BUSINESS SEGMENTS Additional Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Crude oil and natural gas segment
Depreciation, depletion and amortization from continuing operations	$ 40,641	$ 30,870	$ 27,800	$ 27,949	$ 24,906	$ 22,121	$ 23,839	$ 27,912	$ 127,260	$ 98,778	$ 87,633
Oil and Gas Properties
Crude oil and natural gas segment
Depreciation, depletion and amortization from continuing operations									$ 122,200	$ 94,100	$ 83,600