Concentrations of Credit Risk

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS: [Abstract]

Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]

NOTE 21—CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS:

CONSOL Energy markets thermal coal, principally to electric utilities in the United States, Canada and Western Europe, metallurgical coal to steel and coke producers worldwide, and natural gas primarily to gas wholesalers.

Concentration of credit risk is summarized below:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Thermal coal utilities	$	210,164	$	220,052
Steel and coke producers	93,303		69,470
Coal brokers and distributors	38,033		54,996
Gas wholesalers	63,299		65,358
Various other	58,013		42,654
Total Accounts Receivable Trade (including Accounts Receivable—Securitized)	$	462,812	$	452,530

Accounts receivable from thermal coal utilities and steel and coke producers include amounts sold under the accounts receivable securitization facility. See Note 9–Accounts Receivable Securitization for further discussion. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer's financial condition, and generally collateral is not required. Credit losses have been consistently minimal.

For the year ended December 31, 2011 sales to our largest coal customer, Xcoal Energy Resources, comprised over 10% of our revenues. Coal sales to Xcoal Energy Resources were $662,109 during 2011. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, no customer comprised over 10% of our revenues.