Dry hole, abandonment, impairment and exploration (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Dry hole, abandonment, impairment and exploration
Dry hole, abandonment, impairment and exploration expense	$ 310	$ 266	$ 423	$ 1,636
Number of wells that encountered mechanical failure		1		1

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