The amount of capitalized exploratory well costs that is pending the determination of proved reserves. This does not include amounts that were capitalized and subsequently expensed in the same annual period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS19-1

-Paragraph 10

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 932

-SubTopic 235

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1B

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6821537&loc=SL6806780-109447

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalizedExploratoryWellCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2000	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Related Party Transactions
Percentage of working interests acquired	20.00%
Financing exploratory costs	$ 20
Royalty interest	25.00%
Related party payments		$ 2.3	$ 2.7	$ 7.3	$ 8.7
Partnership interests				80.70%