Transactions with Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Transactions with affiliates
Due to affiliate for net joint interest and general and administrative charges processed in excess of revenues	$ 5,356		$ 5,356
Due from affiliate for net revenues processed in excess of joint interest and technical and administrative services charges					130,487
Reef | Lawsuit pending an arbitration
Transactions with affiliates
Legal fees reimbursed	4,420	6,889	9,210	9,970
RELP
Transactions with affiliates
Administrative expenses incurred	10,720	24,579	31,795	103,439
Due to affiliate for net joint interest and general and administrative charges processed in excess of revenues	5,356		5,356
Due from affiliate for net revenues processed in excess of joint interest and technical and administrative services charges					$ 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