ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - OTHER (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010 acre	Jul. 31, 2010 Gulf United Energy, Inc. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Gulf United Energy, Inc. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Hupecol Operating, LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Hupecol Operating, LLC [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Additional ownership interest acquired in CPO 4 Block (in hundredths)			12.50%
Gas and oil area in CPO 4 Block (in acres)			345,452
Payment period under agreement				30 days
Share of past costs receivable under agreement (in hundredths)				12.50%
Percentage of acquisition costs receivable under agreement (in hundredths)				25.00%
Amount receivable under agreement in connection with seismic acquisition costs				$ 3,951,370
Bad debt expense	3,951,370	0			3,951,370
Escrow receivables, percentage (in hundredths)	13.30%						5.00%
Expected period of reimbursement							12 months
Amount receivable for entity's proportionate share of escrow funds	$ 3,436,305	$ 4,322,063				$ 86,507