Note 6 - Property, Equipment and Construction in Progress (Details) - Property, Equipment and Construction in Progress (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Producing properties (successful efforts method of accounting)	$ 142,210	$ 141,219
Accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization	(117,863)	(96,136)
Property, equipment and construction in progress, net	221,203	238,557
Power Plant And Related Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in Progress	80,291	73,958
Platforms And Wells [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in Progress	11,998	15,611
Pipelines And Processing Facilities [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in Progress	2,426	11,784
Other Construction In Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in Progress	2,010	1,689
Producing Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	37,439	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	$ 9,167	$ 9,249