Zion Oil & Gas (ZNOG) 10-K 15 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ZION OIL & GAS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,131,312
Trading Symbol	zn
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Amendment Flag	false
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$ 67.7
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		38,623,462

Balance Sheets

Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,871	$ 5,344
Fixed short term bank deposits - restricted	$ 1,301	1,298
Fixed short term time deposits		531
Prepaid expenses and other	$ 360	$ 280
Deferred Offering Cost	134
Other receivables	374	$ 181
Total current assets	5,040	7,634
Unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	5,022	3,891
Property and equipment at cost Net of accumulated depreciation of $473 and $412	144	186
Other assets
Assets held for severance benefits	226	169
Total assets	10,432	11,880
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	396	132
Asset retirement obligation	204	163
Accrued liabilities	853	870
Total current liabilities	1,453	1,165
Provision for severance pay	249	195
Total liabilities	$ 1,702	$ 1,360
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 8)
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, par value $.01; Authorized: 200,000,000 shares at December 31, 2015 : Issued and outstanding: 38,220,258 and 35,755,304 shares at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 respectively	$ 382	$ 358
Additional paid-in capital	150,450	144,958
Accumulated deficit	(142,102)	(134,796)
Total stockholders' equity	8,730	10,520
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 10,432	$ 11,880

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 473	$ 412
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, Authorized	200,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, Issued	38,220,258	35,755,304
Common stock, outstanding	38,220,258	35,755,304

Statements of Operations

Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
General and administrative	$ 5,472	$ 4,142
Other	1,790	2,541
Loss from operations	(7,262)	(6,683)
Other income (expense), net
Foreign exchange (loss)	(10)	(63)
Financial (expenses), net	(34)	(10)
Loss before income taxes	$ (7,306)	$ (6,756)
Income taxes
Net loss	$ (7,306)	$ (6,756)
Net loss per share of common stock - basic and diluted (in US$)	$ (0.2)	$ (0.19)
Weighted-average shares outstanding-basic and diluted (in thousands)	37,408	35,060

Statements of Changes In Stockh

Statements of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ 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	3,387	$ 17	$ 3,370
Funds received from sale of DSPP units and shares (in shares)		1,662
Funds received from option exercises	1	$ 1
Funds received from option exercises (in shares)		87
Value of options granted to employees, directors and others	1,221		$ 1,221
Net loss	(6,756)			$ (6,756)
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	10,520	$ 358	$ 144,958	$ (134,796)
Ending Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		35,755
Funds received from sale of DSPP units and shares	3,674	$ 18	3,656
Funds received from sale of DSPP units and shares (in shares)		1,795
Funds received from option exercises	49	$ 6	43
Funds received from option exercises (in shares)		670
Value of options granted to employees, directors and others	1,793		$ 1,793
Net loss	(7,306)			$ (7,306)
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 8,730	$ 382	$ 150,450	$ (142,102)
Ending Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		38,220

Statements of Cash Flows

Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$ (7,306)	$ (6,756)
Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	61	80
Cost of options issued to employees, directors & others	1,699	1,129
Interest on short term bank deposits	11	25
Change in assets and liabilities, net:
Prepaid expenses and other	(80)	$ 14
Deferred Offering Cost	(134)
Change in other receivables	(193)	$ (136)
Severance pay, net	(3)	(7)
Accounts payable	261	(8)
Accrued liabilities	62	(464)
Asset retirement obligation	41	(320)
Net cash used in operating activities	(5,581)	(6,443)
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment in short term bank deposits	517	(467)
Acquisition of property and equipment	(19)	(35)
Investment in unproved oil and gas properties	(1,113)	(1,513)
Net cash used in investing activities	(615)	(2,015)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from sale of stock and exercise of options	3,723	3,388
Net cash provided by financing activities	3,723	3,388
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(2,473)	(5,070)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	5,344	10,414
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	2,871	5,344
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Cost of options capitalized to oil & gas properties	94	92
Unpaid investments in oil & gas properties	$ 55	131
Unpaid acquisitions of property and equipment		$ 22

Nature of Operations and Basis

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	Note 1 - Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation A. Nature of Operations Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“we,” “our,” “Zion” or the “Company”) is an oil and gas exploration company with a history of more than 15 years of oil & gas exploration in Israel. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has no revenues from its oil and gas operations. Exploration Rights/Exploration Activities Zion currently holds one active petroleum exploration license onshore Israel, the Megiddo-Jezreel License (“MJL”), comprising approximately 99,000 acres. The Company has selected the specific drill pad location from which to drill its next exploration well, which it plans to spud within the second quarter of 2016. The spudding and drilling of this well to the desired depth is subject to the Company raising sufficient funds from the current rights offering scheduled to terminate on March 31, 2016. Depending on the results of the planned exploratory well and having adequate cash resources, multiple wells could be drilled from this pad site as several subsurface geologic targets can be reached using directional well trajectories. Megiddo-Jezreel Petroleum License The Megiddo-Jezreel License (“MJL”) was awarded on December 3, 2013 for a three-year primary term through December 2, 2016, with the possibility of additional one-year extensions up to a maximum of seven years. The MJL is onshore, south and west of the Sea of Galilee. Under the terms of this license, the Company had until July 1, 2015 to identify and submit a drilling prospect. The license terms also called for it to enter into a drilling contract by October 1, 2015 and begin drilling or “spud” a well by December 1, 2015. The Company applied for an extension/revision of the current MJL terms on September 3, 2015, which was subsequently approved. Currently, the Company has until July 1, 2016 to spud a well within the MJL (See also note 10). In late June 2015, the Company entered into drilling contract negotiations with Viking Services, BV (“Viking”), and Viking’s Israeli subsidiary, for use of a land-based rig with deep drilling capacity and certain other oilfield services for exploration activities within Zion’s MJL. Had the deal closed, Viking would commit to use Rig I-35 to drill Zion’s Megiddo-Jezreel #1 well. Over the last few months, the Company became aware that Viking was undergoing a restructuring whereby there would be a high-level management change and their Israel operations would very likely change. Therefore, drilling contract negotiations with Viking were suspended pending the outcome of the restructuring, which to date, remains unresolved. In the interim, the Company initiated drilling contract negotiations with Lapidoth, an Israeli-based drilling services provider, and we remain currently engaged in those negotiations. On August 23, 2015, the Company formally submitted to the Northern District Committee a further revised and updated an environmental impact assessment (EIA) document for the Company's upcoming Megiddo-Jezreel #1 well. On November 30, 2015, Zion submitted a Drilling Program proposal to the Petroleum Commissioner. On December 21, 2015, the Northern District Committee unanimously granted approval of the Company’s drilling request (“Hafkada”), including the EIA. This is a critically important step to drill a well under Israel’s complex, detailed, and extensive regulatory process. On September 3, 2015, the Company submitted its Application for Extension of Drilling Date (Megiddo-Jezreel License No. 401). Based on regulatory, financial and other delays that precluded Zion from spudding the well by December 1, 2015, Zion sought an extension of Special Conditions as shown below. On October 13, 2015, the Company received a formal letter from Israel’s Petroleum Commissioner granting the drilling date extension request as well other work plan terms as follows: No. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION TO BE CARRIED OUT BY: 1 Sign contract with drilling contractor, and provide commissioner with contractor agreement 1 December 2015 2 Submit detailed engineering plan for performing the drilling 1 December 2015 3 Spud a well within the license area 1 March 2016 4 Submit final report on drilling results 15 October 2016 5 Submit plan for continued work in license area 15 November 2016 Zion’s Former Jordan Valley, Joseph, and Asher-Menashe Licenses On March 29, 2015, the Energy Ministry formally approved Zion’s application to merge the southernmost portion of the Jordan Valley License into the Megiddo-Jezreel License. The Company has plugged all of its exploratory wells (in the former Joseph and Asher-Menashe Licenses) but acknowledges its obligation to complete the abandonment of these well sites in accordance with guidance from the Environmental Ministry and local officials. B. Basis of Presentation To date, the Company has not achieved a discovery of either oil or gas in commercial quantities. The Company incurs cash outflows from operations and all exploration activities and overhead expenses to date have been financed by way of equity financing. The recoverability of the costs incurred to date is uncertain and dependent upon achieving significant commercial production. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon obtaining the necessary financing to undertake further exploration and development activities and ultimately generating profitable operations from its oil and natural gas interests in the future. The Company’s current operations are dependent upon the adequacy of its current assets to meet its current expenditure requirements and the accuracy of management’s estimates of those requirements. Should those estimates be materially incorrect, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern may be impaired. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company incurred a net loss of approximately $7.3 million and had an accumulated deficit of approximately $142 million. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company expects to incur additional significant expenditures to further its exploration programs. Management is of the opinion that its currently available cash resources are sufficient to finance its plan of operations through May 2016. To carry out further planned operations beyond that date, the Company must raise additional funds through additional equity and/or debt issuances. There can be no assurance that this capital will be available through the current rights offering scheduled to terminate on March 31, 2016 or otherwise, and if it is not, the Company may be forced to curtail or cease exploration and development activities, including the drilling of the planned MJL exploratory well. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty (See also note 10).

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies A. Financial Statements in United States Dollars The currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of the Company are conducted is the United States dollar (“dollar”). Therefore, the dollar has been determined to be the Company’s functional currency. Non-dollar transactions and balances have been translated into dollars in accordance with the principles set forth in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830 “Foreign Currency Matters.” Transactions in foreign currency (primarily in New Israeli Shekels – “NIS”) are recorded at the exchange rate as of the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated on the basis of the representative rate of exchange at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are stated at historical exchange rates. All exchange gains and losses from re-measurement of monetary balance sheet items denominated in non-dollar currencies are reflected in the statement of operations as they arise. B. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company maintains cash balances with four banks, of which two banks are located in the United States, one in the United Kingdom, and one in Israel and money market mutual funds. For purposes of the statement of cash flows and balance sheet, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At times, the Company maintains deposits in financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash. C. Fixed Short Term time deposits Interest bearing deposits for a period which exceeds three months but not more than 12 months and are not restricted are classified as Fixed Short Term time deposits. D. 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 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 continuing 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 occurred. The amount of any impairment is charged to expense since a reserve base has not yet been established. Impairment requiring a charge to expense may be indicated through evaluation of drilling results, relinquishing drilling rights or other information. During the year ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, the Company did not record a non-cash impairment charge of its unproved oil and gas properties (see Note 4). Currently, the Company has no economically recoverable reserves and no amortization base. The Company’s unproved oil and gas properties consist of capitalized exploration costs of $5,022,000 and $3,891,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. E. Property and Equipment Property and equipment other than oil and gas property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over its estimated useful lives of three to fourteen years. Depreciation charged to expense amounted to $61,000 and $80,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. F. Assets Held for Severance Benefits Assets held for employee severance benefits represent contributions to severance pay funds and insurance policies that are recorded at their current redemption value. G. Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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. H. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled (see Note 7). The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statements of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Based on Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740-10-25-6 “Income Taxes”, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if and when required, as part of income tax expense in the statements of operations. No liability for unrecognized tax benefits was recognized as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. I. Environmental Costs and Loss Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies, including environmental remediation costs not within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ASC Subtopic 410-20, Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Obligations – Asset Retirement Obligations, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources, are recorded when probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from third parties that are probable of realization are separately recorded as assets, and are not offset against the related environmental liability. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs of expected future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value. J. Asset Retirement Obligation Obligations for dismantlement, restoration and removal of facilities and tangible equipment at the end of oil and gas property’s useful life are recorded based on the estimate of the fair value of the liabilities in the period in which the obligation is incurred. This requires the use of management’s estimates with respect to future abandonment costs, inflation, market risk premiums, useful life and cost of capital. The estimate of asset retirement obligations does not give consideration to the value the related assets could have to other parties, although it does take into account estimated residual salvage values. The obligation is recorded if sufficient information about the timing and (or) method of settlement is available to reasonably estimate fair value (see Note 8B). K. Net Loss per Share Data Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”) is presented in conformity with ASC 260-10 “Earnings Per Share.” Diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share as the inclusion of 5,196,848 and 4,653,986 Common Stock equivalents in 2015 and 2014 respectively, would be anti-dilutive. L. Stock Based Compensation The Company follows ASC 718-20-55, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718-20-55”), which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards based upon the fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. Under this method, the Company has recognized compensation cost for awards granted beginning January 1, 2006, based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing method. The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with the provisions of ASC 505, “Equity,” using a fair-value approach. As noted, the value of stock option grants is recognized as a compensation expense, on a graded-vesting basis, over the requisite service period of the entire award, net of estimated forfeitures unless vested. M. Fair Value Measurements The Company’s financial instruments include mainly cash and cash equivalents, short-term time deposits, other receivables, prepaid expenses, assets held for severance benefits, and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair value. N. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements We do not believe that the adoption of any other recently issued accounting pronouncements in 2015 had a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flow. During the year ended December 31, 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. O. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior period’s financial information to the current period’s presentation.

Provision for Severance Pay

Provision for Severance Pay	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Provision for Severance Pay [Abstract]
Provision for Severance Pay	Note 3 - Provision for Severance Pay Israeli law generally requires payment of severance pay upon dismissal of an employee or upon termination of employment in certain other circumstances. The following plans relate to the employees in Israel: A. The liability in respect of certain of the Company’s employees is discharged in part by participating in a defined contribution pension plan and making regular deposits with recognized pension funds. The deposits are based on certain components of the salaries of the said employees. The custody and management of the amounts so deposited are independent of the Company’s control and accordingly such amounts funded (included in expenses on an accrual basis) and related liabilities are not reflected in the balance sheet. B. The Company’s liability for severance pay for its Israeli employees is calculated pursuant to Israeli severance pay law based on the most recent salary of the employee multiplied by the number of years of employment, as of the balance sheet date. Employees are entitled to one month’s salary for each year of employment, or a portion thereof. Certain senior executives are entitled to receive additional severance pay. The Company’s liability for all of its Israeli employees is partly provided for by monthly deposits in insurance policies and the remainder by an accrual in the financial statements. The value of these policies is recorded as an asset in the Company’s balance sheet. The deposited funds include profits/loss accumulated up to the balance sheet date. The value of the deposited funds is based on current redemption value of these policies. C. Withdrawals from the funds may be made only upon termination of employment. D. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company has a provision for severance pay of $249,000 and $195,000, respectively, of which all was long-term. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company has $226,000 and $169,000, respectively, deposited in funds managed by major Israeli financial institutions which are earmarked to cover severance pay liability. Such deposits are not considered to be “plan assets” and are therefore included in other assets.

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 : December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 US$ thousands US$ thousands Excluded from amortization base: Inventory, and other operational related costs 1,312 895 Capitalized salary costs 1,177 916 Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs 2,506 2,079 Other costs 27 1 5,022 3,891

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Note 5 - Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities are comprised as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 US$ thousands US$ thousands Employees related 196 120 Institutions & vendors - 509 Rights offering payables 540 - Other 117 241 853 870

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Note 6 - Stockholders’ Equity A. Authorized Common Shares The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was amended effective June 11, 2015 to increase the number of shares of Common Stock that the Company is authorized to issue from 100 million to 200 million shares. B. 2005 Stock Option Plan In 2005, a stock option plan (the “2005 Plan”) was adopted by the Company, pursuant to which 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants. The 2005 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or one or more committees appointed by the board (the “2005 Plan Administrator”). The 2005 Plan contemplates the issuance of stock options by the Company both as a private company and as a publicly traded company and is available to residents of the United States, the State of Israel and other jurisdictions as determined by the 2005 Plan Administrator. Awards of stock options under the 2005 Plan are made pursuant to an agreement between the Company and each grantee. The agreement will, among other provisions, specify the number of shares subject to the option, intended tax qualifications, the exercise price, applicable vesting provisions and the term of the stock option grant, all of which are determined on behalf of the Company by the 2005 Plan Administrator. The 2005 Plan remains in effect for a term of ten years unless terminated or extended according to its provisions. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted the following options from the 2005 Stock Option Plan, to purchase: i. 128,500 shares of Common Stock to senior officers, other staff members, and service providers at an exercise price of $1.38 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through January 2, 2025. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $106,000. ii. 25,000 shares of Common Stock to a senior officer at an exercise price of $1.38 per share. The options have a par value of $.01. The options vested as scheduled on June 30, 2015 and are exercisable through January 1, 2025. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $21,000 and, iii. 123,500 shares of Common Stock to directors, senior officers, other staff members, and service providers at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through April 17, 2025. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $220,000. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted the following options from the 2005 Plan, to purchase: i. 25,000 shares of Common Stock to one senior officer at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vested in equal quarterly instalments 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 per share. 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 per share. 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 per share. The options vested in equal quarterly instalments 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 $19,009. v. 45,000 shares of Common Stock to one senior officer, other staff members and service providers at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. 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. vi. 1,693 shares of Common Stock to one staff member at an exercise price of $1.67 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through October 1, 2024. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $1,662. vii. 25,000 shares of Common Stock to one senior officer at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through December 1, 2024. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $39,019. C. 2011 Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan In June 2011, the Company’s shareholders authorized the adoption of the Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for employees and consultants (the “2011 Plan”), initially reserving for issuance thereunder 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock. The 2011 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, bonus stock, awards in lieu of cash obligations, other stock-based awards and performance units. The 2011 plan also permits cash payments under certain conditions. The compensation committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for determining the type of award, when and to whom awards are granted, the number of shares and the terms of the awards and exercise prices. The options are exercisable for a period not to exceed ten years from the date of grant. In June 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved an increase in the number of shares of Common Stock available under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for employees and consultants reserving for issuance thereunder an additional four million shares of Common Stock for a total of six million shares of Common Stock available thereunder. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted the following options from the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for employees and consultants, to purchase: i. 10,000 shares of Common Stock to one senior officer at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vest in equal quarterly instalments over four consecutive quarters, beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2015 and are exercisable through April 2, 2025. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $18,000. ii. 360,000 shares of Common Stock to staff members and service providers at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through August 3, 2025. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $630,000. iii. 100,000 shares of Common Stock to one senior officer at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through September 3, 2025. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $143,000. iv. 225,000 shares of common stock to senior officers, and other staff members at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through September 30, 2025. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $311,000. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted the following options under the 2011 Plan to purchase: 534,000 shares of common stock to senior officers, other staff members, and service providers at an exercise price of $1.67 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through October 1, 2024. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $562,660. D. 2011 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan In June 2011, the Company’s shareholders authorized the adoption of the Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. 2011 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan for non-employee directors (the “2011 Directors’ Plan”), initially reserving for issuance thereunder 1,000,000 share of common stock. Under the 2011 Directors’ Plan, only non-qualified options may be issued, and they will be exercisable for a period of six years from the date of grant. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for determining the type of award, when to grant awards, to whom awards are granted, the number of shares and the terms of the awards and exercise prices. The options are exercisable for a period not to exceed six years from the date of grant. In June 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved an increase in the number of shares of Common Stock available under the 2011 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan, reserving for issuance thereunder an additional two million shares of Common Stock for a total of three million shares of Common Stock available thereunder. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted the following options from the 2011 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan, to purchase: i. 108,000 shares of Common Stock to non-employee directors at an exercise price of $1.38 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through January 2, 2021. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $68,000; and ii. 25,000 shares of Common Stock to a non-employee director at an exercise price of $2.03 per share. The options have a par value of $.01. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through May 1, 2021. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $23,000. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted the following options from the 2011 Directors’ Plan, to purchase: i. 25,000 shares of Common Stock to one non-employee director at an exercise price of $1.95 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through April 2, 2020. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $25,085. ii. 390,000 shares of Common Stock to nine non-employee director at an exercise price of $1.67 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through October 1, 2020. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to $307,763. E. Warrants and Options The Company has reserved 5,196,848 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2015 for the exercise of warrants and options to employees and non-employees, of which 5,194,348 are exercisable. These warrants and options could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in future years. The warrants and options exercise prices and expiration dates are as follows: Exercise Number of Expiration Warrants or US$ To non-employees 0.01 20,000 November 11, 2023 Options 0.01 10,000 June 11, 2024 Options 0.01 10,000 April 16, 2025 Options 1.67 115,000 October 01, 2024 Options 1.70 130,000 December 20, 2022 Options 2.61 77,000 December 04, 2022 Options To employees and directors 0.01 20,000 January 31, 2020 Options 0.01 23,500 November 11, 2023 Options 0.01 45,000 March 31, 2024 Options 0.01 10,000 June 11, 2024 Options 0.01 5,000 March 31, 2025 Options 0.01 32,000 April 16, 2025 Options 0.01 154,500 August 03, 2025 Options 0.01 200,000 October 01, 2025 Options 0.01 25,000 December 31, 2025 Options 1.38 149,750 January 02, 2025 Options 1.38 108,000 January 02, 2021 Options 1.67 390,000 October 01, 2020 Options 1.67 399,443 October 01, 2024 Options 1.70 132,500 December 21, 2018 Options 1.70 228,500 December 20, 2022 Options 1.73 25,000 January 09, 2019 Options 1.82 25,000 June 13, 2017 Options 1.86 25,000 December 03, 2018 Options 1.95 25,000 April 02,2020 Options 1.96 25,000 September 3, 2019 Options 2.03 25,000 May 01, 2021 Options 2.28 25,000 July 10, 2019 Options 2.61 200,000 December 04, 2017 Options 2.61 929,500 December 04, 2021 Options 4.45 25,000 January 26, 2016 Options 4.55 15,000 January 31, 2016 Options To investors 2.00 1,567,155 January 31, 2020 Warrants Total 1.83 * 5,196,848 ___________________ * Weighted Average The stock option transactions since January 1, 2014 are shown in the table below: Number of shares Weighted Average exercise price US$ Outstanding, December 31, 2013 2,399,250 2.24 Changes during 2014 to: Granted to employees, officers, directors and others 1,085,693 1.47 Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited (308,250 ) 2.67 Exercised (87,000 ) 0.01 Outstanding, December 31, 2014 3,089,693 1.99 Changes during 2015 to: Granted to employees, officers, directors and others 1,280,000 0.33 Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited (62,500 ) 2.39 Exercised (677,500 ) 0.07 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 3,629,693 1.76 Exercisable, December 31, 2015 3,627,193 1.76 The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during 2015 and 2014 was approximately $1,033,000 and $170,000 respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding options and warrants as of December 31, 2015 totaling 5,196,848 was approximately $1,405,000. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2015: Shares underlying outstanding options (non-vested) Shares underlying outstanding options (fully vested) Range of exercise price Number outstanding Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) Weighted Average Exercise price Range of exercise price Number Outstanding Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) Weighted Average Exercise price US$ US$ US$ US$ 0.01 2,500 9.25 0.01 0.01 2,500 9.25 0.01 — — — — 0.01 42,000 9.30 0.01 — — — — 0.01 20,000 8.45 0.01 — — — — 0.01 45,000 8.25 0.01 — — — — 0.01 43,500 7.87 0.01 — — — — 0.01 20,000 4.09 0.01 — — — — 0.01 154,500 9.60 0.01 — — — — 0.01 200,000 9.60 0.01 — — — — 0.01 25,000 10.00 0.01 — — — — 1.38 108,000 5.01 1.38 — — — — 1.38 149,750 9.02 1.38 — — — — 1.67 390,000 4.76 1.67 — — — — 1.67 514,443 8.76 1.67 — — — — 1.70 358,500 6.98 1.70 — — — — 1.70 132,500 2.98 1.70 — — — — 1.73 25,000 3.03 1.73 — — — — 1.82 25,000 1.45 1.82 — — — — 1.86 25,000 2.93 1.86 — — — — 1.95 25,000 4.26 1.95 — — — — 1.96 25,000 3.68 1.96 — — — — 2.03 25,000 5.34 2.03 — — — — 2.28 25,000 3.53 2.28 — — — — 2.61 200,000 1.93 2.61 — — — — 2.61 1,006,500 5.93 2.61 — — — — 4.45 25,000 0.07 4.45 — — — — 4.55 15,000 0.39 4.55 0.01 2,500 0.01 0.01-4.55 3,627,193 1.76 Granted to employees The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of options granted to employees and directors during the year, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants: For the year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date $ 1.53 $ 1.70 Dividend yields — — Expected volatility 68%-70 % 70%-82 % Risk-free interest rates 0.97%-1.6 % 0.94%-1.74 % Expected lives (in years) 3.00-5.50 3.00-5.50 Weighted-average grant date fair value $ 1.36 $ 1.01 Granted to non-employees The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of options granted to non-employees during the year, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants: For the year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date $ 1.74 $ 1.73 Dividend yields — — Expected volatility 72%-74 % 75 % Risk-free interest rates 1.87%-2.23 % 2.42%-2.65 % Expected lives (in years) 10.00 10.00 Weighted-average grant date fair value $ 1.71 $ 1.43 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 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. E. Compensation Cost for Warrant and Option Issuances The following table sets forth information about the compensation cost of warrant and option issuances recognized for employees and directors: For the year ended December 31, 2015 2014 US$ US$ 1,528,000 1,000,000 The following table sets forth information about the compensation cost of warrant and option issuances recognized for non-employees: For the year ended December 31, 2015 2014 US$ US$ 265,000 221,000 As of December 31, 2015, there was approximately $1,000 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 2016. G. Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (“DSPP”) On March 27, 2014, the Company launched its Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the “DSPP”) pursuant to which stockholders and interested investors can purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock as well as units of the Company’s securities. The terms of the DSPP are described in the Prospectus Supplement originally filed on March 31, 2014 (the “Original Prospectus Supplement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Company’s effective registration Statement on Form S-3, as thereafter amended. On January 13, 2015, the Company amended the Original Prospectus Supplement (“Amendment No. 3”) to provide for a new unit option (the “Unit Option”) under the DSPP comprised of one share of Common Stock and three (3) Common Stock purchase warrants with each unit priced at $4.00. Each warrant affords the investor or stockholder the opportunity to purchase the Company’s Common Stock at a warrant exercise price of $1.00. Each of the three warrant series have different expiration dates that have been extended. On July 29, 2015, Amendment No. 5 to the Original Prospectus Supplement was filed extending the Unit Option through December 31, 2015 with the same terms and conditions in place. All of the warrant series were scheduled to first become exercisable and tradable on January 31, 2016, which is the 31 st On December 28, 2015 Amendment No. 6 to the Original Prospectus Supplement was filed extending the scheduled termination date of the Unit Option to March 31, 2016. The Company filed an application with NASDAQ to list the three warrants on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbols “ZNWAB,” “ZNWAC,” and “ZNWAD;” however, no assurance can be provided that the warrants will be approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market. The warrants are scheduled to first become exercisable and tradable on May 2, 2016 (the first trading day after the 31st day following the Unit Option Termination Date) and continue to be exercisable through May 2, 2017 for ZNWAB (1 year), May 2, 2018 for ZNWAC (2 years) and May 2, 2019 for ZNWAD (3 years), respectively, at a per share exercise price of $1.00. The Unit is priced at $4.00 per Unit and no change has been made to the warrant exercise price of $1.00 per share. Through the year ended December 31, 2015, approximately $2,822,000 has been raised under the DSPP program. As a result, the Company issued approximately 1,242,000 shares of its Common Stock during the same period. Additionally, warrants for approximately 861,000 shares of Common Stock were issued during the year ended December 31, 2015 (approximately 287,000 each of ZNWAB, ZNWAC, and ZNWAD). The total amount of funds received from the DSPP inception date to December 31, 2015 is approximately $8,686,000. H. Rights Offering (July-September 2015) On July 6, 2015, the Company filed with the SEC the Prospectus Supplement dated as of July 6, 2015 relating to the Company’s rights offering of non-transferable subscription rights to the holders of the Company’s Common Stock as of record date of June 19, 2015 to purchase up to approximately 7,280,000 of subscription rights described below of the Company’s securities. Under the rights offering, the Company distributed, at no cost to stockholders, non-transferable subscription rights (each “Right” and collectively the “Rights”) to purchase its Common Stock to persons who owned shares of its Common Stock on June 19, 2015 (the “record date”), with each Right consisting of four (4) shares of Common Stock. Each shareholder that participated received 0.20 of a subscription right for each share of Common Stock owned as of close of business on the record date (i.e., ONE subscription right for each FIVE shares). Each whole subscription right represented the right to purchase four (4) shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a per Right price of $7.00, or an average purchase price of $1.75 per share. The rights offering also included an over-subscription privilege. On September 30, 2015, the rights offering terminated as scheduled. The gross proceeds from the rights offering of approximately $966,000, less fees and expenses incurred in connection with the rights offering, will be used by the Company to further its drilling efforts and as otherwise provided in the prospectus. As a result of the rights offering, the Company issued approximately 553,000 shares of Common Stock. I. Current Rights Offering (October 21, 2015 – March 31, 2016) On October 21, 2015, the Company filed with the SEC a prospectus supplement for a new rights offering. Under the new rights offering, the Company distributed at no cost, 360,000 non-transferable subscription rights to subscribe for, on a per right basis, two (2) 10% Convertible Senior Bonds par $100 due 2021 (the “Notes”), representing up to an aggregate of $72,000,000 in principal amount of Notes, to persons who owned shares of the Company’s Common Stock on October 15, 2015, the record date for the offering. Each whole subscription right entitles the participant to purchase two (2) convertible bonds at a purchase price of $100.00 per bond. Effective October 21, 2015, the Company executed a Supplemental Indenture, as issuer, with the American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, a New York limited liability trust company (“AST”), as trustee for the Notes (the “Indenture”). The offering was scheduled to terminate on January 15, 2016 but was extended to March 31, 2016. The Notes will be issued on May 2, 2016, the 31st day following termination of the Offering. AST serves as the trustee and depositary under the Indenture. The Notes are scheduled to mature on May 2, 2021. No ‘sinking fund” is provided for the Notes, so that the Company is not required to retire the Notes periodically. Interest is payable in arrears on May 2 of each year, commencing May 2, 2017. Interest and principal may be repaid, at the Company’s option, in shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a rate specified in the Indenture. At any time, the Notes are convertible at the option of the holder into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a specified rate. Under certain conditions, the Note holders can require us to re-purchase the Notes for cash in an amount equal to the outstanding principal and all accrued and unpaid interest. Following the second anniversary of their issuance, the Company is entitled to redeem for cash the outstanding Notes at an amount equal to the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company evaluated the conversion feature for an embedded derivative and beneficial conversion feature (see Note 10). F. Warrant Descriptions The price and the expiration dates for the series of warrants to investors are as follows: Period of Grant US$ Expiration Date ZNWAA Warrants March 2013 – December 2014 2.00 January 31, 2020 On February 2, 2015, the ZNWAA listed warrants began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market but on February 11, 2015, NASDAQ halted trading on the ZNWAA warrants pending the Company’s response to NASDAQ's request for additional information. On April 9, 2015, NASDAQ resumed trading on Zion’s ZNWAA warrants.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 7 - Income Taxes The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below: December 31, December 31, US$ US$ Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards 46,216 43,892 Other 2,221 1,688 Total gross deferred tax assets 48,437 45,580 Less – valuation allowance (46,740 ) (44,259 ) Net deferred tax assets 1,697 1,321 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment 10 2 Unproved oil and gas properties (1,707 ) (1,323 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (1,697 ) (1,321 ) Net deferred tax asset — — In assessing the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible and tax carry forwards are utilizable. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to fully realize the deferred tax asset, the Company will need to generate future taxable income of approximately $135,931,000 prior to the expiration of some of the net operating loss carry forwards between 2022 and 2036. Based upon the level of historical taxable losses since the Company’s inception, management believes that the Company will not likely realize the benefits of these deductible differences and tax carry forwards and thus, full valuation allowances have been recorded at December 31, 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015, the Company has available federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $135,931,000 to reduce future U.S. taxable income. These amounts expire from 2022 to 2036. Income earned from activities in Israel is subject to regular Israeli tax rates. For Israeli tax purposes, exploration costs on unproved properties are expensed. Tax losses can be carried forward indefinitely. At December 31, 2015, the Company has available net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $93,595,000 to reduce future Israeli taxable income. Reconciliation between the theoretical tax benefit on pre-tax reported (loss) and the actual income tax expense: Year ended December 31, 2015 Year ended December 31, 2014 US$ US$ Pre-tax loss as reported (7,306 ) (6,756 ) U.S. statutory tax rate 34 % 34 % Theoretical tax expense (2,484 ) (2,297 ) Increase in income tax expense resulting from: Permanent differences 3 5 Other differences — — Change in valuation allowance 2,481 2,292 Income tax expense — — The Company has no material unrecognized tax benefit which would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods and does not believe there will be any significant increases or decreases within the next twelve months. No interest or penalties have been accrued. The Company has not received final tax assessments since incorporation. In accordance with the US tax regulations, the U.S. federal income tax returns remain subject to examination for the years beginning in 2012. The Israeli branch has not received final tax assessments since incorporation. In accordance with the Israeli tax regulations, tax returns submitted up to and including the 2011 tax year can be regarded as final.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 8 - 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. Asset Retirement The Company currently estimates that the costs of plugging and decommissioning of the exploratory wells drilled to date in the Company former Asher-Menashe and Joseph License areas to be approximately $204,000 based on current cost rather than Net Present Value. Liabilities for expenditures are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable and the timing and costs can be reasonably estimated. Changes in Asset Retirement Obligations were as follows: December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 US$ thousands US$ thousands Asset Retirement Obligations, Beginning Balance 163 483 Liabilities Settled (249 ) (320 ) Revision of Estimate 290 — Retirement Obligations, Ending Balance 204 163 Liabilities of approximately $249,000 were settled for the year ended December 31, 2015; those liabilities were related to the Asher-Menashe and Joseph License areas. Approximately $290,000 were accrued for year ended December 31, 2015, and were primarily due to changes in estimated costs for future Plug & Abandonment activities related to the Asher-Menashe and Joseph License areas. C. Environmental and Onshore Licensing Regulatory Matters The Company is engaged in oil and gas exploration and production and may become subject to certain liabilities as they relate to environmental clean-up/remediation 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 January 21, 2015, the Company formally submitted its Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) document for our upcoming Megiddo-Jezreel #1 well to Israel’s Energy Ministry and thereafter, on January 25, 2015, to the Environmental Ministry. This key milestone is required by the MJL work plan as well as by Israeli law and regulations. On December 3, 2013, Israel’s Petroleum Commissioner awarded the Company the Megiddo-Jezreel Petroleum Exploration License No. 401. Subsequently, the Company secured a bank guarantee from an Israeli based bank in the amount of $930,000, 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 Energy Ministry issued proposed 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. On September 17, 2014, the proposed guidelines became effective and the Energy Ministry issued a guidance document entitled “Instructions for the Giving of Guarantees with respect to Oil Rights.” As it relates to existing onshore license holders like Zion, the Instructions call for the Company to obtain a new Base Bank Guarantee in the amount of $500,000, per each existing license area, split into two deposit dates as follows: (1) $250,000 by November 30, 2014 and (2) $250,000 by March 31, 2015. Furthermore, prior to the start of drilling, an additional bank guarantee of $250,000 will be required at least 14 days before the spud date. In summary, this is a potential cumulative total of $750,000 that is separate and apart from the Company’s existing Bank Guarantees discussed below in Section D. The Petroleum Commissioner has discretion to raise or lower those amounts or may also forfeit a Company’s existing guarantee and/or cancel a petroleum right under certain circumstances. In addition, new and extended insurance policy guidelines were added. The Petroleum Commissioner may also view non-compliance with the new insurance provisions as breaching the work plan and the rights granted and act accordingly. Due to the Petroleum Commissioner’s discretion in the matter, the Company has not provided bank guarantees based on the September 2014 guidelines as it has not had a request from the Commissioner. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has not received a specific request seeking payment and therefore, has not yet provided any of the additional bank guarantees called for in the new guidelines. On January 11, 2015 the Energy Ministry issued revised guidelines (initially issued in February 2012) for onshore wellbore abandonment that are based on US regulations on well abandonment found in 43 CFR, Section 3162.3-4; applicable Texas Railroad Commission guidelines; and Well Abandonment and Inactive Well Practices for U.S. Exploration and Production Operations found in API Bulletin E3. This guideline is effective April 1, 2015. On February 12, 2015, the Energy Ministry issued guidance for preparation and submission of the drilling program (first presented on April 29, 2014), describing types of and purposes of production tests depending on the stage of development of a reservoir. This guideline is effective April 1, 2015. On April 27, 2015, the Energy Ministry issued guidelines for well testing, establishing procedures and minimum requirements for pressure testing, production flow testing, fluid analyses testing, etc. On August 13, 2015, the Energy Ministry issued a new guideline for hydraulic fracturing design and operations that are based on Canadian regulations per Directive 083. This guideline is effective November 21, 2015. The procedures seek to prevent impacts on water wells, non-saline aquifers and prevent surface impacts. On September 9, 2015, the Energy Ministry issued information relating to application forms for exploration drilling, detailing certain operator requirements prior to drilling, including required submission of an Application for Permit to Drill (APD) and Supplemental APD Information Sheet - Casing Design, both due 30 days prior to commencement of work. In addition, an Application for Permit to Modify (APM) form is provided relating to changes to and modifications of already-approved drilling programs and other actions that were omitted from the original application such as production testing, abandonment, etc. Also, an End of Operation Report (EOR) form is provided to report the end of drilling or a temporary or a final end of operations. The Company believes that these new regulations will significantly increase the expenditures associated with obtaining new exploration rights and drilling new wells, coupled with the heavy financial burden of “locking away” significant amounts of cash that could otherwise be used for operational purposes. Finally, this will also considerably increase the time needed to obtain all of the necessary authorizations and approvals prior to drilling. D. Charitable Foundations Two charitable foundations were established, one in Israel and one in Switzerland, for the purpose of supporting charitable projects and other charities in Israel, the United States and internationally. A 3% royalty or equivalent interest in any Israeli oil and gas interests as may now be held or, in the future be acquired, by the Company shall be assigned to each charitable organization (6% interest in the aggregate). At December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any outstanding obligation in respect of the charitable foundations, since to this date, no proved reserves have been found. E. Office and Vehicle Leases (i) The Company had a lease for 3,600 square feet of corporate office space in Dallas, Texas, which was set to expire on October 31, 2011. On October 11, 2011, the Company and the landlord entered into an amended lease for its current office premises in Dallas, Texas as well as the addition of adjacent space in the building for a total of 6,500 square feet. Pursuant to the lease amendment, the lease term on the existing office space as well as the additional premises was extended to January 31, 2016. Rent was paid on a monthly basis and was $6,996 per month for each month from November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2012; thereafter, $7,534 for each month through October 31, 2013; $7,534 for each month through October 31, 2014 and $8,072 for each month through January 31, 2016. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agreed that so long as there was no event of default under the lease amendment, monthly payments of $1,434 through October 31, 2012 and $1,544 thereafter through January 31, 2016 were abated. On September 10, 2015 the Company signed a new lease agreement with Hartman income REIT Property Holdings, LLC for new premises containing 7,276 square feet. The lease term is for 65 months (about 5.5 years) from December 1, 2015 to April 30, 2021. Rent is abated for the first five (5) month which is December 2015 through April 2016. Beginning in May 2016 and extending through April 2017, rent is to be paid on a monthly basis in the base amount of $7,882 per month. Beginning in May 2017 and extending through April 2018, rent is to be paid on a monthly basis in the base amount of $8,186 per month. Beginning in May 2018 and extending through April 2019, rent is to be paid on a monthly basis in the base amount of $8,489 per month. Beginning in May 2019 and extending through April 2020, rent is to be paid on a monthly basis in the base amount of $8,792 per month. Beginning in May 2020 and extending through April 2021, rent is to be paid on a monthly basis in the base amount of $9,095 per month. The Company is also obligated to pay its pro-rated portion of all taxes, utilities, and insurance during the lease term. (ii) The Company’s field office in Caesarea Israel consisted of 5,565 square feet. The sublease term continued through March 31, 2014. Rent was paid on a monthly basis in the base amount of approximately NIS 28,400 per month (approximately $8,100 per month at the exchange rate in effect on the date of this report). The Company was also obligated to pay all cost of living adjustments, as well as its pro-rated portion of all taxes, utilities, and insurance and maintenance payments during the sublease term. On December 19, 2013 the Company signed a new lease agreement with Caesarea Asset Management and Development companies for new premises containing 6,566 square feet. The lease term is five years from February 1, 2014 to January 31, 2019. Rent is to be paid on a monthly basis in the base amount of approximately NIS 37,800 per month (approximately $9,700) per month at the exchange rate in effect on the date of this report and is linked to an increase (but not a decrease) in the CPI. The Company is also obligated to pay all related taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance payments during the lease term. Pursuant to the lease, two years from the commencement of the lease term, the Company may terminate the agreement upon three months’ notice provided the Company secures a replacement lessee approved by the lessor at its discretion. The Company has an option to renew the lease for another five years, provided it is not in breach of the agreement, where it is required as well to furnish a notice of intent to exercise the option six months prior to termination of lease and furnishes a bank guarantee and insurance confirmation prior to commencement of option period. Under the lease agreement, the Company is authorized to further sublease part of the leased premises to a third party that is pre-approved by the sub-lessor. Rent and its related taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance expenses for 2015 and 2014 were $282,000 and $306,000, respectively. The future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: US$ thousands 2016 258 2017 277 2018 271 2019 118 2020 and thereafter 144 1,068 F. Former 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 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”), as successor in interest to AME, 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 provides that all disputes are to be settled by arbitration in London, United Kingdom. On March 4, 2014, the Company received from the International Court of Arbitration in Paris, France (“ICA”) a request for arbitration in London filed by GYP over the $550,000 rig demobilization fee. On May 1, 2014, 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. On April 29, 2015, the arbitrator issued her Partial Award ordering Zion to pay GYP the demobilization fee of $550,000 plus interest in the amount of approximately $237,000, which continues to accrue at the rate of $180.82 per day until paid. However, any Final Award sum was not determinable until resolution of Zion’s fraud and other tort counterclaims against GYP. The Company recorded a provision in the amount of $910,000 to cover the Company's potential liability. In August 2015, Zion and GYP began negotiating a resolution of the arbitration and the Israeli tax issues raised by any such possible resolution. On December 22, 2015, Zion and GYP entered into a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release resolving the arbitration by which Zion is required to pay the sum of $550,000 to and/or for the benefit of GYP plus required value added tax (“VAT”) and income tax withholding under Israeli tax law. All attorneys’ fees are to be paid by the party incurring same. Netted out of the $550,000 was an old VAT obligation of GYP and most of the required withholding taxes, both of which Zion paid directly to the Israeli Tax Authority (“ITA”), The new VAT paid by Zion on this transaction is recoverable by Zion and should be received from the ITA in the near future. All required sums under the settlement agreement have been paid by Zion. G. Bank Guarantees As of December 31, 2015, the Company provided bank guarantees to various governmental bodies (approximately $1,164,000) and others (approximately $66,000) in respect of its drilling operation in an aggregate amount of approximately $1,230,000. 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.” H. New Branch 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 as a foreign treasury center for the Company.

Risks and Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Risks and Uncertainties	Note 9 - Risks and Uncertainties We are directly influenced by the political, economic and military conditions affecting Israel. We cannot predict the effect, if any, on our business of renewed hostilities between Israel and its neighbors or any other changes in the political climate in the area. Deterioration of political, economic and security conditions in Israel may adversely affect our operations. We are subject to increasing Israeli governmental regulations and environmental requirements that may cause us to incur substantial incremental costs and/or delays in our drilling program. Newly enacted onshore licensing and environmental and safety related regulations promulgated by the various energy related ministries in Israel during 2014-2015 have rendered obtaining new exploration licenses more time-consuming and expensive. The Company believes that these new and/or revised regulations will also significantly increase the time, effort, and expenditures associated with obtaining all of the necessary authorizations and approvals prior to drilling any subsequent well. Economic risks may adversely affect our operations and/or inhibit our ability to raise additional capital. Economically, our operations in Israel may be subject to: ● exchange rate fluctuations between the Israeli shekel versus the US Dollar; ● the extreme latest change in the oil and gas commodities price and hence the cost of oilfield services and drilling equipment; ● royalty and tax increases and other risks arising out of Israeli State sovereignty over the mineral rights in Israel and its taxing authority; and ● changes in Israel’s economy that could lead to legislation establishing oil and gas price controls. Consequently, our operations may be substantially affected by local economic factors beyond our control, any of which could negatively affect our financial performance and prospects. Legal risks could negatively affect our market value. Legally, our operations in Israel may be subject to: ● changes in the Petroleum Law resulting in modification of license and permit rights; ● adoption of new legislation relating to the terms and conditions pursuant to which operations in the energy sector may be conducted; ● changes in laws and policies affecting operations of foreign-based companies in Israel; and ● changes in governmental energy and environmental policies or the personnel administering them. Our dependence on the limited contractors, equipment and professional services available in Israel may result in increased costs and possibly material delays in our work schedule. The unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, other oil field services and personnel could adversely affect our ability to execute our exploration and development plans on a timely basis and within our budget. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 10 - Subsequent Events (i) On January 1, 2016, the Company granted options from the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for employees and consultants, to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock to a senior officer at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through December 31, 2025. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $46,000. (ii) On January 5, 2016, the Company granted options from the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for employees and consultants, to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock to a senior officer at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through January 4, 2026. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $47,000. (iv) On January 15, 2016, the Company granted options from the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for employees and consultants, to purchase 35,000 shares of Common Stock to a non-employee director and a staff member at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through January 15, 2026. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $59,000. (v) On January 29, 2016, the Company submitted a second Application for Extension of Drilling Date, and on February 7, 2016, the Petroleum Commissioner formally approved the application as follows: NO. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION TO BE CARRIED OUT BY: 1 Sign contract with drilling contractor and forward to Petroleum Commissioner 15 April 2016 2 Submit detailed engineering plan to carry out / perform drilling 15 April 2016 3 Begin drilling / spud well in license area 1 July 2016 4 Submit final report on the results of drilling 15 November 2016 5 Submit a plan for continued work in the license area 1 December 2016 (vi) On February 1, 2016, the Company granted options from the 2011 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan, to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock to a non-employee director at an exercise price of $1.87 per share. The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through January 31, 2022. The fair value of the options at the date of grant amounted to approximately $20,000.

Summary of Significant Accoun17

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Financial Statements in United States Dollars	A. Financial Statements in United States Dollars The currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of the Company are conducted is the United States dollar (“dollar”). Therefore, the dollar has been determined to be the Company’s functional currency. Non-dollar transactions and balances have been translated into dollars in accordance with the principles set forth in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830 “Foreign Currency Matters.” Transactions in foreign currency (primarily in New Israeli Shekels – “NIS”) are recorded at the exchange rate as of the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated on the basis of the representative rate of exchange at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are stated at historical exchange rates. All exchange gains and losses from re-measurement of monetary balance sheet items denominated in non-dollar currencies are reflected in the statement of operations as they arise.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	B. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company maintains cash balances with four banks, of which two banks are located in the United States, one in the United Kingdom, and one in Israel and money market mutual funds. For purposes of the statement of cash flows and balance sheet, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At times, the Company maintains deposits in financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.
Fixed Short Term time deposits	C. Fixed Short Term time deposits Interest bearing deposits for a period which exceeds three months but not more than 12 months and are not restricted are classified as Fixed Short Term time deposits.
Oil and Gas Properties and Impairment	D. 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 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 continuing 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 occurred. The amount of any impairment is charged to expense since a reserve base has not yet been established. Impairment requiring a charge to expense may be indicated through evaluation of drilling results, relinquishing drilling rights or other information. During the year ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, the Company did not record a non-cash impairment charge of its unproved oil and gas properties (see Note 4). Currently, the Company has no economically recoverable reserves and no amortization base. The Company’s unproved oil and gas properties consist of capitalized exploration costs of $5,022,000 and $3,891,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Property and Equipment	E. Property and Equipment Property and equipment other than oil and gas property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over its estimated useful lives of three to fourteen years. Depreciation charged to expense amounted to $61,000 and $80,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
Assets Held For Severance Benefits	F. Assets Held for Severance Benefits Assets held for employee severance benefits represent contributions to severance pay funds and insurance policies that are recorded at their current redemption value.
Use of Estimates	G. Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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.
Income Taxes	H. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled (see Note 7). The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statements of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Based on Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740-10-25-6 “Income Taxes”, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if and when required, as part of income tax expense in the statements of operations. No liability for unrecognized tax benefits was recognized as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Environmental Costs and Loss Contingencies	I. Environmental Costs and Loss Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies, including environmental remediation costs not within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ASC Subtopic 410-20, Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Obligations – Asset Retirement Obligations, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources, are recorded when probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from third parties that are probable of realization are separately recorded as assets, and are not offset against the related environmental liability. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs of expected future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value.
Asset Retirement Obligations	J. Asset Retirement Obligation Obligations for dismantlement, restoration and removal of facilities and tangible equipment at the end of oil and gas property’s useful life are recorded based on the estimate of the fair value of the liabilities in the period in which the obligation is incurred. This requires the use of management’s estimates with respect to future abandonment costs, inflation, market risk premiums, useful life and cost of capital. The estimate of asset retirement obligations does not give consideration to the value the related assets could have to other parties, although it does take into account estimated residual salvage values. The obligation is recorded if sufficient information about the timing and (or) method of settlement is available to reasonably estimate fair value (see Note 8B).
Net Loss per Share Data	K. Net Loss per Share Data Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”) is presented in conformity with ASC 260-10 “Earnings Per Share.” Diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share as the inclusion of 5,196,848 and 4,653,986 Common Stock equivalents in 2015 and 2014 respectively, would be anti-dilutive.
Stock Based Compensation	L. Stock Based Compensation The Company follows ASC 718-20-55, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718-20-55”), which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards based upon the fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. Under this method, the Company has recognized compensation cost for awards granted beginning January 1, 2006, based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing method. The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with the provisions of ASC 505, “Equity,” using a fair-value approach. As noted, the value of stock option grants is recognized as a compensation expense, on a graded-vesting basis, over the requisite service period of the entire award, net of estimated forfeitures unless vested.
Fair Value Measurements	M. Fair Value Measurements The Company’s financial instruments include mainly cash and cash equivalents, short-term time deposits, other receivables, prepaid expenses, assets held for severance benefits, and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair value.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	N. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements We do not believe that the adoption of any other recently issued accounting pronouncements in 2015 had a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flow. During the year ended December 31, 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.
Reclassifications	O. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior period’s financial information to the current period’s presentation.

Unproved Oil and Gas Properti18

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method [Abstract]
Schedule of Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method	December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 US$ thousands US$ thousands Excluded from amortization base: Inventory, and other operational related costs 1,312 895 Capitalized salary costs 1,177 916 Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs 2,506 2,079 Other costs 27 1 5,022 3,891

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 US$ thousands US$ thousands Employees related 196 120 Institutions & vendors - 509 Rights offering payables 540 - Other 117 241 853 870

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of warrants and options exercise prices and expiration dates	Exercise Number of Expiration Warrants or US$ To non-employees 0.01 20,000 November 11, 2023 Options 0.01 10,000 June 11, 2024 Options 0.01 10,000 April 16, 2025 Options 1.67 115,000 October 01, 2024 Options 1.70 130,000 December 20, 2022 Options 2.61 77,000 December 04, 2022 Options To employees and directors 0.01 20,000 January 31, 2020 Options 0.01 23,500 November 11, 2023 Options 0.01 45,000 March 31, 2024 Options 0.01 10,000 June 11, 2024 Options 0.01 5,000 March 31, 2025 Options 0.01 32,000 April 16, 2025 Options 0.01 154,500 August 03, 2025 Options 0.01 200,000 October 01, 2025 Options 0.01 25,000 December 31, 2025 Options 1.38 149,750 January 02, 2025 Options 1.38 108,000 January 02, 2021 Options 1.67 390,000 October 01, 2020 Options 1.67 399,443 October 01, 2024 Options 1.70 132,500 December 21, 2018 Options 1.70 228,500 December 20, 2022 Options 1.73 25,000 January 09, 2019 Options 1.82 25,000 June 13, 2017 Options 1.86 25,000 December 03, 2018 Options 1.95 25,000 April 02,2020 Options 1.96 25,000 September 3, 2019 Options 2.03 25,000 May 01, 2021 Options 2.28 25,000 July 10, 2019 Options 2.61 200,000 December 04, 2017 Options 2.61 929,500 December 04, 2021 Options 4.45 25,000 January 26, 2016 Options 4.55 15,000 January 31, 2016 Options To investors 2.00 1,567,155 January 31, 2020 Warrants Total 1.83 * 5,196,848 ___________________ * Weighted Average
Warrant and option transactions	Number of shares Weighted Average exercise price US$ Outstanding, December 31, 2013 2,399,250 2.24 Changes during 2014 to: Granted to employees, officers, directors and others 1,085,693 1.47 Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited (308,250 ) 2.67 Exercised (87,000 ) 0.01 Outstanding, December 31, 2014 3,089,693 1.99 Changes during 2015 to: Granted to employees, officers, directors and others 1,280,000 0.33 Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited (62,500 ) 2.39 Exercised (677,500 ) 0.07 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 3,629,693 1.76 Exercisable, December 31, 2015 3,627,193 1.76
Stock warrants and options outstanding	Shares underlying outstanding options (non-vested) Shares underlying outstanding options (fully vested) Range of exercise price Number outstanding Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) Weighted Average Exercise price Range of exercise price Number Outstanding Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) Weighted Average Exercise price US$ US$ US$ US$ 0.01 2,500 9.25 0.01 0.01 2,500 9.25 0.01 — — — — 0.01 42,000 9.30 0.01 — — — — 0.01 20,000 8.45 0.01 — — — — 0.01 45,000 8.25 0.01 — — — — 0.01 43,500 7.87 0.01 — — — — 0.01 20,000 4.09 0.01 — — — — 0.01 154,500 9.60 0.01 — — — — 0.01 200,000 9.60 0.01 — — — — 0.01 25,000 10.00 0.01 — — — — 1.38 108,000 5.01 1.38 — — — — 1.38 149,750 9.02 1.38 — — — — 1.67 390,000 4.76 1.67 — — — — 1.67 514,443 8.76 1.67 — — — — 1.70 358,500 6.98 1.70 — — — — 1.70 132,500 2.98 1.70 — — — — 1.73 25,000 3.03 1.73 — — — — 1.82 25,000 1.45 1.82 — — — — 1.86 25,000 2.93 1.86 — — — — 1.95 25,000 4.26 1.95 — — — — 1.96 25,000 3.68 1.96 — — — — 2.03 25,000 5.34 2.03 — — — — 2.28 25,000 3.53 2.28 — — — — 2.61 200,000 1.93 2.61 — — — — 2.61 1,006,500 5.93 2.61 — — — — 4.45 25,000 0.07 4.45 — — — — 4.55 15,000 0.39 4.55 0.01 2,500 0.01 0.01-4.55 3,627,193 1.76
Schedule of warrants description	Period of Grant US$ Expiration Date ZNWAA Warrants March 2013 – December 2014 2.00 January 31, 2020
Non Employee [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 year ended 2015 2014 Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date $ 1.74 $ 1.73 Dividend yields — — Expected volatility 72%-74 % 75 % Risk-free interest rates 1.87%-2.23 % 2.42%-2.65 % Expected lives (in years) 10.00 10.00 Weighted-average grant date fair value $ 1.71 $ 1.43
Non Employee [Member] | Warrants and Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of compensation cost of warrant and option issuances	For the year ended December 31, 2015 2014 US$ US$ 265,000 221,000
Employees and Directors [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 year ended 2015 2014 Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date $ 1.53 $ 1.70 Dividend yields — — Expected volatility 68%-70 % 70%-82 % Risk-free interest rates 0.97%-1.6 % 0.94%-1.74 % Expected lives (in years) 3.00-5.50 3.00-5.50 Weighted-average grant date fair value $ 1.36 $ 1.01
Employees and Directors [Member] | Warrants and Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of compensation cost of warrant and option issuances	For the year ended December 31, 2015 2014 US$ US$ 1,528,000 1,000,000

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	December 31, December 31, US$ US$ Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards 46,216 43,892 Other 2,221 1,688 Total gross deferred tax assets 48,437 45,580 Less – valuation allowance (46,740 ) (44,259 ) Net deferred tax assets 1,697 1,321 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment 10 2 Unproved oil and gas properties (1,707 ) (1,323 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (1,697 ) (1,321 ) Net deferred tax asset — —
Schedule of income tax reconciliation	Year ended December 31, 2015 Year ended December 31, 2014 US$ US$ Pre-tax loss as reported (7,306 ) (6,756 ) U.S. statutory tax rate 34 % 34 % Theoretical tax expense (2,484 ) (2,297 ) Increase in income tax expense resulting from: Permanent differences 3 5 Other differences — — Change in valuation allowance 2,481 2,292 Income tax expense — —

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in asset retirement obligations	December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 US$ thousands US$ thousands Asset Retirement Obligations, Beginning Balance 163 483 Liabilities Settled (249 ) (320 ) Revision of Estimate 290 — Retirement Obligations, Ending Balance 204 163
Schedule of future minimum lease payments	US$ thousands 2016 258 2017 277 2018 271 2019 118 2020 and thereafter 144 1,068

Nature of Operations and Basi23

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 03, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)a	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Net loss		$ (7,306)	$ (6,756)
Accumulated deficit		$ (142,102)	$ (134,796)
Megiddo-Jezreel License [Member]
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Area of land, approximate | a		99,000
Initial length of lease	1 year
Megiddo-Jezreel License [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Initial length of lease	7 years
Megiddo-Jezreel License [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Initial length of lease	3 years
Jordan Valley License [Member]
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Net loss		$ 7,300
Accumulated deficit		$ 142,000

Summary of Significant Accoun24

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Common stock equivalents excluded from EPS as the inclusion would be anti-dilutive	5,196,848	4,653,986
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties
Capitalized exploration costs	$ 5,022,000	$ 3,891,000
Depreciation	61,000	80,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	14 years
Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	3 years

Provision for Severance Pay (De

Provision for Severance Pay (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Provision for Severance Pay (Textual)
Provision for severance pay	$ 249	$ 195
Funds deposited in financial institutions	$ 226	$ 169

Unproved Oil and Gas Properti26

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Excluded from amortization base:
Inventory, and other operational related costs	$ 1,312	$ 895
Capitalized salary costs	1,177	916
Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs	2,506	2,079
Other costs	27	1
Total unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method	$ 5,022	$ 3,891

Accrued Liabilities (Details)

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Employees related	$ 196	$ 120
Institutions & vendors		$ 509
Rights offering payables	$ 540
Other	117	$ 241
Total accrued liabilities	$ 853	$ 870

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Warrants and Options Exercise Prices and Expiration Dates) (Details) - $ / shares		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Options [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.76	$ 1.99	$ 2.24
Number of Shares		3,629,693	3,089,693	2,399,250
Range Exercise Price 0.01 First [Member] | Options [Member] | Non Employee [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		20,000
Expiration date		Nov. 11, 2023
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 First [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		20,000
Expiration date		Jan. 31, 2020
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Second [Member] | Options [Member] | Non Employee [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		10,000
Expiration date		Jun. 11, 2024
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Second [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		23,500
Expiration date		Nov. 11, 2023
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Third [Member] | Options [Member] | Non Employee [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		10,000
Expiration date		Apr. 16, 2025
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Third [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		45,000
Expiration date		Mar. 31, 2024
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.67 First [Member] | Options [Member] | Non Employee [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.67
Number of Shares		115,000
Expiration date		Oct. 1, 2024
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.67 First [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.67
Number of Shares		390,000
Expiration date		Oct. 1, 2020
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.70 First [Member] | Options [Member] | Non Employee [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.70
Number of Shares		130,000
Expiration date		Dec. 20, 2022
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.70 First [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.70
Number of Shares		132,500
Expiration date		Dec. 21, 2018
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 2.61 First [Member] | Options [Member] | Non Employee [Member]
Exercise price		$ 2.61
Number of Shares		77,000
Expiration date		Dec. 4, 2022
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 2.61 First [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 2.61
Number of Shares		200,000
Expiration date		Dec. 4, 2017
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Four [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		10,000
Expiration date		Jun. 11, 2024
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Five [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		5,000
Expiration date		Mar. 31, 2025
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Six [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		32,000
Expiration date		Apr. 16, 2025
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Seven [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		154,500
Expiration date		Aug. 3, 2025
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Eight [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		200,000
Expiration date		Oct. 1, 2025
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 0.01 Nine [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 0.01
Number of Shares		25,000
Expiration date		Dec. 31, 2025
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.38 First [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.38
Number of Shares		149,750
Expiration date		Jan. 2, 2025
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.38 Second [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.38
Number of Shares		108,000
Expiration date		Jan. 2, 2021
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.67 Second [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.67
Number of Shares		399,443
Expiration date		Oct. 1, 2024
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.70 Second [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.70
Number of Shares		228,500
Expiration date		Dec. 20, 2022
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.73 [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.73
Number of Shares		25,000
Expiration date		Jan. 9, 2019
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.82 [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.82
Number of Shares		25,000
Expiration date		Jun. 13, 2017
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.86 [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.86
Number of Shares		25,000
Expiration date		Dec. 3, 2018
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.95 [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.95
Number of Shares		25,000
Expiration date		Apr. 2, 2020
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 1.96 [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 1.96
Number of Shares		25,000
Expiration date		Sep. 3, 2019
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 2.03 [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 2.03
Number of Shares		25,000
Expiration date		May 1, 2021
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 2.28 [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 2.28
Number of Shares		25,000
Expiration date		Jul. 10, 2019
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 2.61 Second [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 2.61
Number of Shares		929,500
Expiration date		Dec. 4, 2021
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 4.45 [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 4.45
Number of Shares		25,000
Expiration date		Jan. 26, 2016
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 4.55 [Member] | Options [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 4.55
Number of Shares		15,000
Expiration date		Jan. 31, 2016
Warrants or Options		Options
Range Exercise Price 2.00 [Member] | Warrants [Member] | Investors [Member]
Exercise price		$ 2
Number of Shares		1,567,155
Expiration date		Jan. 31, 2020
Warrants or Options		Warrants
Range Exercise Price 1.83 [Member] | Investors [Member]
Exercise price	[1]	$ 1.83
Number of Shares		5,196,848
[1]	* Weighted Average

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Opt

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Transactions) (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Number of shares
Outstanding, Beginning balance	3,089,693	2,399,250
Granted to employees, officers, directors and others	1,280,000	1,085,693
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited	(62,500)	(308,250)
Exercised	(677,500)	(87,000)
Outstanding, Ending balance	3,629,693	3,089,693
Number of shares Exercisable	3,627,193
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding, Beginning balance	$ 1.99	$ 2.24
Granted to employees, officers, directors and others	0.33	1.47
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited	2.39	2.67
Exercised	0.07	0.01
Outstanding, Ending balance	1.76	$ 1.99
Weighted Average exercise price Exercisable	$ 1.76

Stockholders' Equity (Stock O30

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Options Outstanding) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Unvested
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 | shares	2,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Unvested | 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 | shares	2,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years 3 months
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested
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	$ 4.55
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding | shares	3,627,193
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.76
Vested | 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 | shares	2,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years 3 months
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested | 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 | shares	42,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years 3 months 18 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested | 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 | shares	20,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	8 years 5 months 12 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested | Range Exercise Price 0.01 Four [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 | shares	45,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	8 years 3 months
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested | 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 | shares	43,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	7 years 10 months 13 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested | 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 | shares	20,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	4 years 1 month 2 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested | Range Exercise Price 0.01 Seven [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 | shares	154,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years 7 months 6 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested | Range Exercise Price 0.01 Eight [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 | shares	200,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years 7 months 6 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested | Range Exercise Price 0.01 Nine [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 | shares	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	10 years
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 0.01
Vested | Range Exercise Price 1.38 First [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares underlying outstanding options exercise price	$ 1.38
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding | shares	108,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	5 years 4 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.38
Vested | Range Exercise Price 1.38 Second [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares underlying outstanding options exercise price	$ 1.38
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding | shares	149,750
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years 7 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.38
Vested | Range Exercise Price 1.67 First [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares underlying outstanding options exercise price	$ 1.67
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding | shares	390,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	4 years 9 months 4 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.67
Vested | Range Exercise Price 1.67 Second [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares underlying outstanding options exercise price	$ 1.67
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding | shares	514,443
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	8 years 9 months 4 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.67
Vested | 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 | shares	358,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	6 years 11 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.70
Vested | 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 | shares	132,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	2 years 11 months 23 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.70
Vested | 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 | shares	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 11 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.73
Vested | 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 | shares	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	1 year 5 months 12 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.82
Vested | 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 | shares	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	2 years 11 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.86
Vested | Range Exercise Price 1.95 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares underlying outstanding options exercise price	$ 1.95
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding | shares	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	4 years 3 months 4 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.95
Vested | 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 | shares	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 8 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 1.96
Vested | Range Exercise Price 2.03 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares underlying outstanding options exercise price	$ 2.03
Shares underlying outstanding options Number outstanding | shares	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	5 years 4 months 2 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 2.03
Vested | 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 | shares	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 6 months 11 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 2.28
Vested | 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 | shares	200,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	1 year 11 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 2.61
Vested | 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 | shares	1,006,500
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	5 years 11 months 5 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 2.61
Vested | 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 | shares	25,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	26 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 4.45
Vested | 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 | shares	15,000
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	4 months 21 days
Shares underlying outstanding options Weighted Average Exercise price	$ 4.55

Stockholders' Equity (Assumptio

Stockholders' Equity (Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Warrants Granted Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date	$ 1.74	$ 1.73
Dividend yields
Expected volatility, minimum	72.00%
Expected volatility, maximum	74.00%
Expected volatility		75.00%
Risk-free interest rates, minimum	1.87%	2.42%
Risk-free interest rates, maximum	2.23%	2.65%
Expected lives (in years)	10 years	10 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$ 1.71	$ 1.43
Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date	$ 1.53	$ 1.70
Dividend yields
Expected volatility, minimum	68.00%	70.00%
Expected volatility, maximum	70.00%	82.00%
Risk-free interest rates, minimum	0.97%	0.94%
Risk-free interest rates, maximum	1.60%	1.74%
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$ 1.36	$ 1.01
Employee [Member] | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected lives (in years)	3 years	3 years
Employee [Member] | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected lives (in years)	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months

Stockholders' Equity (Compensat

Stockholders' Equity (Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized) (Details) - Warrants and Options [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost of warrant and option issuances	$ 265,000	$ 221,000
Employees and Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost of warrant and option issuances	$ 1,528,000	$ 1,000,000

Stockholders' Equity (Schedul33

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Warrants Description) (Details) - ZNWAA Warrants [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant name	ZNWAA Warrants
Warrant exercise price	$ 2
Warrant expiration date	Jan. 31, 2020
Beginning Date [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant period of grant	Mar. 1, 2013
Ending Date [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant period of grant	Dec. 31, 2014

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)	Oct. 21, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2015shares	Jun. 19, 2015$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Directors$ / sharesshares	Mar. 27, 2014$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2011shares	Dec. 31, 2005shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, Authorized					200,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares					$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Amount of funds received from DSPP | $					$ 8,686,000
Common stock shares issued		3,000,000	7,280,000
Gross proceeds of rights offering | $				$ 966,000
Share price | $ / shares			$ 0.20
Common Stock at Right price, per share | $ / shares			7
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested stock | $					1,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable | $					$ 1,033,000	$ 170,000
Average Purchase price per share | $ / shares			$ 1.75
Subscription shares common stock description					Each shareholder that participated received 0.20 of a subscription right for each share of Common Stock owned as of close of business on the record date (i.e., ONE subscription right for each FIVE shares).
Rights Offering [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares issued				553,000
Convertible senior bonds percentage	10.00%
Subscriptions shares	360,000
Subscriptions receivable | $	$ 72,000,000
Convertible senior bonds par value | $ / shares	$ 100
Convertible bonds purchase price | $ / shares	$ 100
Description of maturity date					The offering was scheduled to terminate on January 15, 2016 but was extended to March 31, 2016. The Notes will be issued on May 2, 2016, the 31st day following termination of the Offering. AST serves as the trustee and depositary under the Indenture. The Notes are scheduled to mature on May 2, 2021.
Warrant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Warrant termination date description					The warrants are scheduled to first become exercisable and tradable on May 2, 2016 (the first trading day after the 31st day following the Unit Option Termination Date) and continue to be exercisable through May 2, 2017 for ZNWAB (1 year), May 2, 2018 for ZNWAC (2 years) and May 2, 2019 for ZNWAD (3 years), respectively, at a per share exercise price of $1.00. The Unit is priced at $4.00 per Unit and no change has been made to the warrant exercise price of $1.00 per share.
Equity instrument exercise price | $ / shares						$ 2
Amount collected from DSPP | $					$ 2,822,000
Common stock shares issued					1,242,000
Warrants issued					861,000
Warrants and Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options reserved for exercisable to employees and non-employees					5,196,848
Stock options exercisable, shares					5,194,348
Outstanding options and warrants, Intrinsic value | $					$ 1,405,000
Outstanding options and warrants, shares					5,196,848
Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for plan									1,000,000
Non-Employee Directors 2011 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares issued		2,000,000
Non-Employee Directors 2011 Stock Option Plan [Member] | April 2, 2020 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock						25,000
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock, exercise price | $ / shares						$ 1.95
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant | $						$ 25,085
Stock option plan, expiration date						Apr. 2, 2020
Number of directors exercise price | Directors						1
Non-Employee Directors 2011 Stock Option Plan [Member] | October 1, 2020 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock						390,000
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock, exercise price | $ / shares						$ 1.67
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant | $						$ 307,763
Stock option plan, expiration date						Oct. 1, 2020
Number of directors exercise price | Directors						9
Non-Employee Directors 2011 Stock Option Plan [Member] | May 2, 2021 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock					25,000
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock, exercise price | $ / shares					$ 2.03
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant | $					$ 23,000
Stock option plan, expiration date					May 2, 2021
Dividend Reinvestment And Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Warrant termination date description					All of the warrant series were scheduled to first become exercisable and tradable on January 31, 2016, which is the 31st day following the new Unit Option's scheduled termination date of December 31, 2015, and continue to be exercisable through January 31, 2017 for ZNWAB (1 year), January 31, 2018 for ZNWAC (2 years) and January 31, 2019 for ZNWAD (3 years), respectively, at a per share exercise price of $1.00.
Equity instrument exercise price | $ / shares							$ 1
Exercise price per unit | $ / shares							$ 4
ZNWAB Warrants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Warrants issued					287,000
ZNWAC Warrants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Warrants issued					287,000
ZNWAD Warrants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Warrants issued					287,000
Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock					670,000	87,000
Senior officer one [Member] | Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] | April 2, 2025 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)					10,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares					$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $					$ 18,000
Stock option plan, expiration date					Apr. 2, 2025
Senior officer one [Member] | Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] | September 3, 2025 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)					100,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares					$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $					$ 143,000
Stock option plan, expiration date					Sep. 3, 2025
Senior officer one [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instrument exercise price | $ / shares					$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)					25,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares					$ 1.38
Shares purchased under option plan | $					$ 21,000
Stock option plan, expiration date					Jan. 1, 2025
Senior officer one [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | March 31, 2024 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)						25,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares						$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $						$ 47,524
Stock option plan, number of consecutive quarters						4
Stock option plan, expiration date						Mar. 31, 2024
Senior officer one [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | April 1, 2024 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)						10,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares						$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $						$ 19,009
Stock option plan, number of consecutive quarters						4
Stock option plan, expiration date						Apr. 1, 2024
Senior officer one [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | June 11, 2024 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)						45,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares						$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $						$ 93,228
Stock option plan, expiration date						Jun. 11, 2024
Senior officer one [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | October 1, 2024 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)						1,693
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares						$ 1.67
Shares purchased under option plan | $						$ 1,662
Stock option plan, expiration date						Oct. 1, 2024
Senior officer one [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | December 1, 2024 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)						25,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares						$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $						$ 39,019
Stock option plan, expiration date						Dec. 1, 2024
Senior officer two [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | March 31, 2024 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)						20,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares						$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $						$ 38,018
Stock option plan, expiration date						Mar. 31, 2024
Senior officer three [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member] | March 31, 2024 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)						10,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares						$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $						$ 19,009
Stock option plan, expiration date						Mar. 31, 2024
Senior officers, other staff members, and service providers [Member] | Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] | October 1, 2024 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)						534,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares						$ 1.67
Shares purchased under option plan | $						$ 562,660
Stock option plan, expiration date						Oct. 1, 2024
Senior officers, other staff members, and service providers [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)					128,500
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares					$ 1.38
Shares purchased under option plan | $					$ 106,000
Stock option plan, expiration date					Jan. 2, 2025
Directors, senior officers, other staff members, and service providers [Member] | Stock Option Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)					123,500
Shares purchased under option plan | $					$ 220,000
Stock option plan, exercise price | $ / shares					$ 0.01
Stock option plan, expiration date					Apr. 17, 2025
Non-Employee Director [Member] | Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for plan								1,000,000
Non-Employee Director [Member] | Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] | January 2, 2021 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock					108,000
Stock option plan, award to purchase common stock, exercise price | $ / shares					$ 1.38
Stock options granted, fair value on dates of grant | $					$ 68,000
Stock option plan, expiration date					Jan. 2, 2021
Employee And Consultants [Member] | Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for plan								2,000,000
Staff members and service providers [Member] | Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] | August 3, 2025 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)					360,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares					$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $					$ 630,000
Stock option plan, expiration date					Aug. 3, 2025
Senior officers and other staff [Member] | Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] | September 30, 2025 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under option plan (in shares)					225,000
Shares purchased under option plan price per share | $ / shares					$ 0.01
Shares purchased under option plan | $					$ 311,000
Stock option plan, expiration date					Sep. 30, 2025

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 46,216	$ 43,892
Other	2,221	1,688
Total gross deferred tax assets	48,437	45,580
Less - valuation allowance	(46,740)	(44,259)
Net deferred tax assets	1,697	1,321
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	10	2
Unproved oil and gas properties	(1,707)	(1,323)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	$ (1,697)	$ (1,321)
Net deferred tax asset

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Pre-tax loss as reported	$ (7,306)	$ (6,756)
U.S. statutory tax rate	34.00%	34.00%
Theoretical tax expense	$ (2,484)	$ (2,297)
Increase in income tax expense resulting from:
Permanent differences	$ 3	$ 5
Other differences
Change in valuation allowance	$ 2,481	$ 2,292
Income tax expense

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Future taxable income to use net operating loss carryforwards before expiration	$ 135,931,000
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration description	Operating loss carry forwards between 2022 and 2036.
Operating loss carryforward, available	$ 93,595,000
Income tax examination, description	The U.S. federal income tax returns remain subject to examination for the years beginning in 2012.

Commitments and Contingencies38

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Changes in Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligations, Beginning Balance	$ 163	$ 483
Liabilities Settled	(249)	$ (320)
Revision of Estimate	290
Retirement Obligations, Ending Balance	$ 204	$ 163

Commitments and Contingencies39

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
2,016	$ 258
2,017	277
2,018	271
2,019	118
2020 and thereafter	144
Future minimum payments due, total	$ 1,068

Commitments and Contingencies40

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)

Sep. 10, 2015USD ($)ft²

Sep. 17, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 04, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 03, 2013USD ($)

May. 15, 2012USD ($)

Oct. 31, 2011ft²

Dec. 22, 2015USD ($)

Apr. 29, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)ft²

Mar. 31, 2014ILS (₪)ft²

Dec. 19, 2013USD ($)ft²

Dec. 19, 2013ILS (₪)ft²

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)ft²Foundation

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Foundation

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Asset retirement obligation

$ 204,000

$ 163,000

Liabilities settled to Elijah License area

249,000

$ 320,000

Asset obligation

$ 290,000

Existing onshore license holders for performance guarantee guidelines requirement

$ 930,000

Number of charitable foundations established | Foundation

2

2

Percentage of royalty or equivalent interest

3.00%

Aggregate percentage of royalty or equivalent interest

6.00%

Lease renewal description

The Company has an option to renew the lease for another five years, provided it is not in breach of the agreement, where it is required as well to furnish a notice of intent to exercise the option six months prior to termination of lease and furnishes a bank guarantee and insurance confirmation prior to commencement of option period.

Rent, taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance expenses

$ 282,000

$ 306,000

Settlement amount

$ 550,000

$ 550,000

Interest accrued

237,000

Provision for company's liability

$ 910,000

Bank guarantees to government

1,164,000

Bank guarantees to others

66,000

Aggregate guarantee amount

$ 1,230,000

Interest On Debt [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Description of interest rate per day

On April 29, 2015, the arbitrator issued her Partial Award ordering Zion to pay GYP the demobilization fee of $550,000 plus interest in the amount of approximately $237,000, which continues to accrue at the rate of $180.82 per day until paid. However, any Final Award sum was not determinable until resolution of Zion's fraud and other tort counterclaims against GYP. The Company recorded a provision in the amount of $910,000 to cover the Company's potential liability.

Hartman income REIT Property Holdings LLC [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Area of property | ft²

7,276

Lease expiration date

Apr. 30, 2021

Lease term

65 months (about 5.5 years) from December 1, 2015 to April 30, 2021.

Dallas Office Space [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Area of property | ft²

3,600

6,500

Lease expiration date

Oct. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2016

Lease Amendment Description

Pursuant to the lease amendment, the lease term on the existing office space as well as the additional premises was extended to January 31, 2016.

Settlement amount

$ 550,000

Caesarea Asset Management And Development [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Area of property | ft²

6,566

6,566

Lease payment due, monthly

$ 9,700

₪ 37,800

Caesarea Israel Field Office [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Area of property | ft²

5,565

5,565

Lease payment due, monthly

$ 8,100

₪ 28,400,000

Lease term

The lease term is five years from February 1, 2014 to January 31, 2019

Sublease expiration date

Through March 31, 2014

Drilling Contract with GYP [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payments on equipment and drill crew

$ 627,000

Drilling contract demobilization expense

$ 550,000

November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2012 [Member] | Dallas Office Space [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payment due, monthly

$ 6,996

Amended lease payment due, monthly, non-default

1,434

October 31, 2012 through October 31, 2013 [Member] | Dallas Office Space [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payment due, monthly

7,534

Amended lease payment due, monthly, non-default

1,544

October 31, 2013 through October 31, 2014 [Member] | Dallas Office Space [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payment due, monthly

7,534

October 31, 2014 through October 31, 2015 [Member] | Dallas Office Space [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payment due, monthly

$ 8,072

May 2016 through April 2017 [Member] | Hartman income REIT Property Holdings LLC [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payment due, monthly

$ 7,882

May 2017 through April 2018 [Member] | Hartman income REIT Property Holdings LLC [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payment due, monthly

8,186

May 2018 through April 2019 [Member] | Hartman income REIT Property Holdings LLC [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payment due, monthly

8,489

May 2019 through April 2020 [Member] | Hartman income REIT Property Holdings LLC [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payment due, monthly

8,792

May 2020 through April 2021 [Member] | Hartman income REIT Property Holdings LLC [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Lease payment due, monthly

$ 9,095

New Israeli Shekel [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

On shore license holders base guarantee value

$ 500,000

On shore license holders base guarantee additional value

250,000

On shore license holder base guarantee cumulative amount

750,000

Settlement amount

$ 550,000

New Israeli Shekel [Member] | November 30, 2014 [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

On shore license holders base guarantee value

250,000

New Israeli Shekel [Member] | March 31, 2015 [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

On shore license holders base guarantee value

$ 250,000

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 01, 2016	Jan. 15, 2016	Jan. 14, 2016	Jan. 05, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Rights Offering Notes [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Description of maturity date						The Company extended the scheduled termination date of the current rights offering from January 15, 2016 to March 31, 2016.The issuance date of the Notes will be May 2, 2016, which is the 31st day following the extended termination date of the subscription rights offering. The maturity date of the Notes was extended from February 15, 2021 to May 2, 2021. The bonds shall bear interest from the new date of issuance, May 2, 2016, and payable on May 2nd of each year, beginning on May 2, 2017.
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Description of note redeemption			The "regular record date" for interest payments shall continue to be 10 business days prior to the payment date. The Notes continue to be redeemable at any time after the second anniversary of their issuance date. The Notes continue to be convertible at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately prior to the 30 day period preceding the maturity date.
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Senior Officer [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Shares granted under stock option plan (in shares)				25,000	25,000
Exercise price of common stock				$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Fair value of stock options				$ 47,000	$ 46,000
Description of options vesting				The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through January 4, 2026.	The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through December 31, 2025.
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Non-Employee Director and Staff Member [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Shares granted under stock option plan (in shares)		35,000
Exercise price of common stock		$ 0.01
Fair value of stock options		$ 59,000
Description of options vesting		The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through January 15, 2026.
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2011 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Shares granted under stock option plan (in shares)	25,000
Exercise price of common stock	$ 1.87
Fair value of stock options	$ 20,000
Description of options vesting	The options vested upon grant and are exercisable through January 31, 2022.