Discontinued operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued operations

Discontinued Operations

In 2007, Centennial Resources sold CEM to Bicent. In connection with the sale, Centennial Resources had agreed to indemnify Bicent and its affiliates from certain third party claims arising out of or in connection with Centennial Resources' ownership or operation of CEM prior to the sale. In addition, Centennial had previously guaranteed CEM's obligations under a construction contract. The Company incurs legal expenses and has accrued liabilities related to this matter. In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company established an accrual for an indemnification claim by Bicent. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company accrued $21.0 million ($13.0 million after tax) related to the guarantee as a result of an arbitration award against CEM. In 2011, the Company also incurred legal expenses related to this matter and in the first quarter had an income tax benefit related to favorable resolution of certain tax matters. In the second quarter of 2012, discontinued operations reflected the settlement of certain liabilities and estimated insurance recoveries resulting in a net benefit related to this matter. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company reversed its previously recorded accrual for the arbitration charge due to a favorable court ruling, which was partially offset by the reversal of estimated insurance recoveries. These items are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Discontinued operations are included in the Other category. For more information, see Note 19.