Oil and natural gas properties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Oil and natural gas properties	$ 776,317
Drilling and work in process	208,728
Producing oil wells	400,535
Total oil and natural gas properties, at cost	6,268,706
Less: accumulated impairment	(3,685,202)
Oil and natural gas properties, net impairment	2,583,504
Less: accumulated depletion	(1,145,514)	(1,093,063)	(953,084)
Oil and natural gas properties, net	1,437,990	926,729	538,729
Restated [Member]
Oil and natural gas properties		101,259
Drilling and work in process		268,436
Producing oil wells		222,598
Total oil and natural gas properties, at cost		5,475,419
Less: accumulated impairment		(3,340,849)
Oil and natural gas properties, net impairment		2,134,570
Less: accumulated depletion		(1,099,211)	(953,084)
Oil and natural gas properties, net		1,035,359	653,507
Purchased Wells [Member]
Proved property	3,130,100	3,130,100
Drilled Wells [Member]
Proved property	$ 1,753,026	$ 1,753,026