Erin Energy (ERINQ) 8-K 19 Dec 14 This is a placeholder for the DEI Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13
Entity Registrant Name	CAMAC Energy Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1402281

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$163	$3,806
Accounts receivable	1,112	6,103
Crude oil inventory	16,254	2,350
Prepaids and other current assets	856	1,013
Total current assets	18,385	13,272
Property, plant and equipment:
Oil and gas properties (successful efforts method of accounting), net	435,035	363,268
Other property, plant and equipment, net	752	456
Total property, plant and equipment, net	435,787	363,724
Other assets	52	11
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations		36
Total Assets	454,224	377,043
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	31,668	15,112
Accrued expenses	7,446	2,770
Asset retirement obligations	12,479
Notes payable - related party	6,496	6,496
Total current liabilities	58,089	17,882
Asset retirement obligations	8,122	24,832
Long-term notes payable - related party		872
Other long-term liabilities	67	55
Total liabilities	66,278	43,641
Commitments and Contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock $0.001 par value - 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively
Common stock $0.001 par value - 1,227,894,857 shares authorized; 879,817,093 and 877,515,805 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	879	877
Paid-in capital	735,959	637,674
Accumulated deficit	-348,892	-305,367
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	224
Total equity - CAMAC Energy Inc.	387,946	333,408
Noncontrolling interests of discontinued operations		-6
Total equity	387,946	333,402
Total liabilities and equity	$454,224	$377,043

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, authorized shares	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized shares	1,227,894,857	1,227,894,857
Common stock, outstanding shares	879,817,093	877,515,805

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Crude oil sales, net of royalties	$63,736	$74,667	$37,922
Operating costs and expenses:
Production costs	70,427	41,555	30,882
Exploratory expenses	5,501	3,236	890
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	16,875	51,002	13,477
General and administrative expenses	14,460	10,998	13,336
Total operating costs and expenses	107,263	106,791	58,585
Operating loss	-43,527	-32,124	-20,663
Other income (expense), net:	38	-582	-328
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-43,489	-32,706	-20,991
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Net loss from continuing operations	-43,489	-32,706	-20,991
Discontinued Operations
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-36	-991	-4,012
Gain on divestiture, net		4,160
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	-36	3,169	-4,012
Net loss	-43,525	-29,537	-25,003
Noncontrolling interests - discontinued operations		8	90
Net loss attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.	($43,525)	($29,529)	($24,913)
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc. - basic:
Continuing operations	($0.05)	($0.05)	($0.06)
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	($0.01)
Total	($0.05)	($0.05)	($0.07)
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc. - diluted:
Continuing operations	($0.05)	($0.05)	($0.06)
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	($0.01)
Total	($0.05)	($0.05)	($0.07)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	878,710	628,101	376,312
Diluted	878,710	628,101	376,312

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($43,525)	($29,537)	($25,003)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency transactions	-224	94	-31
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of taxes		395	-114
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-224	489	-145
Comprehensive loss	-43,749	-29,048	-25,148
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		8	88
Comprehensive loss attributable to CAMAC Energy, Inc.	($43,749)	($29,040)	($25,060)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$206,989	$374	$458,303	($250,925)	($120)	($643)
Balance (Shares) (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010		374,014
Stock issued for services	707	2	705
Stock issued for services (in shares)		2,045
Exercise of options	177	1	176
Exercise of options (Shares) (in shares)		786
Vesting of restricted stock		1	-1
Vesting of restricted stock (Shares) (in shares)		1,488
Stock-based employee compensation	2,484		2,484
Realized foreign currency gain	-31
Adjustments to noncontrolling interest	2		-733			735
Net loss	-25,003			-24,913		-90
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency loss	-31				-31
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of taxes	-114				-114
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	185,211	378	460,934	-275,838	-265	2
Balance (Shares) (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		378,333
Exercise of options	3		3
Exercise of options (Shares) (in shares)		17
Vesting of restricted stock	1	1
Vesting of restricted stock (Shares) (in shares)		1,251
Contingent consideration stock issued	890	1	889
Contingent consideration stock issued (in shares)		460
Stock-based employee compensation	739		739
Realized foreign currency gain	22
Net loss	-29,537			-29,529		-8
Net assets contributed by parent	190,925		190,925
Shares issued to affiliate		497	-497
Shares issued to affiliate (Shares) (in shares)		497,455
Allied Transaction adjustments	-15,331		-15,331
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency loss	106		12		94
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of taxes	395				395
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	333,402	877	637,674	-305,367	224	-6
Balance (Shares) (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		877,516
Vesting of restricted stock	2	2
Vesting of restricted stock (Shares) (in shares)		2,301
Stock-based employee compensation	2,013		2,013
Realized foreign currency gain	-224				-224
Adjustments to noncontrolling interest	6					6
Net loss	-43,525			-43,525
Net assets contributed by parent	61,205		61,205
Allied Transaction adjustments	35,067		35,067
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$387,946	$879	$735,959	($348,892)
Balance (Shares) (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		879,817

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	($43,525)	($29,537)	($25,003)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	14,640	49,963	13,530
Asset retirement obligation accretion	2,235	1,047
Stock-based compensation	2,013	739	2,484
Currency transaction (gain) loss	-224	22	-31
Dry hole costs		-37	2,176
Gain on divestiture, net		-4,160
Other	16	55
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	-3,046	12,836	-8,528
Decrease in other current assets	156	649	1,841
(Increase) decrease in inventories	-14,004	-1,483	72
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,114	-20,660	-1,195
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-36,625	9,434	-14,654
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-602	-3,576	-7,159
Proceeds from divestiture, net		2,364
Net sales of available for sale securities			256
Decrease in other assets		465	43
Proceeds from the sale long-term investments		1,966
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-602	1,219	-6,860
Cash flows from financing activities
Allied Transaction adjustments	29,234	-15,331
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		3	177
Proceeds (repayments) of note payable - related party, net	4,350	-5,128	6,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	33,584	-20,456	6,177
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents		-17	45
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-3,643	-9,820	-15,292
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,806	13,626	28,918
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	163	3,806	13,626
Cash paid for:
Interest, net	99	117	120
Contingent consideration stock issued		890
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Nonsubsidiary common stock received as partial proceeds from divestiture, net		1,877
Common stock issued for services			707
Related party accounts payable, net, settled with related party notes payable	1,274
Non-cash gain from asset retirement obligation extinguishment	5,833
Net assets contributed by parent	$61,205	$190,925

Company_Description

Company Description	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Company Description	NOTE 1. — COMPANY DESCRIPTION
	CAMAC Energy, Inc. (NYSE MKT: CAK, JSE: CME) is an independent exploration and production company engaged in the acquisition and development of energy resources in Africa. The Company’s asset portfolio consists of nine licenses across four countries covering an area of approximately 43,000 square kilometers (approximately 10 million acres). The Company owns producing properties and conducts exploration activities offshore Nigeria, conducts exploration activities offshore Ghana and The Gambia, and both offshore and onshore Kenya.
	CAMAC Energy Inc. is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has offices in Nairobi, Kenya, Banjul, The Gambia and Lagos, Nigeria.
	The Company’s operating subsidiaries include CAMAC Energy Ltd (“CEL”), CAMAC Petroleum Limited (“CPL”), CAMAC Energy International Limited, CAMAC Energy Ghana Limited, CAMAC Energy Kenya Limited, CAMAC Energy Gambia A2 Limited, and CAMAC Energy Gambia A5 Limited. The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company,” and “our Company” refer to CAMAC Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
	The Company also conducts certain business transactions with its majority shareholder, CAMAC Energy Holdings Limited (“CEHL”), and its affiliates, which include Allied Energy Plc (“Allied”).  See “Note 15 – Related Party Transactions” for additional information with regard to these transactions.
	The Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer, is a director of each of the above listed related parties. He indirectly owns 27.7% of CEHL, which is the majority shareholder of the Company. As a result, he may be deemed to have an indirect material interest in transactions contemplated with any of the above companies and their affiliates.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	NOTE 2. — BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the indicated periods. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
	In August 2012, the Company divested its wholly owned Hong Kong subsidiary Pacific Asia Petroleum Limited for cash and shares of stock. The Company has classified the current and historical results of its China operations, including other inactive operations not involved in this sale, as discontinued operations, net of tax, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See “Note 3 - Discontinued Operations”, for more information regarding the sale.
	In January 2014 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a stock dividend on all shares of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock entitling stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 13, 2014, to receive an additional 1.4348 shares of Common Stock for every share of Common Stock held (the “Stock Dividend”). Payment of the Stock Dividend was conditioned on (i) approval of the Company’s stockholders at the special meeting of stockholders to be held on February 13, 2014 of certain proposals related to the Allied Transaction, including a proposal to amend the Company’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock and (ii) approval of the listing of the Company’s Common Stock on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”). On February 13, 2014, the Company held a special meeting of its stockholders to consider and vote upon the proposals mentioned above and other related agenda items. All of the proposals presented at the meeting received the requisite shareholder approval and the approval of the JSE listing was successfully obtained. On February 21, 2014, the Company paid the Stock Dividend pursuant to which each share of stock of record as of the close of business on February 13, 2014, carried the right to receive 1.4348 shares of Common Stock for every one share of Common Stock held.
	Due to the large nature of the Stock Dividend (exceeds 25% of the total shares outstanding prior to the distribution), it has been accounted for as a Stock Split. The effect is a retroactive adjustment to the financial statements and associated footnotes as if the dividend had occurred at the beginning of the first period presented.
	In February 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining economic interests that it did not already own in the Production Sharing Contract (“PSC”) covering Oil Mining Leases 120 and 121 (“OMLs 120 and 121”) located offshore Nigeria, which include the currently producing Oyo Field (the “Allied Assets”), from Allied (the “Allied Transaction”). Allied is a subsidiary of CEHL, the Company’s majority shareholder, and deemed to be under common control (transactions between subsidiaries of the same parent). Accordingly, the net assets acquired from Allied were recorded at their respective carrying values as of the acquisition date. The consolidated financial statements, included herein, are presented as though the Allied Transaction had occurred in June 2012, the date Allied Acquired the Allied Assets from an independent third party. See “Note 4 – Acquisitions” for additional information relating to the Allied Assets and “Note 18 – Subsequent Events” for additional information relating to the Allied Transaction.
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and activities of the Company, subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling financial interest, and entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates based on assumptions. Estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Accordingly, our accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. While management believes that the estimates and assumptions used in preparation of consolidated financial statements are appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that may have a significant effect include oil and natural gas reserve quantities, depletion and amortization relating to oil and natural gas properties, and income taxes. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements may change as new events occur, more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained and our operating environment changes.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments with initial maturities of three months or less.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Trade accounts receivable are accounted for at cost less allowance for doubtful accounts. We establish provisions for losses on accounts receivables if it is determined that collection of all or a part of an outstanding balance is not probable. Collectability is reviewed regularly and an allowance is established or adjusted, as necessary, using the specific identification method. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no allowance for doubtful accounts was necessary.
	Successful Efforts Method of Accounting for Oil and Gas Activities
	The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its costs of acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties. Under this method, oil and gas lease acquisition costs and intangible drilling costs associated with exploration efforts that result in the discovery of proved reserves and costs associated with development drilling, whether or not successful, are capitalized when incurred. Drilling costs of exploratory wells are capitalized pending determination that proved reserves have been found. If the determination is dependent upon the results of planned additional wells and require additional capital expenditures to develop the reserves, the drilling costs will be capitalized as long as sufficient reserves have been found to justify completion of the exploratory well as a producing well, and additional wells are underway or firmly planned to complete the evaluation of the well. Exploratory wells not meeting the criteria for continued capitalization are expensed when such a determination is made. Other exploration costs are expensed as incurred.
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization for productive oil and gas properties are recorded on a unit-of-production basis. For other depreciable property, depreciation is recorded on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets which ranges between three to five years, or the lease term. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company reviews its long-lived assets in property, plant and equipment for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, (Property, Plant and Equipment). Review for impairment of long-lived assets occurs whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be fully recoverable. Possible indicators of impairment include current period losses combined with a history of losses, significant downward oil and gas reserve revisions, or when changes in other circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for assets to be held and used when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the asset are less than its carrying amount. In the case of oil and gas properties, the Company estimates the future undiscounted cash flows of the affected properties to judge the recoverability of carrying amounts. Cash flows are determined on the basis of reasonable and documented assumptions that represent the best estimate of the future economic conditions during the remaining useful life of the asset. The Company’s cash flow projections into the future include assumptions on variables such as future sales, sales prices, operating costs, economic conditions, market competition and inflation. Prices used to quantify the expected future cash flows are estimated based on forward prices prevailing in the marketplace and management’s long-term planning assumptions. Impairment is measured by the excess of carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. No impairment charges were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011, respectively.
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	The Company accounts for asset retirement obligations in accordance with ASC Topic 410 (Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations), which requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred. ASC 410 requires the Company to record a liability for the present value, using a credit-adjusted risk free interest rate, of the estimated site restoration costs with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related long-lived assets. See “Note 8 – Asset Retirement Obligations” for further information.
	Inventory
	Inventories of crude oil are valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method and include certain costs directly related to the production process.
	Revenues
	Revenues are recognized when a lifting (sale) occurs. The recognition criteria are satisfied when there exists a signed contract with defined pricing, delivery and acceptance (as defined in the contract) of the product or service have occurred, there is no significant uncertainty of collectability, and the amount is not subject to refund. Crude oil revenues are net of royalties.
	Income Taxes
	The Company provides for income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740 (Income Taxes). Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying values for financial reporting purposes and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets to their net realizable amounts if it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be fully realized.
	The Company routinely evaluates any tax deduction and tax refund positions in a two-step process. The first step is to determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained. If that test is met, the second step is to determine the amount of benefit or expense to recognize in the consolidated financial statements. See “Note 10 – Income Taxes” for further information.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes all stock-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, in the consolidated financial statements based on their grant-date fair values in accordance with ASC Topic 718-10 (Stock Compensation). The Company values its stock options awarded using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and the restricted stock is valued at the grant date closing market price. Such costs are recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (which is usually the vesting period). Stock-based compensation paid to non-employees is valued at the fair value at the applicable measurement date and charged to expense as services are rendered.
	Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
	The Company computes earnings or loss per share under ASC Topic 260 (Earnings per Share). Net earnings or loss per common share is computed by dividing net earnings or loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and applicable dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the year. Dilutive common stock equivalents consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of the Company’s stock options, unvested restricted stock, and warrants (calculated using the treasury stock method). Potential dilutive common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (e.g., those that increase earnings per share or decrease net loss per share) are excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 to Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, update, supersede and replace the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASUs 2011-05 and 2011-12. ASU 2013-02 requires disclosure, either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. The new guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the guidance required as of January 1, 2013. The required disclosures have been included in Note 5, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Obligations Resulting From Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date. The amendments in ASU 2013-04 to Topic 405, Liabilities, provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of the update is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed with existing U.S. GAAP. The guidance requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amounts of the obligation, as well as other information about those obligations. The amendment is effective retrospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2013 the FASB issued ASU 2013-07, Liquidation Basis of Accounting. The amendments in ASU 2013-07 to Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, clarify when an entity should apply the liquidation basis of accounting and provide principles for the recognition and measurement of associated assets and liabilities. In accordance with the amendments, the liquidation basis is used when liquidation is imminent. Liquidation is considered imminent when the likelihood is remote that the organization will return from liquidation and either: (a) a plan for liquidation is approved by the person or persons with the authority to make such a plan effective and the likelihood is remote that the execution of the plan will be blocked by other parties; or (b) a plan for liquidation is being imposed by other forces. The amendments in ASU 2013-07 are effective prospectively for entities that determine liquidation is imminent for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013 the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 to Topic 740, Income Taxes, clarify that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, or the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the possible impact of ASU 2013-11, but does not anticipate that it will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations including enhanced disclosure requirements. Under the updated guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization´s operations and financial results. The standards update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014. We will adopt this standards update, as required, beginning with the first quarter of 2015. The adoption of this standards update affects presentation only and, as such, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of this guidance is to establish principles for reporting information about the nature, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures around contracts with customers, significant judgments and change in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. The standards update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We will adopt this standards update, as required, beginning with the first quarter of 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance around share-based compensation. The guidance was issued to clarify the accounting treatment for performance-based stock awards. The update states that companies should not record compensation expense related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the company’s satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. The update does not contain any new disclosure requirements and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We will adopt this standards update, as required, beginning with the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this standards update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going concern uncertainties in its financial statements. The objective of the update is to define management’s responsibility to evaluate, each annual and interim reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued and to provide related footnote disclosures. The standards update is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim period thereafter. We will adopt this standards update, as required, beginning with the first quarter of 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its footnote disclosures.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	NOTE 3. — DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	In August 2012, the Company divested its wholly owned Hong Kong subsidiary Pacific Asia Petroleum Limited (“PAPL”) for net cash consideration of $2.4 million and 9.6 million fully paid ordinary shares, net of selling expenses, of Leyshon Resources Limited, a natural resources mining company based in Beijing, China. The Leyshon shares had a fair market value of $1.9 million, and have since been sold.
	PAPL held the Company’s interest in the Zijinshan production sharing contract relating to the Zijinshan block in the Shanxi Province of China. Since 2008, the Company engaged in exploration activities on this block in search of coalbed methane and other gas. The Company made a strategic decision to monetize this asset and withdraw from activity in China in order to focus its efforts and capital resources on its core Africa activities.
	The Company has reclassified all assets, liabilities and the results of operations for China to discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	Results of operations from discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Costs and expenses:
	Exploratory expenses	$	-		$	204		$	2,545
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		-			8			53
	General and administrative expenses		36			779			1,642
	Other income		-			-			(228	)
	Total costs and expenses		36			991			4,012
	Loss before income taxes		(36	)		(991	)		(4,012	)
	Income tax expense		-			-			-
	Net loss before noncontrolling interests		(36	)		(991	)		(4,012	)
	Noncontrolling interests		-			8			90
	Net loss	$	(36	)	$	(983	)	$	(3,922	)
	Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013
	Other assets	$	36
	Total assets	$	36

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	NOTE 4. — ACQUISITIONS
	The Allied Assets
	In June 2012, Allied purchased the Allied Assets from an independent third party. The Allied Assets were subsequently acquired by the Company in February 2014 as part of the Allied Transaction see “Note 18 – Subsequent Events”. Allied is a wholly owned subsidiary of CEHL, the Company’s majority shareholder, and deemed to be under common control (transactions between subsidiaries of the same parent). The transaction has been accounted for as if CEHL had acquired the Allied Assets and contributed them to the Company. In addition, costs related to the drilling of the Oyo-7 well, incurred by Allied in 2013, are also considered to be contributed to the Company.
	The table below shows the carrying values of the net Allied Assets contributed at their respective periods (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013		2012
	Asset acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	61,205	$	214,710
	Asset retirement obligations		-		(23,785	)
	Net assets acquired	$	61,205	$	190,925
	Because these assets were deemed paid for by CEHL and contributed to the Company, they have been treated as non-cash transactions in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Award of Kenya Exploration Blocks
	In May 2012, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into four production sharing contracts with the Government of the Republic of Kenya (the “Kenya PSCs”), covering onshore exploration blocks L1B and L16, and new offshore exploration blocks L27 and L28. For all blocks, the Company is the operator, with the Government having the right to participate up to 20%, either directly or through an appointee, in any area subsequent to declaration of a commercial discovery. The Company also has the right to apply for up to two additional two-year exploration periods, with specified additional minimum work obligations, including the acquisition of seismic data and the drilling of one exploratory well on each block during each such additional period. The Company is responsible for all exploration expenditures.
	The Kenya PSCs for onshore blocks L1B and L16 each provide for an initial exploration period, now extended through June 2015, with specified minimum work obligations during that period. Prior to the end of the initial exploration period, the Company is required to conduct, for each block, a gravity and magnetic survey and acquire, process and interpret 2D seismic data. The gravity and magnetic survey was completed in April 2013. In December 2013, the Company initiated an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (“ESIA”) study which was successfully completed in March 2014. In October 2014, the Company signed agreements for both blocks for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of 2D seismic data. The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2015.
	The Kenya PSCs for offshore blocks L27 and L28 each provide for an initial exploration period of three years, through August 2015, with specified minimum work obligations during that period. Prior to the end of the initial exploration period, the Company is required to conduct, for each block, a regional geological and geophysical study, acquire 2D seismic data and acquire, process and interpret 3D seismic data. The Company participated in a multi-client combined gravity / magnetic and 2D seismic survey covering blocks L27 and L28. The survey was successfully completed in March 2014. The processed data is currently being interpreted internally. Further, in March 2014 the Company started the regional geophysical study for these two blocks.
	In addition to the minimum work obligations, each of the Kenya PSCs requires annual surface rental payments, training fund payments and contributions to local community development projects.
	Award of The Gambia Licenses
	In May 2012, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, signed two Petroleum Exploration, Development & Production Licenses with The Republic of The Gambia, for exploration blocks A2 and A5. For both blocks, the Company is the operator, with the Gambian National Petroleum Company (“GNPCo”) having the right to elect to participate up to a 15% interest, following approval of a development and production plan. The Company is responsible for all expenditures prior to such approval even if the GNPCo elects to participate.
	The Gambia Licenses provide for an initial exploration period of four years with specified minimum work obligations during that period. Prior to the end of the initial exploration period, the Company will conduct, on each block, a regional geological study, acquire, process and interpret seismic data, drill one exploration well and evaluate drilling results, with the first two work obligations (regional geological study and 3D seismic data acquisition and processing) due prior to the end of the second year. The Company has the right to apply for up to two additional two-year exploration periods with specified additional minimum work obligations, including the drilling of one exploration well during each additional period for each block. The company has completed a regional geology and geophysical study of both the A2 and A5 blocks.
	In addition to the minimum work obligations, The Gambia Licenses require annual rental payments, training and community fees.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	NOTE 5. — ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The following summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):
		Foreign
		Currency
		Gain (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	224
	Realized foreign currency gain		(224	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	-

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	NOTE 6. — PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Wells and production facilities	$	28,874		$	34,725
	Proved properties		386,196			386,196
	Work in progress and other		86,634			-
	Oilfield assets		501,704			420,921
	Accumulated depletion		(74,909	)		(65,893	)
	Oilfield assets, net		426,795			355,028
	Unevaluated leaseholds		8,240			8,240
	Oil and gas properties, net		435,035			363,268
	Other property and equipment		1,590			989
	Accumulated depreciation		(838	)		(533	)
	Other property and equipment, net		752			456
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	435,787		$	363,724

Suspended_Exploratory_Well_Cos

Suspended Exploratory Well Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Extractive Industries [Abstract]
Suspended Exploratory Well Costs	NOTE 7. — SUSPENDED EXPLORATORY WELL COSTS
	In November 2013, the Company achieved both its primary and secondary drilling objectives for the Oyo-7 well. The primary drilling objective was to establish production from the existing Pliocene reservoir. The secondary drilling objective was to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons in the deeper Miocene formation. Hydrocarbons were encountered in three Miocene intervals totaling approximately 65 feet, as interpreted by the logging-while-drilling (“LWD”) data. Management is making plans to further explore the Miocene formation in future wells. The Company’s suspended exploratory well costs were $26.5 million at December 31, 2013 for the costs related to the Miocene exploratory drilling activities. The Company did not have any suspended exploratory well costs at December 31, 2012.

Asset_Retirement_Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligations	NOTE 8. —ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
	The Company’s asset retirement obligations primarily represent the estimated fair value of the amounts that will be incurred to plug, abandon and remediate our producing properties at the end of their productive lives. Significant inputs used in determining such obligations include, but are not limited to, estimates of plugging and abandonment costs, estimated future inflation rates and changes in property lives. The inputs are calculated based on historical data as well as current estimated costs.
	The following tables summarize the changes and the balances of current and long-term portions in the Company’s asset retirement obligations during the periods (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Asset retirement obligations at January 1	$	24,832		$	-
	Property acquisition		-			23,785
	Revisions in estimated liabilities		(6,466	)		-
	Accretion		2,235			1,047
	Asset retirement obligations at December 31	$	20,601		$	24,832
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Asset retirement obligations, current portion	$	12,479		$	-
	Asset retirement obligations, long-term portion		8,122			24,832
		$	20,601		$	24,832
	Accretion expense is recognized as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Note_Payable_Related_Party

Note Payable - Related Party	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Note Payable - Related Party	NOTE 9. — NOTE PAYABLE – RELATED PARTY
	In June 2011, CPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, executed a Promissory Note in favor of Allied. Under the initial terms of the Promissory Note, Allied agreed to make loans to CPL from time to time for purposes of making payments relating to the workover of the Oyo-5 well in an aggregate sum of up to $25.0 million. Interest accrues on the outstanding principal under the Promissory Note at a rate of 30 day LIBOR plus 2% per annum. In September 2013, the Company and Allied amended the Promissory Note and the Guaranty to add the Company as a borrower, to allow for borrowings of up to $10.0 million for general corporate purposes and to pledge the stock of the subsidiary of CEI that holds the exploration licenses in The Gambia and Kenya as collateral pursuant to an equitable share mortgage arrangement. As of December 31, 2013, the book value of the exploration licenses in The Gambia and Kenya was $3.2 million. Pursuant to the initial terms of the Promissory Note, the outstanding principal amount of all loans was to mature on June 6, 2013. In August 2012, the Promissory Note was amended to extend the maturity date to October 15, 2013, and in March 2013 the Promissory Note was again amended to extend the maturity date to July 15, 2014. In January 2014, Allied agreed to amend the Promissory Note and extend the maturity date to July 15, 2015 in the event the Company is not successful in obtaining external financing arrangements by June 30, 2014. In August 2014, the Promissory Note was amended to extend the maturity date by one year to July 2015, and to allow for the entire $25.0 million facility amount to be utilized for general corporate purposes. The Company has guaranteed all of CPL’s obligations under the Promissory Note. As of December 31, 2013, $6.5 million was outstanding under the Promissory Note.
	The Company’s Executive Chairman and member of the Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer indirectly owns 27.7% of CEHL, which is the majority shareholder of the Company. As a result, he is deemed to have an indirect material interest in the transaction contemplated by the Promissory Note. The material facts as to this relationship with Allied were fully disclosed to the Board of Directors prior to Board approval of the transaction.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	NOTE 10. — INCOME TAXES
	Following is a reconciliation of the expected statutory U.S. Federal income tax provision to the actual income tax expense for the respective periods (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net loss attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc. before income tax expense	$	(43,525	)	$	(29,529	)	$	(24,913	)
	Expected income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%		(15,234	)		(10,335	)		(8,720	)
	Increase (decrease) due to:
	Foreign-incorporated subsidiaries		-			-			4,102
	Net losses not realizable currently for U.S. tax purposes		15,234			10,335			4,618
	Total income tax expense	$	-		$	-		$	-
	Significant components of our deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Basis difference in fixed assets	$	(105,007	)	$	(50,121	)
	Unused capital allowances		341,540			276,644
	Net operating losses		26,650			16,922
	Share-based compensation		837			368
			264,020			243,813
	Valuation allowance		(264,020	)		(243,813	)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	-		$	-
	The majority of the Company’s basis difference in fixed assets and unused capital allowances were generated from its Nigerian operations. The Company’s foreign net operating losses in Nigeria are not subject to expiration, and can be carried forward indefinitely. The foreign operating losses in The Gambia and Kenya are included in the respective subsidiaries cost oil accounts, which will be offset against future taxable revenues.
	Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if existing deferred tax assets will be utilized. Based on current facts and circumstances related to its Nigerian operations, Management has determined that it cannot demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the Nigerian losses and unutilized capital allowances will be utilized to reduce the Company’s petroleum profit tax liability within the foreseeable future. Furthermore, since the Company does not currently have any revenue generating activities either in the U.S. or in any of its non-Nigerian subsidiaries, it cannot demonstrate that it is more likely than not that any of the related deferred tax assets will be utilized in the foreseeable future.
	On the basis of this assessment, valuation allowances of $264.0 million and $243.8 million were recorded as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company was subject to foreign and United States federal taxes only, with no allocations made to state and local taxes.
	The following table summarizes the tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions:
	United States:	2007 - 2013
	Nigeria:	2010 - 2013
	Kenya:	2012 - 2013
	Gambia:	2012 - 2013

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation	NOTE 11. — STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
	Under the Company’s amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (“2009 Plan”), the Company may issue restricted stock awards and stock options to result in issuance of a maximum aggregate of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock. Options awarded expire between five and 10 years from date of grant, or shorter term as fixed by the Board of Directors. On February 18, 2014, the Company executed the amendment to the 2009 Plan thereby increasing the number of shares that may be granted thereunder to 100,000,000.
	In 2013, the Company granted a total of 8,003,874 stock options with vesting periods from three years to five years.
	Stock Options
	A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2013, is presented below.
								Weighted-Average
		Shares						Remaining
		Underlying			Weighted-Average			Contractual Term
		Options			Exercise Price			(Years)
	Stock Options
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013		6,124,703		$	0.37			3.5
	Granted		8,003,874		$	0.28			4.3
	Exercised		-
	Forfeited		(353,046	)	$	0.69
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		13,775,531		$	0.31		3.7
	Expected to vest		13,775,531		$	0.31		3.7
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		3,376,648		$	0.37			2.7
	The total intrinsic values of options outstanding and options exercisable were $0.9 million at December 31, 2013. The total intrinsic values realized by recipients on options exercised were $0 in 2013, $0 in 2012, and $0.2 million in 2011.
	The Company recorded compensation expense relative to stock options in 2013, 2012 and 2011 of $1.1 million, $0.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
	The fair values of stock options used in recording compensation expense are computed using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The table below shows the weighted-average amounts for the assumptions used in the model for options awarded in each year under equity incentive plans.
		2013			2012			2011
	Expected price volatility		77.9	%		120.5	%		103.7	%
	Risk free interest rate (U.S. treasury bonds)		0.5	%		0.5	%		0.8	%
	Expected annual dividend yield		-			-			-
	Expected option term (years)		3.5			3.5			3.1
	Grant date fair value per share	$	0.23		$	0.26		$	0.34
	Restricted Stock Awards (“RSA”)
	In addition to stock options, our 2009 Plan allows for the grant of restricted stock awards, or RSA. We determine the fair value of RSAs based on the market price of our common stock on the date of grant. Compensation cost for RSAs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting or service period and is net of forfeitures.
	A summary of restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2013, is presented below.
					Weighted-Average
					Grant Date Fair
		Shares			Value
	Restricted Stock
	Nonvested at January 1, 2013		2,676,724		$	0.32
	Granted		4,163,374		$	0.26
	Vested		(2,301,312	)	$	0.32
	Forfeited		-
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2013		4,538,786		$	0.27
	The Company recorded compensation expense relative to RSA’s in 2013, 2012 and 2011 of $0.9 million, $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
	The total grant date fair value of RSA shares that vested during 2013 was approximately $0.5 million. As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $1.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSAs, with $0.9 million, and $0.3 million to be recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Earnings_or_Loss_Per_Common_Sh

Earnings or Loss Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings or Loss Per Common Share	NOTE 12. — EARNINGS OR LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
	Basic earnings or loss per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, were as follows
	(in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Basic		878,710		628,101		376,312
	Diluted		878,710		628,101		376,312
	The number of stock options, warrants issued in stock offerings and nonvested restricted stock excluded from dilutive shares outstanding in the above periods, as these potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive because the Company was in a loss position, were as follows (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Stock options		-		4		238
	Warrants issued in stock offerings		-		-		14
	Nonvested restricted stock awards		2,154		796		158
			2,154		800		410

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc

Financial Instruments and Concentration of credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk	NOTE 13. — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The estimated fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties. The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, deposits, inventory, accounts payable, accrued expenses, asset retirement obligations, other long-term liabilities and debt at floating interest rates approximate their fair values at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, principally due to the short-term nature, maturities or nature of interest rates of the above listed items.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company is currently not exposed to any concentration of credit risk.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	NOTE 14. — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Commitments
	We rent office space and miscellaneous office equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Office rent expense, net of sublease income, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, minimum future rental commitments for operating leases were a total of $2.2 million as follows: $0.4 million in 2014, $0.4 million in 2015, $0.4 million in 2016, $0.4 million in 2017 and $0.6 in 2018 and thereafter.
	The Company also has commitments related to four production sharing contracts with the Republic of Kenya and two Petroleum Exploration, Development & Production Licenses with the Republic of The Gambia, in each case entered into by the Company through a wholly owned subsidiary. To maintain compliance and ownership, the Company is required to fulfill minimum work obligations and to make certain payments as stated in each of the Kenya PSCs and The Gambia Licenses. At December 31, 2013, minimum future work obligations were a total of $148.4 million as follows: $14.8 million in 2014 and $133.6 million in the years 2015 and 2016.
	In January 2014, a long-term drilling contract was signed for the drillship Energy Searcher. The rig arrived on location in the Oyo Field on OML 120 in June 2014 and commenced drilling the Oyo-8 well. The drilling agreement is for an initial term of one year, with an option to extend the contract for an additional one year. The minimum commitment pursuant to the initial term of the agreement is approximately $86.0 million.
	In February 2014, a long-term contract was signed for the floating, production, storage, and offloading vessel (“FPSO”) Armada Perdana, which is the vessel currently connected to the Company’s producing wells Oyo-5 and Oyo-6. The contract provides for an initial term of seven years beginning January 1, 2014, with an automatic extension for an additional term of two years unless terminated by the Company with prior notice. The FPSO can process up to 40,000 barrels of liquid per day, with a storage capacity of approximately one million barrels. The annual minimum commitment per the terms of the agreement is approximately $35.0 million in the first year and approximately $48.0 million thereafter.
	Contingencies
	From time to time we may be involved in various legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business. As of December 31, 2013, and through the filing date of this report, we do not believe the ultimate resolution of such actions or potential actions of which we are currently aware will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or our net income or loss.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	NOTE 15. — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	The Company has transactions in the normal course of business with its shareholders, CEHL and their affiliates. The following tables summarize related party transactions and balances (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	CEHL, accounts receivable	$	1,026		$	6,103
	CEHL, other current assets		624			624
	CEHL, accounts payable		292			10,213
	CEHL, note payable-related party		6,496			-
	CEHL, accrued expenses		804			25
	CEHL, long-term note payable-related party		-			872
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
	CEHL, total operating (income) and expenses	$	(1,167	)	$	81	$	3,243
	CEHL, other expense, net		99			122		120
	In June 2011, CPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, executed a Promissory Note in favor of Allied. See “Note 9 - Note Payable – Related Party,” for additional information relating to the Promissory Note. As of December 31, 2013, $6.5 million was outstanding under the Promissory Note.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	NOTE 16. — SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company’s current operations are based in Nigeria, Kenya and The Gambia. Management reviews and evaluates the operations of each geographic segment separately. Segments include exploration for and production of hydrocarbons where commercial reserves have been found and developed. Revenues and expenditures are recognized at the relevant geographical location. The Company evaluates each segment based on operating income (loss).
	The Company did not previously report separate segment information because management reviewed and evaluated the operations of the Company as a whole. However pursuant to the Allied Transaction and the significant exploration activities undertaken in several of our subsidiaries, management began to evaluate the operations of each geographic segment separately.
	Segment activity are as follows (in thousands):
		Nigeria			Kenya			The Gambia			Corporate and Other			Total
	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2013
	Revenues	$	63,736		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	63,736
	Operating loss	$	(23,705	)	$	(3,404	)	$	(1,070	)	$	(15,348	)	$	(43,527	)
	2012
	Revenues	$	74,667		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	74,667
	Operating loss	$	(18,497	)	$	(1,046	)	$	(498	)	$	(12,083	)	$	(32,124	)
	2011
	Revenues	$	37,922		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	37,922
	Operating loss	$	(7,870	)	$	-		$	-		$	(12,793	)	$	(20,663	)
	Total assets by segment are as follows (in thousands):
		Nigeria			Kenya			The Gambia			Corporate and Other			Total
	Total Assets
	As of December 31, 2013	$	449,856		$	1,484		$	2,025		$	859		$	454,224
	As of December 31, 2012	$	371,744		$	1,364		$	2,168		$	1,767		$	377,043

Selected_Unaudited_Quarterly_F

Selected Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	NOTE 17. — SELECTED UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (In thousands)
		Three Months Ended,
		31-Mar-13			30-Jun-13			30-Sep-13			31-Dec-13
	Total revenues	$	22,006		$	20,007		$	21,723		$	-
	Operating loss	$	(10,484	)	$	(11,924	)	$	(10,401	)	$	(10,718	)
	Net loss attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.	$	(10,488	)	$	(11,930	)	$	(10,417	)	$	(10,690	)
	Net loss per common share attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.:
	Basic	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)
	Diluted	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)
		Three Months Ended,
		31-Mar-12			30-Jun-12			30-Sep-12			31-Dec-12
	Total revenues	$	5,672		$	-		$	44,657		$	24,338
	Operating loss	$	(879	)	$	(3,496	)	$	(10,861	)	$	(16,888	)
	Net loss attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.	$	(1,296	)	$	(3,975	)	$	(6,879	)	$	(17,379	)
	Net loss per common share attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.:
	Basic	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.02	)
	Diluted	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.02	)

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	NOTE 18. — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Allied Transaction
	In February 2014, the Company completed the Allied Transaction thereby acquiring the Allied Assets. Pursuant to the terms of the Transfer Agreement, the Company, as partial consideration for the Allied Assets, paid $85.0 million in cash to Allied, issued 497,454,857 shares of the Company’s common stock to Allied and delivered a $50.0 million Convertible Subordinated Note (the “Convertible Subordinated Note”) to Allied under which $25.0 million was deemed advanced, with interest accruing per the terms of the Convertible Subordinated Note. Because Allied is a subsidiary of CEHL, the Company’s majority shareholder, it is deemed to be under common control. Accordingly, the shares issued to Allied pursuant to the transaction were accounted for as if issued on June 30, 2012, the effective date when Allied acquired the Allied Assets.
	To fund the cash portion of the Allied Transaction and a portion of the anticipated capital expenditures for development of the Oyo Field, the Company also entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) with the Public Investment Corporation (SOC) Limited, a state-owned company registered and duly incorporated in the Republic of South Africa (“PIC”), for an aggregate cash investment of $270.0 million through a private placement of 376,884,422 shares of common stock (the “Private Placement”). The Share Purchase Agreement provides that the Private Placement will be completed in two installments. The first installment of $135.0 million (the “First Closing”) in exchange for 188,442,211 shares of the Company’s common stock was completed at the closing of the Allied Transaction. The second installment (the “Second Closing”) of $135.0 million in exchange for 188,442,211 shares of the Company’s common stock was completed in May 2014.
	Following the Second Closing with the PIC, the Company was required to pay to Allied the additional $85.0 million in cash, and the additional $25.0 million Convertible Subordinated Note was deemed advanced with interest accruing per the terms of the Convertible Subordinated Note. As of the First Closing and pursuant to the terms of the Transfer Agreement, the Company was obligated for the full $50.0 million Convertible Subordinated Note and accordingly recorded this on the balance sheet at that time.
	The Allied Transaction is being accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control, whereby the net assets acquired are combined with the Company’s assets at their historical amounts. Since the cash and debt consideration exceeds the carrying cost of the assets acquired, no value was assigned to the shares issued.
	Ghana Petroleum Agreement
	In April 2014, the Company signed a Petroleum Agreement relating to the Expanded Shallow Water Tano block in Ghana. The Company has been named technical operator and will hold an indirect 30% interest in the block. The block contains three discovered fields, and the work program requires the partners to determine, within nine months, the economic viability of developing the discovered fields.
	Term Loan Facility
	In September 2014, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary CPL, entered into a credit facility with a Nigerian bank for a five-year senior secured term loan providing initial borrowing capacity of up to $100.0 million (the “Term Loan Facility”). U.S. dollar borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 7.5%, subject to a floor of 9.5%. The obligations under the Term Loan Facility include a legal charge over OMLs 120 and 121 and an assignment of proceeds from oil sales. The obligations of CPL have been guaranteed by the Company and rank in priority with all its other obligations.  Proceeds from the Term Loan Facility will be used for the further expansion and development of OMLs 120 and 121 offshore Nigeria, including the Oyo field.
	Under the Term Loan Facility, the following events, among others, constitute events of default: CPL failing to pay any amounts due within thirty days of the due date; bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or dissolution of CPL; a material breach of the Loan Agreement by CPL that remains unremedied within thirty days of written notice by CPL; or a representation or warranty of CPL proves to have been incorrect or materially inaccurate when made. Upon any event of default, all outstanding principal and interest under any loans will become immediately due and payable.
	The Term Loan Facility contains normal and customary covenants including the delivery of the Company’s annual audited financial information each year, and a provision of priority of interest, in which the Company is to procure that its obligations under the Term Loan Facility do and will rank in priority with all its other current and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations.  The Company is also to provide a production and lifting schedule each month displaying the daily production totals and quantities lifted respectively from OMLs 120 and 121.
	Upon executing the Term Loan Facility, the Company paid a commitment fee of $1.9 million, which was capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the Term Loan Facility.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the indicated periods. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
	In August 2012, the Company divested its wholly owned Hong Kong subsidiary Pacific Asia Petroleum Limited for cash and shares of stock. The Company has classified the current and historical results of its China operations, including other inactive operations not involved in this sale, as discontinued operations, net of tax, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See “Note 3 - Discontinued Operations”, for more information regarding the sale.
	In January 2014 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a stock dividend on all shares of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock entitling stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 13, 2014, to receive an additional 1.4348 shares of Common Stock for every share of Common Stock held (the “Stock Dividend”). Payment of the Stock Dividend was conditioned on (i) approval of the Company’s stockholders at the special meeting of stockholders to be held on February 13, 2014 of certain proposals related to the Allied Transaction, including a proposal to amend the Company’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock and (ii) approval of the listing of the Company’s Common Stock on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”). On February 13, 2014, the Company held a special meeting of its stockholders to consider and vote upon the proposals mentioned above and other related agenda items. All of the proposals presented at the meeting received the requisite shareholder approval and the approval of the JSE listing was successfully obtained. On February 21, 2014, the Company paid the Stock Dividend pursuant to which each share of stock of record as of the close of business on February 13, 2014, carried the right to receive 1.4348 shares of Common Stock for every one share of Common Stock held.
	Due to the large nature of the Stock Dividend (exceeds 25% of the total shares outstanding prior to the distribution), it has been accounted for as a Stock Split. The effect is a retroactive adjustment to the financial statements and associated footnotes as if the dividend had occurred at the beginning of the first period presented.
	In February 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining economic interests that it did not already own in the Production Sharing Contract (“PSC”) covering Oil Mining Leases 120 and 121 (“OMLs 120 and 121”) located offshore Nigeria, which include the currently producing Oyo Field (the “Allied Assets”), from Allied (the “Allied Transaction”). Allied is a subsidiary of CEHL, the Company’s majority shareholder, and deemed to be under common control (transactions between subsidiaries of the same parent). Accordingly, the net assets acquired from Allied were recorded at their respective carrying values as of the acquisition date. The consolidated financial statements, included herein, are presented as though the Allied Transaction had occurred in June 2012, the date Allied Acquired the Allied Assets from an independent third party. See “Note 4 – Acquisitions” for additional information relating to the Allied Assets and “Note 18 – Subsequent Events” for additional information relating to the Allied Transaction.
Principles of Consolidation
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and activities of the Company, subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling financial interest, and entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates based on assumptions. Estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Accordingly, our accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. While management believes that the estimates and assumptions used in preparation of consolidated financial statements are appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that may have a significant effect include oil and natural gas reserve quantities, depletion and amortization relating to oil and natural gas properties, and income taxes. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements may change as new events occur, more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained and our operating environment changes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments with initial maturities of three months or less.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Trade accounts receivable are accounted for at cost less allowance for doubtful accounts. We establish provisions for losses on accounts receivables if it is determined that collection of all or a part of an outstanding balance is not probable. Collectability is reviewed regularly and an allowance is established or adjusted, as necessary, using the specific identification method. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no allowance for doubtful accounts was necessary.
Successful Efforts Method of Accounting for Oil and Gas Activities	Successful Efforts Method of Accounting for Oil and Gas Activities
	The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its costs of acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties. Under this method, oil and gas lease acquisition costs and intangible drilling costs associated with exploration efforts that result in the discovery of proved reserves and costs associated with development drilling, whether or not successful, are capitalized when incurred. Drilling costs of exploratory wells are capitalized pending determination that proved reserves have been found. If the determination is dependent upon the results of planned additional wells and require additional capital expenditures to develop the reserves, the drilling costs will be capitalized as long as sufficient reserves have been found to justify completion of the exploratory well as a producing well, and additional wells are underway or firmly planned to complete the evaluation of the well. Exploratory wells not meeting the criteria for continued capitalization are expensed when such a determination is made. Other exploration costs are expensed as incurred.
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization for productive oil and gas properties are recorded on a unit-of-production basis. For other depreciable property, depreciation is recorded on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets which ranges between three to five years, or the lease term. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company reviews its long-lived assets in property, plant and equipment for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, (Property, Plant and Equipment). Review for impairment of long-lived assets occurs whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be fully recoverable. Possible indicators of impairment include current period losses combined with a history of losses, significant downward oil and gas reserve revisions, or when changes in other circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for assets to be held and used when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the asset are less than its carrying amount. In the case of oil and gas properties, the Company estimates the future undiscounted cash flows of the affected properties to judge the recoverability of carrying amounts. Cash flows are determined on the basis of reasonable and documented assumptions that represent the best estimate of the future economic conditions during the remaining useful life of the asset. The Company’s cash flow projections into the future include assumptions on variables such as future sales, sales prices, operating costs, economic conditions, market competition and inflation. Prices used to quantify the expected future cash flows are estimated based on forward prices prevailing in the marketplace and management’s long-term planning assumptions. Impairment is measured by the excess of carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. No impairment charges were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations
	The Company accounts for asset retirement obligations in accordance with ASC Topic 410 (Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations), which requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred. ASC 410 requires the Company to record a liability for the present value, using a credit-adjusted risk free interest rate, of the estimated site restoration costs with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related long-lived assets. See “Note 8 – Asset Retirement Obligations” for further information.
Inventory	Inventory
	Inventories of crude oil are valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method and include certain costs directly related to the production process.
Revenues	Revenues
	Revenues are recognized when a lifting (sale) occurs. The recognition criteria are satisfied when there exists a signed contract with defined pricing, delivery and acceptance (as defined in the contract) of the product or service have occurred, there is no significant uncertainty of collectability, and the amount is not subject to refund. Crude oil revenues are net of royalties.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company provides for income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740 (Income Taxes). Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying values for financial reporting purposes and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets to their net realizable amounts if it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be fully realized.
	The Company routinely evaluates any tax deduction and tax refund positions in a two-step process. The first step is to determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained. If that test is met, the second step is to determine the amount of benefit or expense to recognize in the consolidated financial statements. See “Note 10 – Income Taxes” for further information.
Share-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes all stock-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, in the consolidated financial statements based on their grant-date fair values in accordance with ASC Topic 718-10 (Stock Compensation). The Company values its stock options awarded using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and the restricted stock is valued at the grant date closing market price. Such costs are recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (which is usually the vesting period). Stock-based compensation paid to non-employees is valued at the fair value at the applicable measurement date and charged to expense as services are rendered.
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
	The Company computes earnings or loss per share under ASC Topic 260 (Earnings per Share). Net earnings or loss per common share is computed by dividing net earnings or loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and applicable dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the year. Dilutive common stock equivalents consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of the Company’s stock options, unvested restricted stock, and warrants (calculated using the treasury stock method). Potential dilutive common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (e.g., those that increase earnings per share or decrease net loss per share) are excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 to Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, update, supersede and replace the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASUs 2011-05 and 2011-12. ASU 2013-02 requires disclosure, either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. The new guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the guidance required as of January 1, 2013. The required disclosures have been included in Note 5, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Obligations Resulting From Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date. The amendments in ASU 2013-04 to Topic 405, Liabilities, provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of the update is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed with existing U.S. GAAP. The guidance requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amounts of the obligation, as well as other information about those obligations. The amendment is effective retrospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2013 the FASB issued ASU 2013-07, Liquidation Basis of Accounting. The amendments in ASU 2013-07 to Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, clarify when an entity should apply the liquidation basis of accounting and provide principles for the recognition and measurement of associated assets and liabilities. In accordance with the amendments, the liquidation basis is used when liquidation is imminent. Liquidation is considered imminent when the likelihood is remote that the organization will return from liquidation and either: (a) a plan for liquidation is approved by the person or persons with the authority to make such a plan effective and the likelihood is remote that the execution of the plan will be blocked by other parties; or (b) a plan for liquidation is being imposed by other forces. The amendments in ASU 2013-07 are effective prospectively for entities that determine liquidation is imminent for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013 the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 to Topic 740, Income Taxes, clarify that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, or the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the possible impact of ASU 2013-11, but does not anticipate that it will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations including enhanced disclosure requirements. Under the updated guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization´s operations and financial results. The standards update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014. We will adopt this standards update, as required, beginning with the first quarter of 2015. The adoption of this standards update affects presentation only and, as such, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of this guidance is to establish principles for reporting information about the nature, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures around contracts with customers, significant judgments and change in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. The standards update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We will adopt this standards update, as required, beginning with the first quarter of 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance around share-based compensation. The guidance was issued to clarify the accounting treatment for performance-based stock awards. The update states that companies should not record compensation expense related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the company’s satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. The update does not contain any new disclosure requirements and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We will adopt this standards update, as required, beginning with the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this standards update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going concern uncertainties in its financial statements. The objective of the update is to define management’s responsibility to evaluate, each annual and interim reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued and to provide related footnote disclosures. The standards update is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim period thereafter. We will adopt this standards update, as required, beginning with the first quarter of 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its footnote disclosures.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statements
Summary of Discontinued Operations based on Results of Operations and Assets and Liabilities	Results of operations from discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Costs and expenses:
	Exploratory expenses	$	-		$	204		$	2,545
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		-			8			53
	General and administrative expenses		36			779			1,642
	Other income		-			-			(228	)
	Total costs and expenses		36			991			4,012
	Loss before income taxes		(36	)		(991	)		(4,012	)
	Income tax expense		-			-			-
	Net loss before noncontrolling interests		(36	)		(991	)		(4,012	)
	Noncontrolling interests		-			8			90
	Net loss	$	(36	)	$	(983	)	$	(3,922	)
Balance Sheets
Summary of Discontinued Operations based on Results of Operations and Assets and Liabilities
	Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013
	Other assets	$	36
	Total assets	$	36

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Value of Net Assets Contributed	The table below shows the carrying values of the net Allied Assets contributed at their respective periods (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013		2012
	Asset acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	61,205	$	214,710
	Asset retirement obligations		-		(23,785	)
	Net assets acquired	$	61,205	$	190,925

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Balances of Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):
		Foreign
		Currency
		Gain (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	224
	Realized foreign currency gain		(224	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	-

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Wells and production facilities	$	28,874		$	34,725
	Proved properties		386,196			386,196
	Work in progress and other		86,634			-
	Oilfield assets		501,704			420,921
	Accumulated depletion		(74,909	)		(65,893	)
	Oilfield assets, net		426,795			355,028
	Unevaluated leaseholds		8,240			8,240
	Oil and gas properties, net		435,035			363,268
	Other property and equipment		1,590			989
	Accumulated depreciation		(838	)		(533	)
	Other property and equipment, net		752			456
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	435,787		$	363,724

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_T

Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Changes and Balances of Current and Long-term Portions in Asset Retirement Obligations	The following tables summarize the changes and the balances of current and long-term portions in the Company’s asset retirement obligations during the periods (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Asset retirement obligations at January 1	$	24,832		$	-
	Property acquisition		-			23,785
	Revisions in estimated liabilities		(6,466	)		-
	Accretion		2,235			1,047
	Asset retirement obligations at December 31	$	20,601		$	24,832
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Asset retirement obligations, current portion	$	12,479		$	-
	Asset retirement obligations, long-term portion		8,122			24,832
		$	20,601		$	24,832

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Expected Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Provision	Following is a reconciliation of the expected statutory U.S. Federal income tax provision to the actual income tax expense for the respective periods (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net loss attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc. before income tax expense	$	(43,525	)	$	(29,529	)	$	(24,913	)
	Expected income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%		(15,234	)		(10,335	)		(8,720	)
	Increase (decrease) due to:
	Foreign-incorporated subsidiaries		-			-			4,102
	Net losses not realizable currently for U.S. tax purposes		15,234			10,335			4,618
	Total income tax expense	$	-		$	-		$	-
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets	Significant components of our deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Basis difference in fixed assets	$	(105,007	)	$	(50,121	)
	Unused capital allowances		341,540			276,644
	Net operating losses		26,650			16,922
	Share-based compensation		837			368
			264,020			243,813
	Valuation allowance		(264,020	)		(243,813	)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	-		$	-
Summary of Tax Years Remain Subject to Examination	The following table summarizes the tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions:
	United States:	2007 - 2013
	Nigeria:	2010 - 2013
	Kenya:	2012 - 2013
	Gambia:	2012 - 2013

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Option Activity
								Weighted-Average
		Shares						Remaining
		Underlying			Weighted-Average			Contractual Term
		Options			Exercise Price			(Years)
	Stock Options
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013		6,124,703		$	0.37			3.5
	Granted		8,003,874		$	0.28			4.3
	Exercised		-
	Forfeited		(353,046	)	$	0.69
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		13,775,531		$	0.31		3.7
	Expected to vest		13,775,531		$	0.31		3.7
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		3,376,648		$	0.37			2.7
Summary of Weighted-Average Amounts for Assumptions
		2013			2012			2011
	Expected price volatility		77.9	%		120.5	%		103.7	%
	Risk free interest rate (U.S. treasury bonds)		0.5	%		0.5	%		0.8	%
	Expected annual dividend yield		-			-			-
	Expected option term (years)		3.5			3.5			3.1
	Grant date fair value per share	$	0.23		$	0.26		$	0.34
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity
					Weighted-Average
					Grant Date Fair
		Shares			Value
	Restricted Stock
	Nonvested at January 1, 2013		2,676,724		$	0.32
	Granted		4,163,374		$	0.26
	Vested		(2,301,312	)	$	0.32
	Forfeited		-
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2013		4,538,786		$	0.27

Earnings_or_Loss_Per_Common_Sh1

Earnings or Loss Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding for Basic and Diluted EPS	Basic earnings or loss per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, were as follows
	(in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Basic		878,710		628,101		376,312
	Diluted		878,710		628,101		376,312
Schedule of Anti-dilutive Securities
	The number of stock options, warrants issued in stock offerings and nonvested restricted stock excluded from dilutive shares outstanding in the above periods, as these potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive because the Company was in a loss position, were as follows (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Stock options		-		4		238
	Warrants issued in stock offerings		-		-		14
	Nonvested restricted stock awards		2,154		796		158
			2,154		800		410

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheets
Summary of Related Party Transactions and Balances	The Company has transactions in the normal course of business with its shareholders, CEHL and their affiliates. The following tables summarize related party transactions and balances (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	CEHL, accounts receivable	$	1,026		$	6,103
	CEHL, other current assets		624			624
	CEHL, accounts payable		292			10,213
	CEHL, note payable-related party		6,496			-
	CEHL, accrued expenses		804			25
	CEHL, long-term note payable-related party		-			872
Income Statements
Summary of Related Party Transactions and Balances
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
	CEHL, total operating (income) and expenses	$	(1,167	)	$	81	$	3,243
	CEHL, other expense, net		99			122		120

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Activity
	Segment activity are as follows (in thousands):
		Nigeria			Kenya			The Gambia			Corporate and Other			Total
	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2013
	Revenues	$	63,736		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	63,736
	Operating loss	$	(23,705	)	$	(3,404	)	$	(1,070	)	$	(15,348	)	$	(43,527	)
	2012
	Revenues	$	74,667		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	74,667
	Operating loss	$	(18,497	)	$	(1,046	)	$	(498	)	$	(12,083	)	$	(32,124	)
	2011
	Revenues	$	37,922		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	37,922
	Operating loss	$	(7,870	)	$	-		$	-		$	(12,793	)	$	(20,663	)
	Total assets by segment are as follows (in thousands):
		Nigeria			Kenya			The Gambia			Corporate and Other			Total
	Total Assets
	As of December 31, 2013	$	449,856		$	1,484		$	2,025		$	859		$	454,224
	As of December 31, 2012	$	371,744		$	1,364		$	2,168		$	1,767		$	377,043

Selected_Unaudited_Quarterly_F1

Selected Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Selected Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
		Three Months Ended,
		31-Mar-13			30-Jun-13			30-Sep-13			31-Dec-13
	Total revenues	$	22,006		$	20,007		$	21,723		$	-
	Operating loss	$	(10,484	)	$	(11,924	)	$	(10,401	)	$	(10,718	)
	Net loss attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.	$	(10,488	)	$	(11,930	)	$	(10,417	)	$	(10,690	)
	Net loss per common share attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.:
	Basic	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)
	Diluted	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)
		Three Months Ended,
		31-Mar-12			30-Jun-12			30-Sep-12			31-Dec-12
	Total revenues	$	5,672		$	-		$	44,657		$	24,338
	Operating loss	$	(879	)	$	(3,496	)	$	(10,861	)	$	(16,888	)
	Net loss attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.	$	(1,296	)	$	(3,975	)	$	(6,879	)	$	(17,379	)
	Net loss per common share attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.:
	Basic	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.02	)
	Diluted	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.02	)

Company_Description_Additional

Company Description - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013
	acre
	Country
	License
Company description [Abstract]
Number of exploration and production licenses	9
Number of countries company operates in Africa	4
Area of land held for exploration activities	10,000,000
CAMAC International Limited (CIL) | Chief Executive Officer
Company description [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	27.70%

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign2

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 13, 2014
Minimum
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Subsequent Event
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Stock Dividends, Shares (in Shares)		1.4348

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested	$2,400	$2,364
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Shares Received (in Shares)	9.6
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received	$1,900	$1,877

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Discontinued Operations based on Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Costs and expenses:
Exploratory expenses		$204	$2,545
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		8	53
General and administrative expenses	36	779	1,642
Other income			-228
Total costs and expenses	36	991	4,012
Loss before income taxes	-36	-991	-4,012
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Net loss before noncontrolling interests	-36	-991	-4,012
Noncontrolling interests		8	90
Net loss	($36)	($983)	($3,922)

Discontinued_Operations_Summar1

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Discontinued Operations based on Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Other assets	$36
Total assets	$36

Acquisitions_Schedule_of_Carry

Acquisitions - Schedule of Carrying Value of Net Assets Contributed (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Asset acquired and liabilities assumed:
Property, plant and equipment, net	$61,205	$214,710
Asset retirement obligations		-23,785
Net assets acquired	$61,205	$190,925

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended
	31-May-12
Award Of Kenya Exploration Blocks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Production Sharing Contracts with Governments or Authorities	4
Maximum Participation Percentage	20.00%
Award Of Kenya Exploration Blocks Blocks L1 B And L16
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum Number of Additional Exploration Period	2
Exploration Period	2 years
Initial Exploration Date	2015-06
Award Of Kenya Exploration Blocks Block L27 And L28
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Initial Exploration Date	2015-08
Initial Exploration Period	3 years
Award Of The Gambia Offshore Exploration Blocks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Production Sharing Contracts with Governments or Authorities	2
Maximum Participation Percentage	15.00%
Maximum Number of Additional Exploration Period	2
Exploration Period	2 years
Number of Exploratory Wells Drilled During Additional Period	1
Initial Exploration Period	4 years
Per Block | Award Of Kenya Exploration Blocks Blocks L1 B And L16
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Exploratory Wells Drilled During Additional Period	1
Per Block | Award Of The Gambia Offshore Exploration Blocks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Exploratory Wells Drilled, Net Productive	1

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Summary of Changes in Balances of Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Balance	$0	$224
Realized foreign currency gain	-224
Balance	$0	$224

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Wells and production facilities	$28,874	$34,725
Proved properties	386,196	386,196
Work in progress and other	86,634
Oilfield assets	501,704	420,921
Accumulated depletion	-74,909	-65,893
Oilfield assets, net	426,795	355,028
Unevaluated leaseholds	8,240	8,240
Oil and gas properties, net	435,035	363,268
Other property and equipment	1,590	989
Accumulated depreciation	-838	-533
Other property and equipment, net	752	456
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$435,787	$363,724

Suspended_Exploratory_Well_Cos1

Suspended Exploratory Well Costs - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	ft
Extractive Industries [Abstract]
Hydrocarbons miocene formation intervals as interpreted by the logging while drilling	65
Suspended exploratory well cost		$26.50

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_S

Asset Retirement Obligations - Summary of Changes and Balances of Current and Long-term Portions in Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset retirement obligations	$24,832
Property acquisition		23,785
Revisions in estimated liabilities	-6,466
Accretion	2,235	1,047
Asset retirement obligations	20,601	24,832
Asset retirement obligations, current portion	12,479
Asset retirement obligations, long-term portion	$8,122	$24,832

Note_Payable_Related_Party_Add

Note Payable - Related Party - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014
Note Payable Related Party [Line Items]
Exploration Licenses		$3,200,000
Notes Payable, Related Parties, Current		6,496,000	6,496,000
Chief Executive Officer | CAMAC International Limited (CIL)
Note Payable Related Party [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners		27.70%
Promissory Note To Allied
Note Payable Related Party [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	25,000,000
Corporate Line Of Credit, Maximum Draw Capacity				10,000,000
Promissory Note To Allied | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Note Payable Related Party [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Promissory Note To Allied | Subsequent Event
Note Payable Related Party [Line Items]
Corporate Line Of Credit, Maximum Draw Capacity					$25,000,000

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Expected Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Provision (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of the Expected Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Provision [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc. before income tax expense	($10,690)	($10,417)	($11,930)	($10,488)	($17,379)	($6,879)	($3,975)	($1,296)	($43,525)	($29,529)	($24,913)
Expected income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%									-15,234	-10,335	-8,720
Foreign-incorporated subsidiaries											4,102
Net losses not realizable currently for U.S. tax purposes									15,234	10,335	4,618
Total income tax expense									$0	$0	$0

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Expected Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Provision (Parenthetical) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected income tax provision at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%

Income_Taxes_Significant_Compo

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Income Tax Assets By Category [Abstract]
Basis difference in fixed assets	($105,007)	($50,121)
Unused capital allowances	341,540	276,644
Net operating losses	26,650	16,922
Share-based compensation	837	368
Gross deferred income tax assets	264,020	243,813
Valuation allowance	-264,020	-243,813
Net deferred income tax assets	$0	$0

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$264,020	$243,813

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Tax_Ye

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Years Remain Subject to Examination (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
United States | Minimum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2007
United States | Maximum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2013
Nigeria | Minimum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2010
Nigeria | Maximum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2013
Kenya | Minimum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2012
Kenya | Maximum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2013
Gambia | Minimum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2012
Gambia | Maximum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2013

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)	8,003,874
2009 Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)	100,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)	8,003,874
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$0.90
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	0	0	0.2
Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1.1	0.2	1.3
Employee Stock Option | 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Employee Stock Option | 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	5 years
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0.9	0.6	1.2
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1.2
Restricted Stock | 2009 Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	0.5
Restricted Stock | 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | Expense To Be Recognized During 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	0.9
Restricted Stock | 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | Expense To Be Recognized During 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$0.30

Stock_Based_Compensation_Summa

Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options
Options, Outstanding	6,124,703
Granted	8,003,874
Exercised	0
Forfeited	-353,046
Options, Outstanding	13,775,531	6,124,703
Expected to vest	13,775,531
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	3,376,648
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$0.37
Granted	$0.28
Exercised	$0
Forfeited	$0.69
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$0.31	$0.37
Expected to vest	$0.31
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	$0.37
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	3 years 8 months 12 days	3 years 6 months
Granted	4 years 3 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	3 years 8 months 12 days	3 years 6 months
Expected to vest	3 years 8 months 12 days
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	2 years 8 months 12 days

Stock_Based_Compensation_Summa1

Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Weighted-Average Amounts for Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected price volatility	77.90%	120.50%	103.70%
Risk free interest rate (U.S. treasury bonds)	0.50%	0.50%	0.80%
Expected annual dividend yield	$0	$0	$0
Expected option term (years)	3 years 6 months	3 years 6 months	3 years 1 month 6 days
Grant date fair value per share	$0.23	$0.26	$0.34

Stock_Based_Compensation_Summa2

Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Details) (Restricted Stock, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested at January 1, 2013	2,676,724
Granted	4,163,374
Vested	-2,301,312
Forfeited	0
Nonvested as of December 31, 2013	4,538,786
Restricted Stock
Nonvested at January 1, 2013	$0.32
Granted	$0.26
Vested	$0.32
Forfeited	$0
Nonvested as of December 31, 2013	$0.27

Earnings_or_Loss_Per_Common_Sh2

Earnings or Loss Per Common Share - Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding for Basic and Diluted EPS (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	878,710	628,101	376,312
Diluted	878,710	628,101	376,312

Earnings_or_Loss_Per_Common_Sh3

Earnings or Loss Per Common Share - Schedule of Anti-dilutive Securities (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities	2,154	800	410
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities		4	238
Warrant
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities			14
Nonvested restricted stock awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities	2,154	796	158

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
				bbl
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$0.70	$0.50	$0.50
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	2.2
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	0.4
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	0.4
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	0.4
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	0.4
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	0.6
Subsequent Event
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Commitment					86
Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months				35
Commitments, Description				The contract provides for an initial term of seven years beginning January 1, 2014, with an automatic extension for an additional term of two years unless terminated by the Company with prior notice	The drilling agreement is for an initial term of one year, with an option to extend the contract for an additional one year.
Barrels Processing Capacity				40,000
Maximum Storage Capacity for the FPSO				1,000,000
Minimum Commitment, Due Thereafter				48
Kenya PSCs and The Gambia Licenses
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Commitment	148.4
Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months	14.8
Other Commitment, Due in Second Year	133.6
Other Commitment, Due in Third Year	$133.60
Kenya
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Production sharing contracts with the Government of the Republic of Kenya	4
Gambia
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Petroleum Exploration, Development & Production Licenses with the Republic of the Gambia	2

Related_Party_Transactions_Sum

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Related Party Transactions and Balances (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
CEHL, accounts receivable	$1,026
CEHL, other current assets	624
CEHL, accounts payable	292
CEHL, note payable-related party	6,496	6,496
CEHL, accrued expenses	804
CEHL, long-term note payable-related party	872
CEHL, total operating (income) and expenses	-1,167
CEHL, other expense, net	$99

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Notes payable - related party	$6,496	$6,496

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$21,723	$20,007	$22,006	$24,338	$44,657		$5,672	$63,736	$74,667	$37,922
Operating loss	-10,718	-10,401	-11,924	-10,484	-16,888	-10,861	-3,496	-879	-43,527	-32,124	-20,663
Total Assets	454,224				377,043				454,224	377,043
Nigeria
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									63,736	74,667	37,922
Operating loss									-23,705	-18,497	-7,870
Total Assets	449,856				371,744				449,856	371,744
Kenya
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss									-3,404	-1,046
Total Assets	1,484				1,364				1,484	1,364
Gambia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss									-1,070	-498
Total Assets	2,025				2,168				2,025	2,168
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss									-15,348	-12,083	-12,793
Total Assets	$859				$1,767				$859	$1,767

Selected_Unaudited_Quarterly_F2

Selected Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data - Schedule of Selected Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Revenues		$21,723	$20,007	$22,006	$24,338	$44,657		$5,672	$63,736	$74,667	$37,922
Operating loss	-10,718	-10,401	-11,924	-10,484	-16,888	-10,861	-3,496	-879	-43,527	-32,124	-20,663
Net loss attributable to CAMAC Energy Inc.	($10,690)	($10,417)	($11,930)	($10,488)	($17,379)	($6,879)	($3,975)	($1,296)	($43,525)	($29,529)	($24,913)
Basic	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.02)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0
Diluted	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.02)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014
			Installment	block
Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Percentage of interest in Expanded shallow Water Tano block				30.00%
Number of discovered fields				3
Scenario, Forecast | Term Loan Facility
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
LIBOR rate, description	LIBOR plus 7.5%
Scenario, Forecast | Zenith Bank Plc | Term Loan Facility
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	100
Convertible subordinated note maturity term	5 years
Line of credit facility, commitment fee amount	1.9
Scenario, Forecast | Zenith Bank Plc | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Term Loan Facility
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	7.50%
Scenario, Forecast | Zenith Bank Plc | Interest Rate Floor | Term Loan Facility
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	9.50%
Share Purchase Agreement | Private Placement | Installment Two | Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Business acquisition, number of shares issued		188,442,211
Business acquisition, value of shares issued		135
Subsequent Event | Share Purchase Agreement | Private Placement
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Business acquisition, number of shares issued			376,884,422
Business acquisition, value of shares issued			270
Number of installments			2
Subsequent Event | Share Purchase Agreement | Private Placement | Installment One
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Business acquisition, number of shares issued			188,442,211
Business acquisition, value of shares issued			135
Allied Transaction | Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Cash consideration		85
Allied Transaction | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Cash consideration			85
Business acquisition, number of shares issued			497,454,857
Allied Transaction | Senior Subordinated Notes | Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Convertible subordinate note issued		50
Convertible subordinated note deemed advanced		25
Allied Transaction | Senior Subordinated Notes | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Events Details [Line Items]
Convertible subordinate note issued			50
Convertible subordinated note deemed advanced			$25