Note 6. Fair Value

Fair Value Hierarchy—ASC 820-10 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy categorizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:


•	Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


•	Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.


•	Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon 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 in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. The Company is further required to assess the creditworthiness of the counter-party to the derivative contract. The results of the assessment of non-performance risk, based on the counter-party’s credit risk, could result in an adjustment of the carrying value of the derivative instrument. The following tables set forth information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value (in thousands):



	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance as of June 30, 2014
Assets:
NYMEX Fixed Price Derivative contracts	$	—	$	113	$	—	$	113
Total Assets	$	—	$	113	$	—	$	113
Liabilities:
NYMEX Fixed Price Derivative contracts	$	—	$	12,103	$	—	$	12,103
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	12,103	$	—	$	12,103



	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, 2013
Assets:
NYMEX Fixed Price Derivative contracts	$	—	$	1,010	$	—	$	1,010
Total Assets	$	—	$	1,010	$	—	$	1,010
Liabilities:
NYMEX Fixed Price Derivative contracts	$	—	$	5,002	$	—	$	5,002
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	5,002	$	—	$	5,002

The Company’s derivative contracts consist of NYMEX-based fixed price commodity swaps and Brent-based fixed price commodity swaps. The NYMEX-based and Brent based fixed price derivative contracts are indexed to their respective futures contracts, which are actively traded for the underlying commodity and commonly used in the energy industry. As the fair value of these derivative contracts is based on a number of inputs, including contractual volumes and prices stated in each derivative contract, current and future NYMEX commodity prices, and quantitative models that are based upon readily observable market parameters that are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, we have characterized these derivative contracts as Level 2.

Other Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short-term maturities and/or liquid nature of these assets and liabilities. The carrying value of our debt approximates fair value as the interest rates are market rates and this debt is considered Level 2.