Transactions with Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Transactions with Affiliates
Due from affiliate for net revenues processed in excess of joint interest and technical and administrative services charges	$ 40,789	$ 130,487
Number of employees	0
Reef | Pending litigation
Transactions with Affiliates
Legal fees reimbursed	11,612	11,124
RELP
Transactions with Affiliates
Technical services and administrative costs incurred	38,536	116,958	190,982
Technical services costs capitalized as project costs	0	0	11,836
Administrative costs reimbursed included as general and administrative expense	38,536	116,958	179,146
Due from affiliate for net revenues processed in excess of joint interest and technical and administrative services charges	40,789	130,487
Operating overhead fees paid	$ 7,019	$ 35,004	$ 46,536