Far East Energy (FEEC) 10-K/A 5 Nov 13 2012 FY Annual report (amended) Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-12	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2012	'	'
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	'	346,392,279	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$58,614,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,340	$23,263
Accounts receivable	163	689
Inventory	423	541
Prepaid expenses	369	373
Deposits	677	543
Other current assets	16	19
Total current assets	2,988	25,428
Property and equipment, Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method:	'	'
Proved properties	71,875	66,361
Unproved properties	275	1,899
Other property and equipment	2,313	2,071
Total property and equipment	74,463	70,331
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-3,398	-1,602
Total property and equipment, net	71,065	68,729
Deferred financing costs	371	1,440
Other long-term assets	658	216
Total assets	75,082	95,813
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	14,814	11,400
Accrued liabilities	7,571	13,562
Short-term debt	25,730	17,870
Total current liabilities	48,115	42,832
Asset retirement and environmental obligations	840	739
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 344,785,689 and 342,103,218 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	345	342
Additional paid-in capital	175,554	174,317
Unearned compensation	-987	-792
Accumulated deficit	-148,785	-121,625
Total stockholders' equity	26,127	52,242
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$75,082	$95,813

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	344,785,689	34,103,218
Common stock, shares outstanding	344,785,689	34,103,218

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating revenues:	'	'	'
Gas sales	$1,219	$653	'
Other, net	425	205	'
Total Revenue	1,644	858	'
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Lease operating expense	5,129	3,873	2,314
Exploration costs	5,604	5,967	5,117
General and administrative	11,434	9,701	7,076
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1,890	1,045	224
Total operating expenses	24,057	20,586	14,731
Operating loss	-22,413	-19,728	-14,731
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest expense	-4,756	-678	-1,135
Interest income	13	6	5
Gain on sales of other fixed assets	3	-1	-1
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)	-7	-844	-311
Total other income	-4,747	-1,517	-1,442
Loss before income taxes	-27,160	-21,245	-16,173
Income taxes	'	'	'
Net loss	-27,160	-21,245	-16,173
Comprehensive loss	($27,160)	($21,245)	($16,173)
Net loss per share:	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	($0.08)	($0.06)	($0.07)
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	344,547	333,214	220,671

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sto

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Unearned Compensation [Member]	Deficit Accumulated During The Development Stage [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$174	$111,982	($279)	($84,207)	$27,670
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2009	173,836,960	'	'	'	'
Net loss	'	'	'	-16,173	-16,173
Common stock issued	117	36,888	'	'	37,005
Common stock issued, shares	117,170,416	'	'	'	117,170,416	[1]
Nonvested shares issued	'	118	112	'	230
Nonvested shares issued, shares	251,667	'	'	'	'
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes	'	-70	'	'	-70
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes, shares	-156,115	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	'	31	'	'	31
Stock options exercised, shares	100,000	'	'	'	100,000
Stock options issued	'	429	'	'	429
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	291	149,378	-167	-100,380	49,122
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	291,202,928	'	'	'	'
Net loss	'	'	'	-21,245	-21,245
Common stock issued	35	16,696	'	'	16,731
Common stock issued, shares	34,880,599	'	'	'	49,196,388	[2]
Stock issued for note conversion	14	6,786	'	'	6,800
Stock issued for note conversion, shares	14,315,789	'	'	'	'
Nonvested shares issued	2	1,086	-625	'	463
Nonvested shares issued, shares	1,753,134	'	'	'	'
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes	'	-28	'	'	-28
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes, shares	-49,232	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised, shares	'	'	'	'	0
Stock options issued	'	399	'	'	399
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	342	174,317	-792	-121,625	52,242
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	342,103,218	'	'	'	34,103,218
Net loss	'	'	'	-27,160	-27,160
Nonvested shares issued	3	867	-195	'	675
Nonvested shares issued, shares	2,707,500	'	'	'	'
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes	'	-7	'	'	-7
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes, shares	-25,029	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised, shares	'	'	'	'	0
Stock options issued	'	377	'	'	377
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$345	$175,554	($987)	($148,785)	$26,127
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	344,785,689	'	'	'	344,785,689
[1]	A registered offering closed in March 2010 and warrants to purchase up to 4.9 million shares of common stock were issued pursuant to this registered offering. The warrants that were issued in the registered offering that closed in March 2010 expire on March 11, 2015 for investors who subscribed for warrants and on November 4, 2014 for the placement agent who participated in the March 2010 registered offering. Another registered offering was closed in August 2010 for shares of common stock.
[2]	In February 2011, Dart Energy exercised its right to exchange a total of $6.8 million in principal amount under the Exchangeable Note (referenced in footnote 2 of this table) for 14,315,789 shares of common stock. A registered offering was closed in March 2011 for shares of common stock.

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net loss	($27,160,000)	($21,245,000)	($16,173,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	1,890,000	1,045,000	224,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,377,000	253,000	324,000
Share-based compensation	1,052,000	862,000	659,000
Changes in components of working capital:	'	'	'
Restricted cash	'	'	739,000
Accounts receivable	87,000	-899,000	266,000
Inventory	118,000	-237,000	-78,000
Prepaid expenses	4,000	-69,000	-138,000
Deposits	-134,000	-442,000	245,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,546,000	4,337,000	4,192,000
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	-3,000	1,000	1,000
Other, net	-7,000	-28,000	-71,000
Net cash used in operating activities	-19,230,000	-16,422,000	-9,810,000
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Additions to oil and gas properties in China	-8,273,000	-17,052,000	-4,698,000
Additions to other properties	-242,000	-804,000	-335,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-8,515,000	-17,856,000	-5,033,000
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Net proceeds from credit facility	6,193,000	16,250,000	'
Debt issue costs	-371,000	'	'
Payment on exchangeable note	'	-3,200,000	'
Net proceeds from sale of common stock	'	16,731,000	37,005,000
Net proceeds from exercise of options	'	'	31,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	5,822,000	29,781,000	37,036,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-21,923,000	-4,497,000	22,193,000
Cash and cash equivalents--beginning of period	23,263,000	27,760,000	5,567,000
Cash and cash equivalents--end of period	1,340,000	23,263,000	27,760,000
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'	'
Interest paid	1,706,000	1,227,000	0
Noncash investing and financing transactions:	'	'	'
Common stock issued to convert notes payable	'	6,800,000	'
Asset retirement and environmental obligations	$20,000	$174,000	$105,000

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	FAR EAST ENERGY CORPORATION
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Business.  We were incorporated in the state of Nevada on February 4, 2000, and on January 10, 2002, we changed our name to Far East Energy Corporation ("FEEC").  The terms "we," "us," "our," and "our company" refer to FEEC and its subsidiaries.  References to common stock refer to the common stock of FEEC.  References to FEEB refer to Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd., our principal operating subsidiary.  We are an independent energy company.  FEEC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration and development of coalbed methane ("CBM") gas properties solely in the People's Republic of China ("PRC").
	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.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
	Principles of Consolidation.  Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries after the elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.
	Use of Estimates.  The preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities that exist at the date of the financial statements.  Items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: 1) oil and natural gas reserves; 2) cash flow estimates used in impairment tests of long-lived assets; 3) depreciation, depletion and amortization; 4) asset retirement obligations; and 5) income taxes.  While we believe our estimates are appropriate, actual results can, and often do, differ from those estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents.  We consider short-term investments with little risk of change in value because of changes in interest rates and purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Inventory.  Inventory consists primarily of tubular goods and drilling equipment used in our operations and is carried at cost with adjustments made from time to time to recognize any reductions in value.
	Oil and Gas Properties.  We use the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and gas properties. Under this method, oil and gas lease acquisition costs and intangible drilling costs associated with exploration efforts that result in the discovery of proved reserves and costs associated with development drilling, whether or not successful, are capitalized when incurred. If proved commercial reserves are not discovered, such drilling costs are expensed. In some circumstances, it may be uncertain whether proved commercial reserves have been found when drilling has been completed.  Under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 932, Extractive Activities – Oil and Gas ("ASC 932"), such exploratory well drilling costs may continue to be capitalized if the reserve quantity is sufficient to justify its completion as a producing well and sufficient progress in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project is being made. We assess our capitalized exploratory wells pending evaluation each quarter to determine whether costs should remain capitalized or should be charged to earnings. Other exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred. We recognize gain or loss on the sale of properties on a field basis.  Depreciation, depletion and amortization of the cost of proved oil and gas properties is calculated using the unit-of-production method.
	Unproved property costs are capitalized and reviewed periodically for impairment on a field basis, considering factors such as drilling and exploitation plans and lease terms. The estimated fair value of unproved leasehold costs includes the present value of probable reserves discounted at rates commensurate with the risks involved in each classification of reserve. Costs related to impaired prospects are charged to expense. An impairment expense could result if oil and gas prices decline in the future or if downward reserves revisions are recorded, as it may not be economical to develop some of these unproved properties.  We also evaluate current drilling results, lease expiration dates, current oil and gas industry conditions, international economic conditions, capital availability, foreign currency exchange rates, political stability in the countries in which the Company has an investment, and available geological and geophysical information. Any impairment assessed is charged to expense.
	Estimates of future dismantlement, restoration, and abandonment costs. The accounting for future development and abandonment costs is determined by FASB ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, which requires the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.  The liability is accreted each period through charges to depreciation, depletion and amortization.  The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The accrual is based on estimates of these costs for each of our properties based upon the type of production structure, reservoir characteristics, depth of the reservoir, market demand for equipment, currently available procedures and consultations with construction and engineering consultants. Because these costs typically extend many years into the future, estimating these future costs is difficult and requires management to make estimates and judgments that are subject to future revisions based on numerous factors, including changing technology, the political and regulatory environment, estimates as to the proper discount rate to use and timing of abandonment.
	Convertible Debts and Warrants.  We applied FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815") and FASB ASC Topic 470, Debt ("ASC 470"), in recording the Exchangeable Note and warrants issued to Dart Energy in conjunction with a transaction between the parties. Derivative financial instruments, as defined in ASC 815, consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying, require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets.  Convertible debt, as defined in ASC 470, generally includes an interest rate which is lower than the issuer could establish for nonconvertible debt, an initial conversion price which is greater than the market value of the common stock at the time of issuance, and a conversion price which does not decrease except pursuant to anti-dilution provisions.  Also, under ASC 470, the portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the debt which is allocable to the warrant should be accounted for as additional paid-in capital.  The allocation should be based on the relative fair values of the two securities at time of issuance.
	Revenue Recognition. We derive revenue primarily from the sale of produced natural gas. Revenues, net of royalties, are recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or determinable price, when delivery has occurred and title has transferred, and if the collectability of the revenue is probable.  The amount of gas sold may differ from the amount to which the Company is entitled based on its working interest or net revenue interest in the properties. A ready market for natural gas allows us to sell our natural gas shortly after production at the pipeline receipt point at which time title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer. Revenue is recorded when title is transferred based on our deliveries and net revenue interests. Cash received relating to future revenues is deferred and recognized when all revenue recognition criteria are met.
	Significant Customers. All of the Company’s production is sold to one customer, Shanxi Province Guoxin Energy Development Group Limited ("SPG").  In the event that this significant customer ceases doing business with us, we believe, but can provide no assurances, that there are potential alternative customers with whom we could establish new relationships and that those relationships would result in the replacement of the lost customer.
	Income Taxes.  Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period the change occurs. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
	Environmental Matters. Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when assessments and/or remediation are deemed probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
	Net Loss Per Share.  We apply FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share ("ASC 260") for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in our earnings.
	Share-based Compensation.  We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options based on the grant date fair value of the awarded options under FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation ("ASC 718").  We determine the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.   We determine the fair value of shares of nonvested stock (also commonly referred to as restricted stock) based on the last quoted price of our stock on the OTC Bulletin Board on the date of the share grant.   The fair value determined represents the cost for the award and is recognized over the vesting period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.  As share-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards ultimately expected to vest, we have reduced the expense for estimated forfeitures based on historical forfeiture rates.  Previously recognized compensation costs may be adjusted to reflect the actual forfeiture rate for the entire award at the end of the vesting period.  Excess tax benefits, as defined in ASC 718, if any, are recognized as an addition to paid-in capital.
	Comprehensive Loss.  Comprehensive loss is defined as changes in financial position of an enterprise excluding stockholder equity transactions.  There were no elements of comprehensive loss other than net loss from operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
	Foreign Currency Transactions.  Periodically, we assess the functional currencies of our Chinese subsidiaries to ensure that the appropriate currency is utilized in accordance with the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters ("ASC 830").  During the fourth quarter of 2006, we determined that the functional currency for our Chinese operations was U.S. Dollars, instead of the Chinese Renminbi ("RMB") as previously reported and utilized.  Foreign currency transaction gains or losses, which resulted from transactions denominated in the Chinese RMB, were recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Fair Values of Financial Instruments.  Our company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, payables, and accrued payables.  The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their respective fair values as they are short-term in nature.
	Credit Concentration.  As of December 31, 2012, approximately $1.2 million of our cash was held in foreign bank accounts.
	Reclassification.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 to be consistent with the 2012 presentation.
	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05 "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income." ASU 2011-05 is intended to increase the prominence of comprehensive income in the financial statements by requiring that an entity that reports items of comprehensive income do so in either one continuous or two consecutive financial statements. ASU 2011-05 also requires separate presentation on the face of the financial statements for items reclassified from other comprehensive income into net income. Subsequently, in December 2011, the FASB deferred the effective date of the provisions of ASU 2011-05 relating to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The provisions of ASU 2011-05 not deferred by the FASB are effective for interim and annual fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Retroactive application is required.  The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Liquidity_And_Realization_Of_A

Liquidity And Realization Of Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Liquidity And Realization Of Assets [Abstract]	'
Liquidity And Realization Of Assets	'
	2.  Liquidity and Realization of Assets
	All of our reserves are located in Shanxi Province, China.  At December 31, 2012, our estimated net proved and net probable reserves were 51.3 million cubic feet(“MMcf”) and 392.4 MMcf of CBM, respectively.  At December 31, 2012, the standardized measure of our future net cash flows, discounted at 10 percent per annum, relating to our proved natural gas reserves was $40.4 million.  See Supplemental Information to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	On June 12, 2010, China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd. ("CUCBM"), our Chinese partner for the Shouyang production sharing contract ("PSC"), and 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 December 31, 2012 and 2011, gas sales proceeds to be collected were approximately $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, 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 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 provides for a $25 million credit facility, the proceeds of which were currently 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 is fully drawn and no amounts remain for borrowing.  See Note 3 – 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 $60,000,000 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.
	On January 15, 2013, FEEC and FEEB entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Facility Agreement, dated November 28, 2011 (as amended, the “SCB Credit Facility”), among FEEC, FEEB and Standard Chartered Bank, 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 includes $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.
	Our current work programs satisfied the minimum exploration expenditures for our Shouyang and Yunnan PSCs for 2012. 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 may seek 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, 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 project or reserve based 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 or transfer.  There can be no guarantee of future capital acquisition, fundraising or exploration success.

Facility_Agreement

Facility Agreement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Facility Agreement [Abstract]	'
Facility Agreement	'
	3.  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 provides 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 Agreement had an initial 9-month term ending August 28, 2012.  Loans under the Facility Agreement may 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 will 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 (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.
	On May 23, 2012, the Company announced that it had entered into an amendment to regarding the credit facility agreement with Standard Chartered Bank that, among other things, extended the date upon which the Company was required to provide Standard Chartered Bank with evidence of approval by MofCom of the modification agreement to the Shouyang PSC.    On July 5, 2012, FEEB was notified of MofCom approval of the modification agreement to the Shouyang PSC.  On July 19, 2012, FEEB entered into the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) electing to extend the term of the Facility Agreement by three months, which extended the term of the facility Agreement to November 28, 2012.  On November 28, 2012, FEEB entered into the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Facility Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2011 extending the termination date of the Facility Agreement and the due date for payment of all accrued interest to December 19, 2012.  On December 18, 2012, FEEB entered into the Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Facility Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2011 (as amended, the “Facility Agreement”).  The Third Amendment extends 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 the Facility Agreement, dated November 28, 2011 (the “Fifth Amendment”), among FEEC, FEEB and Standard Chartered Bank, 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 includes $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 14 – Subsequent Events for discussion of the Private Placement.
	At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the total amount drawn under the Facility Agreement was $25.7 and $17.9 million, respectively.  The related accrued interest was $0.1 and $0.2 million for December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The effective interest rate for the Facility Agreement is 21.6% per annum.
	At December 31, 2012 and 2011, total financing costs in connection with the Facility Agreement were approximately $2.6 and $1.6 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 year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $2.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Transactions_with_Dart_Energy

Transactions with Dart Energy	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Transactions With Dart Energy [Abstract]	'
Transactions with Dart Energy	'
	4.  Transactions with Dart Energy
	In 2009, we entered into a series of transactions related to our Qinnan Block with Dart Energy.  In connection with these transactions, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, FEEB, and Dart Energy entered into a Farmout Agreement (the "Farmout Agreement") under which, subject to certain conditions, FEEB would assign to Dart Energy 75.25% of its rights in the Qinnan PSC in Shanxi Province (the "Assignment"). The Assignment was not carried out and FEEB terminated the Farmout Agreement in November 2011.
	In conjunction with the Farmout Agreement, FEEB issued an Exchangeable Note, $10 million principal amount, to Dart Energy for $10 million in cash and a warrant to Dart Energy for 7,420,000 shares of our common stock, at an exercise price of $1.00 per share ("Warrant").  The Warrant was not exercised and expired in December 2009.
	Of the $10 million principal amount, $2 million was to be set aside to be used exclusively to satisfy FEEB's existing exploration and development commitments in connection with the Qinnan PSC.  This restricted portion was fully utilized for exploration expenditures related to the Qinnan PSC by mid-2010.
	The Exchangeable Note had an initial principal amount of $10 million and bore interest at a rate of 8% per annum, which began to accrue on October 16, 2009.  In February 2011, Dart Energy exercised its right to exchange a total of $6.8 million in principal amount under the Exchangeable Note for 14,315,789 shares of Common Stock which was sold by Dart Energy shortly after the exchange.
	On September 15, 2011, the Company fulfilled its obligations under the Exchangeable Note by paying in full the remaining $3,200,000 principal balance on the Exchangeable Note plus the $1,226,577 in accrued interest, and the Company elected to terminate the Farmout Agreement on November 11, 2011. The effective interest rate for the Exchangeable Note was 11.64% per annum.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	5.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	We use the indirect method to present cash flows from operating activities. Cash paid for interest for 2012 and 2011 was $1.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  Cash paid for income taxes for 2012 and 2011 was zero both years.  Cash paid for interest expense and income taxes for 2010 was zero, respectively.  Other supplemental cash flow information for 2012, 2011 and 2010, is presented as follows (in thousands):
		2012	2011	2010
	Non-cash transactions:
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	$   2,377	$    253	$    324
	Non-cash share-based compensation	1,052	862	659
	Common stock issued to convert notes payable	-	6,800	-
	Asset retirement and environmental obligation	20	174	105

Oil_And_Gas_Properties

Oil And Gas Properties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Oil And Gas Properties [Abstract]	'
Oil And Gas Properties	'
	6.  Oil and Gas Properties
	All of the Company's oil and gas properties are located in the PRC.  For the year ended 2012, the Company has $71.9 million in proved oil and gas properties and $0.3 million remaining in unproved oil and gas properties.  During the year ending 2011, based on the determination of proved reserves, the Company classified $66.3 million of its unproved oil and gas properties to proved oil and gas properties  The costs associated with our oil and gas properties include the following (in thousands):
		At December 31,
		2012		2011
	Proved oil and gas properties	$                71,875		$                66,361
	Unproved leasehold costs	275		275
	Unproved oil and gas properties	-		1,624
	Total unproved oil and gas properties	275		1,899
	Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-2,221		-744
	Total oil and gas properties, net	$                69,929		$                67,516
	Unproved Leasehold Costs.    Unproved leasehold costs are composed of amounts we paid to the PRC's Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China ("MofCom") and CUCBM pursuant to a PSC we entered into in 2002 with CUCBM to acquire the mineral rights in the Enhong and Laochang areas 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 December 31, 2012, 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 reflects the net changes in capitalized exploratory well costs during 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
			2012		2011	2010
	Beginning balance at January 1		$           1,624		$         49,819	$         34,146
	Additions to unevaluated exploratory
	well costs pending the determination of proved reserves		-		18,166	15,673
	Reclassifications of wells, facilities,
	and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves		-		-66,361	-
	Reclassified to Proved Oil and Gas
	Properties per Shouyang Modification Agreement		-1,624		-	-
	Unevaluated exploratory well costs charged to expense		-		-	-
	Ending balance at December 31		$                   -		$           1,624	$         49,819
	At December 31, 2012, the Company had no costs capitalized for exploratory wells for a period of greater than one year after the completion of drilling.

Asset_Retirement_And_Environme

Asset Retirement And Environmental Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Retirement And Environmental Obligations [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement And Environmental Obligations	'
	7.  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 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		2012	2011
	Carrying amount at beginning of period	$         739	$         491
	Liabilities incurred	20	174
	Liabilities settled	-	-
	Accretion expense	94	74
	Settlement of obligation	-13	-
	Revisions	-	-
	Carrying amount at end of period	$         840	$         739
	Current portion	$              -	$              -
	Noncurrent portion	$         840	$         739

Other_Property_and_Equipment

Other Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Property And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Other Property and Equipment	'
	8.  Other Property and Equipment
	Other fixed assets, net include the following (in thousands):
		At December 31,
		2012	2011
	Other fixed assets	$                  2,313	$                  2,071
	Accumulated depreciation	-1,176	-858
	Other fixed assets, net	$                  1,137	$                  1,213
	Other fixed assets include leasehold improvements, equipment and furniture.  Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was approximately $319,000, $227,000, and $177,000, respectively. Furniture, fixtures and non-oil and natural gas property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally ranging from three to twenty years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed in the period incurred.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	9.  Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):
		At December 31,
		2012	2011
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss	$   8,172	$   7,099
	Depreciable assets and other	31	19
	Accrued Compensation	26	-
	Stock-based compensation	842	741
	Total deferred tax assets	9,071	7,859
	Total deferred tax liabilities	-	-
	Net deferred tax assets	$   9,071	$   7,859
	Net deferred tax assets	$   9,071	$   7,859
	Less: valuation allowance	-9,071	-7,859
		$           -	$           -
	Net operating loss, which can be carried forward for federal income tax purposes, was estimated to be approximately $24.0 million and $20.9 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The management has determined that it is unlikely that the NOL will be utilized before its expiration beginning in 2016.  Accordingly, full valuation allowance is provided to comply with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”).
	Income taxes for financial reporting purposes differed from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rates because Bermuda has no income tax that would apply to FEEB, and because of our recording of the valuation allowance for the losses generated by us. The net increase in the valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $1.2 million.  The net increase in the valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $2.8 million.  The increase for each year was primarily attributable to the net operating losses generated.
	ASC 740 prescribes a minimum recognition threshold and measurement methodology that a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. It also provides guidance for derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes on continuing operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of adoption.  There are no unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect the tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2012.  There is no interest or penalties recognized as of the date of adoption or for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and State of Texas.  The 2009 through 2012 tax years generally remain subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	10.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 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. The exploration period for approximately 288,570 acres (approximately 1,167.8 square kilometers) of the Shouyang Block expires on June 30, 2015, and the exploration period for approximately 121,255 acres (approximately 490.7 square kilometers) expires on June 30, 2013. The Shouyang PSC expires on July 1, 2032 unless extended.
	We operate approximately 409,824 acres (1,658.5 square kilometers) of the Shouyang Block. There is an approximately 15,988 acre (approximately 64.7 square kilometer) portion of the block that has recently been certified by the Chinese Ministry of Land Resources (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”) and a westward extension thereof.  We have a 100% participating interest (subject to a net 3.5% revenue interest held by Phillips) in this portion of the block, which contains all of the wells in the 1H Pilot Area (the area of our current CBM sales) and the planned expansion thereof. With respect to the remaining 393,837 acres (1,593.8 square kilometers), 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.
	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 are in the process of jointly preparing an overall development plan for approximately 24,661 acres (99.8 square kilometer) located in the northern portion of the Shouyang Block.
	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 of CUCBM established by the MLR, subject to such additional commitments as we deem reasonably necessary and appropriate in light of negotiations to extend the underlying exploration periods of the PSCs. The MLR sets its requirements by applying a minimum expenditure per acre to the total acreage encompassed by each PSC. As a result, the annual minimum exploration expenditure requirement is approximately $2.9 million for the Shouyang PSC, based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S.  Dollar to the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”) as of December 31, 2012.  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. Under the Shouyang PSC, we are required to pay certain fees totaling $0.5 million for the year of 2012.  These fees include assistance fees, training fees, fees for CBM exploration rights and salaries and benefits.  We have completed the minimum work obligations under the Shouyang PSC. We are required to drill 25 additional wells in the non-MLR certified area by June 30, 2013, and drill additional 13 wells during the period from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015, spending at least $15.9 million based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB as of December 31, 2012.
	Under the PSCs, we are required to make the following yearly payments to our Chinese partner companies.  As indicated below, certain amounts may change from year to year.
	Annual Payments		Shouyang PSC
	Exploration Period
	Salary and Benefit
	2013		$            294,946
	2012		279,990
	Exploration Permit Fee		134,723
	Training Fee		60,000
	Assistance Fee		50,000
	Development & Production Period
	Signature Fee (1)		150,000
	Training Fee		150,000
	Assistance Fee		120,000
	(1) Due within 30 days after first approval of the ODP following the exploration period.
	Qinnan Production Sharing Contract. FEEB is the operator under the Qinnan PSC to develop the Qinnan block in Shanxi Province. CUCBM is in the process of assigning the Qinnan PSC to China National Petroleum Company (“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 CUCBM or CNPC (following the assignment of the Qinnan PSC) 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. We believe 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 company’s request, we have provided certain operational and financial information to assist them in the decision making process as to whether to recognize an extension of the exploration period in Qinnan. PetroChina 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 its wholly owned affiliate 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 us not having, for an extended period of time, an official Chinese partner company that had the capacity or authority under the Qinnan PSC to work with us.  Because of the inability to hold a formal joint management committee (“JMC”) meeting or to have the effective involvement of our Chinese partner company, 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 of the exploration period.  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 exploration 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 $3.7 million in the aggregate based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB as of December 31, 2012.  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.  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.
	Under the PSCs, we are required to make the following yearly payments to our Chinese partner companies.  As indicated below, certain amounts may change from year to year.
	Annual Payments		Qinnan PSC
	Exploration Period
	Salary and Benefit
	2013		$            151,686
	2012		143,100
	Exploration Permit Fee		165,529
	Training Fee		60,000
	Assistance Fee		50,000
	Development & Production Period
	Signature Fee (1)		150,000
	Training Fee		150,000
	Assistance Fee		120,000
	(1) Due within 30 days after first approval of the overall development plan following the exploration period.
	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).  We may elect to continue the process of trying to transition CBM fields into the process for a long-term development license for certain areas.  Any acreage that is not at or past the stage of submittal of a technical report to CUCBM that reasonably meets the criteria for MLR certification will be relinquished unless the parties otherwise agree.   Our operations will focus on obtaining MLR certification in the portion of the Laochang area and preparing for compilation of an overall development plan to submit for approval.  The development period of any CBM field in the Yunnan PSC area will begin after the approval of an long-term development license pursuant to an overall development plan. An overall development plan would be developed and filed jointly by us and CUCBM, seeking approval from Chinese governmental authorities, for any CBM field that we and CUCBM elect to develop.  The production period of any CBM field in the Yunnan PSC area will begin after the date of commencement of production of commercial grade quantities of CBM with respect to that CBM field. Provided that we remain in compliance with the requirements under the Yunnan PSC, production will be allowed to continue on a CBM field until the earlier of the end of the useful life of the field and January 1, 2033, unless extended or otherwise amended.  We are responsible for all exploration costs related to the Yunnan PSC, including all exploration costs for discovering and evaluating CBM-producing areas.  If any CBM field is discovered within the contract area, CUCBM will be deemed to hold a 40% participating interest in such field and we will be deemed to have a 60% participating interest, unless CUCBM elects to participate at a lower level, in which case we will retain all participating interests not taken by CUCBM and shall be responsible for development costs in proportion to our participating interest.
	We plan to continue the dewatering/test-production and we anticipate the production of more gas as the dewatering process moves forward and the interference between wells can be established, together with a reduction in the fluid-level, creating a funnel effect covering a relatively larger area of the reservoir. Recently, gas production from one of the pilot wells has remained steady at a rate around 20 Mcf (550 cubic meters) per day, with the peak daily rate as high as 65 Mcf (1,850 cubic meters).  After initial testing, it was determined that this CBM field possesses one of the higher-rank coals in China, which means that the coal in this CBM field contains more carbon and typically results in a much higher energy content and higher gas content.  Accordingly,  we plan to analyze obtained data through pilot production and evaluate the performance of the reservoir, then decide whether or not to continue the pilot testing. Furthermore, in order to apply for a long-term development license to enter the development period, it is under consideration that more parameter wells and pre-production wells may be planned for drilling, especially in the Yuwang subblock of the Laochang PSC project.
	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 December 31, 2012 as the minimum exploration expenditure. Under applicable MLR rules for minimum expenditure requirements, the annual minimum exploration expenditure requirement for the Yunnan PSC is approximately $1.2 million before the modification but reduced with relinquishment of acreage, based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB as of December 31, 2012.  As we have already drilled five wells in the Laochang region during Phase II of the Yunnan exploration period, we are only obligated to drill an additional three wells before December 31, 2013 to satisfy the minimum work commitment.
	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 $0.5 million for the year of 2012. 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 will be required to pay the balance to CUCBM.
	Under the PSCs, we are required to make the following yearly payments to our Chinese partner companies.
	Annual Payments		Yunnan PSC
	Exploration Period
	Salary and Benefit
	2013		$            298,344
	2012		315,024
	Exploration Permit Fee		38,417
	Training Fee		45,000
	Assistance Fee		45,000
	Development & Production Period
	Training Fee		80,000
	Assistance Fee		80,000
	Minimum Commitments.  At December 31, 2012, total minimum commitments from long-term non-cancelable operating leases and other purchase obligations are as follows (in thousands):
		Amount
	2013	$      37,978
	2014 - 2015	4,179
	2016 - 2017	-
	2018 and beyond	840
	Total minimum commitments	$      42,997

Employee_Savings_Plan

Employee Savings Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Savings Plan [Abstract]	'
Employee Savings Plan	'
	11.  Employee Savings Plan
	At December 31, 2012, we maintained a defined contribution plan covering all of our U.S. employees. Employees participating in the plan may select from several investment options. We match the participant's contribution up to a maximum of four percent of the participant's salary. The amounts contributed by the participants and us vest immediately. We expensed $74,000, $68,000, and $50,000 under this plan for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	12.   Share-Based Compensation
	We grant shares of nonvested stock 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").  Options granted under the 2005 Plan must carry an exercise price equal to or above the market value of the stock at the grant date, and a term of no greater than ten years.  The 2005 Plan provides that, unless otherwise agreed, shares of nonvested stock granted under the 2005 Plan must be forfeited upon termination of service.  We issue new shares when options are exercised or shares are granted.  Our option grants under the 2005 Plan to date have generally utilized these terms: exercise price above or equal to average market price on the date of the grant; vesting periods up to four years from date of grant; term of up to ten years; and forfeiture of unexercised vested options after 60-90 days after termination of employment with the Company.  Our shares of nonvested stock granted under the 2005 Plan to date have utilized vesting periods of up to three years.
	Grants prior to the adoption of the 2005 Plan and inducement grants associated with hiring of new employees and appointment of new directors are issued outside of the 2005 Plan.  These grants of options included varying terms, some differing from the above.
	During the first half of 2011, we awarded options to purchase up to 1,785,000 shares of our common stock and 1,669,800 nonvested shares under the 2005 Plan to employees and members of the board of directors; and options to purchase up to 250,000 shares of our common stock and 190,000 nonvested shares outside the 2005 Plan to a new employee and a consultant.
	At the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company held on October 11, 2011, the Company's stockholders approved an amendment to the 2005 Plan which increased the number of shares of common stock issuable from 12,500,000 shares to 22,000,000 shares and increased the number of shares of common stock that may be granted as restricted stock (nonvested shares), restricted stock units or any other stock-based awards from 3,900,000 to 8,000,000 shares.
	During the first six months of 2012, we awarded options to purchase up to 970,000 shares of our common stock and 2,602,500 nonvested shares under the 2005 Plan to employees and members of the board of directors; and options to purchase up to 150,000 shares of our common stock and 105,000 nonvested shares outside the 2005 Plan to a consultant.  We did not award any options to purchase our common stock or any nonvested shares or other full-valued stock-based award during the last half of 2012.  As of December 31, 2012, we had 13,371,699 shares available for awards under the 2005 Plan, of which 1,604,199 shares could be issued as nonvested shares or other full-valued stock-based awards.
	The following table summarizes share based compensation costs recognized under ASC 718 for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
		2012		2011		2010
	General and administrative	$         900		$         691		$         532
	Exploration costs	152		171		127
	Tax benefit	-		-		-
	Total share-based compensation costs, net of tax	$      1,052		$         862		$         659
	We utilized certain assumptions in determining the fair value of options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  Expected volatility is based upon historical volatility.  The risk-free interest rate is based on observed U.S. Treasury rates at date of grant, appropriate for the expected lives of the options.
	Compensation expenses for the stock option grants determined under ASC 718 for 2012 and 2011 were calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
			2012		2011
	Dividend yield		0%		0%
	Expected volatility		89%		92%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.9%		2.3%
	Expected life of options (years)		6		6
	Weighted average fair value
	per share at grant date		$          0.24		$           0.44
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2010 was $12,000. Approximately $31,000 of cash was received from the exercise of options during 2010.   No options were exercised during 2012 or 2011.
	The aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2012 is zero, respectively.  The weighted average remaining life for the outstanding options is 4.8 years.  A summary of options outstanding as of December 31, 2012 is as follows:
			Options Outstanding					Options Exercisable
					Weighted
					Average		Weighted		Weighted
					Remaining		Average		Average
	Range		Number		Contractual		Exercise	Number	Exercise
	Exercise Prices		Outstanding		Life (Years)		Price	Exercisable	Price
	$0.28 to $0.45		2,379,333		7.55		$       0.31	1,759,333	$       0.39
	$0.46 to $0.70		4,591,500		5.73		0.63	2,851,500	0.65
	$0.71 to $0.99		633,000		4.38		0.82	633,000	0.82
	$1.00 to $1.99		850,000		2.32		1.21	850,000	1.21
	$2.00 to $2.37		2,695,000		1.66		2.01	2,695,000	2.01
			11,148,833		4.8		0.95	8,788,833	1.08
	The following table summarizes activity in shares of nonvested stock for 2012 (shares in thousands):
			Nonvested Shares		Weighted		Vest Date Fair Value
					Average
					Fair Value
					Per Share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012		2,102		$                 0.54
	Granted		2,707		0.32
	Vested		-835		0.50		$                 263
	Withheld for Taxes		-25		0.53
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		3,949		$                 0.40
	The fair value of restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $263,000, $169,000, and $379,000, respectively, based on the closing prices on the dates of vesting.  At December 31, 2012, we had approximately $1.4 million in total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation, of which $0.9 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 1.6 years at December 31, 2012.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholder's Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	13.  Stockholders' Equity
	Common Stock.    Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all other directors standing for election. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive proportionately any dividends that may be declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferential rights of outstanding preferred stock. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock will be entitled to receive proportionately any of our assets remaining after the payment of liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights.
	Issuances of Common Stock and Warrants.  The table below summarizes placements of our shares of common stock and warrants for the three-year period ended December 31, 2012:
			Shares
			Common				Proceeds				Warrants
			Stock		Warrant		Gross		Net		Amount		Exer. Price			Expiration
		2010 (1)	117,170,416		4,951,616		39,831,749		37,036,759		4,951,616		$	-	$	2014 & 2015
													0.54		0.80
		2011 (2)	49,196,388		-		17,527,500		16,696,009		-				-	-
		2012 (3)	-		-		-		-		-				-	-
	(1)             A  registered offering closed in March 2010 and warrants to purchase up to 4.9 million shares of common stock were issued pursuant to this registered offering.  The warrants that were issued in the registered offering that closed in March 2010 expire on March 11, 2015 for investors who subscribed for warrants and on November 4, 2014 for the placement agent who participated in the March 2010 registered offering.  Another registered offering was closed in August 2010 for shares of common stock.
	(2)             In February 2011, Dart Energy exercised its right to exchange a total of $6.8 million in principal amount under the Exchangeable Note (referenced in footnote 2 of this table) for 14,315,789 shares of common stock.  A registered offering was closed in March 2011 for shares of common stock.
	(3)             The Company did not issue any common stock or warrants during the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Basic and Diluted Shares Outstanding.  Our basic and diluted numbers of shares common stock outstanding in each of the three years presented were the same because we had net losses.  There were (1) 11,148,833,  10,523,833, and 9,075,500 options as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively; and (2) 17,975,074,  21,994,982, and 21,994,982 warrants as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
	Resale Restrictions.    On December 31, 2012, we had 344,785,689 shares of common stock outstanding, of which 6,907,718 shares, or 2%, were subject to resale restrictions.
	Preferred Stock.    Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of each series. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of restricting dividends on the common stock, diluting the voting power of the common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock or delaying or preventing our change in control without further action by the stockholders. While we have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock, the issuance of preferred stock and this right is currently subject to restrictions under our senior secured notes,  we may need to do so in the future in connection with capital raising transactions. In addition, we may issue additional shares of common stock in connection with capital raising activities. The issuance of additional common stock would also have a dilutive impact on our stockholders' ownership interest in our company.
	Warrants.    The following table summarizes warrant transactions for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
		2012		2011		2010
	Outstanding at beginning of year	21,994,982		21,994,982		17,241,680
	Issued related to current year's share placements	-		-		4,951,616
	Exercised	-		-		-
	Expired	-4,019,908		-		-198,314
	Outstanding at end of year (1)	17,975,074		21,994,982		21,994,982
	(1)   The same amount of shares of our common stock authorized was reserved for the exercise of the warrants.
	Stock Options. In May 2005, our stockholders approved the 2005 Plan, which permits the granting of incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards to employees, consultants and members of the board of directors.  Our shareholders voted in December 2007 to add 4,000,000 shares of common stock to the 2005 Plan.  At the annual general meeting of stockholders of the Company held on July 15, 2009, the Company's stockholders approved an amendment to the 2005 Plan which increased the number of shares of common stock issuable from 7,500,000 shares to 12,500,000 shares and increased the number of shares of common stock that may be granted as nonvested stock,  nonvested stock units or any other stock-based awards from 2,400,000 to 3,900,000 shares.
	During the first half of 2011, we awarded options to purchase up to 1,785,000 shares of our common stock and 1,669,800 nonvested shares under the 2005 Plan to employees and members of the board of directors; and options to purchase up to 250,000 shares of our common stock and 190,000 nonvested shares outside the 2005 Plan to a new employee and a consultant.
	At the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company held on October 11, 2011, the Company's stockholders approved an amendment to the 2005 Plan which increased the number of shares of common stock issuable from 12,500,000 shares to 22,000,000 shares and increased the number of shares of common stock that may be granted as restricted stock (nonvested shares), restricted stock units or any other stock-based awards from 3,900,000 to 8,000,000 shares.
	During the first six months of 2012, we awarded options to purchase up to 970,000 shares of our common stock and 2,602,500 nonvested shares under the 2005 Plan to employees and members of the board of directors; and options to purchase up to 150,000 shares of our common stock and 105,000 nonvested shares outside the 2005 Plan to a consultant.  We did not award any options to purchase our common stock or any nonvested shares or other full-valued stock-based award during the last half of 2012.
	As of December 31, 2012, we had 13,371,699 shares available for awards under the 2005 Plan, of which 1,604,199 shares could be issued as nonvested shares or other full-valued stock-based awards.
	The weighted average remaining life of options exercisable at the end of the year is 3.78 years.  The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:
		2012				2011				2010
				Weighted				Weighted				Weighted
		Shares		Average		Shares		Average		Shares		Average
		Underlying		Exercise		Underlying		Exercise		Underlying		Exercise
		Options		Price		Options		Price		Options		Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	10,523,833		$           1.04		9,075,500		$           1.18		9,952,167		$           1.14
	Granted	1,120,000		0.33		2,035,000		0.58		-		-
	Exercised	-		-		-		-		-100,000		0.31
	Canceled	-435,000		1.45		-400,000		2.28		-316,667		0.82
	Forfeited	-		-		-186,667		0.52		-420,000		0.63
	Expired	-60,000		0.65		-		-		-40,000		2.00
	Outstanding at end of year	11,148,833		0.95		10,523,833		1.04		9,075,500		1.18
	Options exercisable at end of year	8,788,833		1.08		8,243,500		1.17		7,620,667		1.32

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	14.  Subsequent Events
	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 million of gross proceeds ($52.0 million, net) 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.
	On January 15, 2013, FEEC and FEEB entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Facility Agreement, dated November 28, 2011 (as amended, the “SCB Credit Facility”), among FEEC, FEEB and Standard Chartered Bank, 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 includes $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.  As of January 15, 2013 the amount remaining owed under the SCB Credit Facility was $21.0 million.
	The Company’s cash balance was $53.2 million as of January 15, 2013.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	'
	SCHEDULE II
	FAR EAST ENERGY CORPORATION
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	For Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
	(In thousands)
			Additions	Additions
		Balance at	Charged to	Charged		Balance at
		Beginning	Cost and	to Other		End
	Description	of Period	Expense	Accounts	Deductions	of Period
	2012 deferred tax valuation allowance	$        7,859	$          1,212	$                 -	$                 -	$       9,071
	2011 deferred tax valuation allowance	5,013	2,846	-	-	7,859
	2010 deferred tax valuation allowance	3,727	1,286	-	-	5,013

Business_Basis_Of_Presentation

Business, Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Business, Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Business	'
	Business.  We were incorporated in the state of Nevada on February 4, 2000, and on January 10, 2002, we changed our name to Far East Energy Corporation ("FEEC").  The terms "we," "us," "our," and "our company" refer to FEEC and its subsidiaries.  References to common stock refer to the common stock of FEEC.  References to FEEB refer to Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd., our principal operating subsidiary.  We are an independent energy company.  FEEC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration and development of coalbed methane ("CBM") gas properties solely in the People's Republic of China ("PRC").
	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.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation.  Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries after the elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates.  The preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities that exist at the date of the financial statements.  Items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: 1) oil and natural gas reserves; 2) cash flow estimates used in impairment tests of long-lived assets; 3) depreciation, depletion and amortization; 4) asset retirement obligations; and 5) income taxes.  While we believe our estimates are appropriate, actual results can, and often do, differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents.  We consider short-term investments with little risk of change in value because of changes in interest rates and purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventory	'
	Inventory.  Inventory consists primarily of tubular goods and drilling equipment used in our operations and is carried at cost with adjustments made from time to time to recognize any reductions in value.
Oil and Gas Properties	'
	Oil and Gas Properties.  We use the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and gas properties. Under this method, oil and gas lease acquisition costs and intangible drilling costs associated with exploration efforts that result in the discovery of proved reserves and costs associated with development drilling, whether or not successful, are capitalized when incurred. If proved commercial reserves are not discovered, such drilling costs are expensed. In some circumstances, it may be uncertain whether proved commercial reserves have been found when drilling has been completed.  Under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 932, Extractive Activities – Oil and Gas ("ASC 932"), such exploratory well drilling costs may continue to be capitalized if the reserve quantity is sufficient to justify its completion as a producing well and sufficient progress in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project is being made. We assess our capitalized exploratory wells pending evaluation each quarter to determine whether costs should remain capitalized or should be charged to earnings. Other exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred. We recognize gain or loss on the sale of properties on a field basis.  Depreciation, depletion and amortization of the cost of proved oil and gas properties is calculated using the unit-of-production method.
	Unproved property costs are capitalized and reviewed periodically for impairment on a field basis, considering factors such as drilling and exploitation plans and lease terms. The estimated fair value of unproved leasehold costs includes the present value of probable reserves discounted at rates commensurate with the risks involved in each classification of reserve. Costs related to impaired prospects are charged to expense. An impairment expense could result if oil and gas prices decline in the future or if downward reserves revisions are recorded, as it may not be economical to develop some of these unproved properties.  We also evaluate current drilling results, lease expiration dates, current oil and gas industry conditions, international economic conditions, capital availability, foreign currency exchange rates, political stability in the countries in which the Company has an investment, and available geological and geophysical information. Any impairment assessed is charged to expense.
Estimates of future dismantlement, restoration, and abandonment costs	'
	Estimates of future dismantlement, restoration, and abandonment costs. The accounting for future development and abandonment costs is determined by FASB ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, which requires the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.  The liability is accreted each period through charges to depreciation, depletion and amortization.  The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The accrual is based on estimates of these costs for each of our properties based upon the type of production structure, reservoir characteristics, depth of the reservoir, market demand for equipment, currently available procedures and consultations with construction and engineering consultants. Because these costs typically extend many years into the future, estimating these future costs is difficult and requires management to make estimates and judgments that are subject to future revisions based on numerous factors, including changing technology, the political and regulatory environment, estimates as to the proper discount rate to use and timing of abandonment.
Convertible Debts and Warrants	'
	Convertible Debts and Warrants.  We applied FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815") and FASB ASC Topic 470, Debt ("ASC 470"), in recording the Exchangeable Note and warrants issued to Dart Energy in conjunction with a transaction between the parties. Derivative financial instruments, as defined in ASC 815, consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying, require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets.  Convertible debt, as defined in ASC 470, generally includes an interest rate which is lower than the issuer could establish for nonconvertible debt, an initial conversion price which is greater than the market value of the common stock at the time of issuance, and a conversion price which does not decrease except pursuant to anti-dilution provisions.  Also, under ASC 470, the portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the debt which is allocable to the warrant should be accounted for as additional paid-in capital.  The allocation should be based on the relative fair values of the two securities at time of issuance.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition. We derive revenue primarily from the sale of produced natural gas. Revenues, net of royalties, are recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or determinable price, when delivery has occurred and title has transferred, and if the collectability of the revenue is probable.  The amount of gas sold may differ from the amount to which the Company is entitled based on its working interest or net revenue interest in the properties. A ready market for natural gas allows us to sell our natural gas shortly after production at the pipeline receipt point at which time title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer. Revenue is recorded when title is transferred based on our deliveries and net revenue interests. Cash received relating to future revenues is deferred and recognized when all revenue recognition criteria are met.
Significant Customers	'
	Significant Customers. All of the Company’s production is sold to one customer, Shanxi Province Guoxin Energy Development Group Limited ("SPG").  In the event that this significant customer ceases doing business with us, we believe, but can provide no assurances, that there are potential alternative customers with whom we could establish new relationships and that those relationships would result in the replacement of the lost customer.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes.  Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period the change occurs. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
Environmental Matters	'
	Environmental Matters. Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when assessments and/or remediation are deemed probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
Net Loss Per Share	'
	Net Loss Per Share.  We apply FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share ("ASC 260") for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in our earnings.
Share-based Compensation	'
	Share-based Compensation.  We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options based on the grant date fair value of the awarded options under FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation ("ASC 718").  We determine the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.   We determine the fair value of shares of nonvested stock (also commonly referred to as restricted stock) based on the last quoted price of our stock on the OTC Bulletin Board on the date of the share grant.   The fair value determined represents the cost for the award and is recognized over the vesting period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.  As share-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards ultimately expected to vest, we have reduced the expense for estimated forfeitures based on historical forfeiture rates.  Previously recognized compensation costs may be adjusted to reflect the actual forfeiture rate for the entire award at the end of the vesting period.  Excess tax benefits, as defined in ASC 718, if any, are recognized as an addition to paid-in capital.
	Comprehensive Loss.  Comprehensive loss is defined as changes in financial position of an enterprise excluding stockholder equity transactions.  There were no elements of comprehensive loss other than net loss from operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
Foreign Currency Transactions	'
	Foreign Currency Transactions.  Periodically, we assess the functional currencies of our Chinese subsidiaries to ensure that the appropriate currency is utilized in accordance with the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters ("ASC 830").  During the fourth quarter of 2006, we determined that the functional currency for our Chinese operations was U.S. Dollars, instead of the Chinese Renminbi ("RMB") as previously reported and utilized.  Foreign currency transaction gains or losses, which resulted from transactions denominated in the Chinese RMB, were recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Values of Financial Instruments.  Our company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, payables, and accrued payables.  The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their respective fair values as they are short-term in nature.
Credit Concentration	'
	Credit Concentration.  As of December 31, 2012, approximately $1.2 million of our cash was held in foreign bank accounts.
Reclassification	'
	Reclassification.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 to be consistent with the 2012 presentation.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement	'
	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05 "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income." ASU 2011-05 is intended to increase the prominence of comprehensive income in the financial statements by requiring that an entity that reports items of comprehensive income do so in either one continuous or two consecutive financial statements. ASU 2011-05 also requires separate presentation on the face of the financial statements for items reclassified from other comprehensive income into net income. Subsequently, in December 2011, the FASB deferred the effective date of the provisions of ASU 2011-05 relating to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The provisions of ASU 2011-05 not deferred by the FASB are effective for interim and annual fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Retroactive application is required.  The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Other supplemental cash flow information	'
		2012	2011	2010
	Non-cash transactions:
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	$   2,377	$    253	$    324
	Non-cash share-based compensation	1,052	862	659
	Common stock issued to convert notes payable	-	6,800	-
	Asset retirement and environmental obligation	20	174	105

Oil_And_Gas_Properties_Tables

Oil And Gas Properties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Transactions With Dart Energy [Abstract]	'
Costs Associated With Oil And Gas Properties	'
		At December 31,
		2012		2011
	Proved oil and gas properties	$                71,875		$                66,361
	Unproved leasehold costs	275		275
	Unproved oil and gas properties	-		1,624
	Total unproved oil and gas properties	275		1,899
	Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-2,221		-744
	Total oil and gas properties, net	$                69,929		$                67,516
Net Changes In Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs	'
			2012		2011	2010
	Beginning balance at January 1		$           1,624		$         49,819	$         34,146
	Additions to unevaluated exploratory
	well costs pending the determination of proved reserves		-		18,166	15,673
	Reclassifications of wells, facilities,
	and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves		-		-66,361	-
	Reclassified to Proved Oil and Gas
	Properties per Shouyang Modification Agreement		-1,624		-	-
	Unevaluated exploratory well costs charged to expense		-		-	-
	Ending balance at December 31		$                   -		$           1,624	$         49,819

Asset_Retirement_And_Environme1

Asset Retirement And Environmental Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Retirement And Environmental Obligations [Abstract]	'
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	'
		2012	2011
	Carrying amount at beginning of period	$         739	$         491
	Liabilities incurred	20	174
	Liabilities settled	-	-
	Accretion expense	94	74
	Settlement of obligation	-13	-
	Revisions	-	-
	Carrying amount at end of period	$         840	$         739
	Current portion	$              -	$              -
	Noncurrent portion	$         840	$         739

Other_Property_and_Equipment_T

Other Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Property And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Other Fixed Assets, Net	'
		At December 31,
		2012	2011
	Other fixed assets	$                  2,313	$                  2,071
	Accumulated depreciation	-1,176	-858
	Other fixed assets, net	$                  1,137	$                  1,213

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
		At December 31,
		2012	2011
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss	$   8,172	$   7,099
	Depreciable assets and other	31	19
	Accrued Compensation	26	-
	Stock-based compensation	842	741
	Total deferred tax assets	9,071	7,859
	Total deferred tax liabilities	-	-
	Net deferred tax assets	$   9,071	$   7,859
	Net deferred tax assets	$   9,071	$   7,859
	Less: valuation allowance	-9,071	-7,859
		$           -	$           -

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	'
		Amount
	2013	$      37,978
	2014 - 2015	4,179
	2016 - 2017	-
	2018 and beyond	840
	Total minimum commitments	$      42,997
Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Cost Incurred In Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, And Development Activities	'
	Annual Payments		Shouyang PSC
	Exploration Period
	Salary and Benefit
	2013		$            294,946
	2012		279,990
	Exploration Permit Fee		134,723
	Training Fee		60,000
	Assistance Fee		50,000
	Development & Production Period
	Signature Fee (1)		150,000
	Training Fee		150,000
	Assistance Fee		120,000
	(1) Due within 30 days after first approval of the ODP following the exploration period.
Qinnan Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Cost Incurred In Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, And Development Activities	'
	Annual Payments		Qinnan PSC
	Exploration Period
	Salary and Benefit
	2013		$            151,686
	2012		143,100
	Exploration Permit Fee		165,529
	Training Fee		60,000
	Assistance Fee		50,000
	Development & Production Period
	Signature Fee (1)		150,000
	Training Fee		150,000
	Assistance Fee		120,000
	(1) Due within 30 days after first approval of the overall development plan following the exploration period.
Yunnan Province [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Cost Incurred In Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, And Development Activities	'
	Annual Payments		Yunnan PSC
	Exploration Period
	Salary and Benefit
	2013		$            298,344
	2012		315,024
	Exploration Permit Fee		38,417
	Training Fee		45,000
	Assistance Fee		45,000
	Development & Production Period
	Training Fee		80,000
	Assistance Fee		80,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Compensation Expense	'
		2012		2011		2010
	General and administrative	$         900		$         691		$         532
	Exploration costs	152		171		127
	Tax benefit	-		-		-
	Total share-based compensation costs, net of tax	$      1,052		$         862		$         659
Schedule of Compensation Expense for Stock Option Grants	'
			2012		2011
	Dividend yield		0%		0%
	Expected volatility		89%		92%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.9%		2.3%
	Expected life of options (years)		6		6
	Weighted average fair value
	per share at grant date		$          0.24		$           0.44
Schedule of Options Outstanding and Exercisable By Price Range	'
			Options Outstanding					Options Exercisable
					Weighted
					Average		Weighted		Weighted
					Remaining		Average		Average
	Range		Number		Contractual		Exercise	Number	Exercise
	Exercise Prices		Outstanding		Life (Years)		Price	Exercisable	Price
	$0.28 to $0.45		2,379,333		7.55		$       0.31	1,759,333	$       0.39
	$0.46 to $0.70		4,591,500		5.73		0.63	2,851,500	0.65
	$0.71 to $0.99		633,000		4.38		0.82	633,000	0.82
	$1.00 to $1.99		850,000		2.32		1.21	850,000	1.21
	$2.00 to $2.37		2,695,000		1.66		2.01	2,695,000	2.01
			11,148,833		4.8		0.95	8,788,833	1.08
Shares Of Nonvested Stock Transactions	'
			Nonvested Shares		Weighted		Vest Date Fair Value
					Average
					Fair Value
					Per Share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012		2,102		$                 0.54
	Granted		2,707		0.32
	Vested		-835		0.50		$                 263
	Withheld for Taxes		-25		0.53
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		3,949		$                 0.40

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholder's Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Issuances Of Common Stock And Warrants	'
			Shares
			Common				Proceeds				Warrants
			Stock		Warrant		Gross		Net		Amount		Exer. Price			Expiration
		2010 (1)	117,170,416		4,951,616		39,831,749		37,036,759		4,951,616		$	-	$	2014 & 2015
													0.54		0.80
		2011 (2)	49,196,388		-		17,527,500		16,696,009		-				-	-
		2012 (3)	-		-		-		-		-				-	-
	(1)             A  registered offering closed in March 2010 and warrants to purchase up to 4.9 million shares of common stock were issued pursuant to this registered offering.  The warrants that were issued in the registered offering that closed in March 2010 expire on March 11, 2015 for investors who subscribed for warrants and on November 4, 2014 for the placement agent who participated in the March 2010 registered offering.  Another registered offering was closed in August 2010 for shares of common stock.
	(2)             In February 2011, Dart Energy exercised its right to exchange a total of $6.8 million in principal amount under the Exchangeable Note (referenced in footnote 2 of this table) for 14,315,789 shares of common stock.  A registered offering was closed in March 2011 for shares of common stock.
	(3)             The Company did not issue any common stock or warrants during the year ended December 31, 2012.
Summary Of Warrant Transactions	'
		2012		2011		2010
	Outstanding at beginning of year	21,994,982		21,994,982		17,241,680
	Issued related to current year's share placements	-		-		4,951,616
	Exercised	-		-		-
	Expired	-4,019,908		-		-198,314
	Outstanding at end of year (1)	17,975,074		21,994,982		21,994,982
	(1)            The same amount of shares of our common stock authorized was reserved for the exercise of the warrants.
Stock Option Transactions	'
		2012				2011				2010
				Weighted				Weighted				Weighted
		Shares		Average		Shares		Average		Shares		Average
		Underlying		Exercise		Underlying		Exercise		Underlying		Exercise
		Options		Price		Options		Price		Options		Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	10,523,833		$           1.04		9,075,500		$           1.18		9,952,167		$           1.14
	Granted	1,120,000		0.33		2,035,000		0.58		-		-
	Exercised	-		-		-		-		-100,000		0.31
	Canceled	-435,000		1.45		-400,000		2.28		-316,667		0.82
	Forfeited	-		-		-186,667		0.52		-420,000		0.63
	Expired	-60,000		0.65		-		-		-40,000		2.00
	Outstanding at end of year	11,148,833		0.95		10,523,833		1.04		9,075,500		1.18
	Options exercisable at end of year	8,788,833		1.08		8,243,500		1.17		7,620,667		1.32

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Cash held in foreign bank accounts	$1.20

Liquidity_And_Realization_Of_A1

Liquidity And Realization Of Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 14, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 15, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 14, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 15, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		MMcf			Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Qinnan Production Sharing Contract [Member]
									acre
Liquidity And Realization Of Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated net proved reserves	'	51.3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated net probable reserves	'	392.4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future net cash flows discount rate	'	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Production sharing area	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	573,000
Future net cash flows	'	$40,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gas sales proceeds to be collected	'	200,000	'	700,000	'	'	'	'	'
Facility agreement, maximum capacity	'	25,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross proceeds from issuance of warrants	60,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Facility maturity date	'	15-Jan-14	'	'	'	'	15-Jan-14	'	'
Facility agreement, amount drawn during the period	'	'	'	'	125,000	'	'	'	'
Repayment of outstanding principal amount	'	'	'	'	'	4,125,000	'	'	'
Repayment of capitalized interest amount	'	'	'	'	'	700,000	'	'	'
Facility outstanding amount	'	$25,700,000	$21,000,000	$17,900,000	'	'	'	$25,800,000	'

Facility_Agreement_Narrative_D

Facility Agreement (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jan. 15, 2013	Jan. 14, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 15, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
					Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Margin Rate Initial Period [Member]	Margin Rate Thereafter [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	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9.50%	10.00%
Facility maturity date	15-Jan-14	'	'	'	'	'	15-Jan-14	'	'	'
Facility outstanding amount	25,700,000	17,900,000	'	21,000,000	'	'	'	25,800,000	'	'
Facility agreement, additional amount drawn	'	'	'	'	125,000	'	'	'	'	'
Facility agreement, accrued interest	100,000	200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Facility agreement, effective interest rate	21.60%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Facility agreement, financing costs	2,600,000	1,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,377,000	253,000	324,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repayment of outstanding principal amount	'	'	'	'	'	4,125,000	'	'	'	'
Repayment of capitalized interest amount	'	'	'	'	'	$700,000	'	'	'	'

Transactions_With_Dart_Energy_

Transactions With Dart Energy (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2010	Feb. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 15, 2011
		Dart Energy [Member]	Dart Energy [Member]	Dart Energy [Member]	Dart Energy [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage assigned	'	'	75.25%	'	'
Exchangeable note	'	'	$10,000,000	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of exchangeable note	'	'	10,000,000	'	'
Shares of common stock issued	4,900,000	'	7,420,000	'	'
Exercise price of warrant	'	'	$1	'	'
Restricted cash related to exploration and development commitments	'	'	2,000,000	'	'
Bore interest rate per annum	'	'	'	8.00%	'
Principal amount exchanged	'	6,800,000	'	'	'
Debt equity exchange rate shares	'	14,315,789	'	'	'
Payment of note principal balance	'	'	'	'	3,200,000
Accrued interest paid	'	'	'	'	$1,226,577
Effective interest rate	'	'	'	11.64%	'

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest paid	$1,706,000	$1,227,000	$0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,377,000	253,000	324,000
Non-cash share-based compensation	1,052,000	862,000	659,000
Common stock issued to convert notes payable	'	6,800,000	'
Asset retirement and environmental obligations	20,000	174,000	105,000
Income taxes paid	$0	$0	$0

Oil_And_Gas_Properties_Narrati

Oil And Gas Properties (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Transactions With Dart Energy [Abstract]	'	'
Proved oil and gas properties	$71,875	$66,361
Unproved properties	$275	$1,899

Oil_And_Gas_Properties_Costs_A

Oil And Gas Properties (Costs Associated With Oil And Gas Properties) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Transactions With Dart Energy [Abstract]	'	'
Proved oil and gas properties	$71,875	$66,361
Unproved leasehold costs	275	275
Unproved oild and gas properties	'	1,624
Total unproved oil and gas properties	275	1,899
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-2,221	-744
Total oil and gas properties, net	$69,929	$67,516

Oil_And_Gas_Properties_Changes

Oil And Gas Properties (Changess In Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Transactions With Dart Energy [Abstract]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$1,624	$49,819	$34,146
Additions to unevaluated exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves	'	18,166	15,673
Reclassification to wells, facilities, and equipment based on determination of proved reserves	'	-66,361	'
Reclassified to Proved Oil and Gas Properties per Shouyang Modification Agreement	-1,624	'	'
Ending balance	'	$1,624	$49,819

Asset_Retirement_And_Environme2

Asset Retirement And Environmental Obligations (Reconciliation Carrying Amounts Of Short And Long Term Legal Obligations Associated With Retirement Of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Asset Retirement And Environmental Obligations [Abstract]	'	'
Carrying amount at beginning of period	$739	$491
Liabilities incurred	20	174
Liabilities settled	'	'
Accretion expense	94	74
Settlement of obligation	-13	'
Revisions	'	'
Carrying amount at end of period	840	739
Current portion	'	'
Noncurrent portion	$840	$739

Other_Property_and_Equipment_N

Other Property and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Depreciation expense	$319,000	$227,000	$177,000
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives, in years	'P20Y	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives, in years	'P3Y	'	'

Other_Property_and_Equipment_O

Other Property and Equipment (Other Fixed Assets, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Other fixed assets	$74,463	$70,331
Accumulated depreciation	-3,398	-1,602
Total property and equipment, net	71,065	68,729
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Other fixed assets	2,313	2,071
Accumulated depreciation	-1,176	-858
Total property and equipment, net	$1,137	$1,213

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Net operating loss, carried forward for tax purposes	$24	$20.90
Net increase in valuation allowance	$1.20	$2.80

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred tax assets, Net operating loss	$8,172	$7,099
Deferred tax assets, Depreciable assets and other	31	19
Deferred tax assets, Accrued Compensation	26	'
Deferred tax assets, stock based compensation	842	741
Total deferred tax assets	9,071	7,859
Net deferred tax assets, net of valuation	9,071	7,859
Less: valuation allowance	($9,071)	($7,859)

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative Part I) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
	acre
	sqkm
Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Participating interest in oil and gas property	100.00%
Gas and oil area, developed, with 100% participating interest	1,658.50
Gas and oil area, developed, with fractional interest	1,593.80
Gas and oil area, undeveloped, with fractional interest	64.7
Future joint development plan	24,661
Shouyang Block, Subdivision One [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Gas and oil area, undeveloped, with 100% participating interest	288,570
Qinnan Block [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Participating interest in oil and gas property	100.00%
Yunnan Province [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Participating interest in oil and gas property	60.00%
Enhong Area [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Gas and oil area, undeveloped, with fractional interest	145,198
Relinquishment area	587.6
China United Coalbed Methane Corporation L.T.D. [Member] | Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Participating interest in oil and gas property	30.00%
China United Coalbed Methane Corporation L.T.D. [Member] | Yunnan Province [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Participating interest in oil and gas property	40.00%
ConocoPhillips [Member] | Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Net overriding royalty interest	3.50%

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative Part II) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
	item
Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Minimum future exploration expenditures	$15,900,000
Shouyang Block [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Exploration expenditures	2,900,000
Required exploratory wells	25
Wells in Process of Drilling	13
Qinnan Block [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Exploration expenditures	3,700,000
Yunnan Province [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Pilot well daily steady production	550
Pilot well daily peak production	1,850
Yunnan Province [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Exploration expenditures	1,200,000
Required exploratory wells	8
Salary, Benefits, Permit, Signature, Training, and Assistance Fees [Member] | Yunnan Province [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Exploration expenditures	500,000
Exploration Expenditures [Member] | Shouyang Block [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Exploration expenditures	$500,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_3

Commitments And Contingencies (Cost Incurred In Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, And Development Activities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Development costs	$120,000
Salary And Benefits [Member] | Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	279,990
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	294,946
Salary And Benefits [Member] | Qinnan Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	143,100
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	151,686
Salary And Benefits [Member] | Yunnan Province [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	315,024
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	298,344
Exploration Permit Fee [Member] | Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	134,723
Exploration Permit Fee [Member] | Qinnan Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	165,529
Exploration Permit Fee [Member] | Yunnan Province [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	38,417
Signature Fee [Member] | Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Development costs	150,000	[1]
Signature Fee [Member] | Qinnan Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Development costs	150,000	[2]
Training Fee [Member] | Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	60,000
Development costs	150,000
Training Fee [Member] | Qinnan Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	60,000
Development costs	150,000
Training Fee [Member] | Yunnan Province [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	45,000
Development costs	80,000
Assistance Fee [Member] | Shouyang Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	50,000
Assistance Fee [Member] | Qinnan Block [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	50,000
Development costs	120,000
Assistance Fee [Member] | Yunnan Province [Member]	'
Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]	'
Exploration costs	45,000
Development costs	$80,000
[1]	Due within 30 days after first approval of the ODP following the exploration period.
[2]	Due within 30 days after first approval of the overall development plan following the exploration period.

Commitments_And_Contingencies_4

Commitments And Contingencies (Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
2013	$37,978
2014 - 2015	4,179
2016 - 2017	'
2018 and beyond	840
Total minimum commitments	$42,997

Employee_Savings_Plan_Details

Employee Savings Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Employee Savings Plan [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maximum employer contribution	4.00%	'	'
Defined contribution plan expensed	$74,000	$68,000	$50,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Oct. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

Outside Of The Plan [Member]

Outside Of The Plan [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Employess And Board Of Directors [Member]

Employess And Board Of Directors [Member]

Employess And Board Of Directors [Member]

Employess 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]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

Outside Of The Plan [Member]

Outside Of The Plan [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted, options

1,120,000

2,035,000

'

1,785,000

970,000

'

250,000

150,000

'

'

'

'

'

1,669,800

2,602,500

'

190,000

105,000

970,000

1,785,000

2,602,500

1,669,800

150,000

250,000

105,000

190,000

Shares awarded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,500,000

'

'

3,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional shares awarded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,000,000

'

8,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of share available for awards

'

'

'

'

'

13,371,699

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,604,199

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, outstanding

'4 years 9 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, exercisable

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 9 months 11 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested, vest date fair value

$263

$169,000

$379,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost related to shares of nonvested stock grants

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized over weighted average period, years

'1 year 7 months 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total instrinsic value of options exercised

'

'

12,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from exercise of options

'

'

$31,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options exercised, shares

0

0

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Compensation_Compen

Share-Based Compensation (Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax benefit	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation costs, net of tax	1,052	862	659
Exploration Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation expense	152	171	127
General And Administrative [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation expense	$900	$691	$532

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Compensation Expense Stock Option Grants) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	89.00%	92.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.90%	2.30%
Expected life of options (years)	'6 years	'6 years
Weighted average fair value per share at grant date	$0.24	$0.44

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Options Outstanding And Exercisable By Price Range) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number	11,148,833	10,523,833	9,075,500	9,952,167
Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, outstanding	'4 years 9 months 18 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price	$0.95	$1.04	$1.18	$1.14
Options Exercisable, Number	8,788,833	8,243,500	7,620,667	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	$1.08	$1.17	$1.32	'
$0.28 to $0.45 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Lower Limit	$0.28	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Upper Limit	$0.45	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number	2,379,333	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, outstanding	'7 years 6 months 18 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price	$0.31	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number	1,759,333	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	$0.39	'	'	'
$0.46 to $0.70 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Lower Limit	$0.46	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Upper Limit	$0.70	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number	4,591,500	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, outstanding	'5 years 8 months 23 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price	$0.63	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number	2,851,500	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	$0.65	'	'	'
$0.71 to $0.99 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Lower Limit	$0.71	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Upper Limit	$0.99	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number	633,000	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, outstanding	'4 years 4 months 17 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price	$0.82	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number	633,000	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	$0.82	'	'	'
$1.00 to $1.99 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Lower Limit	$1	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Upper Limit	$1.99	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number	850,000	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, outstanding	'2 years 3 months 26 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price	$1.21	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number	850,000	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	$1.21	'	'	'
$2.00 to $2.37 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Lower Limit	$2	'	'	'
Range of Exercise prices, Upper Limit	$2.37	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number	2,695,000	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, outstanding	'1 year 7 months 28 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price	$2.01	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Number	2,695,000	'	'	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	$2.01	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Shares

Share-Based Compensation (Shares Of Nonvested Stock Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2012, nonvested shares	2,102	'	'
Granted, nonvested shares	2,707	'	'
Vested, nonvested shares	-835	'	'
Withheld for taxes, nonvested shares	-25	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2012, nonvested shares	3,949	2,102	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2012, weighted average fair value per share	$0.54	'	'
Granted, weighted average fair value per share	$0.32	'	'
Vested, weighted average fair value per share	$0.50	'	'
Withheld for taxes, weighted average fair value per share	$0.53	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2012, weighted average fair value per share	$0.40	$0.54	'
Vested, vest date fair value	$263	$169,000	$379,000

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Mar. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2007

Oct. 11, 2011

Jul. 15, 2009

Jul. 15, 2009

Oct. 11, 2011

Oct. 11, 2011

Jul. 15, 2009

Jul. 15, 2009

Oct. 11, 2011

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

Outside Of The Plan [Member]

Outside Of The Plan [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

Outside Of The Plan [Member]

Outside Of The Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

2005 Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding at end of year, options

11,148,833

10,523,833

9,075,500

9,952,167

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding at end of year, warrants

17,975,074

[1]

21,994,982

[1]

21,994,982

[1]

17,241,680

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares outstanding

344,785,689

34,103,218

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares outstanding, resale restrictions

6,907,718

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares outstanding, resale restrictions, percentage

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, shares authorized

500,000,000

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase to number of shares of common stock issuable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares of common stock issuable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,500,000

2,400,000

7,500,000

3,900,000

22,000,000

3,900,000

12,500,000

8,000,000

Granted, options

1,120,000

2,035,000

'

'

1,785,000

970,000

'

250,000

150,000

1,669,800

2,602,500

'

190,000

105,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonvested shares awarded

3,949

2,102

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of share available for awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,371,699

'

'

'

'

1,604,199

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options, exercisable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 9 months 11 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The same amount of shares of our common stock authorized was reserved for the exercise of the warrants.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_O

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule Of Issuances Of Common Stock And Warrants) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Feb. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2010
						Dart Energy [Member]	Minimum [Member]		Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'		'		'	'		'
Shares, Common Stock	'	49,196,388	[1]	117,170,416	[2]	'	'		'
Shares, Warrant	'	'		4,951,616	[2]	'	'		'
Proceeds, Gross	'	$17,527,500	[1]	$39,831,749	[2]	'	'		'
Proceeds, Net	'	16,696,009	[1]	37,036,759	[2]	'	'		'
Warrants, Exer. Price	'	'		'		'	0.54	[2]	0.8	[2]
Warrant, Expiration	'	'		'		'	4-Nov-14	[2]	11-Mar-15	[2]
Exchangeable note	'	'		'		$6,800,000	'		'
Shares of common stock issued	4,900,000	'		'		14,315,789	'		'
[1]	In February 2011, Dart Energy exercised its right to exchange a total of $6.8 million in principal amount under the Exchangeable Note (referenced in footnote 2 of this table) for 14,315,789 shares of common stock. A registered offering was closed in March 2011 for shares of common stock.
[2]	A registered offering closed in March 2010 and warrants to purchase up to 4.9 million shares of common stock were issued pursuant to this registered offering. The warrants that were issued in the registered offering that closed in March 2010 expire on March 11, 2015 for investors who subscribed for warrants and on November 4, 2014 for the placement agent who participated in the March 2010 registered offering. Another registered offering was closed in August 2010 for shares of common stock.

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_Of

Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Warrant Transactions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2010
Stockholder's Equity [Abstract]	'		'
Outstanding at beginning of year, warrants	21,994,982	[1]	17,241,680
Issued related to current year's share placements	'		4,951,616	[2]
Expired	-4,019,908		-198,314
Outstanding at end of year, warrants	17,975,074	[1]	21,994,982	[1]
[1]	The same amount of shares of our common stock authorized was reserved for the exercise of the warrants.
[2]	A registered offering closed in March 2010 and warrants to purchase up to 4.9 million shares of common stock were issued pursuant to this registered offering. The warrants that were issued in the registered offering that closed in March 2010 expire on March 11, 2015 for investors who subscribed for warrants and on November 4, 2014 for the placement agent who participated in the March 2010 registered offering. Another registered offering was closed in August 2010 for shares of common stock.

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stockholder's Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year, options	10,523,833	9,075,500	9,952,167
Granted, options	1,120,000	2,035,000	'
Exercised, options	0	0	-100,000
Cancelled, options	-435,000	-400,000	-316,667
Forfeited, options	'	-186,667	-420,000
Expired, options	-60,000	'	-40,000
Outstanding at end of year, options	11,148,833	10,523,833	9,075,500
Options exerciseable at end of year, options	8,788,833	8,243,500	7,620,667
Outstanding at at beginning of, weighted average exercise price	$1.04	$1.18	$1.14
Granted, weighted average exercise price	$0.33	$0.58	'
Exercised, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$0.31
Cancelled, weighted average exercise price	$1.45	$2.28	$0.82
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price	'	$0.52	$0.63
Expired, weighted average exercise price	$0.65	'	$2
Outstanding at end of year, weighted average exercise price	$0.95	$1.04	$1.18
Options exerciseable at end of year, weighted average grant price	$1.08	$1.17	$1.32

Subsequent_Events_Narrative_De

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 14, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 15, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 14, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 15, 2013
					Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]	Facility Agreement Fifth Amendment [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross proceeds from senior secured notes	$60,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net proceeds from senior secured notes	52,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	'	15-Jan-14	'	'	'	'	15-Jan-14	'
Facility agreement, additional amount drawn	'	'	'	'	125,000	'	'	'
Facility outstanding amount	'	25,700,000	21,000,000	17,900,000	'	'	'	25,800,000
Cash balance	'	'	53,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Facility maturity date	'	15-Jan-14	'	'	'	'	15-Jan-14	'
Facility Agreement Ammendment Subject To Repayment Of Outstanding Principal Amount	'	'	'	'	'	4,125,000	'	'
Repayment of outstanding principal amount	'	'	'	'	'	4,125,000	'	'
Facility Agreement Ammendment Subject To Repayment Of Capitalized Interest Amount	'	'	'	'	'	700,000	'	'
Repayment of capitalized interest amount	'	'	'	'	'	$700,000	'	'

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Defered Tax Valuation Allowance [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defered Tax Valuation Allowance [Member]	'	'	'
Beginning of period balance	$7,859	$5,013	$3,727
Additions charged to cost and expense	1,212	2,846	1,286
End of period balance	$9,071	$7,859	$5,013