Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 30, 2020
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Tax Identification Number	23-1184320
Entity File Number	1-13283
Entity Address, Address Line One	16285 PARK TEN PLACE, SUITE 500
Entity Address, City or Town	HOUSTON
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77084
City Area Code	713
Local Phone Number	722-6500
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	VA
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	PVAC
Entity Registrant Name	PENN VIRGINIA CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000077159
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,200,435
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false