Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	HKN, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0000313478
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer?	No
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer?	No
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current?	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$ 8,800
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		390,916
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014