Unit-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Unit-Based Compensation

Note 5 - Unit-Based Compensation

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company granted an aggregate 1,071,002 restricted units to employees, primarily as part of its annual review of employee compensation, with an aggregate fair value of approximately $41 million.  The restricted units vest over three years.  A summary of unit-based compensation expenses included on the condensed consolidated statements of operations is presented below:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2011		2010		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
General and administrative expenses	$	5,290	$	3,196	$	10,694	$	7,210
Lease operating expenses		253		69		487		190
Total unit-based compensation expenses	$	5,543	$	3,265	$	11,181	$	7,400
Income tax benefit	$	2,408	$	1,291	$	4,132	$	2,927