Far East Energy (FEEC) 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FAR EAST ENERGY CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001124024	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	346,222,370
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,048	$17,571
Accounts receivable	458	161
Inventory	1,160	1,261
Prepaid expenses	509	490
Deposits	148	142
Other current assets	15	22
Total current assets	6,338	19,647
Property and equipment	'	'
Oil and gas properties (Successful efforts method)	105,497	105,199
Other property and equipment	2,642	2,589
Total property and equipment	108,139	107,788
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-7,723	-5,154
Total property and equipment, net	100,416	102,634
Deferred financing costs	1,443	2,227
Other long-term assets	1,419	604
Total assets	109,616	125,112
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	31,037	15,842
Accrued liabilities	13,541	24,329
Credit facility	21,000	21,000
Secured notes payable (net of discount of $1,075 and $1,634, respectively)	72,527	66,992
Equipment lease	3	3
Total current liabilities	138,108	128,166
Equipment lease, net of current portion	10	12
Asset retirement and environmental obligations	1,424	1,302
Total liabilities	139,542	129,480
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, and 346,222,370 and 346,078,509 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	346	346
Additional paid-in capital	178,745	178,584
Unearned compensation	-310	-503
Accumulated deficit	-208,707	-182,795
Total stockholders' equity	-29,926	-4,368
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$109,616	$125,112

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current liabilities	'	'
Secured note payable, discount	$1,075	$1,634
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	346,222,370	346,078,509
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	346,222,370	346,078,509

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Gas sales	$964	$292	$2,630	$803
Other, net	290	108	792	298
Total operating revenues	1,254	400	3,422	1,101
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Lease operating expense	1,428	1,253	5,531	3,595
Exploration costs	1,076	1,204	3,640	3,756
General and administrative	2,348	2,504	7,341	7,707
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	967	622	2,692	1,581
Total operating expenses	5,819	5,583	19,204	16,639
Operating loss	-4,565	-5,183	-15,782	-15,538
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-3,662	-3,057	-10,424	-8,606
Interest income	2	0	5	2
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)	-11	-174	289	-483
Total other expense	-3,671	-3,231	-10,130	-9,087
Loss before income taxes	-8,236	-8,414	-25,912	-24,625
Income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net loss	-8,236	-8,414	-25,912	-24,625
Comprehensive loss	($8,236)	($8,414)	($25,912)	($24,625)
Net loss per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.07)	($0.07)
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted (in shares)	346,222	346,079	346,197	346,040

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Unearned Compensation [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$345	$175,554	($987)	($148,785)	$26,127
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	344,785,689	'	'	'	'
Net loss	0	0	0	-24,625	-24,625
Nonvested shares issued	1	168	338	0	507
Nonvested shares issued (in shares)	1,714,000	'	'	'	'
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes	0	-8	0	0	-8
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes (in shares)	-92,846	'	'	'	'
Nonvested shares forfeited	0	0	0	0	0
Nonvested shares forfeited (in shares)	-328,334	'	'	'	'
Stock options issued	0	379	0	0	379
Warrants issued	0	2,384	0	0	2,384
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	346	178,477	-649	-173,410	4,764
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	346,078,509	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	346	178,584	-503	-182,795	-4,368
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	346,078,509	'	'	'	346,078,509
Net loss	0	0	0	-25,912	-25,912
Nonvested shares issued	0	33	193	0	226
Nonvested shares issued (in shares)	300,000	'	'	'	'
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes	0	-4	0	0	-4
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes (in shares)	-49,139	'	'	'	'
Nonvested shares forfeited	0	0	0	0	0
Nonvested shares forfeited (in shares)	-107,000	'	'	'	'
Stock options issued	0	132	0	0	132
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$346	$178,745	($310)	($208,707)	($29,926)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	346,222,370	'	'	'	346,222,370

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($25,912)	($24,625)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	2,692	1,581
Amortization of deferred financing costs	796	1,117
Amortization of warrants	559	503
Share-based compensation	358	886
Changes in components of working capital:	'	'
Accounts receivable and other assets	-1,105	-400
Inventory	101	-1,402
Prepaid expenses	-19	-638
Deposits	-6	443
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	10,180	6,774
Other, net	-5	-8
Net cash used in operating activities	-12,361	-15,769
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to oil and gas properties	-1,095	-11,046
Additions to other properties	-53	-344
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,148	-11,390
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net proceeds from credit facility	0	125
Net proceeds from secured note payable	0	58,500
Repayment of credit facility	0	-4,855
Repayment of capital lease	-2	0
Debt issue costs	-12	-1,790
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-14	51,980
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-13,523	24,821
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	17,571	1,340
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	$4,048	$26,161

Business_Basis_of_Presentation

Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1	Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
	Business.  We were incorporated in Nevada on February 4, 2000. In January 2002, we renamed our company Far East Energy Corporation and changed our focus to exploring, developing, producing and selling coalbed methane gas ("CBM"). Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms "Far East Energy," "Far East," "we," "the Company," "us," "our" and "our company" refer to Far East Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries. References to "FEEB" refer to Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd., our principal operating subsidiary. References to "China" and "PRC" are references to the People's Republic of China. References to the "MofCom" are references to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the principal regulatory authority with oversight responsibility for our production sharing contracts. References to the "MLR" are references to the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources, the principal regulatory authority for the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources in China. References to "CUCBM" are references to China United Coalbed Methane Company, Ltd, and references to "CNPC" are references to China National Petroleum Company. Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we use the term "our Chinese partner company" when referring to CUCBM and CNPC, as applicable.
	The information, as furnished herein, reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
	Basis of Presentation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.  The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Management believes that the information and disclosures provided herein are adequate to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 ("2013 Annual Report").
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards and Developments.  There were no recent accounting pronouncements at September 30, 2014 that materially affected our company.

Going_Concern_and_Liquidity

Going Concern and Liquidity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Going Concern and Liquidity [Abstract]	'
Going Concern and Liquidity	'
	2	Going Concern and Liquidity
	These consolidated financial statements are presented on the basis that the Company is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business over a reasonable length of time. The Company generated net losses of $8.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, and has accumulated net losses of $208.7 million since inception.  In addition, the Company has negative working capital, negative cash flows from operating activities and negative net worth.  The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company’s continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis and to obtain additional financing or refinancing as may be required. Management is seeking to secure additional capital by exploring potential strategic relationships or transactions involving one or more of our Production Sharing Contracts ("PSCs"), such as a joint venture, farmout, merger, acquisition or sale of some or all of our assets or by obtaining additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. No assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in generating sufficient cash flow or obtaining additional financing or refinancing.  Unless otherwise indicated, amounts provided in these notes to the financial statements pertain to continuing operations.
	All of our reserves are located in Shanxi Province, China. At December 31, 2013, our estimated net proved and net probable reserves were 67.5 billion cubic feet ("Bcf") and 372.4 Bcf of CBM, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the standardized measure of our future net cash flows, discounted at 10 percent per annum, relating to our proved natural gas reserves was $151.8 million.
	On June 12, 2010, CUCBM, our Chinese partner for the Shouyang PSC, and Shanxi Province Guoxin Energy Development Group Limited ("SPG") executed a gas sales agreement (the "Gas Sales Agreement"), to which we are an express beneficiary, to sell CBM produced in the CBM field governed by the Shouyang PSC. Gas sales under the Gas Sales Agreement with SPG commenced in the first quarter of 2011. As of September 30, 2014, gas sales proceeds to be collected were approximately $0.5 million, and were recorded in Accounts Receivable. We have funded our exploration and development activities primarily through the sale and issuance of common stock and proceeds received from the Notes (as defined below), the closing of the Facility Agreement (as defined below) and sales of CBM.
	On November 28, 2011, FEEB entered into a Facility Agreement, as borrower, with Standard Chartered Bank ("SCB"), as lender, and the Company, as guarantor (the "Facility Agreement"). The Facility Agreement provided for a $25 million credit facility, the proceeds of which were used for project costs with respect to the Shouyang Area in Shanxi Province, China, as well as for finance costs and for general corporate purposes approved by SCB. The Facility Agreement has been fully drawn and no amounts remain for borrowing. See Note 4 - Facility Agreement.
	On January 14, 2013, the Company sold senior secured notes of FEEB (the "Notes") and warrants to purchase common stock of FEEC (the "Warrants") to certain institutional investors for $60.0 million of gross proceeds in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Regulation S thereunder (the "Private Placement"). The Private Placement closed on January 15, 2013.  See Note 3 – Senior Secured Notes.
	On January 15, 2013, FEEC and FEEB entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Facility Agreement (as amended, the "SCB Credit Facility"), among FEEC, FEEB and SCB, to provide for the extension of the maturity date thereof until January 15, 2014. The Fifth Amendment was subject to the repayment of $4.125 million of the outstanding principal amount and the repayment of $0.7 million of capitalized interest. The total amount of outstanding principal and capitalized interest under the Facility Agreement prior to the repayment of such amount was $25.8 million (which included $125,000 borrowed on January 11, 2013). In addition, accrued interest, amendment fees and certain transaction expenses were paid at closing out of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement.  The Facility Agreement and the Notes are cross-defaulted against one another.
	On December 31, 2013, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Facility Agreement (the "Sixth Amendment") to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from January 15, 2014 to April 15, 2014.  The Sixth Amendment also requires the Company to pay interest under the Facility Agreement on a monthly basis rather than on a quarterly basis.
	On March 31, 2014, the Company entered into the Extension Agreement to the Facility Agreement (the "Extension Agreement") to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from April 15, 2014 to July 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.
	On July 9, 2014, the Company entered into the Second Extension Agreement to the Facility Agreement (the "Second Extension Agreement") to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from July 15, 2014 to September 15, 2014.  The Second Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.
	On September 12, 2014, the Company entered into the Third Extension Agreement to the Facility Agreement (the "Third Extension Agreement") to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from September 15, 2014 to October 31, 2014.  The Third Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.
	On October 30, 2014, the Company entered into the Fourth Extension Agreement to the Facility Agreement (the "Fourth Extension Agreement") to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from October 31, 2014 to December 5, 2014.  The Fourth Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.
	Our current work programs will satisfy the minimum exploration expenditures for our Shouyang PSC for 2014.  With respect to the Yunnan PSC, the Company and CUCBM have had discussions that will likely result in the relinquishment of all of the Yunnan acreage covered by the Yunnan PSC.  The Company expects that any such relinquishment of the Yunnan PSC will be formalized during the last quarter of 2014 or the first half of 2015. With respect to the PSC governing CBM production activities on the approximately 573,000 acres in the Qinnan Block of the Shanxi Province, we have halted activities on the Qinnan Block pending resolution of whether or not its exploration period will be extended as a result of certain force majeure claims.
	Management is seeking to secure additional capital by exploring potential strategic relationships or transactions involving one or more of our PSCs, such as a joint venture, farmout, merger, acquisition or sale of some or all of our assets or by obtaining additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into any strategic relationship or transaction, securing capital or raising funds through additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. In addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing are uncertain, and we cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions or the consideration that may be paid with respect to any transaction or offering of securities and whether the consideration will meet or exceed our offering price. Under certain circumstances, the structure of a strategic transaction may require the approval of the Chinese authorities, which could delay closing or make the consummation of a transaction more difficult. There can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will provide the approvals necessary for a transaction. There can be no guarantee of future capital acquisition, fundraising or exploration success.

Senior_Secured_Notes

Senior Secured Notes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Senior Secured Notes [Abstract]	'
Senior Secured Notes	'
	3	Senior Secured Notes
	On January 14, 2013, FEEC and FEEB entered into a securities purchase agreement (the "Securities Purchase Agreement") with certain purchasers (the "Purchasers") under which FEEC and FEEB agreed to sell, and the Purchasers agreed to purchase, the Notes and Warrants for $60.0 million of gross proceeds in the Private Placement. The Warrants provide the holders the right to purchase up to 56,086,439 shares of FEEC common stock at an exercise price of $0.085 per share.  The Warrants will expire on December 31, 2017. The Private Placement closed on January 15, 2013.
	The Notes are senior secured obligations of FEEB and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by FEEC. The Notes were sold at an issue price of 100% of par for an aggregate principal amount of $60.0 million. The Notes accrue cash interest at a rate of 13.0% per year, which is paid semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year, commencing on June 30, 2013. FEEB may, at its option, elect to pay interest "in kind" at a rate of 14.5% per year by issuing additional Notes with the first interest payment required to be paid in kind. The Notes will mature on January 15, 2016.  On July 1, 2013, the Company issued $3,987,501 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes for the paid in kind interest that was due on June 30, 2013. On December 30, 2013, the Company issued $4,639,095 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes for the paid in kind interest that was due on December 30, 2013.  On June 30, 2014, the Company issued $4,975,428 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes for the paid in kind interest that was due on June 30, 2014.  At September 30, 2014, the balance of the senior secured notes was $73.6 million.
	The Notes and related guarantees rank equal in right of payment with the Facility Agreement. Except as specifically permitted by the indenture governing the Notes (the "Indenture"), any new indebtedness of FEEC, FEEB or any restricted subsidiary of FEEC will require the consent of SCB and the "Required Noteholders," which means holders of 75% of aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes. The Notes and related guarantees are secured by substantially all of the assets of FEEC and FEEB, other than assets located in the PRC, assets the grant, creation or perfection of any lien on which would require the consent, authorization or approval of, or filing with, any governmental authority in the PRC and certain other excluded assets. Such collateral continues to secure the Facility Agreement with the administration of such collateral subject to a collateral agency and intercreditor agreement between SCB and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as indenture trustee of the Notes and as collateral agent.
	If we fail to comply with the covenants in the Indenture governing the Notes or the Facility Agreement or fail to pay the Facility Agreement in full or extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement by December 5, 2014, it could lead to an event of default and the acceleration of the maturity of all outstanding debt under our Facility Agreement, as well as a cross default and acceleration of maturity under the Indenture governing the Notes.  We have assessed our current liquidity and financial condition, and have determined that the chances that the Company will not be able to pay the Facility Agreement in full or extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement by December 5, 2014 are not remote. As a result, we have included both the Notes and the Facility Agreement in the current liabilities section of the balance sheet as of September 30, 2014.
	In certain circumstances specified in the Indenture and as summarized below, FEEB may or will be required to redeem or offer to repurchase the Notes at the relevant prices set forth below times the principal amount being redeemed or repurchased:
	Closing Date to February 28, 2014		100%
	March 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014		104%
	January 1, 2015 and thereafter		108%
	plus accrued and unpaid interest thereof, if any, on the Notes to the applicable date of redemption or repurchase, as applicable.
	We applied ASC 470 in the recording of the valuation of the Warrants.  We determined the fair value of the Warrants using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model ("BSOPM").
	The significant assumptions used in the valuation were as follows:
		Black Scholes
		Option Pricing Model
	Volatility	70.81%
	Risk free interest rate	0.75%
	Expected dividend yield	-
	Expected term	5 year
	Based on the utilization of BSOPM valuation technique, the Warrants were valued at approximately $2.5 million at time of issuance.   The amount was recorded as a debt discount to the Notes in the liabilities section and as additional paid-in capital in the equity section of the balance sheet.  The debt discount is accreted as interest expense periodically over the term of the Notes.  We have recorded an accretion amount of $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In connection with the Notes, the Company incurred approximately $3.1 million of financing costs, which included among other items, 1.5 million warrants issued to the placement agent.  These warrants were valued at approximately $68,000 based on the same aforementioned BSOPM valuation technique.    The total financing costs of $3.1 million were allocated between the Notes and the Warrants in proportion to their respective fair values at time of issuance.  The costs related to the Warrants were recorded as an offset to the value of the Warrants in additional paid-in capital.  The costs related to the Notes were capitalized as deferred financing costs and amortized based on the effective interest method over the term of the Notes.  The objective of that method is to arrive at a periodic interest cost which represents a level effective rate over the term of the Notes on its face amount reduced by the unamortized discount and expense at the beginning of the period.  The effective interest rate for the Notes as calculated is 17.8% per annum.  We have recorded an amortization amount of $0.7 million for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Facility_Agreement

Facility Agreement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Facility Agreement [Abstract]	'
Facility Agreement	'
	4	Facility Agreement
	On November 28, 2011, FEEB entered into the Facility Agreement, as borrower, with SCB, as lender, and the Company, as guarantor. The Facility Agreement provided for a $25 million credit facility, the proceeds of which were used for project costs with respect to the Shouyang Area in Shanxi Province, China, as well as for finance costs and for general corporate purposes approved by SCB. The Facility Agreement had an initial 9-month term ending August 28, 2012. Loans under the Facility Agreement could be made in such amounts as may be specified from time to time in one or more utilisation requests according to an agreed expenditure schedule. Loans under the Facility Agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin rate of 9.5% during the initial period and 10.0% thereafter, and mandatory costs, if any, to compensate SCB for certain Hong Kong regulatory compliance costs.  In connection with and as security for the Facility Agreement, FEEB and/or the Company entered into certain other ancillary agreements dated November 28, 2011, including a Share Pledge Agreement, an Account Charge Agreement, an Assignment of Shareholder Loans and a Subordination Agreement (collectively, the "Ancillary Agreements").  Under the Ancillary Agreements, the Company pledged its shares in FEEB and granted a security interest in certain intercompany debt to SCB, and FEEB granted a security interest in certain bank accounts to SCB.
	During 2012, the Company entered into several amendments to the Facility Agreement with SCB which effectively extended the termination date of the Facility Agreement and the due date for payment of all accrued interest to January 15, 2013.  On January 15, 2013, FEEC and FEEB entered into the Fifth Amendment to provide for the extension of the maturity date thereof until January 15, 2014. The Fifth Amendment was subject to the repayment of $4.125 million of the outstanding principal amount and the repayment of $0.7 million of capitalized interest. The total amount of outstanding principal and capitalized interest under the Facility Agreement prior to the repayment of such amount was $25.8 million (which included $125,000 borrowed on January 11, 2013). In addition, accrued interest, amendment fees and certain transaction expenses were paid at closing out of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement. See Note 3 – Senior Secured Notes for discussion of the Private Placement.
	On December 31, 2013, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to, among other things,  extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from January 15, 2014 to April 15, 2014.  The Sixth Amendment also requires the Company to pay interest under the Facility Agreement on a monthly basis rather than on a quarterly basis.
	On March 31, 2014, the Company entered into the Extension Agreement to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from April 15, 2014 to July 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.
	On July 9, 2014, the Company entered into the Second Extension Agreement to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from July 15, 2014 to September 15, 2014.  The Second Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.
	On September 12, 2014, the Company entered into the Third Extension Agreement to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from September 15, 2014 to October 31, 2014.  The Third Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.
	On  October 30, 2014, the Company entered into the Fourth Extension Agreement to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from October 31, 2014 to December 5, 2014.  The Fourth Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.
	At September 30, 2014, the total amount drawn under the Facility Agreement was $21.0 million. The related accrued interest was $0.1 million and $0.5 million as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At September 30, 2014, the effective interest rate for the Facility Agreement was 10.6% per annum.
	At September 30, 2014 and 2013, total financing costs in connection with the Facility Agreement were approximately $24,000 and $0.6 million, respectively. The costs related to the Facility Agreement were capitalized as deferred financing costs and amortized over the term of the Facility Agreement.  Amortization expense for the nine-months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $47,000 and $0.4 million, respectively.

Oil_and_Gas_Properties

Oil and Gas Properties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Oil and Gas Properties [Abstract]	'
Oil and Gas Properties	'
	5	Oil and Gas Properties
	The costs associated with our oil and gas properties include the following (in thousands):
			At September 30,			At December 31,
			2014			2013
	Proved oil and gas properties		$	90,615		$	90,613
	Unproved leasehold costs			275			275
	Unproved oil and gas properties			14,607			14,311
	Total unproved oil and gas properties			14,882			14,586
	Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization			(6,174	)		(3,865	)
	Total oil and gas properties, net		$	99,323		$	101,334
	Unproved Leasehold Costs.  Unproved leasehold costs are composed of amounts we paid to MofCom and CUCBM pursuant to a PSC we entered into in 2002 with CUCBM to acquire the mineral rights in the Laochang area in the Yunnan Province.
	Unproved Oil and Gas Properties. Unproved oil and gas property costs include only suspended well costs which are direct exploratory well costs pending determination of whether proved reserves have been discovered. Accounting guidance regarding capitalization of suspended well costs is provided by FASB ASC Topic 932. FASB ASC Topic 932 addresses whether there are circumstances under the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities that would permit the continued capitalization of exploratory well costs beyond one year, other than when additional exploration wells are necessary to justify major capital expenditures and those wells are under way or firmly planned for the near future. Capitalization of costs should be continued beyond one year in cases where reserves for the project are not yet proven, but the Company demonstrates sufficient continuing progress toward assessing those reserves. For the capitalized costs at September 30, 2014, our assessment indicated that our current work programs demonstrated our efforts in making sufficient continuing progress toward assessing the reserves in the areas for which the costs were incurred. Therefore, we have continued to capitalize these costs.
	The following table provides an aging of capitalized exploratory well costs based on the date the costs were incurred and the number of related wells for which these exploratory well costs have been capitalized for a period greater than one year (in thousands, except number of projects):
			At September 30,
			2014
	Unevaluated exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period of one year or less		$	1,299
	Unevaluated exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year (1)			13,308
	Total unevaluated exploratory well costs		$	14,607
	Number of projects that have exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year			1
	-1	Costs related to our exploratory project in the Shouyang Block in the Shanxi Province.
	The following table reflects the net changes in capitalized exploratory well costs (in thousands):
			At September 30,
			2014
	Beginning balance at January 1		$	14,311
	Additions to unevaluated exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves			296
	Reclassifications of wells, facilities,  and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves			-
	Reclassified to Proved Oil and Gas Properties per Shouyang Modification Agreement			-
	Unevaluated exploratory well costs charged to expense			-
	Ending balance at September 30		$	14,607

Asset_Retirement_and_Environme

Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations	'
	6	Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations
	The following table presents the reconciliation of the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amounts of short-term and long-term legal obligations associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
			At September 30,
			2014
	Carrying amount at beginning of period		$	1,302
	Liabilities incurred			-
	Liabilities settled			-
	Accretion expense			122
	Settlement of obligation			-
	Revisions			-
	Carrying amount at end of period		$	1,424
	Current portion		$	-
	Noncurrent portion		$	1,424

Other_Fixed_Assets

Other Fixed Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Fixed Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Fixed Assets	'
	7	Other Fixed Assets
	Other fixed assets, net include the following (in thousands):
			At September 30,			At December 31,
			2014			2013
	Other fixed assets		$	2,642		$	2,589
	Accumulated depreciation			(1,549	)		(1,289	)
	Other fixed assets, net		$	1,093		$	1,300
	Other fixed assets include leasehold improvements, equipment and furniture.  Depreciation expense for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $261,000 and $228,000, respectively.  Depreciation expense for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $81,000 and $82,000, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	8	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings.  We are periodically named in legal actions arising from normal business activities. We evaluate the merits of these actions and, if we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be estimated, we will establish the necessary accruals. We do not anticipate any material losses as a result of commitments and contingent liabilities.  We are currently involved in no material legal proceedings.
	Shouyang Production Sharing Contract.   We are the operator under the Shouyang PSC to develop the Shouyang Block in Shanxi Province. The term of the Shouyang PSC consists of an exploration period, a development period and a production period. During the exploration period, we hold a 100% participating interest in the properties, and we must bear all exploration costs for discovering and evaluating CBM-bearing areas. We have negotiated and signed multiple amendments with our Chinese partner companies to extend the exploration period under our PSCs. As provided to date, the exploration period of Area A (approximately 15,988 acres or 64.7 square kilometers) of the Shouyang PSC has not expired, and is transitioning to the development phase; while the exploration period of Area B (approximately 272,581 acres or 1,103.1 square kilometers) of the Shouyang PSC runs until June 30, 2016.  Area A will exit the exploration period and commence the development period when the overall development program ("ODP") receives final regulatory approvals.  Until such time, Area A technically operates under the exploration period pursuant to the provisions of the Fifth Modification Agreement of the Shouyang PSC (the "Fifth MA").  The Fifth MA provides that the exploration period for part of the Contract Area will be extended without any further agreement from CUCBM for areas awaiting approval of an ODP.  We have submitted a report detailing CBM resources to CUCBM that reasonably complies with the Chinese CBM standards.  This report was submitted in connection with the development of an ODP and such report was subsequently approved and certifications were received from all requisite levels of the MLR.  We have agreed that we will drill at least 39 additional wells in Area B by June 30, 2016.  Additionally we relinquished 121,255 acres (approximately 490.7 square kilometers) known as Area C in June 2013.  The Shouyang PSC expires on July 1, 2032 unless extended.
	The total acreage operated by the Company is approximately 288,569 acres (1,167.8 square kilometers) - Areas A and B of the Shouyang Block as referenced above.  Area A has recently been certified by the MLR, which is a step that is a necessary regulatory requirement to obtain a permanent development license. This portion of the block covers our pilot development wells located in the northern portion of the Shouyang Block (the "1H Pilot Area," the area of our current CBM sales) and a westward extension thereof. We have a 100% participating interest (subject to a net 3.5% revenue interest held by Phillips China, Inc., a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips ("Phillips") in this portion of the block. With respect to Area B, CUCBM maintains the right to elect up to a 30% participating interest upon completion of certain milestones, and we retain the remaining participating interest in the contract area (subject to the 3.5% revenue interest held by Phillips).
	During the exploration period, FEEB must complete at least the minimum work program and seek commercial deposits of CBM that can be developed in commercially paying quantities. In order to shift from the exploration period to the development period, an overall development plan is prepared and submitted for governmental approval for a long-term development license for a particular CBM field. The preparation of an overall development plan to submit as part of the application for a long-term development license will require certification in accordance with MLR standards, as well as technical, commercial, environmental, health and safety plans demonstrating how the CBM field will be developed for the exploitation of CBM located therein. Currently, we and CUCBM have been in the process of jointly preparing an application for an overall development plan for approximately 24,661 acres (99.8 square kilometers) located in the northern portion of the Shouyang Block.  After several revisions, the final draft of the Nanyanzhu ODP was finished and an internal review was completed. An external expert review was held on March 27, 2014, and the ODP passed review of the required external experts, and the expert group recommended that the relevant parties approve the ODP report. This draft ODP report was submitted to the National Energy Administration ("NEA") of the National Development and Reform Commission ("NDRC") on June 16, 2014 to receive a "Road Pass." The Road Pass was approved on September 15, 2014, allowing FEEB to proceed with important infrastructure processes and preparations (including land, grid power, environmental protection and related preparations) in Area A while awaiting final regulatory approval.
	Following expiration of the exploration periods, we may elect to continue the process of trying to convert portions of the Shouyang Block into MLR certified areas in order to transition these areas into the process for a long-term development license. Any acreage that is not at or past the stage of submittal of a technical report that reasonably meets the criteria for MLR certification will be relinquished unless the parties agree otherwise.
	The development period as to any portion of the Shouyang Block will begin after the date of commencement of production of commercial grade quantities of CBM with respect to that area. Any CBM produced and sold prior to the approval of an overall development plan is deemed to occur during the development period, and production is to be distributed in accordance with the parties participating interests in such CBM field. Provided we remain in compliance with the requirements under the Shouyang PSC, the Shouyang PSC allows production to continue on a CBM field until the earlier of the end of the useful life of that area or June 30, 2032, unless extended or otherwise amended.
	Under the PSCs, we have committed to satisfy certain annual minimum exploration expenditure requirements for each PSC. Our minimum exploration expenditure requirement for each block is based on the minimum exploration expenditure requirements established by the MLR, subject to such additional commitments as may appear in any PSC modification agreements. The MLR sets its requirements by applying a minimum expenditure per acre to the total acreage encompassed by each PSC. As a result, the minimum exploration expenditure requirement for 2014 is approximately $1.9 million for the Shouyang PSC, based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar to the Chinese Renminbi ("RMB") as of September 30, 2014. Any portion of the exploration expenditures that exceeds the current year's minimum exploration expenditure requirement cannot be carried forward for the satisfaction of the subsequent year's minimum requirement. On December 6, 2013, we extended the exploration period of the portion of the Shouyang Block identified as Area B until June 30, 2016, and agreed that we will drill at least 39 additional wells in Area B by June 30, 2016.   Under the Shouyang PSC, we are required to pay certain fees totaling $0.5 million for the year of 2014. These fees include assistance fees, training fees, fees for CBM exploration rights and salaries and benefits.
	Qinnan Production Sharing Contract. FEEB is the operator under the Qinnan PSC to develop the Qinnan Block in Shanxi Province. CUCBM assigned the Qinnan PSC to CNPC. The term of the Qinnan PSC consists of an exploration period, a development period and a production period. During the exploration period, we hold a 100% participating interest in the properties, and we must bear all exploration costs for discovering and evaluating CBM-bearing areas. If any CBM field is discovered, the development costs for that CBM field will be borne by us and CNPC  in proportion to the respective participating interests. At that time, we will recover that share of the up-front exploration costs allocable to our Chinese partner company through a gradual cost recovery mechanism. The exploration period is divided into three phases called Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. We have completed our Phase I, Phase II and Phase III work program obligations under the Qinnan PSC, and intend to continue pilot development and exploration activities in Phase III until we transition into the development period.
	The exploration period of the Qinnan PSC in Shanxi Province expired on June 30, 2009, and we cannot continue our exploration activities in the Qinnan Block without an extension of the exploration period or a new PSC. We are continuing to pursue an extension of the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC, but we cannot be optimistic at this time. The Company believes that the underlying exploration period should be extended due to events beyond our reasonable control, namely the lengthy transfer of rights taking place from CUCBM to CNPC. At our Chinese partner’s request, we have provided certain operational and financial information about our company to assist them in the decision making process as to whether to recognize an extension of the exploration period in Qinnan. PetroChina, CNPC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, has completed an accounting audit pursuant to the Qinnan PSC of our expenditures for 2007 and 2008. We have also provided to PetroChina, at their request, our work plan for 2010 for Qinnan. In January 2011, we received a formal notice from CNPC that it has purportedly received all Chinese approvals with respect to the transfer of CUCBM’s interest to it, and subsequently to PetroChina. CNPC also requested we execute a modification agreement to confirm PetroChina as our Chinese partner company for the Qinnan PSC. In negotiations with CUCBM and PetroChina related to this request, we have endeavored to negotiate an assignment agreement that would reflect the transfer of interest to CNPC while CNPC and PetroChina would acknowledge delays that were incurred by virtue of FEEB not having, for an extended period of time, an official Chinese partner that had the capacity or authority under the Qinnan PSC to work with us.
	Because of the inability to hold a formal JMC meeting or to have the effective involvement of our Chinese partner, we believe that our efforts to continue CBM operations in the Qinnan Block have been materially hindered. Technically, the exploration period under the Qinnan PSC expired on June 30, 2009; however, we have maintained the position that the doctrine of force majeure under the Qinnan PSC entitled us to an extension. We continue to discuss this situation with CUCBM and PetroChina, and as recently as January 2012 have submitted a notice of force majeure in accordance with the Qinnan PSC. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in extending the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC or that a new PSC will be granted. Additionally, in connection with obtaining this extension or a new PSC, we may be required to commit to certain expenditures or to modify the terms or respective ownership interests and/or acreage in the applicable PSC.
	Under the Qinnan PSC, we have committed to satisfy certain annual minimum exploration expenditure requirements. As with the Shouyang PSC, our minimum expenditure requirement is based on the minimum exploration expenditure requirements of CNPC established by the MLR. The MLR sets its requirements by applying a minimum expenditure per square kilometer to the total acreage encompassed by each PSC. The annual minimum exploration expenditure requirement under the Qinnan PSC is approximately $3.8 million in the aggregate based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB as of September 30, 2014. These expenditure requirements are denominated in the RMB and, therefore, are subject to fluctuations in the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB. Under the Qinnan PSC, we are also required to pay certain fees totaling $0.4 million annually. These fees include assistance fees, training fees, fees for CBM exploration rights and salaries and benefits.   Because the stated expiration date for the exploration period for the Qinnan PSC occurred on June 30, 2009, and we have not yet received an extension, we have halted activities associated with the Qinnan Block pending receipt of an extension, should one ultimately be granted.  Accordingly, we ceased to accrue for the $0.4 million annual fees effective January 1, 2013.  We believe the $1.9 million amount accrued is sufficient to cover any obligation related to the fees should the extension be granted.
	Yunnan Production Sharing Contract.   On January 25, 2002, we entered into a PSC to develop two areas in Yunnan Province: (1) the Enhong area, which covers approximately 145,198 acres (587.6 square kilometers), and (2) the Laochang area, which covers approximately 119,327 acres (482.9 square kilometers) ( the "Yunnan PSC"). FEEB is the operator under the Yunnan PSC. The term of the Yunnan PSC consists of an exploration period, a development period and a production period. The exploration period is divided into two phases, Phase I and Phase II. We have completed Phase I and are operating in Phase II. During the fourth quarter of 2011, we signed a modification agreement to the Yunnan PSC, which was approved by MofCom on June 15, 2012 and extended the exploration period until December 31, 2013, in exchange for allowing CUCBM to proceed at its sole risk with a 100% participating interest in the 145,198 acres (587.6 square kilometers) in the Enhong part of the Yunnan PSC contract area (hence, our interest in the Yunnan PSC now comprises the Laochang area only, and is called the Laochang Block). The exploration period expired on December 31, 2013 and was not amended or extended. Following expiration of the exploration period, we had the right to elect to continue the process of trying to convert portions of the Laochang Area into MLR certified areas in order to transition these areas into the process for a long-term development license and the development period for certain areas. Any acreage that was not at or past the stage of submittal of a technical report to CUCBM that reasonably met the criteria for MLR certification would be relinquished unless the parties otherwise agree.  We have been evaluating this acreage with an exploratory drilling program, and while we believe the acreage to have potential, we have chosen to focus our capital and resources upon the high permeability/high gas content acreage in Shouyang and in light of the continued lack of infrastructure in Yunnan.  The Company and CUCBM have had discussions that will likely result in the relinquishment of all of the Yunnan acreage covered by the PSC.  The Company expects that any such relinquishment of the PSC will be formalized during the last quarter of 2014 or the first half of 2015.
	Under the Yunnan PSC, we have committed to satisfy certain annual minimum exploration expenditure requirements. Our minimum exploration expenditure requirements for the blocks subject to the Yunnan PSC are based our negotiated agreement to extend the Yunnan PSC exploration period. We are currently obligated to drill a total of eight wells during the entire exploration period, as extended, spending at least $0.8 million (4,850,000 RMB) per year based on the current exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB as of September 30, 2014. Under applicable MLR rules for minimum expenditure requirements, the annual minimum exploration expenditure requirement for the Yunnan PSC was approximately $1.8 million per year before the modification but reduced to $0.8 million per year with relinquishment of acreage, based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB as of September 30, 2014. As we had previously drilled five wells during Phase I and eight wells during Phase II of the Yunnan exploration period in the Yunnan region, we have satisfied the minimum work commitment. The Company and CUCBM have had discussions that will likely result in the relinquishment of all of the Yunnan acreage covered by the PSC.
	These requirements are denominated in RMB and, therefore, are subject to fluctuations in the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB. The MLR minimum expenditure requirements are a significant factor that influences our exploration work program. Under the Yunnan PSC, we were required to pay certain fees totaling $0.4 million for the year of 2014. These fees include assistance fees, training fees, fees for CBM exploration rights and salaries and benefits. Based on the Yunnan modification agreement, the unfulfilled exploration work commitment will be added to the minimum exploration work commitment for the following year. If we terminate the Yunnan PSC and there exists an unfulfilled balance of the minimum exploration work commitment, we may be required to pay the balance to CUCBM.

Common_Stock

Common Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Common Stock	'
	9	Common Stock
	Shares Withheld for Taxes.  During the first nine months of 2014, we withheld 49,139 shares of our common stock from the vesting of nonvested shares (also commonly referred to as "restricted stock") granted to employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations of approximately $6,000.  Once withheld, the shares were canceled and removed from the number of outstanding shares.  Accordingly, we reduced our common stock and our additional paid in capital on our consolidated balance sheet by an amount which equaled the fair market value of the withheld shares on the date of withholding and cancellation.  We subsequently remitted the amount withheld to the tax authority.
	Outstanding Warrants.  A summary of warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2014 is as follows (in thousands, except exercise price):
			Warrants		Expiration
	Exercise Price		Outstanding		2014		2015		2017
	$	0.085		57,586		-		-		57,586
	$	0.54		290		290		-		-
	$	0.8		4,662		-		4,662		-
	$	1.25		4,623		4,623		-		-
		Total		67,161		4,913		4,662		57,586

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	10	Share-Based Compensation
	We grant nonvested shares of common stock and options to purchase common stock to employees, members of the board of directors and consultants under our shareholder-approved 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2005 Plan").  Grants prior to the adoption of the 2005 Plan and inducement grants associated with hiring of new employees and appointment of new directors were generally issued outside of the 2005 Plan.  During the first six months of 2014, we awarded options to purchase up to 325,000 shares of our common stock and 300,000 nonvested shares outside the 2005 Plan to a consultant.  During the first six months of 2013, we awarded options to purchase up to 3,610,000 shares of our common stock and 1,604,000 nonvested shares under the 2005 Plan to employees and members of the board of directors; and options to purchase up to 325,000 shares of our common stock and 110,000 nonvested shares outside the 2005 Plan to consultants.  No options or nonvested shares were awarded during the third quarter of 2014.  As of September 30, 2014, we had 9,079,700 shares available for awards under the 2005 Plan, of which 435,533 shares could be issued as nonvested shares or other full-valued stock-based awards.
	We account for share-based compensation expense under FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). We measure the cost of employee and non-employee services received in exchange for stock options and other equity awards based on the grant date fair value of those awards.  We use the BSOPM to determine the grant date fair value of options and the closing share price on date of grant to determine the grant date fair value of nonvested shares.  We recognize the compensation expense over the period during which the grantee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.
	The compensation expense is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2014			2013		2014		2013
	Exploration Costs		$	15		$	39	$	47	$	127
	General and Administrative			97			213		311		759
			$	112		$	252	$	358	$	886
	The following table summarizes stock option transactions during the nine-months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands, except grant price):
			Options			Weighted Average
						Grant Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014			13,557		$	0.72
	Granted			325			0.11
	Forfeited			(100	)		0.1
	Cancelled			(448	)		0.35
	Expired			(1,600	)		2.02
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014			11,734		$	0.55
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014			9,250		$	0.65
	At September 30, 2014, the weighted average remaining contractual life for the stock options outstanding and exercisable was 5.70 years and 5.09 years, respectively.
	The following table summarizes shares of nonvested stock transactions during the nine-months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands, except per share data):
			Nonvested Shares			Weighted		Vest Date Fair
						Average		Value
						Fair Value
						Per Share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014			3,344		$	0.27
	Granted			300			0.11
	Vested			(1,732	)		0.33	$	199
	Forfeited			(107	)		0.21
	Withheld for Taxes			(49	)		0.36
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014			1,756		$	0.2
	As of September 30, 2014, we had approximately $0.3 million in total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation, of which $0.1 million was related to shares of nonvested stock grants and was recorded in unearned compensation on our consolidated balance sheets.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.28 years at September 30, 2014.  This cost does not include the impact of any future share-based compensation awards.

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	'
	11	Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
	We use the indirect method to present cash flows from operating activities. Cash paid for interest expense for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2.0 million. Cash paid for income taxes for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was zero.  Other supplemental cash flow information for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is presented as follows (in thousands):
			Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014		2013
	Non-cash transactions:
	Interest paid-in-kind		$	4,975	$	3,988
	Amortization of deferred financing costs			796		1,117
	Non-cash share-based compensation			358		886
	Asset retirement and environmental obligation			-		283

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	12	Subsequent Events
	On  October 30, 2014, the Company entered into the Fourth Extension Agreement to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from October 31, 2014 to December 5, 2014.  The Fourth Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.

Business_Basis_of_Presentation1

Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Business	'
	Business.  We were incorporated in Nevada on February 4, 2000. In January 2002, we renamed our company Far East Energy Corporation and changed our focus to exploring, developing, producing and selling coalbed methane gas ("CBM"). Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms "Far East Energy," "Far East," "we," "the Company," "us," "our" and "our company" refer to Far East Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries. References to "FEEB" refer to Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd., our principal operating subsidiary. References to "China" and "PRC" are references to the People's Republic of China. References to the "MofCom" are references to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the principal regulatory authority with oversight responsibility for our production sharing contracts. References to the "MLR" are references to the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources, the principal regulatory authority for the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources in China. References to "CUCBM" are references to China United Coalbed Methane Company, Ltd, and references to "CNPC" are references to China National Petroleum Company. Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we use the term "our Chinese partner company" when referring to CUCBM and CNPC, as applicable.
	The information, as furnished herein, reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.  The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Management believes that the information and disclosures provided herein are adequate to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 ("2013 Annual Report").
Recently Issued Accounting Standards and Developments	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards and Developments.  There were no recent accounting pronouncements at September 30, 2014 that materially affected our company.

Senior_Secured_Notes_Tables

Senior Secured Notes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Senior Secured Notes [Abstract]	'
Principal amount of notes being redeemed or repurchased	'
	In certain circumstances specified in the Indenture and as summarized below, FEEB may or will be required to redeem or offer to repurchase the Notes at the relevant prices set forth below times the principal amount being redeemed or repurchased:
	Closing Date to February 28, 2014		100%
	March 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014		104%
	January 1, 2015 and thereafter		108%
Assumptions used for fair value of warrants	'
	The significant assumptions used in the valuation were as follows:
		Black Scholes
		Option Pricing Model
	Volatility	70.81%
	Risk free interest rate	0.75%
	Expected dividend yield	-
	Expected term	5 year

Oil_and_Gas_Properties_Tables

Oil and Gas Properties (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Oil and Gas Properties [Abstract]	'
Costs associated with oil and gas properties	'
	The costs associated with our oil and gas properties include the following (in thousands):
			At September 30,			At December 31,
			2014			2013
	Proved oil and gas properties		$	90,615		$	90,613
	Unproved leasehold costs			275			275
	Unproved oil and gas properties			14,607			14,311
	Total unproved oil and gas properties			14,882			14,586
	Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization			(6,174	)		(3,865	)
	Total oil and gas properties, net		$	99,323		$	101,334
Aging of capitalized exploratory well costs	'
	The following table provides an aging of capitalized exploratory well costs based on the date the costs were incurred and the number of related wells for which these exploratory well costs have been capitalized for a period greater than one year (in thousands, except number of projects):
			At September 30,
			2014
	Unevaluated exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period of one year or less		$	1,299
	Unevaluated exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year (1)			13,308
	Total unevaluated exploratory well costs		$	14,607
	Number of projects that have exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year			1
	-1	Costs related to our exploratory project in the Shouyang Block in the Shanxi Province.
Net changes in capitalized exploratory well costs	'
	The following table reflects the net changes in capitalized exploratory well costs (in thousands):
			At September 30,
			2014
	Beginning balance at January 1		$	14,311
	Additions to unevaluated exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves			296
	Reclassifications of wells, facilities,  and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves			-
	Reclassified to Proved Oil and Gas Properties per Shouyang Modification Agreement			-
	Unevaluated exploratory well costs charged to expense			-
	Ending balance at September 30		$	14,607

Asset_Retirement_and_Environme1

Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of asset retirement and environmental obligations	'
	The following table presents the reconciliation of the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amounts of short-term and long-term legal obligations associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		At September 30,
		2014
	Carrying amount at beginning of period	$	1,302
	Liabilities incurred		-
	Liabilities settled		-
	Accretion expense		122
	Settlement of obligation		-
	Revisions		-
	Carrying amount at end of period	$	1,424
	Current portion	$	-
	Noncurrent portion	$	1,424

Other_Fixed_Assets_Tables

Other Fixed Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Fixed Assets [Abstract]	'
Other fixed assets, net	'
	Other fixed assets, net include the following (in thousands):
		At September 30,			At December 31,
		2014			2013
	Other fixed assets	$	2,642		$	2,589
	Accumulated depreciation		(1,549	)		(1,289	)
	Other fixed assets, net	$	1,093		$	1,300

Common_Stock_Tables

Common Stock (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Summary of warrants outstanding	'
	Outstanding Warrants.  A summary of warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2014 is as follows (in thousands, except exercise price):
			Warrants		Expiration
	Exercise Price		Outstanding		2014		2015		2017
	$	0.085		57,586		-		-		57,586
	$	0.54		290		290		-		-
	$	0.8		4,662		-		4,662		-
	$	1.25		4,623		4,623		-		-
		Total		67,161		4,913		4,662		57,586

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Compensation Expense	'
	The compensation expense is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Exploration Costs	$	15		$	39	$	47	$	127
	General and Administrative		97			213		311		759
		$	112		$	252	$	358	$	886
Stock option transactions	'
	The following table summarizes stock option transactions during the nine-months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands, except grant price):
		Options			Weighted Average
					Grant Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		13,557		$	0.72
	Granted		325			0.11
	Forfeited		(100	)		0.1
	Cancelled		(448	)		0.35
	Expired		(1,600	)		2.02
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014		11,734		$	0.55
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014		9,250		$	0.65
Shares of nonvested stock transactions	'
	The following table summarizes shares of nonvested stock transactions during the nine-months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands, except per share data):
		Nonvested Shares			Weighted		Vest Date Fair
					Average		Value
					Fair Value
					Per Share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		3,344		$	0.27
	Granted		300			0.11
	Vested		(1,732	)		0.33	$	199
	Forfeited		(107	)		0.21
	Withheld for Taxes		(49	)		0.36
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014		1,756		$	0.2

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca1

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Other supplemental cash flow information	'
	Other supplemental cash flow information for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is presented as follows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013
	Non-cash transactions:
	Interest paid-in-kind	$	4,975	$	3,988
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		796		1,117
	Non-cash share-based compensation		358		886
	Asset retirement and environmental obligation		-		283

Going_Concern_and_Liquidity_Na

Going Concern and Liquidity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 14, 2013

Jan. 11, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 15, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

ft3

Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]

Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]

Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]

Facility Agreement Sixth Amendment [Member]

Extension Agreement [Member]

Extension Agreement [Member]

Second Extension Agreement [Member]

Third Extension Agreement [Member]

Qinnan Production Sharing Contract [Member]

acre

Going Concern and Liquidity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Generated net loss

($8,236,000)

($8,414,000)

($25,912,000)

($24,625,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated net loss from inception

-208,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated net proved reserves

'

'

'

'

67,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated net probable reserves

'

'

'

'

372,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future net cash flows discount rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future net cash flows

'

'

'

'

151,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gas sales proceeds to be collected

500,000

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, maximum capacity

25,000,000

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

60,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility maturity date

'

'

15-Jan-16

'

'

'

'

15-Jan-14

'

15-Apr-14

15-Jul-14

15-Jul-14

15-Sep-14

31-Oct-14

'

Repayment of outstanding principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,125,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of capitalized interest amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility outstanding amount

21,000,000

'

21,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

25,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, additional amount drawn

'

'

$0

$125,000

'

'

$125,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Production sharing area

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

573,000

Senior_Secured_Notes_Details

Senior Secured Notes (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 14, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, gross	$60,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock shares right to purchase (in shares)	'	56,086,439	'	'	'	'
Common stock exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	$0.09	'	'	'	'
Senior notes issue price (in hundredths)	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, accrued interest rate (in hundredths)	'	13.00%	'	'	'	'
Interest rate in kind (in hundredths)	'	14.50%	'	'	'	'
Senior secured notes maturity date	'	15-Jan-16	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes issued	'	'	'	4,975,428	4,639,095	3,987,501
Debt instrument, outstanding amount	'	73,600,000	'	'	'	'
Total percentage of principal Amount outstanding (in hundredths)	'	75.00%	'	'	'	'
Warrants, fair value	'	2,500,000	'	'	'	'
Debt discount accretion amount	'	600,000	500,000	'	'	'
Deferred finance costs	'	3,100,000	'	'	'	'
Warrants issued to the placement agent (in shares)	'	1,500,000	'	'	'	'
Value of warrants under BSOPM valuation technique	'	68,000	'	'	'	'
Total Financing costs allocated between the Notes and Warrants	'	3,100,000	'	'	'	'
Effective interest rate (in hundredths)	'	17.80%	'	'	'	'
Amortization of deferred financing costs	'	796,000	1,117,000	'	'	'
Closing Date to February 28, 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior notes price at redemption (in hundredths)	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'
March 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior notes price at redemption (in hundredths)	'	104.00%	'	'	'	'
January 1, 2015 and thereafter [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior notes price at redemption (in hundredths)	'	108.00%	'	'	'	'
Secured Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of deferred financing costs	'	$700,000	$700,000	'	'	'

Senior_Secured_Notes_Significa

Senior Secured Notes (Significant Valuation Assumptions) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Senior Secured Notes [Abstract]	'
Volatility (in hundredths)	70.81%
Rick free interest rate (in hundredths)	0.75%
Expected dividend yield (in hundredths)	0.00%
Expected term	'5 years

Facility_Agreement_Details

Facility Agreement (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 11, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 15, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Margin Rate Initial Period [Member]

Margin Rate Thereafter [Member]

Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]

Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]

Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]

Facility Agreement Sixth Amendment [Member]

Extension Agreement [Member]

Extension Agreement [Member]

Second Extension Agreement [Member]

Third Extension Agreement [Member]

Facility Agreement [Member]

Facility Agreement [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, initiation date

28-Nov-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, maximum capacity

$25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, interest rate description

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, basis spread (in hundredths)

'

'

9.50%

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility maturity date

15-Jan-16

'

'

'

'

15-Jan-14

'

15-Apr-14

15-Jul-14

15-Jul-14

15-Sep-14

31-Oct-14

'

'

Repayment of outstanding principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,125,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of capitalized interest amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility outstanding amount

21,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

25,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, additional amount drawn

0

125,000

'

'

125,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, accrued interest

100,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, effective interest rate (in hundredths)

10.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility agreement, financing costs

24,000

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of deferred financing costs

$796,000

$1,117,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$47,000

$400,000

Oil_and_Gas_Properties_Costs_A

Oil and Gas Properties (Costs Associated With Oil And Gas Properties) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Oil and Gas Properties [Abstract]	'	'
Proved oil and gas properties	$90,615	$90,613
Unproved leasehold costs	275	275
Unproved oil and gas properties	14,607	14,311
Total unproved oil and gas properties	14,882	14,586
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-6,174	-3,865
Total oil and gas properties, net	$99,323	$101,334

Oil_and_Gas_Properties_Aging_o

Oil and Gas Properties (Aging of Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Project
Oil and Gas Properties [Abstract]	'		'
Unevaluated exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period of one year or less	$1,299		'
Unevaluated exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year	13,308	[1]	'
Total unevaluated exploratory well costs	$14,607		$14,311
Number of projects that have exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year	1		'
[1]	Costs related to our exploratory project in the Shouyang Block in the Shanxi Province.

Oil_and_Gas_Properties_Changes

Oil and Gas Properties (Changes In Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Oil and Gas Properties [Abstract]	'
Beginning balance	$14,311
Additions to unevaluated exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves	296
Reclassifications of wells, facilities, and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves	0
Reclassified to Proved Oil and Gas Properties per Shouyang Modification Agreement	0
Unevaluated exploratory well costs charged to expense	0
Ending balance	$14,607

Asset_Retirement_and_Environme2

Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations [Abstract]	'	'
Carrying amount at beginning of period	$1,302	'
Liabilities incurred	0	'
Liabilities settled	0	'
Accretion expense	122	'
Settlement of obligation	0	'
Revisions	0	'
Carrying amount at end of period	1,424	'
Current portion	0	'
Noncurrent portion	$1,424	$1,302

Other_Fixed_Assets_Details

Other Fixed Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Fixed Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$81	$82	$261	$228

Other_Fixed_Assets_Other_Fixed

Other Fixed Assets (Other Fixed Assets, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Other fixed assets	$108,139	$107,788
Accumulated depreciation	-7,723	-5,154
Total property and equipment, net	100,416	102,634
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Other fixed assets	2,642	2,589
Accumulated depreciation	-1,549	-1,289
Total property and equipment, net	$1,093	$1,300

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Shouyang Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Shouyang Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Shouyang Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Shouyang Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Shouyang Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Qinnan Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Yunnan Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Yunnan Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Enhong Area [Member]

Enhong Area [Member]

Laochang Area [Member]

Laochang Area [Member]

acre

USD ($)

China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd. [Member]

China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd. [Member]

ConocoPhillips [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

CNY

Yunnan Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Yunnan Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Yunnan Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Yunnan Production Sharing Contract [Member]

Well

sqkm

sqkm

acre

acre

sqkm

acre

sqkm

acre

Well

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Participation interest in properties (in hundredths)

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

Modification agreement, four year extension of exploration period, area

272,581

1,103.10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional wells required to be drilled

39

39

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8

8

Modification agreement, area relinguished

121,255

490.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating area

288,569

1,167.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Certified by MLR

'

'

64.7

15,988

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net overriding royalty interest (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Participating interest share (in hundredths)

'

'

30.00%

30.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Development plan area

'

'

99.8

24,661

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual minimum exploration expenditure requirements

'

$1,900,000

'

'

'

$3,800,000

$800,000

4,850,000

'

'

'

'

Annual minimum exploration expenditure requirements during 2014

'

1,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual required fees that will count toward the satisfaction of minimum exploration expenditure requirements

'

500,000

'

'

'

400,000

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

Production sharing area

'

'

'

'

'

573,000

'

'

587.6

145,198

482.9

119,327

Annual minimum exploration expenditure requirements before modification

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

Number of wells drilled

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

5

Common_Stock_Details

Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Shares paid for tax withholding for share based compensation (in shares)	49,139
Payments related to tax withholding for share based compensation	$6,000

Common_Stock_Summary_Of_Warran

Common Stock (Summary Of Warrants Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$0.09
Warrants outstanding	67,161
2014	4,913
2015	4,662
2017	57,586
$0.085 [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$0.09
Warrants outstanding	57,586
2014	0
2015	0
2017	57,586
$0.54 [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$0.54
Warrants outstanding	290
2014	290
2015	0
2017	0
$0.80 [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$0.80
Warrants outstanding	4,662
2014	0
2015	4,662
2017	0
$1.25 [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
Exercise price	$1.25
Warrants outstanding	4,623
2014	4,623
2015	0
2017	0

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
			2005 Plan [Member]	Nonvested Shares [Member]	Nonvested Shares [Member]	Employees And Board Of Directors [Member]	Employees And Board Of Directors [Member]	New Employee And Consultant [Member]	New Employee And Consultant [Member]	New Employee And Consultant [Member]	New Employee And Consultant [Member]
					2005 Plan [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Nonvested Shares [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Nonvested Shares [Member]	Nonvested Shares [Member]
						2005 Plan [Member]	2005 Plan [Member]	Outside Of The Plan [Member]	Outside Of The Plan [Member]	Outside Of The Plan [Member]	Outside Of The Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted, options (in shares)	0	325,000	'	'	'	3,610,000	1,604,000	325,000	325,000	300,000	110,000
Number of share available for awards (in shares)	'	'	9,079,700	'	435,533	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, outstanding	'	'5 years 8 months 12 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, exercisable	'	'5 years 1 month 2 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to shares of nonvested stock grants	$0.30	$0.30	'	$0.10	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized over weighted average period, years	'	'1 year 3 months 11 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Compen

Share-Based Compensation (Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense	$112	$252	$358	$886
Exploration Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense	15	39	47	127
General And Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense	$97	$213	$311	$759

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Option Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding (in shares)	'	13,557,000
Granted, options (in shares)	0	325,000
Forfeited (in shares)	'	-100,000
Cancelled (in shares)	'	-448,000
Expired (in shares)	'	-1,600,000
Outstanding (in shares)	11,734,000	11,734,000
Exercisable (in shares)	9,250,000	9,250,000
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	'	$0.72
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	$0.11
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	$0.10
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	'	$0.35
Expired (in dollars per share)	'	$2.02
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$0.55	$0.55
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$0.65	$0.65

ShareBased_Compensation_Shares

Share-Based Compensation (Shares Of Nonvested Stock Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2014 (in shares)	3,344
Granted (in shares)	300
Vested (in shares)	-1,732
Forfeited (in shares)	-107
Withheld for Taxes (in shares)	-49
Outstanding at September 30, 2014 (in shares)	1,756
Outstanding at January 1, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$0.27
Granted (in dollars per share)	$0.11
Vested (in dollars per share)	$0.33
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$0.21
Withheld for Taxes (in dollars per share)	$0.36
Outstanding at September 30, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$0.20
Vested, vest date fair value	$199

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca2

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'
Interest paid	$2,000,000	$2,000,000
Income taxes paid	0	0
Non-cash transactions [Abstract]	'	'
Interest paid-in-kind	4,975,000	3,988,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	796,000	1,117,000
Non-cash share-based compensation	358,000	886,000
Asset retirement and environmental obligations	$0	$283,000