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Related Party Transactions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions

The Company enters into transactions in the ordinary course of business with certain related parties. These transactions primarily consist of sales of oil and natural gas. See Note 6 and Note 10 for accounts receivable and accounts payable, respectively, attributable to related party transactions. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, sales to and reimbursements from related parties were $1.6 million, $12.8 million and $21.5 million, respectively. These amounts primarily relate to sales of natural gas from the Permian Properties, which were sold in February 2013, to the Company’s partner in GRLP.

Former Chairman and CEO Severance. On June 28, 2013, Tom L. Ward separated employment from the Company. In accordance with the terms of Mr. Ward’s employment agreement, the Company paid $57.9 million in severance and accelerated the vesting of approximately 6.3 million shares of restricted stock awards, resulting in $36.8 million of compensation expense, during the third quarter of 2013. Additionally, and in accordance with the agreement, the Company will pay Mr. Ward approximately $4.6 million in 36 monthly installments beginning in January 2014. See Note 16 for discussion of the stockholder receivable due from Mr. Ward.

Other Employee Termination Benefits. During 2013, certain employees received termination benefits, including severance and accelerated stock vesting, upon separation of service from the Company. Employee termination benefits, excluding amounts attributable to the Company’s former chairman and CEO, were $23.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Oklahoma City Thunder Agreements. The Company’s former Chairman and CEO and one of its directors own minority interests in a limited liability company that owns and operates the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team. The Company was party to a sponsorship agreement, whereby it paid approximately $3.3 million per year for advertising and promotional activities related to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which terminated with the conclusion of the 2012-2013 season.

Office Lease. In July 2012, the Company entered into a commercial lease to rent space in a building owned by an entity that is partially owned by one of the Company’s directors. The terms provide for an initial lease term of three years with annual rent of approximately $0.5 million. Any renovation costs paid by the Company with respect to the leased space are applied toward future rent payments. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has made renovations costing approximately $3.3 million. The terms of the lease were reviewed and approved by the disinterested members of the Board and the Company believes that the rent expense to be paid under the lease is at a fair market rate.

2014 Divestiture. See Note 21 for discussion of sale of the Company’s Gulf Properties to Fieldwood Energy LLC, a portfolio company of Riverstone Holdings LLC, affiliates of which own a significant number of shares of the Company’s common stock.