Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 9,081	$ (21,154)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1,668	1,106
Accretion expense	34	39
Amortization of bank fees	289	121
Property impairment	0	515
Stock compensation	711	703
Foreign exchange (gains) losses	(10,298)	22,923
Common stock issued for services	712	635
Increase (decrease) from changes in working capital items:
Receivables	(12,053)	743
Inventory	1	(9)
Other current assets	114	235
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,037	(832)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(5,704)	5,025
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to oil and gas properties	(10,593)	(901)
Additions to other property and equipment	(775)	(543)
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,368)	(1,444)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises	128	0
Proceeds from common stock offering, net	45,042	0
Payments made on credit facility	(35,000)	0
Net cash provided by in financing activities	10,170	0
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash	652	(737)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	(6,250)	2,844
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	19,740	4,225
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 13,490	$ 7,069