Related-Party Transaction

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

5. Related-Party Transaction

Effective January 1, 1990, John H. Alexander, an officer and director of the Company participated with a group of investors that acquired the mineral and fee interest on one of the Company's oil and gas leases (Santa Fe Energy lease) in the Carneros Creek field after the Company declined to participate. The thirty-three percent interest owned by Mr. Alexander represents a minority interest in the investor group. Royalties on oil and gas production from this property paid to the investor group approximated $222,500, $226,200 and $195,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As a director, Mr. Alexander has abstained from voting on any of the above matters that have been brought before the Board of Directors, involving the Santa Fe lease. See Note 12 for discussion of severance awards entered into with Mr. Alexander.