Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

9. 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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

	March 31, 2012										December 31, 2011
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Derivative instruments	$	—	$	63,497		$	—	$	63,497		$	—	$	61,073		$	—	$	61,073
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments		—		(33,732	)		—		(33,732	)		—		(23,792	)		—		(23,792	)
Total	$	—	$	29,765		$	—	$	29,765		$	—	$	37,281		$	—	$	37,281

The fair values of derivative instruments are based on a third-party pricing model which utilizes inputs that include (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 compared to the values provided by the counterparty for reasonableness. Derivative instruments are subject to the risk that counterparties will be unable to meet their obligations. Such non-performance risk is considered in the valuation of the Company's derivative instruments, but to date has not had a material impact on estimates of 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 or 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. 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 revolving credit facility and the Huntington Facility (as defined in Note 5. Debt) approximate fair value as these borrowings bear interest at variable rates of interest. The fair values of the Convertible Senior Notes and Senior Notes at March 31, 2012, were estimated at approximately $73.1 million and $628.0 million, respectively, based on quoted market prices.

Other Fair Value Measurements

The initial measurement of asset retirement obligations at fair value is calculated using discounted future cash flows of internally estimated costs. Significant Level 3 inputs used in the calculation of asset retirement obligations include the costs of plugging and abandoning wells, surface restoration and reserve lives.