Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets, Current [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD Cash and cash equivalents Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net Total Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid expenses and other Total Prepaid Expenses and Other Inventory, Net Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Current deferred tax asset Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method, Gross [Abstract] Natural gas and oil properties, successful efforts method of accounting: Proved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method Proved properties Unproved Oil and Gas Property, Successful Effort Method Unproved properties Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Other property and equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Net property and equipment Total property, plant and equipment, net Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS: Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investments in affiliates Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Other non-current assets Total other non-current assets Assets TOTAL ASSETS Liabilities, Current [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Current asset retirement obligations Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: Non-current liabilities: Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Asset retirement obligations Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 11) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.04 par value, 50 million shares authorized, 24,636,936 shares issued and 19,381,146 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015, 24,372,538 shares issued and 19,148,000 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Treasury Stock, Value Treasury shares at cost (5,255,790 shares at December 31, 2015 and 5,224,538 shares at December 31, 2014) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Total shareholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Balance, shares Balance, shares Common stock, shares outstanding Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues [Abstract] REVENUES: Oil and Condensate Revenue Oil and condensate sales Natural Gas Production Revenue Natural gas sales Represents the revenue from the sale of Natural Gas Liquids during the period. Natural Gas Liquids Sales Revenue Natural gas liquids sales Oil and Gas Revenue Total revenues Costs and Expenses [Abstract] EXPENSES: Other Cost and Expense, Operating Operating expenses Exploration Expense Exploration expenses Impairment of natural gas and oil proved and unproved properties. Impairment of natural gas and oil properties Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation, depletion and amortization General and Administrative Expense General & administrative expense General and administrative expenses Costs and Expenses Total expenses Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments, Net of Tax Gain (loss) from investment in affiliates (net of income taxes) Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Gain (loss) on derivatives, net Gain (loss) on derivatives, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other gain (loss) Other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit (provision) Income tax provision (benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (loss) from continuing operations Net Loss Net loss NET INCOME (LOSS) Net loss Earnings Per Share [Abstract] NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE: Net income (loss) per Share (Basic) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income from continuing operations, basic (in dollars per share) Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Net income (loss) per share (Diluted) [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income from continuing operations, diluted (in dollars per share) Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted Total (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average shares, basic (in shares) Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total Diluted (in shares) Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Impairment and abandonment of oil and gas properties Costs Incurred, Exploration Costs Exploration expenses The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes Gain (loss) from investment in affiliates Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Loss on sale of assets Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments Unrealized gain (loss) Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Decrease in accounts receivable and other receivables Decrease Increase In Prepaids And Other Receivables Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses Decrease in accounts payable and advances from joint owners. Decrease in accounts payable and advances from joint owners Decrease in accounts payable and advances from joint owners Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Increase (decrease) in other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Decrease in income taxes receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Payments to Explore and Develop Oil and Gas Properties Natural gas and oil exploration and development expenditures Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Sale of oil and gas properties Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Investments in affiliates Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Return of investment in affiliates Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Distributions from affiliates Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from Lines of Credit Borrowings under credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayments under credit facility Repayments of Long-term Debt Payment of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchase of common stock Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercised options Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefit from exercise/cancellation of stock options Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs Net cash used in financing activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Total Shareholders' Equity [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Acquisition of Crimson Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Common stock issued to Crimson stockholders Acquisition of Crimson, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised (in shares) Exercise of stock options, shares Options exercised in period (in shares) Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury shares at cost Purchase of treasury stock Treasury shares at cost, shares Treasury shares at cost Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted shares activity Dissolution of affiliate Dissolution of affiliate Dissolution of REX Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted shares activity, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock-based compensation, shares Organization And Business [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization And Business Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Concentration Of Credit Risk [Abstract] Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration Of Credit Risk Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Merger With Crimson Exploration Inc. Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Acquisitions, Dispositions And Gains From Affiliates Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share Repurchase Programs [Abstract] Share Repurchase Programs [Abstract] Share Repurchase Programs [Text Block] Share Repurchase Programs [Text Block] Share Repurchase Programs Other Financial Information [Abstract] Other Financial Information [Abstract] Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block] Other Financial Information Investment In Exaro Energy III LLC [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Investment In Exaro Energy III LLC Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Commitments And Contingencies[Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Presentation Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Investments, cost method Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Investments, equity method Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use Of Estimates Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Full Cost or Successful Efforts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Oil and Gas Properties - Successful Efforts Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment Of Oil And Gas Properties Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Of Credit Risk Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Issuance Costs Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Instruments And Hedging Activities Reclassifications [Text Block] Reclassifications