Genie Energy (GNE) 10-K16 Mar 152014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 10, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	Genie Energy Ltd.
Entity Central Index Key	1528356
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$117
Class A common stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			1,574,326
Class B common stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			22,988,112

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$71,895	$73,885
Restricted cash-short-term	10,609	14,429
Certificates of deposit	4,669	4,343
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $227 at December 31, 2014 and $930 at December 31, 2013	31,427	42,926
Inventory	11,166	3,822
Prepaid expenses	5,713	2,930
Deferred income tax assets, net	1,463	840
Other current assets	5,430	2,917
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	142,372	146,092
Property and equipment, net	1,902	561
Goodwill	3,663	7,349
Restricted cash-long-term	1,023	1,127
Other assets	3,968	3,714
TOTAL ASSETS	152,928	158,843
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Trade accounts payable	14,881	25,302
Accrued expenses	10,913	9,856
Advances from customers	403	1,103
Income taxes payable	543	2,075
Due to IDT Corporation	542	541
Energy hedging contracts	4,003	385
Other current liabilities	797	1,072
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	32,082	40,334
Other liabilities	1,503	2,169
TOTAL LIABILITIES	33,585	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	19,743	16,303
Additional paid-in capital	114,322	82,791
Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 194 and 59 shares of Class B common at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	-1,543	-473
Accumulated other comprehensive income	10	745
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	-7,759	21,552
Total Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity	125,021	121,132
Noncontrolling interests:
Noncontrolling interests	-4,678	-3,792
Receivable for issuance of equity	-1,000	-1,000
Total noncontrolling interests	-5,678	-4,792
TOTAL EQUITY	119,343	116,340
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	152,928	158,843
Class A common stock
Genie Energy Ltd. Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, value	16	16
Noncontrolling interests:
TOTAL EQUITY	16	16
Class B common stock
Genie Energy Ltd. Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, value	232	198
Noncontrolling interests:
TOTAL EQUITY	$232	$198

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts, trade accounts receivable (in dollars)	$227	$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
Designated shares	8,750	8,750
Preferred stock, shares issued	2,322	1,917
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	2,322	1,917
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
Treasury stock, shares	194	59
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	22,984	19,696

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
REVENUES:
Electricity	$214,511		$216,668		$174,293
Natural gas	57,868		62,506		55,166
Other	2,652
Total revenues	275,031		279,174		229,459
Direct cost of revenues	223,094		213,416		159,872
GROSS PROFIT	51,937		65,758		69,587
OPERATING EXPENSES, (GAINS) AND LOSSES:
Selling, general and administrative (i)	61,372	[1]	49,749	[1]	54,000	[1]
Bad debt	310		800
Research and development	12,509		11,389		9,365
Goodwill impairment	3,562
Adjustment to estimated contingent payments	-206
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC			3,194		3,175
(Loss) income from operations	-25,610		626		3,047
Interest income	469		449		404
Financing fees	-2,560		-3,217		-2,913
Other income (expense), net	389		-444		-143
(Loss) income before income taxes	-27,312		-2,586		395
Provision for income taxes	-95		-2,755		-2,930
NET LOSS	-27,407		-5,341		-2,535
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	921		-562		-746
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD.	-26,486		-5,903		-3,281
Dividends on preferred stock	-1,416		-1,223		-211
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	($27,902)		($7,126)		($3,492)
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders:	($1.31)		($0.36)		($0.17)
Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of basic and diluted loss per share	21,256		19,668		20,687

[1]	(i) Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses $ 10,758 $ 4,180 $ 3,429

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation costs	$10,758	$4,180	$3,429

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statements Of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract]
NET LOSS	($27,407)	($5,341)	($2,535)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax		15	-15
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-700	441	386
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-700	456	371
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	-28,107	-4,885	-2,164
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	886	-543	-710
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD.	($27,221)	($5,428)	($2,874)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock Class A	Common Stock Class B	Preferred Stock	Additional paid-in capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Noncontrolling Interest	Receivable for issuance of equity
In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock Class A	Common Stock Class B	Preferred Stock	Additional paid-in capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Noncontrolling Interest	Receivable for issuance of equity
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$120,299	$16	$214		$92,321		($137)	$34,924	($6,039)	($1,000)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011		1,574,000	21,382,000
Dividends on preferred stock	-211							-211
Dividends declared on common stock	-3,057							-3,057
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees	-204					-204
Stock-based compensation	3,429				3,404				25
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors, Shares			49,000
Exercise of stock options	5				5
Exercise of stock options, Shares			1,000
Grants of equity of subsidiaries					-1,911				1,911
Exchange of Class B common stock for Preferred stock			-16	13,639	-13,623
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
Other comprehensive loss	371						407		-36
Net income (loss)	-2,535							-3,281	746
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	118,097	16	198	13,639	80,196	-204	270	28,375	-3,393	-1,000
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012		1,574,000	19,827,000	1,605,000
Dividends on preferred stock	-920							-920
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees	-269					-269
Stock-based compensation	3,841				3,841
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors	3		3
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors, Shares			227,000
Exercise of stock options	93				93
Exercise of stock options, Shares			13,000
Grants of equity of subsidiaries					357				-357
Sales of stock of subsidiary	422				1,129				-707
Issuance of preferred stock of subsidiary					-2,000				2,000
Exchange of Class B common stock for Preferred stock			-3	2,664	-2,661
Issuance of Class B common stock to holders of deferred stock units of subsidiary					1,836				-1,836
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-42								-42
Other comprehensive loss	456						475		-19
Net income (loss)	-5,341							-5,903	562
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	116,340	16	198	16,303	82,791	-473	745	21,552	-3,792	-1,000
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		1,574,000	19,755,000	1,917,000
Dividends on preferred stock	-1,352							-1,352
Dividends declared on common stock	-1,473							-1,473
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees	-224					-224
Stock-based compensation	10,423				10,423
Stock-based compensation, Shares
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors	2		2
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors, Shares			224,000
Exercise of stock options	28				28
Exercise of stock options, Shares			4,000
Exchange of Class B common stock for Preferred stock			-4	3,440	-3,436
Exchange of Class B common stock for Preferred stock, Shares			-405,000	405,000
Repurchases of Class B common stock through repurchase program	-846					-846
Sales of Class B common stock to Howard Jonas	24,552		36		24,516
Sales of Class B common stock to Howard Jonas, Shares			3,600,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
Other comprehensive loss	-700						-735		35
Net income (loss)	-27,407							-26,486	-921
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$119,343	$16	$232	$19,743	$114,322	($1,543)	$10	($7,759)	($4,678)	($1,000)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014		1,574,000	23,178,000	2,322,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Statements of Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per common share	$0.06	$0.13

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	($27,407)	($5,341)	($2,535)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	132	110	124
Goodwill impairment	3,562
Gain on adjustment to estimated contingent payments	-206
Deferred income taxes	-622	-241	4,508
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	310	800
Stock-based compensation	10,758	4,180	3,429
Loss on disposal of property		37
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		3,194	3,175
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Restricted cash	3,923	-4,713	-233
Trade accounts receivable	11,189	-2,679	-14,711
Inventory	-7,822	-700	1,423
Prepaid expenses	-2,306	-93	638
Other current assets and other assets	-2,664	-243	-783
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-5,718	6,883	6,275
Advances from customers	-700	-746	-781
Due to IDT Corporation	1	-59	-157
Income taxes payable	-1,532	831	-1,380
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-19,102	1,220	-1,008
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	-1,437	-313	-91
Capital contributions to AMSO, LLC		-2,700	-4,102
Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-1,138	-772
Issuance of notes receivable	-82	-750	-650
Purchase of licenses and security deposits			-175
Purchases of certificates of deposit	-4,655	-4,329	-2,205
Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit	4,334	2,205
Purchases of marketable securities		-3	-11,484
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities		10,433	966
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-2,978	3,771	-17,741
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid	-2,825	-1,131	-4,205
Proceeds from sales of Class B common stock to Howard S. Jonas	24,552
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		-42
Proceeds from sales of equity of subsidiaries		422
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	28	93	5
Increase in restricted cash			-10,017
Repurchases of common stock and Class B common stock	-1,070	-269	-204
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,685	-927	-14,421
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-595	412	359
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-1,990	4,476	-32,811
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	73,885	69,409	102,220
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	71,895	73,885	69,409
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash payments made for interest	3	12
Cash payments made for income taxes	2,647	2,069	387
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Liabilities incurred for acquisitions		$2,475

Description_of_Business_and_Su

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1—Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Genie’s principal businesses consist of the following:

●

Genie Retail Energy operates retail energy providers (“REPs”), including IDT Energy, Inc. (“IDT Energy”) and Residents Energy, Inc. (“Residents Energy”), and energy brokerage and marketing services. Its REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers primarily in the Eastern United States; and

●

Genie Oil and Gas is an oil and gas exploration company. GOGAS’ early stage projects include (1) an 88.5% interest in Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. (“Afek”), which operates an exploration project in the southern portion of the Golan Heights in Northern Israel, (2) an 89.9% interest in Genie Mongolia, Inc. (“Genie Mongolia”), an oil shale exploration project in Central Mongolia, (3) American Shale Oil Corporation (“AMSO”), which holds and manages a 43.1% interest in American Shale Oil, L.L.C. (“AMSO, LLC”), an oil shale development project in Colorado, and (4) an 87.9% interest in Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd. (“IEI”), an oil shale development project in Israel.

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.

In April 2013, the Government of Israel finalized the award to Afek of an exclusive three year petroleum exploration license in the southern portion of the Golan Heights. In April 2013, Genie Mongolia and the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia entered into an exclusive five year oil shale development agreement to explore and evaluate the commercial potential of oil shale resources in Central Mongolia. IEI holds an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License that was awarded by the Government of Israel in July 2008. The license covers an area in the south of the Shfela region in Israel. The license expires in July 2015.

The Company was formerly a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (“IDT”). On October 28, 2011, the Company was spun-off by IDT and became an independent public company through a pro rata distribution of the Company’s common stock to IDT’s stockholders (the “Spin-Off”).

Basis of Consolidation

The method of accounting applied to long-term investments, whether consolidated, equity or cost, involves an evaluation of the significant terms of each investment that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or influence over the operations of the investee and also includes the identification of any variable interests in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The consolidated financial statements include the Company’s controlled subsidiaries and variable interest entities where the Company is the primary beneficiary (see Note 11). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between the consolidated entities are eliminated.

Accounting for Investments

Investments in businesses that the Company does not control, but in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters, are accounted for using the equity method. The Company’s investment in AMSO, LLC is accounted for using the equity method. The Company periodically evaluates its equity method investment for impairment due to declines considered to be other than temporary. If the Company determines that a decline in fair value is other than temporary, then a charge to earnings would be recorded, and a new basis in the investment is established.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from Genie Retail Energy’s sale of electricity and natural gas are recognized under the accrual method based on deliveries of electricity and natural gas to customers. Revenues from electricity and natural gas delivered but not yet billed are estimated and recorded as accounts receivable. Cash received in advance from customers under billing arrangement is reported as deferred revenue and is included in “Advances from customers” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Genie Oil and Gas does not yet generate revenues.

Direct Cost of Revenues

Direct cost of revenues for Genie Retail Energy consists primarily of the cost of natural gas and electricity sold, and also includes scheduling costs, Independent System Operator fees, pipeline costs and utility service charges. In addition, the changes in the fair value of Genie Retail Energy’s futures contracts, swaps and put and call options are recorded in direct cost of revenues. Genie Oil and Gas does not yet incur direct cost of revenues as primarily all of its expenses are classified as research and development.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are incurred primarily by IEI, Afek and Genie Mongolia. Costs for research and development are charged to expense as incurred.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Marketable Securities

The Company classified its investments in marketable securities as “available-for-sale.” Available-for-sale securities are required to be carried at their fair value, with unrealized gains and losses (net of income taxes) that are considered temporary in nature recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses the specific identification method in computing the gross realized gains and gross realized losses on the maturities and sales of marketable securities. The Company periodically evaluates its investments in marketable securities for impairment due to declines in market value considered to be other than temporary. Such impairment evaluations included, in addition to persistent, declining market prices, general economic and Company-specific evaluations. If the Company determined that a decline in market value is other than temporary, then a charge to operations is recorded in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

Inventory

Inventory consists of natural gas, which is stored at various third parties’ underground storage facilities, of $2.5 million and $3.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Inventory also includes renewable energy credits of $8.7 million and $0.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Natural gas inventory is valued at a weighted average cost, which is based on the purchase price of the natural gas and the cost to transport, plus or minus injections or withdrawals.

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 the requirements of 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. Genie Retail Energy holds renewable energy credits for both sale and use, and treats the credits as a government incentive to encourage the construction of renewable power plants. Renewable energy credits are valued at cost, which is the purchase price. Gains and losses from the sale of renewable energy credits are recognized in direct cost of revenues when the credits are transferred to the buyer.

Property and Equipment

Computer software and development, computers and computer hardware, laboratory and drilling equipment and office equipment and other are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range as follows: computer software and development—2, 3 or 5 years; computers and computer hardware—5 years, laboratory and drilling equipment—7 years, and office equipment and other —5 or 7 years. Leasehold improvements included in office equipment and other are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of their lease or their estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company tests the recoverability of its long-lived assets with finite useful lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company tests the recoverability based on the projected undiscounted cash flows to be derived from such asset. If the projected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the Company will record an impairment loss based on the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the asset. The Company generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows from such asset using an appropriate discount rate. Cash flow projections and fair value estimates require significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should the estimates and assumptions prove to be incorrect, the Company may be required to record impairments in future periods and such impairments could be material.

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized. These assets are reviewed annually (or more frequently under various conditions) for impairment using a fair value approach. The goodwill impairment assessment involves estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it to its carrying amount, which is known as Step 1. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, Step 2 is performed to determine if an impairment of goodwill is required. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as considering third party market value indicators. Goodwill impairment is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over its implied fair value. Calculating the fair value of the reporting units, and allocating the estimated fair value to all of the tangible assets, intangible assets and liabilities, requires significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should the estimates and assumptions regarding the fair value of the reporting units prove to be incorrect, the Company may be required to record impairments to its goodwill in future periods and such impairments could be material.

The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. However, the Company may elect to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test even if no indications of a potential impairment exist.

For the impairment test of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets, a quantitative impairment test is only necessary if the Company determines that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired based on an assessment of certain qualitative factors.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company records its derivatives instruments at their respective fair values. The accounting for changes in the fair value (that is, gains or losses) of a derivative instrument is dependent upon whether the derivative has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship.

Due to the volatility of electricity and natural gas prices, Genie Retail Energy enters into futures contracts, swaps and put and call options as hedges against unfavorable fluctuations in market prices of electricity and natural gas and to reduce exposure from price fluctuations. The Company does not designate its derivative instruments to qualify for hedge accounting,

accordingly the futures contracts, swaps and put and call options are recorded at fair value as a current asset or liability and any changes in fair value are recorded in “Direct cost of revenues” in the consolidated statements of operations.

In addition to the above, Genie Retail Energy utilizes forward physical delivery contracts for a portion of its purchases of electricity and natural gas, which are defined as commodity derivative contracts. Using the exemption available for qualifying contracts, Genie Retail Energy applies the normal purchase and normal sale accounting treatment to its forward physical delivery contracts, thereby these contracts are not adjusted to fair value. Accordingly, Genie Retail Energy recognizes revenue from customer sales, and the related direct cost of revenues at the contracted price, as electricity and natural gas is delivered to retail customers.

Repairs and Maintenance

The Company charges the cost of repairs and maintenance, including the cost of replacing minor items not constituting substantial betterment, to selling, general and administrative expense as these costs are incurred.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. Dollars at end-of-period rates of exchange, and their monthly results of operations are translated to U.S. Dollars at the average rates of exchange for that month. Gains or losses resulting from such foreign currency translations are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reported in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Advertising Expense

Cost of advertising for customer acquisitions are charged to selling, general and administrative expense in the period in which it is incurred. Most of the advertisements are in print, over the radio, or direct mail. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, advertising expense included in selling, general and administrative expense was $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends on the generation of future taxable income during the period in which related temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in its assessment of a valuation allowance. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the 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 of such change.

The Company uses a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured to determine the amount of tax benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in one or more of the following: an increase in a liability for income taxes payable, a reduction of an income tax refund receivable, a reduction in a deferred tax asset, or an increase in a deferred tax liability.

The Company classifies interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

Contingencies

The Company accrues for loss contingencies when both (a) information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements and (b) the amount of loss can reasonably be estimated. When the Company accrues for loss contingencies and the reasonable estimate of the loss is within a range, the Company records its best estimate within the range. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues the minimum amount in the range. The Company discloses an estimated possible loss or a range of loss when it is at least reasonably possible that a loss may have been incurred.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss 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 determined 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 following shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computations because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)

2014

2013

2012

Stock options

438

3,443

457

Non-vested restricted Class B common stock

2,473

265

1,896

Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share

2,911

3,708

2,353

The diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 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 (see Note 9). 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.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for grants of stock-based awards to its employees based on the estimated fair value on the grant date. Stock based awards granted to nonemployees are marked-to-market until the vesting of the award. Compensation cost for awards is recognized using the straight-line method over the vesting period. Stock-based compensation is included in selling, general and administrative expense.

Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, certificates of deposit and trade accounts receivable. The Company holds cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and certificates of deposit at several major financial institutions, which may exceed FDIC insured limits. Historically, the Company has not experienced any losses due to such concentration of credit risk. The Company’s temporary cash investments policy is to limit the dollar amount of investments with any one financial institution and monitor the credit ratings of those institutions. While the Company may be exposed to credit losses due to the nonperformance of the holders of its deposits, the Company does not expect the settlement of these transactions to have a material effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

Genie Retail Energy reduces its customer credit risk by participating in purchase of receivable programs for a majority of its receivables. In addition to providing billing and collection services, utility companies purchase Genie Retail Energy’s receivables and assume all credit risk without recourse to Genie Retail Energy. Genie Retail Energy’s primary credit risk is therefore nonpayment by the utility companies. Certain of the utility companies represent significant portions of the Company’s consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable balance and such concentrations increase the Company’s risk associated with nonpayment by those utility companies.

The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated revenues from customers by utility company that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated revenues in the period (no other single utility company accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues in these periods):

Year ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Con Edison

West Penn Power

National Grid USA

Penelec

na-less than 10% of consolidated revenue in the period

The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable by utility company that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

December 31

2014

2013

Con Edison

West Penn Power

Penelec

na-less than 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2014.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. The allowance is determined based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other currently available evidence. Doubtful accounts are written-off upon final determination that the trade accounts will not be collected. The change in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:

(in thousands)

Balance at

Additions

Deductions

Balance at

beginning of

charged to

-1

end of period

period

costs and

expenses

Year ended December 31, 2014

Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

930

310

(1,013

)

227

Year ended December 31, 2013

Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

130

800

—

930

Year ended December 31, 2012

Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

130

—

130

-1

Uncollectible accounts written off.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities is defined as an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The three-tier hierarchy for inputs used to measure fair value, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value, is as follows:

Level 1 –

quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 –

quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 –

unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.

A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.

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.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 2—Acquisitions



	In December 2013, IDT Energy acquired 100% of the outstanding membership interests of Diversegy, LLC (“Diversegy”), a retail energy advisory and brokerage company that serves commercial and industrial customers, and Epiq Energy, LLC (“Epiq”), a network marketing company that provides independent representatives with the opportunity to build sales organizations and to profit from both residential and commercial energy. Operating results of the acquired entities from the date of acquisition, which were not significant, are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

	The impact of the acquisition’s purchase price allocations on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and the acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred follows:



	(in thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable		$	114
	Goodwill			3,686
	Trade accounts payable			(176	)
	Advances from customers			(377	)
	Net assets acquired		$	3,247
	Supplemental information:
	Cash paid		$	779
	Cash acquired			(7	)
	Cash paid, net of cash acquired			772
	Deferred cash payments to be paid by June 2015 (1)			1,225
	Contingent payments (1)			1,250
	Total consideration, net of cash acquired		$	3,247



	-1	The deferred cash payments and the contingent payments were included in other current liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.



	The contingent payments include 100% of the gross profit from each closing customer contract during the remainder of the initial term of such contract and 100% of the gross profit from each post-closing customer contract during the initial term of such contract, plus 25% of the gross profit from the first renewal term of such contracts. A closing customer contract is generally a contract in effect at closing, and a post-closing customer contract is generally a contract that became effective within 60 days following the acquisition. The Company estimated the acquisition date fair value of the contingent payments based on historical gross profits, customer attrition and contract renewals. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company reduced its estimate of its contingent payment liability and recorded a gain of $0.2 million.



	The goodwill resulting from the acquisitions was primarily attributable to the existing workforce of the acquired entities and synergies expected from the combination of IDT Energy with Diversegy’ s portfolio of competitive energy products and Epiq’s network marketing platform. All of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.

	All of the Company’s goodwill at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was attributable to the Genie Retail Energy segment. The table below reconciles the change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the period from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2014:

	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	3,663
	Change in carrying amount			—
	Balance at December 31, 2012			3,663
	Acquisitions			3,686
	Balance at December 31, 2013			7,349
	Adjustment			(124	)
	Impairment			(3,562	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	3,663



	In the year ended December 31, 2014, the annual goodwill impairment test resulted in the impairment of the goodwill of the Diversegy and Epiq reporting unit primarily because of continuing losses since the acquisitions. The goodwill impairment of $3.6 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2014 reduced the carrying amount of the goodwill to zero. The Company estimated the fair value of the reporting unit and compared the estimated fair value to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. The Company measured the fair value of the reporting unit by discounting its estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. Since the carrying value of the reporting unit including goodwill exceeded the estimated fair value, the Company performed the required additional steps and determined that the goodwill was fully impaired.

	The following table presents unaudited pro forma information of the Company as if the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the periods:

			Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012
	Revenues		$	280,307		$	229,936
	Net loss		$	(6,408	)	$	(3,282	)

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 3—Fair Value Measurements

	The following table presents the balance of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	(in thousands)	Level 1 (1)			Level 2 (2)			Level 3 (3)		Total
	31-Dec-14
	Assets:
	Derivative contracts	$	1,001		$	1,376		$	—	$	2,377
	Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts	$	440		$	3,563		$	—	$	4,003
	31-Dec-13
	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of the GOGAS stock option was nil.



	The following tables summarize the change in the balance of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.



		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	62		$	—		$	—
	Total gains (losses) (realized or unrealized) included in earnings in “Direct cost of revenues”		(62	)		(142	)
	Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements:
	Purchases		—			359			—
	Settlement		—			(155	)		—
	Balance, end of period	$	—		$	62		$	—

	The amount of total gains 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	$	—		$	62		$	—



	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, prepaid expenses, other current assets, advances from customers, due to IDT Corporation and other current liabilities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount of these assets and liabilities approximated fair value because of the short period to maturity. The fair value estimate for restricted cash—short-term were classified as Level 1 and certificates of deposit, 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 December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014 and 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 values 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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

Note 4—Derivative Instruments

The primary risk managed by the Company using derivative instruments is commodity price risk, which is accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 815—Derivatives and Hedging. 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 December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014 was as follows (MWh – Megawatt hour and Dth – Decatherm):

Commodity

Settlement Dates

Volume

Electricity

Feb-15

320,000 MWh

Electricity

May-15

16,000 MWh

Electricity

Jul-15

147,200 MWh

Electricity

Aug-15

134,400 MWh

Natural gas

Feb-15

1,680,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jul-15

3,915,000 Dth

Natural gas

Sep-15

225,000 Dth

Natural gas

Oct-15

155,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jan-16

542,500 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:

31-Dec

2014

2013

(in thousands)

Asset Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments:

Energy contracts and options

Other current assets

2,377

1,682

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

31-Dec

2014

2013

(in thousands)

Liability Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments:

Energy contracts and options

Energy hedging contracts

4,003

385

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

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)

2014

2013

2012

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives

Energy contracts and options

Direct cost of revenues

(1,674

)

1,177

(258

)

Investment_in_American_Shale_O

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC	12 Months Ended
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment In American Shale Oil, Llc [Abstract]
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC	Note 5—Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC



	AMSO, LLC holds a research, develop and demonstration lease awarded by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management that covers an area of 160 acres in western Colorado (the “RD&D Lease”). The RD&D Lease runs for a ten-year period beginning on January 1, 2007, and is subject to an extension of up to five years if AMSO, LLC can demonstrate that a process leading to the production of commercial quantities of shale oil is diligently being pursued. If AMSO, LLC can demonstrate the economic and environmental viability of its technology, it will have the opportunity to submit a one-time payment pursuant to the applicable regulations and convert its RD&D Lease to a commercial lease on 5,120 acres, which overlap and are contiguous with the 160 acres in its RD&D Lease. (The acreage numbers that appear in this paragraph are unaudited).



	In March 2009, a subsidiary of TOTAL S.A. (“Total”) acquired a 50% interest in AMSO, LLC in exchange for cash paid to the Company of $3.2 million and Total’s commitment to fund the majority of AMSO, LLC’s research, development and demonstration expenditures as well as certain other funding commitments. Immediately prior to this transaction, all owners of equity interests in AMSO, LLC other than AMSO exchanged their ownership interest for a proportionate share of a 1% override on AMSO, LLC’s future revenue. Following the transaction with Total, AMSO and Total each owned a 50% interest in AMSO, LLC. While AMSO is the operator of the project during the RD&D phase, Total will provide a majority of the funding during the RD&D phase, and technical and financial assistance throughout the RD&D and commercial stages. Total will lead the planning of the commercial development and will assume management responsibilities during the subsequent commercial phase.



	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 RD&D 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 December 31, 2014, the cumulative contributions of AMSO and Total to AMSO, LLC were $78.0 million. AMSO’s allocated share of the net loss of AMSO, LLC increased in December 2011 from 20% to 35%, per the agreement with Total. 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 each such time. AMSO has not funded the capital calls for any quarter since the fourth quarter of 2013. Total funded AMSO’s share of the capital calls that AMSO did not fund in an aggregate amount of $3.6 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 43.1% and Total’s ownership interest increased to 56.9%. In addition, AMSO’s share of future funding of AMSO, LLC up to a cumulative $100 million was reduced to 30.2% and Total’s share increased to 69.8%. 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 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.



	At December 31, 2014, the maximum exposure to additional loss because of the required investment in AMSO, LLC was $1.3 million, based on AMSO, LLC’s proposed 2015 budget. The Company’s maximum exposure to additional loss could increase based on the situations described above. The maximum exposure at December 31, 2014 was determined as follows:



	(in thousands)
	AMSO’s investment in AMSO, LLC based on the proposed 2015 budget		$	1,513
	Less: cumulative capital contributions to AMSO, LLC			—
	Less: liability for equity loss in AMSO, LLC at December 31, 2014			(252	)
	Maximum exposure to additional loss		$	1,261





	The following table summarizes the change in the balance of the Company’s investment in AMSO, LLC:



			Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Balance, beginning of period		$	(252	)		$	242			$	(685	)
	Capital contributions			—				2,700				4,102
	Equity in net loss of AMSO, LLC			—				(3,194	)			(3,175	)
	Balance, end of period		$	(252	)		$	(252	)		$	242



	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the liability for equity loss in AMSO, LLC was included in “Accrued expenses” in the consolidated balance sheet.



	Because of AMSO’s decision not to fund its share of AMSO, LLC’s expenditures, AMSO, LLC allocates its net loss beginning January 2014 as follows: the first $11.0 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 balance sheets of AMSO, LLC are as follows:



December 31		2014				2013
(in thousands)		2014				2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,052			$	483
Restricted cash and cash equivalents			47				400
Other current assets			119				141
Equipment, net			242				36
Other assets			861				—
TOTAL ASSETS		$	2,321			$	1,060
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
Current liabilities		$	1,324			$	1,024
Other liabilities			861				644
Members’ interests			136				(608	)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ INTERESTS		$	2,321			$	1,060



Summarized statements of operations of AMSO, LLC are as follows:



		Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
REVENUES		$	—			$	—			$	—
OPERATING EXPENSES:
General and administrative			456				566				507
Research and development			7,755				8,601				8,563
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES			8,211				9,167				9,070
Loss from operations			(8,211	)			(9,167	)			(9,070	)
Other income			—				41				—
NET LOSS		$	(8,211	)		$	(9,126	)		$	(9,070	)

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Note 6—Property and Equipment



	December 31	2014			2013
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Computer software and development	$	1,038		$	516
	Computers and computer hardware		259			264
	Laboratory and drilling equipment		1,195			411
	Office equipment and other		365			228
			2,857			1,419
	Less accumulated depreciation		(955	)		(858	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,902		$	561

Revolving_Line_of_Credit

Revolving Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
Revolving Line of Credit	Dec. 31, 2014
Revolving Line of Credit [Abstract]
Revolving Line of Credit	Note 7—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 December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, letters of credit of $7.6 million and $5.7 million, respectively, were outstanding.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 8—Income Taxes



	The components of (loss) income before income taxes are as follows:



			Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Domestic		$	(14,900	)		$	9,467			$	10,544
	Foreign			(12,412	)			(12,053	)			(10,149	)
	(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		$	(27,312	)		$	(2,586	)		$	395



	Significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets consist of the following:



	December 31		2014				2013
	(in thousands)		2014				2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Bad debt reserve		$	93			$	381
	Accrued expenses			2,940				3,454
	State taxes			78				56
	Charitable contributions			330				219
	Net operating loss			17,473				9,534
	Stock options and restricted stock			6,163				2,793
	Depreciation			2,089				1,056
	Total deferred income tax assets			29,166				17,493
	Valuation allowance			(27,703	)			(16,653	)
	DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, NET		$	1,463			$	840



	The Company has initiated a tax strategy that enables the Company to deduct losses from its foreign subsidiaries against its profitable U.S. operations. Because of this strategy, the decrease in pre-tax earnings of Genie Retail Energy in 2012, and the Company’s current projections, the Company concluded that it no longer met the criteria of more likely than not in order to utilize its deferred federal income tax assets in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, in 2012, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred federal income tax assets and only the state portion of Genie Retail Energy deferred tax assets are reflected.



	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following:



			Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal		$	—			$	1,112			$	—
	State and local			730				1,891				(1,312	)
	Foreign			(12	)			(7	)			—
				718				2,996				(1,312	)
	Deferred:
	Federal			68				—				3,773
	State and local			(691	)			(241	)			469
	Foreign			—				—				—
				(623	)			(241	)			4,242
	PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		$	95			$	2,755			$	2,930



	The differences between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and income taxes provided are as follows:



		Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate		$	(9,559	)		$	(904	)		$	138
Valuation allowance			9,564				2,447				4,711
Foreign tax rate differential			22				48				41
Other			115				66				4
State and local income tax, net of federal benefit			(47	)			1,098				(1,964	)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		$	95			$	2,755			$	2,930



At December 31, 2014, the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $23.3 million and $56.2 million, respectively. These carry-forward losses are available to offset future U.S. federal and state taxable income. The federal net operating loss carry-forwards will start to expire in 2032, with the year ended December 31, 2014’s loss expiring in 2035. The state net operating loss carry-forwards will start to expire in 2028, with the year ended December 31, 2014’s loss expiring in 2035.



At December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $42.3 million, of which $32.3 million will not expire. This carry-forward loss is available to offset future foreign taxable income.



The change in the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes was as follows:



(in thousands)		Balance at				Additions				Deductions				Balance at
		beginning of				charged to								end of period
		period				costs and
						expenses
Year ended December 31, 2014
Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net		$	16,653			$	11,050			$	—			$	27,703
Year ended December 31, 2013
Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net		$	11,861			$	4,792			$	—			$	16,653
Year ended December 31, 2012
Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net		$	6,523			$	5,338			$	—			$	11,861





The table below summarizes the change in the balance of unrecognized income tax benefits:



		Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
Balance at beginning of period		$	542			$	223			$	2,507
Additions based on tax positions related to the current period			209				—				89
Additions for tax positions of prior periods			9				319				—
Reductions for tax positions of prior periods			—				—				—
Settlements			—				—				(2,373	)
Lapses of statutes of limitations			(217	)			—				—
Balance at end of period		$	543			$	542			$	223



All of the unrecognized income tax benefits at December 31, 2014 and 2013 would have affected the Company’s effective income tax rate if recognized. The Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.



In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded interest on income taxes of $0.1 million, nil and nil, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no accrued interest included in current income taxes payable.



The Company currently remains subject to examinations of its tax returns as follows: U.S. federal tax returns for fiscal 2010 to calendar 2014, state and local tax returns generally for fiscal 2009 to calendar 2014 and foreign tax returns generally for fiscal 2009 to calendar 2014.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Note 9—Equity



	Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock



	The rights of holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical except for certain voting and conversion rights and restrictions on transferability. The holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock receive identical dividends per share when and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock have identical and equal priority rights per share in liquidation. The Class A common stock and Class B common stock do not have any other contractual participation rights. The holders of Class A common stock are entitled to three votes per share and the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to one-tenth of a vote per share. Except as required by law or under the terms of the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”), the holders of Class A and Class B common stock and the Preferred Stock vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders. Each share of Class A common stock may be converted into one share of Class B common stock, at any time, at the option of the holder. Shares of Class A common stock are subject to certain limitations on transferability that do not apply to shares of Class B common stock.



	Series 2012-A Preferred Stock



	Each share of Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $8.50 (the “Liquidation Preference”), and is entitled to receive an annual dividend per share equal to the sum of (i) $0.6375 (the “Base Dividend”) plus (ii) seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the amount by which the EBITDA for a fiscal year of the Company’s retail energy provider business exceeds $32 million by (B) 8,750,000 (the “Additional Dividend”), payable in cash. EBITDA consists of income (loss) from operations exclusive of depreciation and amortization and other operating gains (losses). During any period when the Company has failed to pay a dividend on the Preferred Stock and until all unpaid dividends have been paid in full, the Company is prohibited from paying dividends or distributions on the Company’s Class B or Class A common stock.



	The Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company following October 11, 2017 at 101% of the Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, and 100% of the Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends following October 11, 2018.



	The Base Dividend is payable (if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, and accrued, if not declared) quarterly on each February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, and to the extent that there is any Additional Dividend payable with respect to a fiscal year, it will be paid to holders of Preferred Stock with the May dividend. With respect to the payment of dividends and amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the Preferred Stock is equal in rank to all other equity securities the Company issues, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with the Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up; senior to the Company’s common stock; and junior to all of the Company’s existing and future indebtedness.



	Each share of Preferred Stock has the same voting rights as a share of Class B common stock, except on certain matters that only impact the Company’s common stock, as well as additional voting rights on specific matters or upon the occurrence of certain events.



	Dividend Payments



	In the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.183 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock, equal to $4.2 million in total dividends paid. No dividends were declared or paid on the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock in the year ended December 31, 2013. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.06 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock, equal to $1.5 million in total dividends paid. On March 10, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share on its Class A and Class B common stock for the fourth quarter of 2014. The dividend will be paid on or about March 31, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 23, 2015, equal to $1.5 million in total dividends.



	In the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.6099 per share on its Preferred Stock, equal to $1.1 million in total dividends paid. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.6376 per share on its Preferred Stock, equal to $1.4 million in total dividends paid.



	Stock Repurchases



	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 7.0 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 103,331 shares of Class B common stock under this program for an aggregate purchase price of $0.8 million. There were no repurchases under the program in the year ended December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, 6.9 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program.



	Exchange Offers and Issuances of Preferred Stock



	On August 2, 2012, the Company initiated an offer to exchange up to 8.75 million outstanding shares of its Class B common stock for the same number of shares of its Preferred Stock. The offer expired on October 10, 2012. On October 17, 2012, the Company issued 1,604,591 shares of its newly designated Preferred Stock in exchange for an equal number of shares of Class B common stock tendered in the exchange offer.



	On November 26, 2012, the Company initiated an offer to exchange up to 7.15 million outstanding shares of its Class B common stock for the same number of shares of its Preferred Stock. The offer expired on March 5, 2013. On March 11, 2013, the Company issued 313,376 shares of its Preferred Stock in exchange for an equal number of shares of Class B common stock tendered in the 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. 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 each of July 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014 through 2018. On July 30, 2014 and August 4, 2014, the Company sold an aggregate of 3.6 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock to Mr. Jonas 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 on a straight-line basis over the modified vesting period. The estimated total value of the options on the date of the grant was $19.3 million.



Sales of Equity of Subsidiaries



Per the terms of his employment agreement, Dr. Harold Vinegar, Chief Scientist of the Company (“Vinegar”), has an option to purchase, at fair value, up to 10% of the GOGAS ventures in which he is a key contributor:



	●	In November 2008, Vinegar purchased a 10% interest in IEI.



	●	In October 2013, Vinegar purchased a 9.5% interest in Afek.



	●	In November 2013, Vinegar purchased a 9.8% interest in Genie Mongolia.



In connection with Vinegar’s November 2008 purchase of a 10% interest in IEI, the purchase agreement included certain no cost anti-dilution protection as follows. If IEI issues certain of its shares in order to raise capital until the capitalization of IEI equals $20 million, IEI shall issue to Vinegar additional shares to maintain his 10% interest in IEI. In December 2013, IEI converted its intercompany payable to GOGAS into preferred stock. Pursuant to the anti-dilution protection, IEI issued shares of its preferred stock to Vinegar equal to 10% of $20 million or $2.0 million, which the Company recorded as an increase in “Noncontrolling interests” and a corresponding decrease in “Additional paid-in capital”.



In November 2010, GOGAS sold a 0.5% equity interest to Rupert Murdoch for $1.0 million paid with a promissory note. The note is secured by a pledge of the shares issued in exchange for the note. The note accrues interest at 1.58% per annum, and the principal and accrued interest is due and payable on November 15, 2015.



In connection with the sale by GOGAS in November 2010 of a 5.0% equity interest to an entity affiliated with Lord (Jacob) Rothschild for $10.0 million, the entity affiliated with Lord Rothschild has a one-time option through November 12, 2017 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.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Note 10— Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation Plan

The Company’s 2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan is intended to provide incentives to executives, employees, directors and consultants of the Company. Incentives available under the 2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan may include stock options, stock appreciation rights, limited rights, deferred stock units, and restricted stock. The plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. At December 31, 2014, the Company had 1.14 million shares of Class B common stock reserved for award under its 2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and 8,700 shares were available for future grants.

Restricted Stock

The fair value of restricted shares of the Company’s Class B common stock is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s Class B common stock on the grant date. Share awards generally vest on a graded basis over three years of service following the grant.

A summary of the status of the Company’s grants of restricted shares of Class B common stock is presented below:

Number of

Weighted-

Non-

Average Grant

vested Shares

Date Fair

(in thousands)

Value

Non-vested shares at December 31, 2013

265

9.74

Granted

9.58

Vested

(260

)

9.68

Forfeited

—

NON-VESTED SHARES AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

9.83

As of December 31, 2014, there was $12.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements, including $11.3 million relating to the shares purchased by Howard S. Jonas (see Note 9). The total unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. The total grant date fair value of shares vested in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $2.5 million, $3.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The Company recognized compensation cost related to the vesting of the restricted stock of $6.6 million, including $5.7 million relating to the shares purchased by Howard S. Jonas (see Note 9), $2.0 million and $2.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Effective December 12, 2013, the Company issued 63,917 restricted shares of its Class B common stock to the President of the Company. The restricted shares vest in three years beginning in January 2014. The fair value of the restricted shares on the date of the grant was $0.7 million, which is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Effective January 6, 2014, the Company issued 29,126 restricted shares of its Class B common stock to Michael Stein, Executive Vice President of the Company, and son-in-law of Howard Jonas, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The restricted shares vest in three equal annual installments commencing on January 5, 2015. The fair value of the restricted shares on the date of the grant was $0.3 million, which will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Stock Options

Option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Option awards generally vest on a graded basis over three years of service and have ten-year contractual terms. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s Class B common stock and other factors. The Company uses historical data on exercise of stock options, post vesting forfeitures and other factors to estimate the expected term of the stock-based payments granted. The risk free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

The fair value of stock options was estimated on the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the assumptions in the following table. No option awards were granted in the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2012.

Year ended

December 31,

2013

ASSUMPTIONS

Average risk-free interest rate

2.07

Expected dividend yield

—

Expected volatility

65.6

Expected term

6.5 years

A summary of stock option activity for the Company is as follows:

Number of

Weighted-

Aggregate

Options

Average

Intrinsic Value

(in thousands)

Exercise

Remaining

(in thousands)

Price

Contractual

Term (in

years)

Outstanding at December 31, 2013

3,443

9.86

7.8

1,489

Granted

—

Exercised

)

6.85

Cancelled / Forfeited

(3,001

)

10.3

OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

438

6.85

6.3

—

EXERCISABLE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

296

6.85

—

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. Pursuant to these agreements, among other things, options to purchase 3.0 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock previously granted to Mr. Jonas were cancelled (see Note 9).

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $6.42. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $12,000, $29,000 and $2,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $0.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. The Company recognized compensation cost related to the vesting of the options of $2.5 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Subsidiary Stock Options

In June 2011, GOGAS issued a stock option that is exercisable until April 9, 2015 at an exercise price of $5.0 million. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated fair value of the GOGAS stock option was nil.

Grants of Equity of Subsidiaries

On March 28, 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the grant of equity interests in certain subsidiaries of the Company to Howard Jonas. The Compensation Committee approved the following grants to Mr. Jonas: (1) deferred stock units for shares of common stock of IDT Energy representing 2.5% of the equity in IDT Energy on a fully diluted basis, (2) ordinary shares of IEI representing 0.25% of the equity in IEI on a fully diluted basis, (3) ordinary shares of Afek representing 0.30% of the equity in Afek on a fully diluted basis, and (4) shares representing 0.25% of the equity in Genie Mongolia. In addition, the Compensation Committee approved grants of interests representing 1.13% of the equity in IDT Energy, 1.4% of the equity in IEI, 1.4% of the equity in Afek and 2.2% of the equity in Genie Mongolia to certain of the Company’s officers and employees. In May 2013, the Company granted 1.0% of the equity in IEI to certain employees of the Company. On November 4, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the grant of 1.0% of the equity in Genie Mongolia to Michael Jonas, Executive Vice President of the Company, and the executive managing the Company’s business in Mongolia. Michael Jonas is also the son of Howard Jonas. The fair value of these grants of equity interests on the date of the grant was estimated to be $5.4 million, which will be recognized over the vesting periods that ends at various dates through July 2017. The fair value of the equity interests granted was estimated based on discounted cash flows of the subsidiaries that granted the equity awards, as well as other valuation techniques, as applicable. The unrecognized compensation cost relating to these grants of equity interests at December 31, 2014 was $0.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.6 years. The Company recognized compensation cost related to the vesting of these equity interests of $1.6 million, $1.8 million and $0.9 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company elected to exchange vested deferred stock units of IDT Energy previously granted to employees and directors of the Company for shares of the Company’s Class B common stock upon the vesting of the deferred stock units based on the relative fair value of the shares exchanged. Accordingly, in August 2014 and 2013, the Company issued 137,738 and 133,758 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock in exchange for 23.6 and 23.6 vested deferred stock units of IDT Energy, respectively.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
Variable Interest Entities	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Note 11—Variable Interest Entities



	In 2011, an employee of 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 since the acquisition of the interest in CCE, DAD and Tari, it had the power to direct the activities of these entities 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) amounts related to CCE, DAD and Tari and aggregate net funding (provided by) repaid to the Company to CCE, DAD and Tari in order to finance their operations were as follows:



		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net income (loss):
	CCE	$	763		$	2,080		$	1,857
	DAD		(104	)		(67	)		(327	)
	Tari		(31	)		52			161
	Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net		(321	)		4,118			738



	Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE, DAD and Tari are as follows:



	December 31	2014			2013
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	77		$	434
	Restricted cash		20			537
	Trade accounts receivable		1,873			2,459
	Prepaid expenses		480			364
	Other current assets		178			353
	Other assets		459			449
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	3,087		$	4,596
	LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	Current liabilities	$	480		$	2,937
	Due to IDT Energy		1,285			964
	Noncontrolling interests		1,322			695
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	$	3,087		$	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.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Note 12—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

	The accumulated balances for each classification of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:



	(in thousands)	Unrealized			Foreign			Accumulated			Location of
		loss on			currency			other			(Gain) Loss
		available-			translation			comprehensive			Recognized
		for- sale						income (loss)
		securities
	Balance at December 31, 2011		—			(137	)		(137	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Genie		(15	)		422			407
	Balance at December 31, 2012		(15	)		285			270
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(55	)		460			405
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		70			—			70		Interest income
	Net other comprehensive income		15			460			475
	Balance at December 31, 2013		—			745			745
	Other comprehensive loss attributable to Genie		—			(735	)		(735	)
	BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014	$	—		$	10		$	10

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	12 Months Ended
Legal Proceedings	Dec. 31, 2014
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	Note 13— 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 served on IDT Energy on 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. On October 20, 2014, IDT Energy moved to stay or, alternatively, dismiss the complaint, as amended, by the named plaintiff. On November 10, 2014, the named plaintiff opposed IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss and IDT Energy filed a reply memorandum of law in further support of its motion to dismiss. The parties are now awaiting a decision from the Court. 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. 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. On December 19, 2014, IDT Energy filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The named plaintiff filed opposition papers to IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss on March 13, 2015, and IDT Energy’s reply is due on March 31, 2015. 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 November 6, 2014, the Court denied IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss the complaint. The parties are currently engaged in discovery. 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 July 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. In December 2014, the Supreme Court of Israel rejected petitions challenging the exploratory drilling permits issued to Afek, and the Court lifted its injunction on Afek’s exploratory program in the Golan Heights of Northern Israel.



	In addition to the above, the Company may from time to time be subject to legal proceedings that arise 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 the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 14—Commitments and Contingencies



	Purchase Commitments



	The Company had purchase commitments of $7.2 million at December 31, 2014.



	Renewable Energy Credits



	At December 31, 2014, Genie Retail Energy had commitments to purchase renewable energy credits of $24.9 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 the accrued amount. 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.



	Letters of Credit



	At December 31, 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 at December 31, 2014 expire as follows: $5.6 million in the year ending December 31, 2015 and $2.0 million in the year ending December 31, 2016.



	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 December 31, 2014, Genie Retail Energy had aggregate performance bonds of $12.7 million outstanding.



	Lease Commitments



	The future minimum payments for operating leases as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:



	(in thousands)
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	266
	2016		201
	2017		111
	2018		—
	2019		—
	Thereafter		—
	Total payments	$	578



Rental expense under operating leases was $0.8 million, $0.6 million and $0.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.



Other Contingencies



Since 2009, IDT Energy has been party to a Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company (“BP”). 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’s 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 December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. As of December 31, 2014, restricted cash—short-term of $0.5 million and trade accounts receivable of $29.5 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of IDT Energy’s trade accounts payable to BP of $11.6 million as of December 31, 2014.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 15—Related Party Transactions



	The Company entered into various agreements with IDT prior to the Spin-Off including a Separation and Distribution Agreement to effect the separation and provide a framework for the Company’s relationship with IDT after the Spin-Off, and a Transition Services Agreement, which provides for certain services to be performed by the Company and IDT. These agreements provide for, among other things, (1) the allocation between the Company and IDT of employee benefits, taxes and other liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to the Spin-Off, (2) transitional services to be provided by IDT relating to human resources and employee benefits administration, (3) the allocation of responsibilities relating to employee compensation and benefit plans and programs and other related matters, (4) finance, accounting, tax, internal audit, facilities, investor relations and legal services to be provided by IDT to the Company following the Spin-Off and (5) specified administrative services to be provided by the Company to certain of IDT’s foreign subsidiaries.



	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 addition, the Company provides specified administrative services to certain of IDT’s foreign subsidiaries. The charges for these services reduce the Company’s “Selling, general and administrative” expense. The amounts IDT charged the Company, and the amounts the Company charged IDT, were as follows:

		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012

	Amount IDT charged the Company	$	3,447	$	3,348	$	3,775
	Amount the Company charged IDT		530		285		129



	In addition, the Company entered into a Tax Separation Agreement with IDT, which sets forth the responsibilities of the Company and IDT with respect to, among other things, liabilities for federal, state, local and foreign taxes for periods before and including the Spin-Off, the preparation and filing of tax returns for such periods and disputes with taxing authorities regarding taxes for such periods. Pursuant to the Tax Separation Agreement, among other things, IDT indemnifies the Company from all liability for taxes of IDT with respect to any taxable period, and the Company indemnifies IDT from all liability for taxes of the Company with respect to any taxable period, including, without limitation, the ongoing tax audits related to the Company’s business.



	The Company had notes receivable outstanding from employees aggregating $1.0 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are included in “Other assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.



	The Company obtains insurance policies from several insurance brokers, one of which is IGM Brokerage Corp. (“IGM”). IGM is owned by the mother of Howard Jonas and Joyce Mason, the Company’s Corporate Secretary. Jonathan Mason, husband of Joyce Mason and brother-in-law of Howard Jonas, provides insurance brokerage services via IGM. Based on information the Company received from IGM, the Company believes that (1) IGM received commissions and fees from payments made by the Company (including payments from third party brokers) in the aggregate amounts of $13,912, $11,074 and $9,527 in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which fees and commissions inured to the benefit of Mr. Mason, and (2) the total payments made by the Company to IGM for various insurance policies were $140,374, $124,149 and $106,812 in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Neither Howard Jonas nor Joyce Mason has any ownership or other interest in IGM other than via the familial relationships with their mother and Jonathan Mason.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
Business Segment Information	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Note 16—Business Segment Information



	The Company owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, GEIC, which owns 100% of Genie Retail Energy and 92% of GOGAS. The Company has two reportable business segments: Genie Retail Energy and Genie Oil and Gas. Genie Retail Energy operates REPs, including IDT Energy and Residents Energy, and energy brokerage and marketing services. Its REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers primarily in the Eastern United States. Genie Oil and Gas is an oil and gas exploration company. The Genie Oil and Gas segment’s early stage projects include (1) an 88.5% interest in Afek, which operates an exploration project in the southern portion of the Golan Heights in Northern Israel, (2) an 89.9% interest in Genie Mongolia, an oil shale exploration project in Central Mongolia, (3) AMSO, which holds and manages a 43.1% interest in AMSO, LLC, an oil shale development project in Colorado, and (4) an 87.9% interest in IEI, an oil shale development project in Israel. 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. Corporate costs include unallocated compensation, consulting fees, legal fees, business development expenses and other corporate-related general and administrative expense. 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)		IDT			Genie Oil				Corporate			Total
	(in thousands)		Energy			and Gas				Corporate			Total
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Revenues		$	275,031		$	—			$	—		$	275,031
	Income (loss) from operations			3,516			(13,773	)			(15,353	)		(25,610	)
	Depreciation			24			107				1			132
	Research and development			—			12,509				—			12,509
	Goodwill impairment			3,562			—				—			3,562
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC			—			—				—			—
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Revenues		$	279,174		$	—			$	—		$	279,174
	Income (loss) from operations			25,696			(15,955	)			(9,115	)		626
	Depreciation			15			94				1			110
	Research and development			—			11,389				—			11,389
	Goodwill impairment			—			—				—			—
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC			—			3,194				—			3,194
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Revenues		$	229,459		$	—			$	—		$	229,459
	Income (loss) from operations			24,972			(14,038	)			(7,887	)		3,047
	Depreciation			40			83				1			124
	Research and development			—			9,365				—			9,365
	Goodwill impairment			—			—				—			—
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC			—			3,175				—			3,175



	There were no revenues from customers located outside of the United States in all periods presented.



	Total assets for the business segments of the Company were as follows:



	(in thousands)		IDT			Genie Oil				Corporate			Total
	(in thousands)		Energy			and Gas				Corporate			Total
	Total assets:
	31-Dec-14		$	78,254		$	55,142			$	19,532		$	152,928
	31-Dec-13			76,691			42,193				39,959			158,843
	31-Dec-12			65,377			36,561				48,368			150,306



	Net long-lived assets and total assets held outside of the United States, which are located primarily in Israel, were as follows:



(in thousands)		United			Foreign				Total
(in thousands)		States			Countries				Total
December 31, 2014
Long-lived assets, net		$	834		$	1,230			$	2,064
Total assets			143,897			9,031				152,928
December 31, 2013
Long-lived assets, net		$	352		$	377			$	729
Total assets			150,315			8,528				158,843
December 31, 2012
Long-lived assets, net		$	71		$	346			$	417
Total assets			142,694			7,612				150,306

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Note 17—Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)



	The table below presents selected quarterly financial data of the Company for its fiscal quarters in 2014 and 2013:



	Quarter Ended				Direct cost of		(Loss) income			Net (loss)			Net (loss) income			(Loss) earnings per common share
	(in thousands,						from						attributable
													to Genie
	except per share data)		Revenues		revenues		operations			income			Energy Ltd.			Basic			Diluted
	2014:00:00
	December 31 (1)		$	49,687	$	36,924	$	(10,666	)	$	(10,428	)	$	(10,436	)	$	(0.50	)	$	(0.50	)
	30-Sep			46,186		28,359		(4,107	)		(4,825	)		(4,395	)		(0.22	)		(0.22	)
	30-Jun			48,810		37,359		(4,344	)		(5,007	)		(4,871	)		(0.24	)		(0.24	)
	March 31 (2)			130,348		120,452		(6,493	)		(7,147	)		(6,784	)		(0.33	)		(0.33	)
	TOTAL		$	275,031	$	223,094	$	(25,610	)	$	(27,407	)	$	(26,486	)	$	(1.31	)	$	(1.31	)
	2013:00:00
	31-Dec		$	67,071	$	50,237	$	(386	)	$	(1,118	)	$	(483	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.04	)
	30-Sep			71,638		51,699		3,948			2,042			1,991			0.09			0.08
	30-Jun			55,134		45,168		(5,569	)		(6,168	)		(5,901	)		(0.32	)		(0.32	)
	March 31 (3)			85,331		66,312		2,633			(97	)		(1,510	)		(0.09	)		(0.09	)
	TOTAL		$	279,174	$	213,416	$	626		$	(5,341	)	$	(5,903	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.36	)



		-1	In the fourth quarter of 2014, loss from operations includes goodwill impairment of $3.6 million and gain on adjustment to estimated contingent payments of $0.2 million.



		-2	Unusually cold weather in the first quarter of 2014 that affected the overall demand for electricity and natural gas for heat caused a significant increase in revenues and direct cost of revenues in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The winter’s polar vortex resulted in extraordinarily large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where Genie Retail Energy and other retail providers purchase their supply.



		-3	In the fourth quarter of 2012, there were certain errors at Genie Retail Energy impacting revenue recognized and the related receivable balances, sales tax refund receivable and a gross receipt tax accrual. The Company corrected these errors in the first quarter of 2013, although the corrections should have been recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. The impact of these items would have decreased the net income in 2012 and correspondingly increased the net income in 2013, by $1.7 million. The Company’s management assessed the impact of such errors on the financial statements and determined that the errors in 2012 and the related corrections in 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements for 2012 and 2013 and for each of the quarters within those years. Therefore, the Company’s management determined that no restatement of prior filings was necessary.

Description_of_Business_and_Su1

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of Business

Genie Energy Ltd. (“Genie”), a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in January 2011. 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. The “Company” in these financial statements refers to Genie, Genie Retail Energy and Genie Oil and Gas, and their respective subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis.

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 shale and other fuel resources, which consists of (1) American Shale Oil Corporation (“AMSO”), which holds and manages a 43.1% 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.

IEI holds an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License that was awarded by the Government of Israel in July 2008. The license covers an area in the south of the Shfela region in Israel. The license expires in July 2015. In April 2013, the Government of Israel finalized the award to Afek of an exclusive three year petroleum exploration license in the southern portion of the Golan Heights. In April 2013, Genie Mongolia and the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia entered into an exclusive five year oil shale development agreement to explore and evaluate the commercial potential of oil shale resources in Central Mongolia.

Basis of Consolidation

The method of accounting applied to long-term investments, whether consolidated, equity or cost, involves an evaluation of the significant terms of each investment that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or influence over the operations of the investee and also includes the identification of any variable interests in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The consolidated financial statements include the Company’s controlled subsidiaries and variable interest entities where the Company is the primary beneficiary (see Note 12). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between the consolidated entities are eliminated.

Accounting for Investments

Use of Estimates

Revenue Recognition

Direct Cost of Revenues

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are incurred primarily by IEI, Afek and Genie Mongolia. Costs for research and development are charged to expense as incurred.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Marketable securities

Marketable Securities

Inventory

Renewable energy credits

Renewable Energy Credits

Property and Equipment

Computer software and development, computers and computer hardware, laboratory and drilling equipment and office equipment and other are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range as follows: computer software and development—2, 3 or 5 years; computers and computer hardware—5 years, laboratory and drilling equipment 7 years, and office equipment and other —5 or 7 years. Leasehold improvements included in office equipment and other are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of their lease or their estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter.

Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Repairs and Maintenance

Foreign Currency Translation

Advertising Expense

Income Taxes

The Company classifies interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

Contingencies

Earnings Per Share

The following shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computations because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)

2014

2013

2012

Stock options

438

3,443

457

Non-vested restricted Class B common stock

2,473

265

1,896

Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share

2,911

3,708

2,353

Stock-Based Compensation

Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations

Year ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Con Edison

West Penn Power

National Grid USA

Penelec

na-less than 10% of consolidated revenue in the period

December 31

2014

2013

Con Edison

West Penn Power

Penelec

na-less than 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2014.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

(in thousands)

Balance at

Additions

Deductions

Balance at

beginning of

charged to

-1

end of period

period

costs and

expenses

Year ended December 31, 2014

Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

930

310

(1,013

)

227

Year ended December 31, 2013

Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

130

800

—

930

Year ended December 31, 2012

Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

130

—

130

-1

Uncollectible accounts written off.

Fair Value Measurements

Level 1 –

quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 –

Level 3 –

unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.

Recently Issued Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted

Description_of_Business_and_Su2

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share
			Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Stock options			438			3,443			457
	Non-vested restricted Class B common stock			2,473			265			1,896
	Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share			2,911			3,708			2,353
Summary of concentration risk percentage of consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable from utility companies	The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated revenues from customers by utility company that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated revenues in the period (no other single utility company accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues in these periods):

			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Con Edison			23	%		25	%		34	%
	West Penn Power			10	%		11	%		na
	National Grid USA			na			10	%		na
	Penelec			na			10	%		na

	na-less than 10% of consolidated revenue in the period

	The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable by utility company that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

	December 31		2014			2013
	Con Edison			25	%		23	%
	West Penn Power			na			13	%
	Penelec			na			12	%

	na-less than 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2014
Change in the allowance for doubtful accounts
	(in thousands)		Balance at			Additions			Deductions			Balance at
			beginning of			charged to			-1			end of period
			period			costs and
						expenses
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	930		$	310		$	(1,013	)	$	227
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	130		$	800		$	—		$	930
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	130		$	—		$	—		$	130

		-1	Uncollectible accounts written off.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule of the impact of acquisitions' purchase price allocations	(in thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable		$	114
	Goodwill			3,686
	Trade accounts payable			(176	)
	Advances from customers			(377	)
	Net assets acquired		$	3,247
	Supplemental information:
	Cash paid		$	779
	Cash acquired			(7	)
	Cash paid, net of cash acquired			772
	Deferred cash payments to be paid by June 2015 (1)			1,225
	Contingent payments (1)			1,250
	Total consideration, net of cash acquired		$	3,247

		-1	The deferred cash payments and the contingent payments were included in other current liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Schedule of reconciling change in carrying amount of goodwill	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	3,663
	Change in carrying amount			—
	Balance at December 31, 2012			3,663
	Acquisitions			3,686
	Balance at December 31, 2013			7,349
	Adjustment			(124	)
	Impairment			(3,562	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	3,663
Schedule of pro forma information			Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012
	Revenues		$	280,307		$	229,936
	Net loss		$	(6,408	)	$	(3,282	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Balance of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	(in thousands)	Level 1 (1)			Level 2 (2)			Level 3 (3)		Total
	31-Dec-14
	Assets:
	Derivative contracts	$	1,001		$	1,376		$	—	$	2,377
	Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts	$	440		$	3,563		$	—	$	4,003
	31-Dec-13
	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 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	62		$	—		$	—
	Total gains (losses) (realized or unrealized) included in earnings in “Direct cost of revenues”		(62	)		(142	)		—

	Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements:
	Purchases		—			359			—
	Settlement		—			(155	)		—
	Balance, end of period	$	—		$	62		$	—

	The amount of total gains 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	$	—		$	62		$	—

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding

Commodity

Settlement Dates

Volume

Electricity

Feb-15

320,000 MWh

Electricity

May-15

16,000 MWh

Electricity

Jul-15

147,200 MWh

Electricity

Aug-15

134,400 MWh

Natural gas

Feb-15

1,680,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jul-15

3,915,000 Dth

Natural gas

Sep-15

225,000 Dth

Natural gas

Oct-15

155,000 Dth

Natural gas

Jan-16

542,500 Dth

Natural gas

Jul-16

620,000 Dth

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

31-Dec

2014

2013

(in thousands)

Asset Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments:

Energy contracts and options

Other current assets

2,377

1,682

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

31-Dec

2014

2013

(in thousands)

Liability Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments:

Energy contracts and options

Energy hedging contracts

4,003

385

Effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)

2014

2013

2012

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives

Energy contracts and options

Direct cost of revenues

(1,674

)

1,177

(258

)

Investment_in_American_Shale_O1

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment In American Shale Oil, Llc [Abstract]
Maximum exposure to additional loss	(in thousands)
	AMSO’s investment in AMSO, LLC based on the proposed 2015 budget	$	1,513
	Less: cumulative capital contributions to AMSO, LLC		—
	Less: liability for equity loss in AMSO, LLC at December 31, 2014		(252	)
	Maximum exposure to additional loss	$	1,261


Summary in the change in balance of the Company's investment in AMSO, LLC		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(252	)	$	242		$	(685	)
	Capital contributions		—			2,700			4,102
	Equity in net loss of AMSO, LLC		—			(3,194	)		(3,175	)
	Balance, end of period	$	(252	)	$	(252	)	$	242
Summarized balance sheets of AMSO, LLC	December 31	2014			2013
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,052		$	483
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents		47			400
	Other current assets		119			141
	Equipment, net		242			36
	Other assets		861			—
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,321		$	1,060
	LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
	Current liabilities	$	1,324		$	1,024
	Other liabilities		861			644
	Members’ interests		136			(608	)
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ INTERESTS	$	2,321		$	1,060
Summarized statements of operations AMSO, LLC

		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	REVENUES	$	—		$	—		$	—
	OPERATING EXPENSES:
	General and administrative		456			566			507
	Research and development		7,755			8,601			8,563
	TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES		8,211			9,167			9,070
	Loss from operations		(8,211	)		(9,167	)		(9,070	)
	Other income		—			41			—
	NET LOSS	$	(8,211	)	$	(9,126	)	$	(9,070	)

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of property and equipment
	December 31	2014			2013
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Computer software and development	$	1,038		$	516
	Computers and computer hardware		259			264
	Laboratory and drilling equipment		1,195			411
	Office equipment and other		365			228
			2,857			1,419
	Less accumulated depreciation		(955	)		(858	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,902		$	561

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Components of (loss) income before income taxes

		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	(14,900	)	$	9,467		$	10,544
	Foreign		(12,412	)		(12,053	)		(10,149	)
	(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	(27,312	)	$	(2,586	)	$	395


Components of deferred income tax assets

	December 31	2014			2013
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Bad debt reserve	$	93		$	381
	Accrued expenses		2,940			3,454
	State taxes		78			56
	Charitable contributions		330			219
	Net operating loss		17,473			9,534
	Stock options and restricted stock		6,163			2,793
	Depreciation		2,089			1,056
	Total deferred income tax assets		29,166			17,493
	Valuation allowance		(27,703	)		(16,653	)
	DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, NET	$	1,463		$	840


Components of income taxes provision

		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		$	1,112		$	—
	State and local		730			1,891			(1,312	)
	Foreign		(12	)		(7	)		—
			718			2,996			(1,312	)
	Deferred:
	Federal		68			—			3,773
	State and local		(691	)		(241	)		469
	Foreign		—			—			—
			(623	)		(241	)		4,242
	PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	$	95		$	2,755		$	2,930
Schedule of income tax reconciliation

		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate	$	(9,559	)	$	(904	)	$	138
	Valuation allowance		9,564			2,447			4,711
	Foreign tax rate differential		22			48			41
	Other		115			66			4
	State and local income tax, net of federal benefit		(47	)		1,098			(1,964	)
	PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	$	95		$	2,755		$	2,930
Summary of change in the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes

	(in thousands)	Balance at			Additions			Deductions			Balance at
		beginning of			charged to						end of period
		period			costs and
					expenses
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net	$	16,653		$	11,050		$	—		$	27,703
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net	$	11,861		$	4,792		$	—		$	16,653
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net	$	6,523		$	5,338		$	—		$	11,861
Summary of change in the balance of unrecognized income tax benefits

		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	542		$	223		$	2,507
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current period		209			—			89
	Additions for tax positions of prior periods		9			319			—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior periods		—			—			—
	Settlements		—			—			(2,373	)
	Lapses of statutes of limitations		(217	)		—			—
	Balance at end of period	$	543		$	542		$	223

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of the status of the Company's grants of restricted shares of Class B common stock		Number of			Weighted-
		Non-			Average Grant
		vested Shares			Date Fair
		(in thousands)			Value
	Non-vested shares at December 31, 2013		265		$	9.74
	Granted		68			9.58
	Vested		(260	)		9.68
	Forfeited		—			—
	NON-VESTED SHARES AT DECEMBER 31, 2014		73		$	9.83
Equity compensation plans, Valuation Assumptions		Year ended
		December 31,
		2013
	ASSUMPTIONS
	Average risk-free interest rate		2.07	%
	Expected dividend yield		—
	Expected volatility		65.6	%
	Expected term		6.5 years
Summary of stock option activity		Number of			Weighted-		Weighted-		Aggregate
		Options			Average		Average		Intrinsic Value
		(in thousands)			Exercise		Remaining		(in thousands)
					Price		Contractual
							Term (in
							years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		3,443		$	9.86		7.8	$	1,489
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		(4	)		6.85
	Cancelled / Forfeited		(3,001	)		10.3
	OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 2014		438		$	6.85		6.3	$	—
	EXERCISABLE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014		296		$	6.85		6	$	—

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Schedule of net income loss and aggregate net funding repaid or provided by company to variable interest entity		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net income (loss):
	CCE	$	763		$	2,080		$	1,857
	DAD		(104	)		(67	)		(327	)
	Tari		(31	)		52			161
	Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net		(321	)		4,118			738


Summarized statements of balance sheets of CCE and DAD	December 31	2014			2013
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	77		$	434
	Restricted cash		20			537
	Trade accounts receivable		1,873			2,459
	Prepaid expenses		480			364
	Other current assets		178			353
	Other assets		459			449
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	3,087		$	4,596
	LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	Current liabilities	$	480		$	2,937
	Due to IDT Energy		1,285			964
	Noncontrolling interests		1,322			695
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	$	3,087		$	4,596

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of accumulated balances for each classification of other comprehensive income (loss)

	(in thousands)	Unrealized			Foreign			Accumulated			Location of
		loss on			currency			other			(Gain) Loss
		available-			translation			comprehensive			Recognized
		for-						income (loss)
		sale
		securities
	Balance at December 31, 2011		—			(137	)		(137	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable		(15	)		422			407
	to Genie		(15	)		422			407
	Balance at December 31, 2012		(15	)		285			270
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(55	)		460			405
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		70			—			70		Interest income
	Net other comprehensive income		15			460			475
	Balance at December 31, 2013		—			745			745
	Other comprehensive loss attributable to Genie		—			(735	)		(735	)
	BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014	$	—		$	10		$	10

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Future minimum payments for operating leases	(in thousands)
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	266
	2016		201
	2017		111
	2018		—
	2019		—
	Thereafter		—
	Total payments	$	578

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of related party transactions		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012

	Amount IDT charged the Company	$	3,447	$	3,348	$	3,775
	Amount the Company charged IDT		530		285		129

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Business Segment Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Operating results for the business segments
	(in thousands)	IDT		Genie Oil			Corporate			Total
	(in thousands)	Energy		and Gas			Corporate			Total
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Revenues	$	275,031	$	—		$	—		$	275,031
	Income (loss) from operations		3,516		(13,773	)		(15,353	)		(25,610	)
	Depreciation		24		107			1			132
	Research and development		—		12,509			—			12,509
	Goodwill impairment		3,562		—			—			3,562
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		—			—			—
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Revenues	$	279,174	$	—		$	—		$	279,174
	Income (loss) from operations		25,696		(15,955	)		(9,115	)		626
	Depreciation		15		94			1			110
	Research and development		—		11,389			—			11,389
	Goodwill impairment		—		—			—			—
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		3,194			—			3,194
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Revenues	$	229,459	$	—		$	—		$	229,459
	Income (loss) from operations		24,972		(14,038	)		(7,887	)		3,047
	Depreciation		40		83			1			124
	Research and development		—		9,365			—			9,365
	Goodwill impairment		—		—			—			—
	Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		—		3,175			—			3,175
Summary of business segment aggregate assets
	(in thousands)	IDT		Genie Oil			Corporate			Total
	(in thousands)	Energy		and Gas			Corporate			Total
	Total assets:
	31-Dec-14	$	78,254	$	55,142		$	19,532		$	152,928
	31-Dec-13		76,691		42,193			39,959			158,843
	31-Dec-12		65,377		36,561			48,368			150,306
Schedule of net long-lived assets and total assets held outside of the United States
	(in thousands)	United		Foreign			Total
	(in thousands)	States		Countries			Total
	December 31, 2014
	Long-lived assets, net	$	834	$	1,230		$	2,064
	Total assets		143,897		9,031			152,928
	December 31, 2013
	Long-lived assets, net	$	352	$	377		$	729
	Total assets		150,315		8,528			158,843
	December 31, 2012
	Long-lived assets, net	$	71	$	346		$	417
	Total assets		142,694		7,612			150,306

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Schedule of selected quarterly financial data of the company	Quarter Ended				Direct		(Loss) income			Net (loss)			Net (loss)			(Loss) earnings
	(in thousands, except				cost of		from						income			per common share
													attributable
													to Genie
	per share data)		Revenues		revenues		operations			income			Energy Ltd.			Basic			Diluted
	2014:00:00
	December 31 (1)		$	49,687	$	36,924	$	(10,666	)	$	(10,428	)	$	(10,436	)	$	(0.50	)	$	(0.50	)
	30-Sep			46,186		28,359		(4,107	)		(4,825	)		(4,395	)		(0.22	)		(0.22	)
	30-Jun			48,810		37,359		(4,344	)		(5,007	)		(4,871	)		(0.24	)		(0.24	)
	March 31 (2)			130,348		120,452		(6,493	)		(7,147	)		(6,784	)		(0.33	)		(0.33	)
	TOTAL		$	275,031	$	223,094	$	(25,610	)	$	(27,407	)	$	(26,486	)	$	(1.31	)	$	(1.31	)
	2013:00:00
	31-Dec		$	67,071	$	50,237	$	(386	)	$	(1,118	)	$	(483	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.04	)
	30-Sep			71,638		51,699		3,948			2,042			1,991			0.09			0.08
	30-Jun			55,134		45,168		(5,569	)		(6,168	)		(5,901	)		(0.32	)		(0.32	)
	March 31 (3)			85,331		66,312		2,633			(97	)		(1,510	)		(0.09	)		(0.09	)
	TOTAL		$	279,174	$	213,416	$	626		$	(5,341	)	$	(5,903	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.36	)
		-1	In the fourth quarter of 2014, loss from operations includes goodwill impairment of $3.6 million and gain on adjustment to estimated contingent payments of $0.2 million.
		-2	Unusually cold weather in the first quarter of 2014 that affected the overall demand for electricity and natural gas for heat caused a significant increase in revenues and direct cost of revenues in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The winter’s polar vortex resulted in extraordinarily large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where Genie Retail Energy and other retail providers purchase their supply.
		-3	In the fourth quarter of 2012, there were certain errors at Genie Retail Energy impacting revenue recognized and the related receivable balances, sales tax refund receivable and a gross receipt tax accrual. The Company corrected these errors in the first quarter of 2013, although the corrections should have been recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. The impact of these items would have decreased the net income in 2012 and correspondingly increased the net income in 2013, by $1.7 million. The Company’s management assessed the impact of such errors on the financial statements and determined that the errors in 2012 and the related corrections in 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements for 2012 and 2013 and for each of the quarters within those years. Therefore, the Company’s management determined that no restatement of prior filings was necessary.

Description_of_Business_and_Su3

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	2,911	3,708	2,353
Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	438	3,443	457
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock [Member]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	2,473	265	1,896

Description_of_Business_and_Su4

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Con Edison [Member] \| Consolidated revenues [Member]
Summary of concentration risk percentage of consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable from utility companies
Concentration risk percentage, percentage	23.00%	25.00%	34.00%
Con Edison [Member] \| Consolidated gross trade accounts receivable [Member]
Summary of concentration risk percentage of consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable from utility companies
Concentration risk percentage, percentage	25.00%	23.00%
West Penn Power [Member] \| Consolidated revenues [Member]
Summary of concentration risk percentage of consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable from utility companies
Concentration risk percentage, percentage	10.00%	11.00%
Description for concentration risk percentage			Less than 10
West Penn Power [Member] \| Consolidated gross trade accounts receivable [Member]
Summary of concentration risk percentage of consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable from utility companies
Concentration risk percentage, percentage		13.00%
Description for concentration risk percentage	Less than 10
National Grid USA [Member] \| Consolidated revenues [Member]
Summary of concentration risk percentage of consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable from utility companies
Concentration risk percentage, percentage		10.00%
Description for concentration risk percentage	Less than 10		Less than 10
Penelec [Member] \| Consolidated revenues [Member]
Summary of concentration risk percentage of consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable from utility companies
Concentration risk percentage, percentage		10.00%
Description for concentration risk percentage	Less than 10		Less than 10
Penelec [Member] \| Consolidated gross trade accounts receivable [Member]
Summary of concentration risk percentage of consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable from utility companies
Concentration risk percentage, percentage		12.00%
Description for concentration risk percentage	Less than 10

Description_of_Business_and_Su5

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:
Balance at beginning of period	$930		$130		$130
Additions charged to costs and expenses	310		800
Deductions(1)	-1,013	[1]		[1]		[1]
Balance at end of period	$227		$930		$130

[1]	Uncollectible accounts written off.

Description_of_Business_and_Su6

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Amount of advertising expense included in selling general and administrative expense	$0.30	$0.20	$0.80
Description of percentage of consolidated revenue from utility companies	The percentage of consolidated revenues from utility companies that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated revenues in the period (no other single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues in any of the periods).
Description of percentage of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable by utility companies	The percentage of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable by utility company that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Underground storage facilities	2.5	3.3
Inventory renewable energy credits	$8.70	$0.50
GOGAS [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	92.00%
Computer software and development [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Estimated Useful Lives	2, 3 or 5 Years
Computers and computer hardware [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Estimated Useful Lives	5 Years
Laboratory and drilling equipment [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Estimated Useful Lives	7 Years
Office equipment and other [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Estimated Useful Lives	5 or 7 Years
IDT Energy [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership interest of company	1.40%
Genie Oil and Gas [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	92.00%
Genie Energy International Corporation [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	99.30%
American Shale Oil L.L.C [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Ownership interest of company	43.10%
Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd. [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	87.90%
Description of expiration of license	The license expires in July 2015.
Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	88.50%
Description of expiration of license	three year
Genie Mongolia [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	89.90%
Description of expiration of license	five year
Genie Retail Energy [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of the impact of acquisitions purchase price allocations
Trade accounts receivable		$114
Goodwill		3,686
Trade accounts payable		-176
Advances from customers		-377
Net assets acquired		3,247
Supplemental information:
Cash paid		779
Cash acquired		-7
Cash paid, net of cash acquired	1,138	772
Deferred cash payments to be paid by June 2015 (1)		1,225	[1]
Contingent payments (1)		1,250	[1]
Total consideration, net of cash acquired		$3,247

[1]	The deferred cash payments and the contingent payments were included in other current liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Acquisitions_Details_1

Acquisitions (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of reconciling change in carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning Balance	$7,349	$3,663	$3,663
Change in carrying amount
Acquiistions		3,686
Adjustment	-124
Impairment	-3,562
Ending Balance	$3,663	$7,349	$3,663

Acquisitions_Details_2

Acquisitions (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of pro forma information
Revenues	$280,307	$229,936
Net loss	($6,408)	($3,282)

Acquisitions_Details_Textual

Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acquisitions (Textual)
Percentage of outstanding membership interests		100.00%
Gain on adjustment to estimated contingent payments	($206)
Goodwill impairment	$3,562
Description of contingent payments		The contingent payments include 100% of the gross profit from each closing customer contract during the remainder of the initial term of such contract and 100% of the gross profit from each post-closing customer contract during the initial term of such contract, plus 25% of the gross profit from the first renewal term of such contracts. A closing customer contract is generally a contract in effect at closing, and a post-closing customer contract is generally a contract that became effective within 60 days following the acquisition.
Closing Customer [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual)
Percentage of contingent payment on initial term contract		100.00%
Percentage of contingent payment on contract renewal term		25.00%
Post Closing Customer [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual)
Percentage of contingent payment on initial term contract		100.00%
Percentage of contingent payment on contract renewal term		25.00%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Derivative contracts	$2,377		$1,682
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	4,003		385
Level 1 (1) [Member]
ASSETS
Derivative contracts	1,001	[1]	390	[1]
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	440	[1]	13	[1]
Level 2 (2) [Member]
ASSETS
Derivative contracts	1,376	[2]	1,230	[2]
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	3,563	[2]	372	[2]
Level 3 (3) [Member]
ASSETS
Derivative contracts		[3]	62	[3]
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts		[3]		[3]

[1]	(1) quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
[2]	(2) observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
[3]	(3) no observable pricing inputs in the market

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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, Assets	$62
Total gains (losses) (realized or unrealized) included in earnings in "Direct cost of revenues"	-62	-142
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements:
Purchases		359
Settlement		-155
Balance, end of period, Assets		62
The amount of total gains (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		$62

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail2

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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)	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014
Electricity [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Feb-15
Volume	320,000 MWh
Electricity 1 [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	May-15
Volume	16,000 MWh
Electricity 2 [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Jul-15
Volume	147,200 MWh
Electricity 3 [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Aug-15
Volume	134,400 MWh
Natural Gas [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Feb-15
Volume	1,680,000 Dth
Natural Gas 1 [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Jul-15
Volume	3,915,000 Dth
Natural Gas 2 [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Sep-15
Volume	225,000 Dth
Natural Gas 3 [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Oct-15
Volume	155,000 Dth
Natural Gas 4 [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Jan-16
Volume	542,500 Dth
Natural Gas 5 [Member]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Jul-16
Volume	620,000 Dth

Derivative_Instruments_Details1

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liability
Liability Derivatives, not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments	$4,003	$385
Energy contracts and options [Member] \| 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	$2,377	$1,682

Derivative_Instruments_Details2

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives
Energy contracts and options [Member] \| Direct cost of revenues [Member]
Effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives	($1,674)	$1,177	($258)

Investment_in_American_Shale_O2

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure [Abstract]
AMSO's investment in AMSO, LLC based on the proposed 2015 budget	$1,513
Less: cumulative capital contributions to AMSO, LLC
Less: liability for equity loss in AMSO, LLC at December 31, 2014	-252
Maximum exposure to additional loss	$1,261

Investment_in_American_Shale_O3

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary in the change in balance of the Company's investment in AMSO, LLC
Balance, beginning of period	($252)	$242	($685)
Capital contributions		2,700	4,102
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		-3,194	-3,175
Balance, end of period	($252)	($252)	$242

Investment_in_American_Shale_O4

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 2) (AMSO, LLC [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
AMSO, LLC [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,052	$483
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	47	400
Other current assets	119	141
Equipment, net	242	36
Other assets	861
TOTAL ASSETS	2,321	1,060
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' INTERESTS
Current liabilities	1,324	1,024
Other liabilities	861	644
Members' interests	136	-608
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' INTERESTS	$2,321	$1,060

Investment_in_American_Shale_O5

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 3) (AMSO, LLC [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
AMSO, LLC [Member]
Summary statements of operations
REVENUES
OPERATING EXPENSES:
General and administrative	456	566	507
Research and development	7,755	8,601	8,563
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES	8,211	9,167	9,070
Loss from operations	-8,211	-9,167	-9,070
Other income		41
NET LOSS	($8,211)	($9,126)	($9,070)

Investment_in_American_Shale_O6

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2009
	acre	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2009
Schedule of investment (Textual)
Maximum exposure to additional loss	$1,261,000
AMSO, LLC [Member]
Schedule of investment (Textual)
Area of land awarded for lease	160
Lease expiration period	10 years
Extension period of lease	5 years
Area of land subject to commercial lease	5,120
Ownership interest of company in AMSO, LLC	50.00%
Percentage of initial expenditure funded by holding company	20.00%
Initial expenditures	50,000,000
Percentage of funding provided by holding company for next increased expenditures	35.00%
Amount of expenditures to be funded 35% by holding company	50,000,000
Expenditures in excess of this amount to be funded 50% by holding company	100,000,000
Percentage of funding to AMSO, LLC's for converting research, development and demonstration lease to a commercial lease	40.00%
Cumulative contributions of AMSO and Total to AMSO, LLC	78,000,000
Percentage of net loss allocated of AMSO, LLC		20.00%
Increased percentage of AMSO's portion of net loss in AMSO, LLC		35.00%
Amount of expenditures to be funded by holding company not funded	3,600,000
New equity method investment ownership percentage after dilution	43.10%
Expenditures in excess of this amount to be funded by holding company dilution percentage	100,000,000
New percentage of funding for approved expenditures in excess of $100 million	30.20%
Amount of expenditures not allocated to holding company after dilution	11,000,000
TOTAL S.A. [Member]
Schedule of investment (Textual)
Ownership interest of company in AMSO, LLC	50.00%		50.00%
Capital contributions to AMSO, LLC			3,200,000
Description of ownership exchange transaction			All owners of equity interests in AMSO, LLC other than AMSO exchanged their ownership interest for a proportionate share of a 1% override on AMSO, LLC's future revenue.
New equity method investment ownership percentage after dilution	56.90%
New percentage of funding for approved expenditures in excess of $100 million	69.80%
Maximum exposure to additional loss	$1,300,000

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of property and equipment
Property and equipment	$2,857	$1,419
Less accumulated depreciation	-955	-858
Property and equipment, net	1,902	561
Computer software and development [Member]
Schedule of property and equipment
Property and equipment	1,038	516
Computers and computer hardware [Member]
Schedule of property and equipment
Property and equipment	259	264
Laboratory and drilling equipment [Member]
Schedule of property and equipment
Property and equipment	1,195	411
Office equipment and other [Member]
Schedule of property and equipment
Property and equipment	$365	$228

Revolving_Line_of_Credit_Detai

Revolving Line of Credit (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 23, 2012
Revolving Line of Credit (Textual)
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$7.60	$5.70
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.
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%
Extended Maturity Date	30-Apr-15
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

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Domestic	($14,900)	$9,467	$10,544
Foreign	-12,412	-12,053	-10,149
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	($27,312)	($2,586)	$395

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred income tax assets:
Bad debt reserve	$93	$381
Accrued expenses	2,940	3,454
State taxes	78	56
Charitable contributions	330	219
Net operating loss	17,473	9,534
Stock options and restricted stock	6,163	2,793
Depreciation	2,089	1,056
Total deferred income tax assets	29,166	17,493
Valuation allowance	-27,703	-16,653	-11,861	-6,523
DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, NET	$1,463	$840

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal		$1,112
State and local	730	1,891	-1,312
Foreign	-12	-7
Total current income taxes	718	2,996	-1,312
Deferred:
Federal	68		3,773
State and local	-691	-241	469
Foreign
Total deferred income taxes	-623	-241	4,242
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	$95	$2,755	$2,930

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate	($9,559)	($904)	$138
Valuation allowance	9,564	2,447	4,711
Foreign tax rate differential	22	48	41
Other	115	66	4
State and local income tax, net of federal benefit	-47	1,098	-1,964
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	$95	$2,755	$2,930

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of change in the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes
Balance at beginning of peroid	$16,653	$11,861	$6,523
Additions charged to costs and expenses	11,050	4,792	5,338
Deductions
Balance at end of peroid	$27,703	$16,653	$11,861

Income_Taxes_Details_5

Income Taxes (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of change in the balance of unrecognized income tax benefits
Balance at beginning of period	$542	$223	$2,507
Additions based on tax positions related to the current period	209		89
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	9	319
Reductions for tax positions of prior periods
Settlements			-2,373
Lapses of statutes of limitations	-217
Balance at end of period	$543	$542	$223

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes (Textual)
Accrued interest on income taxes	$0.10
U.S. federal [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Net operating loss carryforwards	23.3
Operating loss carry forwards expiration period	The federal net operating loss carry-forwards will start to expire in 2032, with the year ended December 31, 2014's loss expiring in 2035.
Income tax reuturns period	U.S. federal tax returns for fiscal 2010 to calendar 2014.
State [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Net operating loss carryforwards	56.2
Operating loss carry forwards expiration period	The state net operating loss carry-forwards will start to expire in 2028, with the year ended December 31, 2014's loss expiring in 2035.
Income tax reuturns period	State and local tax returns generally for fiscal 2009 to calendar 2014.
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Net operating loss carryforwards	42.3
Operating loss carry forwards amount no expiration	$32.30
Income tax reuturns period	Foreign tax returns generally for fiscal 2009 to calendar 2014.

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2010

Nov. 30, 2008

Oct. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Jun. 27, 2014

22-May-14

Mar. 11, 2013

Oct. 17, 2012

Mar. 23, 2015

Mar. 10, 2015

Nov. 26, 2012

Aug. 02, 2012

Jul. 30, 2014

Equity (Textual)

Common stock dividend

$1,473,000

$3,057,000

Sale of subsidiary stock percentage of ownership sold

10.00%

Rupert Murdoch [Member] | GOGAS [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Sale of stock consideration received on transaction paid through promissory note

1,100,000

Sale of subsidiary stock percentage of ownership sold

0.50%

Promissory note interest rate

1.58%

Promissory note maturity date

15-Nov-15

Lord Jacob Rothschild [Member] | GOGAS [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Sale of subsidiary stock percentage of ownership sold

5.00%

Investment options, expiration date

12-Nov-17

Sales of stock of subsidiary

10,000,000

IEI [Member] | Harold Vinegar Chief Scientist [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Stock issued during period, value, new issues

2,000,000

Maximum subsidiary capitalization for anti dilution protection

20,000,000

Employment agreement description

In November 2008, Vinegar purchased a 10% interest in IEI.

Sale of subsidiary stock percentage of ownership sold

10.00%

Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. [Member] | Harold Vinegar Chief Scientist [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Employment agreement description

In October 2013, Vinegar purchased a 9.5% interest in Afek.

Genie Mongolia [Member] | Harold Vinegar Chief Scientist [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Employment agreement description

In November 2013, Vinegar purchased a 9.8% interest in Genie Mongolia.

Preferred Stock [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Preferred stock dividend rate

$0.64

0.6099

Preferred stock dividend

1,400,000

1,100,000

400,000

300,000

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

405,000

404,732

313,376

1,604,591

Preferred Stock [Member] | IEI [Member] | Harold Vinegar Chief Scientist [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Stock issued during period, value, new issues

2,000,000

Maximum subsidiary capitalization for anti dilution protection

20,000,000

Sale of subsidiary stock percentage of ownership sold

10.00%

Common Stock [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Common stock dividend

1,500,000

4,200,000

Common Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Total dividends

1,500,000

Common Class A [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Common stock voting rights

Three votes per share.

Common stock conversion basis

Each share of Class A common stock may be converted into one share of Class B common stock.

Preferred stock dividend

Cash dividend paid

$0.06

$0.18

Common Class A [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Cash dividend paid

$0.06

Common Class B [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Common stock voting rights

One-tenth of a vote per share.

Preferred stock dividend

Cash dividend paid

$0.06

$0.18

Number of stock authorized to be repurchased

7,000,000

Number of shares repurchased, shares

103,331

Number of shares repurchased, value

800,000

Remaining number of shares available for repurchase

6,900,000

Common stock exchange into of preferred stock

5,000,000

7,150,000

8,750,000

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

-405,000

Common Class B [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Cash dividend paid

$0.06

Common Class B [Member] | Howard S. Jonas [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Number of Options, Granted

3,000,000

Exercise Price, Granted

$10.30

Option expiration date description

Extended 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

Shares repurchase description

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.

Stock issued during period, value, new issues

24,600,000

Stock issued during period, shares, new issues

3,600,000

Unrecognized compensation cost

17,000,000

Total value of option granted

19,300,000

Series 2012-A Preferred Stock [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share

$8.50

Excess amount of EBITDA

32,000,000

Preferred stock, redemption terms

The Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company following October 11, 2017 at 101% of the Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, and 100% of the Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends following October 11, 2018.

Preferred stock dividend rate

$0.64

Preferred stock, dividend payment rate, variable

Seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the amount by which the EBITDA for a fiscal year of the Company's retail energy provider business exceeds $32 million by (B) 8,750,000 (the "Additional Dividend")

Preferred stock dividend payment rate variable additional dividend quotient denominator

$8,750,000

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of the status of the Company's grants of restricted shares of Class B common stock
Beginning balance, Number of Non-vested Shares	265
Number of Non-vested Shares, Granted	68
Number of Non-vested Shares, Vested	-260
Number of Non-vested Shares, Forfeited
Ending balance, Number of Non-vested Shares	73
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$9.74
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$9.58
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested	$9.68
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Forfeited
Ending balance, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$9.83

StockBased_Compensation_Detail1

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1)	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity compensation plans, Valuation Assumptions
Average risk-free interest rate	2.07%
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility	65.60%
Expected term	6 years 6 months

StockBased_Compensation_Detail2

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) (Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Option [Member]
Summary of stock option activity
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	3,443
Number of Options, Granted
Number of Options, Exercised	-4
Number of Options, Cancelled / Forfeited	-3,001
Number of Options, Outstanding, Ending Balance	438	3,443
Number of Options, Exercisable	296
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$9.86	$6.85
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$6.85
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Cancelled / Forfeited	$10.30
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Ending Balance	$6.85	$9.86
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$6.85	$6.85
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	6 years 3 months 18 days	7 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	6 years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Beginning Balance	$1,489
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Ending Balance		1,489
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable

StockBased_Compensation_Detail3

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Jul. 30, 2014

Jan. 06, 2014

Dec. 12, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Mar. 28, 2012

31-May-13

Nov. 04, 2013

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Stock-based compensation costs

$10,758,000

$4,180,000

$3,429,000

Shares issued restricted stock award (Shares)

Fair value of the grants of equity interests

5,400,000

End of vesting period of equity interests

Vesting periods that ends at various dates through July 2017.

IDT Energy [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Percentage of equity in subsidiary, fully diluted, granted to other officers and employees

1.13%

IDT Energy [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Percentage of equity in subsidiary, fully diluted, granted to officer

2.50%

Israel Energy Initiatives Ltd [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Percentage of equity in subsidiary, fully diluted, granted to other officers and employees

1.40%

1.00%

Israel Energy Initiatives Ltd [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Percentage of equity in subsidiary, fully diluted, granted to officer

0.25%

Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Percentage of equity in subsidiary, fully diluted, granted to other officers and employees

1.40%

Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Percentage of equity in subsidiary, fully diluted, granted to officer

0.30%

Genie Mongolia [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Percentage of equity in subsidiary, fully diluted, granted to other officers and employees

2.20%

1.00%

Genie Mongolia [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Percentage of equity in subsidiary, fully diluted, granted to officer

0.25%

GOGAS [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Total grant date fair value of shares vested

Stock option issued, exercise price

5,000,000

Investment options, expiration date

9-Apr-15

Stock Option [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted

$6.42

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

12,000

29,000

2,000

Unrecognized compensation cost

300,000

Period of unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized

2 years 6 months

Stock-based compensation costs

2,500,000

400,000

Restricted Stock Granted by IDT Corporation [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Stock-based compensation costs

6,600,000

2,000,000

2,100,000

Total grant date fair value of shares vested

2,500,000

3,300,000

3,000,000

Restricted Stock Granted by IDT Corporation [Member] | Howard Jonas [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Stock-based compensation costs

5,700,000

Subsidiary Equity [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Unrecognized compensation cost

900,000

Period of unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized

7 months 6 days

Stock-based compensation costs

1,600,000

1,800,000

900,000

Common Stock Class B

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Shares issued restricted stock award (Shares)

224,000

227,000

49,000

Common Stock Class B | Howard Jonas [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Options issued to purchase company's common stock cancelled

3,000,000

Common Stock Class B | Michael Stein [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Shares issued restricted stock award (Shares)

29,126,000

Term of restricted shares

The restricted shares vest in three equal annual installments commencing on January 5, 2015.

Fair value of the restricted shares on the date of grant

300,000

Common Stock Class B | President [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Shares issued restricted stock award (Shares)

63,917,000

Term of restricted shares

The restricted shares vest in three years beginning in January 2014.

Fair value of the restricted shares on the date of grant

700,000

Common Stock Class B | IDT Energy [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Common stock issued in exchange in exchange for vested deferred stock

137,738

133,758

Common Stock Class B | Restricted Stock [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Unrecognized compensation cost

12,100,000

Period of unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized

2 years 1 month 6 days

Common Stock Class B | Restricted Stock [Member] | Howard Jonas [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Unrecognized compensation cost

$11,300,000

Deferred Stock [Member] | IDT Energy [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Vested deferred stock units of IDT Energy

23.6

2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Shares available for future grants, (Shares)

8,700

2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Stock Class B

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)

Common stock reserved for future issuance

1,140,000

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Net Income Loss and Aggregate Net Funding Repaid or Provided by Company to Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net	($321)	$4,118	$738
CCE [Member]
Schedule of Net Income Loss and Aggregate Net Funding Repaid or Provided by Company to Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	763	2,080	1,857
DAD [Member]
Schedule of Net Income Loss and Aggregate Net Funding Repaid or Provided by Company to Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	-104	-67	-327
Tari [Member]
Schedule of Net Income Loss and Aggregate Net Funding Repaid or Provided by Company to Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($31)	$52	$161

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det1

Variable Interest Entities (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total assets	$3,087	$4,596
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	3,087	4,596
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total assets	77	434
Restricted cash [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total assets	20	537
Trade accounts receivable [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total assets	1,873	2,459
Prepaid expenses [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total assets	480	364
Other current assets [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total assets	178	353
Other assets [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total assets	459	449
Current liabilities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	480	2,937
Due to IDT Energy [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	1,285	964
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	$1,322	$695

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det2

Variable Interest Entities (Details Textual) (DAD [Member])	12 Months Ended
Variable Interest Entities (Details Textual) (DAD [Member])	Dec. 31, 2012
DAD [Member]
Variable Interest Entity Textual [Abstract]
Ownership interest hold by Tari in DAD sales	100.00%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, including reclassifications
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, Beginning balance		($15)
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Genie, Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities		15	-15
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities		-55
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities		70
Net other comprehensive income, Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities		15
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, Ending balance			-15
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Foreign currency translation, Beginning balance	745	285	-137
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Genie, Foreign currency translation	-735		422
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, Foreign currency translation		460
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Foreign currency translation
Net other comprehensive income, Foreign currency translation		460
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Foreign currency translation, Ending balance	10	745	285
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Net, Beginning balance	745	270	-137
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Genie, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-735		407
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, Accumulated other comprehensive income		405
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Accumulated other comprehensive income		70
Net other comprehensive income, Accumulated other comprehensive income		475
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Net, Ending balance	$10	$745	$270
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Location of (Gain) loss recognized		Interest income

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Future minimum payments for operating leases
2015	$266
2016	201
2017	111
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total payments	$578

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Purchase and other commitments	$7,200,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	7,600,000	5,700,000
Line of credit facility expiration, Description	The 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 at December 31, 2014 expire as follows: $5.6 million in the year ending December 31, 2015 and $2.0 million in the year ending December 31, 2016.
Rental expense under operating leases	800,000	600,000	800,000
Payment of trade accounts payable to BP Energy	25,302,000	25,302,000
Description of termination date of agreement between BP Energy and IDT Energy	The agreement's termination date is June 30, 2015.
Genie Retail Energy [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Purchase of renewable energy credit	24,900,000
Aggregate performance bond outstanding	12,700,000
BP [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Payment of trade accounts payable to BP Energy	11,600,000
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Assets pledged as collateral to BP Energy	29,500,000
Restricted Cash [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Assets pledged as collateral to BP Energy	$500,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of related party transactions
Amount IDT charged the Company	$3,447	$3,348	$3,775
Amount the Company charged IDT	$530	$285	$129

Related_Party_Transactions_Det1

Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction (Textual)
Notes receivable outstanding from employees	$1,000,000	$900,000
Commissions and fees payments to related party	13,912	11,074	9,527
Total payments for various insurance policies	$140,374	$124,149	$106,812

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues	$49,687	[1]	$46,186	$48,810	$130,348	[2]	$67,071	$71,638	$55,134	$85,331	[3]	$275,031	$279,174	$229,459
Income (loss) from operations	-10,666	[1]	-4,107	-4,344	-6,493	[2]	-386	3,948	-5,569	2,633	[3]	-25,610	626	3,047
Depreciation												132	110	124
Research and development												12,509	11,389	9,365
Goodwill impairment												3,562
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC													3,194	3,175
IDT Energy [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues												275,031	279,174	229,459
Income (loss) from operations												3,516	25,696	24,972
Depreciation												24	15	40
Research and development
Goodwill impairment												3,562
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC
Genie Oil and Gas [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations												-13,773	-15,955	-14,038
Depreciation												107	94	83
Research and development												12,509	11,389	9,365
Goodwill impairment
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC													3,194	3,175
Corporate [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations												-15,353	-9,115	-7,887
Depreciation												1	1	1
Research and development
Goodwill impairment
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC

[1]	In the fourth quarter of 2014, loss from operations includes goodwill impairment of $3.6 million and gain on adjustment to estimated contingent payments of $0.2 million.
[2]	Unusually cold weather in the first quarter of 2014 that affected the overall demand for electricity and natural gas for heat caused a significant increase in revenues and direct cost of revenues in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The winter's polar vortex resulted in extraordinarily large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where Genie Retail Energy and other retail providers purchase their supply.
[3]	In the fourth quarter of 2012, there were certain errors at Genie Retail Energy impacting revenue recognized and the related receivable balances, sales tax refund receivable and a gross receipt tax accrual. The Company corrected these errors in the first quarter of 2013, although the corrections should have been recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. The impact of these items would have decreased the net income in 2012 and correspondingly increased the net income in 2013, by $1.7 million. The Company's management assessed the impact of such errors on the financial statements and determined that the errors in 2012 and the related corrections in 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements for 2012 and 2013 and for each of the quarters within those years. Therefore, the Company's management determined that no restatement of prior filings was necessary.

Business_Segment_Information_D1

Business Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	$152,928	$158,843	$150,306
IDT Energy [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	78,254	76,691	65,377
Genie Oil and Gas [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	55,142	42,193	36,561
Corporate [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	$19,532	$39,959	$48,368

Business_Segment_Information_D2

Business Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net long-lived assets and total assets held outside of the United States
Long-lived assets, net	$2,064	$729	$417
Total assets	152,928	158,843	150,306
United States [Member]
Net long-lived assets and total assets held outside of the United States
Long-lived assets, net	834	352	71
Total assets	143,897	150,315	142,694
Foreign Countries [Member]
Net long-lived assets and total assets held outside of the United States
Long-lived assets, net	1,230	377	346
Total assets	$9,031	$8,528	$7,612

Business_Segment_Information_D3

Business Segment Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Number of reportable segments	2
GEIC [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	99.30%
Genie Retail Energy [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
IDT Energy [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership interest of company	1.40%
GOGAS [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	92.00%
AMSO, LLC [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	43.10%
Israel Energy Initiatives Ltd [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	87.90%
Afek Oil and Gas Ltd [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	88.50%
Genie Mongolia [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	89.90%

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected quarterly financial data of company
Revenues	$49,687	[1]	$46,186	$48,810	$130,348	[2]	$67,071	$71,638	$55,134	$85,331	[3]	$275,031	$279,174	$229,459
Direct cost of revenues	36,924	[1]	28,359	37,359	120,452	[2]	50,237	51,699	45,168	66,312	[3]	223,094	213,416	159,872
Income (loss) from operations	-10,666	[1]	-4,107	-4,344	-6,493	[2]	-386	3,948	-5,569	2,633	[3]	-25,610	626	3,047
Net (loss) income	-10,428	[1]	-4,825	-5,007	-7,147	[2]	-1,118	2,042	-6,168	-97	[3]	-27,407	-5,341	-2,535
Net (loss) income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.	($10,436)	[1]	($4,395)	($4,871)	($6,784)	[2]	($483)	$1,991	($5,901)	($1,510)	[3]	($26,486)	($5,903)	($3,281)
(Loss) earnings per common share, Basic	($0.50)	[1]	($0.22)	($0.24)	($0.33)	[2]	($0.04)	$0.09	($0.32)	($0.09)	[3]	($1.31)	($0.36)
(Loss) earnings per common share, Diluted	($0.50)	[1]	($0.22)	($0.24)	($0.33)	[2]	($0.04)	$0.08	($0.32)	($0.09)	[3]	($1.31)	($0.36)

[1]	In the fourth quarter of 2014, loss from operations includes goodwill impairment of $3.6 million and gain on adjustment to estimated contingent payments of $0.2 million.
[2]	Unusually cold weather in the first quarter of 2014 that affected the overall demand for electricity and natural gas for heat caused a significant increase in revenues and direct cost of revenues in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The winter's polar vortex resulted in extraordinarily large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where Genie Retail Energy and other retail providers purchase their supply.
[3]	In the fourth quarter of 2012, there were certain errors at Genie Retail Energy impacting revenue recognized and the related receivable balances, sales tax refund receivable and a gross receipt tax accrual. The Company corrected these errors in the first quarter of 2013, although the corrections should have been recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. The impact of these items would have decreased the net income in 2012 and correspondingly increased the net income in 2013, by $1.7 million. The Company's management assessed the impact of such errors on the financial statements and determined that the errors in 2012 and the related corrections in 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements for 2012 and 2013 and for each of the quarters within those years. Therefore, the Company's management determined that no restatement of prior filings was necessary.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D3

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Change in net income		$1,700,000	($1,700,000)
Goodwill impairment	3,562,000
Gain on adjustment to estimated contingent payments	($206,000)