Suspended Well Costs (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Suspended Well Costs [Abstract]

Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs, Roll Forward [Table Text Block]

The following table reflects the net changes in capitalized exploratory well costs during 2015, 2014, and 2013. The table does not include amounts that were capitalized and either subsequently expensed or reclassified to producing well costs in the same year:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance on January 1,	$	43,589		$	34,527		$	9,100
Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves	11,952			43,589			34,527
Divestitures	(809		)	—			—
Reclassifications to wells, facilities, and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves	(18,485		)	(33,340		)	(9,100		)
Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense	(24,295		)	(1,187		)	—
Ending balance at December 31,	$	11,952		$	43,589		$	34,527