XML 20 R28.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2011
Oil & Gas properties [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Unproved | $ 10,814,000 |  | $ 10,814,000 |  | $ 17,098,000
Wells in progress | 201,000 |  | 201,000 |  | 2,909,000
Proved | 117,636,000 |  | 117,636,000 |  | 99,496,000
Oil & Gas properties | 128,651,000 |  | 128,651,000 |  | 119,503,000
Less accumulated depreciation depletion and amortization | (39,641,000) |  | (39,641,000) |  | (28,561,000)
Net book value | 89,010,000 |  | 89,010,000 |  | 90,942,000
Mining properties | 20,739,000 |  | 20,739,000 |  | 20,739,000
Building, land and equipment | 8,482,000 |  | 8,482,000 |  | 8,474,000
Less accumulated depreciation | (3,966,000) |  | (3,966,000) |  | (3,746,000)
Net book value | 4,516,000 |  | 4,516,000 |  | 4,728,000
Net properties and equipment | 114,265,000 |  | 114,265,000 |  | 116,409,000
Oil and Gas Properties [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Capitalized Costs, Proved Properties | 11,000,000 |  | 11,000,000 |  | 20,000,000
Capitalized costs related to unevaluated properties are included in the amortization base | 0 |  | 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) |  |  | 94.97 |  |
Price per barrel for natural gas at ceiling test (in dollars per barrel) |  |  | 2.826 |  |
Impairment of oil and gas properties | 0 | 0 | 523,000 | 0 |
Mineral Properties [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Costs associated with Mount Emmons beginning of year |  |  | 20,739,000 | 21,077,000 | 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 |  | $ 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 |  |

X
- Definition Capitalized costs of unevaluated property included in amortization base. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | useg_CapitalizedCostsOfUnevaluatedPropertyIncludedInAmortizationBase
Namespace Prefix: | useg_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the number of cost centers for quarterly ceiling test for oil and gas. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | useg_NumberOfCostCentersForQuarterlyCeilingTestForOilAndGas
Namespace Prefix: | useg_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of option payment from party for termination of agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | useg_OptionPaymentFromPartyForTerminationOfAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | useg_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the percentage of discount used for future net revenue. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | useg_PercentageOfDiscountUsedForFutureNetRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | useg_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Period after which costs will be added to the full cost amortization pool for properties. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | useg_PeriodAfterWhichCostsWillBeAddedToFullCostAmortizationPoolForProperties
Namespace Prefix: | useg_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the period prior to the end of reporting period and costs. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | useg_PeriodPriorToEndOfReportingPeriodAndCosts
Namespace Prefix: | useg_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the price per barrel of natural gas at ceiling test. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | useg_PricePerBarrelForNaturalGasAtCeilingTest
Namespace Prefix: | useg_
Data Type: | num:volumeItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the price per barrel for oil at ceiling test. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | useg_PricePerBarrelForOilAtCeilingTest
Namespace Prefix: | useg_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of wells in progress. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | useg_WellsInProgress
Namespace Prefix: | useg_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 14 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph c -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.14) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The sum of the capitalized costs incurred, as of the balance sheet date, of unproved properties excluded from amortization including acquisition costs, exploration costs, development costs, and production costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 932 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-10.(c)(7)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21918352&loc=d3e511914-122862 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationCumulative
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Capitalized costs of proved properties incurred for any combination mineral interests acquisitions; wells and related equipment; support equipment and facilities; and uncompleted wells and equipment and other costs not previously disclosed within this table. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 19 -Paragraph 59M -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 932 -SubTopic 360 -Glossary Proved Properties -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522428 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 932 -SubTopic 235 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8451039&loc=d3e61901-109447 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Properties -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21914647 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsProvedProperties
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Capitalized costs of unproved properties incurred for any combination mineral interests acquisitions and other costs not previously disclosed within this table. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 932 -Glossary Unproved Properties -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6527831 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 932 -SubTopic 235 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8451039&loc=d3e61901-109447 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Properties -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21914647 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 19 -Paragraph 59M -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsUnprovedProperties
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The capitalized costs incurred during the period (excluded from amortization) to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and gas. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 932 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-10.(c)(7)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21918352&loc=d3e511914-122862 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 10 -Paragraph c -Subparagraph 3(ii)(A) -Article 4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DevelopmentCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The expense recorded to reduce the value of oil and gas assets consisting of proved properties and unproved properties as the estimate of future successful production from these properties is reduced. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 19 -Paragraph 27, 28, 29 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 932 -SubTopic 360 -Section 35 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6475018&loc=d3e66150-109466 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2921-110230 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Mineral properties, net of adjustments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 19 -Paragraph 15 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MineralPropertiesNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MineralPropertiesNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Depletion of oil and gas property carried under the full cost method. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyFullCostMethodDepletion
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Oil and gas properties, gross, carried under the full cost method. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyFullCostMethodGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Oil and gas properties, net of depletion, carried under the full cost method. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyFullCostMethodNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyFullCostMethodNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 8 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b, c -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.13) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents capitalized assets classified as property, plant and equipment not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The net amount of capitalized assets classified as property, plant and equipment not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration