HKN (HKNI) 10-Q 12 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 05, 2013
Document And Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HKN, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000313478	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer?	'No	'
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer?	'No	'
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current?	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	401,941
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$15,573		$19,286
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $21 thousand and $65 thousand at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	447		203
Assets of discontinued operations	25		'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	352		297
Total Current Assets	16,397		19,786
Oil and gas property, using the successful efforts method of accounting	4,299		2,953
Construction in progress - plant	6,685		1,717
Weathered lagoon plant	6,236		6,236
Office equipment and other	282		261
Accumulated depreciation and depletion	-653		-358
Total Property and Equipment, net	16,849		10,809
Intangible assets, net	1,719		1,872
Long term note receivable - related party, net of deferred transaction fees of $223 thousand and $119 thousand at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2102, respectively	13,277		16,881
Investment in Global	19,857		23,607
Other assets	215		1,022
Total Assets	68,314		73,977
Current Liabilities:	'		'
Trade payables	561		244
Liabilities of discontinued operations	109		247
Accrued liabilities and other	2,083		260
Preferred stock dividends	4		'
Total Current Liabilities	2,757		751
Asset retirement obligation	2	[1]	4
BWI contingency	800		800
Total Liabilities	3,559		1,555
Contingencies (Note 2 and 13)	'		'
Stockholders' Equity:	'		'
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 401,941 and 435,328 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	4		4
Additional paid-in capital	450,359		453,300
Accumulated deficit	-395,064		-394,170
Accumulated other comprehensive income	9,454		13,286
Total Stockholders' Equity	64,755		72,422
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	68,314		73,977
Series G1 Preferred Stock	'		'
Stockholders' Equity:	'		'
Preferred stock	1		1
Series G2 Preferred Stock	'		'
Stockholders' Equity:	'		'
Preferred stock	$1		$1
[1]	This is a Level 3 fair value measurement.

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance1

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance	$21	$65
Deferred transaction fees, long term note receivable - related party	223	119
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	401,941	435,328
Common stock, shares outstanding	401,941	435,328
Series G1 Preferred Stock	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock, liquidation value	100	100
Preferred stock, shares authorized	700,000	700,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000
Series G2 Preferred Stock	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock, liquidation value	$100	$100
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Oil and gas operations	$309	$185	$823	$185
Total revenues	309	185	823	185
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Oil and gas operating	60	21	126	21
Selling, general and administrative	827	857	2,475	3,157
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	211	117	555	244
Total operating costs and expenses	1,098	995	3,156	3,422
Loss from operations	-789	-810	-2,333	-3,237
Other income and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Interest and other expenses	-35	'	-35	'
Interest and other income - related party	528	496	1,773	1,336
Interest and other income	4	12	41	33
Total other income	497	508	1,779	1,369
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-292	-302	-554	-1,868
Income tax benefit	'	2	'	80
Loss from continuing operations	-292	-300	-554	-1,788
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	'	-24	'	-93
Loss from discontinued operations	-69	-82	-340	-302
Net loss	-361	-406	-894	-2,183
Accrual of dividends related to preferred stock	-4	-4	-12	-12
Gain on payments of dividends of preferred stock	'	'	8	8
Net loss attributed to common stock	($365)	($410)	($898)	($2,187)
Loss per common share from continuing operations	($0.74)	($0.70)	($1.36)	($4.01)
Loss per common share from discontinued operations	($0.17)	($0.24)	($0.83)	($0.88)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted	($0.91)	($0.94)	($2.19)	($4.89)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	401,941	436,896	410,266	447,411

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme1

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($361)	($406)	($894)	($2,183)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	963	503	-331	664
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	4,903	-1,940	-3,501	-6,352
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,866	-1,437	-3,832	-5,688
Comprehensive income (loss)	$5,505	($1,843)	($4,726)	($7,871)

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme2

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($894)	($2,183)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	555	244
Stock-based compensation expense	30	57
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	'	93
Amortization of long term note receivable - related party transaction fee	-236	-90
Other	-16	-1
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable and accounts receivable - related party	-255	-128
Prepaid assets and other	-210	-53
Trade payables and other	309	-751
Net cash used in operating activities - continuing operations	-717	-2,812
Net cash used in operating activities - discontinued operations	-163	-731
Net cash used in operating activities	-880	-3,543
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-3,730	-1,109
Purchase of Global shares	-32	-175
Net proceeds from sales of assets	55	1
Investment in Gerrity Oil joint venture, net of proportionate share of cash acquired of $2 million	'	-2,000
Origination fee from long term note receivable - related party restructuring	340	'
Repayment of long term note receivable - related party	3,500	'
Issuance of notes receivable to Global, net of transaction fees of $260 thousand	'	-11,740
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	133	-15,023
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-2,966	-2,901
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,966	-2,901
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-3,713	-21,467
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	19,286	43,431
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$15,573	$21,964

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme3

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'
Issuance of notes receivable to Global, transaction fees	$260
Investment in Gerrity Oil joint venture, proportionate share of cash acquired	$2,000

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	(1)          BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Our accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading. In our opinion, these consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the results of our operations for the three and nine months presented as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 and changes in our cash flows for the nine months presented as of September 30, 2013 and 2012. The December 31, 2012 consolidated condensed balance sheet information is derived from audited financial statements. All adjustments represent normal recurring items. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of all companies that we, through our direct or indirect ownership or shareholding, were provided the ability to control their operating policies and procedures. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	In July 2012, we obtained a 50% interest in Gerrity Oil, LLC (“Gerrity Oil”), a legal entity which held non-operated working interests in properties strategically located in the Bakken and Niobrara shale oil plays. In January 2013, we made the decision to dissolve the joint venture and obtain a direct ownership interest in our 50% portion of the Gerrity Oil assets and properties under a newly formed corporation, HKN Bakken, Inc. (“HBI”). Prior to its dissolution, we had accounted for Gerrity Oil under proportionate consolidation rules pursuant to which our 50% portion of the assets, liabilities and results of operations of Gerrity Oil were included in our consolidated condensed financial statements. Effective January 1, 2013, we began consolidating 100% of HBI. Due to the facts that we followed the proportionate consolidation rules for Gerrity Oil and our ownership interests in the underlying assets have not changed, these events did not affect our consolidated condensed balance sheets or consolidated condensed statements of operations (see Note 3 – “HKN Bakken, Inc.”).
	As of September 30, 2013, we owned less than a majority of the ordinary shares of Global Energy Development PLC (“Global”) and did not possess the legal power to direct Global’s operating policies and procedures. Accordingly, we have concluded that Global was not a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) at September 30, 2013.
	As a result of the sales of our Gulf Coast oil and gas properties and the abandonment of our coalbed methane projects during 2011, any remaining Gulf Coast and coalbed methane and oil and gas activities are included as discontinued operations on the consolidated condensed balance sheets, consolidated condensed statements of operations and consolidated condensed statements of cash flows for all periods presented.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income – Comprehensive income includes changes in stockholders’ equity during the periods that do not result from transactions with stockholders. Changes in our accumulated other comprehensive income during the period are as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	1,055		$	12,231		$	13,286
	Current period other comprehensive loss		(331	)		(3,501	)		(3,832	)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	724		$	8,730		$	9,454
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Financial instruments are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by management. Factors considered in valuing individual investments include, without limitation, available market prices, reported net asset values, marketability, restrictions on disposition, current financial position and operating results, and other pertinent information (see Note 7 – “Fair Value Measurements”).
	We carry our financial instruments, which include cash, our common stock investment in Global and our Global note receivable, at their estimated fair values. Our investment in ordinary shares of Global has been designated as available for sale rather than a trading security. The associated unrealized gains and losses on our available for sale investment are recorded to other comprehensive income until realized and reclassified into earnings using specific identification. The fair value of our investment in the ordinary shares of Global is based on prices quoted in an active market. Our investment in Global is classified as a non-current asset in our accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets.
	Translation of Non-U.S. Currency Amounts – Our investment in Global is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk as Global’s ordinary shares are denominated in British pounds sterling. Translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income until the investment is sold.
	Property and Equipment – We sold certain property during the first nine months of 2013 and recognized a gain of $28 thousand within the interest and other income line in our consolidated condensed statements of operations. We recorded depreciation expense related to other property and equipment of $14 thousand and $13 thousand for the three months and $43 thousand and $37 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for oil and gas producing properties and related equipment was $146 thousand and $53 thousand for the three months and $358 thousand and $53 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Intangible Assets – Our intangible assets consist of patents acquired in connection with our investment in BriteWater International, Inc. (“BWI”). Our patents have been valued at $2.6 million and are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 6-21 years, based on their respective contractual lives. Accumulated amortization in the amount of $873 thousand has been recorded on these patents to date. We have recorded amortization expense related to these patents of $51 thousand for both the three months and $154 thousand for both the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Patent annuity fees and legal fees related to the renewal of our existing patents are expensed as incurred and recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated condensed statements of operations.
	Other Assets – At September 30, 2013, other assets included $205 thousand in prepaid drilling costs related to the drilling and completion of wells held by HBI and $10 thousand in spare parts inventory for the Arctic Star plant.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 on reporting amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The update to this standard will require us to report the effect of any significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified to net income in the same reporting period, it requires a cross-reference to other required disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. This standard was effective for us starting with our first quarter interim reporting on Form 10-Q as of March 31, 2013. We currently do not have any reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income.

BriteWater_International_Inc

BriteWater International, Inc.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Britewater International Inc.	'
BriteWater International, Inc.	'
	(2)          BRITEWATER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	BWI owns a patented oilfield emulsion breaking technology. This is a continuous process technology that can purify oilfield emulsions by breaking and separating the emulsions into oil, water and solids, thereby reducing the environmental impact and disposal costs of these waste materials while recovering valuable oil. BWI has completed the design of standardized modules which can be used for both upstream and downstream applications in the oil and gas industry, including processing oilfield and refinery emulsions to recover valuable oil and oil spill remediation.
	BWI’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Arctic Star Alaska, Inc. (“Arctic Star”) is currently in the process of constructing a mobile waste processing plant which will be located on the North Slope of Alaska. Arctic Star currently holds contracts which grant them the right of first refusal for oilfield waste generated in certain fields on the North Slope.
	BWI also has a completed purpose-built plant which was designed to break emulsions found in weathered lagoon pits.
	BWI Contingency – BWI has a contingent liability of $800 thousand which may be payable upon the conclusion of certain performance events related to its weathered lagoon plant. There were no changes to the BWI liability recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

HKN_Bakken_Inc

HKN Bakken, Inc.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Hkn Bakken Inc.	'
HKN Bakken, Inc.	'
	(3)          HKN BAKKEN, INC.
	In July 2012, we obtained a 50% interest in Gerrity Oil, a legal entity which held non-operated working interests in properties strategically located in the Bakken and Niobrara shale oil plays. In January 2013, we made the decision to dissolve the joint venture and obtain a direct ownership interest in our 50% portion of the Gerrity Oil assets and properties under the newly formed HBI entity. We invested in these assets because we believe they present significant near-term growth potential and align well with our long term investment goals.
	Prior to its dissolution, we accounted for Gerrity Oil under proportionate consolidation rules pursuant to which our 50% portion of the assets, liabilities and results of operations of Gerrity Oil were included in our consolidated condensed financial statements. Effective January 1, 2013, we began consolidating 100% of HBI. Due to the facts that we followed the proportionate consolidation rules for Gerrity Oil and our ownership interests in the underlying assets have not changed, these events did not affect our consolidated condensed balance sheets or consolidated condensed statements of operations.
	During the second quarter 2013, we finalized the purchase price allocation of our investment in Gerrity Oil. The following table presents the recognized fair values of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the formation date (in thousands).
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,000
	Accounts receivable, net		65
	Oil and gas property-  proved		1,445
	Oil and gas property- unproved		326
	Other assets		335
	Trade payables		(31	)
	Accrued liabilities		(137	)
	Asset retirement obligation		(3	)
	Total identifiable net assets	$	4,000
	The fair value of the oil and gas properties of approximately $1.8 million was determined based on third party reserve valuations that were completed during the second quarter 2013. These valuations used a discounted forecasted cash flow analysis based on estimated future production to estimate the fair value of the oil and gas properties contributed. We consider this valuation of our oil and gas properties to be a non-recurring, Level 3 classification. See Note 7 - “Fair Value Measurements” for further discussions of Level 3 valuation definitions.
	As a result of this valuation, we have finalized our purchase accounting which resulted in immaterial adjustments in the current period to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as compared to amounts included in our December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements. As such, these adjustments were not restated for the prior period presented. Other assets of $335 thousand consist of prepaid drilling deposits related to the drilling and completion of contributed wells, which were previously recorded at December 31, 2012.
	Assuming our 50% portion of Gerrity Oil was acquired on January 1, 2012, proforma revenues and earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 would not be material to our financial statements.

Investment_in_Global

Investment in Global	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investment in Global	'
	(4)          INVESTMENT IN GLOBAL
	Our non-current available for sale investment consists of our ownership of approximately 34% of Global’s outstanding ordinary shares. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our investment in Global was equal to the market value of Global’s ordinary shares as follows (in thousands, except for closing price and exchange rate amounts):
		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Shares of Global Stock Held by HKN		12,407		12,357
	Closing Price of Global Stock	£	0.99	£	1.18
	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate		1.6167		1.6259
	Market Value of Investment in Global	$	19,857	$	23,607
	The foreign currency translation adjustment of approximately $331 thousand and the unrealized loss on investment of $3.5 million for the changes in market value between the two periods were recorded to other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	During September 2013, we purchased an additional 50 thousand shares of Global for $82 thousand, increasing our ownership from 34.22% to 34.36%.
	Our policy is to review our investment in Global semi-annually or more often if any indicators of impairment become known. We continuously monitor macroeconomic indicators and track Global’s stock price volatility for any downward trends in the market. We also review public financial information including Global’s issued financial statements, investor presentations, as well as financial analysts’ reviews and recommendations for any indicators of an other than temporary impairment in our carrying value. Additionally, we monitor public reports regarding the reserves in Colombia’s Middle Magdalena basin in which Global operates. We also assess internally our ability and intent to hold our investment in Global should the fair value drop below our cost. Any resulting other than temporary impairment would be immediately recognized in earnings. We have not recognized any such impairment as of September 30, 2013. We currently have a cumulative unrealized gain position on our investment in Global of $9.5 million.

Notes_Receivable_Related_Party

Notes Receivable Related Party	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Notes Receivable Related Party	'
	(5)          NOTES RECEIVABLE – RELATED PARTY
	In March 2013, we entered into a new loan agreement (the “Global 2013 Note”) with Global to refinance the outstanding $5 million Global Note Receivable and the $12 million Global Loan into one $17 million note. The Global 2013 Note extended the maturity date to June 15, 2015 and increased the interest rate from 12.5% to 12.75%. Principal payments are required quarterly and began on March 31, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we have received $3.5 million in principal payments from Global. Accrued interest on the outstanding principal balance is due on each quarterly principal payment date. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we have received $478 thousand and approximately $1.5 million, respectively, in interest payments from Global. Payment of the Global 2013 Note is guaranteed by Global’s principal operating subsidiary. In connection with the new loan agreement, Global paid us a transaction fee of $340 thousand, of which $223 thousand was deferred and presented net of our long term notes receivable at September 30, 2013. The remaining deferred transaction fee will be recognized over the life of the loan. Additionally, we recognized $86 thousand of unamortized origination fees related to the old loans upon execution of the new note agreement. The remaining payments due to us under the new Global 2013 Note are as follows: $1.5 million due quarterly from December 31, 2013 through March 31, 2015 and $4.5 million due June 15, 2015.
	Currently, our related party loans are classified as long-term due to the historic uncertainty around the timing of collection in spite of the stated repayment terms in the agreements. As of September 30, 2013, all required quarterly payments on the Global 2013 Note have been received from Global. As a related party, however, it is in our best interest to work with Global on payment terms to maximize our return on this investment. We assess the collectability of our related party loan with Global on a semi-annual basis based on review of their publicly disclosed financial information. Additionally, we continually monitor all Global disclosures for any events that could adversely affect their liquidity or results of operations. As of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q we do not have any reason to believe that our Global 2013 Note is not collectible or is impaired. Accordingly, we did not record any allowance for doubtful accounts related to our related party notes receivable at September 30, 2013.

Asset_Retirement_Obligation

Asset Retirement Obligation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement Obligation	'
	(6)          ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
	We recognize the present value of asset retirement obligations beginning in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. A summary of our asset retirement obligations as of September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Asset Retirement
	Asset Category	Obligation		Estimated Life
	Oil and gas producing properties	$                         2	-1	27.5 years
	__________________________
	(1) This is a Level 3 fair value measurement.
	The following table describes all changes to our asset retirement obligation liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		2013
	Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period	$	4
	Additions during the period		1
	Disposals during the period		—
	Revisions of estimates		(3	)
	Accretion expense		—
	Asset retirement obligation at end of period	$	2
	During the second quarter 2013, we revised our asset retirement obligation to reflect an increase in estimated life of our HBI oil and gas properties from 15 years to 27.5 years based on estimates provided in a third party reserve valuation.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	(7)          FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as 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 accounting guidance establishes a framework for measuring fair value and a valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability. Classification within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy contains three levels:
	Level 1 – Valuation inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2 – Valuation inputs are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and other observable inputs directly or indirectly related to the asset or liability being measured.
	Level 3 – Valuation inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
	Valuation of Acquired Gerrity Oil Property – The fair value of the acquired oil and gas properties of $1.8 million is non-recurring and was estimated based on third party valuations using the income approach method, which is based on a discounted forecasted cash flow analysis derived from estimated future production. We consider this valuation to be a Level 3 classification.
	The following tables present recurring financial assets which are carried at fair value as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Investment in Global (1)	$	19,857	$	—	$	—
			31-Dec-12
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Investment in Global (1)	$	23,607	$	—	$	—
	____________________________________________________
	(1) Global’s ordinary shares are publicly traded on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”), a market operated by the London Stock Exchange, with quoted prices in active markets. Accordingly, the fair value measurements of these securities have been classified as Level 1.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	(8)          DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	As a result of the sales of our Gulf Coast oil and gas properties and the abandonment of our coalbed methane projects during 2011, all related activities are included as discontinued operations on the consolidated condensed balance sheets and consolidated condensed statements of operations for all periods presented.
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities for our discontinued oil and gas operations are summarized below (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Current Assets:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	25		$	—
	Total Current Assets		25			—
	Total Assets of Discontinued Operations	$	25		$	—
	Current Liabilities:
	Trade payables	$	42		$	3
	Revenues and royalties payable		17			17
	Accrued liabilities and other		50			227
	Total Current Liabilities		109			247
	Total Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	$	109		$	247
	Our Accounts Receivable at September 30, 2013 primarily consists of approved insurance recoveries for legal fees related to the XPLOR Energy litigation (see Note 13 – “Contingencies”). Our Accrued Liabilities and Other at September 30, 2013 include $50 thousand in legal fees related to this litigation.
	Cash used by discontinued operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is mainly related to legal costs resulting from the sale of the oil and gas properties. Upon resolution of the XPLOR Energy litigation and regulatory matters, no significant activities are expected related to these discontinued operations.
	The revenues and net income before income tax associated with our discontinued oil and gas operations are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues and other:
	Oil and gas operations	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Oil and gas processing and handling income		—			—			—			—
	Total revenues from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Loss from discontinued operations before taxes	$	(69	)	$	(82	)	$	(340	)	$	(302	)
	We recognized losses of $24 thousand and $93 thousand on the 2011 disposal of our Gulf Coast oil and gas properties during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, as a result of decreases in actual retained plugging and abandonment costs over estimates at December 31, 2011. No additional losses were recognized on this disposal in the first nine months of 2013.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	(9)          SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Our reportable segments, which consist of BWI and HBI, are aligned around our energy assets which are managed separately. We have included activity of our parent company, HKN, in our disclosure to reconcile to our consolidated operating loss and total assets. HKN, which includes our investment in Global, performs general corporate activities such as corporate reporting and governance, financing, management and growth of current operations and the evaluation of new investment opportunities. Our accounting policies for each of our operating segments are the same as those for our consolidated condensed financial statements. Intersegment interest income and intersegment expenses between our parent company and BWI or HBI have been eliminated in consolidation. There were no material intersegment sales or transfers for the periods presented.
	Our BWI segment owns a patented oilfield emulsion breaking technology. This is a continuous process technology that can purify oilfield emulsions by breaking and separating the emulsions into oil, water and solids, thereby reducing the environmental impact and disposal costs of these waste materials while recovering valuable oil. See Note 2 – “BriteWater International, Inc.” for further discussion.
	Our HBI segment holds non-operated working interests in properties strategically located in the Bakken and Niobrara shale oil plays. See Note 3 – “HKN Bakken, Inc.” for further discussion.
	Our financial information, expressed in thousands, for each of our operating segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		HKN			BWI			HBI			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Oil and gas revenues	$	—		$	—		$	309		$	—		$	309
	Oil and gas expenses		—			—			(60	)		—			(60	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(576	)		(166	)		(85	)		—			(827	)
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(11	)		(54	)		(146	)		—			(211	)
	Interest and other expenses		(27	)		(174	)		(6	)		172			(35	)
	Interest and other income - related parties		700			—			—			(172	)		528
	Interest and other income		3			1			—			—			4
	Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	$	89		$	(393	)	$	12		$	—		$	(292	)
	Capital Expenditures	$	30		$	1,527		$	197		$	—		$	1,754
	Total Assets	$	58,186		$	16,273		$	4,642		$	(10,787	)	$	68,314
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		HKN			BWI			HBI			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Oil and gas revenues	$	—		$	—		$	185		$	—		$	185
	Oil and gas expenses		—			—			(21	)		—			(21	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(550	)		(266	)		(41	)		—			(857	)
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(10	)		(54	)		(53	)		—			(117	)
	Interest and other expenses		—			(83	)		—			83			—
	Interest and other income - related parties		579			—			—			(83	)		496
	Interest and other income		12			—			—			—			12
	Income tax benefit		2			—			—			—			2
	Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	$	33		$	(403	)	$	70		$	—		$	(300	)
	Capital Expenditures	$	10		$	263		$	331		$	—		$	604
	Total Assets	$	66,215		$	9,689		$	4,115		$	(14,327	)	$	65,692
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		HKN			BWI			HBI			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Oil and gas revenues	$	—		$	—		$	823		$	—		$	823
	Oil and gas expenses		—			—			(126	)		—			(126	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(1,804	)		(490	)		(181	)		—			(2,475	)
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(33	)		(164	)		(358	)		—			(555	)
	Interest and other expenses		(27	)		(436	)		(8	)		436			(35	)
	Interest and other income - related parties		2,209			—			—			(436	)		1,773
	Interest and other income		41			—			—			—			41
	Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	$	386		$	(1,090	)	$	150		$	—		$	(554	)
	Capital Expenditures	$	82		$	3,177		$	471		$	—		$	3,730
	Total Assets	$	58,186		$	16,273		$	4,642		$	(10,787	)	$	68,314
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		HKN			BWI			HBI			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Oil and gas revenues	$	—		$	—		$	185		$	—		$	185
	Oil and gas expenses		—			—			(21	)		—			(21	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(2,099	)		(1,017	)		(41	)		—			(3,157	)
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(29	)		(162	)		(53	)		—			(244	)
	Interest and other expenses		—			(204	)		—			204			—
	Interest and other income - related parties		1,540			—			—			(204	)		1,336
	Interest and other income		33			—			—			—			33
	Income tax benefit		80			—			—			—			80
	Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(475	)	$	(1,383	)	$	70		$	—		$	(1,788	)
	Capital Expenditures	$	16		$	762		$	331		$	—		$	1,109
	Total Assets	$	66,215		$	9,689		$	4,115		$	(14,327	)	$	65,692

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	(10)        STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Effective October 30, 2012, we completed a one-for-forty reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock which was approved by shareholders on October 29, 2012. The reverse stock split was initiated to reduce the amount of small shareholders that typically do not vote their shares. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the reverse stock split. In conjunction with the reverse stock split, our shareholders also approved a reduction of our common stock shares authorized from 24 million shares to 2 million shares. Our shares authorized have been adjusted to reflect this change.
	No changes in the number of preferred shares occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The changes in the number of common and treasury shares held during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
		Number of Shares
	Description		Preferred G1	Preferred G2	Common		Treasury
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		1,000	1,000	435,328		—
	Shares issued for preferred stock dividends		—	—	2		—
	Treasury stock repurchase		—	—	—		33,389
	Treasury stock retirements		—	—	(33,389	)	(33,389	)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013		1,000	1,000	401,941		—
	Treasury Stock – At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we held no shares of treasury stock. In January 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the cancellation of our amended September 2005 stock repurchase plan and authorized a new stock repurchase program which allows us to buy back up to 45 thousand shares of our common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we purchased and retired approximately 33 thousand shares of our common stock in privately negotiated transactions for approximately $3 million. As of September 30, 2013, approximately 12 thousand shares remained available for repurchase under our repurchase program.
	Additional Paid in Capital – Additional paid in capital decreased by approximately $2.9 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to the purchase and retirement of our common stock and BWI stock compensation.

BWI_Stock_Compensation

BWI Stock Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
BWI Stock Compensation	'
	(11)        BWI STOCK COMPENSATION
	In April 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, BWI, adopted a 2012 Equity Compensation Plan (the “BWI Plan”), which is administered by the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the HKN Board of Directors.  The Committee has complete and absolute authority to make any and all decisions regarding the administration of the BWI Plan, and all employees of BWI, HKN and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the BWI Plan. An aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock of BWI (10% of BWI’s currently outstanding shares of common stock) have been reserved for potential award issuance under the BWI Plan.
	Awards under the BWI Plan are granted in the form of nonqualified stock options.  The Committee also has complete and absolute authority to set the terms, conditions and provisions of each award, including the size of the award, the exercise or base price, the vesting and exercisability schedule (including provisions regarding acceleration of vesting and exercisability) and termination, cancellation and forfeiture provisions, subject to limitations on the exercise price and term under the BWI Plan.  In particular, the exercise price for a stock option granted under the BWI Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the award date, and no stock option granted under the BWI Plan may expire more than ten years after the award date.
	In April 2012, 40 thousand options were granted to BWI officers and directors with an exercise price of $14.50 per share of BWI common stock and a vesting period of three years, with one third of the options vesting on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. As of September 30, 2013, 14 thousand of these options were forfeited and approximately 9 thousand options were exercisable. The grant date fair value of the stock of $14.50 per share was based on an independent third-party valuation. This valuation used the income approach method based on a discounted forecasted cash flow analysis.
	Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period, using the straight-line method. The fair value of each stock option of $8.56 per share at the grant date was estimated by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:
		5-Apr-12
	Expected dividend yield		0.00%
	Expected volatility		65.00%
	Expected life (in years)		6.00
	Risk free interest rate		1.29%
	We estimate the expected dividend yield to be zero because we do not anticipate paying dividends out of BWI.  Because BWI is not publicly traded, the expected volatility is based on an average historical and implied volatility for comparable public reporting companies over a period similar to the expected life of the options.  Expected life is based on the simplified method of computing an average of the vesting periods and the contractual term, and the risk-free interest rate represents the published interest rate for a comparable term US Treasury Bond on the grant date.
	We are also required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant, and to revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from our estimates as a cumulative adjustment in the period of revision. Stock compensation is recorded only for those awards that are expected to vest. In the first quarter of 2013, a total of 12 thousand shares were forfeited and an immaterial amount of stock compensation expense was reversed. No additional forfeiture rate was applied during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as no further forfeitures were expected.
	Total stock-based compensation recognized within selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated condensed statements of operations was $19 thousand and $29 thousand for the three months and $30 thousand and $57 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	(12)        EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013								Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Net Loss Attributed to Common Stock			Weighted-Average Shares		Per Share Loss			Net Loss Attributed to Common Stock			Weighted-Average		Per Share Loss
														Shares (3)
	Basic EPS:
	Loss from continuing operations (1)		$	(296	)			$	(0.74	)	$	(304	)			$	(0.70	)
	Loss from discontinued operations			(69	)				(0.17	)		(106	)				(0.24	)
	Net loss attributed to common stock		$	(365	)		402	$	(0.91	)	$	(410	)		437	$	(0.94	)
	Effect of dilutive securities
	Preferred stock (2)			—			—		—			—			—		—
	Diluted loss per share		$	(365	)		402	$	(0.91	)	$	(410	)		437	$	(0.94	)
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013								Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Net Loss Attributed to Common Stock			Weighted-Average Shares		Per Share Loss			Net Loss Attributed to Common Stock			Weighted-Average		Per Share Loss
														Shares (3)
	Basic EPS:
	Loss from continuing operations (4)		$	(558	)			$	(1.36	)	$	(1,792	)			$	(4.01	)
	Loss from discontinued operations			(340	)				(0.83	)		(395	)				(0.88	)
	Net loss attributed to common stock		$	(898	)		410	$	(2.19	)	$	(2,187	)		447	$	(4.89	)
	Effect of dilutive securities
	Preferred stock (5)			—			—		—			—			—		—
	Diluted loss per share		$	(898	)		410	$	(2.19	)	$	(2,187	)		447	$	(4.89	)
	__________________________
		-1	Includes accrual of dividends, net of the gain on dividends paid with common shares, related to preferred stock for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 of $4 thousand.
		-2	Includes 11 shares of our common stock related to our Series G1 preferred and Series G2 preferred stock for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These shares were issuable upon their conversion in the period presented and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been antidilutive.
		-3	Retroactively reflects the effect of a one-for-forty reverse stock split effective October 30, 2012 (see Note 10 – “Stockholders’ Equity”).
		-4	Includes accrual of dividends, net of the gain on dividends paid with common shares, related to preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 of $4 thousand.
		-5	Includes 35 shares of our common stock related to our Series G1 preferred and Series G2 preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These shares were issuable upon their conversion in the period presented and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been antidilutive.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	(13)        CONTINGENCIES
	XPLOR Energy Litigation – Pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement (“PSA”) dated as of November 17, 2011 between our subsidiary XPLOR Energy SPV-1, Inc. (“XPLOR”) and Texas Petroleum Investment Company (“TPIC”), XPLOR sold to TPIC its oil and gas production assets and related operations at its Main Pass 35 field.  The closing of the transaction occurred on November 17, 2011 but was effective as of October 1, 2011.  On November 21, 2011, TPIC informed XPLOR that they had discovered defects in the salt water disposal system at Main Pass resulting in a salt water spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which had been reported to regulatory authorities.
	TPIC has filed a lawsuit against XPLOR in the 236th Judicial District Court, Tarrant County, Texas. The case is styled: Texas Petroleum Investment Company vs. XPLOR Energy SPV-1, Inc., Richard Cottle, Sarah Gasch, and John Hewitt. In the lawsuit, TPIC has asserted claims of fraud, fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation, and indemnity related to its purchase of a production platform and associated assets from XPLOR. TPIC’s claims focus on alleged salt water system defects, related repairs to the facilities, and purported representations regarding the condition of the platform and associated assets. TPIC is seeking an unstated amount of alleged actual and exemplary damages as well as costs and fees. Although litigation is inherently uncertain, based upon the information known to date, we do not believe TPIC’s claims have merit. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2013, we did not record a contingency related to TPIC’s allegations as we do not currently believe that it is probable that HKN or XPLOR would be responsible for the costs, fees and damages allegedly incurred by TPIC as a result of its claims, the salt water disposal issues, or third party or governmental claims, if any, resulting therefrom.  We intend to vigorously defend any assertions related to the above lawsuit.  Based upon information known to date, the range of estimated loss if TPIC were to prevail on its claims is currently estimated not to exceed $2.5 million in damages, costs, and fees.
	BWI Contingencies – See Note 2 – “BriteWater International, Inc.” for further discussion of BWI contingencies.
	Main Pass Environmental Investigations – In January 2013, we were notified by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ”) of an investigation and potential penalty related to the TPIC allegations of improper salt water disposal at the Main Pass 35 field previously owned by our subsidiary XPLOR Energy SPV-1, Inc. At the time of filing this report on Form 10-Q, the LDEQ had not completed its investigation. In March 2013, we were advised that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was undertaking a criminal investigation of the salt water disposal incident. We are not aware of any damage to or spill from the salt water disposal system prior to TPIC’s ownership; accordingly, as of September 30, 2013, we did not record a contingency related to these investigations.
	Point Au Fer Lawsuit – During the second quarter 2013, we learned HKN, Inc. was named in a lawsuit filed in the 32nd Judicial District Court for the Parish of Terrebonne, Louisiana by Point Au Fer, L.L.C., and The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  The case is styled: Point Au Fer, L.L.C., and The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans v. ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, et al, No. 169160. In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs have alleged that real property they own in Terrebonne Parish has been environmentally damaged as a result of oil and gas exploration activities of twenty different defendants.  The plaintiffs seek damages for testing and remediation of the property, property stigma, loss of use of land and lost profits, civil fruits for defendants trespass, land loss and subsidence, punitive or exemplary damages and attorney’s fees. Per Louisiana law, no actual dollar amount of damages has been alleged in the Petition. With specific regard to HKN, Inc., out of over one hundred wells identified in the Petition, HKN, Inc. only drilled one well, the MA Smythe Nelson #1, which was a dry hole. The MA Smythe Nelson #1 was drilled on June 2, 1980 and plugged and abandoned on July 12, 1980.  We have and intend to continue to vigorously defend any assertions related to the above lawsuit. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the lawsuit at this time, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of the matter. Accordingly, at September 30, 2013, we did not record a contingency related to this matter.
	Point a la Hache Lawsuit – During the second quarter 2013, we learned XPLOR Energy Operating Company and XPLOR Energy SPV-1, Inc. were named in a lawsuit filed in the 25th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Plaquemines, Louisiana. The case is styled: Catherine P. Alford et al. v. BP America Production Company, et al., Docket No. 60-479. In the lawsuit, eight plaintiffs have sued 25 defendants, alleging that they own and/or use a certain 4,480 acres located in the Pointe a la Hache oil and gas field.  Plaintiffs further allege that the property has been contaminated or otherwise damaged by oil and gas exploration and production activities.  Per Louisiana law, no actual dollar amount of damages has been alleged in the Petition. Investigation of the underlying factual background is in the preliminary stages but we intend to vigorously defend any assertions related to the above lawsuit. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the lawsuit at this time, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of the matter.  Accordingly, at September 30, 2013, we did not record a contingency related to this matter.
	SLFPA-E Litigation – Plaintiffs South Louisiana Flood Protection Authority—East (“SLFPA-E”) filed this lawsuit in Louisiana state court against over 90 oil and gas and pipeline companies. Generally the lawsuit alleges that activities by defendants—primarily but not exclusively the dredging of canals—have made it more difficult for the SLFPA-E to protect the New Orleans metropolitan area from flooding. Defendants have removed the case to federal court, but the plaintiff seeks to remand the case back to state court. Until that issue is resolved, there is no pending discovery or other activity in the case. The petition alleges that HKN, Inc. is "by virtue of [one or more of] mergers, acquisitions, name changes, etc., responsible for" the actions of Tejas Power Corporation, which is alleged to have obtained in the 1980s certain dredging permits and rights of way.  HKN, Inc. disputes that it is responsible for any actions of Tejas Power Corporation.  The public record appears to suggest that Tejas Power Corporation may have been a subsidiary of Harken Oil and Gas, Incorporated (a previous name of HKN, Inc.) for a few years in the 1980s and 1990s.  However, there appears to be nothing to indicate that HKN, Inc. would have liability for the actions of Tejas Power Corporation, which continued to exist after HKN, Inc. no longer had any interest in Tejas Power Corporation. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the lawsuit at this time, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of the matter.  Accordingly, at September 30, 2013, we did not record a contingency related to this matter.
	Louisiana Limited Scope Audit – In April 2012, we received notice from the State of Louisiana’s Department of Revenue that our discontinued oil and gas subsidiary, XPLOR Energy Operating Company, was the subject of a limited scope sales tax audit focused on the company’s on-site use and consumption of lease gas in connection with its lease, gathering and pipeline operations from January 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009. The Louisiana Department of Revenue issued a preliminary assessment, or “Notice of Proposed Tax Due,” preliminarily assessing sales tax of $194 thousand and related penalties and interest of $142 thousand, resulting in a total assessment of $336 thousand. In July 2012, we filed an audit protest with the Louisiana Department of Revenue challenging the preliminary assessment, as we do not agree with the legal basis of the assessment or the methodology in which the taxes were calculated and plan to vigorously defend our position. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the audit protest and preliminary assessment, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of the matter. Accordingly, at September 30, 2013, we did not record a contingency related to this matter. In the event of a negative outcome, the potential loss related to the audit and preliminary assessment is currently estimated not to exceed $336 thousand.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	(14)        RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	Our related party transactions at September 30, 2013 include our $13.5 million note receivable from Global. Our CEO, Mikel Faulkner, serves as Chairman of Global. Please see Note 5 - “Notes Receivable – Related Party” for additional information on our note receivable from Global.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates Policy	'
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of all companies that we, through our direct or indirect ownership or shareholding, were provided the ability to control their operating policies and procedures. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	In July 2012, we obtained a 50% interest in Gerrity Oil, LLC (“Gerrity Oil”), a legal entity which held non-operated working interests in properties strategically located in the Bakken and Niobrara shale oil plays. In January 2013, we made the decision to dissolve the joint venture and obtain a direct ownership interest in our 50% portion of the Gerrity Oil assets and properties under a newly formed corporation, HKN Bakken, Inc. (“HBI”). Prior to its dissolution, we had accounted for Gerrity Oil under proportionate consolidation rules pursuant to which our 50% portion of the assets, liabilities and results of operations of Gerrity Oil were included in our consolidated condensed financial statements. Effective January 1, 2013, we began consolidating 100% of HBI. Due to the facts that we followed the proportionate consolidation rules for Gerrity Oil and our ownership interests in the underlying assets have not changed, these events did not affect our consolidated condensed balance sheets or consolidated condensed statements of operations (see Note 3 – “HKN Bakken, Inc.”).
	As of September 30, 2013, we owned less than a majority of the ordinary shares of Global Energy Development PLC (“Global”) and did not possess the legal power to direct Global’s operating policies and procedures. Accordingly, we have concluded that Global was not a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) at September 30, 2013.
	As a result of the sales of our Gulf Coast oil and gas properties and the abandonment of our coalbed methane projects during 2011, any remaining Gulf Coast and coalbed methane and oil and gas activities are included as discontinued operations on the consolidated condensed balance sheets, consolidated condensed statements of operations and consolidated condensed statements of cash flows for all periods presented.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income – Comprehensive income includes changes in stockholders’ equity during the periods that do not result from transactions with stockholders. Changes in our accumulated other comprehensive income during the period are as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	1,055		$	12,231		$	13,286
	Current period other comprehensive loss		(331	)		(3,501	)		(3,832	)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	724		$	8,730		$	9,454
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Financial instruments are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by management. Factors considered in valuing individual investments include, without limitation, available market prices, reported net asset values, marketability, restrictions on disposition, current financial position and operating results, and other pertinent information (see Note 7 – “Fair Value Measurements”).
	We carry our financial instruments, which include cash, our common stock investment in Global and our Global note receivable, at their estimated fair values. Our investment in ordinary shares of Global has been designated as available for sale rather than a trading security. The associated unrealized gains and losses on our available for sale investment are recorded to other comprehensive income until realized and reclassified into earnings using specific identification. The fair value of our investment in the ordinary shares of Global is based on prices quoted in an active market. Our investment in Global is classified as a non-current asset in our accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets.
Translation of Non-US Currency Amounts	'
	Translation of Non-U.S. Currency Amounts – Our investment in Global is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk as Global’s ordinary shares are denominated in British pounds sterling. Translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income until the investment is sold.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment – We sold certain property during the first nine months of 2013 and recognized a gain of $28 thousand within the interest and other income line in our consolidated condensed statements of operations. We recorded depreciation expense related to other property and equipment of $14 thousand and $13 thousand for the three months and $43 thousand and $37 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for oil and gas producing properties and related equipment was $146 thousand and $53 thousand for the three months and $358 thousand and $53 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets – Our intangible assets consist of patents acquired in connection with our investment in BriteWater International, Inc. (“BWI”). Our patents have been valued at $2.6 million and are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 6-21 years, based on their respective contractual lives. Accumulated amortization in the amount of $873 thousand has been recorded on these patents to date. We have recorded amortization expense related to these patents of $51 thousand for both the three months and $154 thousand for both the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Patent annuity fees and legal fees related to the renewal of our existing patents are expensed as incurred and recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated condensed statements of operations.
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets – At September 30, 2013, other assets included $205 thousand in prepaid drilling costs related to the drilling and completion of wells held by HBI and $10 thousand in spare parts inventory for the Arctic Star plant.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 on reporting amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The update to this standard will require us to report the effect of any significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified to net income in the same reporting period, it requires a cross-reference to other required disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. This standard was effective for us starting with our first quarter interim reporting on Form 10-Q as of March 31, 2013. We currently do not have any reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income.

Basis_of_Presentation_Tables

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	1,055		$	12,231		$	13,286
	Current period other comprehensive loss		(331	)		(3,501	)		(3,832	)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	724		$	8,730		$	9,454

HKN_Bakken_Inc_Tables

HKN Bakken, Inc. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Hkn Bakken Inc. Tables	'
Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,000
	Accounts receivable, net		65
	Oil and gas property-  proved		1,445
	Oil and gas property- unproved		326
	Other assets		335
	Trade payables		(31	)
	Accrued liabilities		(137	)
	Asset retirement obligation		(3	)
	Total identifiable net assets	$	4,000

Investment_in_Global_Tables

Investment in Global (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Market Value of Investment in Globall	'
		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Shares of Global Stock Held by HKN		12,407		12,357
	Closing Price of Global Stock	£	0.99	£	1.18
	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate		1.6167		1.6259
	Market Value of Investment in Global	$	19,857	$	23,607

Asset_Retirement_Obligation_Ta

Asset Retirement Obligation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement Obligation Summary	'
		Asset Retirement
	Asset Category	Obligation		Estimated Life
	Oil and gas producing properties	$                         2	-1	27.5 years
	__________________________
	(1) This is a Level 3 fair value measurement.
Change in Asset Retirement Obligation	'
		2013
	Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period	$	4
	Additions during the period		1
	Disposals during the period		—
	Revisions of estimates		(3	)
	Accretion expense		—
	Asset retirement obligation at end of period	$	2

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Recurring Financial Assets Carried At Fair Value	'
		30-Sep-13
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Investment in Global (1)	$	19,857	$	—	$	—
			31-Dec-12
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Investment in Global (1)	$	23,607	$	—	$	—
	____________________________________________________
	(1) Global’s ordinary shares are publicly traded on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”), a market operated by the London Stock Exchange, with quoted prices in active markets. Accordingly, the fair value measurements of these securities have been classified as Level 1.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Total Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	'
Discontinued Oil and Gas Operations, Assets and Liabilities, Revenue and Net Income	'
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Current Assets:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	25		$	—
	Total Current Assets		25			—
	Total Assets of Discontinued Operations	$	25		$	—
	Current Liabilities:
	Trade payables	$	42		$	3
	Revenues and royalties payable		17			17
	Accrued liabilities and other		50			227
	Total Current Liabilities		109			247
	Total Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	$	109		$	247
Total Revenue and Net Income From Discontinued Operations	'
Discontinued Oil and Gas Operations, Assets and Liabilities, Revenue and Net Income	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues and other:
	Oil and gas operations	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Oil and gas processing and handling income		—			—			—			—
	Total revenues from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Loss from discontinued operations before taxes	$	(69	)	$	(82	)	$	(340	)	$	(302	)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		HKN			BWI			HBI			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Oil and gas revenues	$	—		$	—		$	309		$	—		$	309
	Oil and gas expenses		—			—			(60	)		—			(60	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(576	)		(166	)		(85	)		—			(827	)
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(11	)		(54	)		(146	)		—			(211	)
	Interest and other expenses		(27	)		(174	)		(6	)		172			(35	)
	Interest and other income - related parties		700			—			—			(172	)		528
	Interest and other income		3			1			—			—			4
	Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	$	89		$	(393	)	$	12		$	—		$	(292	)
	Capital Expenditures	$	30		$	1,527		$	197		$	—		$	1,754
	Total Assets	$	58,186		$	16,273		$	4,642		$	(10,787	)	$	68,314
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		HKN			BWI			HBI			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Oil and gas revenues	$	—		$	—		$	185		$	—		$	185
	Oil and gas expenses		—			—			(21	)		—			(21	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(550	)		(266	)		(41	)		—			(857	)
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(10	)		(54	)		(53	)		—			(117	)
	Interest and other expenses		—			(83	)		—			83			—
	Interest and other income - related parties		579			—			—			(83	)		496
	Interest and other income		12			—			—			—			12
	Income tax benefit		2			—			—			—			2
	Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	$	33		$	(403	)	$	70		$	—		$	(300	)
	Capital Expenditures	$	10		$	263		$	331		$	—		$	604
	Total Assets	$	66,215		$	9,689		$	4,115		$	(14,327	)	$	65,692
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		HKN			BWI			HBI			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Oil and gas revenues	$	—		$	—		$	823		$	—		$	823
	Oil and gas expenses		—			—			(126	)		—			(126	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(1,804	)		(490	)		(181	)		—			(2,475	)
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(33	)		(164	)		(358	)		—			(555	)
	Interest and other expenses		(27	)		(436	)		(8	)		436			(35	)
	Interest and other income - related parties		2,209			—			—			(436	)		1,773
	Interest and other income		41			—			—			—			41
	Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	$	386		$	(1,090	)	$	150		$	—		$	(554	)
	Capital Expenditures	$	82		$	3,177		$	471		$	—		$	3,730
	Total Assets	$	58,186		$	16,273		$	4,642		$	(10,787	)	$	68,314
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		HKN			BWI			HBI			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Oil and gas revenues	$	—		$	—		$	185		$	—		$	185
	Oil and gas expenses		—			—			(21	)		—			(21	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(2,099	)		(1,017	)		(41	)		—			(3,157	)
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(29	)		(162	)		(53	)		—			(244	)
	Interest and other expenses		—			(204	)		—			204			—
	Interest and other income - related parties		1,540			—			—			(204	)		1,336
	Interest and other income		33			—			—			—			33
	Income tax benefit		80			—			—			—			80
	Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(475	)	$	(1,383	)	$	70		$	—		$	(1,788	)
	Capital Expenditures	$	16		$	762		$	331		$	—		$	1,109
	Total Assets	$	66,215		$	9,689		$	4,115		$	(14,327	)	$	65,692

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Preferred, Common and Treasury Shares Activity	'
		Number of Shares
	Description		Preferred G1	Preferred G2	Common		Treasury
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		1,000	1,000	435,328		—
	Shares issued for preferred stock dividends		—	—	2		—
	Treasury stock repurchase		—	—	—		33,389
	Treasury stock retirements		—	—	(33,389	)	(33,389	)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013		1,000	1,000	401,941		—

BWI_Stock_Compensation_Tables

BWI Stock Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Option Valuation Assumptions	'
		5-Apr-12
	Expected dividend yield		0.00%
	Expected volatility		65.00%
	Expected life (in years)		6.00
	Risk free interest rate		1.29%

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013								Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Net Loss Attributed to Common Stock			Weighted-Average Shares		Per Share Loss			Net Loss Attributed to Common Stock			Weighted-Average		Per Share Loss
														Shares (3)
	Basic EPS:
	Loss from continuing operations (1)		$	(296	)			$	(0.74	)	$	(304	)			$	(0.70	)
	Loss from discontinued operations			(69	)				(0.17	)		(106	)				(0.24	)
	Net loss attributed to common stock		$	(365	)		402	$	(0.91	)	$	(410	)		437	$	(0.94	)
	Effect of dilutive securities
	Preferred stock (2)			—			—		—			—			—		—
	Diluted loss per share		$	(365	)		402	$	(0.91	)	$	(410	)		437	$	(0.94	)
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013								Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Net Loss Attributed to Common Stock			Weighted-Average Shares		Per Share Loss			Net Loss Attributed to Common Stock			Weighted-Average		Per Share Loss
														Shares (3)
	Basic EPS:
	Loss from continuing operations (4)		$	(558	)			$	(1.36	)	$	(1,792	)			$	(4.01	)
	Loss from discontinued operations			(340	)				(0.83	)		(395	)				(0.88	)
	Net loss attributed to common stock		$	(898	)		410	$	(2.19	)	$	(2,187	)		447	$	(4.89	)
	Effect of dilutive securities
	Preferred stock (5)			—			—		—			—			—		—
	Diluted loss per share		$	(898	)		410	$	(2.19	)	$	(2,187	)		447	$	(4.89	)
	__________________________
		-1	Includes accrual of dividends, net of the gain on dividends paid with common shares, related to preferred stock for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 of $4 thousand.
		-2	Includes 11 shares of our common stock related to our Series G1 preferred and Series G2 preferred stock for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These shares were issuable upon their conversion in the period presented and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been antidilutive.
		-3	Retroactively reflects the effect of a one-for-forty reverse stock split effective October 30, 2012 (see Note 10 – “Stockholders’ Equity”).
		-4	Includes accrual of dividends, net of the gain on dividends paid with common shares, related to preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 of $4 thousand.
		-5	Includes 35 shares of our common stock related to our Series G1 preferred and Series G2 preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These shares were issuable upon their conversion in the period presented and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been antidilutive.

Basis_of_Presentation_Accumula

Basis of Presentation - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Balance as of December 31, 2012	'	'	$13,286	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments during period	963	503	-331	664
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments during period	4,903	-1,940	-3,501	-6,352
Current period other comprehensive loss	5,866	-1,437	-3,832	-5,688
Balance as of September 30, 2013	9,454	'	9,454	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	'	'	1,055	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments during period	'	'	-331	'
Balance as of September 30, 2013	724	'	724	'
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	'	'	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	'	'	12,231	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments during period	'	'	-3,501	'
Balance as of September 30, 2013	8,730	'	8,730	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	'	'	13,286	'
Current period other comprehensive loss	'	'	-3,832	'
Balance as of September 30, 2013	$9,454	'	$9,454	'

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_

Basis of Presentation (Details Narrative) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Minimum

Maximum

Oil and Gas Properties

Oil and Gas Properties

Oil and Gas Properties

Oil and Gas Properties

Gerrity Oil Joint Venture

HKN Bakken, Inc.

HKN interest in Gerrity Oil, LLC joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

Interest in jont venture transferred to newly formed corporation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

Percentage of newly formed corporation consolidated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

Gain recorded on sale of assets during period

'

'

$28

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other property and equipment depreciation expense during period

14

13

43

37

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for period

211

117

555

244

'

'

146

53

358

53

'

'

Patents, gross

2,600

'

2,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Patent amortization period

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'21 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Patent accumulated amortization

873

'

873

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Patent amortization expense during period

51

51

154

154

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepaid drilling costs

205

'

205

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

335

'

Spare parts inventory

$10

'

$10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

BriteWater_International_Inc_D

BriteWater International, Inc. (Details Narrative) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Britewater International Inc. Details Narrative	'	'
BWI contingent liability	$800	$800

Purchase_Price_Allocation_Deta

Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Purchase Price Allocation Details	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,000
Accounts receivable, net	65
Oil and gas property- proved	1,445
Oil and gas property- unproved	326
Other assets	335
Trade payables	-31
Accrued liabilities	-137
Asset retirement obligation	-3
Total identifiable net assets	$4,000

HKN_Bakken_Inc_Details_Narrati

HKN Bakken, Inc. (Details Narrative) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		Gerrity Oil Joint Venture	HKN Bakken, Inc.
HKN interest in Gerrity Oil, LLC joint venture	'	50.00%	'
Interest in jont venture transferred to newly formed corporation	'	'	50.00%
Percentage of newly formed corporation consolidated	'	'	100.00%
Fair value of acquired oil and gas properties	'	$1,800	'
Other assets - prepaid drilling costs	$335	$335	'

Investment_in_Global_Market_Va

Investment in Global - Market Value of Investment in Global (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Shares of Global Stock Held by HKN	12,407	12,407	12,357	12,357
Closing Price of Global Stock	'	£ 0.99	'	£ 1.18
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate	1.6167	1.6167	1.6259	1.6259
Market Value of Investment in Global	$19,857	'	$23,607	'

Investment_in_Global_Details_N

Investment in Global (Details Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
						Global Shares
Ownership percentage of Global's outstanding shares	34.36%	'	34.36%	'	34.22%	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment during period	$963	$503	($331)	$664	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments during period	4,903	-1,940	-3,501	-6,352	'	'
Cumulative unrealized gain	9,454	'	9,454	'	13,286	'
Shares of Global purchased during the period	'	'	'	'	'	50
Cost of Global shares purchased during the period	'	'	'	'	'	$82

Notes_Receivable_Related_Party1

Notes Receivable - Related Party (Details Narrative) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Jun. 15, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Global 2013 Note

Global 2013 Note

Global 2013 Note

Global 2013 Note

Global 2013 Note

Global 2013 Note

Global 2013 Note

Global 2013 Note

Global 2013 Note

Global 2013 Note

Global Note Receivable

Global Note Receivable

Global Loan

Global Loan

Note receivable

$13,277

'

$16,881

$17,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$13,500

$13,500

$5,000

$0

$12,000

$0

Maturity date

'

'

'

'2015-06-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

12.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.50%

'

12.50%

'

Principal payments received during period

3,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500

'

'

'

'

Interest payments received during period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

478

1,500

'

'

'

'

Loan origination fee

'

260

'

340

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred transaction fee

223

'

119

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

223

223

'

'

'

'

Unamortized origination fees recognized upon new loan agreement

236

90

'

86

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly principal payments

'

'

'

'

$4,500

$1,500

$1,500

$1,500

$1,500

$1,500

$1,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset_Retirement_Obligation_As

Asset Retirement Obligation - Asset Retirement Obligation Summary (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'		'
Oil and gas producing properties - asset retirement obligation	'	$2	[1]	$4
Estimated well life	'15 years	'27 years 6 months		'
[1]	This is a Level 3 fair value measurement.

Asset_Retirement_Obligation_Ch

Asset Retirement Obligation - Change in Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period	$4
Additions during the period	1
Revisions of estimates	-3
Asset retirement obligation at end of period	$2

Asset_Retirement_Obligation_De

Asset Retirement Obligation (Details Narrative)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Details Narrative	'	'
Estimated well life	'15 years	'27 years 6 months

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Level 1, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 1	'		'
Investment in Global	$19,857	[1]	$23,607	[1]
[1]	Global's ordinary shares are publicly traded on the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM"), a market operated by the London Stock Exchange, with quoted prices in active markets. Accordingly, the fair value measurements of these securities have been classified as Level 1.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details Narrative) (Gerrity Oil Joint Venture, USD $)	Jul. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Gerrity Oil Joint Venture	'
Fair value of acquired oil and gas properties	$1,800

Discontinued_Operations_Discon

Discontinued Operations - Discontinued Oil and Gas Operations, Assets and Liabilities, Revenue and Net Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	$25	'	$25	'	'
Total Current Assets	25	'	25	'	'
Total Assets of Discontinued Operations	25	'	25	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Trade payables	42	'	42	'	3
Revenues and royalties payable	17	'	17	'	17
Accrued liabilities and other	50	'	50	'	227
Total Current Liabilities	109	'	109	'	247
Total Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	109	'	109	'	247
Loss from discontinued operations before taxes	($69)	($82)	($340)	($302)	'

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discontinued operations - accrued legal fees	'	'	$50
Loss on disposal of oil and gas properties during period	($24)	($93)	'

Segment_Information_Segment_In

Segment Information - Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Oil and gas revenues	$309	$185	$823	$185	'
Oil and gas expenses	-60	-21	-126	-21	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-827	-857	-2,475	-3,157	'
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	-211	-117	-555	-244	'
Interest and other expenses	-35	'	-35	'	'
Interest and other income - related parties	528	496	1,773	1,336	'
Interest and other income	4	12	41	33	'
Income tax benefit	'	2	'	80	'
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	-292	-300	-554	-1,788	'
Capital Expenditures	1,754	604	3,730	1,109	'
Total Assets	68,314	65,692	68,314	65,692	73,977
HKN	'	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-576	-550	-1,804	-2,099	'
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	-11	-10	-33	-29	'
Interest and other expenses	-27	'	-27	'	'
Interest and other income - related parties	700	579	2,209	1,540	'
Interest and other income	3	12	41	33	'
Income tax benefit	'	2	'	80	'
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	89	33	386	-475	'
Capital Expenditures	30	10	82	16	'
Total Assets	58,186	66,215	58,186	66,215	'
BWI	'	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-166	-266	-490	-1,017	'
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	-54	-54	-164	-162	'
Interest and other expenses	-174	-83	-436	-204	'
Interest and other income	1	'	'	'	'
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	-393	-403	-1,090	-1,383	'
Capital Expenditures	1,527	263	3,177	762	'
Total Assets	16,273	9,689	16,273	9,689	'
HBI	'	'	'	'	'
Oil and gas revenues	309	185	823	185	'
Oil and gas expenses	-60	-21	-126	-21	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-85	-41	-181	-41	'
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	-146	-53	-358	-53	'
Interest and other expenses	-6	'	-8	'	'
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations	12	70	150	70	'
Capital Expenditures	197	331	471	331	'
Total Assets	4,642	4,115	4,642	4,115	'
Eliminations	'	'	'	'	'
Interest and other expenses	172	83	436	204	'
Interest and other income - related parties	-172	-83	-436	-204	'
Total Assets	($10,787)	($14,327)	($10,787)	($14,327)	'

Stockholders_Equity_Common_Pre

Stockholders' Equity - Common, Preferred and Treasury Shares Activity (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Series G1 Preferred Stock	Series G1 Preferred Stock	Series G2 Preferred Stock	Series G2 Preferred Stock
Beginning balance	'	'	'	1,000	1,000	1,000	1,000
Beginning balance	435,328	435,328	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for preferred stock dividends	'	2	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock repurchase	33,389	'	33,389	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock retirements	-33,389	-33,389	-33,389	'	'	'	'
Ending balance	'	'	'	1,000	1,000	1,000	1,000
Ending balance	401,941	401,941	'	'	'	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details_Na

Stockholders' Equity (Details Narrative) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
					Prior to Reverse Split	After Reverse Split
Common shares authorized	2,000,000	'	'	2,000,000	24,000,000	2,000,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased	'	'	45,000	'	'	'
Shares repurchased during period	33,389	'	'	'	'	'
Shares retired during period	33,389	'	'	'	'	'
Cash used for share repurchase	$2,966	$2,901	'	'	'	'
Shares remaining available for repurchase	12,000	'	'	'	'	'
Change in additional paid in capital during period	$2,900	'	'	'	'	'

BWI_Stock_Compensation_Stock_O

BWI Stock Compensation - Stock Option Valuation Assumptions (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 05, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected volatility	65.00%
Expected life (in years)	'6 years
Risk free interest rate	1.29%

BWI_Stock_Compensation_Details

BWI Stock Compensation (Details Narrative) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 05, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares of BWI common stock reserved for options	100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of BWI common shares reserved	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Discount from fair market value at award date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
	the exercise price for a stock option granted under the BWI Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the award date
Expiration period	'10 years	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options granted during period	40,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option exercise price	$14.50	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option vesting period	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option vesting description	'vesting period of three years, with one third of the options vesting on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercisable at reporting date	'	9,000	'	'	9,000	'	9,000
Fair value of each stock option	$8.56	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected dividend rate	0.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options forfeited during period	'	'	12,000	'	'	'	14,000
Stock compensation recognized during period	'	$19	'	$29	$30	$57	'
Grant date fair value of stock	$14.50	'	'	'	'	'	'

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Earnin

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Loss from continuing operations	($296)	[1]	($304)	[1]	($558)	[2]	($1,792)	[2]
Loss per common share from continuing operations	($0.74)	[1]	($0.70)	[1]	($1.36)	[2]	($4.01)	[2]
Loss from discontinued operations	-69		-106		-340		-395
Loss per common share from discontinued operations	($0.17)		($0.24)		($0.83)		($0.88)
Net loss attributed to common stock	-365		-410		-898		-2,187
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	402		437	[3]	410		447	[3]
Net loss per common share - basic	($0.91)		($0.94)		($2.19)		($4.89)
Preferred stock	'	[4]	'	[4]	'	[5]	'	[5]
Diluted loss	($365)		($410)		($898)		($2,187)
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	402		437	[3]	410		447	[3]
Diluted loss per share	($0.91)		($0.94)		($2.19)		($4.89)
[1]	Includes accrual of dividends, net of the gain on dividends paid with common shares, related to preferred stock for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 of $4 thousand.
[2]	Includes accrual of dividends, net of the gain on dividends paid with common shares, related to preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 of $4 thousand.
[3]	Retroactively reflects the effect of a one-for-forty reverse stock split effective October 30, 2012 (see Note 10 - Stockholders' "Equity").
[4]	Includes 11 shares of our common stock related to our Series G1 preferred and Series G2 preferred stock for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These shares were issuable upon their conversion in the period presented and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been antidilutive.
[5]	Includes 35 shares of our common stock related to our Series G1 preferred and Series G2 preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These shares were issuable upon their conversion in the period presented and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been antidilutive.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Detail

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share	11	11	35	35
Accrual of preferred stock dividends, net of the gain on dividends paid with common shares	$4	$4	$4	$4

Contingencies_Details_Narrativ

Contingencies (Details Narrative) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
XPLOR Energy Litigation	'
Estimate of possible loss	$2,500
Louisiana Limited Scope Audit	'
Estimate of possible loss	336
Preliminary sales tax assessment	194
Sales tax assessment interest and penalties	142
Total sales tax assessment	$336
Point a la Hache Lawsit	'
Lawsuit allegations	'
	In the lawsuit, eight plaintiffs have sued 25 defendants, alleging that they own and/or use a certain 4,480 acres located in the Pointe a la Hache oil and gas field.
Point Au Fer Lawsit	'
Lawsuit allegations	'
	In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs have alleged that real property they own in Terrebonne Parish has been environmentally damaged as a result of oil and gas exploration activities of twenty different defendants.  The plaintiffs seek damages for testing and remediation of the property, property stigma, loss of use of land and lost profits, civil fruits for defendants trespass, land loss and subsidence, punitive or exemplary damages and attorney’s fees. Per Louisiana law, no actual dollar amount of damages has been alleged in the Petition. With specific regard to HKN, Inc., out of over one hundred wells identified in the Petition, HKN, Inc. only drilled one well, the MA Smythe Nelson #1, which was a dry hole. The MA Smythe Nelson #1 was drilled on June 2, 1980 and plugged and abandoned on July 12, 1980.
SLFPA-E Litigation	'
Lawsuit allegations	'
	Plaintiffs South Louisiana Flood Protection Authority—East (“SLFPA-E”) filed this lawsuit in Louisiana state court against over 90 oil and gas and pipeline companies. Generally the lawsuit alleges that activities by defendants—primarily but not exclusively the dredging of canals—have made it more difficult for the SLFPA-E to protect the New Orleans metropolitan area from flooding.

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details Narrative) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Global 2013 Note	Global 2013 Note
Long term note receivable	$13,277	$16,881	$13,500	$17,000