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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2012 Dollarsperbarrel PerMMbtuofNaturalGas | Dec. 31, 2011
Oil & Gas properties [Abstract] |  |
Unproved | $ 11,769,000 | $ 17,098,000
Wells in progress | 980,000 | 2,909,000
Proved | 109,081,000 | 99,496,000
Oil & Gas properties | 121,830,000 | 119,503,000
Less accumulated depreciation depletion and amortization | (36,231,000) | (28,561,000)
Net book value | 85,599,000 | 90,942,000
Mining properties | 20,739,000 | 20,739,000
Building, land and equipment | 15,069,000 | 14,984,000
Less accumulated depreciation | (6,092,000) | (5,788,000)
Net book value | 8,977,000 | 9,196,000
Net properties and equipment | 115,315,000 | 120,877,000
Oil and Gas Properties [Abstract] |  |
Capitalized Costs, Proved Properties | 12,700,000 | 20,000,000
Capitalized costs related to unevaluated properties are included in the amortization base | 0 | 0
Period after which costs will be added to the full cost amortization pool for properties | 2 years |
Percentage of discount used for future net revenue (in hundredths) | 10.00% |
Period prior to the end of reporting period and costs | 12 months |
Number of cost centers for quarterly ceiling test for oil and gas | 1 |
Price per barrel for oil at ceiling test (in dollars per barrel) | 95.67 |
Price per barrel for natural gas at ceiling test (in dollars per barrel) | 3.13 |
Mineral Properties [Abstract] |  |
Costs associated with Mount Emmons beginning of year | 20,739,000 | 21,077,000
Development costs | 0 | 16,000
Option payment from Thompson Creek | 0 | (354,000)
Costs at the end of the period | $ 20,739,000 | $ 20,739,000
Minimum [Member] |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |
Estimated useful lives | 3 years |
Maximum [Member] |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |
Estimated useful lives | 45 years |

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