Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (132,079)	$ 10,548	$ 47,126
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	1,636	(1,810)	1,630
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	60,689	58,243	59,326
Ceiling test write-down	137,100	18,907	0
Non-cash gain on legal settlement	0	0	(4,164)
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	0	0	5,973
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	2,078	2,049	1,306
Share based compensation expense	6,910	4,833	7,137
Amortization costs and other	881	625	1,334
Non-cash derivative expense	233	0	0
Payments to settle asset retirement obligations	(2,627)	(905)	(6,274)
Changes in working capital accounts:
Revenue receivable	(1,882)	(2,474)	3,071
Prepaid drilling and pipe costs	4,479	5,530	9,180
Joint interest billing and other receivable	3,981	(35,252)	(401)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	20,916	34,599	3,368
Advances from co-owners	(13,408)	25,904	4,301
Other	(316)	(1,621)	(227)
Net cash provided by operating activities	88,591	119,176	132,686
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Investment in oil and gas properties	(147,771)	(194,536)	(103,926)
Investment in other property and equipment	(1,743)	(1,286)	(1,042)
Sale of oil and gas properties	837	14,000	35,000
Sale of unevaluated oil and gas properties	8,889	28,461	22,473
Net cash used in investing activities	(139,788)	(153,361)	(47,495)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Net payments for share based compensation	(981)	(1,133)	(210)
Deferred financing costs	(42)	(517)	(12)
Payment of preferred stock dividend	(5,139)	(5,139)	(5,137)
Proceeds from bank borrowings	102,500	22,000	0
Repayment of bank borrowings	(52,500)	(22,000)	(29,000)
Redemption of 10 3/8% Senior Notes	0	0	(150,000)
Costs to redeem 10 3/8% Senior Notes	0	0	(4,187)
Proceeds from issuance of 10% Senior Notes	0	0	150,000
Costs to issue 10% Senior Notes	0	0	(4,180)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	43,838	(6,789)	(42,726)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(7,359)	(40,974)	42,465
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	22,263	63,237	20,772
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	14,904	22,263	63,237
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	16,026	16,017	11,195
Income taxes	$ 105	$ 51	$ 192