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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Penn Virginia and all of its subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

Preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates include certain asset and liability valuations as further described in these notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Derivative Instruments

From time to time, we utilize derivative instruments to mitigate our financial exposure to commodity price and interest rate volatility. The derivative instruments, which are placed with financial institutions that we believe are acceptable credit risks, take the form of collars, swaps and swaptions. All derivative transactions are subject to our risk management policy, which has been reviewed and approved by our board of directors.

All derivative instruments are recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value. The fair values of our derivative instruments are determined based on discounted cash flows derived from quoted forward prices. Our derivative instruments are not formally designated as hedges. We recognize changes in fair value in earnings currently as a component of the Derivatives caption on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We have experienced and could continue to experience significant changes in the amount of unrealized derivative gains or losses recognized due to fluctuations in the value of these commodity derivative contracts, which fluctuate with changes in crude oil and natural gas prices.

Oil and Gas Properties

We use the successful efforts method to account for our oil and gas properties. Under this method, costs of acquiring properties, costs of drilling successful exploration wells and development costs are capitalized. Geological and geophysical costs, delay rentals and costs to drill exploratory wells that do not find proved reserves are expensed as oil and gas exploration. We will carry the costs of an exploratory well as an asset if the well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify its completion as a producing well and as long as we are making sufficient progress assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project. For certain projects, it may take us more than one year to evaluate the future potential of the exploratory well and make a determination of its economic viability. Our ability to move forward on a project may be dependent on gaining access to transportation or processing facilities or obtaining permits and government or partner approval, the timing of which is beyond our control. In such cases, exploratory well costs remain suspended as long as we are actively pursuing access to necessary facilities and access to such permits and approvals and believe that they will be obtained. We assess the status of suspended exploratory well costs on a quarterly basis.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) of proved producing properties is computed using the units-of-production method. Natural gas is converted to a liquids equivalent on the basis that six thousand cubic feet of natural gas is equivalent to one barrel of liquids. Historically, we have adjusted our depletion rate throughout the year as new data becomes available and in the fourth quarter based on our year-end reserve report.

Impairment of Long-Lived and Other Assets

We review assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of such property. If the carrying value of the asset is determined to be impaired, we reduce the asset to its fair value. Fair value may be estimated using comparable market data, a discounted cash flow method, or a combination of the two. In the discounted cash flow method, estimated future cash flows are based on management’s expectations for the future and could include estimates of future production, commodity prices based on published forward commodity price curves as of the date of the estimate, operating and development costs, intent to develop properties and a risk-adjusted discount rate.

We review oil and gas properties for impairment periodically when events and circumstances indicate a decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of such properties, such as a downward revision of the reserve estimates or lower commodity prices. We estimate the future cash flows expected in connection with the properties and compare such future cash flows to the carrying amounts of the properties to determine if the carrying amounts are recoverable. Performing the impairment evaluations requires use of judgments and estimates since the results are dependent on future events. Such events include estimates of proved and unproved reserves, future commodity prices and the timing of future production and capital expenditures, and intent to develop properties, among others. We have recognized impairments of our properties in 2012, 2011 and 2010, as described in Note 16. We cannot predict whether impairment charges will be required in the future.

The costs of unproved leaseholds, including associated interest costs for the period activities were in progress to bring projects to their intended use, are capitalized pending the results of exploration efforts. Unproved properties whose acquisition costs are insignificant to total oil and gas properties are amortized in the aggregate over the lesser of five years or the average remaining lease term and the amortization is charged to exploration expense. We assess unproved properties whose acquisition costs are relatively significant, if any, for impairment on a property-by-property basis. As exploration work progresses and the reserves on properties are proven, capitalized costs of these properties are subject to depreciation and depletion. If the exploration work is unsuccessful, the capitalized costs of the properties related to the unsuccessful work is charged to exploration expense. The timing of any write-downs of any significant unproved properties depends upon the nature, timing and extent of future exploration and development activities and their results.

Other Property and Equipment

Other property and equipment consists primarily of gathering systems and related support equipment. Property and equipment are carried at cost and include expenditures for additions and improvements, such as roads and land improvements, which increase the productive lives of existing assets. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments, which extend the useful life of the properties, are capitalized.

We compute depreciation and amortization of property and equipment using the straight-line balance method over the estimated useful life of each asset as follows:



	Useful Life
Gathering systems	15-20 years
Other property and equipment	3-20 years

Asset Retirement Obligations

We recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) in the period in which it is incurred. Associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying cost of the asset. Our AROs relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and natural gas wells and the associated asset is recorded as a component of oil and gas properties. After recording these amounts, the ARO is accreted to its future estimated value, and the additional capitalized costs are depreciated over the productive life of the assets. Both the accretion of the ARO and the depreciation of the related long-lived assets are included in DD&A expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Using this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. In assessing our deferred tax assets, we consider whether a valuation allowance should be recorded for some or all of the deferred tax assets which may not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is assessed at each reporting period and is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and our ability to utilize tax credits and operating loss carryforwards during the periods in which the temporary differences become deductible. We also consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and available tax planning strategies. We recognize interest attributable to income taxes, to the extent they arise, as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of income tax expense.

Due to the geographical scope of our operations, we are subject to ongoing tax examinations in numerous domestic jurisdictions. Accordingly, we may record incremental tax expense based upon the more-likely-than-not outcomes of uncertain tax positions. In addition, when applicable, we adjust the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results when the position is effectively settled. Our ongoing assessments of the more-likely-than-not outcomes of the examinations and related tax positions require judgment and can increase or decrease our effective tax rate, as well as impact our operating results. The specific timing of when the resolution of each tax position will be reached is uncertain.

Revenue Recognition

We record revenues associated with sales of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas when title passes to the customer. We recognize natural gas sales revenues from properties in which we have an interest with other producers on the basis of our net revenue interest (“entitlement” method of accounting). Natural gas imbalances occur when we sell more or less than our entitled ownership percentage of natural gas production. We treat any amount received in excess of our share as a liability. If we take less than we are entitled to take, we record the under-delivery as a receivable. As a result of the numerous requirements necessary to gather information from purchasers or various measurement locations, calculate volumes produced, perform field and wellhead allocations and distribute and disburse funds to various working interest partners and royalty owners, the collection of revenues from oil and gas production may take up to 60 days following the month of production. Therefore, we make accruals for revenues and accounts receivable based on estimates of our share of production, particularly from properties that are operated by our partners. We record any differences, which historically have not been significant, between the actual amounts ultimately received and the original estimates in the period they become finalized.

Share-Based Compensation

Our stock compensation plans permit the grant of incentive and nonqualified stock options, common stock, deferred common stock units, restricted stock and restricted stock units to our employees and directors. We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-classified instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award.

Recent Accounting Standards

During 2012, no new accounting standards were adopted or were pending adoption that would have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts for the 2011 and 2010 periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated all activities of the Company, through the date upon which our Consolidated Financial Statements were issued, and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in our Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We apply the authoritative accounting provisions for measuring fair value of both our financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. Fair value is an exit price representing the expected amount we would receive upon the sale of an asset or that we would expect to pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with market participants at the measurement date.

We use a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs we use to measure fair value into three distinct categories based upon whether such inputs are observable in active markets or unobservable. We classify assets and liabilities in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our methodology for categorizing assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value pursuant to this hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest level to unobservable inputs as outlined below:

Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:


•	Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. Level 1 inputs generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value.


•	Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs, which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.


•	Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Schedule of Policies [Line Items]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We used the following methods and assumptions to estimate fair values for the financial assets and liabilities described below:

•

Commodity derivatives: We determine the fair values of our commodity derivative instruments based on discounted cash flows derived from third-party quoted forward prices for West Texas Intermediate crude oil and NYMEX Henry Hub gas closing prices as of the end of the reporting periods. We generally use the income approach, using valuation techniques that convert future cash flows to a single discounted value. Each of these is a level 2 input.


•	Interest rate swaps: We determine the fair values of our interest rate swaps using an income approach valuation technique that connects future cash flows to a single discounted value. We estimate the fair value of the swaps based on published interest rate yield curves as of the date of the estimate. Each of these is a level 2 input.


•	Assets of SERP: We hold various publicly traded equity securities in a Rabbi Trust as assets for funding certain deferred compensation obligations. The fair values are based on quoted market prices, which are level 1 inputs.


•	Deferred compensation - SERP obligations and other: Certain of our deferred compensation obligations are ultimately to be settled in cash based on the underlying fair value of certain assets, including those held in the Rabbi Trust. The fair values are based on quoted market prices, which are level 1 inputs.

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Schedule of Policies [Line Items]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The most significant non-recurring fair value measurements include the fair value of proved properties, tubular inventory and well materials for purposes of impairment testing and the initial determination of AROs. The factors used to determine fair value for purposes of impairment testing include, but are not limited to, estimates of proved and probable reserves, future commodity prices, indicative sales prices for properties, the timing of future production and capital expenditures and a discount rate commensurate with the risk reflective of the lives remaining for the respective oil and gas properties. Because these significant fair value inputs are typically not observable, we have categorized the amounts as level 3 inputs.

The determination of the fair value of AROs is based upon regional market and facility specific information. The amount of an ARO and the costs capitalized represent the estimated future cost to satisfy the abandonment obligation using current prices that are escalated by an assumed inflation factor after discounting the future cost back to the date that the abandonment obligation was incurred using a rate commensurate with the risk, which approximates our cost of funds. Because these significant fair value inputs are typically not observable, we have categorized the initial fair value estimates as level 3 inputs.