Genie Energy (GNE) 10-Q 10 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	May 07, 2018
Entity Registrant Name	Genie Energy Ltd.
Entity Central Index Key	1,528,356
Trading Symbol	GNE
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Class A common stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,574,326
Class B common stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,452,230

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 36,705	$ 29,913
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,394 and $1,099 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	40,448	44,629
Inventory	5,677	3,986
Prepaid expenses	5,619	6,131
Other current assets	1,418	5,503
Total current assets	89,867	90,162
Property and equipment, net	4,053	4,020
Goodwill	9,998	9,998
Other intangibles, net	4,516	4,859
Investment in joint venture	3,074	3,450
Restricted cash-long-term	1,090	1,496
Deferred income tax assets, net	2,028	2,141
Other assets	10,552	9,652
Total assets	125,178	125,778
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	17,752	21,068
Accrued expenses	26,115	28,069
Income taxes payable	2,958	2,204
Due to IDT Corporation	135	228
Other current liabilities	2,626	3,172
Total current liabilities	49,586	54,741
Revolving line of credit	2,514	2,513
Other liabilities	1,378	1,396
Total liabilities	53,478	58,650
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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017	19,743	19,743
Additional paid-in capital	131,759	130,870
Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 331 shares of Class B common stock at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017	(2,428)	(2,428)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,060	3,045
Accumulated deficit	(63,550)	(67,469)
Total Genie Energy Ltd. Stockholders' equity	88,836	84,013
Noncontrolling interests	(17,136)	(16,885)
Total equity	71,700	67,128
Total liabilities and equity	125,178	125,778
Class A common stock
Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, value	16	16
Class B common stock
Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, value	$ 236	$ 236

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts, trade accounts receivable (in dollars)	$ 1,394	$ 1,099
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	23,626	23,601
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,295	23,270
Treasury stock, shares	331	331

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenues:
Electricity		$ 65,335	$ 52,966
Natural gas		23,428	17,940
Other		505	499
Total revenues		89,268	71,405
Cost of revenues		64,810	46,556
Gross profit		24,458	24,849
Operating expenses and losses:
Selling, general and administrative	[1]	17,098	18,802
Exploration		227	851
Equity in the net loss of joint venture		506
Income from operations		6,627	5,196
Interest income		81	86
Interest expense		(92)	(39)
Other income (expense), net		42	(248)
Income before income taxes		6,658	4,995
Provision for income taxes		(799)	(856)
Net income		5,859	4,139
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		295	443
Net income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.		6,154	4,582
Dividends on preferred stock		(370)	(370)
Net income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders.		$ 5,784	$ 4,212
Earnings per share attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders:
Basic		$ 0.24	$ 0.18
Diluted		$ 0.24	$ 0.18
Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of earnings per share:
Basic		24,239	23,450
Diluted		24,295	23,761
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.075	$ 0.075
[1]	Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expense

Consolidated Statements of Inc5

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expense	$ 1,347	$ 1,238

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 5,859	$ 4,139
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	59	442
Comprehensive income	5,918	4,581
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	251	701
Comprehensive income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.	$ 6,169	$ 5,282

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Operating activities
Net income	$ 5,859	$ 4,139
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	594	470
Deferred income taxes	113
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	295	25
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(18)
Stock-based compensation	1,347	1,238
Equity in the net loss of a joint venture	506
Change in assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	3,886	1,631
Inventory	(1,690)	(933)
Prepaid expenses	511	47
Other current assets and other assets	2,903	(1,855)
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(6,328)	(1,981)
Due to IDT Corporation	(94)	(62)
Income taxes payable	754	874
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,638	3,593
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	(344)	(222)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	62
Investments in capitalized exploration costs-unproved oil and gas property		(1,127)
Deposit for investment		(94)
Repayment of notes receivable	54	446
Net cash used in investing activities	(228)	(997)
Financing activities
Dividends paid	(2,235)	(2,220)
Purchase of equity of subsidiary		(278)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit		10,450
Repayment of revolving line of credit		(10,001)
Repurchases of Class B common stock from employees		(23)
Net cash used in financing activities	(2,235)	(2,072)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(19)	319
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	6,156	843
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	31,927	47,052
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 38,083	$ 47,895

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 1—Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Genie Energy Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Genie”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018. The balance sheet at December 31, 2017 has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, please refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, Genie Energy International Corporation (“GEIC”), which owns 100% of Genie Retail Energy (“GRE”) and 92% of Genie Oil and Gas, Inc. (“GOGAS”). The Company is comprised of GRE, which owns and operates retail energy providers (“REPs”), including IDT Energy, Inc. (“IDT Energy”), Residents Energy, Inc. (“Residents Energy”), Town Square Energy, and Mirabito Natural Gas (“Mirabito”), and also offers energy brokerage and advisory services. Its REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers primarily in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. Through a joint venture, GRE has begun serving customers in the United Kingdom. Genie also includes Genie Oil and Gas, an oil and gas exploration company. GOGAS holds an 86.1% interest in Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. (“Afek”), an oil and gas exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. GOGAS also holds controlling interests in other inactive oil and gas projects. GOGAS also owns Atid Drilling Ltd., an early stage drilling services company operating in Israel. GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to officers and employees that represent an interest of 1.25% of the equity of GRE. Seasonality and Weather The weather and the seasons, among other things, affect GRE’s REPs’ revenues. Weather conditions have a significant impact on the demand for natural gas used for heating and electricity used for heating and cooling. Typically, colder winters increase demand for natural gas and electricity, and hotter summers increase demand for electricity. Milder winters and/or summers have the opposite effect. Natural gas revenues typically increase in the first quarter due to increased heating demands and electricity revenues typically increase in the third quarter due to increased air conditioning use. Approximately 45% and 43% of GRE’s natural gas revenues for the relevant years were generated in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, when demand for heating was highest. Although the demand for electricity is not as seasonal as natural gas (due, in part, to usage of electricity for both heating and cooling), approximately 30% and 31% of GRE’s electricity revenues for the relevant years were generated in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. GRE’s REPs’ revenues and operating income are subject to material seasonal variations, and the interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of the estimated financial results for the full year.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Res

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	Note 2—Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) related to the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported in the consolidated balance sheet that equals the total of the same amounts reported in the consolidated statement of cash flows: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 36,705 $ 29,913 Restricted cash—short-term included in other current assets 288 518 Restricted cash—long-term 1,090 1,496 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 38,083 $ 31,927 Restricted cash—short-term includes amounts set aside in accordance with the Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company (“BP”) (see Note 13), and a security deposit for land in western Colorado leased from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Restricted cash—long-term includes Afek’s security deposits for its exploration license from the Government of Israel, and its customs and other import duties for the import of exploration equipment.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Note 3—Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) The Company adopted ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for the reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period results are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with its historic accounting under ASC Topic 605. The Company determined that the new standard did not have any impact on revenue recognition and measurement in its consolidated financial statements. Variable quantities in requirements contracts are considered to be options for additional goods and services because the customer has a current contractual right to choose the amount of additional distinct goods. Revenue from the single performance obligation to deliver a unit of electricity and/or natural gas is recognized as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit. Utility companies offer purchase of receivable, or POR, programs in most of the service territories in which the Company operates. GRE’s REPs participate in POR programs for a majority of their receivables. The Company estimates variable consideration related to its rebate programs using the expected value method and a portfolio approach. The Company’s estimates related to rebate programs are based on the terms of the rebate program, the customer’s historical electricity and natural gas consumption, the customer’s rate plan, and a churn factor. Taxes that are imposed on the Company’s sales and collected from customers are excluded from the transaction price. Practical Expedients The Company’s performance obligations are generally part of contracts for which the estimated customer relationship periods are currently less than one year. Therefore, in accordance with ASC 606, the Company generally expenses sales commissions to acquire customers when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within sales and marketing expenses. The Company continuously monitors its customer relationship periods to ensure compliance with the application of the practical expedient. Disaggregated Revenues The following table shows the Company’s revenues disaggregated by pricing plans offered to customers: (in thousands) Electricity Natural Gas Other Total Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Fixed rate $ 21,333 $ 1,800 $ — $ 23,133 Variable rate 44,002 21,628 — 65,630 Other — — 505 505 Total $ 65,335 $ 23,428 $ 505 $ 89,268 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Fixed rate $ 11,995 $ 40 $ — $ 12,035 Variable rate 40,971 17,900 — 58,871 Other — — 499 499 Total $ 52,966 $ 17,940 $ 499 $ 71,405 The following table shows the Company’s revenues disaggregated by non-commercial and commercial channels: (in thousands) Electricity Natural Gas Other Total Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Non-Commercial Channel $ 62,844 $ 21,381 $ — $ 84,225 Commercial Channel 2,491 2,047 — 4,538 Other — — 505 505 Total $ 65,335 $ 23,428 $ 505 $ 89,268 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Non-Commercial Channel $ 52,966 $ 17,940 $ — $ 70,906 Commercial Channel — — — — Other — — 499 499 Total $ 52,966 $ 17,940 $ 499 $ 71,405

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 4—Fair Value Measurements The following table presents the balance of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total (in thousands) March 31, 2018 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 155 $ 196 $ — $ 351 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 382 $ 19 $ — $ 401 December 31, 2017 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 3,091 $ 1,267 $ — $ 4,358 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 693 $ 535 $ — $ 1,228 (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. 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, prepaid expenses, other current assets, due to IDT Corporation, and other current liabilities. Other assets, revolving line of credit, and other liabilities.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Note 5—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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, GRE’s swaps and options were traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The summarized volume of GRE’s outstanding contracts and options at March 31, 2018 was as follows (MWh – Megawatt hour and Dth – Decatherm): Commodity Settlement Dates Volume Electricity April 2018 20,160 MWh Electricity May 2018 36,960 MWh Electricity June 2018 69,600 MWh Electricity July 2018 114,480 MWh Electricity August 2018 121,840 MWh Electricity September 2018 33,440 MWh Electricity October 2018 75,440 MWh Electricity November 2018 68,880 MWh Electricity December 2018 65,600 MWh Electricity January 2019 3,520 MWh Electricity February 2019 3,200 MWh Natural gas May 2018 116,155 Dth Natural gas June 2018 107,870 Dth Natural gas July 2018 101,900 Dth Natural gas August 2018 23,675 Dth Natural gas September 2018 23,275 Dth Natural gas October 2018 23,075 Dth Natural gas November 2018 24,800 Dth Natural gas December 2018 29,550 Dth Natural gas January 2019 30,030 Dth Natural gas February 2019 27,825 Dth Natural gas March 2019 23,775 Dth Natural gas April 2019 20,725 Dth Natural gas May 2019 18,600 Dth Natural gas June 2019 13,725 Dth Natural gas July 2019 9,450 Dth Natural gas August 2019 8,950 Dth Natural gas September 2019 8,800 Dth Natural gas October 2019 6,850 Dth Natural gas November 2019 6,425 Dth Natural gas December 2019 5,725 Dth Natural gas Calendar 2020 19,025 Dth Natural gas Calendar 2021 550 Dth The fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows: Asset Derivatives Balance Sheet Location March 31, December 31, (in thousands) Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Other current assets $ 351 $ 4,358 Liability Derivatives Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Other current liabilities $ 401 $ 1,228 The effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income was as follows: Amount of Loss Recognized on Derivatives Three Months Ended March 31, Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments Location of Loss Recognized on Derivatives 2018 2017 (in thousands) Energy contracts and options Cost of revenues $ (83 ) $ (1,248 )

Investment in Shoreditch Energy

Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited [Abstract]
Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited	Note 6—Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited On July 17, 2017, the Company’s subsidiary, Genie Energy UK Ltd. (“GEUK”), entered into a definitive agreement with Energy Global Investments Pty Ltd (“EGC”) to launch Shoreditch Energy Limited (“Shoreditch”), a joint venture to offer electricity and natural gas service to residential and small business customers in the United Kingdom. At March 31, 2018, GEUK had contributed $4.0 million to Shoreditch, and GEUK is obligated to contribute an additional aggregate of up to £2.2 million ($3.1 million at March 31, 2018) by August 1, 2018, contingent on Shoreditch’s achievement of performance based milestones. EGC is obligated to contribute an aggregate of up to £1.7 million ($2.3 million at March 31, 2018) to Shoreditch by August 1, 2018, contingent on Shoreditch’s achievement of performance based milestones. GEUK owns 65% of the equity of Shoreditch and EGC owns 35% of the equity. GEUK appoints three members and EGC appoints two members to Shoreditch’s Board of Directors. EGC has several significant participating rights in the management of Shoreditch that limits GEUK’s ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact Shoreditch’s economic performance. GEUK, therefore, accounts for its ownership interest in Shoreditch using the equity method since GEUK has the ability to exercise significant influence over its operating and financial matters, although it does not control Shoreditch. Shoreditch is a variable interest entity, however, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary, as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of Shoreditch that most significantly impact Shoreditch’s economic performance. The following table summarizes the change in the balance of GEUK’s investment in Shoreditch: Three Months Ended 2018 2017 (in thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 3,450 $ — Capital contributions — — Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment 130 — Equity in the net loss of Shoreditch (506 ) — Balance, end of period $ 3,074 $ — At March 31, 2018, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with Shoreditch was its $3.1 million investment, since there were no other arrangements, events or circumstances that could expose the Company to additional loss. Summarized unaudited statements of operations of Shoreditch are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Revenues $ 114 $ — Operating expenses: Cost of revenues 133 — Selling, general and administrative 760 — Total operating expenses 893 — Loss from operations (779 ) — Other — — Net loss $ (779 ) $ —

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Note 7—Equity Changes in the components of equity were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Attributable to Genie Noncontrolling Interests Total (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 84,013 $ (16,885 ) $ 67,128 Dividends on preferred stock (370 ) — (370 ) Dividends on common stock ($0.075 per share) (1,865 ) — (1,865 ) Stock-based compensation 889 — 889 Comprehensive income: Net income 6,154 (295 ) 5,859 Foreign currency translation adjustments 15 44 59 Comprehensive income 6,169 (251 ) 5,918 Balance, March 31, 2018 $ 88,836 $ (17,136 ) $ 71,700 Dividend Payments In the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on its Series 2012-A Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”), or $0.4 million in total. On April 16, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2018. The dividend will be paid on or about May 15, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 7, 2018. In the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock in the aggregate amount of $1.9 million. On May 2, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock for the first quarter of 2018. The dividend will be paid on or about May 23, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 15, 2018. Stock Repurchase Program On March 11, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 7.0 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock. There were no repurchases under this program in the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. At March 31, 2018, 6.9 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program. Proposed Sales of Shares and Warrants On February 15, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved, and on May 7, 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved the sale of (1) 1,152,074 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, at a price of $4.34 per share for an aggregate sales price of $5.0 million, and (2) warrants to purchase an additional 1,048,218 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock at an exercise price of $4.77 per share for an aggregate exercise price of $5.0 million, to Howard S. Jonas, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, or to his affiliates. The warrants will expire two years from the closing of the sale, which will take place as soon as practicable. In addition, the Board of Directors approved, upon the same terms, the sale of up to 230,415 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 209,644 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock to a third-party investor, subject to agreement of that investor. The price for the sale of the shares is equal to the closing price of the Class B common stock on the day before the transaction was first considered by the Board of Directors. The exercise price of the warrants represents a 10% premium on the sale price. Proposed Purchase of Equity of Subsidiary In March 2018, the Company and an entity affiliated with Lord (Jacob) Rothschild agreed in principle that the Rothschild affiliated entity will exercise its option to exchange its 5% equity interest in GOGAS for Class B shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $0.2 million.

Variable Interest Entity

Variable Interest Entity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	Note 8—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. The Company does not own any interest in CCE. Since 2011, the Company provided CCE with substantially all of the cash required to fund its operations. The Company determined that it has the power to direct the activities of CCE that most significantly impact its economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of CCE that could potentially be significant to CCE on a stand-alone basis. The Company therefore determined that it is the primary beneficiary of CCE, and as a result, the Company consolidates CCE within its GRE segment. The net income or loss incurred by CCE was attributed to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The Company has an option to purchase 100% of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of CCE for one dollar plus the forgiveness of $0.5 million that the Company loaned to CCE in October 2015. The option expires on October 22, 2023. Net loss related to CCE and aggregate net funding (provided by) repaid to the Company were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Net loss $ (268 ) $ (197 ) Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net $ (95 ) $ 71 Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE was as follows: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 56 $ 52 Restricted cash 15 31 Trade accounts receivable 876 1,031 Prepaid expenses 349 451 Other current assets 10 31 Other assets 410 439 Total assets $ 1,716 $ 2,035 Liabilities and noncontrolling interests Current liabilities $ 552 $ 698 Due to IDT Energy 1,235 1,140 Noncontrolling interests (71 ) 197 Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests $ 1,716 $ 2,035 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.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Abstract]
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	Note 9 — The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted “An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and V of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018”, which is commonly referred to as “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act provides for comprehensive tax legislation that, among other things, reduces the U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018, broadens the U.S. federal income tax base, requires companies to pay a one-time repatriation tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred (“transition tax”), and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), expressing its views regarding the FASB Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes The Company has not completed its accounting for the income tax effects of the enactment of the Tax Act; however, the Company made a reasonable estimate of the effect on its existing deferred tax assets and corresponding valuation allowance. The transition tax is based on total post-1986 earnings and profits which were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. At March 31, 2018, the Company did not have any undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. As a result, no additional income or withholding taxes have been provided for, for the undistributed earnings or any additional outside basis differences inherent in the foreign entities. The Company continues to review the anticipated impacts of the global intangible low taxed income (“GILTI”) and base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT). The Company has not recorded any impact associated with either GILTI or BEAT. The Company anticipates that its assumptions and estimates may change as a result of future guidance and interpretation from the Internal Revenue Service, the SEC, the FASB, and various other taxing jurisdictions. In particular, the Company anticipates that the U.S. state jurisdictions will continue to determine and announce their conformity with or decoupling from the Tax Act, either in its entirety or with respect to specific provisions. Legislative and interpretive actions could result in adjustments to the Company’s provisional estimates when the accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act is completed. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of the Tax Act on its financial statements, and will record the effect of any reasonable changes in its estimates and adjustments.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 10—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 computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share, except that the number of shares is increased to include restricted stock still subject to risk of forfeiture and to assume exercise of potentially dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method, unless the effect of such increase is anti-dilutive. The weighted-average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the Company’s common stockholders consists of the following: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Basic weighted-average number of shares 24,239 23,450 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options — 6 Non-vested restricted Class B common stock 56 305 Diluted weighted-average number of shares 24,295 23,761 The following shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation: March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Stock options 381 408 Non-vested restricted Class B common stock — — Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share 381 408 In the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, stock options with an exercise price that was greater than the average market price of the Company’s stock during the period were excluded from the diluted loss per share computation. Employees and directors of the Company that were previously granted restricted stock of Afek and Genie Mongolia, Inc. have the right to exchange the restricted stock, upon vesting of such shares, into shares of the Company’s Class B common stock. GRE has the right, at its option, to satisfy its obligations to issue common stock of GRE upon the vesting of the deferred stock units it granted in July 2015 to officers and employees of the Company in shares of the Company’s Class B common stock or cash. These exchanges and issuances, if elected, would be based on the relative fair value of the shares exchanged or to be issued. The number of shares of the Company’s stock issuable in an exchange is not currently determinable. If shares of the Company’s stock are issued upon such exchange, the Company’s earnings per share may be diluted in future periods.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 11—Related Party Transactions See Note 7 for a description of the proposed sale of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock and warrants to purchase additional shares of the Company’s Class B common stock to Howard S. Jonas. The Company was formerly a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (“IDT”). On October 28, 2011, the Company was spun-off by IDT (the “Spin-Off”). The Company entered into various agreements with IDT prior to the Spin-Off including an agreement for certain services to be performed by the Company and IDT. Following the Spin-Off, the charges for services provided by IDT are included in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the consolidated statements of income. Also, the Company provides specified administrative services to certain of IDT’s foreign subsidiaries. The charges for these services reduce the Company’s “Selling, general and administrative” expense. Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Amount IDT charged the Company $ 316 $ 377 Amount the Company charged IDT $ 121 $ 109

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Note 12—Business Segment Information The Company owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, GEIC, which owns 100% of GRE and 92% of GOGAS. The Company has three reportable business segments: GRE, Afek and GOGAS. GRE owns and operates REPs, including IDT Energy, Residents Energy, Town Square Energy, and Mirabito, and also offers energy brokerage and advisory services. Its REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers primarily in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. Through a joint venture, GRE has begun serving customers in the United Kingdom. GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to officers and employees that represent an interest of 1.25% of the equity of GRE. The Afek segment is comprised of the Company’s 86.1% interest in Afek, an oil and gas exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. The GOGAS segment is comprised of inactive oil shale projects. GOGAS also owns Atid Drilling Ltd., an early stage drilling services company operating in Israel. Corporate costs include unallocated compensation, consulting fees, legal fees, business development expense 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 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Revenues $ 89,268 $ — $ — $ — $ 89,268 Income (loss) from operations 10,349 (272 ) (1,089 ) (2,361 ) 6,627 Exploration — 227 — — 227 Equity in the loss of a joint venture 506 — — — 506 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Revenues $ 71,405 $ — $ — $ — $ 71,405 Income (loss) from operations 8,974 (1,286 ) (97 ) (2,395 ) 5,196 Exploration — 851 — — 851 Total assets for the business segments of the Company were as follows: (in thousands) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Total assets: March 31, 2018 $ 112,187 $ 1,772 $ 7,927 $ 3,292 $ 125,178 December 31, 2017 112,521 2,588 $ 7,887 2,782 125,778

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings On March 13, 2014, named plaintiff, Anthony Ferrare, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The complaint was served on IDT Energy on July 16, 2014. The named plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of himself and other former and current electric customers of IDT Energy in Pennsylvania with variable rate plans, whom he contends were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. On August 7, 2014, IDT Energy removed the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. On October 20, 2014, IDT Energy moved to stay or, alternatively, dismiss the complaint, as amended, by the named plaintiff. On November 10, 2014, the named plaintiff opposed IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss and IDT Energy filed a reply memorandum of law in further support of its motion to dismiss. On June 10, 2015, the Court granted IDT Energy’s motion to stay and denied its motion to dismiss without prejudice. The parties participated in mediation, and subsequently entered into a Settlement Agreement (discussed below), which received preliminary approval from the Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a final order by the Court approving the Settlement Agreement. The final approval hearing took place on April 9, 2018. The parties are awaiting a report and recommendation with respect to final approval of the settlement. 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 subsequently entered into a Settlement Agreement (discussed below), which received preliminary approval from the Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a final order by the Court approving the Settlement Agreement. The final approval hearing took place on April 9, 2018. The parties are awaiting a report and recommendation with respect to final approval of the settlement. On July 15, 2014, named plaintiff, Kimberly Aks, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County, contending that she and other class members were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s alleged unlawful sales and marketing practices. The named plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of herself and all other New Jersey residents who were IDT Energy customers at any time between July 11, 2008 and the present. 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 subsequently entered into a Settlement Agreement (discussed below), which received preliminary approval from the Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a final order by the Court approving the Settlement Agreement. The final approval hearing took place on April 9, 2018. The parties are awaiting a report and recommendation with respect to final approval of the settlement. On July 5, 2017, the Company entered into a class action Settlement Agreement with the class action plaintiffs acting individually and on behalf of the entire class, in the lawsuits currently pending in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey described above. The Company does not believe that there was any wrongdoing on its part, and is entering into the settlement to further its efforts to address its customers’ concerns. Under the Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay certain amounts to resolve the lawsuits and obtain a release of claims that were asserted or could have been asserted in the lawsuits or that are related to or arise out of the conduct alleged in the lawsuits or similar conduct, wherever it may have occurred. The settlement payment includes payments to customers who timely make a claim, class counsel, and the named plaintiffs, as well as the cost of a claims administrator for administrating the claims process. In 2017, the Company estimated, based in part on historical participation rates, that its total settlement payment would be approximately $9.0 million. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a liability of $9.0 million for the settlement payment. The period for class members to make claims has since expired, and in 2018, based on the claims received and related administrative costs, the Company estimated that the total settlement payment will be approximately $7.6 million. In the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company reduced the liability for the settlement payment by $1.4 million, reversed $1.7 million of the revenue reduction recorded in 2017, and recorded expense of $0.3 million that is included in “Selling, general and administrative expense”. The Settlement Agreement was preliminarily approved by the Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a final order by the Court approving the Settlement Agreement. The final approval hearing took place on April 9, 2018. The parties are awaiting a report and recommendation with respect to final approval of the settlement. From time to time, the Company receives inquiries or requests for information or materials from public utility commissions or other governmental regulatory or law enforcement agencies related to investigations under statutory or regulatory schemes, and the Company responds to those inquiries or requests. The Company cannot predict whether any of those matters will lead to claims or enforcement actions. In the third quarter of 2017, the Company accrued $1.5 million of estimated loss related to concerns raised by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and Division of Consumer Affairs regarding energy supply charges issued to the Company’s retail customers during the first quarter of 2014. 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 Proceedings In December 2017, the New York Public Service Commission (“PSC”) held an evidentiary hearing to assess the retail energy market in New York. The parties recently completed post-hearing briefing in the proceedings. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of any new order from the PSC that may follow from the evidentiary process, while preparing various contingencies for operation 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’s REPs in New York. As of March 31, 2018, New York represented 33% of GRE’s total meters served and 25% of the total residential customer equivalents (“RCEs”) of GRE’s customer base. On December 16, 2016, the PSC issued an order (the “2016 Order”) prohibiting REP service to customers enrolled in New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. Temporary stays of the 2016 Order expired, and REPs were required to return service of their low-income customers to the relevant local incumbent utility on the modified schedule set forth in the PSC’s 2016 Order. The 2016 Order required GRE’s REPs to transfer customer accounts comprising approximately 18,700 meters, representing approximately 10,600 RCEs, to their respective incumbent utilities in the three months ended March 31, 2018. On March 27, 2018, the New York Court of Appeals granted Motions for Leave to Appeal the question of whether the Legislature ever imparted to the PSC the authority to regulate the rates that private, non-monopoly REPs charge their customers. The Court of Appeals is now set to review a 2017 decision entered by the Appellate Division, Third Department, concerning the issue of the scope of the PSC’s authority over REPs under the Public Service Law, and to pronounce New York law on that issue. A briefing schedule was put in place, and the appeal is currently scheduled to be heard in September 2018. Purchase Commitments The Company had purchase commitments of $37.0 million at March 31, 2018, of which $35.4 million was for future purchases of electricity. The purchase commitments outstanding at March 31, 2018 are expected to be paid as follows: $34.3 million in the twelve months ending March 31, 2019, and $2.7 million in the twelve months ending March 31, 2020. 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 March 31, 2018, GRE had commitments to purchase renewable energy credits of $27.4 million. 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 March 31, 2018, GRE had aggregate performance bonds of $12.4 million outstanding. BP Energy Company Preferred Supplier Agreement As of November 19, 2015, certain of GRE’s REPs entered into an Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier Agreement with 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, the REPs purchase electricity and natural gas at market rate plus a fee. The obligations to BP are secured by a first security interest in deposits or receivables from utilities in connection with their purchase of the REPs’ customer’s receivables, and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in connection with any collateral accounts with BP. In addition, the REPs must pay an advance payment of $2.5 million to BP each month that BP will apply to the next invoiced amount due to BP. The ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants. At March 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. At March 31, 2018, restricted cash—short-term of $0.3 million and trade accounts receivable of $31.0 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of trade accounts payable to BP of $8.5 million at March 31, 2018.

Revolving Line of Credit

Revolving Line of Credit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revolving Line of Credit [Abstract]
Revolving Line of Credit	Note 14—Revolving Line of Credit On April 4, 2017, GRE, IDT Energy, and other GRE subsidiaries entered into a Credit Agreement with Vantage Commodities Financial Services II, LLC for a $20 million revolving loan facility. The borrowers consist of the Company’s subsidiaries that operate REP businesses, and those subsidiaries’ obligations are guaranteed by GRE. The borrowers have provided as collateral a security interest in their receivables, bank accounts, customer agreements, certain other material agreements and related commercial and intangible rights. The outstanding principal amount incurs interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum. Interest is payable monthly and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest is due on the maturity date of April 3, 2020. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $2.5 million was outstanding under the revolving line of credit. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the effective interest rate was 6.52% and 5.99% per annum, respectively. The borrowers are required to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining a target tangible net worth during the term of the credit agreement. To date, the Company is in compliance with such covenants.

Recently Issued Accounting Stan

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	Note 15—Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted 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 August 2017, the FASB issued an ASU intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. In addition, the ASU includes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance in U.S. GAAP. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Early application is permitted. Entities will apply the amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships that exist on the date of adoption using a modified retrospective approach. The presentation and disclosure requirements will be applied prospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact that this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and R23

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Schedule of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 36,705 $ 29,913 Restricted cash—short-term included in other current assets 288 518 Restricted cash—long-term 1,090 1,496 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 38,083 $ 31,927

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Schedule of revenues disaggregated	(in thousands) Electricity Natural Gas Other Total Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Fixed rate $ 21,333 $ 1,800 $ — $ 23,133 Variable rate 44,002 21,628 — 65,630 Other — — 505 505 Total $ 65,335 $ 23,428 $ 505 $ 89,268 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Fixed rate $ 11,995 $ 40 $ — $ 12,035 Variable rate 40,971 17,900 — 58,871 Other — — 499 499 Total $ 52,966 $ 17,940 $ 499 $ 71,405 (in thousands) Electricity Natural Gas Other Total Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Non-Commercial Channel $ 62,844 $ 21,381 $ — $ 84,225 Commercial Channel 2,491 2,047 — 4,538 Other — — 505 505 Total $ 65,335 $ 23,428 $ 505 $ 89,268 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Non-Commercial Channel $ 52,966 $ 17,940 $ — $ 70,906 Commercial Channel — — — — Other — — 499 499 Total $ 52,966 $ 17,940 $ 499 $ 71,405

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Schedule of balance of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total (in thousands) March 31, 2018 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 155 $ 196 $ — $ 351 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 382 $ 19 $ — $ 401 December 31, 2017 Assets: Derivative contracts $ 3,091 $ 1,267 $ — $ 4,358 Liabilities: Derivative contracts $ 693 $ 535 $ — $ 1,228 (1) – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (2) – observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (3) – no observable pricing inputs in the market

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Summary of volume of GRE's outstanding contracts and options	Commodity Settlement Dates Volume Electricity April 2018 20,160 MWh Electricity May 2018 36,960 MWh Electricity June 2018 69,600 MWh Electricity July 2018 114,480 MWh Electricity August 2018 121,840 MWh Electricity September 2018 33,440 MWh Electricity October 2018 75,440 MWh Electricity November 2018 68,880 MWh Electricity December 2018 65,600 MWh Electricity January 2019 3,520 MWh Electricity February 2019 3,200 MWh Natural gas May 2018 116,155 Dth Natural gas June 2018 107,870 Dth Natural gas July 2018 101,900 Dth Natural gas August 2018 23,675 Dth Natural gas September 2018 23,275 Dth Natural gas October 2018 23,075 Dth Natural gas November 2018 24,800 Dth Natural gas December 2018 29,550 Dth Natural gas January 2019 30,030 Dth Natural gas February 2019 27,825 Dth Natural gas March 2019 23,775 Dth Natural gas April 2019 20,725 Dth Natural gas May 2019 18,600 Dth Natural gas June 2019 13,725 Dth Natural gas July 2019 9,450 Dth Natural gas August 2019 8,950 Dth Natural gas September 2019 8,800 Dth Natural gas October 2019 6,850 Dth Natural gas November 2019 6,425 Dth Natural gas December 2019 5,725 Dth Natural gas Calendar 2020 19,025 Dth Natural gas Calendar 2021 550 Dth
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liability	Asset Derivatives Balance Sheet Location March 31, December 31, (in thousands) Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Other current assets $ 351 $ 4,358 Liability Derivatives Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Energy contracts and options Other current liabilities $ 401 $ 1,228
Schedule of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income	Amount of Loss Recognized on Derivatives Three Months Ended March 31, Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments Location of Loss Recognized on Derivatives 2018 2017 (in thousands) Energy contracts and options Cost of revenues $ (83 ) $ (1,248 )

Investment in Shoreditch Ener27

Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited [Abstract]
Summary of change in the balance of GEUK's investment	Three Months Ended 2018 2017 (in thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 3,450 $ — Capital contributions — — Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment 130 — Equity in the net loss of Shoreditch (506 ) — Balance, end of period $ 3,074 $ —
Summary of unaudited statements of operations	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Revenues $ 114 $ — Operating expenses: Cost of revenues 133 — Selling, general and administrative 760 — Total operating expenses 893 — Loss from operations (779 ) — Other — — Net loss $ (779 ) $ —

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of changes in the components of equity	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Attributable to Genie Noncontrolling Interests Total (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 84,013 $ (16,885 ) $ 67,128 Dividends on preferred stock (370 ) — (370 ) Dividends on common stock ($0.075 per share) (1,865 ) — (1,865 ) Stock-based compensation 889 — 889 Comprehensive income: Net income 6,154 (295 ) 5,859 Foreign currency translation adjustments 15 44 59 Comprehensive income 6,169 (251 ) 5,918 Balance, March 31, 2018 $ 88,836 $ (17,136 ) $ 71,700

Variable Interest Entity (Table

Variable Interest Entity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Schedule of net loss related to CCE and aggregate net funding	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Net loss $ (268 ) $ (197 ) Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net $ (95 ) $ 71
Summary of combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE	March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 56 $ 52 Restricted cash 15 31 Trade accounts receivable 876 1,031 Prepaid expenses 349 451 Other current assets 10 31 Other assets 410 439 Total assets $ 1,716 $ 2,035 Liabilities and noncontrolling interests Current liabilities $ 552 $ 698 Due to IDT Energy 1,235 1,140 Noncontrolling interests (71 ) 197 Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests $ 1,716 $ 2,035

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of weighted-average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Basic weighted-average number of shares 24,239 23,450 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options — 6 Non-vested restricted Class B common stock 56 305 Diluted weighted-average number of shares 24,295 23,761
Summary of shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share	March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Stock options 381 408 Non-vested restricted Class B common stock — — Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share 381 408

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of related party transactions	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) Amount IDT charged the Company $ 316 $ 377 Amount the Company charged IDT $ 121 $ 109

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Summary of operating results for the business segments	(in thousands) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Revenues $ 89,268 $ — $ — $ — $ 89,268 Income (loss) from operations 10,349 (272 ) (1,089 ) (2,361 ) 6,627 Exploration — 227 — — 227 Equity in the loss of a joint venture 506 — — — 506 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Revenues $ 71,405 $ — $ — $ — $ 71,405 Income (loss) from operations 8,974 (1,286 ) (97 ) (2,395 ) 5,196 Exploration — 851 — — 851
Summary of total assets for the business segments	(in thousands) GRE Afek GOGAS Corporate Total Total assets: March 31, 2018 $ 112,187 $ 1,772 $ 7,927 $ 3,292 $ 125,178 December 31, 2017 112,521 2,588 $ 7,887 2,782 125,778

Basis of Presentation (Details)

Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Genie Retail Energy [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership interest of company	1.25%
Percentage of gas revenue generated in given period			45.00%		43.00%
Percentage of electricity revenue generated in given period		30.00%		31.00%
Genie Oil and Gas, Inc. [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	92.00%
Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	86.10%
Genie Energy International Corporation [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	99.30%

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and R34

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 36,705	$ 29,913
Restricted cash-short-term included in other current assets	288	518
Restricted cash-long-term	1,090	1,496
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 38,083	$ 31,927	$ 47,895	$ 47,052

Revenue Recognition (Details)

Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Electricity	$ 65,335	$ 52,966
Natural Gas	23,428	17,940
Other	505	499
Total revenues	89,268	71,405
Fixed rate [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Electricity	21,333	11,995
Natural Gas	1,800	40
Other
Total revenues	23,133	12,035
Variable rate [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Electricity	44,002	40,971
Natural Gas	21,628	17,900
Other
Total revenues	65,630	58,871
Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Electricity
Natural Gas
Other	505	499
Total revenues	$ 505	$ 499

Revenue Recognition (Details 1)

Revenue Recognition (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Electricity	$ 65,335	$ 52,966
Natural Gas	23,428	17,940
Other	505	499
Total revenues	89,268	71,405
Non-Commercial Channel [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Electricity	62,844	52,966
Natural Gas	21,381	17,940
Other
Total revenues	84,225	70,906
Commercial Channel [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Electricity	2,491
Natural Gas	2,047
Other
Total revenues	4,538
Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Electricity
Natural Gas
Other	505	499
Total revenues	$ 505	$ 499

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Derivative contracts		$ 351	$ 4,358
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts		401	1,228
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Derivative contracts	[1]	155	3,091
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	[1]	382	693
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Derivative contracts	[2]	196	1,267
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	[2]	19	535
Level 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 (Deta38

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Measurements (Textual)
Financial instrument included in other assets	$ 0.5	$ 0.6

Derivative Instruments (Details

Derivative Instruments (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Electricity [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Apr. 30, 2018
Volume	20,160 MWh
Electricity 1 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	May 31, 2018
Volume	36,960 MWh
Electricity 2 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Jun. 30, 2018
Volume	69,600 MWh
Electricity 3 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Jul. 31, 2018
Volume	114,480 MWh
Electricity 4 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Aug. 31, 2018
Volume	121,840 MWh
Electricity 5 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Sep. 30, 2018
Volume	33,440 MWh
Electricity 6 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Oct. 31, 2018
Volume	75,440 MWh
Electricity 7 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Nov. 30, 2018
Volume	68,880 MWh
Electricity 8 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Dec. 31, 2018
Volume	65,600 MWh
Electricity 9 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Jan. 31, 2019
Volume	3,520 MWh
Electricity 10 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Electricity
Settlement Dates	Feb. 28, 2019
Volume	3,200 MWh
Natural gas [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	May 31, 2018
Volume	116,155 Dth
Natural gas 1 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Jun. 30, 2018
Volume	107,870 Dth
Natural gas 2 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Jul. 31, 2018
Volume	101,900 Dth
Natural gas 3 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Aug. 31, 2018
Volume	23,675 Dth
Natural gas 4 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Sep. 30, 2018
Volume	23,275 Dth
Natural gas 5 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Oct. 31, 2018
Volume	23,075 Dth
Natural gas 6 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Nov. 30, 2018
Volume	24,800 Dth
Natural gas 7 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Dec. 31, 2018
Volume	29,550 Dth
Natural gas 8 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Jan. 31, 2019
Volume	30,030 Dth
Natural gas 9 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Feb. 28, 2019
Volume	27,825 Dth
Natural gas 10 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Mar. 31, 2019
Volume	23,775 Dth
Natural gas 11 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Apr. 30, 2019
Volume	20,725 Dth
Natural gas 12 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	May 31, 2019
Volume	18,600 Dth
Natural gas 13 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Jun. 30, 2019
Volume	13,725 Dth
Natural gas 14 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Jul. 31, 2019
Volume	9,450 Dth
Natural gas 15 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Aug. 31, 2019
Volume	8,950 Dth
Natural gas 16 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Sep. 30, 2019
Volume	8,800 Dth
Natural gas 17 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Oct. 31, 2019
Volume	6,850 Dth
Natural gas 18 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Nov. 30, 2019
Volume	6,425 Dth
Natural gas 19 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Dec. 31, 2019
Volume	5,725 Dth
Natural gas 20 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Dec. 31, 2020
Volume	19,025 Dth
Natural gas 21 [Member]
Summarized volume of GRE's outstanding
Commodity	Natural gas
Settlement Dates	Dec. 31, 2021
Volume	550 Dth

Derivative Instruments (Detai40

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) - Energy contracts and options [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
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	$ 351	$ 4,358
Other current liabilities [Member]
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded as assets and liability
Liability Derivatives, not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments	$ 401	$ 1,228

Derivative Instruments (Detai41

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
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	$ (83)	$ (1,248)

Investment in Shoreditch Ener42

Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 3,450
Equity in the net loss of Shoreditch	(506)
Balance, end of period	3,074
Shoreditch [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	3,450
Capital contributions
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	130
Equity in the net loss of Shoreditch	(506)
Balance, end of period	$ 3,074

Investment in Shoreditch Ener43

Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited (Details 1) - Shoreditch [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 114
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues	133
Selling, general and administrative	760
Total operating expenses	893
Loss from operations	(779)
Other
Net loss	$ (779)

Investment in Shoreditch Ener44

Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited (Details Textual) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Shoreditch [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment in joint venture
Loss on investment	3.1
GEUK [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment in joint venture	$ 4
Percentage of ownership	65.00%
Additional aggregate investment in joint venture	$ 3.1	£ 2.2
EGC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership	35.00%
Additional aggregate investment in joint venture	$ 2.3	£ 1.7

Equity (Details)

Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 67,128
Dividends on preferred stock	(370)
Dividends on common stock ($0.075 per share)	(1,865)
Stock-based compensation	889
Comprehensive income:
Net income	5,859	$ 4,139
Foreign currency translation adjustments	59	442
Comprehensive income	5,918	$ 4,581
Ending Balance	71,700
Attributable to Genie [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	84,013
Dividends on preferred stock	(370)
Dividends on common stock ($0.075 per share)	(1,865)
Stock-based compensation	889
Comprehensive income:
Net income	6,154
Foreign currency translation adjustments	15
Comprehensive income	6,169
Ending Balance	88,836
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(16,885)
Dividends on preferred stock
Dividends on common stock ($0.075 per share)
Stock-based compensation
Comprehensive income:
Net income	(295)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	44
Comprehensive income	(251)
Ending Balance	$ (17,136)

Equity (Details Textual)

Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	May 07, 2018	May 02, 2018	Apr. 16, 2018	Feb. 15, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 11, 2013
Equity (Textual)
Remaining number of shares available for repurchase					6,900,000
Dividends on preferred stock					$ 370
Rothschild [Member] | GOGAS [Member]
Equity (Textual)
Purchases of equity of subsidiary interest					5.00%
Fair value of common stock					$ 200
Preferred Stock [Member] | Subsequent Events [Member]
Equity (Textual)
Preferred stock, dividends per share			$ 0.1594
Paid date of declared dividend			May 15, 2018
Record date of declared dividend			May 7, 2018
Common Stock [Member]
Equity (Textual)
Dividends declared per common share					$ 0.075	$ 0.075
Dividends paid					$ 1,900	$ 1,900
Class A common stock | Subsequent Events [Member]
Equity (Textual)
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.075
Paid date of declared dividend		May 23, 2018
Record date of declared dividend		May 15, 2018
Class B common stock
Equity (Textual)
Number of stock authorized to be repurchased							7,000,000
Class B common stock | Investor [Member]
Equity (Textual)
Sale of shares				230,415
Warrants to purchase shares				209,644
Warrants of sale price				10.00%
Class B common stock | Subsequent Events [Member]
Equity (Textual)
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.075
Paid date of declared dividend		May 23, 2018
Record date of declared dividend		May 15, 2018
Class B common stock | Subsequent Events [Member] | Howard S. Jonas [Member]
Equity (Textual)
Sale of shares	1,152,074
Sale of shares price per share	$ 4.34
Amount of aggregate sales price	$ 5,000
Warrants to purchase shares	1,048,218
Warrants exercise price per share	$ 4.77
Amount of warrants aggregate exercise price	$ 5,000
Warrants expiry term	2 years
Series 2012-A Preferred Stock [Member]
Equity (Textual)
Preferred stock dividend rate					$ 0.1594	$ 0.1594
Dividends on preferred stock					$ 400	$ 400

Variable Interest Entity (Detai

Variable Interest Entity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (268)	$ (197)
Aggregate funding (provided by) repaid to the Company, net	$ (95)	$ 71

Variable Interest Entity (Det48

Variable Interest Entity (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	$ 1,716	$ 2,035
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	1,716	2,035
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	56	52
Restricted cash [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	15	31
Trade accounts receivable [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	876	1,031
Prepaid expenses [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	349	451
Other current assets [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	10	31
Other assets [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total assets	410	439
Current liabilities [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	552	698
Due to IDT Energy [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	1,235	1,140
Noncontrolling interests [Member]
Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests	$ (71)	$ 197

Variable Interest Entity (Det49

Variable Interest Entity (Details Textual) - CCE [Member] $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity (Textual)
Forgiveness of loan	$ 0.5
Expiration date of the option	Oct. 22, 2023
Percentage of option to purchase	100.00%

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Deta

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 22, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018
The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act (Textual)
Income tax , description		The provisional estimates would be adjusted during a measurement period not to exceed 12 months from the enactment date of the Tax Act.
Minimum [Member]
The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act (Textual)
U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate	21.00%
Maximum [Member]
The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act (Textual)
U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate	35.00%

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic weighted-average number of shares	24,239	23,450
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		6
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock	56	305
Diluted weighted-average number of shares	24,295	23,761

Earnings Per Share (Details 1)

Earnings Per Share (Details 1) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	381	408
Stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	381	408
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Summary of related party transactions
Amount IDT charged the Company	$ 316	$ 377
Amount the Company charged IDT	$ 121	$ 109

Business Segment Information (D

Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues	$ 89,268	$ 71,405
Income (loss) from operations	6,627	5,196
Exploration	227	851
Equity in the loss of a joint venture	506
GRE [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues	89,268	71,405
Income (loss) from operations	10,349	8,974
Exploration
Equity in the loss of a joint venture	506
Afek [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations	(272)	(1,286)
Exploration	227	851
Equity in the loss of a joint venture
GOGAS [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations	(1,089)	(97)
Exploration
Equity in the loss of a joint venture
Corporate [Member]
Operating results for the business segments
Revenues
Income (loss) from operations	(2,361)	(2,395)
Exploration
Equity in the loss of a joint venture

Business Segment Information 55

Business Segment Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	$ 125,178	$ 125,778
GRE [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	112,187	112,521
Afek [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	1,772	2,588
GOGAS [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	7,927	7,887
Corporate [Member]
Summary total assets for the business segments
Total assets	$ 3,292	$ 2,782

Business Segment Information 56

Business Segment Information (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018Segment
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Number of reportable segments	3
GEIC [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	99.30%
GRE [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	100.00%
Ownership interest of company	1.25%
GOGAS [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	92.00%
Afek [Member]
Business Segment Information (Textual)
Company's investment, ownership percentage in subsidiary	86.10%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)MeterRCEs	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Purchase and other commitments		$ 37,000
Purchase commitment due in March 31, 2019		34,300
Purchase commitment due in March 31, 2020		2,700
Future purchases of electricity		35,400
Total settlement payment		$ 26,115		$ 28,069
Number of meters transferred to incumbent utilities | Meter		18,700
RCEs transferred to incumbent utilities | RCEs		10,600
Selling, general and administrative expense	[1]	$ 17,098	$ 18,802
Class Action Settlement Agreement [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Total settlement payment		7,600		$ 9,000		$ 9,000
Revenue reduction reversed		(1,700)
Liability for the settlement payment		(1,400)
Selling, general and administrative expense		$ 300
New Jersey Office and Attorney General [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Total payments reasonable settlement					$ 1,500
New York PSC [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Percentage of GRE's total meters served		33.00%
Percentage of total RCEs of GRE's customer base		25.00%
Genie Retail Energy [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Aggregate performance bond outstanding		$ 12,400
Purchase of renewable energy credit		27,400
BP [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Payment of trade accounts payable to BP Energy		$ 8,500
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.
Advance payment		$ 2,500
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Assets pledged as collateral to BP Energy		31,000
Restricted Cash [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual)
Assets pledged as collateral to BP Energy		$ 300
[1]	Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expense

Revolving Line of Credit (Detai

Revolving Line of Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 04, 2017
Revolving Line of Credit (Textual)
Revolving loan facility	$ 2,514	$ 2,513
Vantage Commodities Financial Services II, LLC [Member] | GRE Credit Agreement [Member]
Revolving Line of Credit (Textual)
Revolving loan facility	$ 2,500	$ 2,500
Maximum principal amount on revolving line of credit			$ 20,000
Interest rate on principal outstanding, description	Outstanding principal amount incurs interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum.
Effective interest rate	6.52%	5.99%
Maturity date	Apr. 3, 2020