Genie Energy (GNE) 10-Q 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 05, 2014	Nov. 05, 2014
		Class A common stock	Class B common stock
Entity Registrant Name	'Genie Energy Ltd.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001528356	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	1,574,326	22,999,617

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$86,238	$73,885
Restricted cash - short-term	11,000	14,429
Certificates of deposit	4,661	4,343
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,238 at September 30, 2014 and $930 at December 31, 2013	24,976	42,926
Receivable due from related party	263	'
Inventory	8,979	3,344
Prepaid expenses	4,170	3,408
Deferred income tax assets, net	920	840
Other current assets	3,770	2,917
Total current assets	144,977	146,092
Property and equipment, net	1,748	561
Goodwill	7,226	7,349
Restricted cash - long-term	1,074	1,127
Other assets	3,806	3,714
Total assets	158,831	158,843
Current liabilities:	'	'
Trade accounts payable	13,618	25,302
Accrued expenses	9,944	9,856
Advances from customers	227	1,103
Income taxes payable	278	2,075
Due to IDT Corporation	831	541
Other current liabilities	2,010	1,457
Total current liabilities	26,908	40,334
Other liabilities	1,985	2,169
Total liabilities	28,893	42,503
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares - 10,000: Series 2012-A, designated shares - 8,750; at liquidation preference, consisting of 2,322 and 1,917 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	19,743	16,303
Additional paid-in capital	112,156	82,791
Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 178 and 59 shares of Class B common stock at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-1,430	-473
Accumulated other comprehensive income	403	745
Retained earnings	4,521	21,552
Total Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity	135,641	121,132
Noncontrolling interests:	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	-4,703	-3,792
Receivable for issuance of equity	-1,000	-1,000
Total noncontrolling interests	-5,703	-4,792
Total equity	129,938	116,340
Total liabilities and equity	158,831	158,843
Class A common stock	'	'
Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock value	16	16
Class B common stock	'	'
Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock value	$232	$198

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts, trade accounts receivable (in dollars)	$1,238	$930
Preferred stock, par value (In dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Series 2012-A Preferred Stock	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	2,322	1,917
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	2,322	1,917
Designated shares	8,750	8,750
Class A common stock	'	'
Common stock, par value (In dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	35,000	35,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,574	1,574
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,574	1,574
Class B common stock	'	'
Common stock, par value (In dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	23,178	19,755
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,000	19,696
Treasury stock, shares	178	59

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Electricity	$43,357		$66,923		$179,347		$166,613
Natural gas	2,829		4,715		45,998		45,490
Total revenues	46,186		71,638		225,345		212,103
Direct cost of revenues	-28,359		-51,699		-186,170		-163,179
Gross profit	17,827		19,939		39,175		48,924
Operating expenses and losses:	'		'		'		'
Selling, general and administrative (i)	18,890	[1]	12,666	[1]	46,605	[1]	37,572	[1]
Research and development	3,044		2,653		7,513		7,734
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	'		672		'		2,607
(Loss) income from operations	-4,107		3,948		-14,943		1,011
Interest income	117		59		310		351
Financing fees	-518		-729		-2,046		-2,524
Other income (expense), net	150		-159		121		-344
(Loss) income before income taxes	-4,358		3,119		-16,558		-1,506
Provision for income taxes	-467		-1,077		-420		-2,717
Net (loss) income	-4,825		2,042		-16,978		-4,223
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	430		-51		929		-1,197
Net (loss) income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.	-4,395		1,991		-16,049		-5,420
Dividends on preferred stock	-370		-306		-1,046		-917
Net (loss) income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders.	($4,765)		$1,685		($17,095)		($6,337)
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders:	'		'		'		'
Basic	($0.22)		$0.09		($0.81)		($0.33)
Diluted	($0.22)		$0.08		($0.81)		($0.33)
Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of (loss) earnings per share:	'		'		'		'
Basic	21,224		19,384		21,189		19,413
Diluted	21,224		21,089		21,189		19,413
[1]	Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$4,929	$1,064	$8,492	$3,155

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statements Of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($4,825)	$2,042	($16,978)	($4,223)
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	'	59	'	15
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-397	176	-324	321
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-397	235	-324	336
Comprehensive (loss) income	-5,222	2,277	-17,302	-3,887
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	408	-48	911	-1,184
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.	($4,814)	$2,229	($16,391)	($5,071)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net loss	($16,978)	($4,223)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	92	80
Deferred income taxes	-80	'
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	308	'
Stock-based compensation	8,492	3,155
Loss on disposal of property	'	37
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	'	2,607
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	3,482	-665
Trade accounts receivable	17,642	1,799
Inventory	-5,635	-834
Prepaid expenses	-763	651
Other current assets and other assets	-1,143	-950
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses, other current liabilities and other liabilities	-11,129	-2,556
Advances from customers	-876	-399
Due to IDT Corporation	290	-78
Income taxes payable	-1,796	693
Net cash used in operating activities	-8,094	-683
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-1,261	-300
Capital contributions to AMSO, LLC	'	-2,345
Payments for acquisition	-574	'
Issuance of note receivable	-50	-375
Purchases of certificates of deposit	-4,655	-5,330
Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit	4,334	2,205
Purchases of marketable securities	'	-3
Proceeds from maturities and sale of marketable securities	'	10,033
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-2,206	3,885
Financing activities	'	'
Dividends paid	-982	-826
Proceeds from purchases of Class B common stock by Howard S. Jonas	24,552	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	27	53
Advance on sale of interest in subsidiary	300	'
Repurchases of Class B common stock	-957	-270
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	22,940	-1,043
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-287	279
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	12,353	2,438
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	73,885	69,409
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$86,238	$71,847

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1—Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Genie Energy Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Genie”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. The balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, please refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
	Genie owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, Genie Energy International Corporation (“GEIC”), which owns 100% of Genie Retail Energy and 92% of Genie Oil and Gas, Inc. (“GOGAS”). Genie Retail Energy owns 100% of IDT Energy. IDT Energy has outstanding deferred stock units granted to directors and employees that represent an interest of 1.4% of the equity of IDT Energy. Genie’s principal businesses consist of the following:
	·	Genie Retail Energy owns the Company’s retail energy provider (“REP”) and energy brokerage businesses supplying electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers in the Northeastern United States and other operations in the retail energy provider industry; and
	·	Genie Oil and Gas, which is pioneering technologies to produce clean and affordable transportation fuels from the world's abundant oil shales and other fuel resources, which consists of (1) American Shale Oil Corporation (“AMSO”), which holds and manages a 44.3% interest in American Shale Oil, L.L.C. (“AMSO, LLC”), a joint venture with Total S.A. (“Total”) that is developing an oil shale project in Colorado, (2) an 87.9% interest in Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd. (“IEI”), the Company’s oil shale project in Israel, (3) an 88.5% interest in Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. (“Afek”), the Company’s conventional oil and gas exploration project in the southern portion of the Golan Heights, and (4) an 89.9% interest in Genie Mongolia, the Company’s oil shale exploration project in Central Mongolia.
	On September 2, 2014, the Jerusalem District Committee for Planning and Building declined to issue IEI a permit to build and operate a pilot drilling project. IEI holds an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License awarded in 2008 by the Israeli Ministry of National Infrastructure. IEI is currently evaluating its options to determine the best course of action to move forward to exploit the abundant oil shale resource in Israel.
	In the three months ended September 30, 2014, Afek was issued a permit by Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee to conduct a ten-well exploratory drilling program. That issuance was subsequently challenged by the Israel Union for Environmental Defense and some local residents. On October 20, 2014, Israel’s High Court of Justice issued an interim injunction against Afek, restricting Afek from building installations of any kind or carrying out work of any kind that changes the surface of the ground within the boundaries of the area defined in the drilling permit until the Court rules on the petitions. The hearing is expected to be held within two months.
	Seasonality and Weather
	The weather and the seasons, among other things, affect Genie Retail Energy’s revenues. Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the demand for natural gas and electricity used for heating and cooling. Typically, colder winters and hotter summers increase demand for natural gas and electricity, respectively. Milder winters and/or summers have the opposite effect. Natural gas revenues typically increase in the first quarter due to increased heating demands and electricity revenues typically increase in the third quarter due to increased air conditioning use. Approximately 49% and 47% of Genie Retail Energy’s natural gas revenues were generated in the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, when demand for heating was highest. Although the demand for electricity is not as seasonal as natural gas, approximately 31% and 34% of Genie Retail Energy’s electricity revenues were generated in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively. As a result, the Company’s revenues and income (loss) from operations are subject to material seasonal variations, and the interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of the financial results for the full year.
	Unusually cold weather in the three months ended March 31, 2014 that affected the overall demand for electricity and natural gas for heat caused a significant increase in Genie Retail Energy’s revenues and direct cost of revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The cold weather caused the cost of electricity and natural gas to increase, which Genie Retail Energy only partially reflected in its rates charged to customers due to competitive and regulatory pressures.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 2—Fair Value Measurements
	The following table presents the balance of assets and liabilities at September 30, 2014 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)			Total
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Derivative contracts	$	519	$	836	$	—		$	1,355
	Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts	$	81	$	741	$	—		$	822
	The following table presents the balance of assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)			Total
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Derivative contracts	$	390		1,230		62			1,682
	Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts	$	13	$	372	$	—		$	385
	(1) – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	(2) – observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
	(3) – no observable pricing inputs in the market
	The Company’s derivative contracts consist of natural gas and electricity futures contracts, put and call options and swaps. The underlying asset in the Company’s put and call options is a forward contract. The Company’s swaps are agreements whereby a floating (or market or spot) price is exchanged for a fixed price over a specified period. The Company’s derivatives were classified as Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. The Level 1 derivatives were valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical contracts. The Level 2 derivatives were valued using observable inputs based on quoted market prices in active markets for similar contracts. The fair value of the Level 3 derivatives was based on the value of the underlying contracts, estimated in conjunction with the counterparty and could not be corroborated by the market.
	The Company’s subsidiary, GOGAS, issued a stock option in June 2011 that is exercisable until April 9, 2015 at an exercise price of $5.0 million. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of the GOGAS stock option was nil.
	The following table summarizes the change in the balance of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	—	$	—	$	62		$	—
	Total gains (losses) (realized or unrealized) included in earnings in “Direct cost of revenues”		—		275		(62	)		275
	Purchases		—		359		—			359
	Balance, end of period	$	—	$	634	$	—		$	634
	The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings in “Direct cost of revenues” attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets held at the end of the period	$	—	$	275	$	—		$	275
	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
	The estimated fair value of the Company’s other financial instruments was determined using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting this data to develop estimates of fair value. Consequently, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized or would be paid in a current market exchange.
	Restricted cash—short-term, certificates of deposit, receivable due from related party, prepaid expenses, other current assets, advances from customers, due to IDT Corporation and other current liabilities. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying amounts of these assets and liabilities approximated fair value because of the short period to maturity. The fair value estimate for restricted cash—short-term was classified as Level 1 and certificates of deposit, receivable due from related party, prepaid expenses, other current assets, advances from customers, due to IDT Corporation and other current liabilities were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Restricted cash—long-term. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying amount of restricted cash—long-term approximated fair value. The fair value was estimated based on the anticipated cash flows once the restrictions are removed, which was classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Other assets and other liabilities. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other assets included an aggregate of $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in notes receivable. The carrying amounts of the notes receivable and other liabilities approximated fair value. The fair value of the notes receivable and other liabilities were estimated based on the Company’s assumptions, and were classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

'

Derivative Instruments

'

Note 3—Derivative Instruments

The primary risk managed by the Company using derivative instruments is commodity price risk, which is accounted for in accordance with ASC 815. Natural gas and electricity futures contracts, put and call options and swaps are entered into as hedges against unfavorable fluctuations in market prices of natural gas and electricity. The Company does not apply hedge accounting to these contracts, options or swaps, therefore the changes in fair value are recorded in earnings. By using derivative instruments to mitigate exposures to changes in commodity prices, the Company exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk. The Company minimizes the credit or repayment risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. At September 30, 2014, Genie Retail Energy’s contracts, swaps and options were traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange. At December 31, 2013, Genie Retail Energy’s contracts, swaps and options were traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange or were over-the-counter bilateral agreements with BP Energy Company.

The summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy’s outstanding contracts and options as of September 30, 2014 was as follows (MWh – Megawatt hour and Dth – Decatherm):

Commodity

Settlement Dates

Volume

Electricity

Nov-14

121,600 MWh

Electricity

Dec-14

140,800 MWh

Electricity

Jul-15

114,080 MWh

Electricity

Aug-15

104,160 MWh

Natural gas

Nov-14

1,000,000 Dth

Natural gas

Dec-14

800,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jan-15

755,000 Dth

Natural gas

Feb-15

600,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jul-15

1,915,000 Dth

Natural gas

Sep-15

225,000 Dth

Natural gas

Oct-15

150,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jan-16

465,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jul-16

620,000 Dth

The fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

Asset Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013

(in thousands)

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments:

Energy contracts and options

Other current assets

$

1,355

$

1,682

The fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

Liability Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

30-Sep-14

31-Dec-13

(in thousands)

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments:

Energy contracts and options

Other current liabilities

$

822

$

385

The effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations were as follows:

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Derivatives not designated

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives

2014

2013

2014

2013

or not qualifying as

hedging instruments

(in thousands)

Energy contracts and options

Direct cost of revenues

$

(19

)

$

(426

)

$

(118

)

$

(394

)

Investment_in_American_Shale_O

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investment In American Shale Oil, LLC [Abstract]	'
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC	'
	Note 4—Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC
	The Company accounts for its ownership interest in AMSO, LLC using the equity method since the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over its operating and financial matters, although it does not control AMSO, LLC. AMSO, LLC is a variable interest entity, however, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary, as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of AMSO, LLC that most significantly impact AMSO, LLC’s economic performance.
	Except as set forth below, AMSO was responsible for funding 20% of the initial $50 million of AMSO, LLC’s approved expenditures, and is responsible for funding 35% of the approved expenditures between $50 million and $100 million, and 40% of the costs of the one-time payment for conversion of AMSO, LLC’s research, development and demonstration lease to a commercial lease, in the event AMSO, LLC’s application for conversion is approved, with the remaining amounts of such expenditures to be funded by Total. All other expenditures are to be borne in proportion to equity ownership. The percentages for expenditures are subject to adjustment in connection with certain changes in the equity ownership of AMSO LLC. As of September 30, 2014, the cumulative contributions of AMSO and Total to AMSO, LLC were $76.9 million. AMSO’s allocated share of the net loss of AMSO, LLC is included in “Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	AMSO has the right to decide at each capital call whether or not to fund AMSO, LLC, and will make a determination at that time. AMSO did not fund the capital calls for each quarter of 2014. Total funded AMSO’s share in an aggregate amount of $3.0 million. Because of AMSO’s decisions not to fund its share of AMSO, LLC’s expenditures, AMSO’s ownership interest in AMSO, LLC was reduced to 44.3% and Total’s ownership interest increased to 55.7%. In addition, AMSO’s share of future funding of AMSO, LLC up to a cumulative $100 million was reduced to 31.0% and Total’s share increased to 69.0%. AMSO is evaluating its options with respect to funding AMSO, LLC in 2015, and funding of less than its full share would result in further dilution of its interest in AMSO, LLC.
	The agreements with Total provide for varying consequences for AMSO’s failure to fund its share at different stages of the project, including dilution of AMSO’s interest in AMSO, LLC or paying interest to Total for expenditures they fund on behalf of AMSO. Either Total or AMSO may terminate its obligations to make capital contributions and withdraw as a member of AMSO, LLC. Even if AMSO were to withdraw its interest in AMSO, LLC, it will remain liable for its share of expenditures for safety and environmental reclamation related to events occurring prior to its withdrawal.
	The following table summarizes the change in the balance of the Company’s investment in AMSO, LLC:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(252	)	$	242
	Capital contributions		—			2,345
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—			(2,607	)
	Balance, end of period	$	(252	)	$	(20	)
	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the liability for equity loss in AMSO, LLC was included in “Accrued expenses” in the consolidated balance sheet.
	Because of AMSO’s decisions not to fund its share of AMSO, LLC’s expenditures, AMSO, LLC allocates its net loss beginning January 2014 as follows: the first $9.0 million of losses are allocated to Total, then it allocates any remaining losses proportionately such that AMSO and Total’s capital accounts as a percentage of AMSO, LLC’s total capital equals their ownership interests.
	Summarized unaudited statements of operations of AMSO, LLC are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Operating expenses:
	General and administrative	$	111		$	162		$	344		$	435
	Research and development		2,025			1,758			6,072			7,055
	Loss from operations		(2,136	)		(1,920	)		(6,416	)		(7,490	)
	Other income		—			—			—			41
	Net loss	$	(2,136	)	$	(1,920	)	$	(6,416	)	$	(7,449	)

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	Note 5—Equity
	Changes in the components of equity were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14
		Attributable to Genie			Noncontrolling Interests			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	121,132		$	(4,792	)	$	116,340
	Dividends on preferred stock		(982	)		—			(982	)
	Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees		(111	)		—			(111	)
	Repurchases of Class B common stock through repurchase program		(846	)		—			(846	)
	Purchases of Class B common stock by Howard S. Jonas		24,552			—			24,552
	Exercise of stock options		27			—			27
	Stock-based compensation		8,260			—			8,260
	Comprehensive loss:
	Net loss		(16,049	)		(929	)		(16,978	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		(342	)		18			(324	)
	Comprehensive loss		(16,391	)		(911	)		(17,302	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	135,641		$	(5,703	)	$	129,938
	Dividend Payments
	On February 15, 2014, May 15, 2014 and August 15, 2014, the Company paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on its Series 2012-A Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) for the fourth quarter of 2013, the first quarter of 2014 and the second quarter of 2014, respectively. In October 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the third quarter of 2014. The dividend will be paid on or about November 14, 2014 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 6, 2014. The aggregate dividends declared on the Preferred Stock in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and the aggregate dividends paid in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $1.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
	Exchange Offer
	On May 22, 2014, the Company initiated an offer to exchange up to 5.0 million shares of its outstanding Class B common stock for the same number of shares of its Preferred Stock. The offer expired on June 23, 2014. Prior to this exchange offer, the Preferred Stock were redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company following October 11, 2016 at 101% of the liquidation preference of $8.50 (the “Liquidation Preference”) plus accrued and unpaid dividends, and 100% of the Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends following October 11, 2017. In conjunction with the closing of this exchange offer, the Company extended the periods related to redemption of the Preferred Stock from October 11, 2016 to October 11, 2017, and from October 11, 2017 to October 11, 2018. On June 27, 2014, the Company issued 404,732 shares of its Preferred Stock in exchange for an equal number of shares of Class B common stock tendered in the exchange offer. As a result of the issuance of additional shares of Preferred Stock, the aggregate quarterly Base Dividend increased to $0.4 million from $0.3 million.
	Sale of Shares to Howard S. Jonas
	On July 30, 2014, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement and a Restricted Stock Sale Agreement with Howard S. Jonas, the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to these agreements, (a) options to purchase 3.0 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock previously granted to Mr. Jonas, with an exercise price of $10.30 per share were cancelled, (b) the term of the existing employment agreement between the Company and Mr. Jonas was extended for an additional one year period, expiring on December 31, 2019, and (c) Mr. Jonas committed to purchase an aggregate of 3.6 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock from the Company at a price of $6.82 per share (the closing price per share of the Class B common stock on the day that the arrangement was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and Compensation Committee). The 3.6 million Class B shares are subject to repurchase by the Company at $6.82 per share upon certain terminations of Mr. Jonas’ employment by the Company, and such repurchase right lapses as to 0.6 million shares on July 30, 2014 and on December 31 of 2014 through 2018. On July 30, 2014 and August 4, 2014, Mr. Jonas purchased an aggregate of 3.6 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of $24.6 million. The Company accounted for the change in the equity arrangements with Mr. Jonas as a modification, with an incremental value of nil. Accordingly, the unrecognized compensation cost as of July 30, 2014 of $17.0 million will be recognized over the modified vesting period.
	Stock Repurchase Program
	On March 11, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 7 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 103,331 shares of Class B common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $0.8 million. There were no repurchases under the program in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2014, 6.9 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program.
	Variable Interest Entity
	In 2011, an employee of IDT Corporation (“IDT”) until his employment was terminated effective December 30, 2011, incorporated Citizens Choice Energy, LLC (“CCE”), which is a REP that resells electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers in the State of New York. Tari Corporation (“Tari”) is the sole owner of CCE. In addition, DAD Sales, LLC (“DAD”), which is 100% owned by Tari, used its network of door-to-door sales agents to obtain customers for CCE. In December 2012, DAD ceased to acquire customers for CCE. The Company provided CCE, DAD and Tari with substantially all of the cash required to fund their operations. The Company determined that at the present time it has the power to direct the activities of CCE, DAD and Tari that most significantly impact their economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of CCE, DAD and Tari that could potentially be significant to CCE, DAD and Tari on a stand-alone basis. The Company therefore determined that it is the primary beneficiary of CCE, DAD and Tari, and as a result, the Company consolidates CCE, DAD and Tari within its Genie Retail Energy segment. The Company does not own any interest in CCE, DAD or Tari and thus the net income or loss incurred by CCE, DAD and Tari was attributed to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	Net income (loss) of CCE, DAD and Tari and aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company by CCE, DAD and Tari from their operations were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Net income (loss):
	CCE	$	24		$	697		$	136		$	2,360
	DAD	$	(86	)	$	—		$	(99	)	$	(35	)
	Tari	$	—		$	—		$	(13	)	$	10
	Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net	$	(355	)	$	(601	)	$	261		$	3,802
	Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari are as follows:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	26		$	434
	Restricted cash		14			537
	Trade accounts receivable		1,314			2,459
	Prepaid expenses		167			364
	Other current assets		307			353
	Other assets		449			449
	Total assets	$	2,277		$	4,596
	Liabilities and members’ interests
	Current liabilities	$	855		$	2,937
	Due to IDT Energy		703			964
	Noncontrolling interests		719			695
	Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	$	2,277		$	4,596
	The assets of CCE, DAD and Tari may only be used to settle obligations of CCE, DAD and Tari, and may not be used for other consolidated entities. The liabilities of CCE, DAD and Tari are non-recourse to the general credit of the Company’s other consolidated entities.

Loss_Earnings_Per_Share

(Loss) Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
(Loss) Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
(Loss) Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 6—(Loss) Earnings Per Share
	Basic (loss) earnings per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income attributable to all classes of common stockholders of the Company by the weighted average number of shares of all classes of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share, except that the number of shares is increased to include restricted stock still subject to risk of forfeiture and to assume exercise of potentially dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method, unless the effect of such increase is anti-dilutive.
	The weighted-average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to the Company’s common stockholders consists of the following:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Basic weighted-average number of shares		21,224		19,384		21,189		19,413
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—		40		—		—
	Non-vested restricted Class B common stock		—		1,665		—		—
	Diluted weighted-average number of shares		21,224		21,089		21,189		19,413
	The following securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future were excluded from the diluted loss per share computations because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Stock options		438		—		438		449
	Non-vested restricted Class B common stock		3,166		—		3,166		1,785
	Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share		3,604		—		3,604		2,234
	The diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and nine months ended September 30, 2013 because the Company had a net loss and the impact of the assumed exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock would have been anti-dilutive.
	An entity affiliated with Lord (Jacob) Rothschild has a one-time option, subject to certain conditions and exercisable between November 2017 and February 2018, to exchange its GOGAS shares for shares of the Company with equal fair value as determined by the parties. The number of shares issuable in such an exchange is not currently determinable. If this option is exercised, the shares issued by the Company may dilute the earnings per share in future periods.
	An employee of the Company, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, has the option to exchange his equity interests in IEI, Afek, Genie Mongolia and any equity interest that he may acquire in other entities that the Company may create, for shares of the Company. Employees and directors of the Company that were previously granted restricted stock of IEI, Afek and Genie Mongolia have the right to exchange the restricted stock, upon vesting of such shares, into shares of the Company’s Class B common stock. In addition, IDT Energy has the right to issue shares of the Company’s Class B common stock or pay cash to satisfy its obligations to issue common stock of IDT Energy upon the vesting of the deferred stock units it previously granted to employees and directors of the Company. These exchanges and issuances, if elected, would be based on the relative fair value of the shares exchanged or to be issued. The number of shares of the Company’s stock issuable in an exchange is not currently determinable. If shares of the Company’s stock are issued upon such exchange, the Company’s earnings per share may be diluted in future periods.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Note 7—Related Party Transaction
	The receivable due from related party of $0.3 million at September 30, 2014 represents withholding taxes paid by the Company related to the purchase by Howard Jonas of Class B common stock in July and August 2014 (see Note 5). Mr. Jonas reimbursed the Company for such payment in October 2014.
	The Company was formerly a subsidiary of IDT. On October 28, 2011, the Company was spun-off by IDT (the “Spin-Off”). The Company entered into various agreements with IDT prior to the Spin-Off including a Transition Services Agreement, which provides for certain services to be performed by the Company and IDT.
	Following the Spin-off, IDT charges the Company for services it provides pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement. The charges for these services are included in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, the Company provides specified administrative services to certain of IDT’s foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s charges for these services reduce the Company’s “Selling, general and administrative” expenses.
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Amount IDT charged the Company	$	1,195	$	913	$	2,613	$	2,363
	Amount the Company charged IDT	$	127	$	82	$	402	$	189

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Information	'
	Note 8—Business Segment Information
	The Company owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, GEIC, which owns 100% of Genie Retail Energy and 92% of GOGAS. Genie Retail Energy owns 100% of IDT Energy. IDT Energy has outstanding deferred stock units granted to directors and employees that represent an interest of 1.4% of the equity of IDT Energy. The Company has two reportable business segments: Genie Retail Energy, which owns the Company’s REP and energy brokerage businesses supplying electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers in the Northeastern United States and other operations in the retail energy provider industry, and Genie Oil and Gas, which is pioneering technologies to produce clean and affordable transportation fuels from the world's abundant oil shales and other fuel resources. The Genie Oil and Gas segment consists of (1) a 44.3% interest in AMSO, LLC, a joint venture with Total that is developing an oil shale project in Colorado, (2) an 87.9% interest in IEI, the Company’s oil shale project in Israel, (3) an 88.5% interest in Afek, the Company’s conventional oil and gas exploration project in the southern portion of the Golan Heights, and (4) an 89.9% interest in Genie Mongolia, the Company’s oil shale exploration project in Central Mongolia. Corporate costs include unallocated compensation, consulting fees, legal fees, business development expenses and other corporate-related general and administrative expenses. Corporate does not generate any revenues, nor does it incur any direct cost of revenues.
	The Company’s reportable segments are distinguished by types of service, customers and methods used to provide their services. The operating results of these business segments are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as the accounting policies of the Company as a whole. The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based primarily on income (loss) from operations. There are no significant asymmetrical allocations to segments.
	Operating results for the business segments of the Company were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Genie Retail		Genie Oil			Corporate			Total
		Energy		and Gas
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues	$	46,186	$	—		$	—		$	46,186
	Income (loss) from operations		5,612		(3,294	)		(6,425	)		(4,107	)
	Research and development		—		3,044			—			3,044
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		—			—			—
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	71,638	$	—		$	—		$	71,638
	Income (loss) from operations		9,596		(3,699	)		(1,949	)		3,948
	Research and development		—		2,653			—			2,653
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		672			—			672
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues	$	225,345	$	—		$	—		$	225,345
	Income (loss) from operations		5,643		(8,499	)		(12,087	)		(14,943	)
	Research and development		—		7,513			—			7,513
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		—			—			—
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	212,103	$	—		$	—		$	212,103
	Income (loss) from operations		18,972		(11,507	)		(6,454	)		1,011
	Research and development		—		7,734			—			7,734
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		2,607			—			2,607
	Total assets for the business segments of the Company were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Genie Retail		Genie Oil			Corporate			Total
		Energy		and Gas
	Total assets:
	30-Sep-14	$	78,121	$	53,849		$	26,861		$	158,831
	31-Dec-13	$	76,691	$	42,193		$	39,959		$	158,843

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	On March 13, 2014, named plaintiff, Anthony Ferrare, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The complaint was not served on IDT Energy until July 16, 2014. The named plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of himself and other former and current electric customers of IDT Energy in Pennsylvania with variable rate plans, whom he contends were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices.  On August 7, 2014, IDT Energy removed the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and then filed a motion to stay, or alternatively, dismiss the complaint. In response to that motion, the named plaintiff filed an amended complaint. Most recently, on October 20, 2014, IDT Energy moved to stay or, alternatively, dismiss the amended complaint. The named plaintiff’s opposition to IDT Energy’s motion is due on November 10, 2014. IDT Energy believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action. However, because the outcome of this matter is uncertain, the Company is unable to make an assessment of the final result and its impact on the Company.
	On June 20, 2014, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office (“AG”) and the Acting Consumer Advocate (“OCA”) filed a Joint Complaint against IDT Energy, Inc. with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. In the Joint Complaint, the AG and the OCA allege, among other things, various violations of Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, the Telemarketing Registration Act and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s regulations. Preliminary rulings regarding the scope of the Public Utility Commission’s jurisdiction over several counts of the Joint Complaint are currently awaiting review by the Commission. IDT Energy is continuing to defend against the allegations of the Joint Complaint and continues to respond to requests for information in connection with the proceeding. IDT Energy denies that there is any merit to the claims made in the Joint Complaint, and the Company cannot estimate its potential damages.
	On July 2, 2014, named plaintiff, Louis McLaughlin, filed a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, contending that he and other class members were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. The named plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of himself and two subclasses: all IDT Energy customers who were charged a variable rate for their energy from July 2, 2008, and all IDT Energy customers who participated in IDT Energy’s rebate program from July 2, 2008. IDT Energy has requested the Court’s permission to file a motion to dismiss the complaint. The named plaintiff opposed that motion and a Court conference is scheduled for November 17, 2014. IDT Energy believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action. However, because the outcome of this matter is uncertain, the Company is unable to make an assessment of the final result and its impact on the Company.
	On July 15, 2014, named plaintiff, Kimberly Aks, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County, contending that she and other class members were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s alleged unlawful sales and marketing practices. The named plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of herself and all other New Jersey residents who were IDT Energy customers at any time between July 11, 2008 and the present. On September 23, 2014, IDT Energy filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The named plaintiff has submitted an opposition to the motion to dismiss and the parties are presently waiting for the Court to rule on IDT Energy’s motion. IDT Energy believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action. However, because the outcome of this matter is uncertain, the Company is unable to make an assessment of the final result and its impact on the Company.
	In the three months ended September 30, 2014, Afek was issued a permit by Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee to conduct a ten-well exploratory drilling program. That issuance was subsequently challenged by the Israel Union for Environmental Defense and some local residents. On October 20, 2014, Israel’s High Court of Justice issued an interim injunction against Afek, restricting Afek from building installations of any kind or carrying out work of any kind that changes the surface of the ground within the boundaries of the area defined in the drilling permit until the Court rules on the petitions. The hearing is expected to be held within two months.
	In addition to the foregoing, the Company may from time to time be subject to other legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Although there can be no assurance in this regard, the Company does not expect any of those legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
	Purchase and Other Commitments
	The Company had purchase commitments of $7.4 million as of September 30, 2014.
	Renewable Energy Credits
	Genie Retail Energy must obtain a certain percentage or amount of its power supply from renewable energy sources in order to meet renewable portfolio standards in the states in which it operates. This requirement may be met by obtaining renewable energy credits that provide evidence that electricity has been generated by a qualifying renewable facility or resource. At September 30, 2014, Genie Retail Energy had commitments to purchase renewable energy credits of $20.3 million.
	Tax Audits
	The Company is subject to audits in various jurisdictions for various taxes. Amounts asserted by taxing authorities or the amount ultimately assessed against the Company could be greater than accrued amounts. Accordingly, provisions may be recorded in the future as estimates are revised or underlying matters are settled or resolved. Imposition of assessments as a result of tax audits could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
	Letter of Credit
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company had letters of credit outstanding totaling $7.6 million primarily for the benefit of regional transmission organizations that coordinate the movement of wholesale electricity and for certain utility companies. The letters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2014 expire as follows: $5.9 million in the twelve months ending September 30, 2015 and $1.7 million in November and December 2015.
	Performance Bonds
	Genie Retail Energy has performance bonds issued through a third party for the benefit of various states in order to comply with the states’ financial requirements for retail energy providers. At September 30, 2014, Genie Retail Energy had aggregate performance bonds of $12.6 million outstanding.
	Other Contingencies
	Since 2009, IDT Energy has been a party to a Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company (“BP”), pursuant to which BP is IDT Energy’s preferred provider of electricity and natural gas. The agreement’s termination date is June 30, 2015. Under the arrangement, IDT Energy purchases electricity and natural gas at market rate plus a fee. IDT Energy’s obligations to BP are secured by a first security interest in deposits or receivables from utilities in connection with their purchase of IDT Energy’s customer receivables, and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in connection with any collateral accounts with BP. IDT Energy’s ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants. At September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. As of September 30, 2014, restricted cash—short-term of $0.9 million and trade accounts receivable of $24.4 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of IDT Energy’s trade accounts payable to BP of $8.8 million as of September 30, 2014.

Revolving_Line_of_Credit

Revolving Line of Credit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Revolving Line of Credit [Abstract]	'
Revolving Line of Credit	'
	Note 10—Revolving Line of Credit
	As of April 23, 2012, the Company and IDT Energy entered into a Loan Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank for a revolving line of credit for up to a maximum principal amount of $25.0 million. On April 30, 2014, the Loan Agreement was modified to extend the maturity date from April 30, 2014 to April 30, 2015. The proceeds from the line of credit may be used to provide working capital and for the issuance of letters of credit. The Company agreed to deposit cash in a money market account at JPMorgan Chase Bank as collateral for the line of credit equal to the greater of (a) $10.0 million or (b) the sum of the amount of letters of credit outstanding plus the outstanding principal under the revolving note. The Company is not permitted to withdraw funds or exercise any authority over the required balance in the collateral account. The principal outstanding will bear interest at the lesser of (a) the LIBOR rate multiplied by the statutory reserve rate established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System plus 1.0% per annum, or (b) the maximum rate per annum permitted by whichever of applicable federal or Texas laws permit the higher interest rate. Interest is payable at least every three months and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest is due on the maturity date. The Company pays a quarterly unused commitment fee of 0.08% per annum on the difference between $25.0 million and the average daily outstanding principal balance of the note. In addition, as of April 23, 2012, GEIC issued a Corporate Guaranty to JPMorgan Chase Bank whereby GEIC unconditionally guarantees the full payment of all indebtedness of the Company and IDT Energy under the Loan Agreement. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no amounts borrowed under the line of credit, and cash collateral of $10.0 million was included in “Restricted cash—short-term” in the consolidated balance sheet. In addition, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, letters of credit of $7.6 million and $5.7 million, respectively, were outstanding.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Recently Issued Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted	'
	Note 11—Recently Issued Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede most of the current revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The goals of the revenue recognition project were to clarify and converge the revenue recognition principles under U.S. GAAP and IFRS and to develop guidance that would streamline and enhance revenue recognition requirements. The Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2017. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the standard. The Company is evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Balance of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following table presents the balance of assets and liabilities at September 30, 2014 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)			Total
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Derivative contracts	$	519	$	836	$	—		$	1,355
	Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts	$	81	$	741	$	—		$	822
	The following table presents the balance of assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)			Total
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Derivative contracts	$	390		1,230		62			1,682
	Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts	$	13	$	372	$	—		$	385
	(1) – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	(2) – observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
	(3) – no observable pricing inputs in the market
Summary of the change in the balance of the Company's asset measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	—	$	—	$	62		$	—
	Total gains (losses) (realized or unrealized) included in earnings in “Direct cost of revenues”		—		275		(62	)		275
	Purchases		—		359		—			359
	Balance, end of period	$	—	$	634	$	—		$	634
	The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings in “Direct cost of revenues” attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets held at the end of the period	$	—	$	275	$	—		$	275

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

'

Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts

'

Commodity

Settlement Dates

Volume

Electricity

Nov-14

121,600 MWh

Electricity

Dec-14

140,800 MWh

Electricity

Jul-15

114,080 MWh

Electricity

Aug-15

104,160 MWh

Natural gas

Nov-14

1,000,000 Dth

Natural gas

Dec-14

800,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jan-15

755,000 Dth

Natural gas

Feb-15

600,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jul-15

1,915,000 Dth

Natural gas

Sep-15

225,000 Dth

Natural gas

Oct-15

150,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jan-16

465,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jul-16

620,000 Dth

Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liabilities

'

Asset Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013

(in thousands)

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments:

Energy contracts and options

Other current assets

$

1,355

$

1,682

The fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

Liability Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

30-Sep-14

31-Dec-13

(in thousands)

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments:

Energy contracts and options

Other current liabilities

$

822

$

385

Effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations

'

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Derivatives not designated

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives

2014

2013

2014

2013

or not qualifying as

hedging instruments

(in thousands)

Energy contracts and options

Direct cost of revenues

$

(19

)

$

(426

)

$

(118

)

$

(394

)

Investment_in_American_Shale_O1

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investment In American Shale Oil, LLC [Abstract]	'
Summary in the change in balance of the Company's investment in AMSO, LLC	'
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(252	)	$	242
	Capital contributions		—			2,345
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—			(2,607	)
	Balance, end of period	$	(252	)	$	(20	)
Summarized unaudited statements of operations AMSO, LLC	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Operating expenses:
	General and administrative	$	111		$	162		$	344		$	435
	Research and development		2,025			1,758			6,072			7,055
	Loss from operations		(2,136	)		(1,920	)		(6,416	)		(7,490	)
	Other income		—			—			—			41
	Net loss	$	(2,136	)	$	(1,920	)	$	(6,416	)	$	(7,449	)

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of changes in the components of equity	'
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14
		Attributable to Genie			Noncontrolling Interests			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	121,132		$	(4,792	)	$	116,340
	Dividends on preferred stock		(982	)		—			(982	)
	Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees		(111	)		—			(111	)
	Repurchases of Class B common stock through repurchase program		(846	)		—			(846	)
	Purchases of Class B common stock by Howard S. Jonas		24,552			—			24,552
	Exercise of stock options		27			—			27
	Stock-based compensation		8,260			—			8,260
	Comprehensive loss:
	Net loss		(16,049	)		(929	)		(16,978	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		(342	)		18			(324	)
	Comprehensive loss		(16,391	)		(911	)		(17,302	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	135,641		$	(5,703	)	$	129,938
Summary of Net income (loss) and aggregate net funding repaid to (provided by) the Company to variable interest entity	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Net income (loss):
	CCE	$	24		$	697		$	136		$	2,360
	DAD	$	(86	)	$	—		$	(99	)	$	(35	)
	Tari	$	—		$	—		$	(13	)	$	10
	Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net	$	(355	)	$	(601	)	$	261		$	3,802
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	26		$	434
	Restricted cash		14			537
	Trade accounts receivable		1,314			2,459
	Prepaid expenses		167			364
	Other current assets		307			353
	Other assets		449			449
	Total assets	$	2,277		$	4,596
	Liabilities and members’ interests
	Current liabilities	$	855		$	2,937
	Due to IDT Energy		703			964
	Noncontrolling interests		719			695
	Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	$	2,277		$	4,596

Loss_Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

(Loss) Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
(Loss) Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Weighted-average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Basic weighted-average number of shares		21,224		19,384		21,189		19,413
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—		40		—		—
	Non-vested restricted Class B common stock		—		1,665		—		—
	Diluted weighted-average number of shares		21,224		21,089		21,189		19,413
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Stock options		438		—		438		449
	Non-vested restricted Class B common stock		3,166		—		3,166		1,785
	Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share		3,604		—		3,604		2,234

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Summary of related party transactions	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Amount IDT charged the Company	$	1,195	$	913	$	2,613	$	2,363
	Amount the Company charged IDT	$	127	$	82	$	402	$	189

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Operating results for the business segments	'
	(in thousands)	Genie Retail		Genie Oil			Corporate			Total
		Energy		and Gas
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues	$	46,186	$	—		$	—		$	46,186
	Income (loss) from operations		5,612		(3,294	)		(6,425	)		(4,107	)
	Research and development		—		3,044			—			3,044
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		—			—			—
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	71,638	$	—		$	—		$	71,638
	Income (loss) from operations		9,596		(3,699	)		(1,949	)		3,948
	Research and development		—		2,653			—			2,653
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		672			—			672
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues	$	225,345	$	—		$	—		$	225,345
	Income (loss) from operations		5,643		(8,499	)		(12,087	)		(14,943	)
	Research and development		—		7,513			—			7,513
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		—			—			—
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	212,103	$	—		$	—		$	212,103
	Income (loss) from operations		18,972		(11,507	)		(6,454	)		1,011
	Research and development		—		7,734			—			7,734
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		2,607			—			2,607
Summary of business segment aggregate assets	'
	(in thousands)	Genie Retail		Genie Oil			Corporate			Total
		Energy		and Gas
	Total assets:
	30-Sep-14	$	78,121	$	53,849		$	26,861		$	158,831
	31-Dec-13	$	76,691	$	42,193		$	39,959		$	158,843

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

IDT Energy [Member]

Genie Oil and Gas [Member]

Genie Energy International Corporation [Member]

American Shale Oil L.L.C [Member]

Israel Energy Initiatives [Member]

Afek Oil and Gas Ltd. [Member]

Genie Mangolia [Member]

Genie Retail Energy [Member]

Basis Of Presentation (Textual)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

100.00%

92.00%

99.30%

44.30%

87.90%

88.50%

89.90%

100.00%

Deferred stock units granted to directors and employees represent obligation percentage of equity

'

'

'

'

1.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of gas revenue generated in given period

'

49.00%

'

47.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of electricity revenue generated in given period

31.00%

'

34.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'		'
Derivative contracts	$1,355		$1,682
Liabilities:	'		'
Derivative contracts	822		385
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Derivative contracts	519	[1]	390	[1]
Liabilities:	'		'
Derivative contracts	81	[1]	13	[1]
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Derivative contracts	836	[2]	1,230	[2]
Liabilities:	'		'
Derivative contracts	741	[2]	372	[2]
Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Derivative contracts	'	[3]	62	[3]
Liabilities:	'		'
Derivative contracts	'	[3]	'	[3]
[1]	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
[2]	observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
[3]	no observable pricing inputs in the market

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of the change in the balance of the Company's asset measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	$62	'
Total gains (losses) (realized or unrealized) included in earnings in "Direct cost of revenues"	'	275	-62	275
Purchases	'	359	'	359
Balance, end of period	'	634	'	634
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings in "Direct cost of revenues" attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets held at the end of the period	'	$275	'	$275

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail2

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value Measurements (Textual)	'	'	'
Financial instrument included in other assets	$1.50	$1.40	'
GOGAS [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Measurements (Textual)	'	'	'
Stock option issued, exercise price	'	'	5
Fair value of the GOGAS stock option	'	'	'
Investment options, expiration date	9-Apr-15	'	'

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Electricity [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Electricity
Settlement Dates	'November 2014
Volume	'121,600 MWh
Electricity 1 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Electricity
Settlement Dates	'December 2014
Volume	'140,800 MWh
Electricity 2 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Electricity
Settlement Dates	'July 2015
Volume	'114,080 MWh
Electricity 3 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Electricity
Settlement Dates	'August 2015
Volume	'104,160 MWh
Natural Gas [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Natural gas
Settlement Dates	'November 2014
Volume	'1,000,000 Dth
Natural Gas 1 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Natural gas
Settlement Dates	'December 2014
Volume	'800,000 Dth
Natural Gas 2 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Natural gas
Settlement Dates	'January 2015
Volume	'755,000 Dth
Natural Gas 3 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Natural gas
Settlement Dates	'February 2015
Volume	'600,000 Dth
Natural Gas 4 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Natural gas
Settlement Dates	'July 2015
Volume	'1,915,000 Dth
Natural Gas 5 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Natural gas
Settlement Dates	'September 2015
Volume	'225,000 Dth
Natural Gas 6 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Natural gas
Settlement Dates	'October 2015
Volume	'150,000 Dth
Natural Gas 7 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Natural gas
Settlement Dates	'January 2016
Volume	'465,000 Dth
Natural Gas 8 [Member]	'
Summarized volume of Genie Retail Energy's outstanding future contracts	'
Commodity	'Natural gas
Settlement Dates	'July 2016
Volume	'620,000 Dth

Derivative_Instruments_Details1

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) (Energy contracts and options [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other current assets [Member]	'	'
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liability	'	'
Asset Derivatives, not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments	$1,355	$1,682
Other current liabilities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liability	'	'
Liability Derivatives, not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments	$822	$385

Derivative_Instruments_Details2

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) (Energy contracts and options [Member], Direct cost of revenues [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Energy contracts and options [Member] | Direct cost of revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations	'	'	'	'
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives	($19)	($426)	($118)	($394)

Investment_in_American_Shale_O2

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary in the change in balance of the Company's investment in AMSO, LLC	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	($252)	$242
Capital contributions	'	'	'	2,345
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	'	-672	'	-2,607
Balance, end of period	($252)	($20)	($252)	($20)

Investment_in_American_Shale_O3

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 1) (AMSO, LLC [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
AMSO, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	$111	$162	$344	$435
Research and development	2,025	1,758	6,072	7,055
Loss from operations	-2,136	-1,920	-6,416	-7,490
Other income	'	'	'	41
Net loss	($2,136)	($1,920)	($6,416)	($7,449)

Investment_in_American_Shale_O4

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
AMSO, LLC [Member]	'
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Textual)	'
Percentage of initial expenditure funded by holding company	20.00%
Initial expenditures	$50
Percentage of funding provided by holding company for next increased expenditures	35.00%
Amount of expenditures to be funded 35% by holding company	50
Percentage of funding to AMSO, LLC's for converting research, development and demonstration lease to a commercial lease	40.00%
Capital contributions to AMSO, LLC	76.9
Maximum amount of contribution to AMSO, LLC	100
Amount of expenditures not allocated to holding company after dilution	9
Reduction in ownership interest	44.30%
Reduction in fund to affiliate	31.00%
Expenditures to be funded by holding company not funded	$3
TOTAL S.A. [Member]	'
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Textual)	'
Reduction in ownership interest	55.70%
Reduction in fund to affiliate	69.00%

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of changes in the components of equity	'	'	'	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	'	'	$116,340	'
Dividends on preferred stock	'	'	-982	'
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees	'	'	-111	'
Repurchases of Class B common stock through repurchase program	'	'	-846	'
Purchases of Class B common stock by Howard S. Jonas	'	'	24,552	'
Exercise of stock options	'	'	27	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	8,260	'
Comprehensive loss:	'	'	'	'
Net loss	-4,825	2,042	-16,978	-4,223
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-397	176	-324	321
Comprehensive loss	-5,222	2,277	-17,302	-3,887
Balance, September 30, 2014	129,938	'	129,938	'
Attributable to Genie [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of changes in the components of equity	'	'	'	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	'	'	121,132	'
Dividends on preferred stock	'	'	-982	'
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees	'	'	-111	'
Repurchases of Class B common stock through repurchase program	'	'	-846	'
Purchases of Class B common stock by Howard S. Jonas	'	'	24,552	'
Exercise of stock options	'	'	27	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	8,260	'
Comprehensive loss:	'	'	'	'
Net loss	'	'	-16,049	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'	-342	'
Comprehensive loss	'	'	-16,391	'
Balance, September 30, 2014	135,641	'	135,641	'
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of changes in the components of equity	'	'	'	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	'	'	-4,792	'
Dividends on preferred stock	'	'	'	'
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of Class B common stock through repurchase program	'	'	'	'
Purchases of Class B common stock by Howard S. Jonas	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive loss:	'	'	'	'
Net loss	'	'	-929	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'	18	'
Comprehensive loss	'	'	-911	'
Balance, September 30, 2014	($5,703)	'	($5,703)	'

Equity_Details_1

Equity (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Aggregate funding repaid to (provided by) the Company, net	($355)	($601)	$261	$3,802
CCE [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	24	697	136	2,360
DAD [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-86	'	-99	-35
Tari [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	($13)	$10

Equity_Details_2

Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total assets	$2,277	$4,596
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	2,277	4,596
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total assets	26	434
Restricted cash [Member]	'	'
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total assets	14	537
Trade accounts receivable [Member]	'	'
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total assets	1,314	2,459
Prepaid expenses [Member]	'	'
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total assets	167	364
Other current assets [Member]	'	'
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total assets	307	353
Other assets [Member]	'	'
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total assets	449	449
Current Liability [Member]	'	'
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	855	2,937
Due to IDT Energy [Member]	'	'
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	703	964
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'
Summarized combined balance sheets of CCE, DAD and Tari	'	'
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	$719	$695

Equity_Details_Textual

Equity (Details Textual) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Aug. 15, 2014

Feb. 15, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

15-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

22-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 11, 2013

Jul. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Subsequent Event [Member]

DAD Sales LLC [Member]

Common Stock Class B [Member]

Common Stock Class B [Member]

Common Stock Class B [Member]

Common Stock Class B [Member]

Common Stock Class B [Member]

Common Stock Class B [Member]

Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

Howard S Jonas [Member]

Howard S Jonas [Member]

Equity (Textual)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of stock authorized to be repurchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,000,000

'

'

Remaining number of shares available for repurchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,900,000

'

'

'

Repurchased shares of Class B common stock, shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,331

'

'

'

Repurchases of Class B common stock through repurchase program

'

'

'

'

($846,000)

'

'

'

'

'

($846,000)

'

'

'

Common stock exchange into of preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

Issuance of series A preferred stock in exchange for class B common stock

'

'

404,732

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Terms of offer to exchange class B common stock shares for preferred stock shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The offer expired on June 23, 2014. Prior to this exchange offer, the Preferred Stock were redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company following October 11, 2016 at 101% of the liquidation preference of $8.50 (the "Liquidation Preference") plus accrued and unpaid dividends, and 100% of the Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends following October 11, 2017. In conjunction with the closing of this exchange offer, the Company extended the periods related to redemption of the Preferred Stock from October 11, 2016 to October 11, 2017, and from October 11, 2017 to October 11, 2018.

'

'

'

'

'

Options purchase, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

Exercise price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10.30

'

Purchase options, description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Extend the term thereof for an additional one year period, expiring on December 31, 2019

Commitment to purchase shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,600,000

'

Commitment to purchase shares price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6.82

'

Stock issued during period, shares, new issues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,600,000

'

Stock issued during period, value, new issues

'

'

'

'

24,552,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,600,000

'

Unrecognized compensation costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,000,000

'

Aggregate quarterly base dividend old amount

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate quarterly base dividend new amount

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly Base Dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Date to be Paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

14-Nov-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock agreement vesting of restricted shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The 3.6 million Class B shares are subject to repurchase by the Company at $6.82 per share upon certain terminations of Mr. Jonas' employment by the Company, and such repurchase right lapses as to 0.6 million shares on July 30, 2014 and on December 31 of 2014 through 2018.

Company paid a pro-rated Base Dividend on Series 2012-A Preferred Stock

$0.16

$0.16

'

$0.16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends Preferred Stock Paid

'

'

'

'

$1,000,000

$800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss_Earnings_Per_Share_Detail

(Loss) Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
(Loss) Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic weighted-average number of shares	21,224	19,384	21,189	19,413
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Stock options	'	40	'	'
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock	'	1,665	'	'
Diluted weighted-average number of shares	21,224	21,089	21,189	19,413

Loss_Earnings_Per_Share_Detail1

(Loss) Earnings Per Share (Details 1)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	3,604	'	3,604	2,234
Stock options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	438	'	438	449
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	3,166	'	3,166	1,785

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of related party transactions	'	'	'	'
Amount IDT charged the Company	$1,195	$913	$2,613	$2,363
Amount the Company charged IDT	$127	$82	$402	$189

Related_Party_Transactions_Det1

Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transactions (Textual)	'	'
Receivable due from related party	$263	'

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating results for the business segments	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$46,186	$71,638	$225,345	$212,103
Income (Loss) from operations	-4,107	3,948	-14,943	1,011
Research and development	3,044	2,653	7,513	7,734
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	'	672	'	2,607
Genie Retail Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating results for the business segments	'	'	'	'
Revenues	46,186	71,638	225,345	212,103
Income (Loss) from operations	5,612	9,596	5,643	18,972
Research and development	'	'	'	'
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	'	'	'	'
Genie Oil and Gas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating results for the business segments	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from operations	-3,294	-3,699	-8,499	-11,507
Research and development	3,044	2,653	7,513	7,734
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	'	672	'	2,607
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating results for the business segments	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from operations	-6,425	-1,949	-12,087	-6,454
Research and development	'	'	'	'
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	'	'	'	'

Business_Segment_Information_D1

Business Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary total assets for the business segments	'	'
Total assets	$158,831	$158,843
Genie Retail Energy [Member]	'	'
Summary total assets for the business segments	'	'
Total assets	78,121	76,691
Genie Oil and Gas [Member]	'	'
Summary total assets for the business segments	'	'
Total assets	53,849	42,193
Corporate [Member]	'	'
Summary total assets for the business segments	'	'
Total assets	$26,861	$39,959

Business_Segment_Information_D2

Business Segment Information (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment
Business Segment Information (Textual)	'
Number of Reportable Segments	2
GEIC [Member]	'
Business Segment Information (Textual)	'
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	99.30%
IDT Energy [Member]	'
Business Segment Information (Textual)	'
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	100.00%
Deferred stock units, stock obligation to related parties	1.40%
GOGAS [Member]	'
Business Segment Information (Textual)	'
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	92.00%
AMSO, LLC [Member]	'
Business Segment Information (Textual)	'
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	44.30%
IEI [Member]	'
Business Segment Information (Textual)	'
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	87.90%
Afek [Member]	'
Business Segment Information (Textual)	'
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	88.50%
Genie Mangolia [Member]	'
Business Segment Information (Textual)	'
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	89.90%
Genie Retail Energy [Member]	'
Business Segment Information (Textual)	'
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	100.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)	'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$7.60
Purchase and other commitments	7.4
Letters of credit outstanding expiration period	'The letters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2014 expire as follows: $5.9 million in the twelve months ending September 30, 2015 and $1.7 million in November and December 2015.
Installment One [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)	'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	5.9
Installment Two [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)	'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	1.7
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)	'
Assets pledged as collateral to BP Energy	24.4
Restricted Cash [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)	'
Assets pledged as collateral to BP Energy	0.9
BP [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)	'
Payment of trade accounts payable to BP Energy	8.8
Genie Retail Energy [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)	'
Aggregate performance bonds outstanding	12.6
Purchase of renewable energy credit	$20.30

Revolving_Line_of_Credit_Detai

Revolving Line of Credit (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 23, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			JPMorgan [Member]	JPMorgan [Member]
Revolving Line of Credit (Textual)	'	'	'	'
Maximum principal amount on revolving line of credit	'	'	'	$25
Description of line of credit collateral	'	'	'Equal to the greater of (a) $10.0 million or (b) the sum of the amount of letters of credit outstanding plus the outstanding principal under the revolving note.	'
Extended Maturity Date	'	'	30-Apr-15	'
Maximum amount of collateral under condition one	'	'	10	'
Interest rate description on principal outstanding	'	'	'Lesser of (a) the LIBOR rate multiplied by the statutory reserve rate established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System plus 1.0% per annum, or (b) the maximum rate per annum permitted by whichever of applicable federal or Texas laws permit the higher interest rate.	'
Quoted margin rate on LIBOR, per annum	'	'	1.00%	'
Quarterly unused commitment fee	'	'	0.08%	'
Line of credit facility, frequency of payment and payment terms	'	'	'Interest is payable at least every three months and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest is due on the maturity date	'
Cash collateral for line of credit	'	'	10	'
Line of credit facility, amount utilized	$7.60	$5.70	'	'