Note 6 - Property, Equipment and Construction in Progress (Details) - Property, Equipment and Construction in Progress (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Producing properties (successful efforts method of accounting)	$ 141,219	$ 141,219
Accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization	(110,824)	(96,136)
Property, equipment and construction in progress, net	228,239	238,557
Producing Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	36,770	27,758
Barge And Related Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	53,525	53,425
Office Equipment, Leasehold Improvements And Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	9,309	9,249
Power Plant And Related Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in Progress	78,198	73,958
Platforms And Wells [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in Progress	15,158	15,611
Pipelines And Processing Facilities [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in Progress	3,015	11,784
Other Construction In Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in Progress	$ 1,869	$ 1,689