Zion Oil & Gas (ZNOG) 10-Q12 Nov 132013 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ZION OIL & GAS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001131312	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Trading Symbol	'zn	'
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	'	33,635,948

Balance_Sheets_Unaudited

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$12,632	$14,983
Fixed short term bank deposits - restricted	327	284
Prepaid expenses and other	394	394
Other receivables	70	607
Total current assets	13,423	16,268
Unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	3,428	4,700
Property and equipment at cost Net of accumulated depreciation of $310,000 and $246,000	186	222
Other assets	'	'
Assets held for severance benefits	130	114
Total assets	17,167	21,304
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	157	631
Asset retirement obligation	851	870
Accrued liabilities	1,291	1,358
Total current liabilities	2,299	2,859
Provision for severance pay	155	199
Total liabilities	2,454	3,058
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 4)	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock, par value $.01; Authorized: 100,000,000: Issued and outstanding: 33,607,327 and 32,768,710 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 respectively	336	328
Additional paid-in capital	139,432	136,881
Deficit accumulated in development stage	-125,055	-118,963
Total stockholders' equity	14,713	18,246
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$17,167	$21,304

Balance_Sheets_Unaudited_Paren

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$310,000	$246,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, Issued	33,607,327	32,768,710
Common stock, outstanding	33,607,327	32,768,710

Statements_of_Operations_Unaud

Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		162 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
General and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'
Legal and professional	$262	$296	$848	$912	$10,151
Salaries	527	869	1,730	3,073	19,811
Other	477	429	1,701	2,536	16,905
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties	'	'	1,851	'	77,820
Loss from operations	-1,266	-1,594	-6,130	-6,521	-124,687
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'
Termination of initial public offering	'	'	'	'	-527
Other income, net	'	'	'	'	80
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	21	-1	30	8	-119
Interest income, net	4	8	8	24	198
Loss before income taxes	-1,241	-1,587	-6,092	-6,489	-125,055
Income taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($1,241)	($1,587)	($6,092)	($6,489)	($125,055)
Net loss per share of common stock - basic and diluted (in US$)	($0.04)	($0.05)	($0.18)	($0.21)	($8.12)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in thousands)	33,447	31,741	33,049	30,947	15,393

Statements_of_Changes_in_Stock

Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]		Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Deficit Accumulated in Development Stage [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data	Common Stock [Member]		Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Deficit Accumulated in Development Stage [Member]	Total
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$328		$136,881	($118,963)	$18,246
Beginning Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	32,768,710		'	'	'
Funds received from sale of DSPP units and shares (in shares)	804,000		'	'	'
Funds received from sale of DSPP units and shares	8		1,916	'	1,924
Funds received from option exercises (in shares)	35,000		'	'	35,000
Funds received from option exercises	'	[1]	'	'	'	[1]
Value of options granted to employees, directors and others	'		635	'	635
Net loss	'		'	-6,092	-6,092
Ending Balances at Sep. 30, 2013	$336		$139,432	($125,055)	$14,713
Ending Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	33,607,327		'	'	'

[1]	Represents an amount less than US$ 1 thousand.

Statements_of_Cash_Flows_Unaud

Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		162 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net loss	($6,092)	($6,489)	($125,055)
Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	64	55	316
Officer, director and other fees, paid via common stock	'	'	2,330
Cost of options issued to employees, directors & others	585	1,541	6,795
Interest on short term bank deposits	-15	-3	-36
Interest paid through issuance of common stock	'	'	17
Write-off of costs associated with public offering	'	'	507
Loss on disposal of equipment	'	'	4
Asset retirement obligation	-19	'	271
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties	1,851	'	77,820
Change in assets and liabilities, net:	'	'	'
Decrease in inventories	'	'	150
Prepaid expenses and other	'	-89	-394
Change in other receivables	537	-250	-70
Severance pay, net	-60	14	25
Accounts payable	72	-53	805
Accrued liabilities	-58	-1,322	1,714
Increase in deferred officers' compensation (net)	'	'	240
Net cash used in operating activities	-3,135	-6,596	-34,561
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Investment in short term bank deposits - restricted	-28	'	-291
Acquisition of property and equipment	-28	-48	-504
Investment in unproved oil and gas properties	-1,084	-1,790	-80,593
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,140	-1,838	-81,388
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Deferred financing costs on debt conversions and modification	'	'	89
Loan proceeds - related party	'	'	259
Loan principal repayments - related party	'	'	-259
Loan proceeds - other	'	'	500
Proceeds from sale of stock and exercise of warrants	1,924	3,222	132,482
Costs associated with the issuance of stock and warrants	'	'	-4,490
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,924	3,222	128,581
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,351	-5,212	12,632
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	14,983	22,231	'
Cash and cash equivalents- end of period	12,632	17,019	12,632
Supplemental information	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	'	'	78
Cash paid for income taxes	'	'	'
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Payment of note payable through issuance of common stock	'	'	575
Payment of accounts payable through issuance of note payable	'	'	35
Financing cost paid through issuance of common stock	'	'	25
Increase in accounts payable for financing costs	'	'	382
Waived interest on debt conversions	'	'	4
Shares issued for debt conversion	'	'	940
Value of warrants granted to underwriters	'	'	99
Deferred financing costs	'	'	85
Cost of options capitalized to oil & gas properties	50	124	648
Investment in oil & gas properties	-555	389	157
Transfer of inventory to oil and gas properties	'	'	$150

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

	The accompanying unaudited financial statements of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (collectively, the “Company,” “Zion”, “we” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with Article 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows, have been included. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The year-end balance sheet data presented for comparative purposes was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year or for any other subsequent interim period.

	Zion is a development stage oil and gas exploration company with a history of more than 13 years of oil & gas exploration in Israel.

	As of September 30, 2013, the Company has no revenues from its oil and gas operations, so the Company’s activities are considered to be those of a “Development Stage Enterprise.” Consequently, the Company’s financial statements must be identified as those of a development stage enterprise. In addition, the statements of operations and cash flows are required to disclose all activity since the Company’s date of inception. The Company will continue to prepare its financial statements and related disclosures as those of a development stage enterprise until such time that the Company discovers commercially productive oil and/or natural gas and establishes sales revenues therefrom.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

		A.	Net Loss per Share Data

	Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock is presented in conformity with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 260-10 “Earnings Per Share.” Diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share, as the inclusion of 3,007,708 and 5,459,942 common stock equivalents in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, would be anti-dilutive.

		B.	Use of Estimates

	The preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of unproved oil and gas properties, deferred tax assets, asset retirement obligations and legal contingencies. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity, foreign currency, and energy markets have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
		C.	Oil and Gas Properties and Impairment

	The Company follows the full-cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Accordingly, all costs associated with geological and geophysical data acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves, including directly related overhead costs, are capitalized.

	All capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including the estimated future costs to develop proved reserves, are amortized on the unit-of-production method using estimates of proved reserves. Investments in unproved properties and major development projects are not amortized until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined or until impairment occurs. If the results of an assessment indicate that the properties are impaired, the amount of the impairment is included in loss from operations before income taxes and the adjusted carrying amount of the unproved properties is amortized on the unit-of-production method.

	The Company’s oil and gas property represents an investment in unproved properties. These costs are excluded from the amortized cost pool until proved reserves are found or until it is determined that the costs are impaired. All costs excluded are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if impairment has or should be declared. The amount of any impairment is charged to expense since a reserve base has not been established. Impairment requiring a charge to expense may be indicated through evaluation of drilling results, relinquishing drilling rights or other information.

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $1,851,000 of its unproved oil and gas properties. The impairment charge is for all remaining capitalized costs of the Joseph License and is due principally to a decision to prioritize available financial resources and focus Zion’s efforts on the Megiddo-Jezreel and Jordan Valley License areas (see Notes 4 and 6).

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity

	A. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan and 2011 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company granted the following options from the 2011 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, to purchase:

	i.	25,000 shares of common stock to one non-employee director at an exercise price of $1.73. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through January 9, 2019. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $19,099.
	ii.	25,000 shares of common stock to one non-employee director at an exercise price of $2.28. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through July 10, 2019. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $27,808.
	iii.	25,000 shares of common stock to one non-employee director at an exercise price of $1.96. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through September 3, 2019. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $24,196.

	B. 2005 Stock Option Plan

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company granted options under the 2005 Stock Option Plan to purchase a total of 45,000 shares of common stock to executive officers, other staff members and service providers at an exercise price of $0.01. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through June 28, 2023. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $100,425.

	C. Stock Options

	The stock option transactions since January 1, 2013 are shown in the table below:

			Number of			Weighted average
			shares			exercise price
						US$
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012			2,392,000			2.41
	Changes to:
	Investors in DSPP (Units) (*)			687,645			2
	Employees, officers and directors			120,000			1.25
	Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited			(156,937	)		2.78
	Exercised			(35,000	)		0.01
	Outstanding, September 30, 2013			3,007,708			2.28
	Exercisable, September 30, 2013			2,065,315			2.44

	(*) See Note 3E

	Granted to employees

	The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of options granted to employees and directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2013, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:

										Period from April 6,
			For the nine months							2000
			ended September 30,							(inception) to
										September 30,
			2013			2012				2013
	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date		$	2.05		$	2.23			$	1.73 - $8.23
	Dividend yields			-			-				-
	Expected volatility			67%-81	%		68%-87	%			28.2% - 87	%
	Risk-free interest rates			0.37%-1.41	%		0.35%-1.92	%			0.34% - 5.15	%
	Expected lives (in years)			3.00-5.00			2.50-5.20				1.50 –6.00
	Weighted-average grant date fair value		$	1.27		$	1.94			$	0.76 - $5.11


	Granted to non-employees

	The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of warrants granted to non-employees during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2013, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:

										Period from April 6,
			For the nine months							2000
			ended September 30,							(inception) to
										September 30,
			2013			2012				2013
	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date			2.24			-			$	1.00 - $8.75
	Dividend yields			-			-				-
	Expected volatility			76	%		-				32.20% - 99.80	%
	Risk-free interest rates			2.52	%		-				1.60% - 5.50	%
	Expected lives (in years)			10			-				0.56 – 10.00
Weighted-average grant date fair value			2.23			-			$	0.68 - $3.91

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the options.

The expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected life of the options granted to employees and directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2013 is calculated based on the Simplified Method as allowed under Staff Accounting Bulletin No.110 (“SAB 110”), giving consideration to the contractual term of the options and their vesting schedules, as the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data at this time. The expected life of the option granted to non-employees equals their contractual term. In the case of an extension of the option life, the calculation was made on the basis of the extended life.


The following table summarizes information about stock warrants and options outstanding as of September 30, 2013:

Shares underlying outstanding													Shares underlying outstanding
warrants and options (non-vested)													warrants and options (all fully vested)
							Weighted										Weighted
							average										average
							remaining				Weighted						remaining		Weighted
Range of				Number			contractual				Average		Range of		Number		contractual		Average
exercise price				outstanding			life (years)				Exercise price		exercise price		Outstanding		Life (years)		exercise price
US$											US$		US$						US$
	1.7				70,000			5.23				1.7		1.7		75,000		5.23		1.7
	1.7				184,748			9.23				1.7		1.7		192,252		9.23		1.7
	2				687,645			5.25				2		0.01		15,000		9.75		0.01
	-				-			-				-		2.61		1,044,813		8.18		2.61
	-				-			-				-		2.61		256,250		4.18		2.61
	-				-			-				-		4.55		15,000		2.34		4.55
	-				-			-				-		1.86		25,000		5.18		1.86
	-				-			-				-		7.15		12,000		1.25		7.15
	-				-			-				-		4.45		25,000		2.32		4.45
	-				-			-				-		2.5		275,000		1.25		2.5
	-				-			-				-		0.01		30,000		6.34		0.01
	-				-			-				-		2.28		25,000		5.78		2.28
	-				-			-				-		1.73		25,000		5.28		1.73
	-				-			-				-		1.96		25,000		5.93		1.96
	-				-			-				-		1.82		25,000		3.7		1.82
	1.70-2.00				942,393							1.92		0.01-7.15		2,065,315				2.44

	D.	Compensation Cost for Warrant and Option Issuances

The following table sets forth information about the compensation cost of all warrant and option issuances recognized for employees and directors:

For the nine months ended							Period from April 6, 2000
30-Sep							(inception) to September 30
2013				2012			2013
US$				US$			US$
	483,000				1,594,000			6,831,000


The following table sets forth information about the compensation cost of all warrant and option issuances recognized for non-employees:

For the nine months ended							Period from April 6, 2000
30-Sep							(inception) to September 30
2013				2012			2013
US$				US$			US$
	152,000				71,000			613,000

As of September 30, 2013, there was $114,000 of unrecognized compensation cost, related to non-vested stock options granted under the Company’s various stock option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized as follows:

		US$
During 2013			51,000
During 2014			63,000
			114,000

	E.	Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan

On March 27, 2013, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) the prospectus supplement dated as of March 27, 2013 and accompanying base prospectus (collectively, the “Prospectus”) relating to the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (the “DSPP”). The Prospectus forms a part of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-174266) which was declared effective by the SEC on May 26, 2011.

Under the previously announced offering, the Company is offering (a) shares of common stock and (b) through November 29, 2013, units of the Company’s securities with each unit comprised of (i) one share of common stock and (ii) a warrant to purchase an additional share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share for five years. The securities are being offered by the Company in accordance with the terms of the DSPP as described in the Prospectus.

On August 26, 2013, the Company extended the expiration date for the Unit program under its DSPP to November 29, 2013. The extension was made, in part, to allow interested investors to utilize a new and more convenient electronic enrollment procedure with the TeleCheck Internet Check Acceptance service as a payment method.

As of September 30, 2013, the Company and its registered agent, Registrar and Transfer Company ("RTC"), had collected approximately $1,924,000 from the DSPP.

Unproved_Oil_and_Gas_Propertie

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method	9 Months Ended
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method	Sep. 30, 2013
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method [Abstract]	'
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method	'
	Note 4 - Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method

	Unproved oil and gas properties, under the full cost method, are comprised as follows:

		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands
	Excluded from amortization base:
	Inventory, and other operational related costs		1,201		1,175
	Capitalized salary costs		867		781
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs		1,355		2,739
	Other costs		5		5
			3,428		4,700

	Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties comprised as follows:

		For the nine months ended		For the nine months ended		Period from April 6, 2000(inception) to
		30-Sep-13		30-Sep-12		30-Sep-13
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands		US$ thousands

	Drilling operations, completion costs and other related costs		-		-		65,631
	Capitalized salary costs		142		-		4,126
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs		1,709		-		2,655
	Other costs		-		-		5,408
			1,851		-		77,820

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies

		A.	Litigation

	From time to time, the Company may be subject to routine litigation, claims, or disputes in the ordinary course of business. The Company defends itself vigorously in all such matters. In the opinion of management, no pending or known threatened claims, actions or proceedings against the Company are expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the Company cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any of the litigation or investigatory matters or any other pending litigation or claims. There can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits and investigations.

		B.	Asset Retirement Obligation

	The Company currently estimates the costs of plugging and decommissioning of the exploratory wells drilled to date in the Asher-Menashe and Joseph License areas to be approximately $851,000 based on current cost rather than Net Present Value. Liabilities for expenditures are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable and the timing and costs can be reasonably estimated.

		C.	Environmental and Onshore Licensing Regulatory Matters

	The Company is engaged in oil and gas exploration and production and may become subject to certain liabilities as they relate to environmental cleanup of well sites or other environmental restoration procedures and other obligations as they relate to the drilling of oil and gas wells or the operation thereof.

	In March 2011, the Ministry of Environmental Protection (Environmental Ministry) issued initial guidelines relating to oil and gas drilling. This is the first time that the Ministry published specific environmental guidelines for oil and gas drilling operations, relating to onshore and offshore Israel. The guidelines are detailed and provide environmental guidance for all aspects of drilling operations, commencing from when an application for a license is filed, and continuing through license award, drilling exploration, production lease, petroleum production and abandonment of the well. The guidelines address details that must be submitted regarding the drill site, surrounding area, the actual drilling operations, the storage and removal of waste and the closing or abandoning of a well. Following meetings between the Ministry and industry representatives in 2011, the Ministry indicated that certain of their initial published guidelines would be revised.

	In January 2012, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources submitted for review a proposed code titled "Onshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Production-Environment (Health) and Safety Code – Draft". The purpose of the proposed draft code is to regulate and codify onshore environmental and safety matters relating to oil and gas exploration and production in Israel. Under the proposed draft of the code, as a condition to receiving a license for oil and gas exploration, an applicant will have to submit, in writing, an environmental assessment as well as a safety plan that will have to be periodically updated during and after operations. In addition, as a condition to receiving production rights (in the case of a discovery) an applicant will have to submit an environmental impact report as well as a production safety plan.

	In April 2012, the “Environmental Protection Law (Emissions and Transfers to the Environment) Reporting Requirements and Register 2012” became effective. This statute imposes reporting obligations on entities engaged in oil and gas exploration activities (amongst others) in Israel relating to quantities of pollutants emitted into the air, water, land and sea (on an annual basis) and the off-site transfer of waste generated in the facility for treatment. The annual report that is to be furnished does not apply to the Company’s operations until we establish oil and/or gas production.

	In April 2012, the proposed draft regulations relating to petroleum exploratory drilling were adopted in large measure. The new regulations are entitled “Petroleum Regulations (Permission to deviate from the provisions of the Planning and Building Law) 2012” and detail a new permitting process. Among other things, the new regulations require the submission, to the local regulatory and permitting authorities, of a detailed environmental report relating to the proposed drilling site and surroundings. The report is to address, in detail, the environmental implications of the drilling, including hydrological analysis, surface water management, risk assessment, environmental impact, and abandonment and remediation of the drill site, among others. The drilling application must be published and there are specified time frames (approximately 100 days) for any person (including environmental and other interested bodies) to comment on the drilling application.

	In June 2012, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (the “Energy Ministry) issued initial guidelines relating to onshore exploratory licensing. Under the guidelines, which have since been adopted, an application will have to meet certain specified conditions and provide detailed information with respect to the requested license area. The applicant must engage, at a minimum, an exploration manager, geologist, geophysicist and engineer with minimum years of experience in oil and gas exploration, and at least one of these persons must be a resident of Israel.

	The applicant must also demonstrate the financial resources to support the estimated costs of non-drilling exploratory activities, and at least 50% of the estimated drilling costs, but in any event not less than $5 million. The applicant will be deemed to have the requisite financial resources if it has liquid assets and equity equal to the required amount, less undertakings pursuant to other licenses or permits. The application will be published in a daily newspaper and the Ministry's web site, and other prospective license applicants will then have an opportunity to submit an application for the requested license area within three months from such publication. In the event of more than one application for a license area, the winner will be determined by a grading system that includes certain factors deemed pertinent (i.e., applicant’s corporate structure and experience, team background and experience, financial resources, etc.). A condition to the issuance of any license is the submission by the licensee of a performance bank guarantee in an amount equal to 10% of the cost of the proposed work program. The performance bank guarantee is required at or prior to the award of the exploration rights.

	In October 2012, the Energy Ministry published proposed guidelines relating to the submission of performance guarantees for new and existing onshore and offshore exploration licenses. Under the proposed guidelines, an applicant for a new onshore exploration license must submit a performance bank guarantee for 10% of the cost of the proposed work program upon the award by the Petroleum Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) of the requested license. An existing onshore exploration license owner will be required to submit a performance bank guarantee equal to 10% of the cost of the balance of the planned work program by the earlier of (a) the application for a license extension, (b) the application for transfer of license rights, or (c) the application for changes to the work program. The face amount of the performance bank guarantee for existing licenses will be based on an estimated budget for the balance of the planned work program that an existing license owner is to submit to the Commissioner, which budget is subject to approval by the Commissioner. In the event that the licensee violates (whether intentionally or not) any of the license terms, then the Commissioner is entitled to demand payment of the bank guarantee, after giving the licensee notice and an opportunity to cure.

	In December 2012, the Energy Ministry published proposed guidelines relating to the submission of bank guarantees for potential drilling-related environmental damages. The guidelines will apply to all petroleum exploration licenses to be granted on or after June 30, 2013 (and possibly extensions of existing licenses). Under the proposed guidelines, prior to receiving the approval of the Commissioner for a proposed drilling program, the licensee must submit a bank guarantee in the amount of $100,000 with respect to a drilling depth of up to (and including) 1,000 meters, which increases to $250,000 if the drilling depth is more than 1,000 meters. The Commissioner is entitled to demand a bank guarantee in excess of $250,000 if the Commissioner determines that there is a substantial risk of environmental damage. If the licensee causes environmental damage, the Commissioner is entitled to demand payment of the bank guarantee, after giving the licensee notice and an opportunity to respond to the allegation of damages.

	In July 2013, the Environmental Ministry published: “Environmental Guidelines for the preparations of an environmental document supplementary to a license for searching – experimental drilling and land extraction tests.” This document extensively details the requirements for a supplemental environmental document to an oil and gas exploration plan.

	The Company believes that these new regulations will significantly increase the expenditures associated with obtaining new exploration rights and considerably increase the time needed to obtain all of the necessary authorizations and approvals prior to drilling.


		D.	Drilling Contract with AME/GYP

	As previously disclosed, GYP, the owner of the rig previously used by the Company and an affiliated entity of AME (our prior drilling contractor), advised that $550,000 remains unpaid for rig demobilization. The drilling contract between the Company and AME, which was purportedly assumed by GYP, provides that all disputes are to be settled by arbitration in London, United Kingdom.

	On February 25, 2013, GYP advised the Company in writing of GYP's intention to seek arbitration under the drilling contract; however, GYP also indicated its desire to find an amicable solution in lieu of initiating arbitration proceedings and offered a deep discount to resolve the matter. The Company, which denies it owes anything, offered a nuisance amount to resolve it. The Company's offer has not been accepted by GYP to date, but GYP has not initiated arbitration proceedings, and periodic communications continue between it and the Company.
	(See Note 6)

		E.	Company License Area Activities

	On April 10, 2013, Zion submitted to Israel’s Petroleum Commissioner an application seeking a one-year extension for its Joseph License, which covers approximately 83,000 acres.. On May 12, 2013, the Petroleum Commissioner notified the Company that our Joseph License was extended for only six months, until October 10, 2013 to allow for an orderly plugging and abandonment of the wells drilled to date in such license area as required by our license terms.

	In April 2013, Zion submitted to Israel’s Petroleum Commissioner an application seeking a new petroleum exploration license in the Megiddo-Jezreel Valley area, onshore Israel, covering an area of approximately 98,000 acres. As proposed, the Megiddo-Jezreel Valley license area boundary is adjacent to and westward of Zion’s existing Jordan Valley License, which covers approximately 56,000 acres. If granted, the new Megiddo-Jezreel License would likely be for an initial three-year term, extendable at the option of the Petroleum Commissioner for four additional one-year terms, for a total of seven years. (See Note 6)

	On May 23, 2013, Zion submitted to Israel’s Petroleum Commissioner an application seeking a one-year extension for its Asher-Menashe License, which covers approximately 79,000 acres, to conduct additional in-well testing operations at the Elijah #3 well in hopes of finding commercially productive hydrocarbons.

	On July 7, 2013, the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner notified the Company that it approved the Company’s request for an extension to the scheduled expiration date of the Company’s Asher-Menashe License (Petroleum Exploration License No. 334) to June 9, 2014. Under the terms of the license extension, the Company is required to perform a perforation and stimulation operation at the Elijah #3 well and conduct a production test. If the outcome of the test is negative, the well is to be plugged and abandoned (“P&A”) and within 60 days thereafter, a final report should be submitted and the license is to be returned.

	As of the date of this filing, the Company continues to plan for in-well testing of its Elijah #3 well with operations likely to occur in mid to late November, 2013. Zion plans to perforate the zone of interest, fluid stimulate the carbonate rock, and perform a drill stem test. A drill stem test is a procedure for isolating and testing the pressure, permeability and productive capacity of a geological formation within a well. The test is a key method of obtaining information on the formation fluid and establishing whether a well has found a commercial hydrocarbon reservoir. If the test is positive, the Company will contact the Petroleum Commissioner’s office to discuss future development plans. If the outcome of the test is negative, the Company plans to initiate P&A procedures immediately.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 6- Subsequent Events

	On October 13, 2013, the Company received a new letter from GYP requesting payment of the $550,000 with no reference to arbitration. By written response on October 29, 2013, the Company respectfully denied any liability on GYP's claim. On October 31, 2013, the Company received an email from GYP disagreeing with the Company's analysis and threatening arbitration if no satisfactory solution can be found. By written response on November 6, 2013, the Company, citing relevant provisions of the drilling contract, again respectfully denied any liability on GYP's claim. (See Note 5D)

	On October 22, 2013, Israel's Advisory Petroleum Council met to discuss the Company's new license application and recommended that our application be approved. As of the date of this filing, we are still awaiting official receipt of the new Megiddo-Jezreel License.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Net Loss per Share Data	'
		A.	Net Loss per Share Data

	Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock is presented in conformity with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 260-10 “Earnings Per Share.” Diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share, as the inclusion of 3,007,708 and 5,459,942 common stock equivalents in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, would be anti-dilutive.
Use of Estimates	'
		B.	Use of Estimates

	The preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of unproved oil and gas properties, deferred tax assets, asset retirement obligations and legal contingencies. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity, foreign currency, and energy markets have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

Oil and Gas Properties and Impairment	'
		C.	Oil and Gas Properties and Impairment

	The Company follows the full-cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Accordingly, all costs associated with geological and geophysical data acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves, including directly related overhead costs, are capitalized.

	All capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including the estimated future costs to develop proved reserves, are amortized on the unit-of-production method using estimates of proved reserves. Investments in unproved properties and major development projects are not amortized until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined or until impairment occurs. If the results of an assessment indicate that the properties are impaired, the amount of the impairment is included in loss from operations before income taxes and the adjusted carrying amount of the unproved properties is amortized on the unit-of-production method.

	The Company’s oil and gas property represents an investment in unproved properties. These costs are excluded from the amortized cost pool until proved reserves are found or until it is determined that the costs are impaired. All costs excluded are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if impairment has or should be declared. The amount of any impairment is charged to expense since a reserve base has not been established. Impairment requiring a charge to expense may be indicated through evaluation of drilling results, relinquishing drilling rights or other information.

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $1,851,000 of its unproved oil and gas properties. The impairment charge is for all remaining capitalized costs of the Joseph License and is due principally to a decision to prioritize available financial resources and focus Zion’s efforts on the Megiddo-Jezreel and Jordan Valley License areas (see Notes 4 and 6).

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock Warrants and Options Outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock warrants and options outstanding as of September 30, 2013:


		Shares underlying outstanding										Shares underlying outstanding
		warrants and options (non-vested)										warrants and options (all fully vested)
							Weighted										Weighted
							average										average
							remaining			Weighted							remaining			Weighted
		Range of		Number			contractual			Average		Range of		Number			contractual			Average
		exercise price		outstanding			life (years)			Exercise price		exercise price		Outstanding		Life (years)			exercise price
		US$								US$		US$								US$

		1.7			70,000			5.23			1.7		1.7		75,000			5.23			1.7
		1.7			184,748			9.23			1.7		1.7		192,252			9.23			1.7
		2			687,645			5.25			2		0.01		15,000			9.75			0.01
		-			-			-			-		2.61		1,044,813			8.18			2.61
		-			-			-			-		2.61		256,250			4.18			2.61
		-			-			-			-		4.55		15,000			2.34			4.55
		-			-			-			-		1.86		25,000			5.18			1.86
		-			-			-			-		7.15		12,000			1.25			7.15
		-			-			-			-		4.45		25,000			2.32			4.45
		-			-			-			-		2.5		275,000			1.25			2.5
		-			-			-			-		0.01		30,000			6.34			0.01
		-			-			-			-		2.28		25,000			5.78			2.28
		-			-			-			-		1.73		25,000			5.28			1.73
		-			-			-			-		1.96		25,000			5.93			1.96
		-			-			-			-		1.82		25,000			3.7			1.82
		1.70-2.00			942,393						1.92		0.01-7.15		2,065,315						2.44

Unrecognized Compensation Cost Expected to be Recognized	'
	As of September 30, 2013, there was $114,000 of unrecognized compensation cost, related to non-vested stock options granted under the Company’s various stock option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized as follows:

			US$

	During 2013			51,000
	During 2014			63,000
				114,000

Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock Options Transactions	'
	The stock option transactions since January 1, 2013 are shown in the table below:

			Number of			Weighted average
			shares			exercise price
						US$

	Outstanding, December 31, 2012			2,392,000			2.41

	Changes to:
	Changes to:
	Investors in DSPP (Units) (*)			687,645			2
	Employees, officers and directors			120,000			1.25
	Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited			(156,937	)		2.78
	Exercised			(35,000	)		0.01
	Outstanding, September 30, 2013			3,007,708			2.28
	Exercisable, September 30, 2013			2,065,315			2.44
Non Employee [Member] \| Warrant [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Warrants Granted Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	'
	The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of warrants granted to non-employees during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2013, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:

			For the nine months						Period from April 6,
			For the nine months						2000 (inception) to
			ended September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013


	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date			2.24			-		$	1.00 - $8.75
	Dividend yields			-			-			-
	Expected volatility			76	%		-			32.20% - 99.80	%
	Risk-free interest rates			2.52	%		-			1.60% - 5.50	%
	Expected lives (in years)			10			-			0.56 – 10.00
	Weighted-average grant date fair value			2.23			-		$	0.68 - $3.91
Non Employee [Member] \| Warrants and Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized	'
	The following table sets forth information about the compensation cost of all warrant and option issuances recognized for non-employees:

						Period from April 6, 2000
	For the nine months ended September 30					(inception) to September 30
	2013		2012			2013
	US$		US$			US$
	152,000			71,000			613,000

Employees and Directors [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Warrants Granted Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	'
	The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of options granted to employees and directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2013, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:

			For the nine months						Period from April 6,
			For the nine months						2000 (inception) to
			ended September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013

	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date		$	2.05		$	2.23		$	1.73 - $8.23
	Dividend yields			-			-			-
	Expected volatility			67%-81	%		68%-87	%		28.2% - 87	%
	Risk-free interest rates			0.37%-1.41	%		0.35%-1.92	%		0.34% - 5.15	%
	Expected lives (in years)			3.00-5.00			2.50-5.20			1.50 –6.00
	Weighted-average grant date fair value		$	1.27		$	1.94		$	0.76 - $5.11
Employees and Directors [Member] \| Warrants and Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized	'
	The following table sets forth information about the compensation cost of all warrant and option issuances recognized for employees and directors:

						Period from April 6, 2000
	For the nine months ended September 30					(inception) to September 30
	2013		2012			2013
	US$		US$			US$
	483,000			1,594,000			6,831,000

Unproved_Oil_and_Gas_Propertie1

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method	'
	Unproved oil and gas properties, under the full cost method, are comprised as follows:

		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands
	Excluded from amortization base:
	Inventory, and other operational related costs		1,201		1,175
	Capitalized salary costs		867		781
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs		1,355		2,739
	Other costs		5		5
			3,428		4,700
Schedule of Impairment of Unproved Oil and Gas Properties	'
	Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties comprised as follows:

		For the nine months ended		For the nine months ended		Period from April 6, 2000(inception) to
		30-Sep-13		30-Sep-12		30-Sep-13
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands		US$ thousands

	Drilling operations, completion costs and other related costs		-		-		65,631
	Capitalized salary costs		142		-		4,126
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs		1,709		-		2,655
	Other costs		-		-		5,408
			1,851		-		77,820

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Exploration period doing oil and gas	'13 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		162 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Common stock equivalents excluded from EPS as the inclusion would be anti-dilutive	3,007,708	5,459,942	'
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties	$1,851	'	$77,820

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		162 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested stock	$114,000	'	$114,000
Proceeds from sale of stock and exercise of warrants	1,924,000	3,222,000	132,482,000
Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock	45,000	'	'
Stock option plans, award to purchase common stock, exercise price	$0.01	'	'
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant	100,425	'	'
Warrant [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity instrument exercise price	2	'	2
Equity instrument exercise period	'5 years	'	'
Non Employee Director [Member] \| Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] \| January 9, 2019 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock	25,000	'	'
Stock option plans, award to purchase common stock, exercise price	$1.73	'	'
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant	19,099	'	'
Non Employee Director [Member] \| Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] \| July 10, 2019 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock	25,000	'	'
Stock option plans, award to purchase common stock, exercise price	$2.28	'	'
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant	27,808	'	'
Non Employee Director [Member] \| Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] \| September 3, 2019 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock	25,000	'	'
Stock option plans, award to purchase common stock, exercise price	$1.96	'	'
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant	$24,196	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Number of shares	'
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	2,392,000
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited	-156,937
Exercised	-35,000
Outstanding, September 30, 2013	3,007,708
Exercisable, September 30, 2013	2,065,315
Weighted average exercise price	'
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	$2.41
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited	$2.78
Exercised	$0.01
Outstanding, September 30, 2013	$2.28
Exercisable, September 30, 2013	$2.44
Employees, Officers and Directors [Member]	'
Number of shares	'
Granted	120,000
Weighted average exercise price	'
Granted	$1.25
Investors [Member]	'
Number of shares	'
Granted	687,645	[1]
Weighted average exercise price	'
Granted	$2	[1]

[1]	See Note 3E

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Warr

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Warrants and Options Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Unvested [Member]

Vested [Member]

Range Exercise Price 1.70 First [Member]

Range Exercise Price 1.70 Second [Member]

Range Exercise Price 2.00 [Member]

Range Exercise Price 1.70 First [Member]

Range Exercise Price 1.70 Second [Member]

Range Exercise Price 0.01 First [Member]

Range Exercise Price 2.61 First [Member]

Range Exercise Price 2.61 Second [Member]

Range Exercise Price 4.55 [Member]

Range Exercise Price 1.86 [Member]

Range Exercise Price 7.15 [Member]

Range Exercise Price 4.45 [Member]

Range Exercise Price 2.50 [Member]

Range Exercise Price 0.01 Second [Member]

Range Exercise Price 2.28 [Member]

Range Exercise Price 1.73 [Member]

Range Exercise Price 1.96 [Member]

Range Exercise Price 1.82 [Member]

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]

Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Range of exercise price, lower range

$1.70

$0.01

$1.70

$0.01

$2.61

$4.55

$1.86

$7.15

$4.45

$2.50

$0.01

$2.28

$1.73

$1.96

$1.82

Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Range of exercise price, upper range

$7.15

Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding

942,393

70,000

184,748

687,645

2,065,315

75,000

192,252

15,000

1,044,813

256,250

15,000

25,000

12,000

25,000

275,000

30,000

25,000

Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)

'5 years 2 months 23 days

'9 years 2 months 23 days

'5 years 3 months

'5 years 2 months 23 days

'9 years 2 months 23 days

'9 years 9 months

'8 years 2 months 5 days

'4 years 2 months 5 days

'2 years 4 months 2 days

'5 years 2 months 5 days

'1 year 3 months

'2 years 3 months 26 days

'1 year 3 months

'6 years 4 months 2 days

'5 years 9 months 11 days

'5 years 3 months 11 days

'5 years 11 months 5 days

'3 years 8 months 12 days

Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price

$2.28

$2.41

$1.92

$1.70

$5.25

$2.44

$1.70

$0.01

$2.61

$4.55

$1.86

$7.15

$4.45

$2.50

$0.01

$2.28

$1.73

$1.96

$1.82

Stockholders_Equity_Assumption

Stockholders' Equity (Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Warrants Granted Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		162 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Non Employee [Member] \| Warrant [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date	$2.24	'	'
Dividend yields	'	'	'
Expected volatility, minimum	'	'	32.20%
Expected volatility, maximum	'	'	99.80%
Expected volatility	76.00%	'	'
Risk-free interest rates, minimum	'	'	1.60%
Risk-free interest rates, maximum	'	'	5.50%
Risk-free interest rates	2.52%	'	'
Expected lives (in years)	'10 years	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$2.23	'	'
Non Employee [Member] \| Warrant [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date	'	'	1
Expected lives (in years)	'	'	'6 months 22 days
Weighted-average grant date fair value	'	'	0.68
Non Employee [Member] \| Warrant [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date	'	'	8.75
Expected lives (in years)	'	'	'10 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value	'	'	3.91
Employees and Directors [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date	$2.05	$2.23	'
Dividend yields	'	'	'
Expected volatility, minimum	67.00%	68.00%	28.20%
Expected volatility, maximum	81.00%	87.00%	87.00%
Risk-free interest rates, minimum	0.37%	0.35%	0.34%
Risk-free interest rates, maximum	1.41%	1.92%	5.15%
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$1.27	$1.94	'
Employees and Directors [Member] \| Stock Options [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date	'	'	1.73
Expected lives (in years)	'3 years	'2 years 6 months	'1 year 6 months
Weighted-average grant date fair value	'	'	0.76
Employees and Directors [Member] \| Stock Options [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date	'	'	8.23
Expected lives (in years)	'5 years	'5 years 2 months 12 days	'6 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value	'	'	5.11

Stockholders_Equity_Compensati

Stockholders' Equity (Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		162 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation cost of warrant and option issuances	'	'	$2,330,000
Non Employee [Member] \| Warrants and Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation cost of warrant and option issuances	152,000	71,000	613,000
Employees and Directors [Member] \| Warrants and Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation cost of warrant and option issuances	$483,000	$1,594,000	$6,831,000

Stockholders_Equity_Unrecogniz

Stockholders' Equity (Unrecognized Compensation Cost Expected to be Recognized) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested stock	$114,000
During 2013 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested stock	51,000
During 2014 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested stock	$63,000

Unproved_Oil_and_Gas_Propertie2

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (Schedule of Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method [Abstract]	'	'
Inventory, and other operational related costs	$1,201	$1,175
Capitalized salary costs	867	781
Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs	1,355	2,739
Other costs	5	5
Total unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	$3,428	$4,700

Unproved_Oil_and_Gas_Propertie3

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (Schedule of Impairment of Unproved Oil and Gas Properties) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		162 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method [Abstract]	'	'	'
Drilling operation, completion costs and other related costs	'	'	$65,631
Capitalized salary costs	142	'	4,126
Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs	1,709	'	2,655
Other costs	'	'	5,408
Impairment of oil and gas properties	$1,851	'	$77,820

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended				9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	23-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013
						Joseph License [Member]	Jordan Valley License [Member]	Megiddo-Jezreel Valley Potential License Area [Member]	Asher-Menashe License [Member]	Asher-Menashe License [Member]
						item	acre	items		acre
						acre		acre
Exploratory licensing guidelines, estimated drilling costs supported by applicant	'	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated financial resources amount, minimum	'	'	$5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Demobilization fee	'	'	'	'	550,000	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign country guideline performance guarantee percentage	'	10.00%	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign country bank guarantee requirement, drilling depth amount one	100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign country bank guarantee requirement, drilling depth one	1,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign country bank guarantee requirement, above drilling depth one, amount two	250,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other applicant license opportunity period	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'
Asset retirement obligation	$870,000	'	'	'	$851,000	'	'	'	'	'
Comment drilling application, period	'	'	'	'100 days	'	'	'	'	'	'
Length of lease, additional term	'	'	'	'	'	'6 months	'	'	'	'
Aggregate length of lease, including extensions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'7 years	'1 year	'
Area of Land	'	'	'	'	'	83,000	56,000	98,000	'	79,000
Initial length of lease period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Number of annual extensions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4	'	'
Number of wells in license area	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	'
Well plugging and abandonment completion period, requirement	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'Under the terms of the license extension, the Company is required to perform a perforation and stimulation operation at the Elijah #3 well and conduct a production test. If the outcome of the test is negative, the well is to be plugged and abandoned ("P&A") and within 60 days thereafter, a final report should be submitted and the license is to be returned.

Subsequent_Events_Narrative_De

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 13, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events (Textual)	'	'
Requested payment of Demobilization fee by GYP	'	550,000
Subsequent Event [Member] \| GYP [Member]	'	'
Subsequent Events (Textual)	'	'
Requested payment of Demobilization fee by GYP	$550,000	'
Description of GYP's liability claim	'	'By written response on October 29, 2013, the Company respectfully denied any liability on GYP's claim.
GYP's liability claim denied date	'	29-Oct-13