilities for support equipment and facilities	660	1,112	175
Issuance of restricted stock units for Board and advisor services	274	73	0
Issuance of common stock for Board and advisor services	57	71	230
(Decrease) increase in liabilities for accrued cost to issue equity	0	(332)	(27)
Stock based compensation expense recognized as liability	1,012	(1,092)	2,102
Transfer of inventory to oil and natural gas properties	$ 343	$ 69	$ 96