Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 14,082	$ (132,079)	$ 10,548
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	320	1,636	(1,810)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	71,445	60,689	58,243
Ceiling test write-down	0	137,100	18,907
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	1,753	2,078	2,049
Share based compensation expense	4,216	6,910	4,833
Amortization costs and other	1,473	881	625
Non-cash derivative expense (benefit)	(233)	233	0
Payments to settle asset retirement obligations	(3,335)	(2,627)	(905)
Changes in working capital accounts:
Revenue receivable	(8,826)	(1,882)	(2,474)
Prepaid drilling and pipe costs	1,221	4,479	5,530
Joint interest billing and other receivable	15,685	3,981	(35,252)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(12,865)	20,916	34,599
Advances from co-owners	(19,490)	(13,408)	25,904
Other	(5,592)	(316)	(1,621)
Net cash provided by operating activities	59,854	88,591	119,176
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Investment in oil and gas properties	(298,824)	(147,771)	(194,536)
Investment in other property and equipment	(1,679)	(1,743)	(1,286)
Sale of oil and gas properties	19,913	837	14,000
Sale of unevaluated oil and gas properties	487	8,889	28,461
Net cash used in investing activities	(280,103)	(139,788)	(153,361)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Net payments for share based compensation	(38)	(981)	(1,133)
Deferred financing costs	(320)	(42)	(517)
Payment of preferred stock dividend	(5,139)	(5,139)	(5,139)
Proceeds from bank borrowings	73,000	102,500	22,000
Repayment of bank borrowings	(48,000)	(52,500)	(22,000)
Proceeds from issuance of 10% Senior Notes	200,000	0	0
Costs to issue 10% Senior Notes	(5,005)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	214,498	43,838	(6,789)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(5,751)	(7,359)	(40,974)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	14,904	22,263	63,237
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	9,153	14,904	22,263
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	20,101	16,026	16,017
Income taxes	$ 12	$ 105	$ 51