Yuma Energy 10-Q 14 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 14, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PYRAMID OIL CO	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000081318	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Trading Symbol	'PDO	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	4,688,085
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'

BALANCE_SHEETS

BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,512,689	$3,834,097
Restricted cash	334,657	0
Short-term investments	2,139,695	2,135,709
Trade accounts receivable (net of reserve for doubtful accounts of $4,000 in 2013 and 2012)	446,973	375,090
Income taxes receivable	45,400	73,069
Crude oil inventory	85,684	82,180
Prepaid expenses and other assets	99,923	257,370
Deferred Income taxes	694,500	264,400
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	7,359,521	7,021,915
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:	'	'
Oil and gas properties and equipment (successful efforts method)	20,089,288	20,007,453
Capitalized asset retirement costs	425,978	425,978
Drilling and operating equipment	2,058,744	1,966,750
Land, buildings and improvements	1,098,918	1,098,918
Automotive, office and other property and equipment	1,136,566	1,202,544
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	24,809,494	24,701,643
Less - accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and valuation allowances	-21,306,941	-20,953,324
TOTAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	3,502,553	3,748,319
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS	'	'
Long-term investments	1,124,100	1,101,526
Restricted cash	632,672	0
Deferred income taxes	472,700	621,800
Deposits	250,000	250,000
Other assets	11,380	17,380
TOTAL INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS	2,490,852	1,990,706
TOTAL ASSETS	13,352,926	12,760,940
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable	199,909	226,759
Accrued professional fees	116,020	120,000
Accrued taxes, other than income taxes	28,822	70,407
Accrued payroll and related costs	65,649	58,954
Accrued royalties payable	218,783	204,509
Deferred compensation	334,657	0
Accrued insurance	0	94,116
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	963,840	774,745
LIABILITY FOR DEFERRED COMPENSATION	669,316	0
LIABILITY FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	1,352,460	1,327,861
TOTAL LIABILITES	2,985,616	2,102,606
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 4)	'	'
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Preferred stock, no par value Authorized - 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - none	0	0
Common stock, no par value Authorized - 50,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - 4,688,085 shares	1,682,971	1,682,971
Retained earnings	8,684,339	8,975,363
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	10,367,310	10,658,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$13,352,926	$12,760,940

BALANCE_SHEETS_Parenthetical

BALANCE SHEETS [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reserve for doubtful accounts	$4,000	$4,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares Issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common Stock, shares, Issued	4,688,085	4,688,085
Common stock, shares outstanding	4,688,085	4,688,085

STATEMENTS_OF_OPERATIONS

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
REVENUES:	'	'	'	'
Oil and gas sales	$1,138,438	$1,198,420	$3,300,650	$3,907,792
COSTS AND EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	535,227	476,122	1,469,708	1,365,861
General and administrative	294,430	192,910	751,433	632,804
Deferred compensation	1,040,764	0	1,040,764	0
Taxes, other than income and payroll taxes	33,044	44,885	100,599	129,266
Provision for depletion, depreciation, and amortization	127,010	151,502	388,806	519,396
Accretion expense	6,288	13,153	24,599	31,970
Other costs and expenses	29,991	33,975	116,189	118,449
Operating Expenses	2,066,754	912,547	3,892,098	2,797,746
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME	-928,316	285,873	-591,448	1,110,046
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	10,235	10,975	30,550	31,835
Other income	'	'	0	250
Interest expense	0	-152	0	-868
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	10,235	10,823	30,550	31,217
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)	-918,081	296,696	-560,898	1,141,263
Income tax provision (benefit)	'	'	'	'
Current	-4,000	16,800	11,126	99,800
Deferred	-380,300	72,000	-281,000	172,900
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-384,300	88,800	-269,874	272,700
NET (LOSS) INCOME	($533,781)	$207,896	($291,024)	$868,563
BASIC (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	($0.11)	$0.04	($0.06)	$0.19
DILUTED (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	($0.11)	$0.04	($0.06)	$0.19
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	4,688,085	4,687,644	4,688,085	4,685,117
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	4,688,085	4,687,644	4,688,085	4,685,117

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net (loss) income	($291,024)	$868,563
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Provision for depletion, depreciation, and amortization	388,806	519,396
Deferred compensation	1,003,973	0
Accretion expense	24,599	31,970
Deferred income taxes	-281,000	172,900
Asset retirement obligations	0	-6,009
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	30,790	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Decrease (increase) in trade accounts and income taxes receivable	-44,214	89,944
Decrease (increase) in crude oil inventories	-3,504	12,131
Decrease in prepaid expenses	157,446	139,706
Decrease in other assets	6,000	0
(Decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-145,562	-83,103
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	846,310	1,745,498
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-173,829	-848,952
(Increase) in short-term investments	-3,986	-6,011
(Increase) in long-term investments	-22,574	-21,935
Restricted Cash	-967,329	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,167,718	-876,898
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments on long-term debt	0	-48,634
Net cash (used in) financing activities	0	-48,634
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-321,408	819,966
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	3,834,097	2,762,676
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,512,689	3,582,642
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash paid during the nine months for interest	0	868
Cash paid during the nine months for income taxes	$800	$134,200

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	The financial statements include the accounts of Pyramid Oil Company (the “Company”).  Such financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without an audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
	A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies is contained in its December 31, 2012 Form 10-K which is incorporated herein by reference.  The financial data presented herein should be read in conjunction with the Company's December 31, 2012 financial statements and notes thereto, contained in the Company's Form 10-K.
	In the opinion of the Company, the unaudited financial statements, contained herein, include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position as of September 30, 2013 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
	Income Taxes - When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained.  The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any.  Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.  Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
	The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, California, Texas and New York states.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examination for the years before 2009.  State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2009 to 2012.  The Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.
	The Company policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.  As of the date of adoption of FASB ASC 740, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the quarter.
	Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as interest expense and penalties are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of income.
	Income (Loss) per Share - Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
	Diluted income (loss) is computed by dividing the net (loss) income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus the weighted average number of dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period.  For periods with a net loss, the dilutive common stock equivalents are excluded from the diluted income (loss) calculation.
	Valuation Allowances - The Company records valuation allowances for its oil and gas properties when the undiscounted future net cash flows are less than the net capitalized costs for the property.  No valuation allowances were recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	'
	2.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-011, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or A Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” These amendments provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefits to better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position.  For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Dividends

Dividends	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	3.  Dividends
	No cash dividends were paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	4.  Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company has been notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a final settlement offer to settle its potential liability as a generator of waste containing hazardous substances that was disposed of at a waste disposal site in Santa Barbara County.  The Company has responded to the EPA by indicating that the waste contained petroleum products that fall within the exception to the definition of hazardous substances for petroleum-related substances of the pertinent EPA regulations.  Management has concluded that under both Federal and State regulations no reasonable basis exists for any valid claim against the Company.  As such, the likelihood of any settlement is deemed remote.  There has been not further communication form the EPA on this matter since September 25, 2009.

Income_Tax_Provision

Income Tax Provision	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	5.  Income Tax Provision
	The Company recognized an income tax provision (benefit) of $(269,874) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and a net income tax provision of $272,700 for the same period in 2012.
	Income tax provision (benefit) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
		Federal		State		Total
	Current tax provision	$	9,226	$	1,900	$	11,126
	Deferred tax (benefit)		-225,300		-55,700		-281,000
		$	-216,074	$	-53,800	$	-269,874
	Income tax provision for the nine months September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
		Federal		State		Total
	Current tax provision	$	85,300	$	14,500	$	99,800
	Deferred tax provision		134,550		38,350		172,900
		$	219,850	$	52,850	$	272,700
	Income tax provision (benefit) for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
		Federal		State		Total
	Current tax (benefit)	$	-3,500	$	-500	$	-4,000
	Deferred tax (benefit)		-302,500		-77,800		-380,300
		$	-306,000	$	-78,300	$	-384,300
	Income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
		Federal		State		Total
	Current tax provision	$	14,300	$	2,500	$	16,800
	Deferred tax provision		56,050		15,950		72,000
		$	70,350	$	18,450	$	88,800
	Deferred income taxes are recognized using the asset and liability method by applying income tax rates to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax returns.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for income tax rate changes.  Deferred income tax assets have been offset by a valuation allowance of $1,719,000 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  Management reviews deferred income taxes regularly throughout the year, and accordingly makes any necessary adjustments to properly reflect the valuation allowance based upon current financial trends and projected results.

Incentive_and_Retention_Plan

Incentive and Retention Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	6.  Incentive and Retention Plan
	On January 9, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors adopted an Incentive and Retention Plan pursuant to which the Company's officers and other employees selected by the Company's Compensation Committee are entitled to receive payments if they are employed by the Company as of the date of a 'Corporate Transaction,' as defined in the Incentive and Retention Plan.  A 'Corporate Transaction' includes certain mergers involving the Company, sales of Company assets, and other changes in the control of the Company, as specified in the Incentive and Retention Plan.  In general, the amount that is payable to each plan participant will equal the number of plan units that have been granted to him or her, multiplied by the increase in the value of the Company between January 9, 2007 and the date of a Corporate Transaction.  There has been no Corporate Transaction since the adoption of the Incentive and Retention Plan.

RelatedParty_Transaction

Related-Party Transaction	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	7.  Related-party Transaction
	Effective January 1, 1990, John H. Alexander, a former officer and director of the Company participated with a group of investors that acquired the mineral and fee interest on one of the Company's oil and gas leases (Santa Fe Energy lease) in the Carneros Creek field after the Company declined to participate.  The thirty-three percent interest owned by Mr. Alexander represents a minority interest in the investor group.  Royalties on oil and gas production from this property paid to the investor group approximated $180,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $131,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock Based Compensation [Text Block]	'
	8.  Stock Based Compensation
	The Company issued options to purchase common shares of the Company as compensation for Board of Directors services.  The value of options issued for compensation are accounted for as a non-cash expense to the Company at the fair value of the options issued.  The Company values the options at fair value as calculated by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  As of September 30, 2013 the Company has $0 in unamortized stock based compensation related to outstanding options.
	The following table summarizes the option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	(Unaudited)	Number of Options		Weighted-Average
				Exercise Price
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012	10,000		$	5.4
	Granted	0			0
	Exercised	0			0
	Cancelled	0			0
	Outstanding, September 30, 2013	10,000		$	5.4
	The following summarizes the options issued, outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2013:
	Grant Date		2-Jun-11
	Strike Price	$	5.4
	Expiration Date		1-Jun-16
	Options Remaining		10,000
	Proceeds if Exercised	$	54,000
	Call Feature		None

Fair_Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	9.  Fair Value
	As defined in FASB ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The Company utilizes market data or assumptions the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.  FASB ASC 820 establishes a three-tiered fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
	Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
	Level 2 - Inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and
	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.  Included in this category is the Company's determination of the value of its asset retirement obligation liability.  The obligation has increased $24,599 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as a result of normal accretion expense.
	The carrying amount of our cash and equivalents, restricted cash, short and long term investments reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
	Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
	Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  There were no instances of impairment recorded for the 9 months ended September 30, 2013.

Registration_Statement_on_Form

Registration Statement on Form S-3	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Registration Statement on Form S-3 Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Registration Statement on Form S-3 Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	10.  Registration Statement on Form S-3
	The Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 5, 2013, that when declared effective by the SEC, the registration statement is designed to provide the Company the flexibility to offer and sell from time to time up to $30 million of the Company's common stock.  The Company may offer and sell such securities through one or more methods of distribution, subject to market conditions and the Company's capital needs.  The terms of any offering under the shelf registration statement will be established at the time of such offering and will be described in a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC prior to the completion of the offering.  The Company has not filed any supplemental prospectus with the SEC or sold any common stock under this registration statement.

Asset_Retirement_Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	11.  Asset Retirement Obligations
	The Company recognizes a liability at discounted fair value for the future retirement of tangible long-lived assets and associated assets retirement cost associated with the petroleum and natural gas properties. The fair value of the liability is capitalized as part of the cost of the related asset and amortized to expense over its useful life. The liability accretes until the date of expected settlement of the retirement obligations. The related accretion expense is recognized in the statement of operations. The provision will be revised for the effect of any changes to timing related to cash flow or undiscounted abandonment costs. Actual expenditures incurred for the purpose of site reclamation are charged to the asset retirement obligations to the extent that the liability exists on the balance sheet. Differences between the actual costs incurred and the fair value of the liability recorded are recognized in income in the period the actual costs are incurred.
	There are no legally restricted assets for the settlement of asset retirement obligations.  A reconciliation of the Company's asset retirement obligations from the periods presented is as follows:
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1,327,861
	Incurred during the period		0
	Additions for new wells		0
	Accretion expense		24,599
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	1,352,460

Change_in_Directors_of_Registr

Change in Directors of Registrant	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Change in Directors of Registrant Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Change in Directors of Registrant Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	12.  Change in Directors of Registrant
	On September 30, 2013, John H. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer, and as a director, of the Company, and John E. Turco resigned as a director of the Company. Michael D. Herman, currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, was appointed as the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
	Mr. Herman served as Pyramid Oil’s Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2005. Following his purchases of Pyramid Oil common stock from Messrs. Alexander and Turco, Mr. Herman owns approximately 39.5% of the outstanding common stock of Pyramid Oil (not including the 100,000 shares that Mr. Herman will acquire in April 2014).
	As part of this Board of Directors and management transition, Mr. Herman purchased 243,579 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock from Mr. Turco at a purchase price of $6.00 per share.  In addition, Mr. Herman purchased 95,592 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock from Mr. Alexander at a purchase price $6.00 per share, and will purchase an additional 100,000 of Mr. Alexander's shares by April 5, 2014, at the same price.
	On October 8, 2013, the Board of Directors of Pyramid Oil Company, appointed Rick D. Kasch to the Company’s Board of Directors to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of John Turco.  Mr. Kasch was also appointed as Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and as a member of the Company’s Compensation and Nominating Committees.
	Mr. Kasch serves as President of ENSERVCO Corporation, which is a publicly traded energy services company based in Denver, Colorado.  Pyramid Oil’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael D. Herman, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of ENSERVCO Corporation.

Settlement_Agreement

Settlement Agreement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]	'
Compensation Related Costs, General [Text Block]	'
	13.  Settlement Agreement
	In February 2002, the Company entered into an employment agreement with John H. Alexander pursuant to which Mr. Alexander agreed to serve as the Company's Vice President. On June 3, 2004, Mr. Alexander was appointed as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer.  The employment agreement was for an initial term of six years, which term automatically renews annually if written notice is not tendered.  The agreement was automatically renewed on June 3, 2013.  On September 30, 2013, Mr. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
	In connection with Mr. Alexander’s resignation, Mr. Alexander and Pyramid Oil entered into a Settlement Agreement and General Release of Claims, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Settlement Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, among other things:
		⋅	Mr. Alexander’s existing employment agreement terminated effective as of September 30, 2013;
		⋅	Pyramid Oil agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $967,329 to Mr. Alexander in satisfaction of amounts that are owed to Mr. Alexander under his employment agreement, with such amount to be paid in three equal installments of $322,443 each, on April 5, 2014, January 5, 2015, and January 5, 2016. These amounts are included in restricted cash and deferred compensation liability.
		⋅	Pyramid Oil agreed to secure these payments owed to Mr. Alexander in a “rabbi trust” pursuant to a Trust Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013 between Pyramid Oil and Gilbert Ansolabehere, as trustee (the “Trust Agreement”);
		⋅	Mr. Alexander agreed to resign as a director and officer of Pyramid Oil;
		⋅	Pyramid Oil and Mr. Alexander entered into a Consulting Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Consulting Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Alexander will serve as a consultant to Pyramid Oil on a part-time basis through September 30, 2014 for a fee of $10,000 per month;
		⋅	Pyramid Oil and Mr. Alexander waived known and unknown claims against each other;
		⋅	Mr. Herman agreed to purchase shares of Pyramid Oil common stock held by Messrs. Alexander and Turco, see Footnote 12; and
		⋅	Pyramid Oil and Mr. Alexander entered into an Indemnity Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Indemnity Agreement”), pursuant to which Pyramid Oil agreed to indemnify Mr. Alexander against certain claims, losses, costs and expenses that may result in the future from lawsuits and other proceedings in connection with his service as a director and an officer of Pyramid Oil.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	14.  Subsequent Events
	The Company evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of September 30, 2013 through the date these unaudited financial statements were issued.
	On October 8, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved compensation of $30,000 per year for each non-employee director, granted an option to purchase 25,000 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock to each of directors Rick D. Kasch and Gary L. Ronning, and granted an option to purchase 50,000 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock to Mr. Herman.
	Each option has an exercise price of $5.16 per share, which equals the closing price of Pyramid Oil’s common stock on October 8, 2013, is fully exercisable immediately, and expires on October 7, 2018.  The options were granted under Pyramid Oil’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, with respect to which Pyramid Oil filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 21, 2011.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes - When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained.  The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any.  Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.  Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
	The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, California, Texas and New York states.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examination for the years before 2009.  State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2009 to 2012.  The Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.
	The Company policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.  As of the date of adoption of FASB ASC 740, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the quarter.
	Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as interest expense and penalties are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of income.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Income (Loss) per Share - Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
	Diluted income (loss) is computed by dividing the net (loss) income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus the weighted average number of dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period.  For periods with a net loss, the dilutive common stock equivalents are excluded from the diluted income (loss) calculation.
Valuation Allowances [Policy Text Block]	'
	Valuation Allowances - The Company records valuation allowances for its oil and gas properties when the undiscounted future net cash flows are less than the net capitalized costs for the property.  No valuation allowances were recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.

Income_Tax_Provision_Tables

Income Tax Provision (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
	Income tax provision (benefit) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
		Federal		State		Total
	Current tax provision	$	9,226	$	1,900	$	11,126
	Deferred tax (benefit)		-225,300		-55,700		-281,000
		$	-216,074	$	-53,800	$	-269,874
	Income tax provision for the nine months September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
		Federal		State		Total
	Current tax provision	$	85,300	$	14,500	$	99,800
	Deferred tax provision		134,550		38,350		172,900
		$	219,850	$	52,850	$	272,700
	Income tax provision (benefit) for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
		Federal		State		Total
	Current tax (benefit)	$	-3,500	$	-500	$	-4,000
	Deferred tax (benefit)		-302,500		-77,800		-380,300
		$	-306,000	$	-78,300	$	-384,300
	Income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
		Federal		State		Total
	Current tax provision	$	14,300	$	2,500	$	16,800
	Deferred tax provision		56,050		15,950		72,000
		$	70,350	$	18,450	$	88,800

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	(Unaudited)	Number of Options		Weighted-Average
				Exercise Price
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012	10,000		$	5.4
	Granted	0			0
	Exercised	0			0
	Cancelled	0			0
	Outstanding, September 30, 2013	10,000		$	5.4
Schedule Of Options Issued and Outstanding [Table Text Block]	'
	The following summarizes the options issued, outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2013:
	Grant Date		2-Jun-11
	Strike Price	$	5.4
	Expiration Date		1-Jun-16
	Options Remaining		10,000
	Proceeds if Exercised	$	54,000
	Call Feature		None

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_T

Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block]	'
	There are no legally restricted assets for the settlement of asset retirement obligations.  A reconciliation of the Company's asset retirement obligations from the periods presented is as follows:
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1,327,861
	Incurred during the period		0
	Additions for new wells		0
	Accretion expense		24,599
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	1,352,460

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Period Increase (Decrease)	$0	$0

Dividends_Details_Textual

Dividends (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	$0	$0

Income_Tax_Provision_Details

Income Tax Provision (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Federal	'	'	'	'
Current tax provision	($3,500)	$14,300	$9,226	$85,300
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	-302,500	56,050	-225,300	134,550
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	-306,000	70,350	-216,074	219,850
State	'	'	'	'
Current tax provision	-500	2,500	1,900	14,500
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	-77,800	15,950	-55,700	38,350
State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	-78,300	18,450	-53,800	52,850
Total, Current tax provision	-4,000	16,800	11,126	99,800
Total, Deferred tax provision	-380,300	72,000	-281,000	172,900
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($384,300)	$88,800	($269,874)	$272,700

Income_Tax_Provision_Details_T

Income Tax Provision (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$1,719,000	$1,719,000

RelatedParty_Transaction_Detai

Related-Party Transaction (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Mr Alexander [Member]	'	'
Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Parent	33.00%	'
Oil and Gas Properties [Member]	'	'
Royalty Expense	$131,000	$180,000

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Number of Options, Outstanding, December 31, 2012	10,000
Number of Options, Granted	0
Number of Options, Exercised	0
Number of Options, Cancelled	0
Number of Options, Outstanding, September 30, 2013	10,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, December 31, 2012	$5.40
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Cancelled	$0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, September 30, 2013	$5.40

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai1

Stock Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Grant Date	2-Jun-11
Strike Price (in dollars per share)	$5.40
Expiration Date	1-Jun-16
Options Remaining	10,000
Proceeds if Exercised	54,000
Call Feature	'None

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai2

Stock Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Unamortized Stock Based Compensation	$0

Fair_Value_Details_Textual

Fair Value (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accretion Expense	$24,599

Registration_Statement_on_Form1

Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Registration Payment Arrangement For Common Stock	$30

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_D

Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	$1,327,861	'
Incurred during the period	'	'	0	'
Additions for new wells	'	'	0	'
Accretion expense	6,288	13,153	24,599	31,970
Balance at September 30, 2013	$1,352,460	'	$1,352,460	'

Change_in_Directors_of_Registr1

Change in Directors of Registrant (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Mr. Herman [Member]	Mr. Herman [Member]	Mr. Herman [Member]	Mr. Herman [Member]
				Mr. Turco [Member]	Mr Alexander [Member]	Mr Alexander [Member]
						Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	'	'	39.50%	'	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	4,688,085	4,688,085	100,000	'	'	'
Purchase Of Common Stock	'	'	'	243,579	95,592	100,000
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share	'	'	'	$6	$6	'

Settlement_Agreement_Details_T

Settlement Agreement (Details Textual) (Mr Alexander [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Subsequent Event [Member]	First installment Payable on April 5, 2014 [Member]	Second installment [Member]	Third installment [Member]
Officers Compensation	$967,329	'	$322,443	$322,443	$322,443
Professional Fees	'	$10,000	'	'	'

Subsequent_Events_Details_Text

Subsequent Events (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants In Period, Gross	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0
Subsequent Event [Member] | Non-employee directors [Member]	'
Subsequent Event, Date	8-Oct-13
Compensation Amount, Approved	$30,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Rick D. Kasch and Gary L. Ronning [Member]	'
Subsequent Event, Date	8-Oct-13
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants In Period, Gross	25,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.16
Subsequent Event [Member] | Mr. Herman [Member]	'
Subsequent Event, Date	8-Oct-13
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants In Period, Gross	50,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.16