Exploratory Costs (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Exploratory Costs [Abstract]

Capitalized exploratory well and project activity

The following table reflects the Company's capitalized exploratory well and project activity during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2012			Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
	(in thousands)
Beginning capitalized exploratory costs	$	138,002		$	107,596
Additions to exploratory costs pending the determination of proved reserves	205,938			380,832
Reclassification due to determination of proved reserves	(148,805		)	(266,415		)
Exploratory well costs charged to exploration expense	(1,408		)	(28,286		)
Ending capitalized exploratory costs	$	193,727		$	193,727