Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

(1) Basis of Presentation

     The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Peabody Energy Corporation (the Company) and its affiliates. All intercompany transactions, profits and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

     The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2011 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and the notes thereto, are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all normal, recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the periods presented. The balance sheet information as of December 31, 2010 has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated balance sheet. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future quarters or for the year ending December 31, 2011.

     The Company classifies items within discontinued operations in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations when the operations and cash flows of a particular component (defined as operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the entity) of the Company have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of a disposal transaction, and the Company will no longer have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of that component.

     Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentations with no effect on previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity.