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Suspended Exploratory Well Costs
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Extractive Industries [Abstract]  
Suspended Exploratory Well Costs

(6)

Suspended Exploratory Well Costs

We capitalize exploratory well costs until a determination is made that the well has either found proved reserves or that it is impaired. Capitalized exploratory well costs are presented in natural gas and oil properties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. If an exploratory well is determined to be impaired, the well costs are charged to exploration expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The following table reflects the changes in capitalized exploratory well costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except for number of projects):

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Balance at beginning of period

$

2,996

 

$

6,964

 

 

$

57,360

 

Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves

 

1,165

 

 

18,747

 

 

 

39,832

 

Reclassifications to wells, facilities and equipment based on determination of proved reserves

 

¾ 

 

 

(15,735

)

 

 

(84,840

)

Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense

 

¾ 

 

 

(6,980

)

 

 

(5,388

)

Balance at end of period

 

4,161

 

 

2,996

 

 

 

6,964

 

Less exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period of one year or less

 

(1,165)

 

 

(2,996

)

 

 

¾

 

Capitalized exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year

$

2,996

 

$

¾

 

 

$

6,964

 

Number of projects that have exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year

 

1

 

 

¾

 

 

 

1

 

As of December 31, 2015, the $3.0 million of capitalized exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for more than one year is comprised of one well in our Marcellus Shale area which is currently in the completion phase. The following table provides an aging of capitalized exploratory well costs that have been suspended for more than one year as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

Total

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

Capitalized exploratory well costs that have been suspended for more than one year

$

2,996

 

$

¾

 

 

$

2,996