10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2012

Or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period From              to             

Commission File Number 0-7406

PrimeEnergy Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	84-0637348
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. employer Identification No.)

One Landmark Square, Stamford, Connecticut 06901

(Address of principal executive offices)

(203) 358-5700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filings required for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨ (Do not check if smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares outstanding of each class of the Registrant’s Common Stock as of May 8, 2012 was: Common Stock, $0.10 par value 2,628,968 shares.

PrimeEnergy Corporation

Index to Form 10-Q

March 31, 2012

	Page
Part I - Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011		3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations –Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011		4
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity – Three Months Ended March 31, 2012		5
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows – Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011		6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – March 31, 2012		7-11
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operation		12-15
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		15
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		15
Part II - Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		16
Item 1A. Risk Factors		16
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		16
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		16
Item 4. Reserved		16
Item 5. Other Information		16
Item 6. Exhibits		17-18
Signatures		19

2

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – Unaudited

(Thousands of dollars)

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,855		$	8,661
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		5,432			5,142
Accounts receivable, net		14,295			16,506
Other current assets		8,849			9,194
Total Current Assets		41,431			39,503
Property and Equipment, at cost
Oil and gas properties (successful efforts method), net		149,560			136,750
Field and office equipment, net		7,816			7,945
Total Property and Equipment, Net		157,376			144,695
Other Assets		614			614
Total Assets	$	199,421		$	184,812
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	24,402		$	29,538
Accrued liabilities		7,018			8,963
Current portion of asset retirement and other long-term obligations		13,705			12,854
Derivative liability short-term		3,503			2,046
Due to related parties		1,016			67
Total Current Liabilities		49,644			53,468
Long-Term Bank Debt		84,500			69,800
Asset Retirement Obligations		6,260			6,416
Derivative Liability Long-Term		3,783			1,461
Deferred Income Taxes		18,379			17,914
Total Liabilities		162,566			149,059
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, $.10 par value; 2012 and 2011: Authorized: 4,000,000 shares, issued: 3,836,397 shares; outstanding 2012: 2,682,249 shares; 2011: 2,701,869 shares		383			383
Paid-in capital		6,492			6,446
Retained earnings		52,612			51,289
Treasury stock, at cost; 2012: 1,154,148 shares; 2011: 1,134,528 shares		(31,576	)		(31,120	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity – PrimeEnergy		27,911			26,998
Non-controlling interest		8,944			8,755
Total Stockholders’ Equity		36,855			35,753
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	199,421		$	184,812

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

3

PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – Unaudited

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

	2012			2011
Revenues
Oil and gas sales	$	23,031		$	21,123
Realized gain on derivative instruments, net		119			322
Field service income		5,115			4,605
Administrative overhead fees		2,164			2,217
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net		(3,779	)		(9,509	)
Other income		57			13
Total Revenues		26,707			18,771
Costs and Expenses
Lease operating expense		9,500			7,906
Field service expense		4,385			3,905
Depreciation, depletion and amortization and accretion on discounted liabilities		6,838			6,036
General and administrative expense		3,889			3,037
Exploration costs		5			1
Total Costs and Expenses		24,617			20,885
Gain on Sale and Exchange of Assets		704			222
Income (Loss) from Operations		2,794			(1,892	)
Other Income and Expenses
Less: Interest expense		756			1,211
Add: Interest income		10			81
Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes		2,048			(3,022	)
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes		387			(1,113	)
Net Income (Loss)		1,661			(1,909	)
Less: Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests		338			473
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to PrimeEnergy	$	1,323		$	(2,382	)
Basic Income (Loss) Per Common Share	$	0.49		$	(0.86	)
Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	$	0.39		$	(0.86	)

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4

PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY – Unaudited

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

(Thousands of dollars)

	Common Stock				Additional Paid in		Retained		Treasury			Total Stockholders’ Equity –			Non-Controlling			Total Stockholders’
	Shares		Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock			PrimeEnergy			Interest			Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011		3,836,397	$	383	$	6,446	$	51,289	$	(31,120	)	$	26,998		$	8,755		$	35,753
Purchase 19,620 shares of common stock		—		—		—		—		(456	)		(456	)		—			(456	)
Net income		—		—		—		1,323		—			1,323			338			1,661
Purchase of non-controlling interests		—		—		46		—		—			46			(68	)		(22	)
Distributions to non-controlling interests		—		—		—		—		—			—			(81	)		(81	)
Balance at March 31, 2012		3,836,397	$	383	$	6,492	$	52,612	$	(31,576	)	$	27,911		$	8,944		$	36,855

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – Unaudited

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

(Thousands of dollars)

	2012			2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	1,323		$	(2,382	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Non-controlling interest in earnings of partnerships		338			473
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion on discounted liabilities		6,838			6,036
Gain on sale of properties		(704	)		(222	)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net		3,779			9,509
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes		465			(1,395	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable		2,211			(2,436	)
Decrease in other assets		328			59
Decrease in accounts payable		(5,426	)		(4,432	)
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities		159			(1,083	)
Increase in due to related parties		966			592
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		10,277			4,719
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures, including exploration expense		(20,701	)		(5,873	)
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment		734			222
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(19,967	)		(5,651	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Purchase of stock for treasury		(456	)		(959	)
Purchase of non-controlling interests		(22	)		(124	)
Proceeds in long-term bank debt and other long-term obligations		33,750			19,000
Repayment of long-term bank debt and other long-term obligations		(19,307	)		(24,107	)
Repayment of indebtedness to related party		—			(4,000	)
Distribution to non-controlling interests		(81	)		(70	)
Net Cash Provided (Used) in Financing Activities		13,884			(10,260	)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents		4,194			(11,192	)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning of the Period		8,661			32,792
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Period	$	12,855		$	21,600
Supplemental Disclosures:
Income taxes paid during the period	$	450		$	946
Income tax refunds received during the period	$	—		$	4
Interest paid during the period	$	673		$	1,211
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses relating to property during the period	$	(2,104	)	$	1,979

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(Unaudited)

(1) Interim Financial Statements:

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of PrimeEnergy Corporation (“PEC” or the “Company”) have not been audited by independent public accountants. During the interim periods, the Company follows the same accounting policies as used and described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. In accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations, the accompanying interim financial statements do not include all disclosures presented in annual financial statements and the reader should refer to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on March 29, 2012. In the opinion of management, the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Certain amounts presented in prior period financial statements have been reclassified for consistency with current period presentation. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results. For purposes of disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements, subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the statements were issued.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

There are no new significant accounting standards applicable to the Company that have been issued but not yet adopted as of the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

(2) Acquisitions and Dispositions:

Historically the Company has repurchased the interests of the partners and trust unit holders in the eighteen oil and gas limited partnerships (the “Partnerships”) and the two asset and business income trusts (the “Trusts”) managed by the Company as general partner and as managing trustee, respectively. The Company purchased such interests in an amount totaling $22,000 and $124,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(3) Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents:

Restricted cash and cash equivalents include $4.69 million and $4.39 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, of cash primarily pertaining to oil and gas revenue payments. There were corresponding accounts payable recorded at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for these liabilities. Both the restricted cash and the accounts payable are classified as current on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) Additional Balance Sheet Information:

Certain balance sheet amounts are comprised of the following:

(Thousands of dollars)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Accounts Receivable:
Joint interest billing	$	2,161	$	2,347
Trade receivables		2,002		1,558
Oil and gas sales		9,848		9,876
Other		655		3,146
		14,666		16,927
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		371		421
Total	$	14,295	$	16,506
Accounts Payable:
Trade	$	5,204	$	5,853
Royalty and other owners		10,576		13,645
Prepaid drilling deposits		849		779
Other		7,773		9,261
Total	$	24,402	$	29,538

7

(Thousands of dollars)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Accrued Liabilities:
Compensation and related expenses	$	2,880	$	2,137
Property costs		2,758		5,117
Income tax		—		362
Other		1,380		1,347
Total	$	7,018	$	8,963

(5) Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisted of the following:

(Thousands of dollars)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Proved oil and gas properties, at cost	$	511,769	$	492,393
Less: Accumulated depletion and depreciation		362,209		355,643
Oil and Gas Properties, Net	$	149,560	$	136,750
Field and office equipment	$	21,665	$	21,553
Less: Accumulated depreciation		13,849		13,608
Field and Office Equipment, Net	$	7,816	$	7,945
Total Property and Equipment, Net	$	157,376	$	144,695

(6) Long-Term Bank Debt:

Bank Debt:

Effective July 30, 2010 the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Compass Bank as agent and a syndicated group of lenders (“Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement has a revolving line of credit and letter of credit facility of up to $250 million with a final maturity date of July 30, 2014. The credit facility is subject to a borrowing base determined by the lenders taking into consideration the estimated value of PEC’s oil and gas properties in accordance with the lenders’ customary practices for oil and gas loans. This process involves reviewing PEC’s estimated proved reserves and their valuation. The borrowing base is re-determined semi-annually, and the available borrowing amount could be increased or decreased as a result of such redetermination. In addition, PEC and the lenders each have at their discretion the right to request the borrowing base be re-determined with a maximum of one such request each year. A revision to PEC’s reserves may prompt such a request on the part of the lenders, which could possibly result in a reduction in the borrowing base and availability under the credit facility. At any time if the sum of the outstanding borrowings and letter of credit exposures exceed the applicable portion of the borrowing base, PEC would be required to repay the excess amount within a prescribed period.

As of March 31, 2012, the credit facility borrowing base was $125.0 million with no required monthly reduction amount. The borrowings made within the credit facility may be placed in a base rate loan or LIBO rate loan. The Company’s borrowing rates in the credit facility provide for base rate loans at the prime rate (3.25% at March 31, 2012) plus applicable margin utilization rates that range from 1.75% to 2.0%, and LIBO rate loans at LIBO published rates plus applicable utilization rates (2.75% to 3.00% at March 31, 2012). As of March 31, 2012, the Company had in place one base rate loan and one LIBO rate loan with effective rates of 5.00% and 2.99%, respectively.

At March 31, 2012, the Company had $84.5 million of borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility at a weighted-average interest rate of 3.84% and $40.5 million available for future borrowings. The combined weighted average interest rates paid on outstanding bank borrowings subject to base rate and LIBO interest were 3.93% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to 5.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

8

(7) Other Long-Term Obligations and Commitments:

Operating Leases:

The Company has several non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for rental of office space, that have a term of more than one year. The future minimum lease payments for the rest of the fiscal 2012 and thereafter for the operating leases are as follows:

(Thousands of dollars)	Operating Leases
2012	$	416
2013		434
2014		16
Total minimum payments	$	866

Rent expense for office space for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $226,000 and $182,000, respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligation:

A reconciliation of the liability for plugging and abandonment costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

(Thousands of dollars)
Asset retirement obligation – December 31, 2011	$	19,013
Liabilities incurred		200
Liabilities settled		(93	)
Accretion expense		741
Revisions in estimated liabilities		104
Asset retirement obligation – March 31, 2012	$	19,965

The Company’s liability is determined using significant assumptions, including current estimates of plugging and abandonment costs, annual inflation of these costs, the productive life of wells and a risk-adjusted interest rate. Changes in any of these assumptions can result in significant revisions to the estimated asset retirement obligation. Revisions to the asset retirement obligation are recorded with an offsetting change to producing properties, resulting in prospective changes to depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and accretion of discount. Because of the subjectivity of assumptions and the relatively long life of most of the Company’s wells, the costs to ultimately retire the wells may vary significantly from previous estimates.

In December 2011, the Company entered into a fixed price contract for the plugging and abandonment of a substantial portion of its offshore properties. In connection with this contract, the Company deposited a net $6.0 million with the contractor which is reflected in prepaid obligations at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. All work under this contract is expected to be completed in 2012.

(8) Contingent Liabilities:

The Company, as managing general partner of the affiliated Partnerships, is responsible for all Partnership activities, including the drilling of development wells and the production and sale of oil and gas from productive wells. The Company also provides the administration, accounting and tax preparation work for the Partnerships, and is liable for all debts and liabilities of the affiliated Partnerships, to the extent that the assets of a given limited Partnership are not sufficient to satisfy its obligations. As of March 31, 2012, the affiliated Partnerships have established cash reserves in excess of their debts and liabilities and the Company believes these reserves will be sufficient to satisfy Partnership obligations.

The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations. Management believes that future expenses, before recoveries from third parties, if any, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition. This opinion is based on expenses incurred to date for remediation and compliance with laws and regulations, which have not been material to the Company’s results of operations.

From time to time, the Company is party to certain legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these events cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect these matters to have a materially adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

(9) Stock Options and Other Compensation:

In May 1989, non-statutory stock options were granted by the Company to four key executive officers for the purchase of shares of common stock. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, remaining options held by two key executive officers on 767,500 shares were outstanding and exercisable at prices ranging from $1.00 to $1.25. According to their terms, the options have no expiration date.

9

(10) Related Party Transactions:

The Company, as managing general partner or managing trustee, makes an annual offer to repurchase the interests of the partners and trust unit holders in certain of the Partnerships or Trusts. The Company purchased such interests in amounts totaling $22,000 and $124,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Receivables from related parties consist of reimbursable general and administrative costs, lease operating expenses and reimbursement for property development and related costs. These receivables are due from joint venture partners, which may include members of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Payables owed to related parties primarily represent receipts collected by the Company as agent for the joint venture partners, which may include members of the Company’s Board of Directors, for oil and gas sales net of expenses.

(11) Financial Instruments

Fair Value measurements:

Authoritative guidance on fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and stipulates the related disclosure requirements. The Company follows a three-level hierarchy, prioritizing and defining the types of inputs used to measure fair value. The fair values of the Company’s interest rate swaps, natural gas and crude oil price collars and swaps are designated as Level 3. The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)			Balance as of March 31, 2012
March 31, 2012
(Thousands of dollars)
Assets
Commodity derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Total assets	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Liabilities
Commodity derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	(7,286	)	$	(7,286	)
Total liability	$	—	$	—	$	(7,286	)	$	(7,286	)

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)			Balance as of December 31, 2011
December 31, 2011
(Thousands of dollars)
Assets
Commodity derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Total assets	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Liabilities
Commodity derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	(3,507	)	$	(3,507	)
Total liability	$	—	$	—	$	(3,507	)	$	(3,507	)

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

(Thousands of dollars)
Net liabilities – December 31, 2011	$	(3,507	)
Total realized and unrealized gains or losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings, net (a)		(3,660	)
Realized gains from purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		(119	)
Net liabilities – March 31, 2012	$	(7,286	)

(a) Derivative instruments are reported in revenues as realized gain/loss and on a separately reported line item captioned unrealized gain/loss on derivative instruments.

10

Derivative Instrument:

The Company is exposed to commodity price and interest rate risk, and management considers periodically the Company’s exposure to cash flow variability resulting from the commodity price changes and interest rate fluctuations. Futures, swaps and options are used to manage the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk inherent in the Company’s oil and gas production operations. The Company does not apply hedge accounting to any of its commodity based derivatives. Both realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with derivative instruments are recognized in earnings.

The following table sets forth the effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

		Fair Value
(Thousands of dollars)	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Liability Derivatives:
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Crude oil commodity contracts	Derivative liability short term	$	(3,503	)	$	(2,046	)
Crude oil commodity contracts	Derivative liability long term		(3,783	)		(1,461	)
Total		$	(7,286	)	$	(3,507	)
Total derivative instruments		$	(7,286	)	$	(3,507	)

The following table sets forth the effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Location of gain/loss recognized in income	Amount of gain/loss recognized in income
(Thousands of dollars)		2012			2011
Derivatives not designated as cash-flow hedge instruments
Natural gas commodity contracts	Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net	$	—		$	(918	)
Crude oil commodity contracts	Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net		(3,779	)		(8,591	)
Natural gas commodity contracts	Realized gain on derivative instruments, net		—			1,054
Crude oil commodity contracts	Realized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net		119			(732	)
		$	(3,660	)	$	(9,187	)

(12) Earnings Per Share:

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect per share amounts that would have resulted if dilutive potential common stock had been converted to common stock in gain periods. The following reconciles amounts reported in the financial statements:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012						2011
	Net Income (In 000’s)		Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding		Per Share Amount		Net Loss (In 000’s)			Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding		Per Share Amount
Basic	$	1,323		2,692,042	$	0.49	$	(2,382	)		2,779,348	$	(0.86	)
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options (a)		—		732,396				—			—
Diluted	$	1,323		3,424,438	$	0.39	$	(2,382	)		2,779,348	$	(0.86	)

(a) The effect of 767,500 outstanding stock options is antidilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to net loss reported for the period.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This report may contain statements relating to the future results of the Company that are considered “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). In addition, certain statements may be contained in the Company’s future filings with the SEC, in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by or with the approval of the Company that are not statements of historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the PSLRA. Such forward-looking statements, in addition to historical information, which involve risk and uncertainties, are based on the beliefs, assumptions and expectations of management of the Company. Words such as “expects”, ‘believes”, “should”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “will”, “potential”, “could”, “intend”, “may”, “outlook”, “predict”, “project”, “would”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “likely”’ “and variations of such similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and are based on a number of assumptions that could ultimately prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may vary materially from what is expressed or forecast in such statements due to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the possibility of drilling cost overruns and technical difficulties, volatility of oil and gas prices, competition, risks inherent in the Company’s oil and gas operations, the inexact nature of interpretation of seismic and other geological and geophysical data, imprecision of reserve estimates, and the Company’s ability to replace and expand oil and gas reserves. Accordingly, stockholders and potential investors are cautioned that certain events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. The forward looking statements are made as of the date of this report and other than as required by the federal securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statement or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our results of operations and our present financial condition. Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report contains additional information that should be referred to when reviewing this material.

OVERVIEW

We are an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in acquiring, developing and producing oil and natural gas. We presently own producing and non-producing properties located primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, the Gulf of Mexico, New Mexico, Colorado and Louisiana. In addition, we own a substantial amount of well servicing equipment. All of our oil and gas properties and interests are located in the United States. Assets in our principal focus areas include mature properties with long-lived reserves and significant development opportunities as well as newer properties with development and exploration potential. We believe our balanced portfolio of assets and our ongoing hedging program position us well for both the current commodity price environment and future potential upside as we develop our attractive resource opportunities. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from our operations and our credit facility.

We attempt to assume the position of operator in all acquisitions of producing properties and will continue to evaluate prospects for leasehold acquisitions and for exploration and development operations in areas in which we own interests. We continue to actively pursue the acquisition of producing properties. In order to diversify and broaden our asset base, we will consider acquiring the assets or stock in other entities and companies in the oil and gas business. Our main objective in making any such acquisitions will be to acquire income producing assets so as to build stockholder value through consistent growth in our oil and gas reserve base on a cost-efficient basis.

Our cash flows depend on many factors, including the price of oil and gas, the success of our acquisition and drilling activities and the operational performance of our producing properties. We use derivative instruments to manage our commodity price risk. This practice may prevent us from receiving the full advantage of any increases in oil and gas prices above the maximum fixed amount specified in the derivative agreements and subjects us to the credit risk of the counterparties to such agreements. Since all of our derivative contracts are accounted for under mark-to-market accounting, we expect continued volatility in gains and losses on mark-to-market derivative contracts in our consolidated income statement as changes occur in the NYMEX price indices.

RECENT ACTIVITIES

During 2012, we continued our drilling program in our West Texas and Mid-Continent regions. Thru April 30, 2012, we have drilled a total of 12 gross (9.43 net) wells, with 11 gross (9.40 net) wells having successful completions. We intend to drill a total of approximately 35 gross wells (30 net) this year, primarily in the West Texas area.

In February 2012, we closed the acquisition of additional working interest in producing properties which we operate. These properties are located in our Gulf Coast region and were acquired at a net cost of $6.32 million.

During the first quarter 2012, we began plugging and abandoning a substantial portion of our offshore properties. This work is being performed under a fixed price contract and is expected to be completed within the next three or four months.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2012 and 2011 Compared

We reported net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $1.32 million, or $0.49 per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we reported a net loss of $2.38 million, or $0.86 per share. Net income increased in 2012 by $3.70 million primarily due to increased operating revenues including a decrease in unrealized losses on derivative instruments partially offset by increased lease operating and depreciation and depletion expenses and income tax expenses. Operating revenues increased by $7.94 million in 2012 as compared to 2011 largely due to an increase in our price per barrel realized on crude oil sales and less unrealized losses on crude oil commodity contracts.

The significant components of net income are discussed below.

Oil and gas sales increased $1.91 million, or 9% from $21.12 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $23.03 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Crude oil and natural gas sales vary due to changes in volumes of production sold and realized commodity prices. Our realized prices at the well head increased an average of $10.11 per barrel, or 11% on crude oil during the first quarter 2012 from the same period in 2011 while our average well head price for natural gas decreased $1.42 per mcf, or 24% during the first quarter 2012 from the same period in 2011.

Our crude oil production increased by 21,000 barrels, or 13% from 156,000 barrels for the first quarter 2011 to 177,000 barrels for the first quarter 2012. Our natural gas production decreased by 11,000 mcf, or 1% from 1,166,000 mcf for the first quarter 2011 to 1,155,000 mcf for the first quarter 2012. The crude oil production variances are a result of our recent drilling success in West Texas and drilling and acquisition activities in the Gulf Coast regions as we place new wells into production, partially offset by the natural decline of existing properties. The natural gas volume decreases are primarily due to the natural decline of the primary natural gas producing offshore properties, partially offset by production from wells in the West Texas region recently placed into production.

The following table summarizes the primary components of production volumes and average sales prices realized for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (excluding realized gains and losses from derivatives).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011		Increase / (Decrease)
Barrels of Oil Produced		177,000		156,000		21,000
Average Price Received	$	100.46	$	90.35	$	10.11
Oil Revenue (In 000’s)	$	17,755	$	14,136	$	3,619
Mcf of Gas Produced		1,155,000		1,166,000		(11,000	)
Average Price Received	$	4.57	$	5.99	$	(1.42	)
Gas Revenue (In 000’s)	$	5,276	$	6,987	$	(1,711	)
Total Oil & Gas Revenue (In 000’s)	$	23,031	$	21,123	$	1,908

Realized net gains on derivative instruments include net gains of $0.12 million on the settlements of crude oil derivatives for the first quarter 2012 and net losses of $0.73 million and net gains of $1.05 million on the settlements of crude oil and natural gas derivatives, respectively, for the first quarter 2011. In the first quarter 2012, we unwound and monetized crude oil swaps with original settlement dates from January 2012 through December 2013 for net proceeds of $0.66 million. The $0.66 million gain associated with these early settlement transactions is included in realized gain on derivative instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Oil and gas prices received including the impact of derivatives but excluding the early settlement transactions were:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011		Increase
Oil Price	$	97.40	$	85.68	$	11.72
Gas Price	$	4.57	$	6.90	$	(2.33	)

We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our commodity based derivatives, thus changes in the fair market value of commodity contracts held at the end of a reported period, referred to as mark-to-market adjustments, are recognized as unrealized gains and losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As oil and natural gas prices remain volatile, mark-to-market accounting treatment creates volatility in our revenues. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we recognized $3.78 million in unrealized losses primarily associated with crude oil fixed swaps and collars due to an increase in crude oil futures market prices between December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recognized $9.51 million in unrealized losses primarily associated with crude oil fixed swaps and collars due to a decrease in crude oil futures market prices between December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011.

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Field service income increased $0.51 million, or 11% from $4.61 million for the first quarter 2011 to $5.12 million for the first quarter 2012. This increase is a direct result of upturns in utilization of equipment and the market allowing us to charge higher rates to customers. Workover rig services represent the bulk of our field service operations, and those rates all increased in our most active districts. Utilization of our workover rigs increased in all districts. Water hauling and disposal services also increased in our South Texas district.

Lease operating expense increased $1.59 million, or 20% from $7.91 million for the first quarter 2011 to $9.50 million for the first quarter 2012. This increase is primarily due to higher salt water disposal costs, production taxes and chemical expenses associated with new wells coming on line from the recent drilling success in West Texas, partially offset by decreased operating expenses on the offshore properties and decreased expensed workovers across all districts during the first three months of 2012.

Field service expense increased $0.48 million, or 12% from $3.91 million for the first quarter 2011 to $4.39 million for the first quarter 2012. Field service expenses primarily consist of salaries and vehicle operating expenses which have increased during the three months ended March 31, 2012 over the same period of 2011 as a direct result of increased services and utilization of the equipment.

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion on discounted liabilities increased $0.80 million, or 13% from $6.04 million for the first quarter 2011 to $6.84 million for the first quarter 2012. This increase is primarily due to increased depletion rates recognized during the first quarter of 2012 associated with offshore properties driven by a decrease in estimated remaining economic reserves as several of our offshore properties enter into the last phase of their productive lives.

General and administrative expense increased $0.85 million, or 28% from $3.04 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $3.89 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. This increase is largely due to increased personnel costs in 2012. The largest component of these personnel costs was salaries, however rent, audit related costs and employee related taxes and insurance also contributed to the increase.

Gain on sale and exchange of assets of $0.70 million and $0.22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, consists of sales of non-essential field service equipment.

Interest expense decreased $0.45 million, or 38% from $1.21 million for the first quarter 2011 to $0.76 million for the first quarter 2012. This decrease includes the reduction of interest expense of $0.41 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 associated with interest on the subordinated credit facility with a related party private lender which was paid off in June 2011. The remaining decreases for the three months ended March 31, 2012, relate to reduced weighted average interest rates substantially offset by an increase in average debt outstanding during the 2012 period.

A provision for income taxes of $0.39 million, or an effective tax rate of 23% was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 verses a benefit of $1.11 million, or an effective tax rate of 32% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Our provision for income taxes varies from the federal statutory tax rate of 34% primarily due to percentage depletion. We are entitled to percentage depletion on certain of our wells, which is calculated without reference to the basis of the property. To the extent that such depletion exceeds a property’s basis it creates a permanent difference, which lowers our effective rate. The lower effective tax rate in 2012 is primarily due to larger percentage depletion deductions in excess of basis.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary capital resources are cash provided by our operating activities and our credit facility.

Net cash provided by our operating activities for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 was $10.28 million. Excluding the effects of significant unforeseen expenses or other income, our cash flow from operations fluctuates primarily because of variations in oil and gas production and prices or changes in working capital accounts. Our oil and gas production will vary based on actual well performance but may be curtailed due to factors beyond our control.

Our realized oil and gas prices vary due to world political events, supply and demand of products, product storage levels, and weather patterns. We sell the vast majority of our production at spot market prices. Accordingly, product price volatility will affect our cash flow from operations. To mitigate price volatility we sometimes lock in prices for some portion of our production through the use of financial instruments.

Our activities include development and exploratory drilling. Our strategy is to develop a balanced portfolio of drilling prospects that includes lower risk wells with a high probability of success and higher risk wells with greater economic potential. During 2012, we plan on drilling approximately 35 wells (30 net), mainly in the Permian Basin in West Texas and in the central Oklahoma area.

In February 2012 we invested a net $6.32 million to acquire additional working interest in producing properties that we operate in our Gulf Coast region. It is our goal to increase our oil and gas reserves and production through the acquisition and development of oil and gas properties. We also continue to explore and consider opportunities to further expand our oilfield servicing revenues through additional investment in field service equipment. However, the majority of our capital spending is discretionary, and the ultimate level of expenditures will be dependent on our assessment of the oil and gas business environment, the number and quality of oil and gas prospects available, the market for oilfield services, and oil and gas business opportunities in general.

14

We have in place both a stock repurchase program and a limited partnership interest repurchase program under which we expect to continue spending during 2012. For the three month period ended March 31, 2012, we have spent $0.48 million under these programs.

We currently maintain a credit facility totaling $250 million, with a current borrowing base of $125 million. The bank reviews the borrowing base semi-annually and, at their discretion, may decrease or propose an increase to the borrowing base relative to a redetermined estimate of proved oil and gas reserves. Our oil and gas properties are pledged as collateral for the line of credit and we are subject to certain financial and operational covenants defined in the agreement. We are currently in compliance with these covenants. If we do not comply with these covenants on a continuing basis, the lenders have the right to refuse to advance additional funds under the facility and/or declare all principal and interest immediately due and payable.

It is our goal to increase our oil and gas reserves and production through the acquisition and development of oil and gas properties. We also continue to explore and consider opportunities to further expand our oilfield servicing revenues through additional investment in field service equipment. However, the majority of our capital spending is discretionary, and the ultimate level of expenditures will be dependent on our assessment of the oil and gas business environment, the number and quality of oil and gas prospects available, the market for oilfield services, and oil and gas business opportunities in general.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is a smaller reporting company and no response is required pursuant to this Item.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the current reported period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective with respect to the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, of information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first three months of 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company is a smaller reporting company and no response is required pursuant to this Item.

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

There were no sales of equity securities by the Company during the period covered by this report.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company purchased the following shares of common stock as treasury shares.

2012 Month	Number of Shares		Average Price Paid per share		Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under The Program at Month - End (1)
January		8,119	$	22.25		147,294
February		4,563	$	22.73		142,731
March		6,938	$	24.69		135,793
Total/Average		19,620	$	23.23

(1) In December 1993, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program whereby we may purchase outstanding shares of our common stock from time-to-time, in open market transactions or negotiated sales. The Board of Directors of the Company approved an additional 300,000 shares of the Company’s stock to be included in the stock repurchase program effective May 20, 2010. A total of 3,000,000 shares have been authorized, to date, under this program. Through March 31, 2012 we repurchased a total of 2,864,207 shares under this program for $40,232,924 at an average price of $14.05 per share. Additional purchases may occur as market conditions warrant. We expect future purchases will be funded with internally generated cash flow or from working capital.

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

Item 4. RESERVED

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

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Item 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report:

Exhibit No.
3.1	Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PrimeEnergy Corporation (effective July 1, 2009) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009)
3.2	Bylaws of PrimeEnergy Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010)
10.4	Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, FWOE Partners L.P., dated as of August 22, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 8-K for events of August 22, 2005)
10.4.1	Contribution Agreement between F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. and FWOE Partners L.P. dated as of August 22, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 8-K for events of August 22, 2005)
10.18	Composite copy of Non-Statutory Option Agreements (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004)
10.22.5.9	Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated July 30, 2010, by and among PrimeEnergy Corporation, the Guarantors Party Hereto (PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, and EOWS Midland Company), Compass Bank (successor in interest to Guaranty Bank, FSB) As Administrative Agent and Letter of Credit Issuer, BBVA Compass, As Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner and The Lenders Signatory Hereto (BNP Paribas, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Amegy Bank National Association) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22.5.9 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010)
10.22.5.9.1	First Amendment To Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Among PrimeEnergy Corporation, The Guarantors Party Hereto (PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, E O W S Midland Company), Compass Bank (successor in interest to Guaranty Bank, FSB), As Administrative Agent, Letter of Credit Issuer and Collateral Agent and The Lenders Signatory Hereto (Compass Bank, BNP Paribas, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Amegy Bank National Association) effective September 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22.5.9.1 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010).
10.22.5.9.2	Second Amendment To Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Among PrimeEnergy Corporation, The Guarantors Party Hereto (PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, E O W S Midland Company), Compass Bank (successor in interest to Guaranty Bank, FSB), As Administrative Agent, Letter of Credit Issuer and Collateral Agent and The Lenders Signatory Hereto (Compass Bank, BNP Paribas, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Amegy Bank National Association) effective June 22, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22.5.9.2 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011).
10.22.5.9.3	Third Amendment To Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Among PrimeEnergy Corporation, The Guarantors Party Hereto (PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, E O W S Midland Company), Compass Bank (successor in interest to Guaranty Bank, FSB), As Administrative Agent, Letter of Credit Issuer and Collateral Agent and The Lenders Signatory Hereto (Compass Bank, BNP Paribas, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Amegy Bank National Association) effective December 8, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22.5.9.3 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011).
10.25	Credit Agreement dated as of June 1, 2006 (but effective for all purposes as of August 22, 2005), between Prime Offshore L.L.C. as Borrower and PrimeEnergy Corporation as Lender (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006)
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith).
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith).
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

17

Exhibit No.
101.INS (1)	XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) Instance Document
101.SCH (1)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL (1)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF (1)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB (1)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE (1)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

⁽¹⁾  XBRL information (the Interactive Data File) is deemed not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

18

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	PrimeEnergy Corporation
	(Registrant)
May 9, 2012	/s/ Charles E. Drimal, Jr.
(Date)	Charles E. Drimal, Jr.
	President
	Principal Executive Officer
May 9, 2012	/s/ Beverly A. Cummings
(Date)	Beverly A. Cummings
	Executive Vice President
	Principal Financial Officer

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Charles E. Drimal, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of PrimeEnergy Corporation, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 of PrimeEnergy Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

May 9, 2012	/s/ Charles E. Drimal, Jr.
	Charles E. Drimal, Jr.
	Chief Executive Officer
	PrimeEnergy Corporation

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Beverly A. Cummings, Chief Financial Officer of PrimeEnergy Corporation, certify that:

1. I have reviewed the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 of PrimeEnergy Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

May 9, 2012	/s/ Beverly A. Cummings
	Beverly A. Cummings
	Chief Financial Officer
	PrimeEnergy Corporation

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of PrimeEnergy Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Charles E. Drimal Jr., Chief Executive Officer of PrimeEnergy Corporation, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

/s/ Charles E. Drimal, Jr.

Charles E. Drimal, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

May 9, 2012

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of PrimeEnergy Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Beverly A. Cummings, Chief Financial Officer of PrimeEnergy Corporation, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

/s/ Beverly A. Cummings

Beverly A. Cummings

Chief Financial Officer

May 9, 2012

XML

Acquisitions And Dispositions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract]

Acquisitions And Dispositions

(2) Acquisitions and Dispositions:

Historically the Company has repurchased the interests of the partners and trust unit holders in the eighteen oil and gas limited partnerships (the "Partnerships") and the two asset and business income trusts (the "Trusts") managed by the Company as general partner and as managing trustee, respectively. The Company purchased such interests in an amount totaling $22,000 and $124,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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Interim Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Interim Financial Statements [Abstract]

Interim Financial Statements

(1) Interim Financial Statements:

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of PrimeEnergy Corporation ("PEC" or the "Company") have not been audited by independent public accountants. During the interim periods, the Company follows the same accounting policies as used and described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. In accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and regulations, the accompanying interim financial statements do not include all disclosures presented in annual financial statements and the reader should refer to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on March 29, 2012. In the opinion of management, the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Certain amounts presented in prior period financial statements have been reclassified for consistency with current period presentation. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results. For purposes of disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements, subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the statements were issued.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

There are no new significant accounting standards applicable to the Company that have been issued but not yet adopted as of the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 12,855	$ 8,661
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	5,432	5,142
Accounts receivable, net	14,295	16,506
Other current assets	8,849	9,194
Total Current Assets	41,431	39,503
Property and Equipment, at cost
Oil and gas properties (successful efforts method), net	149,560	136,750
Field and office equipment, net	7,816	7,945
Total Property and Equipment, Net	157,376	144,695
Other Assets	614	614
Total Assets	199,421	184,812
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	24,402	29,538
Accrued liabilities	7,018	8,963
Current portion of asset retirement and other long-term obligations	13,705	12,854
Derivative liability short-term	3,503	2,046
Due to related parties	1,016	67
Total Current Liabilities	49,644	53,468
Long-Term Bank Debt	84,500	69,800
Asset Retirement Obligations	6,260	6,416
Derivative Liability Long-Term	3,783	1,461
Deferred Income Taxes	18,379	17,914
Total Liabilities	162,566	149,059
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, $.10 par value; 2012 and 2011: Authorized: 4,000,000 shares, issued: 3,836,397 shares; outstanding 2012: 2,682,249 shares; 2011: 2,701,869 shares	383	383
Paid-in capital	6,492	6,446
Retained earnings	52,612	51,289
Treasury stock, at cost; 2012: 1,154,148 shares; 2011: 1,134,528 shares	(31,576)	(31,120)
Total Stockholders' Equity-PrimeEnergy	27,911	26,998
Non-controlling interest	8,944	8,755
Total Stockholders' Equity	36,855	35,753
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 199,421	$ 184,812

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Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Purchase of common stock, shares	19,620

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 1,323	$ (2,382)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)to net cash provided by operating activities:
Non-controlling interest in earnings of partnerships	338	473
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion on discounted liabilities	6,838	6,036
Gain on sale of properties	(704)	(222)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net	3,779	9,509
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	465	(1,395)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	2,211	(2,436)
Decrease in other assets	328	59
Decrease in accounts payable	(5,426)	(4,432)
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	159	(1,083)
Increase in due to related parties	966	592
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	10,277	4,719
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures, including exploration expense	(20,701)	(5,873)
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment	734	222
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(19,967)	(5,651)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Purchase of stock for treasury	(456)	(959)
Purchase of non-controlling interests	(22)	(124)
Proceeds in long-term bank debt and other long-term obligations	33,750	19,000
Repayment of long-term bank debt and other long-term obligations	(19,307)	(24,107)
Repayment of indebtedness to related party		(4,000)
Distribution to non-controlling interests	(81)	(70)
Net Cash Provided (Used) in Financing Activities	13,884	(10,260)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	4,194	(11,192)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning of the Period	8,661	32,792
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Period	12,855	21,600
Supplemental Disclosures:
Income taxes paid during the period	450	946
Income tax refunds received during the period		4
Interest paid during the period	673	1,211
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses relating to property during the period	$ (2,104)	$ 1,979

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Common stock, shares authorized	4,000,000	4,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,836,397	3,836,397
Common stock, shares outstanding	2,682,249	2,701,869
Treasury stock, shares	1,154,148	1,134,528

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Related Party Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

(10) Related Party Transactions:

The Company, as managing general partner or managing trustee, makes an annual offer to repurchase the interests of the partners and trust unit holders in certain of the Partnerships or Trusts. The Company purchased such interests in amounts totaling $22,000 and $124,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Receivables from related parties consist of reimbursable general and administrative costs, lease operating expenses and reimbursement for property development and related costs. These receivables are due from joint venture partners, which may include members of the Company's Board of Directors.

Payables owed to related parties primarily represent receipts collected by the Company as agent for the joint venture partners, which may include members of the Company's Board of Directors, for oil and gas sales net of expenses.

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Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	May 08, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Entity Registrant Name	PRIMEENERGY CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000056868
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,628,968

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Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

(11) Financial Instruments

Fair Value measurements:

Authoritative guidance on fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and stipulates the related disclosure requirements. The Company follows a three-level hierarchy, prioritizing and defining the types of inputs used to measure fair value. The fair values of the Company's interest rate swaps, natural gas and crude oil price collars and swaps are designated as Level 3. The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)			Balance as of March 31, 2012
March 31, 2012
(Thousands of dollars)
Assets
Commodity derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Total assets	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Liabilities
Commodity derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	(7,286	)	$	(7,286	)
Total liability	$	—	$	—	$	(7,286	)	$	(7,286	)

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)			Balance as of December 31, 2011
December 31, 2011
(Thousands of dollars)
Assets
Commodity derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Total assets	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Liabilities
Commodity derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	(3,507	)	$	(3,507	)
Total liability	$	—	$	—	$	(3,507	)	$	(3,507	)

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

(Thousands of dollars)
Net liabilities – December 31, 2011	$	(3,507	)
Total realized and unrealized gains or losses:
Unrealized losses included in earnings, net (a)		(3,660	)
Realized gains from purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		(119	)
Net liabilities – March 31, 2012	$	(7,286	)

(a) Derivative instruments are reported in revenues as realized gain/loss and on a separately reported line item captioned unrealized gain/loss on derivative instruments.

Derivative Instrument:

The Company is exposed to commodity price and interest rate risk, and management considers periodically the Company's exposure to cash flow variability resulting from the commodity price changes and interest rate fluctuations. Futures, swaps and options are used to manage the Company's exposure to commodity price risk inherent in the Company's oil and gas production operations. The Company does not apply hedge accounting to any of its commodity based derivatives. Both realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with derivative instruments are recognized in earnings.

The following table sets forth the effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

		Fair Value
(Thousands of dollars)	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Liability Derivatives:
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Crude oil commodity contracts	Derivative liability short term	$	(3,503	)	$	(2,046	)
Crude oil commodity contracts	Derivative liability long term		(3,783	)		(1,461	)
Total		$	(7,286	)	$	(3,507	)
Total derivative instruments		$	(7,286	)	$	(3,507	)

The following table sets forth the effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Location of gain/loss recognized in income	Amount of gain/loss recognized in income
(Thousands of dollars)		2012			2011
Derivatives not designated as cash-flow hedge instruments
Natural gas commodity contracts	Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net	$	—		$	(918	)
Crude oil commodity contracts	Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net		(3,779	)		(8,591	)
Natural gas commodity contracts	Realized gain on derivative instruments, net		—			1,054
Crude oil commodity contracts	Realized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net		119			(732	)
		$	(3,660	)	$	(9,187	)

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues
Oil and gas sales	$ 23,031	$ 21,123
Realized gain on derivative instruments, net	119	322
Field service income	5,115	4,605
Administrative overhead fees	2,164	2,217
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net	(3,779)	(9,509)
Other income	57	13
Total Revenues	26,707	18,771
Costs and Expenses
Lease operating expense	9,500	7,906
Field service expense	4,385	3,905
Depreciation, depletion and amortization and accretion on discounted liabilities	6,838	6,036
General and administrative expense	3,889	3,037
Exploration costs	5	1
Total Costs and Expenses	24,617	20,885
Gain on Sale and Exchange of Assets	704	222
Income (Loss) from Operations	2,794	(1,892)
Other Income and Expenses
Less: Interest expense	756	1,211
Add: Interest income	10	81
Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	2,048	(3,022)
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	387	(1,113)
Net Income (Loss)	1,661	(1,909)
Less: Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests	338	473
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to PrimeEnergy	$ 1,323	$ (2,382)
Basic Income (Loss) Per Common Share	$ 0.49	$ (0.86)
Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	$ 0.39	$ (0.86)

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Property And Equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Property And Equipment [Abstract]

Property And Equipment

(5) Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisted of the following:

(Thousands of dollars)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Proved oil and gas properties, at cost	$	511,769	$	492,393
Less: Accumulated depletion and depreciation		362,209		355,643
Oil and Gas Properties, Net	$	149,560	$	136,750
Field and office equipment	$	21,665	$	21,553
Less: Accumulated depreciation		13,849		13,608
Field and Office Equipment, Net	$	7,816	$	7,945
Total Property and Equipment, Net	$	157,376	$	144,695

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Additional Balance Sheet Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Additional Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Additional Balance Sheet Information

(4) Additional Balance Sheet Information:

Certain balance sheet amounts are comprised of the following:

(Thousands of dollars)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Accounts Receivable:
Joint interest billing	$	2,161	$	2,347
Trade receivables		2,002		1,558
Oil and gas sales		9,848		9,876
Other		655		3,146
		14,666		16,927
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		371		421
Total	$	14,295	$	16,506
Accounts Payable:
Trade	$	5,204	$	5,853
Royalty and other owners		10,576		13,645
Prepaid drilling deposits		849		779
Other		7,773		9,261
Total	$	24,402	$	29,538
Accrued Liabilities:
Compensation and related expenses	$	2,880	$	2,137
Property costs		2,758		5,117
Income tax		—		362
Other		1,380		1,347
Total	$	7,018	$	8,963

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Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

(12) Earnings Per Share:

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect per share amounts that would have resulted if dilutive potential common stock had been converted to common stock in gain periods. The following reconciles amounts reported in the financial statements:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012						2011
	Net Income (In 000's)		Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding		Per Share Amount		Net Loss (In 000's)			Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding		Per Share Amount
Basic	$	1,323		2,692,042	$	0.49	$	(2,382	)		2,779,348	$	(0.86	)
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options (a)		—		732,396				—			—
Diluted	$	1,323		3,424,438	$	0.39	$	(2,382	)		2,779,348	$	(0.86	)

(a) The effect of 767,500 outstanding stock options is antidilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to net loss reported for the period.

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Contingent Liabilities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]

Contingent Liabilities

(8) Contingent Liabilities:

The Company, as managing general partner of the affiliated Partnerships, is responsible for all Partnership activities, including the drilling of development wells and the production and sale of oil and gas from productive wells. The Company also provides the administration, accounting and tax preparation work for the Partnerships, and is liable for all debts and liabilities of the affiliated Partnerships, to the extent that the assets of a given limited Partnership are not sufficient to satisfy its obligations. As of March 31, 2012, the affiliated Partnerships have established cash reserves in excess of their debts and liabilities and the Company believes these reserves will be sufficient to satisfy Partnership obligations.

The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations. Management believes that future expenses, before recoveries from third parties, if any, will not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition. This opinion is based on expenses incurred to date for remediation and compliance with laws and regulations, which have not been material to the Company's results of operations.

From time to time, the Company is party to certain legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these events cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect these matters to have a materially adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

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Long-Term Bank Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Long-Term Bank Debt [Abstract]

Long-Term Bank Debt

(6) Long-Term Bank Debt:

Bank Debt:

Effective July 30, 2010 the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Compass Bank as agent and a syndicated group of lenders ("Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement has a revolving line of credit and letter of credit facility of up to $250 million with a final maturity date of July 30, 2014. The credit facility is subject to a borrowing base determined by the lenders taking into consideration the estimated value of PEC's oil and gas properties in accordance with the lenders' customary practices for oil and gas loans. This process involves reviewing PEC's estimated proved reserves and their valuation. The borrowing base is re-determined semi-annually, and the available borrowing amount could be increased or decreased as a result of such redetermination. In addition, PEC and the lenders each have at their discretion the right to request the borrowing base be re-determined with a maximum of one such request each year. A revision to PEC's reserves may prompt such a request on the part of the lenders, which could possibly result in a reduction in the borrowing base and availability under the credit facility. At any time if the sum of the outstanding borrowings and letter of credit exposures exceed the applicable portion of the borrowing base, PEC would be required to repay the excess amount within a prescribed period.

As of March 31, 2012, the credit facility borrowing base was $125.0 million with no required monthly reduction amount. The borrowings made within the credit facility may be placed in a base rate loan or LIBO rate loan. The Company's borrowing rates in the credit facility provide for base rate loans at the prime rate (3.25% at March 31, 2012) plus applicable margin utilization rates that range from 1.75% to 2.0%, and LIBO rate loans at LIBO published rates plus applicable utilization rates (2.75% to 3.00% at March 31, 2012). As of March 31, 2012, the Company had in place one base rate loan and one LIBO rate loan with effective rates of 5.00% and 2.99%, respectively.

At March 31, 2012, the Company had $84.5 million of borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility at a weighted-average interest rate of 3.84% and $40.5 million available for future borrowings. The combined weighted average interest rates paid on outstanding bank borrowings subject to base rate and LIBO interest were 3.93% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to 5.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

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Other Long-Term Obligations And Commitments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Other Long-Term Obligations And Commitments [Abstract]

Other Long-Term Obligations And Commitments

(7) Other Long-Term Obligations and Commitments:

Operating Leases:

The Company has several non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for rental of office space, that have a term of more than one year. The future minimum lease payments for the rest of the fiscal 2012 and thereafter for the operating leases are as follows:

(Thousands of dollars)	Operating Leases
2012	$	416
2013		434
2014		16
Total minimum payments	$	866

Rent expense for office space for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $226,000 and $182,000, respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligation:

A reconciliation of the liability for plugging and abandonment costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

(Thousands of dollars)
Asset retirement obligation – December 31, 2011	$	19,013
Liabilities incurred		200
Liabilities settled		(93	)
Accretion expense		741
Revisions in estimated liabilities		104
Asset retirement obligation – March 31, 2012	$	19,965

The Company's liability is determined using significant assumptions, including current estimates of plugging and abandonment costs, annual inflation of these costs, the productive life of wells and a risk-adjusted interest rate. Changes in any of these assumptions can result in significant revisions to the estimated asset retirement obligation. Revisions to the asset retirement obligation are recorded with an offsetting change to producing properties, resulting in prospective changes to depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and accretion of discount. Because of the subjectivity of assumptions and the relatively long life of most of the Company's wells, the costs to ultimately retire the wells may vary significantly from previous estimates.

In December 2011, the Company entered into a fixed price contract for the plugging and abandonment of a substantial portion of its offshore properties. In connection with this contract, the Company deposited a net $6.0 million with the contractor which is reflected in prepaid obligations at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. All work under this contract is expected to be completed in 2012.

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Stock Options And Other Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock Options And Other Compensation [Abstract]

Stock Options And Other Compensation

(9) Stock Options and Other Compensation:

In May 1989, non-statutory stock options were granted by the Company to four key executive officers for the purchase of shares of common stock. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, remaining options held by two key executive officers on 767,500 shares were outstanding and exercisable at prices ranging from $1.00 to $1.25. According to their terms, the options have no expiration date.

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Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total Stockholders' Equity-PrimeEnergy [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 383	$ 6,446	$ 51,289	$ (31,120)	$ 26,998	$ 8,755	$ 35,753
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	3,836,397						3,836,397
Purchase 19,620 shares of common stock				(456)	(456)		(456)
Net income			1,323		1,323	338	1,661
Purchase of non-controlling interests		46			46	(68)	(22)
Distributions to non-controlling interests						(81)	(81)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 383	$ 6,492	$ 52,612	$ (31,576)	$ 27,911	$ 8,944	$ 36,855
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2012	3,836,397						3,836,397

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Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents

(3) Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents:

Restricted cash and cash equivalents include $4.69 million and $4.39 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, of cash primarily pertaining to oil and gas revenue payments. There were corresponding accounts payable recorded at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for these liabilities. Both the restricted cash and the accounts payable are classified as current on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.