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Commitments and Contingencies
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
Note 8 — Commitments and Contingencies
     We are named as a defendant in certain lawsuits and are a party to certain regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
     Franchise Tax Action. We have been served with several petitions filed by the Louisiana Department of Revenue (“LDR”) in Louisiana state court claiming additional franchise taxes due. In addition, we have received preliminary assessments from the LDR for additional franchise taxes resulting from audits of Stone and our subsidiaries. These assessments all relate to the LDR’s assertion that sales of crude oil and natural gas from properties located on the Outer Continental Shelf, which are transported through the state of Louisiana, should be sourced to the state of Louisiana for purposes of computing the Louisiana franchise tax apportionment ratio. Total asserted claims plus estimated accrued interest amount to approximately $29.4 million. The franchise tax year 2010 for Stone remains subject to examination, which potentially exposes us to additional estimated assessments of $0.8 million including accrued interest.
     Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, Landowner Action. In December 2008, Stephen E. Coignet, et al., filed civil action No. 110741 in the 17th Judicial District Court, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, against Stone. Plaintiffs have since filed three supplemental petitions, including a third supplemental and restated petition on October 25, 2010. Plaintiffs are landowners of approximately sixty acres that are subject to mineral leases in favor of Stone. Plaintiffs allege that Stone conducted its mineral operations imprudently resulting in damages to plaintiffs in excess of $60 million. The Company disagrees with plaintiffs’ contentions and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.