Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies *Business.* We were incorporated in the state of Nevada on February 4, 2000, and on January 10, 2002, we changed our name to Far East Energy Corporation ("FEEC"). The terms "we," "us," "our," and "our company" refer to FEEC and its subsidiaries. References to common stock refer to the common stock of FEEC. References to FEEB refer to Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd., our principal operating subsidiary. We are an independent energy company. FEEC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration and development of coalbed methane ("CBM") gas properties solely in the People's Republic of China ("PRC"). Prior to December 31, 2011, we were classified as a development stage company and our activities were principally limited to the drilling, testing, and completion of and pilot development CBM wells and organizational activities. As of December 31, 2011, the Company received its first independent, third party reserve report providing a calculation of the Company's proved, probable and possible reserves and thus emerged from development stage status as a result of the amount of proved reserves estimated in the reserve report and the fact that we have started generating revenues. Our activities have been limited to organizational activities, including developing a strategic operating plan, capital funding, hiring personnel, entering into contracts acquiring rights to explore for, develop, produce and sell oil and gas or coalbed methane, and drilling, testing and completion of exploratory wells. Gas sales commenced in the first quarter of 2011. See Note 14 – Subsequent Events. *Principles of Consolidation.* Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries after the elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions. *Use of Estimates.* The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities that exist at the date of the financial statements. Items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: 1) oil and natural gas reserves; 2) cash flow estimates used in impairment tests of long-lived assets; 3) depreciation, depletion and amortization; 4) asset retirement obligations; and 5) income taxes. While we believe our estimates are appropriate, actual results can, and often do, differ from those estimates. *Cash and Cash Equivalents.* We consider short-term investments with little risk of change in value because of changes in interest rates and purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. *Inventory.* Inventory consists primarily of tubular goods and drilling equipment used in our operations and is carried at cost with adjustments made from time to time to recognize any reductions in value. *Oil and Gas Properties.* We use the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and gas properties. Under this method, oil and gas lease acquisition costs and intangible drilling costs associated with exploration efforts that result in the discovery of proved reserves and costs associated with development drilling, whether or not successful, are capitalized when incurred. If proved commercial reserves are not discovered, such drilling costs are expensed. In some circumstances, it may be uncertain whether proved commercial reserves have been found when drilling has been completed. Under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 932, Extractive Activities – Oil and Gas ("ASC 932"), such exploratory well drilling costs may continue to be capitalized if the reserve quantity is sufficient to justify its completion as a producing well and sufficient progress in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project is being made. We assess our capitalized exploratory wells pending evaluation each quarter to determine whether costs should remain capitalized or should be charged to earnings. Other exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred. We recognize gain or loss on the sale of properties on a field basis. Depreciation, depletion and amortization of the cost of proved oil and gas properties is calculated using the unit-of-production method. Unproved property costs are capitalized and reviewed periodically for impairment on a field basis, considering factors such as drilling and exploitation plans and lease terms. The estimated fair value of unproved leasehold costs includes the present value of probable reserves discounted at rates commensurate with the risks involved in each classification of reserve. Costs related to impaired prospects are charged to expense. An impairment expense could result if oil and gas prices decline in the future or if downward reserves revisions are recorded, as it may not be economical to develop some of these unproved properties. We also evaluate current drilling results, lease expiration dates, current oil and gas industry conditions, international economic conditions, capital availability, foreign currency exchange rates, political stability in the countries in which the Company has an investment, and available geological and geophysical information. Any impairment assessed is charged to expense. *Estimates of future dismantlement, restoration, and abandonment costs. The accounting for future development and abandonment costs is determined by FASB ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, which requires the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The liability is accreted each period through charges to depreciation, depletion and amortization. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The accrual is based on estimates of these costs for each of our properties based upon the type of production structure, reservoir characteristics, depth of the reservoir, market demand for equipment, currently available procedures and consultations with construction and engineering consultants. Because these costs typically extend many years into the future, estimating these future costs is difficult and requires management to make estimates and judgments that are subject to future revisions based on numerous factors, including changing technology, the political and regulatory environment, estimates as to the proper discount rate to use and timing of abandonment. Convertible Debts and Warrants.* We applied FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815") and FASB ASC Topic 470, Debt ("ASC 470"), in recording the Exchangeable Note and warrants issued to Dart Energy in conjunction with a transaction between the parties. Derivative financial instruments, as defined in ASC 815, consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying, require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets. Convertible debt, as defined in ASC 470, generally includes an interest rate which is lower than the issuer could establish for nonconvertible debt, an initial conversion price which is greater than the market value of the common stock at the time of issuance, and a conversion price which does not decrease except pursuant to anti-dilution provisions. Also, under ASC 470, the portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the debt which is allocable to the warrant should be accounted for as additional paid-in capital. The allocation should be based on the relative fair values of the two securities at time of issuance. *Revenue Recognition.* We derive revenue primarily from the sale of produced natural gas. Revenues, net of royalties, are recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or determinable price, when delivery has occurred and title has transferred, and if the collectability of the revenue is probable. The amount of gas sold may differ from the amount to which the Company is entitled based on its working interest or net revenue interest in the properties. A ready market for natural gas allows us to sell our natural gas shortly after production at the pipeline receipt point at which time title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer. Revenue is recorded when title is transferred based on our deliveries and net revenue interests. Cash received relating to future revenues is deferred and recognized when all revenue recognition criteria are met. *Significant Customers.* All of the Company's production is sold to one customer, Shanxi Province Guoxin Energy Development Group Limited ("SPG"). In the event that this significant customer ceases doing business with us, we believe, but can provide no assurances, that there are potential alternative customers with whom we could establish new relationships and that those relationships would result in the replacement of the lost customer. *Income Taxes.* Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period the change occurs. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. *Environmental Matters.* Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when assessments and/or remediation are deemed probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. *Net Loss Per Share.* We apply FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share ("ASC 260") for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in our earnings. *Share-based Compensation.* We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options based on the grant date fair value of the awarded options under FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). We determine the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We determine the fair value of shares of nonvested stock (also commonly referred to as restricted stock) based on the last quoted price of our stock on the OTC Bulletin Board on the date of the share grant. The fair value determined represents the cost for the award and is recognized over the vesting period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. As share-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards ultimately expected to vest, we have reduced the expense for estimated forfeitures based on historical forfeiture rates. Previously recognized compensation costs may be adjusted to reflect the actual forfeiture rate for the entire award at the end of the vesting period. Excess tax benefits, as defined in ASC 718, if any, are recognized as an addition to paid-in capital. *Foreign Currency Transactions.* Periodically, we assess the functional currencies of our Chinese subsidiaries to ensure that the appropriate currency is utilized in accordance with the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters ("ASC 830"). During the fourth quarter of 2006, we determined that the functional currency for our Chinese operations was U.S. Dollars, instead of the Chinese Renminbi ("RMB") as previously reported and utilized. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses, which resulted from transactions denominated in the Chinese RMB, were recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. *Fair Values of Financial Instruments.* Our company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, payables, and accrued payables. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their respective fair values as they are short-term in nature. *Credit Concentration.* We have deposited with two financial institutions a total of approximately $7.7 million in cash at December 31, 2011, which exceeded the limit of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The funds were deposited in U.S. government agency supported funds. We did not require collateral from the financial institutions on these deposits. The current arrangements with the financial institutions are such that the funds are moved or swept at the end of every business day into different overnight investments. As of December 31, 2011, approximately $15.3 million of our cash was held in foreign bank accounts. *Reclassification.* Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2010 to be consistent with the 2011 presentation. *Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement.* In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09 regarding subsequent events and amendments to certain recognition and disclosure requirements. Under this ASU, a public company that is a Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filer, as defined, is not required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. This ASU is effective upon the issuance of this ASU. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business. We were incorporated in the state of Nevada on February 4, 2000, and on January 10, 2002, we changed our name to Far East Energy Corporation ("FEEC"). The terms "we," "us," "our," and "our company" refer to FEEC and its subsidiaries. References to common stock refer to the common stock of FEEC. References to FEEB refer to Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd., our principal operating subsidiary. We are an independent energy company. FEEC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration and development of coalbed methane ("CBM") gas properties solely in the People's Republic of China ("PRC"). Prior to December 31, 2011, we were classified as a development stage company and our activities were principally limited to the drilling, testing, and completion of and pilot development CBM wells and organizational activities. As of December 31, 2011, the Company received its first independent, third party reserve report providing a calculation of the Company's proved, probable and possible reserves and thus emerged from development stage status as a result of the amount of proved reserves estimated in the reserve report and the fact that we have started generating revenues. Our activities have been limited to organizational activities, including developing a strategic operating plan, capital funding, hiring personnel, entering into contracts acquiring rights to explore for, develop, produce and sell oil and gas or coalbed methane, and drilling, testing and completion of exploratory wells. Gas sales commenced in the first quarter of 2011. See Note 14 – Subsequent Events.

Principles of Consolidation. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries after the elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities that exist at the date of the financial statements. Items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: 1) oil and natural gas reserves; 2) cash flow estimates used in impairment tests of long-lived assets; 3) depreciation, depletion and amortization; 4) asset retirement obligations; and 5) income taxes. While we believe our estimates are appropriate, actual results can, and often do, differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider short-term investments with little risk of change in value because of changes in interest rates and purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventory. Inventory consists primarily of tubular goods and drilling equipment used in our operations and is carried at cost with adjustments made from time to time to recognize any reductions in value.

Oil and Gas Properties. We use the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and gas properties. Under this method, oil and gas lease acquisition costs and intangible drilling costs associated with exploration efforts that result in the discovery of proved reserves and costs associated with development drilling, whether or not successful, are capitalized when incurred. If proved commercial reserves are not discovered, such drilling costs are expensed. In some circumstances, it may be uncertain whether proved commercial reserves have been found when drilling has been completed. Under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 932, Extractive Activities – Oil and Gas ("ASC 932"), such exploratory well drilling costs may continue to be capitalized if the reserve quantity is sufficient to justify its completion as a producing well and sufficient progress in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project is being made. We assess our capitalized exploratory wells pending evaluation each quarter to determine whether costs should remain capitalized or should be charged to earnings. Other exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred. We recognize gain or loss on the sale of properties on a field basis. Depreciation, depletion and amortization of the cost of proved oil and gas properties is calculated using the unit-of-production method.

Unproved property costs are capitalized and reviewed periodically for impairment on a field basis, considering factors such as drilling and exploitation plans and lease terms. The estimated fair value of unproved leasehold costs includes the present value of probable reserves discounted at rates commensurate with the risks involved in each classification of reserve. Costs related to impaired prospects are charged to expense. An impairment expense could result if oil and gas prices decline in the future or if downward reserves revisions are recorded, as it may not be economical to develop some of these unproved properties. We also evaluate current drilling results, lease expiration dates, current oil and gas industry conditions, international economic conditions, capital availability, foreign currency exchange rates, political stability in the countries in which the Company has an investment, and available geological and geophysical information. Any impairment assessed is charged to expense.

Estimates of future dismantlement, restoration, and abandonment costs. The accounting for future development and abandonment costs is determined by FASB ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, which requires the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The liability is accreted each period through charges to depreciation, depletion and amortization. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The accrual is based on estimates of these costs for each of our properties based upon the type of production structure, reservoir characteristics, depth of the reservoir, market demand for equipment, currently available procedures and consultations with construction and engineering consultants. Because these costs typically extend many years into the future, estimating these future costs is difficult and requires management to make estimates and judgments that are subject to future revisions based on numerous factors, including changing technology, the political and regulatory environment, estimates as to the proper discount rate to use and timing of abandonment.

Convertible Debts and Warrants. We applied FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815") and FASB ASC Topic 470, Debt ("ASC 470"), in recording the Exchangeable Note and warrants issued to Dart Energy in conjunction with a transaction between the parties. Derivative financial instruments, as defined in ASC 815, consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying, require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets. Convertible debt, as defined in ASC 470, generally includes an interest rate which is lower than the issuer could establish for nonconvertible debt, an initial conversion price which is greater than the market value of the common stock at the time of issuance, and a conversion price which does not decrease except pursuant to anti-dilution provisions. Also, under ASC 470, the portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the debt which is allocable to the warrant should be accounted for as additional paid-in capital. The allocation should be based on the relative fair values of the two securities at time of issuance.

Revenue Recognition. We derive revenue primarily from the sale of produced natural gas. Revenues, net of royalties, are recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or determinable price, when delivery has occurred and title has transferred, and if the collectability of the revenue is probable. The amount of gas sold may differ from the amount to which the Company is entitled based on its working interest or net revenue interest in the properties. A ready market for natural gas allows us to sell our natural gas shortly after production at the pipeline receipt point at which time title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer. Revenue is recorded when title is transferred based on our deliveries and net revenue interests. Cash received relating to future revenues is deferred and recognized when all revenue recognition criteria are met.

Significant Customers. All of the Company's production is sold to one customer, Shanxi Province Guoxin Energy Development Group Limited ("SPG"). In the event that this significant customer ceases doing business with us, we believe, but can provide no assurances, that there are potential alternative customers with whom we could establish new relationships and that those relationships would result in the replacement of the lost customer.

Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period the change occurs. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

Environmental Matters. Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when assessments and/or remediation are deemed probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.

Net Loss Per Share. We apply FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share ("ASC 260") for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in our earnings.

Share-based Compensation. We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options based on the grant date fair value of the awarded options under FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). We determine the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We determine the fair value of shares of nonvested stock (also commonly referred to as restricted stock) based on the last quoted price of our stock on the OTC Bulletin Board on the date of the share grant. The fair value determined represents the cost for the award and is recognized over the vesting period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. As share-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards ultimately expected to vest, we have reduced the expense for estimated forfeitures based on historical forfeiture rates. Previously recognized compensation costs may be adjusted to reflect the actual forfeiture rate for the entire award at the end of the vesting period. Excess tax benefits, as defined in ASC 718, if any, are recognized as an addition to paid-in capital.

Foreign Currency Transactions. Periodically, we assess the functional currencies of our Chinese subsidiaries to ensure that the appropriate currency is utilized in accordance with the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters ("ASC 830"). During the fourth quarter of 2006, we determined that the functional currency for our Chinese operations was U.S. Dollars, instead of the Chinese Renminbi ("RMB") as previously reported and utilized. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses, which resulted from transactions denominated in the Chinese RMB, were recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments. Our company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, payables, and accrued payables. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their respective fair values as they are short-term in nature.

Credit Concentration. We have deposited with two financial institutions a total of approximately $7.7 million in cash at December 31, 2011, which exceeded the limit of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The funds were deposited in U.S. government agency supported funds. We did not require collateral from the financial institutions on these deposits. The current arrangements with the financial institutions are such that the funds are moved or swept at the end of every business day into different overnight investments. As of December 31, 2011, approximately $15.3 million of our cash was held in foreign bank accounts.

Reclassification. Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2010 to be consistent with the 2011 presentation.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement. In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09 regarding subsequent events and amendments to certain recognition and disclosure requirements. Under this ASU, a public company that is a Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filer, as defined, is not required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. This ASU is effective upon the issuance of this ASU. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our financial statements.