Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total Stockholders' Equity - PrimeEnergy [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 78,260	$ 383	$ 7,186	$ 105,662	$ (92)	$ (43,527)	$ 69,612	$ 8,648
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	3,836,397us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued	3,836,397
Repurchase 19,260 shares of common stock	(1,280)					(1,280)	(1,280)
Net loss	(218)us-gaap_ProfitLoss			13			13	(231)
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(8)				(8)		(8)
Repurchase of non-controlling interests	(1)		(1)				(1)
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(16)							(16)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$ 76,737	$ 383	$ 7,185	$ 105,675	$ (100)	$ (44,807)	$ 68,336	$ 8,401
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2015	3,836,397us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued	3,836,397

Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury.

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Amount after tax of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to parent entity.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity.

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Equity impact of the cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method.

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