Genie Energy (GNE) 10-K 16 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 10, 2017	Jun. 30, 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-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 112
Class A Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,574,326
Class B Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,085,826

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 35,192	$ 38,786
Restricted cash-short-term	10,813	10,894
Certificates of deposit		8,850
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $171 and $182 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	36,858	27,222
Inventory	5,989	11,440
Prepaid expenses	4,026	11,328
Other current assets	4,932	6,104
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	97,810	114,624
Property and equipment, net	1,617	1,347
Capitalized exploration costs-unproved oil and gas property		26,878
Goodwill	8,728	3,663
Other intangibles, net	4,277	150
Restricted cash-long-term	1,047	1,802
Deferred income tax assets, net	1,781	1,642
Other assets	6,553	5,709
TOTAL ASSETS	121,813	155,815
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Revolving line of credit	711
Trade accounts payable	17,274	12,642
Accrued expenses	16,301	19,424
Advances from customers	781	1,055
Income taxes payable	2,426	923
Due to IDT Corporation	141	438
Energy hedging contracts	1,727	2,192
Other current liabilities	1,784	878
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	41,145	37,552
Revolving credit loan payable		2,000
Other liabilities	803	1,566
TOTAL LIABILITIES	41,948	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 December 31, 2016 and 2015	19,743	19,743
Additional paid-in capital	128,243	124,449
Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 201 and 198 shares of Class B common at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(1,599)	(1,570)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,465	154
Accumulated deficit	(51,567)	(19,647)
Total Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity	96,534	123,377
Noncontrolling interests:
Noncontrolling interests	(15,002)	(7,013)
Receivable for issuance of equity	(1,667)	(1,667)
Total noncontrolling interests	(16,669)	(8,680)
TOTAL EQUITY	79,865	114,697
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	121,813	155,815
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	233	232
Noncontrolling interests:
TOTAL EQUITY	$ 233	$ 232

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts, trade accounts receivable (in dollars)	$ 171	$ 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	23,274	23,239
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,073	23,041
Treasury stock, shares	201	198

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
REVENUES:
Electricity		$ 179,467	$ 170,283	$ 220,443
Natural gas		31,031	40,757	57,868
Other		1,614	2,016	2,652
Total revenues		212,112	213,056	280,963
Cost of revenues		135,172	146,409	231,586
GROSS PROFIT		76,940	66,647	49,377
OPERATING EXPENSES, (GAINS) AND LOSSES:
Selling, general and administrative	[1]	61,569	66,011	61,682
Research and development		(269)	1,985	5,538
Exploration		6,088	6,583	6,971
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs		41,041
Goodwill impairment				3,562
Adjustment to estimated contingent payments				(206)
Other operating loss, net		64
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC		(1,262)
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC		222	397
Loss from operations		(30,513)	(8,329)	(28,170)
Interest income		332	411	469
Other income (expense), net		207	(193)	389
Loss before income taxes		(29,974)	(8,111)	(27,312)
Provision for income taxes		(2,218)	(525)	(95)
NET LOSS		(32,192)	(8,636)	(27,407)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		7,667	1,179	921
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD.		(24,525)	(7,457)	(26,486)
Dividends on preferred stock		(1,481)	(1,481)	(1,416)
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS		$ (26,006)	$ (8,938)	$ (27,902)
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders:		$ (1.14)	$ (0.40)	$ (1.31)
Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of basic and diluted loss per share		22,804	22,135	21,256
[1]	Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses

Consolidated Statements of Ope5

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 4,813	$ 5,229	$ 10,758

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract]
NET LOSS	$ (32,192)	$ (8,636)	$ (27,407)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,349	142	(700)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	(30,843)	(8,494)	(28,107)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	7,629	1,181	886
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD.	$ (23,214)	$ (7,313)	$ (27,221)

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Noncontrolling Interests	Receivable for issuance of equity
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 116,340	$ 16	$ 198	$ 16,303	$ 82,791	$ (473)	$ 745	$ 21,552	$ (3,792)	$ (1,000)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		1,574	19,755	1,917
Dividends on preferred stock	(1,352)							(1,352)
Dividends on common stock	(1,473)							(1,473)
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees	(224)					(224)
Stock-based compensation	10,423				10,423
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors	2		$ 2
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors, Shares			224
Exercise of stock options	28				28
Exercise of stock options, Shares			4
Repurchases of Class B common stock through repurchase program	(846)					(846)
Sales of Class B common stock to Howard S. Jonas	24,552		$ 36		24,516
Sales of Class B common stock to Howard S. Jonas, Shares			3,600
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)	405
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(700)						(735)		35
Net (loss) income for the year ended	(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	23,178	2,322
Dividends on preferred stock	(1,481)							(1,481)
Dividends on common stock	(2,950)							(2,950)
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees	(27)					(27)
Stock-based compensation	5,095				5,095
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors, Shares			36
Exercise of stock options	174				174
Exercise of stock options, Shares			25
Exercise of GOGAS stock option	2,500				5,979				(979)	(2,500)
Collection of receivables for issuance of equity	1,912				79					1,833
Payment for option to purchase noncontrolling interests	(175)								(175)
Subsidiary equity grant reclassified to liability	(1,200)				(1,200)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	142						144		(2)
Net (loss) income for the year ended	(8,636)							(7,457)	(1,179)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	114,697	$ 16	$ 232	$ 19,743	124,449	(1,570)	154	(19,647)	(7,013)	(1,667)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015		1,574	23,239	2,322
Dividends on preferred stock	(1,481)							(1,481)
Dividends on common stock	(5,914)							(5,914)
Restricted Class B common stock purchased from employees	(29)					(29)
Stock-based compensation	4,122				4,122
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors	1		$ 1
Restricted stock issued to employees and directors, Shares			35
Sale of equity of subsidiaries	1,000				1,360				(360)
Subsidiary equity grant reclassified to liability	(1,688)				(1,688)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,349						1,311		38
Net (loss) income for the year ended	(32,192)							(24,525)	(7,667)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 79,865	$ 16	$ 233	$ 19,743	$ 128,243	$ (1,599)	$ 1,465	$ (51,567)	$ (15,002)	$ (1,667)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016		1,574	23,274	2,322

Consolidated Statements of Equ8

Consolidated Statements of Equity(Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.24	$ 0.12	$ 0.06

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$ (32,192)	$ (8,636)	$ (27,407)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	581	428	132
Goodwill impairment			3,562
Gain on adjustment to estimated contingent payments			(206)
Deferred income taxes	(139)	(180)	(622)
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	8	(29)	310
Stock-based compensation	4,813	5,229	10,758
Loss on disposal of property	25	156
Gain from repayment of revolving credit loan payable	(200)
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs	41,041
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC	(1,262)
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	222	397
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition:
Restricted cash	905	(1,062)	3,923
Trade accounts receivable	(6,030)	4,234	11,189
Inventory	5,737	(274)	(7,822)
Prepaid expenses	7,539	(5,615)	(2,306)
Other current assets and other assets	2,863	(2,346)	(2,664)
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(9,292)	3,689	(5,718)
Advances from customers	(274)	652	(700)
Due to IDT Corporation	(298)	(104)	1
Income taxes payable	1,503	380	(1,532)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	15,550	(3,081)	(19,102)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(586)	(324)	(1,437)
Investments in capitalized exploration costs - unproved oil and gas property	(12,884)	(26,969)
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)	(250)
Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired	(8,700)
Repayment of notes receivable	50	50
Issuance of notes receivable			(82)
Purchases of certificates of deposit	(2,974)	(8,820)	(4,655)
Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit	11,900	4,688	4,334
Net cash used in investing activities	(9,528)	(31,625)	(1,840)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid	(7,395)	(4,431)	(2,825)
Payment for acquisitions	(227)	(358)	(1,138)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and loan payable	3,650	2,000
Repayment of revolving line of credit and loan payable	(6,690)
Proceeds from sales of Class B common stock to Howard S. Jonas			24,552
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		174	28
Proceeds from sales of equity of subsidiaries	1,000	2,500
Collection of receivables for issuance of equity		1,912
Payment for option to purchase noncontrolling interests		(175)
Repurchases of Class B common stock	(29)	(27)	(1,070)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(9,691)	1,595	19,547
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	75	2	(595)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(3,594)	(33,109)	(1,990)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	38,786	71,895	73,885
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	35,192	38,786	71,895
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash payments made for interest	19	10	3
Cash payments made for income taxes	745	49	2,647
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Subsidiary equity grant reclassified to liability	1,688	1,200
Liability incurred for acquisition	312
Receivables for issuance of equity of subsidiaries		$ 2,500

Description of Business and Sum

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 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 (“GRE”) and 92% of Genie Oil and Gas, Inc. (“GOGAS”). 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 operates retail energy providers (“REPs”), including IDT Energy, Inc. (“IDT Energy”), Residents Energy, Inc. (“Residents Energy”) and Town Square Energy (see Note 2), 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, which is an oil and gas exploration company that consists of an 85.1% interest in Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. (“Afek”), which operates an exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel, and certain inactive projects. GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to officers and employees that represent an interest of 2.5% of the equity of GRE. 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 the variable interest entity in which the Company is the primary beneficiary (see Note 13). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between the consolidated entities are eliminated. Reclassifications In the consolidated statements of operations, $2.4 million and $2.6 million previously included in “Financing fees” in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, have been reclassified to “Cost of revenues” to conform to the current year’s presentation. In the consolidated balance sheet, $150,000 previously included in “Other assets” at December 31, 2015 has been reclassified to “Other intangibles, net” to conform to the current year’s presentation. Error Corrections In Note 10 “Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the following changes were made to correct errors in prior periods: ● At December 31, 2015, the Company’s deferred income tax asset for stock options and restricted stock was decreased by $6.6 million, and the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes was reduced accordingly. ● In the reconciliation of the differences between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and income taxes provided, the valuation allowance amount was increased by $7.7 million and $1.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the foreign tax rate differential was reduced accordingly. 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. Through April 30, 2016, the Company accounted for its ownership interest in AMSO, LLC using the equity method (see Note 6). The Company periodically evaluated this equity method investment for impairment due to declines considered to be other than temporary. If the Company determined that a decline in fair value was other than temporary, then a charge to earnings would have been recorded, and a new basis in the investment would have been 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 GRE’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 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. GOGAS does not yet generate revenues. 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 is required to 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, and has not yet selected an adoption date or a transition method. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact that the adoption of the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. Cost of Revenues Cost of revenues for GRE consists primarily of the cost of natural gas and electricity sold, and also includes financing fees, scheduling costs, Independent System Operator (“ISO”) fees, pipeline costs and utility service charges. In addition, the changes in the fair value of GRE’s futures contracts, swaps and put and call options are recorded in cost of revenues. GOGAS does not yet incur cost of revenues. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Oil and Gas Exploration Costs The Company accounts for its 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 (see Note 5). 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. Inventory Inventory consists of natural gas, which is stored at various third parties’ underground storage facilities, of $0.6 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Inventory also includes renewable energy credits of $5.4 million and $9.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Natural gas inventory is valued at 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. 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 adopted the amendments in this ASU on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 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. GRE 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 the lower of cost and market, where cost is the purchase price. Gains and losses from the sale of renewable energy credits are recognized in cost of revenues when the credits are transferred to the buyer. Long-Lived Assets 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. The fair value of trademark, non-compete agreement and customer relationships acquired in a business combination accounted for under the purchase method are amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows: trademark is amortized on a straight-line basis over the 20-year period of expected cash flows; non-compete agreement is amortized on a straight-line basis over its 2 year term; and customer relationships are amortized ratably over the 2 year period of expected cash flows. 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. In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU that simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead, under the amendments in this ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. Early adoption of this standard is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We plan to adopt this standard for the goodwill impairment test to be performed in 2017. 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, GRE 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 “Cost of revenues” in the consolidated statements of operations. In addition to the above, GRE 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, GRE applies the normal purchase and normal sale accounting treatment to its forward physical delivery contracts, thereby these contracts are not adjusted to fair value. GRE also applies the normal purchase and normal sale accounting treatment to forward contracts for the physical delivery of electricity in nodal energy markets that result in locational marginal pricing charges or credits, since this does not constitute a net settlement, even when legal title to the electricity is conveyed to the ISO during transmission. Accordingly, GRE recognizes revenue from customer sales, and the related 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, advertising expense included in selling, general and administrative expense was $1.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.3 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) 2016 2015 2014 Stock options 414 414 438 Non-vested restricted Class B common stock 1,226 1,852 2,473 Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share 1,640 2,266 2,911 The diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 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 11). 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 Afek, Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd. (“IEI”), Genie Mongolia, Inc. (“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. 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments. The new standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2017. The adoption of the new standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 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. The GRE-owned REPs reduce their customer credit risk by participating in purchase of receivable programs for a majority of their receivables. In addition to providing billing and collection services, utility companies purchase those REPs’ receivables and assume all credit risk without recourse to those REPs. The GRE-owned REPs’ 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, 2016 2015 2014 Con Edison 20 % 23 % 23 % ComEd 13 % na na National Grid USA na 12 % na West Penn Power na na 10 % 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, 2016 and 2015 (no other single utility company accounted for 10% or greater of the Company’s consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2016 or 2015): December 31 2016 2015 Con Edison 15 % 22 % ComEd 10 % na na-less than 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable 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 charged (reversals credited) to expense Deductions Balance at Year ended December 31, 2016 Reserves deducted from accounts receivable: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 182 $ 8 $ (19 ) $ 171 Year ended December 31, 2015 Reserves deducted from accounts receivable: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 227 $ (29 ) $ (16 ) $ 182 Year ended December 31, 2014 Reserves deducted from accounts receivable: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 930 $ 310 $ (1,013 ) $ 227 (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. Accounting Standards Updates 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 June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that changes the impairment mod

Acquisition of Retail Energy Ho

Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC [Abstract]
Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC	Note 2—Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC On November 2, 2016, GRE acquired Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (“REH”), a privately held owner of REPs, for $9.5 million plus $1.4 million for REH’s working capital, or an aggregate cash payment of $10.9 million. At December 31, 2016, an additional $0.3 million remains to be paid. The amount paid for REH’s working capital is subject to adjustment. REH operates as Town Square Energy in eight states. REH’s licenses and customer base expanded GRE’s geographic footprint to four new states – New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut – and provided additional electricity customers in New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania. REH operates as a wholly owned subsidiary utilizing the Town Square Energy brand. REH’s operating results 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 were as follows: (in thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 3,614 Inventory 287 Prepaid expenses 81 Other current assets 26 Property and equipment 110 Trademark 2,100 Non-compete agreement 110 Customer relationships 2,100 Goodwill 5,065 Other assets 1,600 Revolving line of credit (1,919 ) Trade accounts payable (2,620 ) Accrued expenses (1,542 ) Net assets excluding cash acquired $ 9,012 Supplemental information: Cash paid $ 10,949 Cash acquired (2,249 ) Cash paid, net of cash acquired 8,700 Liability for additional purchase price 312 Total consideration, net of cash acquired $ 9,012 The goodwill resulting from the acquisition is primarily attributable to the existing workforce of the acquired entities and synergies expected from the combination of GRE and REH’s REP businesses. None of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. The following table presents unaudited pro forma information of the Company as if the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2015: Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 Revenues $ 243,147 $ 243,165 Net loss $ (32,303 ) $ (11,256 )

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 December 31, 2016 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 256 $ 2,395 $ — $ 2,651 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 60 $ 1,667 $ — $ 1,727 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. 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 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, 2016, 2015 or 2014. Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ — $ — $ 62 Total losses included in earnings in “Cost of revenues” — — (62 ) Balance, end of period $ — $ — $ — The amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings in “Cost of revenues” attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets held at the end of the period $ — $ — $ — 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, revolving line of credit, advances from customers, due to IDT Corporation and other current liabilities. Other assets, revolving credit loan payable and other liabilities.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 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 December 31, 2016 and 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 December 31, 2016 was as follows (MWh – Megawatt hour and Dth – Decatherm): Commodity Settlement Dates Volume Electricity January 2017 141,200 MWh Electricity February 2017 608,000 MWh Electricity March 2017 250,240 MWh Electricity July 2017 70,400 MWh Electricity August 2017 80,960 MWh Electricity October 2017 158,400 MWh Electricity November 2017 151,200 MWh Electricity December 2017 240,000 MWh Electricity January 2018 45,760 MWh Electricity February 2018 41,600 MWh Electricity October 2018 73,600 MWh Electricity November 2018 67,200 MWh Electricity December 2018 64,000 MWh Natural gas February 2017 730,000 Dth Natural gas March 2017 1,000,000 Dth Natural gas April 2017 600,000 Dth Natural gas February 2018 69,720 Dth The fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows: December 31 2016 2015 Asset Derivatives Balance Sheet Location Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Other current assets $ 2,651 $ 1,681 Liability Derivatives Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Energy hedging contracts $ 1,727 $ 2,192 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) 2016 2015 2014 Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives Energy contracts and options Cost of revenues $ (538 ) $ (1,772 ) $ (1,674 )

Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Ac

Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities [Abstract]
Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities	Note 5—Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities In April 2013, the Government of Israel finalized the award to Afek of an exclusive three-year petroleum exploration license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. The license has been extended to April 2018. Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee granted Afek a one-year permit that commenced in February 2015, which has been subsequently extended to April 18, 2018, to conduct an up to ten-well oil and gas exploration program. This permit as extended is expected to cover the remainder of Afek’s ongoing exploration program in the area covered by its exploration license. In February 2015, Afek began drilling its first exploratory well. To date, Afek has completed drilling five wells in the Southern region of its license area. In light of the analysis received in the third quarter of 2016 and the information and market conditions at the time, Afek determined that it did not have a clear path to demonstrate probable or possible reserves in the Southern region of its license area over the next 12 to 18 months. Since there was substantial doubt regarding the economic viability of these wells, in the year ended December 31, 2016, Afek wrote off the $41.0 million of capitalized exploration costs incurred in the Southern region. Afek has turned its operational focus to the Northern region of its license area. Afek views the Northern and Southern regions separately when evaluating its unproved properties. Afek is preparing to drill its sixth exploratory well at one of the Northern sites in its license area. Afek expects to spud this well in March 2017 and complete the well during the second quarter of 2017. Afek assesses the economic and operational viability of its project on an ongoing basis. The assessment requires significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should Afek’s estimates or assumptions regarding the recoverability of future capitalized exploration costs, if any, prove to be incorrect, Afek 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC [Abstract]
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC	Note 6—Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC The Company through GOGAS has a 98.3% interest in American Shale Oil Corporation (“AMSO”), which operated American Shale Oil, L.L.C. (“AMSO, LLC”), its oil shale development project in Colorado. 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 S.A. (“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. 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. At December 31, 2016, the AMSO, LLC project was substantially decommissioned. 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: Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ (399 ) $ (252 ) $ (252 ) Capital contributions 63 250 — Equity in net loss of AMSO, LLC (222 ) (397 ) — Elimination of the investment in AMSO, LLC 558 — — Balance, end of period $ — $ (399 ) $ (252 ) At December 31, 2015, the liability for equity loss in AMSO, LLC was included in “Accrued expenses” in the consolidated balance sheet. Summarized statements of operations of AMSO, LLC through the April 30, 2016 acquisition date are as follows: (in thousands) Period from January 1, 2016 to April 30, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015 Year ended December 31, 2014 REVENUES $ — $ — $ — OPERATING EXPENSES: General and administrative 120 403 456 Research and development 3,512 4,782 7,755 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 3,632 5,185 8,211 Loss from operations (3,632 ) (5,185 ) (8,211 ) Other income — — — NET LOSS $ (3,632 ) $ (5,185 ) $ (8,211 ) Summarized balance sheet of AMSO, LLC at April 30, 2016 (in thousands) is as follows: 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, income from operations and net income of AMSO, LLC since the acquisition date included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations are as follows: (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016 Revenues $ — Income from operations $ 118 Net income $ 76 The following table presents unaudited pro forma information of the Company as if the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2015: Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 Revenues $ 212,112 $ 213,056 Net loss $ (35,602 ) $ (13,424 ) 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 Adjustments (441 ) Payments (1,978 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 116

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Note 7—Property and Equipment December 31 2016 2015 Computer software and development $ 1,836 $ 1,287 Computers and computer hardware 231 221 Laboratory and drilling equipment 543 528 Office equipment and other 424 349 3,034 2,385 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,417 ) (1,038 ) Property and equipment, net $ 1,617 $ 1,347 Depreciation expense of property and equipment was $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.1 million in in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangibles All of the Company’s goodwill at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was attributable to the GRE segment. The table below reconciles the change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the period from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2016: (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 7,349 Adjustment (124 ) Impairment (3,562 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 3,663 Change in carrying amount — Balance at December 31, 2015 3,663 Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (see Note 2) 5,065 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 8,728 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, which was subsequently renamed IDT Energy Network (“IDTEN”), a network marketing company that provides independent representatives with the opportunity to build sales organizations and to profit from both residential and commercial energy. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the annual goodwill impairment test resulted in the impairment of the goodwill of the Diversegy and IDTEN reporting unit primarily because of continuing losses since the acquisitions. The goodwill impairment of $3.6 million reduced the carrying amount of the goodwill of the Diversegy and IDTEN reporting unit 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 table below presents information on the Company’s other intangible assets: (in thousands) Weighted Gross Accumulated Net December 31, 2016 Trademark (see Note 2) 20 years $ 2,100 $ (13 ) $ 2,087 Non-compete agreement (see Note 2) 2 years 110 (11 ) 99 Customer relationships (see Note 2) 2 years 2,100 (159 ) 1,941 Licenses — 150 — 150 TOTAL 10.4 years $ 4,460 $ (183 ) $ 4,277 December 31, 2015 Licenses — $ 150 $ — $ 150 Amortization expense of intangible assets was $0.2 million, nil and nil in in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company estimates that amortization expense of intangible assets with finite lives will be $1.2 million, $1.0 million, $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million in the years ending December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Revolving Credit and Loan Facil

Revolving Credit and Loan Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Revolving Credit and Loan Facility [Abstract]
Revolving Credit and Loan Facility	Note 9—Revolving Credit and Loan Facility REH has a Credit Agreement with Vantage Commodities Financial Services II, LLC for a revolving line of credit for up to a maximum principal amount of $7.5 million. The principal outstanding incurs interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.25% per annum, payable monthly. The outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest is due on the maturity date of October 31, 2017. The collateral for the revolving line of credit consists of REH’s accounts receivable, bank account balances and other assets. REH pays an unused commitment fee each month equal to one-month LIBOR per annum on the difference between $7.5 million and the average daily outstanding principal balance of the note. At December 31, 2016, $0.7 million was outstanding under the line 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. In September 2016, GRE, and its affiliates entered into a settlement agreement with the court appointed liquidator of Maple Bank. Under this agreement, GRE paid $1.8 million as a full settlement of all of its obligations, and the revolving loan facility was terminated. Accordingly, GRE recorded in 2016 a gain from this settlement of $0.2 million, which was included in “Other income (expense), net” in the consolidated statements of operations. 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 December 31, 2016 and 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015, letters of credit of $8.1 million and $7.7 million, respectively, were outstanding.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 10—Income Taxes The following changes were made in this Note 10 to correct errors in prior periods: ● At December 31, 2015, the Company’s deferred income tax asset for stock options and restricted stock was decreased by $6.6 million, and the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes was reduced accordingly. ● In the reconciliation of the differences between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and income taxes provided, the valuation allowance amount was increased by $7.7 million and $1.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the foreign tax rate differential was reduced accordingly. The components of loss before income taxes are as follows: Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ 18,629 $ 1,517 $ (14,900 ) Foreign (48,603 ) (9,628 ) (12,412 ) LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES $ (29,974 ) $ (8,111 ) $ (27,312 ) Significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets consist of the following: December 31 2016 2015 (Revised) Deferred income tax assets: Bad debt reserve $ 70 $ 75 Accrued expenses 3,821 3,865 State taxes 221 91 Charitable contributions 470 402 Net operating loss 37,568 26,186 Stock options and restricted stock 1,456 1,131 Depreciation 11,153 1,661 Total deferred income tax assets 54,759 33,411 Valuation allowance (52,978 ) (31,769 ) DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, NET $ 1,781 $ 1,642 The provision for income taxes consists of the following: Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal $ — $ — $ — State and local 2,349 704 730 Foreign 8 — (12 ) 2,357 704 718 Deferred: Federal 6 19 68 State and local (145 ) (198 ) (691 ) Foreign — — — (139 ) (179 ) (623 ) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES $ 2,218 $ 525 $ 95 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) 2016 2015 (Revised) 2014 (Revised) U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate $ (10,491 ) $ (2,840 ) $ (9,559 ) Valuation allowance 21,209 10,687 11,050 Foreign tax rate differential (9,901 ) (7,674 ) (1,464 ) Other (95 ) 20 115 State and local income tax, net of federal benefit 1,496 332 (47 ) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES $ 2,218 $ 525 $ 95 At December 31, 2016, the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $31.6 million and $93.9 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, 2016’s loss expiring in 2037. The state net operating loss carry-forwards will start to expire in 2028, with the year ended December 31, 2016’s loss expiring in 2037. At December 31, 2016, the Company had foreign net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $84.5 million, of which $76.1 million will not expire. The Company includes certain entities that are not included in the Company’s consolidated tax return. The entities have separate U.S. federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of $1.2 million that begin to expire in 2035, with the year ended December 31, 2016’s loss expiring in 2037. The change in the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes was as follows: (in thousands) Balance at Additions Deductions Balance at Year ended December 31, 2016 Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net $ 31,769 $ 21,209 $ — $ 52,978 Year ended December 31, 2015 (Revised) Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net $ 21,082 $ 10,687 $ — $ 31,769 Year ended December 31, 2014 (Revised) Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net $ 10,032 $ 11,050 $ — $ 21,082 The table below summarizes the change in the balance of unrecognized income tax benefits: Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 636 $ 543 $ 542 Additions based on tax positions related to the current period 81 97 209 Additions for tax positions of prior periods 4 10 9 Lapses of statutes of limitations (89 ) (14 ) (217 ) Balance at end of period $ 632 $ 636 $ 543 All of the unrecognized income tax benefits at December 31, 2016 and 2015 would have affected the Company’s effective income tax rate if recognized. The Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. In the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded interest on income taxes of $4,000, $10,000 and $9,000, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 2013 to 2016, state and local tax returns generally for 2012 to 2016 and foreign tax returns generally for 2012 to 2016.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Note 11—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, 2016, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.24 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock, equal to $5.9 million in total dividends paid. In the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.12 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock, equal to $3.0 million in total dividends paid. 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 7, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share on the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock for the fourth quarter of 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 20, 2017. The dividend will be paid on or about March 24, 2017. In each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.6376 per share on its Preferred Stock, equal to $1.5 million in 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 Preferred Stock dividends paid. On February 15, 2017, the Company paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on its Preferred Stock for the fourth quarter of 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 6, 2017. 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 years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. At December 31, 2016, 6.9 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program. Exchange Offer and Issuance of Preferred Stock 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. 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). Upon certain terminations of Mr. Jonas’ employment by the Company, 1.2 million of the Class B shares are subject to repurchase by the Company at $6.82 per share. This repurchase right lapses as to 0.6 million shares on December 31, 2017 and 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 at July 30, 2014 of $17.0 million is being 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, has an option to purchase, at fair value, up to 10% of the GOGAS ventures in which he is a key contributor. In prior years, Dr. Vinegar purchased interests in IEI, Afek and Genie Mongolia. In December 2016, Dr. Vinegar purchased an additional 1% interest in Afek for $1.0 million in cash. In November 2010, GOGAS sold a 0.5% equity interest to Rupert Murdoch for $1.0 million paid with a promissory note. The note was secured by a pledge of the shares issued in exchange for the note. The note accrued interest at 1.58% per annum. The Company received an aggregate of $1.1 million for the payment of the principal and accrued interest on the maturity date of 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. Exercise of GOGAS Stock Option GOGAS issued a stock option in June 2011 to Michael Steinhardt, the Chairman of the Board of IEI, at an exercise price of $5.0 million. The expiration date was April 9, 2015. The expiration date was extended for one month, and on May 9, 2015, the option was exercised. Mr. Steinhardt and an affiliate received interests of approximately 1.5% in each of Afek, Genie Mongolia and IEI. In addition, Mr. Steinhardt and the affiliate received an approximately 1.7% interest in AMSO. The exercise price of $5.0 million was paid $2.5 million in cash and $2.5 million in promissory notes due in November 2015. The notes bear interest at 0.43% per annum, and are secured by 50% of the shares received in the exercise. In November 2015, the Company received cash of $0.8 million to repay one-third of the principal amount of the promissory notes, and released one-third of the shares securing the remaining notes. The remaining notes, an aggregate of $1.7 million, are expected to be repaid in 2017. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the notes receivable were included in “Receivables for issuance of equity” in the consolidated balance sheet.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Note 12—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. On May 5, 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment and restatement to the Company’s 2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan that increased the number of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock available for the grant of awards thereunder by an additional 180,000 shares. At December 31, 2016, the Company had 1.3 million shares of Class B common stock reserved for award under its 2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and 0.1 million 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-vested shares at December 31, 2015 52 $ 11.72 Granted 38 8.19 Vested (61 ) 8.50 Forfeited (3 ) 11.15 NON-VESTED SHARES AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 26 $ 10.08 At December 31, 2016, there was $5.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements, mostly related to the shares purchased by Howard S. Jonas (see Note 11). The total unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years. The total grant date fair value of shares vested in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The Company recognized compensation cost related to the vesting of the restricted stock of $3.5 million, $3.6 million, and $6.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. 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 S. Jonas. The restricted shares vest in three equal annual installments that commenced on January 5, 2015. The fair value of the restricted shares on the date of the grant was $0.3 million, which is being 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 granted in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 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 year ended December 31, 2014. Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 ASSUMPTIONS Average risk-free interest rate 0.4 % 0.93 % Expected dividend yield 5.01 % — Expected volatility 55.5 % 61.0 % Expected term 1 year 5.5 years Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted $ 1.05 $ 9.67 A summary of stock option activity for the Company is as follows: Number of Weighted- Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2015 414 $ 6.74 5.6 $ 1,825 Granted 5 7.14 Exercised — — Cancelled / Forfeited (5 ) 6.85 OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 414 $ 6.75 4.6 $ 37 EXERCISABLE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 327 $ 6.66 4.5 $ 24 The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was nil, $12,000 and $12,000, respectively. At December 31, 2016, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The Company recognized compensation cost related to the vesting of the options of $23,000, $0.3 million and $2.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Subsidiary Equity Grants Reclassified to Liability On May 5, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the grant of deferred stock units in GRE to certain of the Company’s officers and employees. Howard S. Jonas was granted deferred stock units representing 2.8% of the outstanding equity in GRE, Avi Goldin, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President - Finance was granted deferred stock units representing 0.2% of the outstanding equity in GRE, Michael Stein, the Company’s Executive Vice President and the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of GRE was granted deferred stock units representing 0.3% of the outstanding equity in GRE, and other employees were granted deferred stock units representing an aggregate of 0.6% of the outstanding equity in GRE. The deferred stock units vest in equal amounts on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. The fair value of the GRE deferred stock units on the date of grant was $3.3 million, which was being recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. GRE had 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 GRE upon the vesting of the deferred stock units. GRE elected to pay cash for the deferred stock units that vested in June and July 2016. The Company paid cash in the amount of $1.7 million in August 2016 to satisfy its obligation to issue common stock of GRE. Accordingly, as a result of the cash settlement, the Company determined that the remaining GRE deferred stock units should be classified as a liability. At December 31, 2016, $0.7 million related to the GRE deferred stock units was included in “Other current liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognized aggregate compensation cost related to the vesting of the GRE deferred stock units and other subsidiary equity interests that were granted in prior years of $0.6 million, $1.4 million and $1.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In August 2014, 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, the Company issued 137,738 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock in exchange for 23.6 vested deferred stock units of IDT Energy. In August 2015, the Company elected to pay cash of $1.2 million for the deferred stock units of IDT Energy that vested in June and July 2015 based on the estimated fair value of the deferred stock units of IDT Energy.

Variable Interest Entity

Variable Interest Entity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	Note 13—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 had 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 in order to finance CCE’s operations were as follows: Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Net (loss) income $ (1,136 ) $ 34 $ 659 Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net (871 ) 950 (266 ) Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE are as follows: December 31 2016 2015 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 150 $ 48 Restricted cash 17 25 Trade accounts receivable 1,008 844 Prepaid expenses 450 479 Other current assets 26 51 Other assets 439 468 TOTAL ASSETS $ 2,090 $ 1,915 LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Current liabilities $ 707 $ 267 Due to IDT Energy 1,298 427 Noncontrolling interests 85 1,221 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS $ 2,090 $ 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.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Note 14—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The accumulated balances for other comprehensive (loss) income were as follows: (in thousands) Foreign currency translation Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 745 Other comprehensive loss attributable to Genie (735 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 10 Other comprehensive income attributable to Genie 144 Balance at December 31, 2015 154 Other comprehensive income attributable to Genie 1,311 BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 $ 1,465

Legal and Regulatory Proceeding

Legal and Regulatory Proceedings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Legal And Regulatory Proceedings [Abstract]
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings	Note 15—Legal and Regulatory Proceedings 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 parties participated in mediation, and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with respect to a proposed settlement of the above-referenced putative class action (as well as the other putative class actions referred to in this section). There are a number of material issues not addressed by the MOU that must be resolved before a settlement can be finalized. The parties notified the Court of that development and are working towards finalizing the settlement, which will need to be approved by the Court. The Company believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit. 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 alleged, 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. In July 2016, IDT Energy paid the agreed-upon $2.4 million for additional customer refunds to a refund administrator, and that administrator is currently in the process of issuing the additional refunds to customers. 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 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”). On February 22, 2016, IDT Energy moved to dismiss the amended complaint, and the named plaintiff opposed that motion. The parties participated in mediation, and entered into a MOU with respect to a proposed settlement of the above-referenced putative class action (as well as the other putative class actions referred to in this section). There are a number of material issues not addressed by the MOU that must be resolved before a settlement can be finalized. The parties notified the Court of that development and are working towards finalizing the settlement, which will need to be approved by the Court. The Company believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit. 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 allegedly 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. The parties were engaged in discovery prior to the mediation described below. 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. On August 26, 2016, the named plaintiff opposed that motion and IDT Energy filed a reply memorandum of law in further support of its motion to dismiss. The Court granted the motion to dismiss, but the parties agreed to set aside that decision to give the plaintiff an opportunity to submit opposition papers that had not been considered by the Court in rendering its decision. The parties participated in mediation, and entered into a MOU with respect to a proposed settlement of the above-referenced putative class action (as well as the other putative class actions referred to in this section). There are a number of material issues not addressed by the MOU that must be resolved before a settlement can be finalized. The parties notified the Court of that development and are working towards finalizing the settlement, which will need to be approved by the Court. The Company believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit. 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 Order, and remitted the matter to the PSC for further proceedings consistent with the Court’s order. On December 2, 2016, the PSC noticed an evidentiary hearing scheduled to take place in 2017 to assess the retail energy market in New York. That process is underway and is expected to last several months. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of any new order from the PSC that would follow from the evidentiary process, 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, and on September 19, 2016, the PSC issued Orders restricting REPs, including those owned by GRE, from serving customers enrolled in New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. Representatives of the REP industry challenged the ruling in New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, and, on September 27, 2016, the court issued an order temporarily restraining the PSC from implementing the July and September Orders. On December 16, 2016, the PSC issued a prohibition on REP service to customers enrolled in New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. As part of a stipulated schedule upon request of the REP industry, the PSC agreed to extend the deadlines for compliance with that order until May 2017. That order is under review in New York State Supreme Court, Albany County.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies Purchase Commitments The Company had purchase commitments of $39.6 million at December 31, 2016. The purchase commitments outstanding at December 31, 2016 are expected to be paid as follows: $32.0 million in the year ending December 31, 2017, $5.9 million in the year ending December 31, 2018 and $1.7 million in the year ending December 31, 2019. 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 December 31, 2016, GRE had commitments to purchase renewable energy credits of $42.5 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, 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 December 31, 2016 expire as follows: $4.2 million in the year ending December 31, 2017 and $4.0 million in the year ending December 31, 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 December 31, 2016, GRE had aggregate performance bonds of $7.7 million outstanding. Lease Commitments The future minimum payments for operating leases at December 31, 2016 are as follows: (in thousands) Year ending December 31: 2017 $ 201 2018 121 2019 95 2020 34 2021 — Thereafter — Total payments $ 451 Rental expense under operating leases was $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $0.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 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 December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. At December 31, 2016, restricted cash—short-term of $0.7 million and trade accounts receivable of $31.7 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of IDT Energy’s trade accounts payable to BP of $11.5 million at December 31, 2016.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 17—Related Party Transactions 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”). 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. 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 services to certain of IDT’s subsidiaries. The charges for these services reduce the Company’s “Selling, general and administrative” expense. Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Amount IDT charged the Company $ 2,197 $ 2,340 $ 3,447 Amount the Company charged IDT 627 546 530 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 at both December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 S. Jonas and Joyce Mason, the Company’s Corporate Secretary. Jonathan Mason, husband of Joyce Mason and brother-in-law of Howard S. 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 $18,164; $14,236 and $13,912 in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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 $18,657; $143,367and $140,374 in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The commissions and fees paid to IGM in the year ended December 31, 2016 included commissions and fees for various insurance policies for which the Company paid $144,110 to a third party broker. Neither Howard S. 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 and Geographic

Business Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]
Business Segment and Geographic Information	Note 18—Business Segment and Geographic 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, Afek and GOGAS. GRE operates REPs, including IDT Energy, Residents Energy and Town Square 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. GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to officers and employees that represent an interest of 2.5% of the equity of GRE. The Afek segment is comprised of the Company’s 85.1% interest in Afek, which operates an oil and gas exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. The GOGAS segment is comprised of inactive oil shale projects including AMSO, LLC, Genie Mongolia and IEI. Corporate costs include unallocated compensation, consulting fees, legal fees, business development expenses and other corporate-related general and administrative expenses. Corporate does not generate any revenues, nor does it incur any 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 Year ended December 31, 2016 Revenues $ 212,112 $ — $ — $ — $ 212,112 Income (loss) from operations 26,503 (48,272 ) 439 (9,183 ) (30,513 ) Depreciation and amortization 427 124 29 1 581 Research and development — — (269 ) — (269 ) Exploration — 6,088 — — 6,088 Write-off of capitalized exploration costs — 41,041 — — 41,041 Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC — — 222 — 222 Year ended December 31, 2015 Revenues (revised) $ 213,056 $ — $ — $ — $ 213,056 Income (loss) from operations 11,095 (7,458 ) (3,058 ) (8,908 ) (8,329 ) Depreciation 245 104 78 1 428 Research and development — 63 1,922 — 1,985 Exploration — 6,583 — — 6,583 Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC — — 397 — 397 Year ended December 31, 2014 Revenues (revised) $ 280,963 $ — $ — $ — $ 280,963 Income (loss) from operations 956 (7,294 ) (6,479 ) (15,353 ) (28,170 ) Depreciation 24 8 99 1 132 Research and development — 144 5,394 — 5,538 Exploration — 6,971 — — 6,971 Goodwill impairment 3,562 — — — 3,562 Total assets for the business segments of the Company were as follows: (in thousands) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Total assets: December 31, 2016 $ 87,539 $ 6,685 $ 12,224 $ 15,365 $ 121,813 December 31, 2015 80,177 38,665 17,770 19,203 155,815 December 31, 2014 78,254 6,243 48,899 19,532 152,928 Geographic Information There were no revenues from customers located outside of the United States in all periods presented. 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 December 31, 2016 Long-lived assets, net $ 1,060 $ 582 $ 1,642 Total assets 113,158 8,655 121,813 December 31, 2015 Long-lived assets, net $ 763 $ 646 $ 1,409 Total assets 114,880 40,935 155,815 December 31, 2014 Long-lived assets, net $ 834 $ 1,230 $ 2,064 Total assets 143,897 9,031 152,928

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Note 19—Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The table below presents selected quarterly financial data of the Company for its fiscal quarters in 2016 and 2015: Quarter Ended Revenues Cost of revenues (Loss) income Net (loss) Net (loss) income attributable to Genie (Loss) earnings per common share except per share data) (2) (3) (2) (3) (3) income Energy Ltd. Basic Diluted 2016: December 31 $ 51,519 $ 36,949 $ (1,344 ) $ (1,285 ) $ (816 ) $ (0.05 ) $ (0.05 ) September 30 (1) 57,153 36,946 (37,102 ) (37,174 ) (32,139 ) (1.43 ) (1.43 ) June 30 44,561 26,445 1,934 1,417 2,761 0.10 0.10 March 31 58,879 34,832 5,999 4,850 5,669 0.23 0.22 TOTAL $ 212,112 $ 135,172 $ (30,513 ) $ (32,192 ) $ (24,525 ) $ (1.14 ) $ (1.14 ) 2015: December 31 $ 44,575 $ 29,042 $ (4,242 ) $ (4,106 ) $ (3,794 ) $ (0.19 ) $ (0.19 ) September 30 52,988 31,760 3,249 2,626 2,845 0.11 0.10 June 30 40,330 26,909 (4,887 ) (4,726 ) (4,498 ) (0.22 ) (0.22 ) March 31 75,163 58,698 (2,449 ) (2,430 ) (2,010 ) (0.11 ) (0.11 ) TOTAL $ 213,056 $ 146,409 $ (8.329 ) $ (8,636 ) $ (7,457 ) $ (0.40 ) $ (0.40 ) (1) In the third quarter of 2016, loss from operations included write-off of capitalized exploration costs of $41.0 million. (2) GRE prepays various electricity costs that are subsequently charged to cost of revenues when the related electricity revenue is recognized. In the third quarter of 2016, the Company concluded that certain of these amounts included in “Prepaid expenses” in its consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 should have been charged to cost of revenues in the first and second quarters of 2016. The amounts that should have been charged to cost of revenues were $817 thousand and $691 thousand in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively. The impact of this correction on basic and diluted earnings per share in the three months ended March 31, 2016 was a decrease of $0.04 per share. The impact of this correction on basic and diluted earnings per share in the three months ended June 30, 2016 was a decrease of $0.04 and $0.03 per share, respectively. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company revised its first and second quarters of 2016 by reducing prepaid expenses and increasing electricity cost of revenues. The amounts above reflect the correction of the error. (3) These amounts reflect the reclassification of financing fees and the correction of gross receipt tax (see Note 1).

Description of Business and S29

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	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 (“GRE”) and 92% of Genie Oil and Gas, Inc. (“GOGAS”). 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 operates retail energy providers (“REPs”), including IDT Energy, Inc. (“IDT Energy”), Residents Energy, Inc. (“Residents Energy”) and Town Square Energy (see Note 2), 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, which is an oil and gas exploration company that consists of an 85.1% interest in Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. (“Afek”), which operates an exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel, and certain inactive projects. GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to officers and employees that represent an interest of 2.5% of the equity of GRE.
Basis of Consolidation	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 the variable interest entity in which the Company is the primary beneficiary (see Note 13). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between the consolidated entities are eliminated.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications In the consolidated statements of operations, $2.4 million and $2.6 million previously included in “Financing fees” in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, have been reclassified to “Cost of revenues” to conform to the current year’s presentation. In the consolidated balance sheet, $150,000 previously included in “Other assets” at December 31, 2015 has been reclassified to “Other intangibles, net” to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Error Corrections	Error Corrections In Note 10 “Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the following changes were made to correct errors in prior periods: ● At December 31, 2015, the Company’s deferred income tax asset for stock options and restricted stock was decreased by $6.6 million, and the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes was reduced accordingly. ● In the reconciliation of the differences between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and income taxes provided, the valuation allowance amount was increased by $7.7 million and $1.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the foreign tax rate differential was reduced accordingly.
Accounting for Investments	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. Through April 30, 2016, the Company accounted for its ownership interest in AMSO, LLC using the equity method (see Note 6). The Company periodically evaluated this equity method investment for impairment due to declines considered to be other than temporary. If the Company determined that a decline in fair value was other than temporary, then a charge to earnings would have been recorded, and a new basis in the investment would have been established.
Use of Estimates	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	Revenue Recognition Revenues from GRE’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 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. GOGAS does not yet generate revenues. 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 is required to 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, and has not yet selected an adoption date or a transition method. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact that the adoption of the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Cost of Revenues	Cost of Revenues Cost of revenues for GRE consists primarily of the cost of natural gas and electricity sold, and also includes financing fees, scheduling costs, Independent System Operator (“ISO”) fees, pipeline costs and utility service charges. In addition, the changes in the fair value of GRE’s futures contracts, swaps and put and call options are recorded in cost of revenues. GOGAS does not yet incur cost of revenues.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Oil and Gas Exploration Costs	Oil and Gas Exploration Costs The Company accounts for its 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 (see Note 5).
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.
Inventory	Inventory Inventory consists of natural gas, which is stored at various third parties’ underground storage facilities, of $0.6 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Inventory also includes renewable energy credits of $5.4 million and $9.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Natural gas inventory is valued at 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. 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 adopted the amendments in this ASU on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Renewable Energy Credits	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. GRE 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 the lower of cost and market, where cost is the purchase price. Gains and losses from the sale of renewable energy credits are recognized in cost of revenues when the credits are transferred to the buyer.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets 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. The fair value of trademark, non-compete agreement and customer relationships acquired in a business combination accounted for under the purchase method are amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows: trademark is amortized on a straight-line basis over the 20 year period of expected cash flows; non-compete agreement is amortized on a straight-line basis over its 2 year term; and customer relationships are amortized ratably over the 2 year period of expected cash flows. 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 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. In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU that simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead, under the amendments in this ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. Early adoption of this standard is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We plan to adopt this standard for the goodwill impairment test to be performed in 2017. 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	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, GRE 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 “Cost of revenues” in the consolidated statements of operations. In addition to the above, GRE 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, GRE applies the normal purchase and normal sale accounting treatment to its forward physical delivery contracts, thereby these contracts are not adjusted to fair value. GRE also applies the normal purchase and normal sale accounting treatment to forward contracts for the physical delivery of electricity in nodal energy markets that result in locational marginal pricing charges or credits, since this does not constitute a net settlement, even when legal title to the electricity is conveyed to the ISO during transmission. Accordingly, GRE recognizes revenue from customer sales, and the related cost of revenues, at the contracted price, as electricity and natural gas is delivered to retail customers.
Repairs and Maintenance	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	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	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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, advertising expense included in selling, general and administrative expense was $1.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
Income Taxes	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	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	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) 2016 2015 2014 Stock options 414 414 438 Non-vested restricted Class B common stock 1,226 1,852 2,473 Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share 1,640 2,266 2,911 The diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 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 11). 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 Afek, Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd. (“IEI”), Genie Mongolia, Inc. (“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.
Stock-based compensation	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. In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments. The new standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2017. The adoption of the new standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations	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. The GRE-owned REPs reduce their customer credit risk by participating in purchase of receivable programs for a majority of their receivables. In addition to providing billing and collection services, utility companies purchase those REPs’ receivables and assume all credit risk without recourse to those REPs. The GRE-owned REPs’ 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, 2016 2015 2014 Con Edison 20 % 23 % 23 % ComEd 13 % na na National Grid USA na 12 % na West Penn Power na na 10 % 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, 2016 and 2015 (no other single utility company accounted for 10% or greater of the Company’s consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2016 or 2015): December 31 2016 2015 Con Edison 15 % 22 % ComEd 10 % na na-less than 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	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 charged (reversals credited) to expense Deductions Balance at Year ended December 31, 2016 Reserves deducted from accounts receivable: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 182 $ 8 $ (19 ) $ 171 Year ended December 31, 2015 Reserves deducted from accounts receivable: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 227 $ (29 ) $ (16 ) $ 182 Year ended December 31, 2014 Reserves deducted from accounts receivable: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 930 $ 310 $ (1,013 ) $ 227 (1) Uncollectible accounts written off.
Fair Value Measurements	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.
Accounting Standards Updates	Accounting Standards Updates 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 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. In November 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that includes specific guidance on the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents will be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of the period and end of the period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU will be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company will adopt the amendments in this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption will impact the Company’s beginning of the period and end of the period cash and cash equivalents balance in its statement of cash flows, as well as its net cash provided by operating activities.

Description of Business and S30

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of antidilutive shares excluded from computations of earnings per share	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Stock options 414 414 438 Non-vested restricted Class B common stock 1,226 1,852 2,473 Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share 1,640 2,266 2,911
Schedule of percentage of consolidated revenues from customers by utility company and percentage of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable by utility company	Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Con Edison 20 % 23 % 23 % ComEd 13 % na na National Grid USA na 12 % na West Penn Power na na 10 % na-less than 10% of consolidated revenue in the period
Schedule of change in allowance for doubtful accounts	(in thousands) Balance at Additions charged (reversals credited) to expense Deductions Balance at Year ended December 31, 2016 Reserves deducted from accounts receivable: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 182 $ 8 $ (19 ) $ 171 Year ended December 31, 2015 Reserves deducted from accounts receivable: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 227 $ (29 ) $ (16 ) $ 182 Year ended December 31, 2014 Reserves deducted from accounts receivable: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 930 $ 310 $ (1,013 ) $ 227 (1) Uncollectible accounts written off.

Acquisition of Retail Energy 31

Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of acquisition's purchase price allocations	(in thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 3,614 Inventory 287 Prepaid expenses 81 Other current assets 26 Property and equipment 110 Trademark 2,100 Non-compete agreement 110 Customer relationships 2,100 Goodwill 5,065 Other assets 1,600 Revolving line of credit (1,919 ) Trade accounts payable (2,620 ) Accrued expenses (1,542 ) Net assets excluding cash acquired $ 9,012 Supplemental information: Cash paid $ 10,949 Cash acquired (2,249 ) Cash paid, net of cash acquired 8,700 Liability for additional purchase price 312 Total consideration, net of cash acquired $ 9,012
Retail Energy Holdings, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of pro forma information	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 Revenues $ 243,147 $ 243,165 Net loss $ (32,303 ) $ (11,256 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Schedule of 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 December 31, 2016 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 256 $ 2,395 $ — $ 2,651 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 60 $ 1,667 $ — $ 1,727 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
Schedule of change in assets measured at fair value recurring basis	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ — $ — $ 62 Total losses included in earnings in “Cost of revenues” — — (62 ) Balance, end of period $ — $ — $ — The amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings in “Cost of revenues” attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets held at the end of the period $ — $ — $ —

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding contracts and options	Commodity Settlement Dates Volume Electricity January 2017 141,200 MWh Electricity February 2017 608,000 MWh Electricity March 2017 250,240 MWh Electricity July 2017 70,400 MWh Electricity August 2017 80,960 MWh Electricity October 2017 158,400 MWh Electricity November 2017 151,200 MWh Electricity December 2017 240,000 MWh Electricity January 2018 45,760 MWh Electricity February 2018 41,600 MWh Electricity October 2018 73,600 MWh Electricity November 2018 67,200 MWh Electricity December 2018 64,000 MWh Natural gas February 2017 730,000 Dth Natural gas March 2017 1,000,000 Dth Natural gas April 2017 600,000 Dth Natural gas February 2018 69,720 Dth
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liability	December 31 2016 2015 Asset Derivatives Balance Sheet Location Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Other current assets $ 2,651 $ 1,681 Liability Derivatives Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Energy hedging contracts $ 1,727 $ 2,192
Effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives Energy contracts and options Cost of revenues $ (538 ) $ (1,772 ) $ (1,674 )

Investment in American Shale 34

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summary of change in balance of company's investment in AMSO, LLC	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ (399 ) $ (252 ) $ (252 ) Capital contributions 63 250 — Equity in net loss of AMSO, LLC (222 ) (397 ) — Elimination of the investment in AMSO, LLC 558 — — Balance, end of period $ — $ (399 ) $ (252 )
Summary of unaudited statements of operations of AMSO, LLC	(in thousands) Period from January 1, 2016 to April 30, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015 Year ended December 31, 2014 REVENUES $ — $ — $ — OPERATING EXPENSES: General and administrative 120 403 456 Research and development 3,512 4,782 7,755 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 3,632 5,185 8,211 Loss from operations (3,632 ) (5,185 ) (8,211 ) Other income — — — NET LOSS $ (3,632 ) $ (5,185 ) $ (8,211 )
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 change in the balance of the AMSO, LLC retirement obligations	(in thousands) Liability at April 30, 2016 acquisition date $ 2,535 Adjustments (441 ) Payments (1,978 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 116
AMSO, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summary of revenue, net (loss) income from operations of AMSO, LLC	(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016 Revenues $ — Income from operations $ 118 Net income $ 76 Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 Revenues $ 212,112 $ 213,056 Net loss $ (35,602 ) $ (13,424 )

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of property and equipment	December 31 2016 2015 Computer software and development $ 1,836 $ 1,287 Computers and computer hardware 231 221 Laboratory and drilling equipment 543 528 Office equipment and other 424 349 3,034 2,385 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,417 ) (1,038 ) Property and equipment, net $ 1,617 $ 1,347

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill	(in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 7,349 Adjustment (124 ) Impairment (3,562 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 3,663 Change in carrying amount — Balance at December 31, 2015 3,663 Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (see Note 2) 5,065 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 8,728
Schedule of other intangible assets	(in thousands) Weighted Gross Accumulated Net December 31, 2016 Trademark (see Note 2) 20 years $ 2,100 $ (13 ) $ 2,087 Non-compete agreement (see Note 2) 2 years 110 (11 ) 99 Customer relationships (see Note 2) 2 years 2,100 (159 ) 1,941 Licenses — 150 — 150 TOTAL 10.4 years $ 4,460 $ (183 ) $ 4,277 December 31, 2015 Licenses — $ 150 $ — $ 150

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of components of loss before income taxes	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ 18,629 $ 1,517 $ (14,900 ) Foreign (48,603 ) (9,628 ) (12,412 ) LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES $ (29,974 ) $ (8,111 ) $ (27,312 )
Schedule of components of deferred income tax assets	December 31 2016 2015 (Revised) Deferred income tax assets: Bad debt reserve $ 70 $ 75 Accrued expenses 3,821 3,865 State taxes 221 91 Charitable contributions 470 402 Net operating loss 37,568 26,186 Stock options and restricted stock 1,456 1,131 Depreciation 11,153 1,661 Total deferred income tax assets 54,759 33,411 Valuation allowance (52,978 ) (31,769 ) DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, NET $ 1,781 $ 1,642
Schedule of components of income taxes provision	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal $ — $ — $ — State and local 2,349 704 730 Foreign 8 — (12 ) 2,357 704 718 Deferred: Federal 6 19 68 State and local (145 ) (198 ) (691 ) Foreign — — — (139 ) (179 ) (623 ) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES $ 2,218 $ 525 $ 95
Schedule of income tax reconciliation	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 (Revised) 2014 (Revised) U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate $ (10,491 ) $ (2,840 ) $ (9,559 ) Valuation allowance 21,209 10,687 11,050 Foreign tax rate differential (9,901 ) (7,674 ) (1,464 ) Other (95 ) 20 115 State and local income tax, net of federal benefit 1,496 332 (47 ) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES $ 2,218 $ 525 $ 95
Schedule of change in the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes	(in thousands) Balance at Additions Deductions Balance at Year ended December 31, 2016 Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net $ 31,769 $ 21,209 $ — $ 52,978 Year ended December 31, 2015 (Revised) Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net $ 21,082 $ 10,687 $ — $ 31,769 Year ended December 31, 2014 (Revised) Reserves for valuation allowances deducted from deferred income taxes, net $ 10,032 $ 11,050 $ — $ 21,082
Schedule of change in the balance of unrecognized income tax benefits	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 636 $ 543 $ 542 Additions based on tax positions related to the current period 81 97 209 Additions for tax positions of prior periods 4 10 9 Lapses of statutes of limitations (89 ) (14 ) (217 ) Balance at end of period $ 632 $ 636 $ 543

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of status of company's grants of restricted shares of class B common stock	Number of Weighted- Non-vested shares at December 31, 2015 52 $ 11.72 Granted 38 8.19 Vested (61 ) 8.50 Forfeited (3 ) 11.15 NON-VESTED SHARES AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 26 $ 10.08
Equity compensation plans, valuation assumptions	Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 ASSUMPTIONS Average risk-free interest rate 0.4 % 0.93 % Expected dividend yield 5.01 % — Expected volatility 55.5 % 61.0 % Expected term 1 year 5.5 years Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted $ 1.05 $ 9.67
Summary of stock option activity	Number of Weighted- Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2015 414 $ 6.74 5.6 $ 1,825 Granted 5 7.14 Exercised — — Cancelled / Forfeited (5 ) 6.85 OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 414 $ 6.75 4.6 $ 37 EXERCISABLE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 327 $ 6.66 4.5 $ 24

Variable Interest Entity (Table

Variable Interest Entity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Schedule of net (loss) income related to CCE and aggregate net funding	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Net (loss) income $ (1,136 ) $ 34 $ 659 Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net (871 ) 950 (266 )
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE	December 31 2016 2015 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 150 $ 48 Restricted cash 17 25 Trade accounts receivable 1,008 844 Prepaid expenses 450 479 Other current assets 26 51 Other assets 439 468 TOTAL ASSETS $ 2,090 $ 1,915 LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Current liabilities $ 707 $ 267 Due to IDT Energy 1,298 427 Noncontrolling interests 85 1,221 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS $ 2,090 $ 1,915

Accumulated Other Comprehensi40

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of accumulated balances for other comprehensive (loss) income	(in thousands) Foreign currency translation Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 745 Other comprehensive loss attributable to Genie (735 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 10 Other comprehensive income attributable to Genie 144 Balance at December 31, 2015 154 Other comprehensive income attributable to Genie 1,311 BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 $ 1,465

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Future minimum payments for operating leases	(in thousands) Year ending December 31: 2017 $ 201 2018 121 2019 95 2020 34 2021 — Thereafter — Total payments $ 451

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of related party transactions	Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Amount IDT charged the Company $ 2,197 $ 2,340 $ 3,447 Amount the Company charged IDT 627 546 530

Business Segment and Geograph43

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]
Summary of operating results for the business segments	(in thousands) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Year ended December 31, 2016 Revenues $ 212,112 $ — $ — $ — $ 212,112 Income (loss) from operations 26,503 (48,272 ) 439 (9,183 ) (30,513 ) Depreciation and amortization 427 124 29 1 581 Research and development — — (269 ) — (269 ) Exploration — 6,088 — — 6,088 Write-off of capitalized exploration costs — 41,041 — — 41,041 Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC — — 222 — 222 Year ended December 31, 2015 Revenues (revised) $ 213,056 $ — $ — $ — $ 213,056 Income (loss) from operations 11,095 (7,458 ) (3,058 ) (8,908 ) (8,329 ) Depreciation 245 104 78 1 428 Research and development — 63 1,922 — 1,985 Exploration — 6,583 — — 6,583 Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC — — 397 — 397 Year ended December 31, 2014 Revenues (revised) $ 280,963 $ — $ — $ — $ 280,963 Income (loss) from operations 956 (7,294 ) (6,479 ) (15,353 ) (28,170 ) Depreciation 24 8 99 1 132 Research and development — 144 5,394 — 5,538 Exploration — 6,971 — — 6,971 Goodwill impairment 3,562 — — — 3,562
Summary of total assets for the business segments	(in thousands) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Total assets: December 31, 2016 $ 87,539 $ 6,685 $ 12,224 $ 15,365 $ 121,813 December 31, 2015 80,177 38,665 17,770 19,203 155,815 December 31, 2014 78,254 6,243 48,899 19,532 152,928
Schedule of net long-lived assets and total assets held outside of the United States	(in thousands) United Foreign Total December 31, 2016 Long-lived assets, net $ 1,060 $ 582 $ 1,642 Total assets 113,158 8,655 121,813 December 31, 2015 Long-lived assets, net $ 763 $ 646 $ 1,409 Total assets 114,880 40,935 155,815 December 31, 2014 Long-lived assets, net $ 834 $ 1,230 $ 2,064 Total assets 143,897 9,031 152,928

Selected Quarterly Financial 44

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Schedule of selected quarterly financial data of the company	Quarter Ended Revenues Cost of revenues (Loss) income Net (loss) Net (loss) income attributable to Genie (Loss) earnings per common share except per share data) (2) (3) (2) (3) (3) income Energy Ltd. Basic Diluted 2016: December 31 $ 51,519 $ 36,949 $ (1,344 ) $ (1,285 ) $ (816 ) $ (0.05 ) $ (0.05 ) September 30 (1) 57,153 36,946 (37,102 ) (37,174 ) (32,139 ) (1.43 ) (1.43 ) June 30 44,561 26,445 1,934 1,417 2,761 0.10 0.10 March 31 58,879 34,832 5,999 4,850 5,669 0.23 0.22 TOTAL $ 212,112 $ 135,172 $ (30,513 ) $ (32,192 ) $ (24,525 ) $ (1.14 ) $ (1.14 ) 2015: December 31 $ 44,575 $ 29,042 $ (4,242 ) $ (4,106 ) $ (3,794 ) $ (0.19 ) $ (0.19 ) September 30 52,988 31,760 3,249 2,626 2,845 0.11 0.10 June 30 40,330 26,909 (4,887 ) (4,726 ) (4,498 ) (0.22 ) (0.22 ) March 31 75,163 58,698 (2,449 ) (2,430 ) (2,010 ) (0.11 ) (0.11 ) TOTAL $ 213,056 $ 146,409 $ (8.329 ) $ (8,636 ) $ (7,457 ) $ (0.40 ) $ (0.40 ) (1) In the third quarter of 2016, loss from operations included write-off of capitalized exploration costs of $41.0 million. (2) GRE prepays various electricity costs that are subsequently charged to cost of revenues when the related electricity revenue is recognized. In the third quarter of 2016, the Company concluded that certain of these amounts included in “Prepaid expenses” in its consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 should have been charged to cost of revenues in the first and second quarters of 2016. The amounts that should have been charged to cost of revenues were $817 thousand and $691 thousand in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively. The impact of this correction on basic and diluted earnings per share in the three months ended March 31, 2016 was a decrease of $0.04 per share. The impact of this correction on basic and diluted earnings per share in the three months ended June 30, 2016 was a decrease of $0.04 and $0.03 per share, respectively. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company revised its first and second quarters of 2016 by reducing prepaid expenses and increasing electricity cost of revenues. The amounts above reflect the correction of the error. (3) These amounts reflect the reclassification of financing fees and the correction of gross receipt tax (see Note 1).

Description of Business and S45

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	1,640	2,266	2,911
Stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	414	414	438
Non Vested Restricted Class B Common Stocks [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	1,226	1,852	2,473

Description of Business and S46

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Con Edison [Member] | Consolidated revenues [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	20.00%		23.00%		23.00%
Con Edison [Member] | Consolidated gross trade accounts receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	15.00%		22.00%
National Grid Usa [Member] | Consolidated revenues [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage		[1]	12.00%			[1]
West Penn Power [Member] | Consolidated revenues [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage		[1]		[1]	10.00%
ComEd [Member] | Consolidated revenues [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	13.00%			[1]		[1]
ComEd [Member] | Consolidated gross trade accounts receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%			[2]
[1]	less than 10% of consolidated revenue in the period
[2]	less than 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable

Description of Business and S47

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		$ 182	$ 227	$ 930
Additions charged (reversals credited) to expense		8	(29)	310
Deductions	[1]	(19)	(16)	(1,013)
Balance at end of period		$ 171	$ 182	$ 227
[1]	Uncollectible accounts written off.

Description of Business and S48

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Underground storage facilities	$ 600,000	$ 1,600,000
Inventory renewable energy credits	5,400,000	9,800,000
Amount of advertising expense included in selling general and adminstrative expense	$ 1,400,000	900,000	$ 300,000
Description of percentage of consolidated revenue from utility companies	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.
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, 2016 and 2015.
Purchase method, description	The fair value of trademark, non-compete agreement and customer relationships acquired in a business combination accounted for under the purchase method are amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows: trademark is amortized on a straight-line basis over the 20 year period of expected cash flows; non-compete agreement is amortized on a straight-line basis over its 2 year term; and customer relationships are amortized ratably over the 2 year period of expected cash flows.
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Error correction adjustments		6,600,000
Deferred Tax Assets Stock Options and Restricted Stock [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Error correction adjustments		(6,600,000)
Income Tax Reconciliation Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Error correction adjustments		7,700,000	1,500,000
Income Tax Reconciliation Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Error correction adjustments		(7,700,000)	(1,500,000)
Customer Relationships [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Amortization period	2 years
Other intangibles [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Reclassification adjustments		150,000
Trademarks [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Amortization period	20 years
Non-compete agreement [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Amortization period	2 years
Financing Fees [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Reclassification adjustments		2,400,000	2,600,000
Gross Receipts Tax [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Error correction adjustments		$ 2,900,000	$ 5,900,000
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
Genie Retail 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	2.50%
Genie Oil and Gas, Inc. [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	92.00%
Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	85.10%
Genie Energy International Corporation [Member]
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	99.30%

Acquisition of Retail Energy 49

Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 3,614
Inventory	287
Prepaid expenses	81
Other current assets	26
Property and equipment	110
Trademark	2,100
Non-compete agreement	110
Customer relationships	2,100
Goodwill	5,065	$ 3,663	$ 3,663	$ 3,663	$ 7,349
Other assets	1,600
Revolving line of credit	(1,919)
Trade accounts payable	(2,620)
Accrued expenses	(1,542)
Net assets excluding cash acquired	9,012
Supplemental information:
Cash paid	10,949
Cash acquired		(702)
Cash paid, net of cash acquired	8,700
Liability for additional purchase price		$ 312
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$ 9,012

Acquisition of Retail Energy 50

Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 212,112	$ 213,056
Net loss	(35,602)	(13,424)
Retail Energy Holdings, LLC Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	243,147	243,165
Net loss	$ (32,303)	$ (11,256)

Acquisition of Retail Energy 51

Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Retail Energy Holdings, LLC Acquisition
Privately held owner	$ 9,500
Working capital	1,400
Aggregate cash payment	$ 10,949
Additional amount to be paid		$ 300

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Derivative contracts		$ 2,651	$ 1,681
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts		1,727	2,192
Level 1 (1) [Member]
Assets:
Derivative contracts	[1]	256	373
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	[1]	60	609
Level 2 (2) [Member]
Assets:
Derivative contracts	[2]	2,395	1,308
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	[2]	1,667	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 (Deta53

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of change in balance of company's asset measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Balance, beginning of period			$ 62
Total losses included in earnings in ''Cost of revenues''			(62)
Balance, end of period
The amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings in ''Cost of revenues'' attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets held at the end of the period

Fair Value Measurements (Deta54

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements (Textual)
Financial instrument included in other assets	$ 1	$ 1.4

Derivative Instruments (Details

Derivative Instruments (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Electricity [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	January 2,017
Volume	141,200 MWh
Electricity 1 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	February 2,017
Volume	608,000 MWh
Electricity 2 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	March 2,017
Volume	250,240 MWh
Electricity 3 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	July 2,017
Volume	70,400 MWh
Electricity 4 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	August 2,017
Volume	80,960 MWh
Electricity 5 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	October 2,017
Volume	158,400 MWh
Electricity 6 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	November 2,017
Volume	151,200 MWh
Electricity 7 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	December 2,017
Volume	240,000 MWh
Electricity 8 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	January 2,018
Volume	45,760 MWh
Electricity 9 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	February 2,018
Volume	41,600 MWh
Electricity 10 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	October 2,018
Volume	73,600 MWh
Electricity 11 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	November 2,018
Volume	67,200 MWh
Electricity 12 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	December 2,018
Volume	64,000 MWh
Natural Gas [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	February 2,017
Volume	730,000 Dth
Natural Gas 1 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	March 2,017
Volume	1,000,000 Dth
Natural Gas 2 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	April 2,017
Volume	600,000 Dth
Natural Gas 3 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	February 2,018
Volume	69,720 Dth

Derivative Instruments (Detai56

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 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	$ 1,727	$ 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	2,651	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	$ 1,727	$ 2,192

Derivative Instruments (Detai57

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$ (538)	$ (1,772)	$ (1,674)

Afek Oil and Gas Exploration 58

Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities (Textual)
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs	$ 41,041

Investment in American Shale 59

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of change in balance of company's investment in AMSO, LLC
Balance, beginning of period	$ (399)	$ (252)	$ (252)
Capital contributions	63	250
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	(222)	(397)
Elimination of the investment in AMSO, LLC	558
Balance, end of period		$ (399)	$ (252)

Investment in American Shale 60

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 1) - AMSO, LLC [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of unaudited statements of operations of AMSO, LLC
REVENUES
OPERATING EXPENSES:
General and administrative	120	403	456
Research and development	3,512	4,782	7,755
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES	3,632	5,185	8,211
Loss from operations	(3,632)	(5,185)	(8,211)
Other income
NET LOSS	$ (3,632)	$ (5,185)	$ (8,211)

Investment in American Shale 61

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 62

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of revenue, net (loss) income from operations of AMSO, LLC
Revenues
Income from operations	118
Net income	76
Revenues	212,112	$ 213,056
Net loss	$ (35,602)	$ (13,424)

Investment in American Shale 63

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details 4) - AMSO, LLC [Member] $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Summary of retirement obligations after the consolidation of AMSO, LLC
Liability at April 30, 2016 acquisition date	$ 2,535
Adjustments	(441)
Payments	(1,978)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$ 116

Investment in American Shale 64

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC(Textual)
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC	$ 1,262
Decommissioning liability settlement amount not refundable		$ 3,000
GOGAS [Member]
Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC(Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	98.30%

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 3,034	$ 2,385
Less: accumulated depreciation	(1,417)	(1,038)
Property and equipment, net	1,617	1,347
Computer software and development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,836	1,287
Computers and computer hardware [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	231	221
Laboratory and drilling equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	543	528
Office equipment and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 424	$ 349

Property and Equipment (Detai66

Property and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 581	$ 428	$ 132
Property and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 400	$ 400	$ 100

Goodwill and Other Intangible67

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 3,663	$ 3,663	$ 7,349
Adjustment			(124)
Impairment			(3,562)
Change in carrying amount
Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (see Note 2)	5,065
Ending Balance	$ 8,728	$ 3,663	$ 3,663

Goodwill and Other Intangible68

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period	10 years 4 months 24 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 4,460
Accumulated Amortization	(183)
Net Balance	$ 4,277
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period	20 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,100
Accumulated Amortization	(13)
Net Balance	$ 2,087
Non-compete agreement [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period	2 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 110
Accumulated Amortization	(11)
Net Balance	$ 99
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period	2 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,100
Accumulated Amortization	(159)
Net Balance	$ 1,941
Licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period	0 years	0 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 150	$ 150
Accumulated Amortization
Net Balance	$ 150	$ 150

Goodwill and Other Intangible69

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Textual)
Percentage of outstanding membership interests				100.00%
Goodwill impairment			$ 3,562
Amortization expense of intangible assets	200
Amortization expense of finite lives intangible assets, 2017	1,200
Amortization expense of finite lives intangible assets, 2018	1,000
Amortization expense of finite lives intangible assets, 2019	100
Amortization expense of finite lives intangible assets, 2020	100
Amortization expense of finite lives intangible assets, 2021	$ 100

Revolving Credit and Loan Fac70

Revolving Credit and Loan Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 17, 2015	Apr. 23, 2012
Revolving Credit and Loan Facility (Textual)
Revolving loan facility		$ 2,000
Settlement of obligations	6,690
Gain from revolving loan facility	200
Revolving line of credit	711
GRE [Member]
Revolving Credit and Loan Facility (Textual)
Revolving loan facility				$ 2,000
Settlement of obligations	1,800
Gain from revolving loan facility	$ 200
JPMorgan [Member]
Revolving Credit and Loan Facility (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
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	8,100	$ 7,700
Vantage Commodities Financial Services II, LLC [Member]
Revolving Credit and Loan Facility (Textual)
Maximum principal amount on revolving line of credit	$ 7,500
Interest rate on principal outstanding, description	The principal outstanding incurs interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.25% per annum, payable monthly.
Maturity date	Oct. 31, 2017
Line of credit facility, frequency of payment and payment terms	REH pays an unused commitment fee each month equal to one-month LIBOR per annum on the difference between $7.5 million and the average daily outstanding principal balance of the note
Revolving line of credit	$ 700

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of components of (loss) income before income taxes
Domestic	$ 18,629	$ 1,517	$ (14,900)
Foreign	(48,603)	(9,628)	(12,412)
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$ (29,974)	$ (8,111)	$ (27,312)

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred income tax assets:
Bad debt reserve	$ 70	$ 75
Accrued expenses	3,821	3,865
State taxes	221	91
Charitable contributions	470	402
Net operating loss	37,568	26,186
Stock options and restricted stock	1,456	1,131
Depreciation	11,153	1,661
Total deferred income tax assets	54,759	33,411
Valuation allowance	(52,978)	(31,769)	$ (21,082)	$ (10,032)
DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, NET	$ 1,781	$ 1,642

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current:
Federal
State and local	2,349	704	730
Foreign	8		(12)
Total current income taxes	2,357	704	718
Deferred:
Federal	6	19	68
State and local	(145)	(198)	(691)
Foreign
Total deferred income taxes	(139)	(179)	(623)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	$ 2,218	$ 525	$ 95

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate	$ (10,491)	$ (2,840)	$ (9,559)
Valuation allowance	21,209	10,687	11,050
Foreign tax rate differential	(9,901)	(7,674)	(1,464)
Other	(95)	20	115
State and local income tax, net of federal benefit	1,496	332	(47)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	$ 2,218	$ 525	$ 95

Income Taxes (Details 4)

Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of change in the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes
Balance at beginning of period	$ 31,769	$ 21,082	$ 10,032
Additions charged to costs and expenses	21,209	10,687	11,050
Deductions
Balance at end of period	$ 52,978	$ 31,769	$ 21,082

Income Taxes (Details 5)

Income Taxes (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of change in the balance of unrecognized income tax benefits
Balance at beginning of period	$ 636	$ 543	$ 542
Additions based on tax positions related to the current period	81	97	209
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	4	10	9
Lapses of statutes of limitations	(89)	(14)	(217)
Balance at end of period	$ 632	$ 636	$ 543

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes (Textual)
Accrued interest on income taxes	$ 4,000	$ 10,000	$ 9,000
Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Error correction adjustments		6,600,000
Deferred Tax Assets Stock Options and Restricted Stock [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Error correction adjustments		(6,600,000)
Income Tax Reconciliation Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Error correction adjustments		7,700,000	1,500,000
Income Tax Reconciliation Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Error correction adjustments		$ (7,700,000)	$ (1,500,000)
Unconsolidated Entities [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 1,200,000
Operating loss carry forwards expiration period	The entities have separate U.S. federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of $1.2 million that begin to expire in 2035.
U.S. federal [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 31,600,000
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, 2016's loss expiring in 2037.
Income tax reuturns period	U.S. federal tax returns for 2013 to 2016.
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 84,500,000
Operating loss carry forwards amount no expiration	$ 76,100,000
Income tax reuturns period	Foreign tax returns generally for 2012 to 2016.
State [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 93,900,000
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, 2016's loss expiring in 2037.
Income tax reuturns period	State and local tax returns generally for 2012 to 2016.

Equity (Details)

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

Mar. 07, 2017

Nov. 15, 2015

May 09, 2015

Jun. 27, 2014

May 22, 2014

Feb. 15, 2017

Nov. 30, 2015

Jul. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2011

Nov. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Mar. 11, 2013

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Common stock dividend

$ 5,914

$ 2,950

$ 1,473

Remaining number of shares available for repurchase

6,900,000

Preferred stock dividend declared

$ 1,481

1,481

1,352

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

2,500

Employment agreement description

Dr. Harold Vinegar, Chief Scientist of the Company, has an option to purchase, at fair value, up to 10% of the GOGAS ventures in which he is a key contributor. In prior years, Dr. Vinegar purchased interests in IEI, Afek and Genie Mongolia. In December 2016, Dr. Vinegar purchased an additional 1% interest in Afek.

Collection of receivables for issuance of equity

1,912

Sales of equity of subsidiaries

1,000

$ 2,500

Gogas [Member] | Michael Steinhardt [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Promissory notes

$ 1,700

Total value of exercise of stock options

$ 5,000

Options expiration date

Apr. 9, 2015

Collection of receivables for issuance of equity

$ 800

Rupert Murdoch [Member] | Gogas [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Promissory note maturity date

Nov. 15, 2015

Sale of stock consideration received on transaction paid through promissory note

$ 1,000

Sale of subsidiary stock percentage of ownership sold

0.50%

Promissory note interest rate

1.58%

Collection of receivables for issuance of equity

$ 1,100

Lord Jacob Rothschild [Member] | Gogas [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Sale of subsidiary stock percentage of ownership sold

5.00%

Options expiration date

Nov. 12, 2017

Sales of stock of subsidiary

$ 10,000

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

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Ownership acquire interest of company

1.50%

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

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Sales of equity of subsidiaries

$ 1,000

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

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Promissory notes

$ 2,500

Promissory notes maturity

November 2,015

Promissory notes interest rate

0.43%

Promissory notes collateral

Secured by 50% of the shares received in the exercise.

Ownership acquire interest of company

1.50%

Total value of exercise of stock options

$ 5,000

American Shale Oil Limited Liability Company [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Ownership acquire interest of company

1.70%

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

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Ownership acquire interest of company

1.50%

Preferred Stock [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend rate

$ 0.6376

$ 0.6376

$ 0.6376

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

404,732

405,000

Preferred dividend paid

$ 1,500

$ 1,500

$ 1,400

Preferred Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend rate

$ 0.1594

Common Class A [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Cash dividend paid

$ 0.24

$ 0.12

$ 0.06

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

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Common stock dividends declared

$ 0.075

Paid date of declared dividend

Mar. 24, 2017

Record date of declared dividend

Mar. 20, 2017

Common Class B [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Number of shares repurchased, shares

103,331

Number of shares repurchased, value

$ 800

Number of stock authorized to be repurchased

7,000,000

Common stock exchange into preferred stock

5,000,000

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

(405,000)

Cash dividend paid

$ 0.24

$ 0.12

$ 0.06

Common Class B [Member] | Howards Jonas [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Number of Options, Granted

3,000,000

Commitment to purchase shares

1,200,000

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 December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Stock issued during period, value, new issues

$ 24,600

Stock issued during period, shares, new issues

3,600,000

Unrecognized compensation cost

$ 17,000

Total value of option granted

$ 19,300

Exercise Price, Granted

$ 10.30

Option expiration date description

Extended for an additional one year period, expiring on December 31, 2019.

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

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Common stock dividends declared

$ 0.075

Paid date of declared dividend

Mar. 24, 2017

Record date of declared dividend

Mar. 20, 2017

Series 2012-A Preferred Stock [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share

$ 8.50

Preferred stock dividend rate

$ 0.6375

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, 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.

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Summary of the status of the Company's grants of restricted shares of Class B common stock
Beginning balance, Number of Non-vested Shares | shares	52
Number of Non-vested Shares, Granted | shares	38
Number of Non-vested Shares, Vested | shares	(61)
Number of Non-vested Shares, Forfeited | shares	(3)
Ending balance, Number of Non-vested Shares | shares	26
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 11.72
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted | $ / shares	8.19
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	8.50
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Forfeited | $ / shares	11.15
Ending balance, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 10.08

Stock-Based Compensation (Det80

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity compensation plans, valuation assumptions
Average risk-free interest rate	0.40%	0.93%
Expected dividend yield	5.01%
Expected volatility	55.50%	61.00%
Expected term	1 year	5 years 6 months
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted	$ 1.05	$ 9.67

Stock-Based Compensation (Det81

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) - Stock options [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of stock option activity
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	414
Number of Options, Granted	5
Number of Options, Exercised
Number of Options, Cancelled / Forfeited	(5)
Number of Options, Outstanding, Ending Balance	414	414
Number of Options, Exercisable	327
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$ 6.74
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	7.14
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Cancelled / Forfeited	6.85
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Ending Balance	6.75	$ 6.74
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 6.66
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	4 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	4 years 6 months
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Beginning Balance	$ 1,825
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Ending Balance	37	$ 1,825
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 24

Stock-Based Compensation (Det82

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual)	May 05, 2015shares	Jan. 06, 2014USD ($)shares	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014Stockshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Stock-based compensation						$ 4,813,000	$ 5,229,000	$ 10,758,000
Cash payment for subsidiary equity grant						1,688,000	1,200,000
GRE [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Cash payment for subsidiary equity grant			$ 1,700,000
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Ownership interest of company	2.80%
Chief Financial Officer [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Ownership interest of company	0.20%
Executive Vice President [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Ownership interest of company	0.30%
Officer [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Ownership interest of company	0.60%
Restricted Stock Granted By Idt Corporation [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Total grant date fair value of shares vested						500,000	500,000	2,500,000
Stock-based compensation						3,500,000	3,600,000	6,600,000
Stock options [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Unrecognized compensation cost						$ 100,000
Period of unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized						1 year 6 months
Stock-based compensation						$ 23,000	300,000	2,500,000
Total intrinsic value of options exercised							12,000	12,000
Subsidiary Equity [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Deferred stock units included in other current liabilities						700,000
Stock-based compensation						600,000	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,600,000
Fair value of the grants of equity						$ 3,300,000
Common Class B [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Shares issued restricted stock award (Shares) | shares | shares						35,000	36,000	224,000
Common Class B [Member] | IDT [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Common stock issued in exchange for vested deferred stock | shares | shares					137,738
Common Class B [Member] | Michael Stein [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Shares issued restricted stock award (Shares) | shares | shares		29,126
Term of restricted shares						The restricted shares vest in three equal annual installments that commenced on January 5, 2015.
Fair value of the restricted shares on the date of grant		$ 300,000
Common Class B [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Period of unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized						1 year 1 month 6 days
Common Class B [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Howard Jonas [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Unrecognized compensation cost						$ 5,700,000
Deferred Stock [Member] | IDT [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Vested deferred stock units of IDT Energy | Stock					23.6
Cash payment for subsidiary equity grant				$ 1,200,000
2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Shares available for future grants, Shares | shares						100,000
2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual)
Common stock reserved for future issuance | shares						1,300,000
Additional shrares available for grants | shares	180,000

Variable Interest Entity (Detai

Variable Interest Entity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (1,136)	$ 34	$ 659
Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net	$ (871)	$ 950	$ (266)

Variable Interest Entity (Det84

Variable Interest Entity (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL ASSETS	$ 2,090	$ 1,915
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	2,090	1,915
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL ASSETS	150	48
Restricted cash [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL ASSETS	17	25
Trade accounts receivable [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL ASSETS	1,008	844
Prepaid expenses [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL ASSETS	450	479
Other current assets [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL ASSETS	26	51
Other assets [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL ASSETS	439	468
Current liabilities [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	707	267
Due to IDT Energy [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	1,298	427
Noncontrolling interests [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	$ 85	$ 1,221

Variable Interest Entity (Det85

Variable Interest Entity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity Textual [Abstract]
Loan amount		$ (871)	$ 950	$ (266)
CCE [Member]
Variable Interest Entity Textual [Abstract]
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

Accumulated Other Comprehensi86

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of accumulated balances for other comprehensive (loss) income
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Foreign currency translation, Beginning balance	$ 154	$ 10	$ 745
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Genie, Foreign currency translation	1,311	144	(735)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Foreign currency translation, Ending balance	$ 1,465	$ 154	$ 10

Legal and Regulatory Proceedi87

Legal and Regulatory Proceedings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings (Textual)
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.
Additional refunds to customers	$ 2.4

Commitments and Contingencies88

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Future minimum payments for operating leases
2,017	$ 201
2,018	121
2,019	95
2,020	34
2,021
Thereafter
Total payments	$ 451

Commitments and Contingencies89

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Letters of credit expire in twelve months ending December 31, 2017	$ 4.2
letters of credit expire in twelve months ending December 31, 2018	4
Purchase and other commitments	$ 39.6
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 December 31, 2016 expire as follows: $4.2 million in the year ending December 31, 2017 and $4.0 million in the year ending December 31, 2018.
Rental expense and operating leases	$ 0.7	$ 1.2	$ 0.8
Purchase commitment description	The Company had purchase commitments of $39.6 million at December 31, 2016. The purchase commitments outstanding at December 31, 2016 are expected to be paid as follows: $32.0 million in the year ending December 31, 2017, $5.9 million in the year ending December 31, 2018 and $1.7 million in the year ending December 31, 2019.
Purchase commitment due in December 31, 2017	$ 32
Purchase commitment due in December 31, 2018	5.9
Purchase commitment due in December 31, 2019	1.7
Letters of credit [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	8.2
Genie Retail Energy [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Aggregate performance bond outstanding	7.7
Purchase of renewable energy credit	42.5
BP [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Payment of trade accounts payable to BP Energy	$ 11.5
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	$ 31.7
Restricted Cash [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Assets pledged as collateral to BP Energy	$ 0.7

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of related party transactions
Amount IDT charged the Company	$ 2,197	$ 2,340	$ 3,447
Amount the Company charged IDT	$ 627	$ 546	$ 530

Related Party Transactions (D91

Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions (Textual)
Notes receivable outstanding from employees	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Commissions and fees payments to related party	18,164	14,236	$ 13,912
Total payments for various insurance policies	18,657	$ 143,367	$ 140,374
Commissions and fees paid to IGM	$ 144,110

Business Segment and Geograph92

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues	$ 212,112	$ 213,056	$ 280,963
Income (loss) from operations	(30,513)	(8,329)	(28,170)
Depreciation expense	581	428	132
Research and development	(269)	1,985	5,538
Exploration	6,088	6,583	6,971
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs	41,041
Goodwill impairment			3,562
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	222	397
GRE [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues	212,112	213,056	280,963
Income (loss) from operations	26,503	11,095	956
Depreciation expense	427	245	24
Research and development
Exploration
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs
Goodwill impairment			3,562
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC
Afek [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations	(48,272)	(7,458)	(7,294)
Depreciation expense	124	104	8
Research and development		63	144
Exploration	6,088	6,583	6,971
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs	41,041
Goodwill impairment
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC
GOGAS [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations	439	(3,058)	(6,479)
Depreciation expense	29	78	99
Research and development	(269)	1,922	5,394
Exploration
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs
Goodwill impairment
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC	222	397
Corporate [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations	(9,183)	(8,908)	(15,353)
Depreciation expense	1	1	1
Research and development
Exploration
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC

Business Segment and Geograph93

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	$ 121,813	$ 155,815	$ 152,928
GRE [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	87,539	80,177	78,254
Afek [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	6,685	38,665	6,243
GOGAS [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	12,224	17,770	48,899
Corporate [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	$ 15,365	$ 19,203	$ 19,532

Business Segment and Geograph94

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Long Lived Assets And Assets Held Outside Country [Abstract]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 1,642	$ 1,409	$ 2,064
Assets	121,813	155,815	152,928
United States [Member]
Net Long Lived Assets And Assets Held Outside Country [Abstract]
Long-Lived Assets	1,060	763	834
Assets	113,158	114,880	143,897
Foreign Countries [Member]
Net Long Lived Assets And Assets Held Outside Country [Abstract]
Long-Lived Assets	582	646	1,230
Assets	$ 8,655	$ 40,935	$ 9,031

Business Segment and Geograph95

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016Segment
Business Segment and Geographic Information (Textual)
Number of reportable segments	3
GEIC [Member]
Business Segment and Geographic Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	99.30%
GRE [Member]
Business Segment and Geographic Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership interest of company	2.50%
GOGAS [Member]
Business Segment and Geographic Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	92.00%
Afek [Member]
Business Segment and Geographic Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	85.10%

Selected Quarterly Financial 96

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	[3]	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues											$ 212,112	$ 213,056	$ 280,963
Cost of revenues											135,172	146,409	231,586
(Loss) income from operations											(30,513)	(8,329)	(28,170)
Net (loss) income											(32,192)	(8,636)
Net (loss) income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.											$ (24,525)	$ (7,457)	$ (26,486)
(Loss) earnings per common share, Basic											$ (1.14)	$ (0.40)
(Loss) earnings per common share, Diluted											$ (1.14)	$ (0.40)
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues	[1],[2]	$ 51,519	$ 57,153		$ 44,561	$ 58,879	$ 44,575	$ 52,988	$ 40,330	$ 75,163
Cost of revenues	[1],[2]	36,949	36,946		26,445	34,832	29,042	31,760	26,909	58,698
(Loss) income from operations	[2]	(1,344)	(37,102)		1,934	5,999	(4,242)	3,249	(4,887)	(2,449)
Net (loss) income		(1,285)	(37,174)		1,417	4,850	(4,106)	2,626	(4,726)	(2,430)
Net (loss) income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.		$ (816)	$ (32,139)		$ 2,761	$ 5,669	$ (3,794)	$ 2,845	$ (4,498)	$ (2,010)
(Loss) earnings per common share, Basic		$ (0.05)	$ (1.43)		$ 0.10	$ 0.23	$ (0.19)	$ 0.11	$ (0.22)	$ (0.11)
(Loss) earnings per common share, Diluted		$ (0.05)	$ (1.43)		$ 0.10	$ 0.22	$ (0.19)	$ 0.10	$ (0.22)	$ (0.11)
[1]	GRE prepays various electricity costs that are subsequently charged to cost of revenues when the related electricity revenue is recognized. In the third quarter of 2016, the Company concluded that certain of these amounts included in "Prepaid expenses" in its consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 should have been charged to cost of revenues in the first and second quarters of 2016. The amounts that should have been charged to cost of revenues were $817 thousand and $691 thousand in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively. The impact of this correction on basic and diluted earnings per share in the three months ended March 31, 2016 was a decrease of $0.04 per share. The impact of this correction on basic and diluted earnings per share in the three months ended June 30, 2016 was a decrease of $0.04 and $0.03 per share, respectively. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company revised its first and second quarters of 2016 by reducing prepaid expenses and increasing electricity cost of revenues. The amounts above reflect the correction of the error.
[2]	These amounts reflect the reclassification of financing fees and the correction of gross receipt tax (see Note 1).
[3]	In the third quarter of 2016, loss from operations included write-off of capitalized exploration costs of $41.0 million.

Selected Quarterly Financial 97

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Textual)
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs			$ 41,041
Cost of revenues			$ 135,172	$ 146,409	$ 231,586
Earnings Per Share, Basic			$ (1.14)	$ (0.40)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted			$ (1.14)	$ (0.40)
Prepaid Expense Error Correction [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Textual)
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs
Cost of revenues	$ 691	$ 817
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ (0.04)	$ (0.04)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (0.03)	$ (0.04)