Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable [Member] Accounts Payable Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued liabilities Accumulated Deficit During Development Stage [Member] Deficit accumulated in development stage Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional paid-in capital Adjustment Of Warrants Granted For Services Cost of options issued to employees, directors & others Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Option Issued Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Option Issued Value of options granted to employees, directors and others Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Agreement Expiration Date Agreement Expiration Date Extended period for license Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Common stock equivalents excluded from EPS as the inclusion would be anti-dilutive Asher Menashe License and Joseph License [Member] Asher Menashe License And Joseph License [Member] Asher Menashe License and Joseph License Asset Retirement Obligation Accretion Expense Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Current Asset retirement obligation Assets Total assets Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis Of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents- end of period Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash Flow Noncash Investing And Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Non-cash investing and financing activities: Class of Warrant or Right, Exercised in Period Class Of Warrant Or Right Exercised In Period Warrant exercised Class Of Warrant Or Right Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights Warrant exercise price Class of Warrant or Right, Expiry Date of Warrants or Rights Exercisable Class Of Warrant Or Right Expiry Date Of Warrants Or Rights Exercisable Warrant expiration date Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (see Note 4) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock Issued Due to Exercise of Warrants Common Stock Issued Due To Exercise Of Warrants Common stock issued upon exercise of warrant Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, Authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, Issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock, outstanding Common Stock Value Common stock, par value $.01; Authorized: 100,000,000 : Issued and outstanding: 32,301,928 and 30,432,760 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 respectively Conditional Commitment Amount Conditional Commitment Amount Minimum required fund to implement the MoU Contractual Commitments [Axis] Contractual Commitments [Axis] Contractual Commitments [Axis] Contractual Commitments [Domain] Contractual Commitments [Domain] Contractual Commitments [Domain] Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible Debt Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Decrease in deferred financing costs. Decrease In Financing Costs Deferred financing costs on debt conversions and modification Deposits Assets Current Fixed short term bank deposits - restricted Depreciation Depreciation Development Stage Enterprise Deficit Accumulated During Development Stage Deficit accumulated in development stage Disclosure - Basis of Presentation and Going Concern - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Basis Of Presentation And Going Concern Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Basis of Presentation and Going Concern - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized for Employees and Directors [Abstract] Disclosure Compensation Cost Of Warrant And Option Issuances Recognized For Employees And Directors [Abstract] Disclosure - Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized for Employees and Directors [Abstract] Disclosure - Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized for Non-employees [Abstract] Disclosure Compensation Cost Of Warrant And Option Issuances Recognized For Nonemployees [Abstract] Disclosure - Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized for Non-employees [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock Warrants and Options Outstanding [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Warrants And Options Outstanding [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock Warrants and Options Outstanding [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Events - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Subsequent Events Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Events - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Unrecognized Compensation Cost Expected to be Recognized [Abstract] Disclosure Unrecognized Compensation Cost Expected To Be Recognized [Abstract] Disclosure - Unrecognized Compensation Cost Expected to be Recognized [Abstract] Disclosure - Warrant and Option Transactions [Abstract] Disclosure Warrant And Option Transactions [Abstract] Disclosure - Warrant and Option Transactions [Abstract] Disclosure - Weighted Average Fair Value of Warrants Granted to Employees and Directors Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model and Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract] Disclosure Weighted Average Fair Value Of Warrants Granted To Employees And Directors Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model And Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract] Disclosure - Weighted Average Fair Value of Warrants Granted to Employees and Directors Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model and Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract] Disclosure - Weighted Average Fair Value of Warrants Granted to Non Employees Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model and Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract] Disclosure Weighted Average Fair Value Of Warrants Granted To Non Employees Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model And Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract] Disclosure - Weighted Average Fair Value of Warrants Granted to Non Employees Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model and Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Drilling Cost Drilling Cost Exploratory licensing guidelines, estimated drilling costs supported by applicant Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Net loss per share of common stock - basic and diluted (in US$) Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Net Loss per Share Data Total of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for obligations related to services received from employees, such as accrued salaries and bonuses, payroll taxes and fringe benefits. For classified balance sheets, used to reflect the noncurrent portion of the liabilities (due beyond one year or one operating cycle, if longer); for unclassified balance sheets, used to reflect the total liabilities (regardless of due date). Employee Related Liabilities Noncurrent Provision for severance pay Employees and Directors [Member] Employees And Directors [Member] Employees and Directors Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs Capitalized Amount Compensation cost of warrant and option issuances Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested stock Employee Stock Ownership Plan Noncash Contribution Employee Stock Ownership Plan Noncash Contribution Cost of options capitalized to Oil & Gas Properties Employee Termination Costs [Member] Employee Termination Costs [Member] Employee Termination Costs Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Environmental Exit Costs Anticipated Cost Estimated environmental clean up/restoration cost Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Incentive Plan Twenty Eleven [Member] Equity Incentive Plan Twenty Eleven [Member] Equity Incentive Plan Twenty Eleven Exercise of Warrants [Member] Exercise Of Warrants [Member] Reduced warrant exercise price Exploration License Term Exploration License Term Period to submit an application from publication date Fee [Member] Fee [Member] Rig demobilization fee Finance [Member] Finance [Member] Finance Fiscal Year 2013 [Member] Fiscal Year Twenty Thirteen [Member] During 2013 Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Before Tax Foreign exchange gain (loss) Forfeiture [Member] Forfeiture [Member] Forfeiture Funds Raised Toward Memorandum of Understanding Funds Raised Toward Memorandum Of Understanding Fund raised to implement the MoU Gain Loss On Sale Of Property Plant Equipment Loss on disposal of equipment Guarantee, Percent Guarantee Percent Percentage of bank guarantee GuyneyYildizi Petrol UretimSondajMut Ve Tic Anonim Sirketi [Member] Guyney Yildizi Petrol Uretim Sondaj Mut Ve Tic Anonim Sirketi [Member] GuyneyYildizi Petrol UretimSondajMut Ve Tic Anonim Sirketi Impairment Of Oil And Gas Properties Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Loss before income taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Statements of Operations Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for income taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Income taxes Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Increase Decrease In Accrued Severance Pay Net Of Severance Pay Fund Increase Decrease In Accrued Severance Pay Net Of Severance Pay Fund Severance pay, net Increase Decrease In Deferred Compensation Increase (decrease) in deferred officers' compensation (net) Increase Decrease In Inventories Decrease in inventories Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Change in assets and liabilities, net: Increase Decrease In Prepaid Deferred Expense And Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other Increase Decrease In Prepaid Taxes Change in refundable value-added tax Interest Income Expense Nonoperating Net Interest income, net Interest Paid Cash paid for interest Interim Period Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Issuance Of Warrants To Placement Agent In Public Offering Issuance Of Warrants To Placement Agent In Public Offering Value of warrants granted to underwriters Joseph License [Member] Joseph License [Member] Joseph License Labor And Related Expense Salaries Lapidoth Israel Oil Prospectors Corp Ltd [Member] Lapidoth Israel Oil Prospectors Corp Ltd [Member] Lapidoth Israel Oil Prospectors Corp Ltd Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current liabilities Loss Contingencies By Nature Of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Damages Sought Value Drilling contract, amount outstanding Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum Minimum [Member] Minimum Nature Of Expense [Axis] Nature of Expense [Axis] Negotiated Payments for Trade Services Negotiated Payments For Trade Services Drilling contract, amount paid for settlement Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Income Loss Net loss Net loss Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition Investments Acquired 1 Investment in Oil & Gas properties Non Employee Director [Member] Non Employee Director [Member] Non Employee Director Non Employee [Member] Non Employee [Member] Non Employee Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract] Other income (expense), net Notes Issued 1 Payment of accounts payable through issuance of note payable Number of Non Employee Director Number Of Non Employee Director Stock option plan, number of non- employee directors Officer [Member] Officer Officers Compensation Officers Compensation Oil And Gas Properties Policy Policy [Text Block] Oil and Gas Properties and Impairment Oil And Gas Property Full Cost Method Net Unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method Operating Expenses [Abstract] General and administrative expenses Operating Income Loss Loss from operations Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Going Concern Other Assets Noncurrent Assets held for severance benefits Other Assets Noncurrent [Abstract] Other assets Other Cost And Expense Operating Other Other Noncash Expense Write-off of costs associated with public offering Other Noncash Income Interest on short term bank deposits Other Nonoperating Expense Termination of initial public offering Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other income, net Paid In Kind Interest Interest paid through issuance of common stock Payment Of Financing And Stock Issuance Costs Costs associated with the issuance of stock and warrants Payments For Proceeds From Short Term Investments Investment in short term bank deposits - restricted Payments To Acquire Oil And Gas Property Investment in unproved oil and gas properties Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Acquisition of property and equipment Payments To Explore And Develop Oil And Gas Properties Payments for services Percentage of Drilling and Completion Costs to be Paid by Acquirer Percentage Of Drilling And Completion Costs To Be Paid By Acquirer Exploratory licensing guidelines, estimated drilling costs supported by applicant Percentage Of Ownership Interests Percentage Of Ownership Interests Contemplated ownership percentage in drilling company Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Prepaid expenses and other The cash inflow from the additional capital contribution to the entity including any warrants issued. Proceeds are net of cash outflows for issuance costs related to the transaction. Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock And Warrants Net Proceeds from sale of stock and exercise of warrants Proceeds from warrant and options exercise Proceeds From Other Debt Loan proceeds - other Proceeds From Related Party Debt Loan proceeds - related party Proceeds From Warrant Exercises Proceeds from exercise of warrant Professional Fees Legal and professional Projects With Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized For More Than One Year By Project [Axis] Project Name [Axis] Project With Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized For More Than One Year Name [Domain] Project with Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized for More than One Year, Name [Domain] Property Plant And Equipment Net Property and equipment at cost Net of accumulated depreciation of $227,000 and $172,000, Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range Eight [Member] Range Eight [Member] Range Eight Range 11 [Member] Range Eleven [Member] Range Eleven Range Five [Member] Range Five [Member] Range Five Range Four [Member] Range Four [Member] Range Four Range [Member] Range [Domain] Range Nine [Member] Range Nine [Member] Range Nine Range One [Member] Range One [Member] Range One Range Seven [Member] Range Seven [Member] Range Seven Range Six [Member] Range Six [Member] Range Six Range Ten [Member] Range Ten [Member] Range Ten Range 13 [Member] Range Thirteen [Member] Range 13 Range Three [Member] Range Three [Member] Range Three Range 12 [Member] Range Twelve [Member] Range 12 Range Two [Member] Range Two [Member] Range Two Remainder of Year [Member] Remainder Of Year [Member] During 2012 Repayments Of Related Party Debt Loan principal repayments - related party Salary Expense [Member] Salary Expense [Member] Salary Expense Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Text Block] Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized for Employees and Directors Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share Based Compensation Nonemployee Stock Award [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Nonemployee Stock Award Table [Text Block] Compensation Cost of Warrant and Option Issuances Recognized for Non-employees