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Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments  
Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments

5. Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments

        The Company uses a valuation framework based upon inputs that market participants use in pricing an asset or liability, which are classified into two categories: observable inputs and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs represent market data obtained from independent sources; whereas, unobservable inputs reflect a company's own market assumptions, which are used if observable inputs are not reasonably available without undue cost and effort. These two types of inputs are further divided into the following fair value input hierarchy:

 

        •          Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

        •          Level 2—Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this category are commodity derivative contracts with fair values based on inputs from actively quoted markets. The Company uses a discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair values of its commodity derivative contracts, utilizing commodity futures price strips for the underlying commodities provided by a reputable third-party.

        •          Level 3—Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

        Assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.