diff --git a/sleekxmpp/exceptions.py b/sleekxmpp/exceptions.py
index bbbd69d..40217ef 100644
--- a/sleekxmpp/exceptions.py
+++ b/sleekxmpp/exceptions.py
@@ -3,14 +3,43 @@
     Copyright (C) 2010  Nathanael C. Fritz
     This file is part of SleekXMPP.
 
-See the file LICENSE for copying permission.
+    See the file LICENSE for copying permission.
 """
 
 class XMPPError(Exception):
-	def __init__(self, condition='undefined-condition', text=None, etype=None, extension=None, extension_ns=None, extension_args=None):
-		self.condition = condition
-		self.text = text
-		self.etype = etype
-		self.extension = extension
-		self.extension_ns = extension_ns
-		self.extension_args = extension_args
+
+    """
+    A generic exception that may be raised while processing an XMPP stanza
+    to indicate that an error response stanza should be sent.
+
+    The exception method for stanza objects extending RootStanza will create
+    an error stanza and initialize any additional substanzas using the
+    extension information included in the exception.
+
+    Meant for use in SleekXMPP plugins and applications using SleekXMPP.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, condition='undefined-condition', text=None, etype=None,
+                 extension=None, extension_ns=None, extension_args=None):
+        """
+        Create a new XMPPError exception.
+
+        Extension information can be included to add additional XML elements
+        to the generated error stanza.
+
+        Arguments:
+            condition      -- The XMPP defined error condition.
+            text           -- Human readable text describing the error.
+            etype          -- The XMPP error type, such as cancel or modify.
+            extension      -- Tag name of the extension's XML content.
+            extension_ns   -- XML namespace of the extensions' XML content.
+            extension_args -- Content and attributes for the extension
+                              element. Same as the additional arguments to
+                              the ET.Element constructor.
+        """
+        self.condition = condition
+        self.text = text
+        self.etype = etype
+        self.extension = extension
+        self.extension_ns = extension_ns
+        self.extension_args = extension_args