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Asset Retirement Obligations
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]  
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company's asset retirement obligations arise from the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and similar state statutes, which require that mine property be restored in accordance with specified standards and an approved reclamation plan. The required reclamation activities to be performed are outlined in the Company's mining permits. These activities include reclaiming the pit and support acreage at surface mines, sealing portals at underground mines, and reclaiming refuse areas and slurry ponds.
The following table describes the changes to the Company's asset retirement obligation liability:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In thousands)
Balance at January 1 (including current portion)
$
427,653

 
$
448,625

Accretion expense
32,909

 
35,727

Obligations of divested operations
(30,684
)
 
(8,440
)
Adjustments to the liability from changes in estimates
627

 
(26,578
)
Liabilities settled
(12,387
)
 
(21,681
)
Balance at December 31
$
418,118

 
$
427,653

Current portion included in accrued expenses
(19,222
)
 
(24,940
)
Noncurrent liability
$
398,896

 
$
402,713



As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $177.7 million in surety bonds outstanding, $458.5 million in self-bonding, and $3.5 million in letters of credit to secure reclamation bonding obligations.