CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (104,589)	$ (132,915)	$ 19,667
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Hedging reclassification adjustments	0	0	582
Total change in hedging derivative financial instruments	0	0	582
Change in pension and postretirement obligations, net of tax of $54 in 2012, ($79) in 2011 and $188 in 2010	102	(146)	348
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	102	(146)	930
Comprehensive income (loss)	(104,487)	(133,061)	20,597
Less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income	0	0	(28,090)
Other comprehensive income	0	0	(582)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Penn Virginia	$ (104,487)	$ (133,061)	$ (8,075)