Unit-Based Compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Employee Service Share-Based Compensation Expense

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