| Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates which are particularly significant to our consolidated financial statements include estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves used in calculating depletion; estimates of unpaid revenues and unbilled costs; future cash flows from proved oil and natural gas reserves on proved oil and natural gas properties used in impairment assessment; valuation of commodity derivative instruments; the estimation of future abandonment obligations used in asset retirement obligations; valuation of proved and unproved crude oil and natural gas properties from purchased and exchanged businesses and assets; and valuation of deferred income tax assets. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk as substantially all of our deposits held in financial institutions were in excess of federal deposit insurance limits as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents in the form of money market and checking accounts with financial institutions that we believe are creditworthy and are also lenders under our revolving credit facility. Commodity Derivative Financial Instruments. Our results of operations and operating cash flows are affected by changes in market prices for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. To manage a portion of our exposure to price volatility from producing crude oil and natural gas we enter into commodity derivative contracts to protect against price declines in future periods. We have elected not to designate any of our commodity derivative instruments as cash flow hedges; therefore, these instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Under applicable accounting standards, the fair value of each derivative instrument is recorded as either an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheet. We measure the fair value of our commodity derivative instruments based upon a pricing model that utilizes market-based inputs, including, but not limited to, contractual price of the underlying position, current market prices, crude oil and natural gas forward curves, discount rates, volatility factors and nonperformance risk. Properties and Equipment. Crude Oil and Natural Gas Properties. We account for our crude oil and natural gas properties under the successful efforts method of accounting. Under this method, costs of proved developed producing properties, successful exploratory wells and developmental dry hole costs are capitalized and depleted by the unit-of-production method based on estimated proved developed producing reserves. We have determined that we have two unit-of-production fields: the Wattenberg Field and the Delaware Basin. In making these conclusions we consider the geographic concentration, operating similarities within the areas, geologic considerations and common cost environments in these areas. We calculate quarterly depletion expense by using our estimated prior period-end reserves as the denominator, with the exception of our fourth quarter where we use the year-end reserve estimate adjusted for fourth quarter production. The process of estimating and evaluating crude oil and natural gas reserves is complex, requiring significant decisions in the evaluation of available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data. The data for a given property may also change substantially over time as a result of numerous factors, including additional development activity, evolving production history and a continual reassessment of the viability of production under changing economic conditions. As a result, revisions in existing reserve estimates occur. Capitalized development costs of producing oil and natural gas properties are depleted over proved developed reserves and leasehold costs are depleted over total proved reserves. Upon the sale or retirement of significant portions of or complete fields of depreciable or depletable property, the net book value thereof, less proceeds or salvage value, is recognized as a gain or loss. Exploration costs, including geological and geophysical expenses, seismic costs on unproved leaseholds and delay rentals are expensed as incurred. Exploratory well drilling costs, including the cost of stratigraphic test wells, are initially capitalized, but charged to expense if the well is determined to be economically nonproductive. The status of each in-progress well is reviewed quarterly to determine the proper accounting treatment under the successful efforts method of accounting. Exploratory well costs continue to be capitalized as long as we have identified a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify completion as a producing well, we are making sufficient progress assessing our reserves and economic and operating viability or we have not made sufficient progress to allow for final determination of productivity. If an in-progress exploratory well is found to be economically unsuccessful prior to the issuance of the financial statements, the costs incurred prior to the end of the reporting period are charged to exploration expen se. If we are unable to make a final determination about the productive status of a well prior to issuance of the financial statements, the costs associated with the well are classified as suspended well costs until we have had sufficient time to conduct additional completion or testing operations to evaluate the pertinent geological and engineering data obtained. At the time we are able to make a final determination of a well’s productive status, the well is removed from suspended well status and the resulting accounting treatment is recorded. Unproved property costs not subject to depletion primarily include leasehold costs, broker and legal expenses and capitalized internal costs associated with developing oil and natural gas prospects on these properties. Leasehold costs are transferred into costs subject to depletion on an ongoing basis as these properties are evaluated and proved reserves are established. Additional costs not subject to depletion include costs associated with development wells in progress or awaiting completion at year-end. These costs are transferred into costs subject to depletion on an ongoing basis as these wells are completed and proved reserves are established or confirmed. Proved Property Impairment. Annually, or upon a triggering event, we assess the valuation of our proved crude oil and natural gas properties for possible impairment by comparing the carrying value to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows on a field-by-field basis using estimated production and prices at which we estimate the commodity will be sold. If carrying values exceed undiscounted future net cash flows, the measurement of impairment is based on estimated fair value utilizing a discounted future cash flows analysis. The impairment recorded is the amount by which the carrying values exceed the fair value. In the impairment assessment we estimate the fair value of proved crude oil and natural gas properties using valuation techniques that convert future cash flows to a single discounted amount. Significant inputs and assumptions to the valuation of proved crude oil and natural gas properties include estimates of future production volumes, future operating and development costs, future commodity prices, and a market based weighted average cost of capital rate. Certain events, including but not limited to downward revisions in estimates of our reserve quantities, expectations of falling commodity prices or rising capital and operating costs, could result in a triggering event, and may result to a possible impairment of our proved crude oil and natural gas properties. Unproved Property Impairment. Acquisition costs of unproved properties are capitalized when incurred, until such properties are transferred to proved properties or charged to impairment expense. Unproved crude oil and natural gas properties with individually significant acquisition costs are assessed for impairment periodically, or if a triggering event is identified. Other Property and Equipment. Other property and equipment such as vehicles, facilities, office furniture and equipment, buildings and computer hardware and software is carried at cost. Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives, which range from two to 35 years. Total depreciation expense related to other property and equipment was $7.7 million, $8.7 million and $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We review other property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying value of the asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. Internal-Use Software. Internal-use software costs incurred during the development stage of our enterprise resource planning software are capitalized. The development stage generally includes software design, configuration, testing and installation activities. Training and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred, while upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is probable that such expenditures will result in additional functionality. Capitalized internal-use software costs are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the underlying project on a straight-line basis upon completion of the project. Capitalized Interest. We capitalize interest on expenditures made in connection with exploration and development projects that are not subject to current depletion. Interest is capitalized only for the period that activities are in progress to bring unevaluated properties to its intended use. Interest capitalized may not exceed gross interest expense for the period. Capitalized interest totaled $17.8 million, $19.7 million and $13.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Assets Held-for-Sale. Assets held-for-sale are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value, less costs to sell. If the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. Fair values are estimated using accepted valuation techniques, such as a discounted cash flow model, earnings multiples or indicative bids, when available. We consider historical experience and all available information at the time the estimates are made; however, the fair value that is ultimately realized upon the sale of the assets to be divested may differ from the estimated fair values reflected on the consolidated financial statements. DD&A expense is not recorded on assets once they are classified as held-for-sale. Assets classified as held-for-sale are expected to be disposed of within one year. Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to operating loss and credit carryforwards and differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applicable to the future period when those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. If we determine that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance, thereby reducing the deferred income tax assets to what we consider realizable. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense. Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts. Debt issuance costs and discounts are capitalized and amortized over the life of the respective borrowings using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs for the Senior Notes are included in long-term debt and the debt issuance costs for the revolving credit facility are included in other assets. Asset Retirement Obligations. We recognize the estimated liability for future costs associated with the plugging and abandonment of our oil and gas properties resulting from acquisition, construction or normal operation. We account for asset retirement obligations by recording the fair value of our plugging and abandonment obligations when incurred, which is at the time the related well is completed. Upon initial recognition of an asset retirement obligation, we increase the carrying amount of the associated long-lived asset by the same amount as the liability. Over time, the liability is accreted for the change in the present value (accretion expense). The initial capitalized cost, net of salvage value, is depleted over the useful life of the related asset through a charge to DD&A expense. If the fair value of the estimated asset retirement obligation changes, an adjustment is recorded to both the asset retirement obligation and the asset retirement cost (presented as part of properties and equipment). Revisions in estimated liabilities can result from, among other things, changes in retirement costs or the estimated timing of settling asset retirement obligations. Treasury Shares. We record treasury share purchases at cost, which includes incremental direct transaction costs. Amounts are recorded as a reduction in shareholders’ equity. When we retire treasury shares, we charge any excess of cost over the par value to additional paid-in-capital (“APIC”), to the extent we have amounts in APIC, with any remaining excess cost being charged to retained earnings. Revenue Recognition. Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs revenues are recognized when we have transferred control of crude oil, natural gas or NGLs production to the purchaser. We consider the transfer of control to have occurred when the purchaser has the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from, the crude oil, natural gas or NGLs production. We record revenues based on an estimate of the volumes delivered at estimated prices as determined by the applicable sales agreement. We estimate our sales volumes based on company-measured volume readings. We then adjust our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales in subsequent periods based on the data received from our purchasers that reflects actual volumes delivered and prices received. We receive payment for sales one to two months after actual delivery has occurred. The differences in sales estimates and actual sales are recorded one to two months later. Historically, these differences have not been material. We account for natural gas imbalances using the sales method. For the years ending December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the impact of any natural gas imbalances was not significant. Our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales are recorded using either the “net-back” or “gross” method of accounting, depending upon the related agreement. We use the net-back method when control of the crude oil, natural gas or NGLs has been transferred to the purchasers of these commodities that are providing transportation, gathering or processing services. In these situations, the purchaser pays us proceeds based on a percent of the proceeds or have fixed our sales price at index less specified deductions. The net-back method results in the recognition of a net sales price that is lower than the index for which the production is based because the operating costs and profit of the midstream facilities are embedded in the net price we are paid. We use the gross method of accounting when control of the crude oil, natural gas or NGLs is not transferred to the purchaser and the purchaser does not provide transportation, gathering or processing services as a function of the price we receive. Rather, we contract separately with midstream providers for the applicable transport and processing on a per unit basis. Under this method, we recognize revenues based on the gross selling price and recognize transportation, gathering and processing expenses. For our product sales that have a contract term greater than one year, the Company has utilized the practical expedient in ASC Topic 606 which states the Company is not required to disclose the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations if the variable consideration is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation. Under these sales contracts, monthly sales of a product generally represent a separate performance obligation; therefore, future commodity volumes to be delivered and sold are wholly unsatisfied and disclosure of the transaction price allocated to such unsatisfied performance obligations is not required. Business Combinations. We utilize the acquisition method to account for acquisitions of businesses. Pursuant to the acquisition method, we allocate the cost of the acquisition to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on fair values as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocations are based upon appraisals, discounted cash flows and estimates by management, which are Level 3 inputs. When appropriate, we review recent comparable purchases and sales of crude oil and natural gas properties within the same regions and use that data as a basis for fair market value; for example, the amount at which a willing buyer and seller would enter into an exchange for such properties. In estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we make various assumptions. The most significant assumptions relate to the estimated fair values assigned to proved developed producing, proved developed non-producing, proved undeveloped and unproved crude oil and natural gas properties. To estimate the fair value of these properties as part of acquisition accounting, we estimate the fair value of proved crude oil and natural gas properties using valuation techniques that convert future cash flows to a single discounted amount. Significant inputs and assumptions to the valuation of proved crude oil and natural gas properties include estimates of reserves volumes, future operating and development costs, future commodity prices, and a market based weighted average cost of capital rate. The market based weighted average cost of capital rate is subject to additional project-specific risking factors. To compensate for the inherent risk of estimating and valuing unproved properties, we reduce the discounted future net revenues of probable and possible reserves by additional risk-weighting factors. Additionally, for acquisitions with significant unproved properties, we complete an analysis of recent comparable purchased properties to determine an estimation of fair value. If applicable, we record deferred taxes for any differences between the assigned values and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Estimated deferred taxes are based on available information concerning the tax basis of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and loss carryforwards at the acquisition date, although such estimates may change in the future as additional information becomes known. Acreage Exchanges . From time to time, we enter into acreage exchanges in order to consolidate our core acreage positions, enabling us to have more control over the timing of development activities, achieve higher working interests and provide us the ability to drill longer lateral length wells within those core areas. We account for our nonmonetary acreage exchanges in accordance with the guidance prescribed by Accounting Standards Codification 845, Nonmonetary Transactions . For those exchanges that lack commercial substance, we record the acreage received at the net carrying value of the acreage surrendered to obtain it. For those acreage exchanges that are deemed to have commercial substance, we record the acreage received at fair value, with a related gain or loss recognized in earnings, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurement . Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation is recognized within our financial statements based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument awarded. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized in the financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award and we account for forfeitures of stock-based compensation awards as they occur. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities. The Company follows the authoritative accounting guidance for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities in its financial statements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Our fair value measurements are estimated pursuant to a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are defined as: Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is little, if any, market activity. Leases. We determine if an arrangement is representative of a lease at contract inception. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use the underlying assets for the lease term and the corresponding lease liabilities represent our obligations to make lease payments arising from the leases. Operating and finance lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of the expected lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we utilize our incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Subsequent measurement, as well as presentation of expenses and cash flows, will depend upon the classification of the lease as either a finance or operating lease. Terms of our leases include options to extend or terminate the lease only when we can ascertain that it is reasonably certain we will exercise that option. Leases with an initial term of one year or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. |
