Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating revenues:
Gas sales	$ 653
Other, net	205
Total Revenue	858
Operating expenses:
Exploration costs	5,967	5,117	4,501
Lease operating expense	3,873	2,314	1,864
General and administrative	9,701	7,076	6,327
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1,045	224	182
Total operating expenses	20,586	14,731	12,874
Operating loss	(19,728)	(14,731)	(12,874)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(678)	(1,135)	(863)
Interest income	6	5	5
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	(1)	(1)	(5)
Foreign currency transaction loss	(844)	(311)	(18)
Total other income	(1,517)	(1,442)	(881)
Loss before income taxes	(21,245)	(16,173)	(13,755)
Income taxes
Net loss	(21,245)	(16,173)	(13,755)
Comprehensive loss	$ (21,245)	$ (16,173)	$ (13,755)
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted	$ (0.06)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.08)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted	333,214	220,671	162,251