INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes at federal statutory rate	$ (210,781)	$ 8,167
Change in valuation allowance	251,045	(10,647)
Nondeductible expenses	3,240	869
State income taxes net of federal benefit	(37,197)	1,441
Other	(6,290)	153
Total	17	(17)
Deferred tax assets relating to:
Net operating loss carryforward	130,816	94,321
Oil and gas properties and tangible equipment	228,324	6,256
Stock option expense	4,207	3,322
Unrealized loss on derivatives		4,381
Other	719	327
Total gross deferred tax assets	364,066	108,607
Less valuation allowance	359,510	108,466
Total deferred tax asset	4,556	141
Deferred tax liabilities relating to:
Unrealized loss on derivatives	(4,432)
Net unrealized gain on investments	(124)	(141)
Total deferred tax liability	$ (4,556)	$ (141)