Genie Energy (GNE) 10-Q 9 Aug 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Aug. 02, 2016
Entity Registrant Name	Genie Energy Ltd.
Entity Central Index Key	1,528,356
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Class A Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,574,326
Class B Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,072,641

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 38,872	$ 38,786
Restricted cash - short-term	10,372	10,894
Certificates of deposit	8,885	8,850
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $174 and $182 at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	29,845	27,222
Inventory	7,305	11,440
Prepaid expenses	9,243	11,328
Other current assets	6,149	6,104
Total current assets	110,671	114,624
Property and equipment, net	1,238	1,347
Capitalized exploration costs - unproved oil and gas property	39,965	26,878
Goodwill	3,663	3,663
Restricted cash - long-term	1,836	1,802
Deferred income tax assets, net	1,642	1,642
Other assets	6,228	5,859
Total assets	165,243	155,815
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	15,629	12,642
Accrued expenses	18,373	19,424
AMSO, LLC retirement obligations	2,155
Advances from customers	664	1,055
Income taxes payable	1,913	923
Due to IDT Corporation	111	438
Energy hedging contracts	1,085	2,192
Other current liabilities	772	878
Total current liabilities	40,702	37,552
Revolving credit loan payable	2,000	2,000
Other liabilities	1,051	1,566
Total liabilities	43,753	41,118
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 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015	19,743	19,743
Additional paid-in capital	126,785	124,449
Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 201 shares and 198 shares of Class B common stock at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	(1,599)	(1,570)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	555	154
Accumulated deficit	(13,406)	(19,647)
Total Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity	132,327	123,377
Noncontrolling interests:
Noncontrolling interests	(9,170)	(7,013)
Receivable for issuance of equity	(1,667)	(1,667)
Total noncontrolling interests	(10,837)	(8,680)
Total equity	121,490	114,697
Total liabilities and equity	165,243	155,815
Class A Common Stock
Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, value	16	16
Class B Common Stock
Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, value	$ 233	$ 232

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts, trade accounts receivable (in dollars)	$ 174	$ 182
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	2,322
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	2,322	2,322
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (In dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	35,000	35,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,574	1,574
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,574	1,574
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (In dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	23,264	23,239
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,063	23,041
Treasury stock, shares	201	198

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Electricity		$ 37,728	$ 33,804	$ 82,112	$ 81,140
Natural gas		5,781	5,011	19,147	31,175
Other		468	712	856	1,641
Total revenues		43,977	39,527	102,115	113,956
Cost of revenues		(25,171)	(26,106)	(58,444)	(84,069)
Gross profit		18,806	13,421	43,671	29,887
Operating expenses, (gains) and losses:
Selling, general and administrative	[1]	15,934	16,469	31,943	33,108
Research and development		83	553	210	1,256
Exploration		1,426	1,286	3,117	2,859
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC		(1,262)		(1,262)
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC				222
Income (loss) from operations		2,625	(4,887)	9,441	(7,336)
Interest income		104	102	186	201
Other expense, net		(27)	(145)	(162)	(134)
Income (loss) before income taxes		2,702	(4,930)	9,465	(7,269)
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes		(594)	204	(1,690)	113
Net income (loss)		2,108	(4,726)	7,775	(7,156)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		1,344	228	2,163	648
Net income (loss) attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.		3,452	(4,498)	9,938	(6,508)
Dividends on preferred stock		(370)	(370)	(740)	(740)
Net income (loss) attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders.		$ 3,082	$ (4,868)	$ 9,198	$ (7,248)
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders:
Basic		$ 0.14	$ (0.22)	$ 0.4	$ (0.33)
Diluted		$ 0.13	$ (0.22)	$ 0.39	$ (0.33)
Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of earnings (loss) per share:
Basic		22,795	22,125	22,793	22,116
Diluted		23,603	22,125	23,644	22,116
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.12	$ 0.12
[1]	Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses

Consolidated Statements of Ope5

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 1,127	$ 1,595	$ 2,337	$ 2,833

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 2,108	$ (4,726)	$ 7,775	$ (7,156)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(850)	619	407	563
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,258	(4,107)	8,182	(6,593)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,335	243	2,157	657
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.	$ 2,593	$ (3,864)	$ 10,339	$ (5,936)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 7,775	$ (7,156)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	196	219
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable		(7)
Deferred income taxes		(187)
Stock-based compensation	2,337	2,833
Loss on disposal of property	25
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC	(1,262)
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	222
Change in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	540	(817)
Trade accounts receivable	(2,622)	6,465
Inventory	4,135	1,236
Prepaid expenses	2,222	(2,942)
Other current assets and other assets	507	(2,785)
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(677)	305
Advances from customers	(391)	(262)
AMSO, LLC retirement obligations	(380)
Due to IDT Corporation	(327)	(376)
Income taxes payable	991	13
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	13,291	(3,461)
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	(135)	(304)
Investments in capitalized exploration costs - unproved oil and gas property	(12,758)	(10,900)
Proceeds from disposal of property	27
Cash acquired from consolidation of AMSO, LLC	702
Capital contribution to AMSO, LLC received from Total	3,000
Capital contributions to AMSO, LLC	(63)
Net cash used in investing activities	(9,227)	(11,204)
Financing activities
Dividends paid	(3,697)	(3,690)
Payments for acquisition	(183)	(220)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		81
Proceeds from exercise of GOGAS stock option		2,500
Repurchases of Class B common stock from employees	(29)	(22)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,909)	(1,351)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(69)	126
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	86	(15,890)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	38,786	71,895
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	38,872	56,005
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities
Net assets excluding cash and cash equivalents of AMSO, LLC acquired	560
Subsidiary equity grant reclassified to liability		1,200
Receivable for issuance of equity of subsidiaries		$ 2,500

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 1—Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Genie Energy Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Genie”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016. The balance sheet at December 31, 2015 has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, please refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, Genie Energy International Corporation (“GEIC”), which owns 100% of Genie Retail Energy (“GRE”) and 92% of Genie Oil and Gas, Inc. (“GOGAS”). The Company’s principal businesses consist of the following: ● Genie Retail Energy owns 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 that consists of: ● an 86.2% interest in Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. (“Afek”), which operates an exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel, and ● other projects including (1) an 88.3% interest in Genie Mongolia, Inc. (“Genie Mongolia”), an oil shale exploration project in Central Mongolia, which is inactive, (2) a 98.3% interest in American Shale Oil Corporation (“AMSO”), which operates American Shale Oil, L.L.C. (“AMSO, LLC”), an oil shale development project in Colorado that is being decommissioned, and (3) an 86.1% interest in Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd. (“IEI”), an oil shale development project in Israel, which is inactive. GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to directors and employees that represent an interest of 2.6% of the equity of GRE. On March 23, 2016, Total S.A. (“Total”) gave AMSO its notice of withdrawal from AMSO, LLC (see Note 5). The withdrawal was effective on April 30, 2016. On February 1, 2016, Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee approved a two-year permit extension for Afek to continue to conduct its up to ten-well oil and gas exploration program. This extension is expected to cover the remainder of Afek’s ongoing exploration program in the area covered by it exploration license. In April 2016, Afek received an extension of its license from the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Water through April 9, 2017. Afek is conducting its oil and gas exploration program pursuant to that license. Reclassification In the consolidated statement of operations, $0.6 million and $1.3 million previously included in “Financing fees” in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, were reclassified to “Cost of revenues” to conform to the current year’s presentation. Seasonality and Weather The weather and the seasons, among other things, affect GRE’s revenues. Weather conditions have a significant impact on the demand for natural gas used for heating and electricity used for heating and cooling. Typically, colder winters increase demand for natural gas and electricity, and hotter summers increase demand for electricity. Milder winters and/or summers have the opposite effect. Natural gas revenues typically increase in the first quarter due to increased heating demands and electricity revenues typically increase in the third quarter due to increased air conditioning use. Approximately 64% and 59% of GRE’s natural gas revenues for the relevant years were generated in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively, when demand for heating was highest. Although the demand for electricity is not as seasonal as natural gas (due, in part, to usage of electricity for both heating and cooling), approximately 30% and 20% of GRE’s electricity revenues for the relevant years were generated in the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Because of dramatic increases in wholesale electricity prices in January and February 2014, the retail electricity prices that the GRE-owned REPs and many other variable rate electricity suppliers charged to their customers also increased sharply. As a result, approximately 45% of GRE’s electricity revenues in 2014 were generated in the first quarter of 2014. GRE’s revenues and operating income are subject to material seasonal variations, and the interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of the estimated financial results for the full year.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 2—Fair Value Measurements The following table presents the balance of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total (in thousands) June 30, 2016 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 766 $ 2,329 $ — $ 3,095 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 254 $ 831 $ — $ 1,085 December 31, 2015 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 373 $ 1,308 $ — $ 1,681 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 609 $ 1,583 $ — $ 2,192 (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 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. 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 and long-term, certificates of deposit, prepaid expenses, other current assets, advances from customers, due to IDT Corporation and other current liabilities. , Other assets, revolving credit loan payable, and other liabilities.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Note 3—Derivative Instruments The primary risk managed by the Company using derivative instruments is commodity price risk, which is accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 815—Derivatives and Hedging. Natural gas and electricity 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 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, GRE’s swaps and options were traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The summarized volume of GRE’s outstanding contracts and options at June 30, 2016 was as follows (MWh – Megawatt hour and Dth – Decatherm): Commodity Settlement Dates Volume Electricity July 2016 112,000 MWh Electricity August 2016 331,200 MWh Electricity September 2016 42,000 MWh Electricity December 2016 53,760 MWh Electricity January 2017 336,000 MWh Electricity February 2017 320,000 MWh Natural gas August 2016 1,164,250 Dth Natural gas September 2016 75,000 Dth Natural gas October 2016 600,000 Dth Natural gas February 2017 600,000 Dth Natural gas March 2017 800,000 Dth Natural gas April 2017 300,000 Dth Natural gas February 2018 70,000 Dth The fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows: Asset Derivatives Balance Sheet June 30, December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Other current assets $ 3,095 $ 1,681 The fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows: Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet June 30, December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Energy hedging contracts $ 1,085 $ 2,192 The effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations were as follows: Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives Derivatives not designated or not Location of Gain (Loss) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, qualifying as hedging instruments Recognized on Derivatives 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Energy contracts and options Cost of revenues $ 441 $ (131 ) $ 802 $ (1,088 )

Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Ac

Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities [Abstract]
Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities	Note 4—Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities The Company accounts for Afek’s oil and gas activities under the successful efforts method of accounting. Under this method, the costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells are capitalized, pending determination of whether the well has found proved reserves. Other exploration costs are charged to expense as incurred. Unproved properties are assessed for impairment, and if considered impaired, are charged to expense when such impairment is deemed to have occurred. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had capitalized exploration costs of $40.0 million and $26.9 million, respectively. At June 30, 2016, $11.3 million of the capitalized exploration costs had been capitalized for a period greater than one year. The Company is in the process of determining if proved reserves have been found. If no proved reserves are found, the related capitalized exploration costs will be charged to expense. In the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized exploration expense of $1.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and in the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized exploration expense of $3.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively. In 2016, Afek completed well-flow test operations at its Devorah 1 (Ness 2) well, its second well-flow test site. The data obtained from the well-flow tests, in conjunction with the results from the five exploratory wells that have been drilled, their log results and core samples, are being evaluated by Afek’s scientific team and independent experts. Their analysis is intended to assess potential techniques to extract oil and gas samples from preserved core samples and to construct an initial reservoir model. The analysis may continue for the remainder of the calendar year. The findings will be used to determine the next steps in the exploratory program. As part of its analysis, Afek is working to better understand the geology in the lightly explored Northern region of its license area. Afek is now reprocessing the limited seismic data that was run in this region many years ago to incorporate the results to date from its exploratory program. Once the data has been fully reinterpreted, Afek may conduct additional work in this region. Potential next steps could include additional 2-D seismic lines and/or drilling a new exploratory well. Afek assesses the economic and operational viability of its project on an ongoing basis, and to date believes that sufficient progress is being made. The assessment requires significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should our estimates or assumptions regarding the recoverability of the capitalized exploration costs prove to be incorrect, we may be required to record impairments of such costs in future periods and such impairments could be material.

Investment in American Shale Oi

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC [Abstract]
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC	Note 5—Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC Through April 30, 2016, the Company accounted for its ownership interest in AMSO, LLC using the equity method since the Company had the ability to exercise significant influence over its operating and financial matters, although it did not control AMSO, LLC. AMSO, LLC was a variable interest entity, however, the Company determined that it was not the primary beneficiary, as the Company did not have the power to direct the activities of AMSO, LLC that most significantly impact AMSO, LLC’s economic performance. On February 23, 2016, Total notified the Company of its decision not to continue to fund AMSO, LLC. On March 23, 2016, Total gave AMSO its notice of withdrawal from AMSO, LLC. The withdrawal was effective on April 30, 2016. The Company is currently decommissioning the project. As of April 1, 2016, AMSO and Total agreed that Total would pay AMSO, LLC $3.0 million as full payment of its share of all costs associated with the decommissioning, winding up and dissolution of AMSO, LLC. Total will not be refunded any amount if the decommissioning costs are less than $3.0 million. Effective April 30, 2016, AMSO, LLC’s assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The following table summarizes the change in the balance of the Company’s investment in AMSO, LLC: Six Months Ended 2016 2015 (in thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ (399 ) $ (252 ) Capital contributions 63 — Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC (222 ) — Elimination of the investment in AMSO, LLC 558 — Balance, end of period $ — $ (252 ) At December 31, 2015, the liability for equity loss in AMSO, LLC was included in “Accrued expenses” in the consolidated balance sheet. Summarized unaudited statements of operations of AMSO, LLC through the April 30, 2016 acquisition date are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Operating expenses: General and administrative $ 33 $ 98 $ 120 $ 217 Research and development 2,462 1,103 3,512 2,565 Total operating expenses 2,495 1,201 3,632 2,782 Loss from operations and net loss $ (2,495 ) $ (1,201 ) $ (3,632 ) $ (2,782 ) Summarized unaudited balance sheet of AMSO, LLC at April 30, 2016 (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 750 Receivable from Total 3,000 Other current assets 128 Other assets 860 Total assets $ 4,738 Liabilities and member’s interest Current liabilities $ 518 Asset retirement obligations 2,535 Other liabilities 981 Member’s interest 704 Total liabilities and member’s interest $ 4,738 The Company accounted for its acquisition on April 30, 2016 of Total’s ownership interest in AMSO, LLC as a business combination. The Company estimated the fair value of AMSO, LLC to be nil, as it had ceased operations and its shutdown was in progress. The Company recognized a gain from the acquisition of Total’s interest in AMSO, LLC because the Company acquired the net assets of AMSO, LLC while no consideration was transferred by the Company, due to the Company’s assumption of the risk associated with the shutdown obligations. The gain also included the Company’s gain on the remeasurement of AMSO’s investment in AMSO, LLC at its acquisition date fair value. The aggregate gain recognized was $1.3 million, which was included in “Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC” in the consolidated statements of operations. Revenue, loss from operations and net loss of AMSO, LLC since the acquisition date included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Revenue $ — $ — $ — $ — Loss from operations and net loss $ (151 ) $ — $ (151 ) $ — Revenue and net (loss) income of the Company as if the acquisition of AMSO, LLC occurred on January 1, 2015 is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Revenue $ 43,977 $ 39,527 $ 102,115 $ 113,956 Net (loss) income $ (538 ) $ (5,927 ) $ 4,213 $ (9,938 ) In April 2016, AMSO, LLC recorded a liability for the decommissioning of its project and the remediation of the leased area. The following table summarizes the change in the balance of the AMSO, LLC retirement obligations after the consolidation of AMSO, LLC: (in thousands) Liability at April 30, 2016 acquisition date $ 2,535 Payments (380 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 $ 2,155

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Note 6—Equity Changes in the components of equity were as follows: Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Attributable to Genie Noncontrolling Interests Total (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 123,377 $ (8,680 ) $ 114,697 Dividends on preferred stock (740 ) — (740 ) Dividends declared on common stock ($0.12 per share) (2,957 ) — (2,957 ) Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees (29 ) — (29 ) Stock-based compensation 2,337 — 2,337 Comprehensive income: Net income 9,938 (2,163 ) 7,775 Foreign currency translation adjustments 401 6 407 Comprehensive income 10,339 (2,157 ) 8,182 Balance, June 30, 2016 $ 132,327 $ (10,837 ) $ 121,490 Dividend Payments On May 16, 2016 and on February 16, 2016, the Company paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on its Series 2012-A Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) for the first quarter of 2016 and for the fourth quarter of 2015, respectively. The aggregate dividends paid on the Company’s Preferred Stock in each of the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $0.7 million. On July 20, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2016. The dividend will be paid on or about August 15, 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 5, 2016. On May 20, 2016 and on February 12, 2016, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock. On May 22, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The aggregate dividends paid on the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock in each of the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $3.0 million. In August 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock for the second quarter of 2016. The dividend will be paid on or about August 26, 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 17, 2016. Stock Repurchase Program On March 11, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 7.0 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock. There were no repurchases under this program in the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. At June 30, 2016, 6.9 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program. Variable Interest Entity Citizens Choice Energy, LLC (“CCE”), is a REP that resells electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers in the State of New York. Since 2011, the Company provided CCE with substantially all of the cash required to fund its operations. The Company determined that it has the power to direct the activities of CCE that most significantly impact its economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of CCE that could potentially be significant to CCE on a stand-alone basis. The Company therefore determined that it is the primary beneficiary of CCE, and as a result, the Company consolidates CCE within its GRE segment. The Company does not own any interest in CCE and thus the net income or loss incurred by CCE was attributed to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In October 2015, GRE paid $0.2 million to the owner of the limited liability company interests in CCE, and loaned CCE $0.5 million in exchange for an option to purchase 100% of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of CCE for one dollar plus the forgiveness of the $0.5 million loan. The option expires on October 22, 2023. Net (loss) income related to CCE and aggregate net funding (provided by) repaid to the Company by CCE in order to finance its operations were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Net (loss) income $ (1,155 ) $ 39 $ (1,726 ) $ 64 Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net $ (627 ) $ 529 $ (998 ) $ 842 Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE was as follows: June 30, December 31, (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 13 $ 48 Restricted cash 4 25 Trade accounts receivable 638 844 Prepaid expenses 408 479 Other current assets 23 51 Other assets 449 468 Total assets $ 1,535 $ 1,915 Liabilities and noncontrolling interests Current liabilities $ 615 $ 267 Due to IDT Energy 1,425 427 Noncontrolling interests (505 ) 1,221 Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests $ 1,535 $ 1,915 The assets of CCE may only be used to settle obligations of CCE, and may not be used for other consolidated entities. The liabilities of CCE are non-recourse to the general credit of the Company’s other consolidated entities.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Note 7—Earnings (Loss) 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 computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share, except that the number of shares is increased to include restricted stock still subject to risk of forfeiture and to assume exercise of potentially dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method, unless the effect of such increase is anti-dilutive. The weighted-average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to the Company’s common stockholders consists of the following: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Basic weighted-average number of shares 22,795 22,125 22,793 22,116 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 17 — 29 — Non-vested restricted Class B common stock 791 — 822 — Diluted weighted-average number of shares 23,603 22,125 23,644 22,116 The following shares were excluded from the diluted loss per share computation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Stock options — 423 — 423 Non-vested restricted Class B common stock — 2,452 — 2,452 Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share — 2,875 — 2,875 The diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 because the Company had a net loss and the impact of the assumed exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock would have been anti-dilutive. An entity affiliated with Lord (Jacob) Rothschild has a one-time option, subject to certain conditions and exercisable between November 2017 and February 2018, to exchange its GOGAS shares for shares of the Company with equal fair value as determined by the parties. The number of shares issuable in such an exchange is not currently determinable. If this option is exercised, the shares issued by the Company may dilute the earnings per share in future periods. An employee of the Company, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, has the option to exchange his equity interests in IEI, Afek, Genie Mongolia and any equity interest that he may acquire in other entities that the Company may create, for shares of the Company. In addition, employees and directors of the Company that were previously granted restricted stock of 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. GRE has the right, at its option, to satisfy its obligations to issue common stock of GRE upon the vesting of the deferred stock units it granted in July 2015 to officers and employees of the Company in shares of the Company’s Class B common stock or cash. These exchanges and issuances, if elected, would be based on the relative fair value of the shares exchanged or to be issued. The number of shares of the Company’s stock issuable in an exchange is not currently determinable. If shares of the Company’s stock are issued upon such exchange, the Company’s earnings per share may be diluted in future periods.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 8—Related Party Transactions On October 28, 2011, the Company was spun-off by IDT, its former parent company, (the “Spin-Off”). The Company entered into various agreements with IDT prior to the Spin-Off including an agreement for certain services to be performed by the Company and IDT. Following the Spin-Off, the charges for services provided by IDT are included in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Also, 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. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Amount IDT charged the Company $ 502 $ 486 $ 935 $ 1,106 Amount the Company charged IDT $ 155 $ 121 $ 274 $ 260

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Note 9—Business Segment Information The Company owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, GEIC, which owns 100% of GRE and 92% of GOGAS. The Company has three reportable business segments: GRE, GOGAS and Afek. GRE owns 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. GOGAS is an oil and gas exploration company. The GOGAS segment is comprised of oil shale projects including (1) an 88.3% interest in Genie Mongolia, an oil shale exploration project in Central Mongolia, which is inactive, (2) a 98.3% interest in AMSO, which operates AMSO, LLC, an oil shale development project in Colorado that is being decommissioned, and (3) an 86.1% interest in IEI, an oil shale development project in Israel, which is inactive. The Company has an 86.2% interest in Afek, which operates an oil and gas exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to officers and employees that represent an interest of 2.6% of the equity of GRE. Corporate costs include unallocated compensation, consulting fees, legal fees, business development expense and other corporate-related general and administrative expense. Corporate does not generate any revenues, nor does it incur any 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) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Revenues $ 43,977 $ — $ — $ — $ 43,977 Income (loss) from operations 5,859 (1,788 ) 838 (2,284 ) 2,625 Research and development — — 83 — 83 Exploration — 1,426 — — 1,426 Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC — — 1,262 — 1,262 Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Revenues $ 39,527 $ — $ — $ — $ 39,527 Loss from operations (505 ) (1,409 ) (790 ) (2,183 ) (4,887 ) Research and development — — 553 — 553 Exploration — 1,286 — — 1,286 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Revenues $ 102,115 $ — $ — $ — $ 102,115 Income (loss) from operations 17,374 (3,615 ) 369 (4,687 ) 9,441 Research and development — — 210 — 210 Exploration — 3,117 — — 3,117 Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC — — 222 — 222 Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC — — 1,262 — 1,262 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Revenues $ 113,956 $ — $ — $ — $ 113,956 Income (loss) from operations 2,267 (3,209 ) (1,694 ) (4,700 ) (7,336 ) Research and development — 52 1,204 — 1,256 Exploration — 2,859 — — 2,859 Total assets for the business segments of the Company were as follows: (in thousands) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Total assets: June 30, 2016 $ 79,971 $ 47,397 $ 20,472 $ 17,403 $ 165,243 December 31, 2015 80,177 38,665 $ 17,770 19,203 155,815

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings On March 13, 2014, named plaintiff, Anthony Ferrare, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The complaint was 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. On June 10, 2015, the Court granted IDT Energy’s motion to stay and denied its motion to dismiss without prejudice. The Company believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action. 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 (“PUC”). 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 PUC’s regulations. IDT Energy reached an agreement in principle on a settlement with the AG and the OCA to terminate the litigation with no admission of liability or finding of wrongdoing by IDT Energy. On August 4, 2015, IDT Energy, the AG, and the OCA filed a Joint Petition to the Pennsylvania PUC seeking approval of the settlement terms. Under the settlement, IDT Energy will issue additional refunds to its Pennsylvania customers who had variable rates for electricity supply in January, February and March of 2014. IDT Energy will also implement certain modifications to its sales, marketing and customer service processes, along with additional compliance and reporting requirements. The settlement was approved by the Pennsylvania PUC on July 8, 2016, and in July 2016, the additional customer refunds agreed to in the settlement in the amount of $2.4 million were issued. 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. On December 9, 2015, the Court denied IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss without prejudice so as to allow McLaughlin to file an amended complaint. On January 22, 2016, the named plaintiff filed an amended complaint on behalf of himself and all IDT Energy customers in New York State against IDT Energy, Inc., Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International Corporation, and Genie Energy Ltd. (collectively, “IDT Energy”). Subsequently, on February 22, 2016, IDT Energy moved to dismiss the amended complaint. The named plaintiff opposed that motion and the parties are currently awaiting a decision from the Court. In the meantime, the parties are engaged in limited discovery. The Company believes that the claims in the amended complaint are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action. 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 and the parties are currently engaged in discovery. On April 20, 2016, the named plaintiff filed an amended complaint on behalf of herself and all IDT Energy customers in New Jersey against IDT Energy, Inc., Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International Corporation and Genie Energy Ltd. On June 27, 2016, defendants Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International Corporation and Genie Energy Ltd. filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The Company believes that the claims in the amended complaint are also without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action. At June 30, 2016, the Company had an aggregate of $2.6 million accrued for the complaints and lawsuits described above. 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. New York Public Service Commission Orders On February 23, 2016, the New York Public Service Commission (“PSC”) issued an order that sought to impose significant new restrictions on REPs operating in New York, including those owned by GRE. The restrictions described in the PSC’s order, which were to become effective March 4, 2016, would require that all REPs’ electricity and natural gas offerings to residential and small business customers include an annual guarantee of savings compared to the price charged by the relevant incumbent utility or, for electricity offerings, provide at least 30% of the supply from renewable sources. Customers not enrolled in a compliant program would be relinquished back to the local utility at the end of their contract period or, for variable price customers operating on month to month agreements, at the end of the current monthly billing cycle. On March 4, 2016, a group of parties from the REP industry sought and won a temporary restraining order to stay implementation of the most restrictive portions of the PSC’s order pending a court hearing on those parties’ motion for a preliminary injunction. On July 25, 2016, the New York State Supreme Court, County of Albany, entered a decision and order granting the Petitioners’ petition, vacated provisions 1 through 3 of the Reset Order, and remitted the matter to the PSC for further proceedings consistent with the court’s order. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of any new order from the PSC in response to the court’s vacating of the PSC’s order on its New York operations, while preparing to operate in compliance with any new requirements that may be imposed. Depending on the final language of any new order, as well as the Company’s ability to modify its relationships with its New York customers, an order could have a substantial impact upon the operations of GRE-owned REPs in New York. On July 14, 2016, the PSC issued an Order restricting REPs, including those owned by GRE, from servicing low income customers in New York, as that term is defined in the Order. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of that Order on its New York operations, while preparing to operate in compliance with any new requirements. Purchase Commitments The Company had purchase commitments of $12.1 million at June 30, 2016. The purchase commitments outstanding at June 30, 2016 are expected to be paid as follows: $11.1 million in the twelve months ending June 30, 2017 and $1.0 million in the twelve months ending June 30, 2018. Renewable Energy Credits GRE 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. At June 30, 2016, GRE had commitments to purchase renewable energy credits of $43.1 million. Tax Audits The Company is subject to audits in various jurisdictions for various taxes. Amounts asserted by taxing authorities or the amount ultimately assessed against the Company could be greater than accrued amounts. Accordingly, additional provisions may be recorded in the future as revised estimates are made 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 June 30, 2016, the Company had letters of credit outstanding totaling $8.2 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 June 30, 2016 expire as follows: $7.7 million in the twelve months ending June 30, 2017 and $0.5 million in the twelve months ending June 30, 2018. Performance Bonds GRE has performance bonds issued through a third party for the benefit of various states in order to comply with the states’ financial requirements for REPs. At June 30, 2016, GRE had aggregate performance bonds of $12.9 million outstanding. Other Contingencies As of November 19, 2015, IDT Energy and certain of its affiliates entered into an Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company (“BP”). The agreement’s termination date is November 30, 2019, except either party may terminate the agreement on November 30, 2018 by giving the other party notice by May 31, 2018. Under the agreement, 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 June 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. At June 30, 2016, restricted cash—short-term of $0.2 million and trade accounts receivable of $26.0 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of IDT Energy’s trade accounts payable to BP of $8.5 million at June 30, 2016.

Revolving Lines of Credit

Revolving Lines of Credit	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Revolving Lines of Credit [Abstract]
Revolving Lines of Credit	Note 11—Revolving Lines of Credit On December 17, 2015, GRE, IDT Energy and certain affiliates entered into a Credit Agreement with Maple Bank GmbH for a revolving loan facility. On December 17, 2015, GRE borrowed $2.0 million under the facility. In February 2016, the German banking regulator, Bafin, closed Maple Bank GmbH due to impending financial over-indebtedness related to tax-evasion investigations. Therefore, the revolving line of credit is not available for future borrowings. The collateral for the revolving loan consists of the borrowers’ receivables, the balances in certain bank accounts and certain commercial and intangible rights. Outstanding principal amount incurs interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum. Interest is payable monthly and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest is due on the maturity date of December 17, 2018. 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. 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 of May 31, 2017. 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, letters of credit of $8.2 million and $7.7 million, respectively, were outstanding.

Recently Issued Accounting Stan

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	Note 12—Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) 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, 2018. 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. In July 2015, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) that simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory. The amendments in this ASU do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The ASU changes the measurement of inventory to the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The Company measures GRE’s natural gas inventory at weighted average cost. The Company will adopt the amendments in this ASU on January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact that the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to provide more information about recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in the ASU include, among other changes, the following: (1) equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method or that result in consolidation) will be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (2) a qualitative assessment each reporting period to identify impairment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values, (3) financial assets and financial liabilities will be presented separately by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the notes to the financial statements, and (4) an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. Entities will no longer be able to recognize unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities classified as available-for-sale in other comprehensive income. In addition, a practicability exception will be available for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the net asset value practical expedient. These investments may be measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. Entities will have to reassess at each reporting period whether an investment qualifies for this practicability exception. The Company will adopt the amendments in this ASU on January 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the impact that the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU related to the accounting for leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The Company will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is evaluating the impact that the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB ASU to i In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For receivables, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowance for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except the losses will be recognized as allowances instead of reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. In addition, an entity will have to disclose significantly more information about allowances, credit quality indicators and past due securities. The new provisions will be applied as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2020. The Company is evaluating the impact that the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Balance of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total (in thousands) June 30, 2016 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 766 $ 2,329 $ — $ 3,095 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 254 $ 831 $ — $ 1,085 December 31, 2015 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 373 $ 1,308 $ — $ 1,681 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 609 $ 1,583 $ — $ 2,192 (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

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Summarized volume of IDT Energy's outstanding	Commodity Settlement Dates Volume Electricity July 2016 112,000 MWh Electricity August 2016 331,200 MWh Electricity September 2016 42,000 MWh Electricity December 2016 53,760 MWh Electricity January 2017 336,000 MWh Electricity February 2017 320,000 MWh Natural gas August 2016 1,164,250 Dth Natural gas September 2016 75,000 Dth Natural gas October 2016 600,000 Dth Natural gas February 2017 600,000 Dth Natural gas March 2017 800,000 Dth Natural gas April 2017 300,000 Dth Natural gas February 2018 70,000 Dth
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liability	Asset Derivatives Balance Sheet June 30, December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Other current assets $ 3,095 $ 1,681 Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet June 30, December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Energy hedging contracts $ 1,085 $ 2,192
Effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives Derivatives not designated or not Location of Gain (Loss) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, qualifying as hedging instruments Recognized on Derivatives 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Energy contracts and options Cost of revenues $ 441 $ (131 ) $ 802 $ (1,088 )

Investment in American Shale 22

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC [Abstract]
Summary of change in balance of company's investment in AMSO, LLC	Six Months Ended 2016 2015 (in thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ (399 ) $ (252 ) Capital contributions 63 — Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC (222 ) — Elimination of the investment in AMSO, LLC 558 — Balance, end of period $ — $ (252 )
Summary of unaudited statements of operations of AMSO, LLC	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Operating expenses: General and administrative $ 33 $ 98 $ 120 $ 217 Research and development 2,462 1,103 3,512 2,565 Total operating expenses 2,495 1,201 3,632 2,782 Loss from operations and net loss $ (2,495 ) $ (1,201 ) $ (3,632 ) $ (2,782 )
Summary of unaudited balance sheet of AMSO, LLC	Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 750 Receivable from Total 3,000 Other current assets 128 Other assets 860 Total assets $ 4,738 Liabilities and member’s interest Current liabilities $ 518 Asset retirement obligations 2,535 Other liabilities 981 Member’s interest 704 Total liabilities and member’s interest $ 4,738
Summary of revenue, net (loss) income from operations of AMSO, LLC	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Revenue $ — $ — $ — $ — Loss from operations and net loss $ (151 ) $ — $ (151 ) $ — Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Revenue $ 43,977 $ 39,527 $ 102,115 $ 113,956 Net (loss) income $ (538 ) $ (5,927 ) $ 4,213 $ (9,938 )
Summary change in the balance of the AMSO, LLC retirement obligations	(in thousands) Liability at April 30, 2016 acquisition date $ 2,535 Payments (380 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 $ 2,155

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of changes in the components of equity	Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Attributable to Genie Noncontrolling Interests Total (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 123,377 $ (8,680 ) $ 114,697 Dividends on preferred stock (740 ) — (740 ) Dividends declared on common stock ($0.12 per share) (2,957 ) — (2,957 ) Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees (29 ) — (29 ) Stock-based compensation 2,337 — 2,337 Comprehensive income: Net income 9,938 (2,163 ) 7,775 Foreign currency translation adjustments 401 6 407 Comprehensive income 10,339 (2,157 ) 8,182 Balance, June 30, 2016 $ 132,327 $ (10,837 ) $ 121,490
Schedule of net (loss) income related to CCE and aggregate net funding	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Net (loss) income $ (1,155 ) $ 39 $ (1,726 ) $ 64 Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net $ (627 ) $ 529 $ (998 ) $ 842
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE	June 30, December 31, (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 13 $ 48 Restricted cash 4 25 Trade accounts receivable 638 844 Prepaid expenses 408 479 Other current assets 23 51 Other assets 449 468 Total assets $ 1,535 $ 1,915 Liabilities and noncontrolling interests Current liabilities $ 615 $ 267 Due to IDT Energy 1,425 427 Noncontrolling interests (505 ) 1,221 Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests $ 1,535 $ 1,915

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tabl

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of weighted-average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Basic weighted-average number of shares 22,795 22,125 22,793 22,116 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 17 — 29 — Non-vested restricted Class B common stock 791 — 822 — Diluted weighted-average number of shares 23,603 22,125 23,644 22,116
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Stock options — 423 — 423 Non-vested restricted Class B common stock — 2,452 — 2,452 Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share — 2,875 — 2,875

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of related party transactions	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Amount IDT charged the Company $ 502 $ 486 $ 935 $ 1,106 Amount the Company charged IDT $ 155 $ 121 $ 274 $ 260

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Summary of operating results for the business segments	(in thousands) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Revenues $ 43,977 $ — $ — $ — $ 43,977 Income (loss) from operations 5,859 (1,788 ) 838 (2,284 ) 2,625 Research and development — — 83 — 83 Exploration — 1,426 — — 1,426 Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC — — 1,262 — 1,262 Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Revenues $ 39,527 $ — $ — $ — $ 39,527 Loss from operations (505 ) (1,409 ) (790 ) (2,183 ) (4,887 ) Research and development — — 553 — 553 Exploration — 1,286 — — 1,286 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Revenues $ 102,115 $ — $ — $ — $ 102,115 Income (loss) from operations 17,374 (3,615 ) 369 (4,687 ) 9,441 Research and development — — 210 — 210 Exploration — 3,117 — — 3,117 Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC — — 222 — 222 Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC — — 1,262 — 1,262 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Revenues $ 113,956 $ — $ — $ — $ 113,956 Income (loss) from operations 2,267 (3,209 ) (1,694 ) (4,700 ) (7,336 ) Research and development — 52 1,204 — 1,256 Exploration — 2,859 — — 2,859
Summary of total assets for the business segments	(in thousands) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Total assets: June 30, 2016 $ 79,971 $ 47,397 $ 20,472 $ 17,403 $ 165,243 December 31, 2015 80,177 38,665 $ 17,770 19,203 155,815

Basis of Presentation (Details)

Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended					6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Percentage of gas revenue generated in given period			64.00%		59.00%
Percentage of electricity revenue generated in given period	30.00%			20.00%	45.00%
Financing fees		$ 0.6					$ 1.3
Genie Energy International Corporation [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary						99.30%
Genie Retail Energy [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary						100.00%
Ownership interest of company						2.60%
Genie Oil and Gas, Inc [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary						92.00%
Afek [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary						86.20%
Genie Mongolia [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary						88.30%
Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd. [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary						86.10%
AMSO [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary						98.30%

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Derivative contracts		$ 3,095	$ 1,681
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts		1,085	2,192
Level 1 (1) [Member]
Assets:
Derivative contracts	[1]	766	373
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	[1]	254	609
Level 2 (2) [Member]
Assets:
Derivative contracts	[2]	2,329	1,308
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	[2]	831	1,583
Level 3 (3) [Member]
Assets:
Derivative contracts	[3]
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	[3]
[1]	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
[2]	observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
[3]	no observable pricing inputs in the market

Fair Value Measurements (Deta29

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements (Textual)
Financial instrument included in other assets	$ 1.5	$ 1.5

Derivative Instruments (Details

Derivative Instruments (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Electricity [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	July 2,016
Volume	112,000 MWh
Electricity 1 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	August 2,016
Volume	331,200 MWh
Electricity 2 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	September 2,016
Volume	42,000 MWh
Electricity 3 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	December 2,016
Volume	53,760 MWh
Electricity 4 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	January 2,017
Volume	336,000 MWh
Electricity 5 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	February 2,017
Volume	320,000 MWh
Natural Gas [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	August 2,016
Volume	1,164,250 Dth
Natural Gas 1 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	September 2,016
Volume	75,000 Dth
Natural Gas 2 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	October 2,016
Volume	600,000 Dth
Natural Gas 3 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	February 2,017
Volume	600,000 Dth
Natural Gas 4 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	March 2,017
Volume	800,000 Dth
Natural Gas 5 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	April 2,017
Volume	300,000 Dth
Natural Gas 6 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	February 2,018
Volume	70,000 Dth

Derivative Instruments (Detai31

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liability
Liability Derivatives, not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments	$ 1,085	$ 2,192
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	3,095	1,681
Energy contracts and options [Member] | Energy hedging contracts [Member]
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liability
Liability Derivatives, not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments	$ 1,085	$ 2,192

Derivative Instruments (Detai32

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Energy contracts and options [Member] | Cost of revenues [Member]
Effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives	$ 441	$ (131)	$ 802	$ (1,088)

Afek Oil and Gas Exploration 33

Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Oil and Gas Exploration Activities (Textual)
Capitalized exploration costs - unproved oil and gas property	$ 39,965		$ 39,965		$ 26,878
Exploration costs	1,426	$ 1,286	3,117	$ 2,859
Capitalized exploration costs had been capitalized for a period greater than one year	$ 11,300		$ 11,300

Investment in American Shale 34

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Summary of change in balance of company's investment in AMSO, LLC
Balance, beginning of period		$ (252)	$ (399)	$ (252)
Capital contributions			63
Equity in net loss of AMSO, LLC			(222)
Elimination of the investment in AMSO, LLC			558
Balance, end of period		$ (252)		$ (252)

Investment in American Shale 35

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 1) - AMSO, LLC [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	$ 33	$ 98	$ 120	$ 217
Research and development	2,462	1,103	3,512	2,565
Total operating expenses	2,495	1,201	3,632	2,782
Loss from operations and net loss	$ (2,495)	$ (1,201)	$ (3,632)	$ (2,782)

Investment in American Shale 36

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 2) - AMSO, LLC [Member] $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 750
Receivable from Total	3,000
Other current assets	128
Other assets	860
Total assets	4,738
Liabilities and member's interest
Current liabilities	518
Asset retirement obligations	2,535
Other liabilities	981
Member's interest	704
Total liabilities and member's interest	$ 4,738

Investment in American Shale 37

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Summary of revenue, net (loss) income from operations of AMSO, LLC
Revenue
Loss from operations and net loss	(151)		(151)
Revenue	43,977	39,527	102,115	113,956
Net (loss) income	$ (538)	$ (5,927)	$ 4,213	$ (9,938)

Investment in American Shale 38

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 4) - AMSO, LLC [Member] $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Liability at April 30, 2016 acquisition date	$ 2,535
Payments	(380)
Balance, June 30, 2016	$ 2,155

Investment in American Shale 39

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule of investment (Textual)
Full payment would pay AMSO, LLC			$ 3,000
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC	$ 1,262		1,262
Decommissioning liability settlement amount not refundable			$ 3,000

Equity (Details)

Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			$ 114,697
Dividends on preferred stock			(740)
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.12 per share)			(2,957)
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees			(29)
Stock-based compensation			2,337
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 2,108	$ (4,726)	7,775	$ (7,156)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(850)	619	407	563
Comprehensive income	1,258	$ (4,107)	8,182	$ (6,593)
Ending Balance	121,490		121,490
Attributable to Genie [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			123,377
Dividends on preferred stock			(740)
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.12 per share)			(2,957)
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees			(29)
Stock-based compensation			2,337
Comprehensive income:
Net income			9,938
Foreign currency translation adjustments			401
Comprehensive income			10,339
Ending Balance	132,327		132,327
Noncontrolling interests [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			(8,680)
Dividends on preferred stock
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.12 per share)
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees
Stock-based compensation
Comprehensive income:
Net income			(2,163)
Foreign currency translation adjustments			6
Comprehensive income			(2,157)
Ending Balance	$ (10,837)		$ (10,837)

Equity (Details 1)

Equity (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (1,155)	$ 39	$ (1,726)	$ 64
Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net	$ (627)	$ 529	$ (998)	$ 842

Equity (Details 2)

Equity (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	$ 1,535	$ 1,915
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	1,535	1,915
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	13	48
Restricted cash [Member]
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	4	25
Trade accounts receivable [Member]
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	638	844
Prepaid expenses [Member]
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	408	479
Other current assets [Member]
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	23	51
Other assets [Member]
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	449	468
Current liabilities [Member]
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	615	267
Due to IDT Energy [Member]
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	1,425	427
Noncontrolling interests [Member]
Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	$ (505)	$ 1,221

Equity (Details Textual)

Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions

Feb. 16, 2016

Feb. 12, 2016

Aug. 31, 2016

Jul. 20, 2016

May 20, 2016

May 16, 2016

Oct. 31, 2015

May 22, 2015

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 11, 2013

Equity (Textual)

Preferred stock dividend declared

$ 740

Dividends declared per common share

$ 0.06

$ 0.06

$ 0.12

$ 0.12

Remaining number of shares available for repurchase

6.9

6.9

Loan amount

$ (627)

$ 529

$ (998)

$ 842

Preferred Stock [Member]

Equity (Textual)

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

$ 0.1594

$ 0.1594

Preferred stock dividend declared

700

700

Preferred Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly Base Dividend

$ 0.1594

Dividend declared, date to be paid

Aug. 15, 2016

Dividend declared, record date

Aug. 5, 2016

Common Stock [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Dividend paid

$ 1,500

$ 1,500

$ 3,000

$ 3,000

Common Class A [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Cash dividend paid

$ 0.06

$ 0.06

$ 0.06

$ 0.06

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

Equity (Textual)

Dividend declared, date to be paid

Aug. 26, 2016

Dividend declared, record date

Aug. 17, 2016

Dividends declared per common share

$ 0.06

Common Class B [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Cash dividend paid

$ 0.06

$ 0.06

$ 0.06

$ 0.06

Stock repurchase, shares

7

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

Equity (Textual)

Dividend declared, date to be paid

Aug. 26, 2016

Dividend declared, record date

Aug. 17, 2016

Dividends declared per common share

$ 0.06

CCE [Member]

Equity (Textual)

Payment to owner of limited liability company

$ 200

Loan amount

$ 500

Variable interest entity, Description

GRE paid $0.2 million to the owner of the limited liability company interests in CCE, and loaned CCE $0.5 million in exchange for an option to purchase 100% of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of CCE for one dollar plus the forgiveness of the $0.5 million loan.

Forgiveness of loan

$ 500

Options expiration date

Oct. 22, 2023

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Deta

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic weighted-average number of shares	22,795	22,125	22,793	22,116
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	17		29
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock	791		822
Diluted weighted-average number of shares	23,603	22,125	23,644	22,116

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (De45

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details 1) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share		2,875		2,875
Stock options [Member]
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share		423		423
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock [Member]
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share		2,452		2,452

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Summary of related party transactions
Amount IDT charged the Company	$ 502	$ 486	$ 935	$ 1,106
Amount the Company charged IDT	$ 155	$ 121	$ 274	$ 260

Business Segment Information (D

Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues	$ 43,977	$ 39,527	$ 102,115	$ 113,956
Income (loss) from operations	2,625	(4,887)	9,441	(7,336)
Research and development	83	553	210	1,256
Exploration	1,426	1,286	3,117	2,859
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC			222
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC	1,262		1,262
GRE [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues	43,977	39,527	102,115	113,956
Income (loss) from operations	5,859	(505)	17,374	2,267
Research and development
Exploration
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC
Afek [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations	(1,788)	(1,409)	(3,615)	(3,209)
Research and development				52
Exploration	1,426	1,286	3,117	2,859
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC
GOGAS [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations	838	(790)	369	(1,694)
Research and development	83	553	210	1,204
Exploration
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC			222
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC	1,262		1,262
Corporate [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations	(2,284)	(2,183)	(4,687)	(4,700)
Research and development
Exploration
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC

Business Segment Information 48

Business Segment Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	$ 165,243	$ 155,815
GRE [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	79,971	80,177
Afek [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	47,397	38,665
GOGAS [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	20,472	17,770
Corporate [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	$ 17,403	$ 19,203

Business Segment Information 49

Business Segment Information (Details Textual)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016Segment
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Number of reportable segments	3
GEIC [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	99.30%
GRE [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership interest of company	2.60%
GOGAS [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	92.00%
Genie Mongolia [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	88.30%
AMSO [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	98.30%
IEI [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	86.10%
Afek Oil and Gas Ltd [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	86.20%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 08, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Aggregate amount accrued for complaints and lawsuits		$ 2.6
Proposed regulatory matter potential requirements, Description		The PSC's order, which were to become effective March 4, 2016, would require that all REPs' electricity and natural gas offerings to residential and small business customers include an annual guarantee of savings compared to the price charged by the relevant incumbent utility or, for electricity offerings, provide at least 30% of the supply from renewable sources.
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding		$ 8.2	$ 7.7
Letters of credit expire in twelve months ending June 30, 2017		7.7
letters of credit expire in twelve months ending June 30, 2018		0.5
Purchase and other commitments		$ 12.1
Line of credit facility expiration, Description		The Company had letters of credit outstanding totaling $8.2 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 June 30, 2016 expire as follows: $7.7 million in the twelve months ending June 30, 2017 and $0.5 million in the twelve months ending June 30, 2018.
Purchase commitment description		The Company had purchase commitments of $12.1 million at June 30, 2016. The purchase commitments outstanding at June 30, 2016 are expected to be paid as follows: $11.1 million in the twelve months ending June 30, 2017 and $1.0 million in the twelve months ending June 30, 2018.
Purchase commitment due in June 30, 2017		$ 11.1
Purchase commitment due in June 30, 2018		1
Subsequent Event [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Settlement amount	$ 2.4
Genie Retail Energy [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Aggregate performance bond outstanding		12.9
Purchase of renewable energy credit		43.1
BP [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Payment of trade accounts payable to BP Energy		$ 8.5
Agreement termination, Description		The agreement's termination date is November 30, 2019, except either party may terminate the agreement on November 30, 2018 by giving the other party notice by May 31, 2018.
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Assets pledged as collateral to BP Energy		$ 26
Restricted Cash [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Assets pledged as collateral to BP Energy		$ 0.2

Revolving Lines of Credit (Deta

Revolving Lines of Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 17, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 23, 2012
Revolving Lines of Credit (Textual)
Revolving loan facility		$ 2,000	$ 2,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding		$ 8,200	$ 7,700
GRE [Member]
Revolving Lines of Credit (Textual)
Revolving loan facility	$ 2,000
Interest rate on principal outstanding, description	Outstanding principal amount incurs interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum. Interest is payable monthly and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest is due on the maturity date of December 17, 2018.
Maturity date	Dec. 17, 2018
JPMorgan [Member]
Revolving Lines of Credit (Textual)
Maximum principal amount on revolving line of credit				$ 25,000
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		$ 10,000
Interest rate on principal outstanding, description		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%
Maturity date		May 31, 2017
Quarterly unused commitment fee		0.08%
Line of credit facility, frequency of payment and payment terms		Interest is payable at least every three months
Cash collateral for line of credit		$ 10,000