Zion Oil & Gas (ZNOG) 10-Q4 Aug 142014 Q2 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 24, 2014
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-Jun-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Trading Symbol	'zn	'
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	'	34,920,007

Balance_Sheets_Unaudited

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$7,323	$10,414
Fixed short term bank deposits - restricted (see Note 5D)	1,328	1,387
Fixed short term bank deposits	701	'
Prepaid expenses and other	201	294
Other receivables	147	45
Total current assets	9,700	12,140
Unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	2,782	2,446
Property and equipment at cost Net of accumulated depreciation of $376 and $332	194	209
Other assets	'	'
Assets held for severance benefits	180	144
Total assets	12,856	14,939
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	86	138
Asset retirement obligation	292	483
Accrued liabilities	1,341	1,474
Total current liabilities	1,719	2,095
Provision for severance pay	205	177
Total liabilities	1,924	2,272
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 5)	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock, par value $.01; Authorized: 100,000,000: Issued and outstanding: 34,908,660 and 34,005,696 shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively	349	340
Additional paid-in capital	142,530	140,367
Accumulated deficit	-131,947	-128,040
Total stockholders' equity	10,932	12,667
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$12,856	$14,939

Balance_Sheets_Unaudited_Paren

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$376	$332
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, Issued Shares	34,908,660	34,005,696
Common stock, outstanding	34,908,660	34,005,696

Statements_of_Operations_Unaud

Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
General and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'
Legal and professional	$377	$245	$672	$586
Salaries	598	632	1,148	1,203
Other	671	738	2,083	1,224
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties	'	'	'	1,851
Loss from operations	-1,646	-1,615	-3,903	-4,864
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'
Other income, net	'	'	'	'
Foreign exchange gain	6	3	2	9
Financial income (expenses), net	-3	2	-6	4
Loss before income taxes	-1,643	-1,610	-3,907	-4,851
Income taxes	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($1,643)	($1,610)	($3,907)	($4,851)
Net loss per share of common stock - basic and diluted (in US$)	($0.05)	($0.05)	($0.11)	($0.15)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in thousands)	34,874	32,908	34,622	32,877

Statements_of_Changes_in_Stock

Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid in capital	Accumulated deficit
In Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid in capital	Accumulated deficit
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$12,667	$340	$140,367	($128,040)
Beginning Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	34,006	'	'
Funds received from sale of DSPP units and shares	1,917	8	1,909	'
Funds received from sale of DSPP units and shares (in shares)	'	824	'	'
Funds received from option exercises	1	1	'	'
Funds received from option exercises (in shares)	'	79	'	'
Value of options granted to employees, directors and others	254	'	254	'
Net loss	-3,907	'	'	-3,907
Ending Balances at Jun. 30, 2014	$10,932	$349	$142,530	($131,947)
Ending Balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2014	'	34,909	'	'

Statements_of_Cash_Flows_Unaud

Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net loss	($3,907)	($4,851)
Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	44	42
Cost of options issued to employees, directors & others	252	447
Interest on short term bank deposits	-7	-9
Asset retirement obligation	-191	134
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties	'	1,851
Change in assets and liabilities, net:	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other	93	'
Change in other receivables	-102	294
Severance pay, net	-8	-56
Accounts payable	-3	76
Accrued liabilities	96	57
Net cash used in operating activities	-3,733	-2,015
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Investment in short term bank deposits	-635	-28
Acquisition of property and equipment	-29	-23
Investment in unproved oil and gas properties	-612	-892
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,276	-943
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from sale of stock and exercise of warrants	1,918	554
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,918	554
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-3,091	-2,404
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	10,414	14,983
Cash and cash equivalents- end of period	7,323	12,579
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Cost of options capitalized to oil & gas properties	2	44
Investment in oil & gas properties	$13	($542)

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Jun. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'

	Note 1 - Basis of Presentation



	The accompanying unaudited interim 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 and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year or for any other subsequent interim period.

	Zion Oil & Gas Inc. is an oil and gas exploration company with a history of more than 14 years of oil & gas exploration in Israel.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 3,771,405 and 2,544,807 common stock equivalents in the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, would be anti-dilutive.



		B.	Use of Estimates



	The preparation of the accompanying interim 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).



		D.	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements



	In the period ended June 30, 2014, the Company has elected to early adopt Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-10, Development Stage Entities (Topic 915): Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements. The adoption of this ASU allows the Company to remove the inception to date information and all references to development stage.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Jun. 30, 2014
Stockholder's Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'

	Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity



		A.	2005 Stock Option Plan



	During the six months ended June 30, 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.


		iv.	10,000 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 June 30, 2014 and are exercisable through April 1, 2024. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $19,110.


		v.	45,000 shares of common stock to executive officer, other staff members and service providers at an exercise price of $0.01. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through June 11, 2024. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $93,228.

		B.	Stock Options



	The stock option transactions since January 1, 2014 are shown in the table below:



				Number of				Weighted average exercise
				shares				price
								US$
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013			2,399,250				2.24
	Changes to:
	Granted to employees, officers and directors			110,000				0.01
	Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited			(36,250	)			2.39
	Exercised			(79,000	)			0.01
	Outstanding, June 30, 2014			2,394,000				2.21
	Exercisable, June 30, 2014			2,312,813				2.24



	Granted to employees



	The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of options granted to employees and directors during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:



			For the six months

			ended June 30,
			2014				2013
	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date		$	1.96			$	1.99
	Dividend yields			-				-
Expected volatility			77%-82	%			67%-81	%
Risk-free interest rates			1.70%-1.74	%			0.37%-1.41	%
Expected lives (in years)			5.00-5.50				3.00-5.00
Weighted-average grant date fair value		$	1.95			$	1.5



Granted to non-employees



The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of warrants granted to non-employees during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:



		For the six months
		ended June 30,
		2014				2013
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date			2.08				2.24
Dividend yields			-				-
Expected volatility			75	%			76	%
Risk-free interest rates			2.65	%			2.52	%
Expected lives (in years)			10				10
Weighted-average grant date fair value			2.07				2.23



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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 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 June 30, 2014:



Shares underlying outstanding												Shares underlying outstanding
options (non-vested/non-exercisable)												options (all fully vested/exercisable)
Range of				Number				Weighted average		Weighted Average		Range of		Number Outstanding		Weighted average		Weighted Average
exercise				outstanding				remaining contractual		Exercise		exercise price				remaining contractual
price								life (years)		price						life (years)		Exercise price
	US$										US$		US$						US$
	1.7				15,000				4.48		1.7		1.7		122,500		4.48		1.7
	1.7				46,187				8.48		1.7		1.7		323,313		8.48		1.7
	0.01				20,000				9.75		0.01		0.01		5,000		9		0.01
	-				-				-		-		0.01		35,000		9.75		0.01
	-				-				-		-		2.61		1,016,500		7.44		2.61
	-				-				-		-		2.61		237,500		3.43		2.61
	-				-				-		-		4.55		15,000		1.59		4.55
	-				-				-		-		0.01		25,000		9.5		0.01
	-				-				-		-		1.86		25,000		4.43		1.86
	-				-				-		-		7.15		12,000		0.5		7.15
	-				-				-		-		4.45		25,000		1.58		4.45
	-				-				-		-		2.5		260,000		0.5		2.5
	-				-				-		-		0.01		20,000		5.59		0.01
	-				-				-		-		2.28		25,000		5.03		2.28
	-				-				-		-		1.73		25,000		4.53		1.73
	-				-				-		-		0.01		71,000		9.37		0.01
	-				-				-		-		0.01		20,000		9.96		0.01
	-				-				-		-		1.96		25,000		5.18		1.96
	-				-				-		-		1.82		25,000		2.96		1.82
	0.01-1.70				81,187						1.28		0.01-7.15		2,312,813				2.24



	C.	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 six months ended

June 30
2014		2013
US$		US$
186,000			364,000



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



For the six months ended

30-Jun
2014		2013
US$		US$
68,000			127,000



As of June 30, 2014, there was $37,000 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 and 2015.

	D.	Replacement Registration Statement S-3/A and Prospectus Supplement for the Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (“DSPP”)



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 May 30, 2014 the Company extended the expiration date for the Unit program under its DSPP to December 31, 2014.



Accordingly, the Warrants will become first exercisable on the 31st day following the Unit Option Termination Date (i.e., on January 31, 2015 or the next trading day) and continue to be exercisable through January 31, 2020 at a per share exercise price of $2.00.



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 June 30, 2014 the Company and its registered agent to that date, Registrar and Transfer Company ("RTC"), had collected approximately $1,917,000 and $4,394,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and from the DSPP's inception date in March 2013 to June 30, 2014, respectively. As a result, the Company issued for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and from the DSPP inception date to June 30, 2014 a total of 823,964 and 1,923,450 shares of its common stock. Issued units and shares for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and from the DSPP inception date to June 30, 2014 are comprised of 586,430 and 1,377,405 units (unit comprised of (i) one share of common stock and (ii) a warrant), respectively, and 237,534 and 546,045 shares, respectively.

Unproved_Oil_and_Gas_Propertie

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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:



		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands

	Excluded from amortization base:
	Inventory, and other operational related costs		911		929
	Capitalized salary costs		713		602
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs		1,157		910
	Other costs		1		5
			2,782		2,446



	Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties comprised as follows:



		For the six months		For the six months
		ended		ended
		30-Jun-14		30-Jun-13
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands

	Capitalized salary costs		-		142
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs		-		1,709
			-		1,851

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 Ministry 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. Thereafter on June 25, 2014, the Petroleum Commissioner’s office informed via their website that a decision was made to again delay the date for those regulations go into effect to September 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 GuyneyYildizi Petrol UretimSondajMut, ve Tic A.S. (“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.



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 demobilization fee, and in addition it asserted a Counterclaim against GYP.



The arbitration is in a preliminary procedural stage. No accrual was made at June 30, 2014 as the Company and its legal counsel believe that GYP has no legal ground to base its claim.

	D.	Bank Guarantees



As of June 30, 2014, the Company provided bank guarantees to various governmental bodies (approximately $1,164,000) and others (approximately $71,000) in respect of its drilling operation in an aggregate amount of approximately $1,235,000. 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 two onshore Israel petroleum exploration licenses comprised of the Megiddo-Jezreel License (approximately 98,842 acres) and the Jordan Valley License (approximately 55,845 acres). The Asher-Menashe License expired on June 9, 2014 as its full seven year term ended. Zion’s total license area currently amounts to approximately 155,000 acres.



The Company continues its exploration focus on its Megiddo-Jezreel License area as that area appears to possess the key geologic ingredients of an active petroleum system. The Company has identified several key leads and is developing them into drillable prospects.



Also in April, Zion filed an application to merge the southernmost portion of our Jordan Valley License into our Megiddo-Jezreel License. We contend that there is significant exploration potential in this geologically linked petroleum system that overlaps the boundaries between our two licenses. On April 26, 2014, the Commissioner acknowledged receipt of the above-mentioned application. The application remains with Israel’s Petroleum Commissioner pending consideration.



On May 9, 2014 the Company submitted its Final Completion and Plugging Report for the Elijah #3 Well, Asher-Menashe License No. 334. With this, Zion has plugged all of its wells but it acknowledges its obligation to complete the abandonment of these wellsites in accordance with guidance from the Environmental Ministry and local officials.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'

	Note 6- Subsequent Events



	On July 11, 2014, Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., Geneva Branch was registered in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. The legal Swiss name for the foreign branch is “Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., Wilmington, Branch of Geneva”. The Zion Swiss Branch has its registered office and its business office at 6 Avenue Jules Crosnier, 1206 Champel, Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose of the branch is to operate a foreign treasury center for the Company.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 3,771,405 and 2,544,807 common stock equivalents in the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, would be anti-dilutive.
Use of Estimates	'
	B.	Use of Estimates



	The preparation of the accompanying interim 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).
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	'
	D.	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements



	In the period ended June 30, 2014, the Company has elected to early adopt Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-10, Development Stage Entities (Topic 915): Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements. The adoption of this ASU allows the Company to remove the inception to date information and all references to development stage.

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock warrants and options outstanding	'

	Shares underlying outstanding												Shares underlying outstanding
	options (non-vested/non-exercisable)												options (all fully vested/exercisable)
	Range of				Number				Weighted average		Weighted Average		Range of		Number Outstanding		Weighted average		Weighted Average
	exercise				outstanding				remaining contractual		Exercise		exercise price				remaining contractual
	price								life (years)		price						life (years)		Exercise price
		US$										US$		US$						US$
		1.7				15,000				4.48		1.7		1.7		122,500		4.48		1.7
		1.7				46,187				8.48		1.7		1.7		323,313		8.48		1.7
		0.01				20,000				9.75		0.01		0.01		5,000		9		0.01
		-				-				-		-		0.01		35,000		9.75		0.01
		-				-				-		-		2.61		1,016,500		7.44		2.61
		-				-				-		-		2.61		237,500		3.43		2.61
		-				-				-		-		4.55		15,000		1.59		4.55
		-				-				-		-		0.01		25,000		9.5		0.01
		-				-				-		-		1.86		25,000		4.43		1.86
		-				-				-		-		7.15		12,000		0.5		7.15
		-				-				-		-		4.45		25,000		1.58		4.45
		-				-				-		-		2.5		260,000		0.5		2.5
		-				-				-		-		0.01		20,000		5.59		0.01
		-				-				-		-		2.28		25,000		5.03		2.28
		-				-				-		-		1.73		25,000		4.53		1.73
		-				-				-		-		0.01		71,000		9.37		0.01
		-				-				-		-		0.01		20,000		9.96		0.01
		-				-				-		-		1.96		25,000		5.18		1.96
		-				-				-		-		1.82		25,000		2.96		1.82
		0.01-1.70				81,187						1.28		0.01-7.15		2,312,813				2.24


Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock options transactions	'

				Number of				Weighted average exercise
				shares				price
								US$
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013			2,399,250				2.24
	Changes to:
	Granted to employees, officers and directors			110,000				0.01
	Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited			(36,250	)			2.39
	Exercised			(79,000	)			0.01
	Outstanding, June 30, 2014			2,394,000				2.21
	Exercisable, June 30, 2014			2,312,813				2.24


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	'

			For the six months
			ended June 30,
			2014				2013
	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date			2.08				2.24
	Dividend yields			-				-
	Expected volatility			75	%			76	%
	Risk-free interest rates			2.65	%			2.52	%
	Expected lives (in years)			10				10
	Weighted-average grant date fair value			2.07				2.23


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 six months ended

	30-Jun
	2014		2013
	US$		US$
	68,000			127,000
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	'

			For the six months

			ended June 30,
			2014				2013
	Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date		$	1.96			$	1.99
	Dividend yields			-				-
	Expected volatility			77%-82	%			67%-81	%
	Risk-free interest rates			1.70%-1.74	%			0.37%-1.41	%
	Expected lives (in years)			5.00-5.50				3.00-5.00
	Weighted-average grant date fair value		$	1.95			$	1.5


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 six months ended

	June 30
	2014		2013
	US$		US$
	186,000			364,000

Unproved_Oil_and_Gas_Propertie1

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method [Abstract]	'
Schedule of unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	'

		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands

	Excluded from amortization base:
	Inventory, and other operational related costs		911		929
	Capitalized salary costs		713		602
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs		1,157		910
	Other costs		1		5
			2,782		2,446


Schedule of impairment of unproved oil and gas properties	'

		For the six months		For the six months
		ended		ended
		30-Jun-14		30-Jun-13
		US$ thousands		US$ thousands

	Capitalized salary costs		-		142
	Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs		-		1,709
			-		1,851

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	6 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Details)	Jun. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Exploration period doing oil and gas	'14 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock equivalents excluded from EPS as the inclusion would be anti-dilutive	3,771,405	2,544,807

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

20-May-14

Jun. 30, 2014

Common Stock [Member]

Warrant [Member]

Senior officer one [Member]

Senior officer two [Member]

Senior officer three [Member]

Senior officer four [Member]

Executive officer [Member]

Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member]

Quarter

March 31, 2024 [Member]

Quarter

April 1, 2024 [Member]

June 11, 2024 [Member]

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

Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock

25,000

20,000

10,000

45,000

Stock option plans, award to purchase common stock, exercise price

$0.01

Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant

$47,524

$38,018

$19,009

$19,110

$93,228

Stock option plan, number of consecutive quarters

Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested stock

37,000

Common stock, par value

$0.01

Equity instrument exercise price

Warrant termination date description

'The Warrants will become first exercisable on the 31st day following the Unit Option Termination Date (i.e., on January 31, 2015 or the next trading day) and continue to be exercisable through January 31, 2020 at a per share exercise price of $2.00.

Aggregate amount of securities 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

$1,917,000

$4,394,000

Common stock shares issued

823,964

1,923,450

Common unit

586,430

1,377,405

Common stock, Issued Shares

34,908,660

34,005,696

237,534

546,045

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Transactions) (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Stock Options [Member]	'
Number of shares	'
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	2,399,250
Granted to employees, officers, directors	110,000
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited	-36,250
Exercised	-79,000
Outstanding, June 30, 2014	2,394,000
Exercisable, June 30, 2014	2,312,813
Weighted average exercise price	'
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	$2.24
Granted to employees, officers, directors	$0.01
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited	$2.39
Exercised	$0.01
Outstanding, June 31, 2014	$2.21
Exercisable, June 30, 2014	$2.24

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Warr

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Warrants and Options Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Non-vested/ non-exercisale [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Shares underlying outstanding options Range of exercise price, lower range	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding options Range of exercise price, upper range	$1.70
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	81,187
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.28
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 options exercise price	$1.70
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	15,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'4 years 5 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$1.70
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	46,187
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'8 years 5 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.70
Non-vested/ non-exercisale [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 options exercise price	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	20,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years 9 months
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
Vested/ exercisable [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Shares underlying outstanding options Range of exercise price, lower range	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding options Range of exercise price, upper range	$7.15
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	2,312,813
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$2.24
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 options exercise price	$1.70
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	122,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'4 years 5 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$1.70
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	323,313
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'8 years 5 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	5,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
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 options exercise price	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	35,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years 9 months
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$2.61
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	1,016,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'7 years 5 months 9 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$2.61
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	237,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'3 years 5 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$4.55
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	15,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'1 year 7 months 2 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years 6 months
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$1.86
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'4 years 5 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$7.15
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	12,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'6 months
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$4.45
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'1 year 6 months 29 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$2.50
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	260,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'6 months
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$2.50
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 options exercise price	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	20,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'5 years 7 months 2 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$2.28
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'5 years 11 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$1.73
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'4 years 6 months 11 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$1.73
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 options exercise price	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	71,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years 4 months 13 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
Vested/ exercisable [Member] \| Range Exercise Price 0.01 Six [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Shares underlying outstanding options exercise price	$0.01
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	20,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years 11 months 16 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$0.01
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 options exercise price	$1.96
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'5 years 2 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 options exercise price	$1.82
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'2 years 11 months 16 days
Shares underlying outstanding 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 $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 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	$2.08	$2.24
Dividend yields	'	'
Expected volatility	75.00%	76.00%
Risk-free interest rates	2.65%	2.52%
Expected lives (in years)	'10 years	'10 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$2.07	$2.23
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	$1.96	$1.99
Dividend yields	'	'
Expected volatility, minimum	77.00%	67.00%
Expected volatility, maximum	82.00%	81.00%
Risk-free interest rates, minimum	1.70%	0.37%
Risk-free interest rates, maximum	1.74%	1.41%
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$1.95	$1.50
Employees and Directors [Member] \| Stock Options [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected lives (in years)	'5 years	'3 years
Employees and Directors [Member] \| Stock Options [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected lives (in years)	'5 years 6 months	'5 years

Stockholders_Equity_Compensati

Stockholders' Equity (Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Compensation cost of warrant and option issuances	'	'
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	68,000	127,000
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	$186,000	$364,000

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 $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Excluded from amortization base:	'	'	'
Inventory, and other operational related costs	$911	'	$929
Capitalized salary costs	713	'	602
Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs	1,157	1,709	'
Other costs	1	'	5
Total unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	$2,782	'	$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 $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method [Abstract]	'	'
Capitalized salary costs	'	$142
Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs	1,157	1,709
Impairment of oil and gas properties	'	$1,851

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	15-May-12	Jun. 30, 2014
	acre		Jordan Valley License [Member]	Megiddo-Jezreel Valley License Area [Member]	Drilling Contract with GYP [Member]	New Israeli Shekel [Member]
			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	1,164,000	'	'	'	'	'
Bank guarantees to others	71,000	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate bank guarantee amount	$1,235,000	'	'	'	'	'
Area of land	155,000	'	55,845	98,842	'	'