Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (21,245)	$ (16,173)	$ (13,755)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1,045	224	182
Amortization of deferred financing costs	253	324	692
Share-based compensation	862	659	1,165
Changes in components of working capital and asset retirement and environmental obligations:
Restricted cash		739	(739)
Accounts receivable	(899)	266	(245)
Inventory	(237)	(78)	(37)
Prepaid expenses	(69)	(138)	96
Deposits	(442)	245	(222)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,337	4,192	38
Loss on sale of assets	1	1	5
Other, net	(28)	(71)	(5)
Net cash used in operating activities	(16,422)	(9,810)	(12,825)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to oil and gas properties in China	(17,052)	(4,698)	(3,232)
Additions to other properties	(804)	(335)	(123)
Sales of other fixed assets			2
Net cash used in investing activities	(17,856)	(5,033)	(3,353)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from credit facility	16,250
Net proceeds from exchangeable note			10,000
Payment on exchangeable note	(3,200)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock	16,731	37,005	4,360
Net proceeds from exercise of options		31
Deferred financing costs			(495)
Net cash provided by financing activities	29,781	37,036	13,865
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(4,497)	22,193	(2,313)
Cash and cash equivalents--beginning of period	27,760	5,567	7,880
Cash and cash equivalents--end of period	23,263	27,760	5,567
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	1,227
Noncash investing and financing transactions:
Common stock issued to convert notes payable	6,800
Asset retirement and environmental obligations	$ 174	$ 105	$ 156