CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net income (loss)	$ (132,915)	$ 19,667	$ (77,368)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax of $62 in 2009			115
Hedging reclassification adjustments, net of tax of $1,986 in 2009		582	3,689
Total change in hedging derivative financial instruments		582	3,804
Change in pension and postretirement obligations, net of tax of ($79) in 2011, $188 in 2010 and $75 in 2009	(146)	348	140
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total	(146)	930	3,944
Comprehensive income (loss)	(133,061)	20,597	(73,424)
Less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income		(28,090)	(37,275)
Other comprehensive income		(582)	(1,048)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Penn Virginia	$ (133,061)	$ (8,075)	$ (111,747)