Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of change in asset retirement obligation

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, Energen Resources recognized amounts representing expected future costs associated with site reclamation, facilities dismantlement, and plug and abandonment of wells as follows:

(in thousands)
Balance of ARO as of December 31, 2009	$	88,298
Liabilities incurred	4,033
Liabilities settled	(1,094		)
Accretion expense	6,178
Balance of ARO as of December 31, 2010	97,415
Liabilities incurred	4,627
Liabilities settled	(1,539		)
Accretion expense	6,837
Balance of ARO as of December 31, 2011	107,340
Liabilities incurred	3,994
Liabilities settled	(845		)
Accretion expense	7,534
Balance of ARO as of December 31, 2012	$	118,023