STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 1,095,197	$ 245,863	$ (189,287)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for depletion, depreciation, and amortization	735,231	703,094	639,738
Valuation allowances	751,263	1,222,527	358,757
Accretion expense	45,314	34,955	41,618
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(1,512)	(320,556)	0
Loss on retirement of fixed assets	0	18,228	0
Stock based compensation	43,743	123,283	209,935
Deferred income taxes	(90,500)	(272,000)	(64,355)
Asset retirement obligations	(1,618)	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in trade accounts and interest receivable	(68,207)	(8,222)	(286,648)
(Increase) decrease in crude oil inventory	(31,795)	(23,601)	19,265
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses	(24,970)	(62,181)	17,458
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(10,000)	9,633	0
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	55,099	56,999	(173,790)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,497,245	1,728,022	572,691
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(1,163,961)	(2,258,033)	(347,866)
Payments to acquire short-term investments	(100,000)	(550,000)	(500,000)
Decrease (increase) in short-term investments	(41,836)	155,533	(54,962)
Proceeds from redemption of short-term investments	0	680,000	0
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	21,500	320,556	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,284,297)	(1,651,994)	(902,828)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Loans to employees	(1,300)	(3,400)	(3,800)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	55,979	40,419	0
Principal payments from loans to employees	1,300	4,300	3,100
Principal payments on long-term debt	(41,783)	(20,640)	(23,901)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	14,196	20,679	(24,601)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,227,144	96,707	(354,738)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,535,532	1,438,825	1,793,563
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	2,762,676	1,535,532	1,438,825
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for interest	3,020	300	1,313
Cash paid during the year for income taxes	$ 216,874	$ 1,000	$ 168,814