Cover	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity File Number	001-16653
Entity Registrant Name	EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000887396
Entity Tax Identification Number	73-1238709
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Address Line One	2200 South Utica Place
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 150
Entity Address, City or Town	Tulsa
Entity Address, State or Province	OK
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	74114
City Area Code	(539)
Local Phone Number	444-8002
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	74,323,764