Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Gas to oil conversion ratio (thousand cubic feet of natural gas per barrel of oil)			6
Percentage of discount factor applied to estimated future net revenues from proved oil and gas reserves			10.00%
Cost method investments, additional information			The cost method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates in which the Company has less than 20% of the voting interests of a corporate affiliate or less than a 5% interest of a partnership or limited liability company and does not have significant influence.
Equity method investment, additional information			If the Company holds between 20% and 50% of the voting interest in non-consolidated corporate affiliates or greater than a 5% interest of a partnership or limited liability company and exercises significant influence or control, the equity method of accounting is used to account for the investment.
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents which are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share	250,000	2,900,000	250,000	2,900,000
Carbon [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Percentage of ownership interest in the subsidiary			100.00%
Common stock equivalent restricted to future contingencies	$ 4.7	$ 3.1	$ 4.7	$ 3.1
Nytis LLC [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Number of consolidated partnerships			46
Nytis Usa [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Percentage of ownership interest in the subsidiary			99.00%