INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes at federal statutory rate(a)	$ 10,353	$ 5,274	$ 7,331
Change in valuation allowance	(11,768)	(6,537)	(9,675)
Nondeductible expenses	156	694	574
State income taxes net of federal benefit	1,827	931	1,294
Other	(504)	(369)	398
Total	64	(7)	(78)
Federal income tax rate (as a percent)	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Deferred tax assets relating to:
Net operating loss carryforward	98,895	101,393
Oil and gas properties and tangible equipment	15,043	25,111
Stock option expense	3,585	3,682
Unrealized loss on derivatives	1,390	558
Other	324	324
Total gross deferred tax assets	119,237	131,068
Less valuation allowance	119,112	130,879
Total deferred tax asset	125	189
Deferred tax liabilities relating to:
Net unrealized gain on investments	125	189
Total deferred tax liability	$ 125	$ 189