Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

13. Fair Value Measurements

Accounting guidelines for measuring fair value establish a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy categorizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 — Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly such as quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which the Company makes its own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets and liabilities.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables present the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

	December 31, 2012										December 31, 2011
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Derivative instruments	$	—	$	36,452		$	—	$	36,452		$	—	$	61,063		$	—	$	61,063
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	—		(7,291		)	—		(7,291		)	—		(23,569		)	—		(23,569		)
Total	$	—	$	29,161		$	—	$	29,161		$	—	$	37,494		$	—	$	37,494

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments are based on a pricing model that uses market data obtained from reputable independent sources and are considered Level 2 inputs, including (a) quoted forward prices for oil and gas, (b) discount rates, (c) volatility factors and (d) current market and contractual prices, as well as other relevant economic measures. The estimates of fair value are also compared to the values provided by the counterparty for reasonableness and are adjusted for the counterparties’ credit quality for derivative assets and the Company’s credit quality for derivative liabilities. To date, adjustments for credit quality have not had a material impact on the fair values.

The fair values reported in the consolidated balance sheets are as of a particular point in time and subsequently change as these estimates are revised to reflect actual results, changes in market conditions and other factors. The assets and liabilities for derivative instruments included in the tables above are presented on a gross basis. The assets and liabilities for derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets are presented on a net basis when such amounts are with the same counterparty and subject to master netting agreements. The Company had no transfers in or out of Levels 1 or 2 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The Company’s other financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and long-term debt which are classified as Level 1 under the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and payables approximate fair value due to the highly liquid or short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amounts of long-term debt under the Company’s revolving credit facility approximate fair value as these borrowings bear interest at variable rates of interest. The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s senior notes and convertible senior notes, based on quoted market prices, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
8.625% Senior Notes	$	595,151	$	645,000	$	594,535	$	606,000
7.50% Senior Notes	300,000		308,250		—		—
4.375% Convertible Senior Notes	72,657		73,842		69,951		73,013