Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (20,984)	$ (14,512)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	1,284	208
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,911	73
Share-based compensation	796	664
Changes in components of working capital:
Accounts receivable	(693)	(668)
Inventory	112	(226)
Prepaid expenses	127	(57)
Deposits	(133)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(5,070)	1,687
Gain on sale of assets	(3)
Other, net	(7)	(28)
Net cash used in operating activities	(22,660)	(12,859)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to oil and gas properties in China	(2,957)	(15,484)
Additions to other properties	(222)	(362)
Sales of other fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,179)	(15,846)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from credit facility	6,193
Net proceeds from sale of common stock		13,531
Net cash provided by financing activities	6,193	13,531
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(19,646)	(15,174)
Cash and cash equivalents--beginning of period	23,263	27,760
Cash and cash equivalents--end of period	3,617	12,586
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	1,583	1,227
Noncash investing and financing transactions:
Common stock issued to convert notes payable		6,800
Asset retirement and environmental obligations	$ 15	$ 154