Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

(11) Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC 820 sets forth a framework for measuring fair value and required disclosures about fair value measurements of assets and liabilities. Fair value under FASB ASC 820 is defined as the price at which an asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. A liability's fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, use of unobservable prices or inputs are used to estimate the current fair value, often using an internal valuation model. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the item being valued.

FASB ASC 820 established a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Partnership's derivative contracts primarily consist of commodity swap contracts which are not traded on a public exchange. The fair values of commodity swap contracts are determined using discounted cash flow techniques. The techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 inputs for future commodity prices that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets. These market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument's term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk and are classified as Level 2 in hierarchy.

Net assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

		December 31,
		2012		2011
		Level 2		Level 2
Commodity Swaps*		$	1,924	$	(2,720)
Total		$	1,924	$	(2,720)
*	Unrealized gains or losses on commodity derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at each measurement date. The fair value of derivative contracts included in assets or liabilities for risk management activities represents the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current arms-length transaction adjusted for credit risk of the Partnership and/or the counterparty as required under FASB ASC 820.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments has been determined by the Company using available market information and valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value, thus, the estimates provided below are not necessarily indicative of the amount the Company could realize upon the sale or refinancing of such financial instruments (in thousands).

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	Value		Value		Value		Value
Long-term debt	$	1,036,305	$	1,118,875	$	798,409	$	882,500
Obligations under capital lease		25,257		27,667		28,367		27,637

The carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.

The Partnership had$71.0 million in borrowings under its revolving credit facility included in long-term debt as of December 31, 2012 and $85.0 million in borrowings under this credit facilityas of December 31, 2011. Borrowings under the credit facility accrue interest under a floating interest rate structure so the carrying value of such indebtedness approximates fair value for the amounts outstanding under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Partnership also had borrowings totaling $715.3 million and $713.4 million, net of discount, respectively, under the 2018 Notes with a fixed rate of 8.875% and borrowings of $250.0 million as of December 31, 2012 under the 2022 Notes with a fixed rate of 7.125%.The fair value of all senior unsecured notes as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was based on Level 1 inputs from third-party market quotations. The fair value of obligations under capital leases was calculated using Level 2 inputs from third-party banks.