Zion Oil & Gas (ZNOG) 10-Q 8 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	1-May-14
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	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Trading Symbol	'zn	'
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	'	34,658,560

Balance_Sheets_Unaudited

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$7,804	$10,414
Fixed short term bank deposits - restricted	1,322	1,387
Fixed short term bank deposits	901	'
Prepaid expenses and other	320	294
Other receivables	248	45
Total current assets	10,595	12,140
Unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	2,577	2,446
Property and equipment at cost Net of accumulated depreciation of $354,000 and $332,000	207	209
Other assets	'	'
Assets held for severance benefits	165	144
Total assets	13,544	14,939
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	327	138
Asset retirement obligation	311	483
Accrued liabilities	1,509	1,474
Total current liabilities	2,147	2,095
Provision for severance pay	189	177
Total liabilities	2,336	2,272
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 5)	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock, par value $.01; Authorized: 100,000,000 : Issued and outstanding: 34,336,598 and 34,005,696 shares at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively	343	340
Additional paid-in capital	141,169	140,367
Deficit accumulated in development stage	-130,304	-128,040
Total stockholders' equity	11,208	12,667
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$13,544	$14,939

Balance_Sheets_Unaudited_Paren

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$354,000	$332,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, Issued Shares	34,336,598	34,005,696
Common stock, outstanding	34,336,598	34,005,696

Statements_of_Operations_Unaud

Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		168 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
General and administrative expenses	'	'	'
Legal and professional	$295	$341	$10,663
Salaries	550	571	21,184
Other	1,412	486	18,832
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties	'	1,851	79,258
Loss from operations	-2,257	-3,249	-129,937
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'
Termination of initial public offering	'	'	-527
Other income, net	'	'	80
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	-4	6	-112
Interest income, net	-3	2	192
Loss before income taxes	-2,264	-3,241	-130,304
Income taxes	'	'	'
Net loss	($2,264)	($3,241)	($130,304)
Net loss per share of common stock - basic and diluted (in US$)	($0.07)	($0.10)	($8.04)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in thousands)	34,387	32,804	16,209

Statements_of_Changes_in_Stock

Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total		Common Stock		Additional paid in capital	Deficit accumulated in development stage
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$12,667		$340		$140,367	($128,040)
Beginning Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'		34,005,696		'	'
Funds received from sale of DSPP units and shares	702		3		699	'
Funds received from sale of DSPP units and shares (in shares)	'		326		'	'
Funds received from option exercises	'	[1]	'	[1]	'	'
Funds received from option exercises (in shares)	'		5		'	'
Value of options granted to employees, directors and others	103		'		103	'
Net loss	-2,264		'		'	-2,264
Ending Balances at Mar. 31, 2014	$11,208		$343		$141,169	($130,304)
Ending Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	'		34,336,598		'	'
[1]	Represents an amount less than US$ 1 thousand.

Statements_of_Cash_Flows_Unaud

Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		168 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net loss	($2,264)	($3,241)	($130,304)
Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	22	20	360
Officer, director and other fees, paid via common stock	'	'	2,330
Cost of options issued to employees, directors & others	102	212	7,265
Interest on short term bank deposits	-1	-6	-42
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	-172	'	-269
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties	'	1,851	79,258
Change in assets and liabilities, net:	'	'	'
Decrease in inventories	'	'	150
Prepaid expenses and other	-26	89	-320
Change in other receivables	-203	598	-248
Severance pay, net	-9	-54	24
Accounts payable	231	7	966
Accrued liabilities	267	44	1,935
Increase in deferred officers' compensation (net)	'	'	240
Net cash used in operating activities	-2,053	-480	-38,127
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Investment in short term bank deposits	-835	'	-2,181
Acquisition of property and equipment	-20	-8	-553
Investment in unproved oil and gas properties	-404	-756	-81,173
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,259	-764	-83,907
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	702	'	133,739
Costs associated with the issuance of stock and warrants	'	'	-4,490
Net cash provided by financing activities	702	'	129,838
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,610	-1,244	7,804
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	10,414	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents- end of period	7,804	14,983	7,804
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 costs 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	1	28	665
Investment in oil & gas properties	17	-561	1,020
Transfer of inventory to oil and gas properties	'	'	$150

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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, 2013. 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 months ended March 31, 2014 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 March 31, 2014, 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 achieves a discovery and has revenues from sales of oil and/or gas.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 3,406,624 and 2,378,250 common stock equivalents in the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 (see Note 4).

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholder's Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity
		A.	2005 Stock Option Plan
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company granted the following options from the 2005 Stock Option Plan, to purchase:
	i.	25,000 shares of common stock to one senior officer at an exercise price of $0.01. The options vest in equal quarterly installments over four consecutive quarters, beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2014 and are exercisable through March 31, 2024.  The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $47,524.
	ii.	20,000 shares of common stock to one senior officer at an exercise price of $0.01. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through March 31, 2024.  The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $38,018.
	iii.	10,000 shares of common stock to one senior officer at an exercise price of $0.01. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through March 31, 2024.  The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $19,009.
		B.	Stock Options
	The stock option transactions since January 1, 2014 are shown in the table below:
			Number of				Weighted average
			shares				exercise price
							US$
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013			3,190,225				2.18
	Changes to:
	Investors in DSPP (Units) (*)			173,899				2
	Employees, officers and directors			55,000				0.01
	Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited			(7,500	)			1.7
	Exercised			(5,000	)			0.01
	Outstanding, March 31, 2014			3,406,624				2.14
	Exercisable, March 31, 2014			2,300,626				2.24
	(*) 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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to March 31, 2014, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:
											Period from April 6,
			For the three months								2000
			ended March 31,								(inception) to
											March 31,
			2014				2013				2014
	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date		$	1.91			$	1.73			$	1.73 - $8.23
	Dividend yields			-				-				-
	Expected volatility			78%-82	%			67	%			28.2% - 87	%
	Risk-free interest rates			1.72%-1.73	%			0.37	%			0.34% - 5.15	%
	Expected lives (in years)			5.00-5.38				3				1.50 –6.00
	Weighted-average grant date fair value		$	1.9			$	0.76			$	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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to March 31, 2014, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:
											Period from April 6,
			For the three months								2000
			ended March 31,								(inception) to
											March 31,
			2014				2013				2014
	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date			-				-			$	1.00 - $8.75
	Dividend yields			-				-				-
	Expected volatility			-				-				32.20% - 99.80	%
	Risk-free interest rates			-				-				1.60% - 5.50	%
	Expected lives (in years)			-				-				0.56 – 10.00
	Weighted-average grant date fair value			-				-			$	0.68 - $3.91
	The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the options.
	The expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected life of the options granted to employees and directors during the three months ended March 31, 2014  and 2013 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to March 31, 2014 is calculated based on the Simplified Method as allowed under Staff Accounting Bulletin No.110 (“SAB 110”), giving consideration to the contractual term of the options and their vesting schedules, as the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data at this time. The expected life of the option granted to non-employees equals their contractual term.  In the case of an extension of the option life, the calculation was made on the basis of the extended life.
	The following table summarizes information about stock warrants and options outstanding as of March 31, 2014:
	Shares underlying outstanding														Shares underlying outstanding
	warrants and options (non-vested/non-exercisable)														warrants and options (all fully vested/exercisable)
									Weighted										Weighted
									average										average
									remaining				Weighted						remaining		Weighted
	Range of				Number				contractual				Average		Range of		Number		contractual		Average
	exercise price				outstanding				life (years)				Exercise price		exercise price		Outstanding		Life (years)		exercise price
	US$												US$		US$						US$
		1.7				30,000				4.73				1.7		1.7		107,500		4.73		1.7
		1.7				92,374				8.73				1.7		1.7		277,126		8.73		1.7
		2				964,874				5.34				2		0.01		5,000		9.25		0.01
		0.01				18,750				10				0.01		0.01		36,250		10		0.01
		-				-				-				-		2.61		1,016,500		7.68		2.61
		-				-				-				-		2.61		256,250		3.68		2.61
	-				-				-				-		4.55		15,000		1.84		4.55
	-				-				-				-		0.01		25,000		9.75		0.01
	-				-				-				-		1.86		25,000		4.68		1.86
	-				-				-				-		7.15		12,000		0.75		7.15
	-				-				-				-		4.45		25,000		1.82		4.45
	-				-				-				-		2.5		270,000		0.75		2.5
	-				-				-				-		0.01		30,000		5.84		0.01
	-				-				-				-		2.28		25,000		5.28		2.28
	-				-				-				-		1.73		25,000		4.78		1.73
	-				-				-				-		0.01		100,000		9.62		0.01
	-				-				-				-		1.96		25,000		5.43		1.96
	-				-				-				-		1.82		25,000		3.21		1.82
	0.01-2.00				1,105,998								1.93		0.01-7.15		2,300,626				2.24
	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 three months ended					Period from April 6, 2000
March 31					(inception) to March 31
2014		2013			2014
US$		US$			US$
89,000			211,000			7,210,000
The following table sets forth information about the compensation cost of all warrant and option issuances recognized for non-employees:
For the three months ended					Period from April 6, 2000
31-Mar					(inception) to March 31
2014		2013			2014
US$		US$			US$
14,000			29,000			720,000
As of March 31, 2014, there was $71,000 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 during the remaining period of 2014.
	E.	Replacement Registration Statement S-3/A and Prospectus Supplement for the Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan
On March 13, 2014  the Company filed  an S-3/A Form that is part of a replacement registration statement that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. From time to time, the Company may offer up to an aggregate of approximately $119,850,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in units.
On March 31, 2014, the Company filed with the SEC the prospectus supplement dated as of March 27, 2014 and accompanying base prospectus dated March 27, 2014 (collectively, the “Prospectus”) relating to the Company’s DSPP. The Prospectus forms a part of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3/A (File No. 333-193336), as amended, which was declared effective by the SEC on March 27, 2014 (the “Registration Statement”).
The Company is offering (a) shares (each a “Share” and collectively the “Shares”) of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), and (b), through June 30, 2014, units (the “Units”) of the Company’s securities with each unit comprised of (i) one (1) 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 (each a “Warrant” and collectively the “Warrants”; together with the Shares and the Units the “Securities”). The Securities are being offered by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Plan as described in the Prospectus.
On February 21, 2014 the Company extended the expiration date for the Unit program under its DSPP to June 30, 2014.
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 March 31, 2014, the Company and its registered agent, Registrar and Transfer Company ("RTC"), had collected approximately $3,180,000 from the DSPP. As a result, the Company issued a total of 1,425,388 shares of its common stock, comprised of 964,874 units (unit comprised of (i) one share of common stock and (ii) a warrant) and 460,514 shares.

Unproved_Oil_and_Gas_Propertie

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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:
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands
	Excluded from amortization base:
	Inventory, and other operational related costs		911		929
	Capitalized salary costs		653		602
	Legal  costs, license fees and other preparation costs		1,008		910
	Other costs		5		5
			2,577		2,446
	Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties comprised as follows:
		For the three months		For the three months		Period from April 6,
		ended		ended		2000 (inception) to March 31, 2014
		31-Mar-14		31-Mar-13
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands		US$ thousands
	Drilling operations, completion costs and other related costs		-		-		66,111
	Capitalized salary costs		-		142		4,473
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs		-		1,709		3,266
	Other costs		-		-		5,408
			-		1,851		79,258

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 such litigation or investigatory matters or any other pending litigation or claims. There can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any such lawsuits and investigations.
		B.	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 July 2013, the Environmental Ministry published: “Environmental Guidelines for the preparation 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.
	On December 3, 2013, the State of Israel’s Petroleum Commissioner awarded the Company the Megiddo-Jezreel Petroleum Exploration License No. 401. Subsequently, the Company secured a US $930,000 bank guarantee in accordance with the performance guarantee guidelines Consequently,, Zion believes it has met the requirements of the June 2012 onshore exploratory licensing guidelines and the October 2012 performance guarantee guidelines.
	On February 6, 2014, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources issued guidelines for bank guarantees and insurance requirements with respect to oil and gas rights. Under these guidelines, applicants for and existing holders of exploration rights will be required to submit certain bank guarantees and insurance policies that were not previously required.
	As it relates to existing onshore license holders like Zion, the Company must obtain a base guarantee in the New Israeli Shekel equivalent of $500,000, the earlier of:
		·	The date of approval of the application for extension of the license;
		·	The date of submission of an application for transfer of rights;
		·	The date of submission of an application for approval of drilling; or
		·	45 days after the date of publication of the guidelines (late March 2014).
	The Petroleum Commissioner, under exceptional circumstances, may demand a lower or higher guarantee sum.
	Also, as it relates to existing onshore license holders, prior to the start of drilling, an additional bank guarantee in the New Israeli Shekel equivalent of $250,000 will be required.
	Existing onshore license holders must have an insurance policy in place at least 30 days prior to the planned drilling date of a well.  The insurance policy must include that which is usually taken out by international oil or gas exploration or production companies, in accordance with specific requirements set out in the guidelines.
	On February 24, 2014, the Company received a request asking the Company to arrange for three bank guarantees totaling $1.5 million. The Company disputes that it is obligated to obtain the three bank guarantees even if the new regulations were to go into effect. The Israel Oil & Gas Association sent several letters to the Energy Minstry and the Petroleum Commissioner requesting a halt or change in the new regulations.
	On March 27, 2014, the Petroleum Commissioner’s office sent a letter to the Company informing that a decision was made to delay the date those regulations go into effect by 45 days to May 15, 2014.
	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.
		C.	Drilling Contract with AME/GYP
	On September 12, 2008, the Company entered into a drilling contract with Aladdin Middle East Ltd. (“AME”) pursuant to which AME shipped into Israel its 2,000 horsepower rig for use in the drilling contemplated by the Company’s business plan. The rig arrived in Israel and cleared customs in April 2009 and was used to drill the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well, the Elijah #3 and the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well. Drilling operations on the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well were concluded in July 2011, whereupon the Company released the rig.
	In May, 2012, the Company and GYP agreed that the Company would pay GYP $627,000 in full and final settlement of past bills, and such amount was paid on May 15, 2012. However, the matter related to GYP’s demand for $550,000 for rig demobilization was excluded from the settlement. The drilling contract between the Company and AME, which was allegedly 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 the matter, which GYP respectfully denied.
	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
	On March 4, 2014, the Company received from the International Court of Arbitration in Paris, France (“ICA”) a request for arbitration filed by GYP. The Company continues to deny GYP's claim and intends to vigorously defend itself.
		D.	Bank Guarantees
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company provided bank guarantees to various governmental bodies (approximately $1,175,000) and others (approximately $70,000) in respect of its drilling operation in an aggregate amount of approximately $1,245,000.  The funds backing these guarantees and additional amounts added to support currency fluctuations as required by the bank, are held in interest-bearing accounts and are reported on the Company's balance sheets as “restricted cash.”
		E.	Company License Area Activities
	The Company currently holds three petroleum exploration licenses, all onshore Israel, comprised of the newly granted Megiddo-Jezreel License (covering approximately 98,842 acres), the Jordan Valley License (covering approximately 55,845 acres), and the Asher-Menashe License (covering approximately 78,834 acres). Zion’s total license area currently amounts to approximately 233,521 acres.
	On December 3, 2013, Israel’s Petroleum Commissioner awarded the Company the Megiddo-Jezreel Petroleum Exploration License No. 401. The Company has secured a US $930,000 bank guarantee in accordance with the Performance Guarantee Guidelines. Under the license terms, the Company is to identify and submit a drilling prospect in the license area by July 1, 2015; enter into a contract for the drilling of such prospect by October 1, 2015; and begin drilling or “spud” a well to a minimum proposed total depth of approximately 4,000 meters (~ 13,125 feet) by December 1, 2015.
	The Company has identified several key leads/prospects in the Megiddo-Jezreel and portions of the Jordan Valley License areas. Over the last several months, Zion engaged Geomage (Israel-based seismic company) and Eskaton Seismic (U.S. based seismic company) to reprocess a total of approximately 168 kilometers of existing seismic data over both the Megiddo-Jezreel and Jordan Valley License areas.  Eskaton’s reprocessing efforts in particular have enhanced our geologic understanding of the subsurface structures such that we believe the merger of the two licenses is a key priority for our 2015 future drilling efforts.
	Regarding the Asher-Menashe License, the Company originally planned to re-enter the Elijah #3 well during October/November 2013, but we were delayed primarily due to problems that Lapidoth, our drilling contractor, experienced while drilling another well with a third party in Israel.  On January 5, 2014, we initiated Elijah #3 re-entry operations and on January 30, 2014, the Lapidoth rig was released.
	Although the Company had hoped to encounter producible hydrocarbons during the Elijah #3 re-entry testing that was conducted and concluded in Q1 2014, only minimal amounts of gas were encountered and we have now finalized all plugging obligations.  Zion acknowledges its obligation to complete the abandonment of the Elijah #3 well site in accordance with guidance from the Environmental Ministry and local officials.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 6- Subsequent Events
	On April 10, 2014, Zion filed an application to merge the southernmost portion of the Jordan Valley License into the Megiddo-Jezreel License at which time Zion would relinquish the remaining portion of the Jordan Valley License. We contend that there is significant exploration potential in this structurally and stratigraphically linked petroleum system that overlaps the boundaries between the present Megiddo-Jezreel and Jordan Valley Licenses. (see Note 5E).
	On April 16, 2014, Zion signed a contract with GII (countersigned by GII on April 27, 2014) to acquire approximately 34 kilometers of 2D Vibroseis data this summer.  We are in the final stages of hiring Geo-prospect, an Israeli geological, environmental, and planning company to assist Zion with preparatory work for the extensive environmental impact document which is a prerequisite for a drilling permit.
	On May 1, 2014, prior to Zion’s answer date deadline, Zion filed an Answer in which it denied GYP’s claim for payment of the demob fee, and in addition it asserted a Counterclaim against GYP (Note 5C).
	During the month of April 2014, the company raised a total of approximately $770,000 through the Direct Stock Purchase Plan that increased the issued and outstanding shares to a total of 34,658,560 shares.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 3,406,624 and 2,378,250 common stock equivalents in the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 (see Note 4).

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock warrants and options outstanding	'
	Shares underlying outstanding														Shares underlying outstanding
	warrants and options (non-vested/non-exercisable)														warrants and options (all fully vested/exercisable)
									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				30,000				4.73				1.7		1.7		107,500		4.73		1.7
		1.7				92,374				8.73				1.7		1.7		277,126		8.73		1.7
		2				964,874				5.34				2		0.01		5,000		9.25		0.01
		0.01				18,750				10				0.01		0.01		36,250		10		0.01
		-				-				-				-		2.61		1,016,500		7.68		2.61
		-				-				-				-		2.61		256,250		3.68		2.61
		-				-				-				-		4.55		15,000		1.84		4.55
		-				-				-				-		0.01		25,000		9.75		0.01
		-				-				-				-		1.86		25,000		4.68		1.86
		-				-				-				-		7.15		12,000		0.75		7.15
		-				-				-				-		4.45		25,000		1.82		4.45
		-				-				-				-		2.5		270,000		0.75		2.5
		-				-				-				-		0.01		30,000		5.84		0.01
		-				-				-				-		2.28		25,000		5.28		2.28
		-				-				-				-		1.73		25,000		4.78		1.73
		-				-				-				-		0.01		100,000		9.62		0.01
		-				-				-				-		1.96		25,000		5.43		1.96
		-				-				-				-		1.82		25,000		3.21		1.82
		0.01-2.00				1,105,998								1.93		0.01-7.15		2,300,626				2.24
Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock options transactions	'
			Number of				Weighted average
			shares				exercise price
							US$
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013			3,190,225				2.18
	Changes to:
	Investors in DSPP (Units) (*)			173,899				2
	Employees, officers and directors			55,000				0.01
	Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited			(7,500	)			1.7
	Exercised			(5,000	)			0.01
	Outstanding, March 31, 2014			3,406,624				2.14
	Exercisable, March 31, 2014			2,300,626				2.24
	(*) See Note 3E
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	'
										Period from April 6,
			For the three months								2000
			ended March 31,								(inception) to
											March 31,
			2014				2013				2014
	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date			-				-			$	1.00 - $8.75
	Dividend yields			-				-				-
	Expected volatility			-				-				32.20% - 99.80	%
	Risk-free interest rates			-				-				1.60% - 5.50	%
	Expected lives (in years)			-				-				0.56 – 10.00
	Weighted-average grant date fair value			-				-			$	0.68 - $3.91
Non Employee [Member] | Warrants and Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Compensation cost of warrant and option issuances recognized	'
	For the three months ended					Period from April 6, 2000
	31-Mar					(inception) to March 31
	2014		2013			2014
	US$		US$			US$
	14,000			29,000			720,000
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	'
										Period from April 6,
			For the three months								2000
			ended March 31,								(inception) to
											March 31,
			2014				2013				2014
	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date		$	1.91			$	1.73			$	1.73 - $8.23
	Dividend yields			-				-				-
	Expected volatility			78%-82	%			67	%			28.2% - 87	%
	Risk-free interest rates			1.72%-1.73	%			0.37	%			0.34% - 5.15	%
	Expected lives (in years)			5.00-5.38				3				1.50 –6.00
	Weighted-average grant date fair value		$	1.9			$	0.76			$	0.76 - $5.11
Employees and Directors [Member] | Warrants and Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Compensation cost of warrant and option issuances recognized	'
	For the three months ended					Period from April 6, 2000
	March 31					(inception) to March 31
	2014		2013			2014
	US$		US$			US$
	89,000			211,000			7,210,000

Unproved_Oil_and_Gas_Propertie1

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method [Abstract]	'
Schedule of unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	'
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
			US$ thousands			US$ thousands
	Excluded from amortization base:
	Inventory, and other operational related costs			911			929
	Capitalized salary costs			653			602
	Legal  costs, license fees and other preparation costs			1,008			910
	Other costs			5			5
				2,577			2,446
Schedule of impairment of unproved oil and gas properties	'
			For the three months			For the three months		Period from April 6,
			ended			ended		2000 (inception) to March 31, 2014
			31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
			US$ thousands			US$ thousands		US$ thousands
	Drilling operations, completion costs and other related costs			-			-		66,111
	Capitalized salary costs			-			142		4,473
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs			-			1,709		3,266
	Other costs			-			-		5,408
				-			1,851		79,258

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Exploration period doing oil and gas	'13 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock equivalents excluded from EPS as the inclusion would be anti-dilutive	3,406,624	2,378,250

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested stock	$71,000	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Aggregate amount of securites description	'From time to time, the Company may offer up to an aggregate of approximately $119,850,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in units	'
Amount collected from DSPP	3,180,000	'
Common stock shares issued	1,425,388	'
Common stock, Issued Shares	34,336,598	34,005,696
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock, Issued Shares	460,514	'
Common unit	964,874	'
Warrant [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Equity instrument exercise price	2	'
Senior officer one [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock option plan, number of consecutive quarters	4	'
Senior officer one [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | March 31, 2024 [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	$0.01	'
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant	47,524	'
Senior officer two [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | March 31, 2024 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock	20,000	'
Stock option plans, award to purchase common stock, exercise price	$0.01	'
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant	38,018	'
Senior officer three [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | March 31, 2024 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock	10,000	'
Stock option plans, award to purchase common stock, exercise price	$0.01	'
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant	$19,009	'

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Transactions) (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Options [Member]	'
Number of shares	'
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	3,190,225
Outstanding, March 31, 2014	3,406,624
Investors in DSPP (Units)	173,899	[1]
Employees, officers, directors	55,000
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited	-7,500
Exercised	-5,000
Exercisable, March 31, 2014	2,300,626
Weighted average exercise price	'
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	$2.18
Investors in DSPP (Units)	$2	[1]
Employees, officers, directors	$0.01
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited	$1.70
Exercised	$0.01
Outstanding, March 31, 2014	$2.14
Exercisable, March 31, 2014	$2.24
[1]	(*) See Note 3E

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Warr

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Warrants and Options Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Non-vested/ non-exercisale [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	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Range of exercise price, upper range	$2
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	964,874
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.93
Non-vested/ non-exercisale [Member] | Range Exercise Price 1.70 First [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
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	30,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'4 years 8 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.70
Non-vested/ non-exercisale [Member] | Range Exercise Price 1.70 Second [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
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	92,374
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'8 years 8 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.70
Non-vested/ non-exercisale [Member] | Range Exercise Price 0.01 Five [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	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	18,750
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'10 years
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
Non-vested/ non-exercisale [Member] | Range Exercise Price 2.00 [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	$2
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	1,105,998
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'5 years 4 months 2 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$2
Vested/ exercisable [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	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Range of exercise price, upper range	$7.15
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	2,300,626
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$2.44
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 1.70 First [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
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	107,500
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'4 years 8 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.70
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 1.70 Second [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
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	277,126
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'8 years 8 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.70
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 0.01 First [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	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	5,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years 3 months
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 0.01 Five [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	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	36,250
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'10 years
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 2.61 First [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	$2.61
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	1,016,500
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'7 years 8 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$2.61
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 2.61 Second [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	$2.61
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	256,250
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'3 years 8 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$2.61
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 4.55 [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	$4.55
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	15,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'1 year 10 months 2 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$4.55
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 0.01 Third [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	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years 9 months
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 1.86 [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	$1.86
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'4 years 8 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.86
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 7.15 [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	$7.15
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	12,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 months
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$7.15
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 4.45 [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	$4.45
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'1 year 9 months 26 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$4.45
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 2.50 [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	$2.50
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	270,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 months
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$2.50
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 0.01 Second [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	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	30,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'5 years 10 months 2 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 0.01 Fourth [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	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	100,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years 7 months 13 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 2.28 [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	$2.28
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'5 years 3 months 11 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$2.28
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 1.73 [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	$1.73
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'4 years 9 months 11 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.73
Vested/ exercisable [Member] | Range Exercise Price 1.96 [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	$1.96
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'5 years 5 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.96
Vested/ exercisable [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	$1.82
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'3 years 2 months 16 days
Shares underlying outstanding warrants and options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.82

Stockholders_Equity_Assumption

Stockholders' Equity (Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Warrants Granted Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		168 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
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	'	'	'
Dividend yields	'	'	'
Expected volatility, minimum	'	'	32.20%
Expected volatility, maximum	'	'	99.80%
Expected volatility	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rates, minimum	'	'	1.60%
Risk-free interest rates, maximum	'	'	5.50%
Risk-free interest rates	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value	'	'	'
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	$1.91	$1.73	'
Dividend yields	'	'	'
Expected volatility, minimum	78.00%	'	28.20%
Expected volatility, maximum	82.00%	'	87.00%
Expected volatility	'	67.00%	'
Risk-free interest rates, minimum	1.72%	'	0.34%
Risk-free interest rates, maximum	1.73%	'	5.15%
Risk-free interest rates	'	0.37%	'
Expected lives (in years)	'	'3 years	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$1.90	$0.76	'
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)	'5 years	'	'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 4 months 17 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 $)	3 Months Ended		168 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
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	14,000	29,000	720,000
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	$89,000	$211,000	$7,210,000

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 $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Excluded from amortization base:	'	'
Inventory, and other operational related costs	$911	$929
Capitalized salary costs	653	602
Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs	1,008	910
Other costs	5	5
Total unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	$2,577	$2,446

Unproved_Oil_and_Gas_Propertie3

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (Schedule of Impairment of Unproved Oil and Gas Properties) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		168 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method [Abstract]	'	'	'
Drilling operation, completion costs and other related costs	'	'	$66,111
Capitalized salary costs	'	142	4,473
Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs	'	1,709	3,266
Other costs	'	'	5,408
Impairment of oil and gas properties	'	$1,851	$79,258

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	15-May-12	Mar. 31, 2014
	acre		Jordan Valley License [Member]	Megiddo-Jezreel Valley License Area [Member]	Asher-Menashe License [Member]	Drilling Contract with GYP [Member]	New Israeli Shekel [Member]
			acre	acre	acre
Foreign country performance guarantee guidelines requirement	'	$930,000	'	'	'	'	'
On shore license holders base guarantee value	'	'	'	'	'	'	500,000
On shore license holders base guarantee additional value	'	'	'	'	'	'	250,000
Foreign country three bank guarantee	1,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Lease payments on equipment and drill crew	'	'	'	'	'	627,000	'
Drilling contract demobilization expense	'	'	'	'	'	550,000	'
Bank guarantees to government	1,175,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Bank guarantees to others	70,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate bank guarantee amount	$1,245,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Area of land	233,521	'	55,845	98,842	78,834	'	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Common stock issued, through Direct Stock Purchase Plan	$770,000
Stock issued during Stock Purchase Plan	34,658,560
Stock outstanding during Stock Purchase Plan	34,658,560