INCOME TAXES Tax Effects of Temporary differences that Give Rise to Significant Portions of the Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Deferred compensation	$ 9,338	$ 13,104
Asset retirement obligations	34,359	34,101
deferred tax assets, federal tax	29,988	0
State NOL and tax credit carryforwards, net	5,189	3,376
Alternative minimum tax - credit carryforward	5,184	2,812
Deferred tax assets, Allowance for note receivable	17,292	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments	26,262	0
Other	4,716	3,412
Deferred tax assets	132,328	56,805
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
properties and equipment	518,964	99,191
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives	0	100,369
Convertible debt	14,231	697
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	533,195	200,257
Net deferred tax liability	$ 400,867	$ 143,452