Oil and natural gas properties - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) well	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Extractive Industries [Abstract]
Impairment losses	$ 0	$ 867,048
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Depletion, depreciation, and amortization expense	135,009	637,121
Gain (loss) on disposition of oil and gas and timber property	$ 153,624	637,248
Trilogy Operating, Inc. v. Aurora Energy Partners
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of wells, assigned interest | well	7
Gain (loss) on disposition of oil and gas and timber property	$ 64,824	64,824
Oil and Gas Properties
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Depletion, depreciation, and amortization expense	$ 125,744	$ 637,121