Transactions with Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Transactions with affiliates
Due from affiliate for net revenues processed in excess of joint interest and technical and administrative services charges	$ 52,625		$ 52,625		$ 130,487
Reef | Lawsuit pending an arbitration
Transactions with affiliates
Legal fees reimbursed	2,993	3,080	4,790	3,080
RELP
Transactions with affiliates
Administrative expenses incurred	7,840	36,339	21,075	78,859
Due from affiliate for net revenues processed in excess of joint interest and technical and administrative services charges	$ 52,625		$ 52,625		$ 130,487
RELP | Minimum
Transactions with affiliates
Period for receipt of cash from oil and gas purchasers, associated with the net revenues processed by affiliate			30 days
RELP | Maximum
Transactions with affiliates
Period for receipt of cash from oil and gas purchasers, associated with the net revenues processed by affiliate			60 days