Exploratory Costs (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Exploratory Costs [Abstract]

Schedule Of Capitalized Exploratory Well And Project Activity

	Three Months Ended March  31, 2012
	(in thousands)
Beginning capitalized exploratory costs	$	107,596
Additions to exploratory costs pending the determination of proved reserves		174,894
Reclassification due to determination of proved reserves		(117,610	)
Exploratory well costs charged to exploration expense		(26,878	)
Ending capitalized exploratory costs	$	138,002