| Significant Accounting Policy (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2014 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Basis of Consolidation: |
| The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in business entities in which CONSOL Energy does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. Investments in oil and gas producing entities are accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method. The accounts of variable interest entities, where CONSOL Energy is the primary beneficiary, are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. |
| Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Use of Estimates: |
| The preparation of 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, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and various disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates included in the preparation of the financial statements are related to other postretirement benefits, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, workers' compensation, salary retirement benefits, stock-based compensation, asset retirement obligations, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, contingencies, and the values of coal and gas reserves. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash and Cash Equivalents: |
| Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit at banking institutions as well as all highly liquid short-term securities with original maturities of three months or less. |
| Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Trade Accounts Receivable: |
| Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. CONSOL Energy reserves for specific accounts receivable when it is probable that all or a part of an outstanding balance will not be collected, such as customer bankruptcies. Collectability is determined based on terms of sale, credit status of customers and various other circumstances. CONSOL Energy regularly reviews collectability and establishes or adjusts the allowance as necessary using the specific identification method. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Reserves for uncollectible amounts were not material in the periods presented. In addition, there were no material financing receivables with a contractual maturity greater than one year at December 31, 2014 or 2013. |
| Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Inventories: |
| Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of coal inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Coal inventory costs include labor, supplies, equipment costs, operating overhead, depreciation, depletion, amortization, and other related costs. The cost of merchandise for resale is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method and includes industrial maintenance, repair and operating supplies for sale to third parties. The cost of supplies inventory is determined by the average cost method and includes operating and maintenance supplies to be used in our coal and gas operations. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property, Plant and Equipment: |
| CONSOL Energy uses the successful efforts method of accounting for gas producing activities. Costs of property acquisitions, successful exploratory, development wells and related support equipment and facilities are capitalized. Periodic valuation provisions for impairment of capitalized costs of unproved mineral interests are expensed. Costs of unsuccessful exploratory wells are expensed when such wells are determined to be non-productive, or if the determination cannot be made after finding sufficient quantities of reserves to continue evaluating the viability of the project. The costs of producing properties and mineral interests are amortized using the units-of-production method. Wells and related equipment and intangible drilling costs are also amortized on a units-of-production method. Units-of-production amortization rates are revised at least once per year, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate an adjustment is necessary; such revisions are accounted for prospectively as changes in accounting estimates. |
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| Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost upon acquisition. Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment are capitalized. Interest costs applicable to major asset additions are capitalized during the construction period. Costs of additional mine facilities required to maintain production after a mine reaches the production stage, generally referred to as “receding face costs,” are expensed as incurred; however, the costs of additional airshafts and new portals are capitalized. Planned major maintenance costs which do not extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment are expensed as incurred. |
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| Coal exploration costs are expensed as incurred. Coal exploration costs include those incurred to ascertain existence, location, extent or quality of ore or minerals before beginning the development stage of the mine. |
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| Costs of developing new underground mines and certain underground expansion projects are capitalized. Underground development costs, which are costs incurred to make the mineral physically accessible, include costs to prepare property for shafts, driving main entries for ventilation, haulage, personnel, construction of airshafts, roof protection and other facilities. Costs of developing the first pit within a permitted area of a surface mine are capitalized. A surface mine is defined as the permitted mining area which includes various adjacent pits that share common infrastructure, processing equipment and a common ore body. Surface mine development costs include construction costs for entry roads, drilling, blasting and removal of overburden in developing the first cut for mountain stripping or box cuts for surface stripping. Stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are expensed as incurred. |
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| Airshafts and capitalized mine development associated with a coal reserve are amortized on a units-of-production basis as the coal is produced so that each ton of coal is assigned a portion of the unamortized costs. The Company employs this method to match costs with the related revenues realized in a particular period. Rates are updated when revisions to coal reserve estimates are made. Coal reserve estimates are reviewed when information becomes available that indicates a reserve change is needed, or at a minimum once per year. Any material effect from changes in estimates is disclosed in the period the change occurs. Amortization of development cost begins when the development phase is complete and the production phase begins. At an underground mine, the end of the development phase and the beginning of the production phase takes place when construction of the mine for economic extraction is substantially complete. Coal extracted during the development phase is incidental to the mine's production capacity and is not considered to shift the mine into the production phase. |
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| Coal reserves are controlled either through fee ownership or by lease. The duration of the leases vary; however, the lease terms generally are extended automatically through the exhaustion of economically recoverable reserves, as long as active mining continues. Coal interests held by lease provide the same rights as fee ownership for mineral extraction and are legally considered real property interests. The Company also makes advance payments (advanced mining royalties) to lessors under certain lease agreements that are recoupable against future production, and it makes payments that are generally based upon a specified rate per ton or a percentage of gross realization from the sale of the coal. The Company evaluates its properties periodically for impairment issues or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. |
| Advance mining royalties are advance payments made to lessors under terms of mineral lease agreements that are recoupable against future production using the units-of-production method. Depletion of leased coal interests is computed using the units-of-production method over proven and probable coal reserves. Advance mining royalties and leased coal interests are evaluated periodically, or at a minimum once per year, for impairment issues or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Any revisions are accounted for prospectively as changes in accounting estimates. |
| When properties are retired or otherwise disposed, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on disposition is recognized as gain or loss in other income. |
| Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or lease terms generally as follows: |
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| | Years | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Buildings and improvements | | 10 to 45 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Machinery and equipment | | 3 to 25 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Leasehold improvements | | Life of Lease | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Costs to obtain coal lands are capitalized based on the cost at acquisition and are amortized using the units-of-production method over all estimated proven and probable reserve tons assigned and accessible to the mine. Proven and probable coal reserves exclude non-recoverable coal reserves and anticipated processing losses. Rates are updated when revisions to coal reserve estimates are made. Coal reserve estimates are reviewed when events and circumstances indicate a reserve change is needed, or at a minimum once a year. Amortization of coal interests begins when the coal reserve is produced. At an underground mine, a ton is considered produced once it reaches the surface area of the mine. Any material effect from changes in estimates is disclosed in the period the change occurs. |
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| Costs for purchased and internally developed software are expensed until it has been determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefits and management has committed to funding the project. Thereafter, all direct costs of materials and services incurred in developing or obtaining software, including certain payroll and benefit costs of employees associated with the project, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life which does not exceed seven years. |
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| The following assets are amortized using the units-of-production method. Amounts reflect properties where mining or drilling operations have not yet commenced and therefore, are not being amortized for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. |
| Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Impairment of Long-lived Assets: |
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| Impairment of long-lived assets is recorded when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying value. The carrying value of the assets is then reduced to its estimated fair value which is usually measured based on an estimate of future discounted cash flows. Impairment of equity investments is recorded when indicators of impairment are present and the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the assets' carrying value. There was no impairment expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 201 |
| Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes: |
| Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in CONSOL Energy's financial statements or tax returns. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year and the change in deferred taxes, excluding the effects of acquisitions during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of CONSOL Energy's assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax benefit will not be realized. |
| CONSOL Energy evaluates all tax positions taken on the state and federal tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that do not meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, the Company determines, on a cumulative probability basis, the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. A previously recognized tax position is derecognized when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates, that are not readily apparent from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax position liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Restricted Cash: |
| For the year ended December 31, 2012, restricted cash included a $48,294 deposit into escrow associated with the Ram River Asset sale. The deposit was released upon CONSOL Energy's filing of all Canadian tax returns associated with the transaction. For the year ended December 31, 2012, restricted cash also included a $20,379 deposit into escrow as security to perfect CONSOL Energy's appeal to the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board under the applicable statute related to the Ryerson Dam litigation. |
| Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Nonpension Benefits, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions: |
| Postretirement benefit obligations established by the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992 (the Health Benefit Act) are treated as a multi-employer plan which requires expense to be recorded for the associated obligations as payments are made. Postretirement benefits other than pensions, except for those established pursuant to the Health Benefit Act, are accounted for in accordance with the Retirement Benefits Compensation and Non-retirement Postemployment Benefits Compensation Topics of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification which requires employers to accrue the cost of such retirement benefits for the employees' active service periods. Such liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and CONSOL Energy is primarily self-insured for these benefits. |
| Postemployment Benefit Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Pneumoconiosis Benefits and Workers' Compensation: |
| CONSOL Energy is required by federal and state statutes to provide benefits to certain current and former totally disabled employees or their dependents for awards related to coal workers' pneumoconiosis. CONSOL Energy is also required by various state statutes to provide workers' compensation benefits for employees who sustain employment related physical injuries or some types of occupational disease. Workers' compensation benefits include compensation for their disability, medical costs, and on some occasions, the cost of rehabilitation. CONSOL Energy is primarily self-insured for these benefits. Provisions for estimated benefits are determined on an actuarial basis. |
| Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Mine Closing, Reclamation and Gas Well Closing Costs: |
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| CONSOL Energy accrues for mine closing costs, reclamation costs, perpetual water care costs and dismantling and removing costs of gas related facilities using the accounting treatment prescribed by the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This topic requires the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Depreciation of the capitalized asset retirement cost is generally determined on a units-of-production basis. Accretion of the asset retirement obligation is recognized over time and generally will escalate over the life of the producing asset, typically as production declines. Accretion is included in Operating and Other Costs on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the closure of mines and gas wells, which includes treatment of water and the reclamation of land upon exhaustion of gas and coal reserves. |
| Accrued mine closing costs, perpetual care costs, reclamation and costs of dismantling and removing gas-related facilities are regularly reviewed by management and are revised for changes in future estimated costs and regulatory requirements. |
| CONSOL Energy accrues for reclamation, mine closing costs, perpetual water care costs and dismantling and removing costs of gas related facilities using the accounting treatment prescribed by the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. CONSOL Energy recognizes capitalized asset retirement costs by increasing the carrying amount of related long-lived assets. The obligation for asset retirements is included in Mine Closing, Reclamation, Gas Well Closing and Other Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Retirement Plans: |
| Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue Recognition: |
| Revenues are recognized when title passes to the customers. For gas sales, this occurs at the contractual point of delivery. For domestic coal sales, this generally occurs when coal is loaded at mine or offsite storage locations. For export coal sales, this generally occurs when coal is loaded onto marine vessels at terminal locations. For industrial supplies and equipment sales, this generally occurs when the products are delivered. For terminal, land and research and development, revenue is recognized generally as the service is provided to the customer. |
| CONSOL Energy has operational gas-balancing agreements with various interstate pipelines. These imbalance agreements are managed internally using the sales method of accounting. The sales method recognizes revenue when the gas is taken by the purchaser. |
| CONSOL Energy sells gas to accommodate the delivery points of its customers. In general this gas is purchased at market price and re-sold on the same day at market price less a small transaction fee. These matching buy/sell transactions include a legal right of offset of obligations and have been simultaneously entered into with the counterparty which qualify for netting under the Nonmonetary Transactions Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and are therefore recorded net in the Consolidated Statements of Income in Production Royalty Interest and Purchased Gas line. |
| CONSOL Energy purchases gas produced by third parties at market prices less a fee. The gas purchased from third party producers is then resold to end users or gas marketers at current market prices. These revenues and expenses are recorded gross as Gas Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Purchased gas revenue is recognized when title passes to the customer. Purchased gas costs are recognized when title passes to CONSOL Energy from the third party producer. |
| Royalty Interest Gas Sales represent the revenues related to the portion of production sold by CONSOL Energy that belongs to royalty interest owners. |
| Revenue Recognition, Cargo and Freight, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Freight Revenue and Expense: |
| Shipping and handling costs invoiced to coal customers and paid to third-party carriers are recorded as Freight-Outside Coal and Freight Expense, respectively. |
| Revenue Recognition, Services, Royalty Fees [Policy Text Block] | Royalty Recognition: |
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| Royalty expenses for gas rights are included in Production Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Costs when the related revenue for the gas sale is recognized. Royalty expenses for coal rights are included in Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges when the related revenue for the coal sale is recognized. These royalty expenses are paid in cash in accordance with the terms of each agreement. Revenues for gas and coal sold related to production under royalty contracts, versus owned by CONSOL Energy, are recorded on a gross basis. |
| Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Contingencies: |
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| From time to time, CONSOL Energy, or our subsidiaries, is subject to various lawsuits and claims with respect to such matters as personal injury, wrongful death, damage to property, exposure to hazardous substances, governmental regulations including environmental remediation, employment and contract disputes, and other claims and actions, arising out of the normal course of business. Liabilities are recorded when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. Estimates are developed through consultation with legal counsel involved in the defense of these matters and are based upon the nature of the lawsuit, progress of the case in court, view of legal counsel, prior experience in similar matters and management's intended response. Environmental liabilities are not discounted or reduced by possible recoveries from third parties. Legal fees associated with defending these various lawsuits and claims are expensed when incurred. |
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| Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | Stock-Based Compensation: |
| Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. CONSOL Energy recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the award's vesting term. See Note 19–Stock Based Compensation for further discussio |
| Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Earnings per Share: |
| Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive earnings per share are computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from stock options, performance stock options, CONSOL stock units, and restricted and performance share units, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that outstanding stock options and performance share options were exercised, that outstanding restricted stock units, performance share units, and CONSOL stock units were released, and that the proceeds from such activities were used to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the reporting period. CONSOL Energy includes the impact of pro forma deferred tax assets in determining potential windfalls and shortfalls for purposes of calculating assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method. The table below sets forth the share-based awards that have been excluded from the computation of the diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive: |
| Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Accounting for Derivative Instruments: |
| Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] | Accounting for Business Combinations: |
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| CONSOL Energy accounts for its business acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting consistent with the requirements of the Business Combination Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management's judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and asset lives, among other items. |
| Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: |
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| A summary of the significant accounting policies of CONSOL Energy Inc. and subsidiaries (CONSOL Energy or the Company) is presented below. These, together with the other notes that follow, are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| Basis of Consolidation: |
| The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in business entities in which CONSOL Energy does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. Investments in oil and gas producing entities are accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method. The accounts of variable interest entities, where CONSOL Energy is the primary beneficiary, are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. |
| Discontinued Operations: |
| Businesses to be divested are classified in the Consolidated Financial Statements as either discontinued operations or held for sale when the provision of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 205 or ASC Topic 360 are met. For businesses classified as discontinued operations, the balance sheet amounts and results of operations are reclassified from their historical presentation to assets and liabilities of discontinued operations on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and to discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Cash Flows, respectively, for all periods presented. The gains or losses associated with these divested businesses are recorded in discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, the accompanying notes, including segment information, do not include the assets, liabilities, or operating results of businesses classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Management expects these businesses will be disposed of within one year, without any significant continuing involvement following their divestiture. |
| Use of Estimates: |
| The preparation of 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, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and various disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates included in the preparation of the financial statements are related to other postretirement benefits, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, workers' compensation, salary retirement benefits, stock-based compensation, asset retirement obligations, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, contingencies, and the values of coal and gas reserves. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents: |
| Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit at banking institutions as well as all highly liquid short-term securities with original maturities of three months or less. |
| Trade Accounts Receivable: |
| Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. CONSOL Energy reserves for specific accounts receivable when it is probable that all or a part of an outstanding balance will not be collected, such as customer bankruptcies. Collectability is determined based on terms of sale, credit status of customers and various other circumstances. CONSOL Energy regularly reviews collectability and establishes or adjusts the allowance as necessary using the specific identification method. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Reserves for uncollectible amounts were not material in the periods presented. In addition, there were no material financing receivables with a contractual maturity greater than one year at December 31, 2014 or 2013. |
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| Inventories: |
| Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of coal inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Coal inventory costs include labor, supplies, equipment costs, operating overhead, depreciation, depletion, amortization, and other related costs. The cost of merchandise for resale is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method and includes industrial maintenance, repair and operating supplies for sale to third parties. The cost of supplies inventory is determined by the average cost method and includes operating and maintenance supplies to be used in our coal and gas operations. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment: |
| CONSOL Energy uses the successful efforts method of accounting for gas producing activities. Costs of property acquisitions, successful exploratory, development wells and related support equipment and facilities are capitalized. Periodic valuation provisions for impairment of capitalized costs of unproved mineral interests are expensed. Costs of unsuccessful exploratory wells are expensed when such wells are determined to be non-productive, or if the determination cannot be made after finding sufficient quantities of reserves to continue evaluating the viability of the project. The costs of producing properties and mineral interests are amortized using the units-of-production method. Wells and related equipment and intangible drilling costs are also amortized on a units-of-production method. Units-of-production amortization rates are revised at least once per year, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate an adjustment is necessary; such revisions are accounted for prospectively as changes in accounting estimates. |
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| Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost upon acquisition. Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment are capitalized. Interest costs applicable to major asset additions are capitalized during the construction period. Costs of additional mine facilities required to maintain production after a mine reaches the production stage, generally referred to as “receding face costs,” are expensed as incurred; however, the costs of additional airshafts and new portals are capitalized. Planned major maintenance costs which do not extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment are expensed as incurred. |
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| Coal exploration costs are expensed as incurred. Coal exploration costs include those incurred to ascertain existence, location, extent or quality of ore or minerals before beginning the development stage of the mine. |
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| Costs of developing new underground mines and certain underground expansion projects are capitalized. Underground development costs, which are costs incurred to make the mineral physically accessible, include costs to prepare property for shafts, driving main entries for ventilation, haulage, personnel, construction of airshafts, roof protection and other facilities. Costs of developing the first pit within a permitted area of a surface mine are capitalized. A surface mine is defined as the permitted mining area which includes various adjacent pits that share common infrastructure, processing equipment and a common ore body. Surface mine development costs include construction costs for entry roads, drilling, blasting and removal of overburden in developing the first cut for mountain stripping or box cuts for surface stripping. Stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are expensed as incurred. |
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| Airshafts and capitalized mine development associated with a coal reserve are amortized on a units-of-production basis as the coal is produced so that each ton of coal is assigned a portion of the unamortized costs. The Company employs this method to match costs with the related revenues realized in a particular period. Rates are updated when revisions to coal reserve estimates are made. Coal reserve estimates are reviewed when information becomes available that indicates a reserve change is needed, or at a minimum once per year. Any material effect from changes in estimates is disclosed in the period the change occurs. Amortization of development cost begins when the development phase is complete and the production phase begins. At an underground mine, the end of the development phase and the beginning of the production phase takes place when construction of the mine for economic extraction is substantially complete. Coal extracted during the development phase is incidental to the mine's production capacity and is not considered to shift the mine into the production phase. |
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| Coal reserves are controlled either through fee ownership or by lease. The duration of the leases vary; however, the lease terms generally are extended automatically through the exhaustion of economically recoverable reserves, as long as active mining continues. Coal interests held by lease provide the same rights as fee ownership for mineral extraction and are legally considered real property interests. The Company also makes advance payments (advanced mining royalties) to lessors under certain lease agreements that are recoupable against future production, and it makes payments that are generally based upon a specified rate per ton or a percentage of gross realization from the sale of the coal. The Company evaluates its properties periodically for impairment issues or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. |
| Advance mining royalties are advance payments made to lessors under terms of mineral lease agreements that are recoupable against future production using the units-of-production method. Depletion of leased coal interests is computed using the units-of-production method over proven and probable coal reserves. Advance mining royalties and leased coal interests are evaluated periodically, or at a minimum once per year, for impairment issues or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Any revisions are accounted for prospectively as changes in accounting estimates. |
| When properties are retired or otherwise disposed, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on disposition is recognized as gain or loss in other income. |
| Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or lease terms generally as follows: |
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| | Years | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Buildings and improvements | | 10 to 45 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Machinery and equipment | | 3 to 25 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Leasehold improvements | | Life of Lease | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Costs to obtain coal lands are capitalized based on the cost at acquisition and are amortized using the units-of-production method over all estimated proven and probable reserve tons assigned and accessible to the mine. Proven and probable coal reserves exclude non-recoverable coal reserves and anticipated processing losses. Rates are updated when revisions to coal reserve estimates are made. Coal reserve estimates are reviewed when events and circumstances indicate a reserve change is needed, or at a minimum once a year. Amortization of coal interests begins when the coal reserve is produced. At an underground mine, a ton is considered produced once it reaches the surface area of the mine. Any material effect from changes in estimates is disclosed in the period the change occurs. |
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| Costs for purchased and internally developed software are expensed until it has been determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefits and management has committed to funding the project. Thereafter, all direct costs of materials and services incurred in developing or obtaining software, including certain payroll and benefit costs of employees associated with the project, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life which does not exceed seven years. |
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| Impairment of Long-lived Assets: |
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| Impairment of long-lived assets is recorded when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying value. The carrying value of the assets is then reduced to its estimated fair value which is usually measured based on an estimate of future discounted cash flows. Impairment of equity investments is recorded when indicators of impairment are present and the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the assets' carrying value. There was no impairment expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. |
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| CONSOL Energy performs a quantitative annual impairment test over proven producing wells using the published NYMEX forward prices, timing, methods and other assumptions consistent with historical periods. Utilizing these assumptions, there were undiscounted cash flows in excess of book value. As a result, no further impairment procedures were required. The Company's conventional gas assets are quantitatively and qualitatively close to triggering impairment. If gas prices continue to decrease, an impairment of these assets is possible in the near future. |
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| Capitalized costs of unproved gas properties are evaluated for recoverability on a prospective basis. Indicators of potential impairment include potential shifts in business strategy, overall economic factors and historical experience. If it is determined that the properties will not yield proved reserves, the related costs are expensed in the period the determination is made. Exploration expense was $23,356, $61,104 and $39,005 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was primarily related to lease expirations. |
| Income Taxes: |
| Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in CONSOL Energy's financial statements or tax returns. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year and the change in deferred taxes, excluding the effects of acquisitions during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of CONSOL Energy's assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax benefit will not be realized. |
| CONSOL Energy evaluates all tax positions taken on the state and federal tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that do not meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, the Company determines, on a cumulative probability basis, the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. A previously recognized tax position is derecognized when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates, that are not readily apparent from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax position liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters. |
| Restricted Cash: |
| For the year ended December 31, 2012, restricted cash included a $48,294 deposit into escrow associated with the Ram River Asset sale. The deposit was released upon CONSOL Energy's filing of all Canadian tax returns associated with the transaction. For the year ended December 31, 2012, restricted cash also included a $20,379 deposit into escrow as security to perfect CONSOL Energy's appeal to the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board under the applicable statute related to the Ryerson Dam litigation. Both escrow accounts were released in the year ended December 31, 2013 and are reflected in the Change in Restricted Cash line included in Net Cash Used in Investing Activities of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. |
| Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions: |
| Postretirement benefit obligations established by the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992 (the Health Benefit Act) are treated as a multi-employer plan which requires expense to be recorded for the associated obligations as payments are made. Postretirement benefits other than pensions, except for those established pursuant to the Health Benefit Act, are accounted for in accordance with the Retirement Benefits Compensation and Non-retirement Postemployment Benefits Compensation Topics of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification which requires employers to accrue the cost of such retirement benefits for the employees' active service periods. Such liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and CONSOL Energy is primarily self-insured for these benefits. Differences between actual and expected results or changes in the value of obligations are recognized through Other Comprehensive Income. |
| Pneumoconiosis Benefits and Workers' Compensation: |
| CONSOL Energy is required by federal and state statutes to provide benefits to certain current and former totally disabled employees or their dependents for awards related to coal workers' pneumoconiosis. CONSOL Energy is also required by various state statutes to provide workers' compensation benefits for employees who sustain employment related physical injuries or some types of occupational disease. Workers' compensation benefits include compensation for their disability, medical costs, and on some occasions, the cost of rehabilitation. CONSOL Energy is primarily self-insured for these benefits. Provisions for estimated benefits are determined on an actuarial basis. |
|
| Mine Closing, Reclamation and Gas Well Closing Costs: |
|
| CONSOL Energy accrues for mine closing costs, reclamation costs, perpetual water care costs and dismantling and removing costs of gas related facilities using the accounting treatment prescribed by the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This topic requires the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Depreciation of the capitalized asset retirement cost is generally determined on a units-of-production basis. Accretion of the asset retirement obligation is recognized over time and generally will escalate over the life of the producing asset, typically as production declines. Accretion is included in Operating and Other Costs on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the closure of mines and gas wells, which includes treatment of water and the reclamation of land upon exhaustion of gas and coal reserves. |
| Accrued mine closing costs, perpetual care costs, reclamation and costs of dismantling and removing gas-related facilities are regularly reviewed by management and are revised for changes in future estimated costs and regulatory requirements. |
| Retirement Plans: |
| CONSOL Energy has non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans covering substantially all salaried and non-represented hourly employees. The benefits for these plans are based primarily on years of service and employees' pay near retirement. These plans are accounted for using the guidance outlined in the Compensation - Retirement Benefits Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The cost of these retiree benefits are recognized over the employees' service periods. CONSOL Energy uses actuarial methods and assumptions in the valuation of defined benefit obligations and the determination of expense. Differences between actual and expected results or changes in the value of obligations and plan assets are recognized through Other Comprehensive Income. |
| Revenue Recognition: |
| Revenues are recognized when title passes to the customers. For gas sales, this occurs at the contractual point of delivery. For domestic coal sales, this generally occurs when coal is loaded at mine or offsite storage locations. For export coal sales, this generally occurs when coal is loaded onto marine vessels at terminal locations. For industrial supplies and equipment sales, this generally occurs when the products are delivered. For terminal, land and research and development, revenue is recognized generally as the service is provided to the customer. |
| CONSOL Energy has operational gas-balancing agreements with various interstate pipelines. These imbalance agreements are managed internally using the sales method of accounting. The sales method recognizes revenue when the gas is taken by the purchaser. |
| CONSOL Energy sells gas to accommodate the delivery points of its customers. In general this gas is purchased at market price and re-sold on the same day at market price less a small transaction fee. These matching buy/sell transactions include a legal right of offset of obligations and have been simultaneously entered into with the counterparty which qualify for netting under the Nonmonetary Transactions Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and are therefore recorded net in the Consolidated Statements of Income in Production Royalty Interest and Purchased Gas line. |
| CONSOL Energy purchases gas produced by third parties at market prices less a fee. The gas purchased from third party producers is then resold to end users or gas marketers at current market prices. These revenues and expenses are recorded gross as Gas Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Purchased gas revenue is recognized when title passes to the customer. Purchased gas costs are recognized when title passes to CONSOL Energy from the third party producer. |
| Royalty Interest Gas Sales represent the revenues related to the portion of production sold by CONSOL Energy that belongs to royalty interest owners. |
| Freight Revenue and Expense: |
| Shipping and handling costs invoiced to coal customers and paid to third-party carriers are recorded as Freight-Outside Coal and Freight Expense, respectively. |
|
| Royalty Recognition: |
|
| Royalty expenses for gas rights are included in Production Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Costs when the related revenue for the gas sale is recognized. Royalty expenses for coal rights are included in Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges when the related revenue for the coal sale is recognized. These royalty expenses are paid in cash in accordance with the terms of each agreement. Revenues for gas and coal sold related to production under royalty contracts, versus owned by CONSOL Energy, are recorded on a gross basis. |
|
| Contingencies: |
|
| From time to time, CONSOL Energy, or our subsidiaries, is subject to various lawsuits and claims with respect to such matters as personal injury, wrongful death, damage to property, exposure to hazardous substances, governmental regulations including environmental remediation, employment and contract disputes, and other claims and actions, arising out of the normal course of business. Liabilities are recorded when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. Estimates are developed through consultation with legal counsel involved in the defense of these matters and are based upon the nature of the lawsuit, progress of the case in court, view of legal counsel, prior experience in similar matters and management's intended response. Environmental liabilities are not discounted or reduced by possible recoveries from third parties. Legal fees associated with defending these various lawsuits and claims are expensed when incurred. |
|
| Stock-Based Compensation: |
| Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. CONSOL Energy recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the award's vesting term. See Note 19–Stock Based Compensation for further discussion. |
| Earnings per Share: |
| Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive earnings per share are computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from stock options, performance stock options, CONSOL stock units, and restricted and performance share units, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that outstanding stock options and performance share options were exercised, that outstanding restricted stock units, performance share units, and CONSOL stock units were released, and that the proceeds from such activities were used to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the reporting period. CONSOL Energy includes the impact of pro forma deferred tax assets in determining potential windfalls and shortfalls for purposes of calculating assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method. The table below sets forth the share-based awards that have been excluded from the computation of the diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive: |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Years Ended | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, | | | | | | | | | |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | | | | | | | | |
| Anti-Dilutive Options | 358,731 | | | 1,976,549 | | | 2,411,963 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Anti-Dilutive Restricted Stock Units | — | | | 282,230 | | | 8,822 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Anti-Dilutive Performance Share Units | — | | | — | | | 445,847 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Anti-Dilutive Performance Share Options | — | | | 802,804 | | | 501,744 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| 358,731 | | | 3,061,583 | | | 3,368,376 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| The computations for basic and dilutive earnings per share are as follows: |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Years Ended | | | | | | |
| December 31, | | | | | | |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | | | | | |
| Income from Continuing Operations | 168,777 | | | 79,264 | | | 317,959 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Income (Loss) from Discontinuing Operations | (5,687 | ) | | 579,792 | | | 70,114 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | — | | | (1,386 | ) | | (397 | ) | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Net income attributable to CONSOL Energy Inc. shareholders | $ | 163,090 | | | $ | 660,442 | | | $ | 388,470 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | 229,994,407 | | | 228,728,628 | | | 227,593,524 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Effect of stock-based compensation awards | 1,585,871 | | | 1,349,314 | | | 1,548,243 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Dilutive | 231,580,278 | | | 230,077,942 | | | 229,141,767 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Earnings per share: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic (Continuing Operations) | $ | 0.73 | | | $ | 0.35 | | | $ | 1.4 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Basic (Discontinuing Operations) | (0.02 | ) | | 2.54 | | | 0.31 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Total Basic | $ | 0.71 | | | $ | 2.89 | | | $ | 1.71 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dilutive (Continuing Operations) | $ | 0.73 | | | $ | 0.35 | | | $ | 1.39 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Dilutive (Discontinuing Operations) | (0.03 | ) | | 2.52 | | | 0.31 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Total Dilutive | $ | 0.7 | | | $ | 2.87 | | | $ | 1.7 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
|
|
|
| Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows: |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | | | | | | | |
| Balance, beginning of year | | 229,145,736 | | | 228,094,712 | | | 227,056,212 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Issuance related to Stock-Based Compensation(1) | | 1,119,727 | | | 1,051,024 | | | 1,038,500 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Balance, end of year | | 230,265,463 | | | 229,145,736 | | | 228,094,712 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
| (1) See Note 19–Stock-Based Compensation for additional information. |
|
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): |
|
| Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) by component, net of tax, were as follows: |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | | Postretirement Benefits | | Total |
| Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | 42,493 | | | $ | (367,610 | ) | | $ | (325,117 | ) |
| Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 97,316 | | | 84,441 | | | 181,757 | |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | (18,288 | ) | | 10,548 | | | (7,740 | ) |
| Other comprehensive income | 79,028 | | | 94,989 | | | 174,017 | |
| Balance at December 31, 2014 | $ | 121,521 | | | $ | (272,621 | ) | | $ | (151,100 | ) |
|
| The following table shows the reclassification of adjustments out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Years Ended December 31, |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 |
| Derivative Instruments (Note 23) | | | | | |
| Natural gas price swaps | $ | (28,753 | ) | | $ | (133,889 | ) | | $ | (310,743 | ) |
| Tax benefit | 10,465 | | | 53,990 | | | 121,484 | |
| Net of tax | $ | (18,288 | ) | | $ | (79,899 | ) | | $ | (189,259 | ) |
| Actuarially Determined Long-Term Liability Adjustments*(Note 16 and Note 17) | | | | | |
| Amortization of prior service costs | $ | (22,381 | ) | | $ | (32,164 | ) | | $ | (53,853 | ) |
| Recognized net actuarial loss | 46,155 | | | 86,481 | | | 106,299 | |
| Curtailment gains | (36,182 | ) | | — | | | — | |
| Settlement loss | 29,095 | | | 39,482 | | | — | |
| Total | 16,687 | | | 93,799 | | | 52,446 | |
| Tax expense | (6,139 | ) | | (35,806 | ) | | (19,720 | ) |
| Net of tax | $ | 10,548 | | | $ | 57,993 | | | $ | 32,726 | |
|
| *Excludes amounts related to the remeasurement of the Actuarially Determined Long-Term Liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Excludes $258,250, net of tax, of reclassifications of adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income related to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. |
|
| Accounting for Derivative Instruments: |
|
| CONSOL Energy enters into financial derivative instruments to manage its exposure to commodity price volatility. The derivatives are accounted for as an asset or a liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value using “Level Two” inputs, which is further defined in Note 22 - “Fair Value of Financial Instruments”. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in earnings unless special hedge accounting criteria are met. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portions of changes in the fair values of the derivatives are reported in Other Comprehensive Income or Loss (OCI) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of tax, and reclassified into Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income in the same period or periods in which the forecasted transactions affect earnings. Any ineffective portion of a hedge is recognized in earnings in the current period. |
| CONSOL Energy formally assesses both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis whether each derivative is highly effective for the purpose of offsetting changes in the fair values or the cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, CONSOL Energy will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. |
| On December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy de-designated all of its derivative positions as hedging instruments. Subsequent changes in fair value will be recorded in current earnings. Deferred gains and losses in OCI as of that date will be recorded in earnings when the related physical transaction occurs or when it is determined that the physical transaction is no longer probable of occurring. |
| All of CONSOL Energy’s derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements with its counterparties, none of which currently require CONSOL Energy to post collateral for any of its hedges. However, as stated in the counterparty master agreements, if CONSOL Energy's obligations with one of its counterparties cease to be secured on the same basis as similar obligations with the other lenders under the credit facility, CONSOL Energy would be required to post collateral for hedges that are in a liability position in excess of defined thresholds. Each of CONSOL Energy's counterparty master agreements allows, in the event of default, the ability to elect early termination of outstanding contracts. If early termination is elected, CONSOL Energy and the applicable counterparty would net settle all open hedge positions. |
| CONSOL Energy is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties, whose creditworthiness is subject to continuing review. Historically, CONSOL Energy has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties. |
| Accounting for Business Combinations: |
|
| CONSOL Energy accounts for its business acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting consistent with the requirements of the Business Combination Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management's judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and asset lives, among other items. |
|
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements: |
|
| In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Update 2014-12 - Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The objective of the amendments in this update is to resolve the diverse accounting treatment of share-based payment awards. The amendments in this update apply to all reporting entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in either (i) the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered or (ii) if the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period will reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and will be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in this update either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. Management is currently still evaluating the impact this guidance may have on CONSOL Energy's operations. |
|
| In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Update 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The objective of the amendments in this update is to improve financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity should disclose sufficient information, both qualitative and quantitative, to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. Management believes adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on CONSOL Energy's financial statements. |
|
| In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Update 2014-08 - Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The objective of the amendments in this update is to change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and enhance convergence of the FASB's and the International Accounting Standards Board's (IASB) reporting requirements for discontinued operations. The amendments in this update change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in Subtopic 205-20. A discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity, or a business or nonprofit activity. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The amendments in this update require an entity to present, for each comparative period, the assets and liabilities of a disposal group that includes a discontinued operation separately in the asset and liability sections, respectively, of the statement of financial position. The amendments in this update also require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Public business entities must apply the amendments in this update prospectively to both of the following: (1) All disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years; (2) All businesses or nonprofit activities that, on acquisition, are classified as held for sale that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. Management believes adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on CONSOL Energy's financial statements. |
|
| Reclassifications: |
|
| Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the report classifications of the year ended December 31, 2014, respectively, with no effect on previously reported net income or stockholders' equity. |
|
| Subsequent Events: |
|
| The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. No material recognized or non-recognizable subsequent events were identified. |
