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Asset Retirement Obligations
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
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:
 
Successor
Predecessor
 
October 2 through December 31, 2016
January 1 through October 1, 2016
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period (including current portion)
$
354,326

$
410,454

$
418,118

Accretion expense
7,634

24,321

33,680

Obligations of divested operations
—

(14,702
)
(334
)
Adjustments to the liability from changes in estimates
—

3,003

(28,570
)
Liabilities settled
(5,218
)
(11,087
)
(12,440
)
Fresh start accounting adjustment
—

(57,663
)
—

Balance at period end
$
356,742

$
354,326

$
410,454

Current portion included in accrued expenses
(19,515
)
(17,290
)
(13,795
)
Noncurrent liability
$
337,227

$
337,036

$
396,659


As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $528.3 million in surety bonds outstanding and $21.3 million in letters of credit to secure reclamation bonding obligations. Additionally, the Company has posted $33.4 million in cash as collateral related to reclamation surety bonds; this amount is recorded within “Noncurrent assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.