Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature of Operations [Text Block]

Nature of Operations

Pyramid Oil Company (the Company), a California Corporation, has been in the oil and gas business continuously for 102 years since it was incorporated on October 9, 1909. The Company is in the business of exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. The Company operated and has interests in 28 oil and gas leases in Kern and Santa Barbara Counties in the State of California. The Company also owns oil and gas interests in Wyoming, Texas and New York that it does not operate. The Company grants short-term credit to its customers and generally receives payment within 30 days.

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 requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents principally consist of demand deposits and certificates of deposits having original maturities of three months or less. At December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $3,578,553 of cash and cash equivalents that were not fully insured by the FDIC.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventory

Inventories of crude oil and condensate are valued at the lower of cost, predominately on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, or market, and include certain costs directly related to the production process.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments

Investments consist of certificates of deposit having original maturities of three months or more and are valued at cost.

Deposits [Policy Text Block]

Deposits

In April 2004, the Company replaced its state of California oil and gas blanket performance surety bond, with a cash bond in the form of an irrevocable certificate of deposit in the amount of $250,000.

Costs Incurred, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Producing Activities

The Company has adopted the "successful efforts" method of accounting for its oil and gas exploration and development activities, as set forth in FASB ASC Topic No. 932.

The Company initially capitalizes expenditures for oil and gas property acquisitions until they are either determined to be successful (capable of commercial production) or unsuccessful. The carrying value of all undeveloped oil and gas properties is evaluated periodically and reduced if such carrying value appears to have been impaired. Leasehold costs relating to successful oil and gas properties remain capitalized while leasehold costs which have been proven unsuccessful are charged to operations in the period the leasehold costs are proven unsuccessful. Costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed as incurred.

The costs of drilling and equipping development wells are capitalized, whether the wells are successful or unsuccessful. The costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells are capitalized until they are determined to be either successful or unsuccessful. If the wells are successful, the costs of the wells remain capitalized. If, however, the wells are unsuccessful, the capitalized costs of drilling the wells, net of any salvage value, are charged to operations in the period the wells are determined to be unsuccessful.

The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic No. 360-10-15, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" (the Statement). The Statement specifies when an impairment loss should be recognized and how impairment losses should be measured for long-lived assets to be held and used and for long-lived assets to be disposed of. In accordance with the Statement, the costs of proved oil and gas properties and equipment are periodically assessed on a lease by lease basis to determine if such costs exceed undiscounted future cash flows, and if conditions warrant an impairment reserve will be provided based on the estimated future discounted cash flows. The Company recorded an impairment reserve of $237,711, $751,263 and $1,222,527 at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively (see Note 6). The accumulated impairment reserve was $4,980,931 and $4,743,220 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Joint Venture Investments

The Company participates in two joint ventures as a non-operator. The properties are located in New York and Texas, both are primarily gas properties. The Company has a minority interest in both joint ventures. The Company's interest in the New York gas wells range from 19 to 38 percent. The Company's interest in the Texas joint venture wells range from 3.125 to 6.25 percent. The Company records its share of revenues, expenses and capital costs as provided to the Company by the joint-venture operators. The accounting policies for the joint venture properties are consistent with the accounting policies that the Company uses for its wholly-owned properties.

The Company participated in one joint venture as the operator for the Pike 1-H well. The Company’s joint venture partner in this well was Victory Oil. The Company’s share of the property was 68%. During December 2012, the Company purchased Victory Oil’s share of the joint venture. These amounts were not material to the financial statements.

Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]

Depletion, Depreciation, and Amortization

Depletion of leasehold costs of producing oil and gas properties is provided on the unit-of-production method, by individual property unit, based on estimated recoverable proved reserves. Depreciation and amortization of the costs of producing wells and related equipment are provided on the unit-of-production method, by individual property unit, based on estimated recoverable proved developed reserves. Amortization of the costs of undeveloped oil and gas properties is based on the Company's experience, giving consideration to the holding periods of leaseholds. The average depletion per equivalent barrel of crude oil produced for 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $16.66, $24.27 and $29.89, respectively.

Drilling and operating equipment, buildings, automotive, office and other property and equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the applicable lease terms (range of 3 to 19 years). Any permanent impairment of the carrying value of property and equipment is provided for at the time such impairments become known.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-based Compensation

We account for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic No. 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (ASC 718). Accordingly, we measure share-based compensation expense at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognize the expense over the employee's requisite service period using the straight-line method. The measurement of share-based compensation expense is based on several criteria including but not limited to the valuation model used and associated input factors, such as expected term of the award, stock price volatility, risk free interest rate and award forfeiture rate. These inputs are subjective and are determined using management's judgment. If differences arise between the assumptions used in determining share-based compensation expense and the actual factors, which become known over time, we may change the input factors used in determining future share-based compensation expense. Any such changes could materially impact our results of operations in the period in which the changes are made and in periods thereafter. We elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation and continue to use the simplified method in developing the expected term used for our valuation of share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718.

Maintenance Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance, repairs and replacement expenditures are charged to operations as incurred, while major renewals and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their useful lives.

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Retirement or Disposal of Properties and Equipment

Costs and accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and valuation allowances of property and equipment retired, abandoned, or otherwise disposed of are removed from the accounts upon disposal, and any resulting gain or loss is included in operations in the year of disposition. However, upon disposal of a portion of an oil and gas property, any proceeds received are treated as a recovery of cost and no gain or loss is recognized in the year of disposition.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB ASC Topic No. 740-10-25,” Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, on January 1, 2007 (ASC 740-10-25). As a result of the implementation of ASC 740-10-25, the company made a comprehensive review of its portfolio of tax positions in accordance with recognition standards established by ASC 740-10-25. As a result of the implementation of ASC 740-10-25, the Company recognized no material adjustments to liabilities or stockholders equity.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction, and California, Texas and New York states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal tax examination for the years prior to 2009. State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2008 to 2011. The Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of the date of adoption of ASC 740-10-25, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company sells its crude oil to Phillips 66 and Kern Oil & Refining, accounting for approximately 51%, and 47%, respectively, of the Company’s crude oil and gas sales in 2012. Crude oil sales were approximately 50% and 47% attributable to Phillips 66 and Kern Oil and Refining, respectively at December 31, 2011. While revenue from these customers is significant, and the loss of any one could have an adverse effect on the Company, it is management's opinion that the oil and gas it produces could be sold to other crude oil purchasers, refineries or pipeline companies. Trade receivables were approximately 62% and 37.5% attributable to Phillips 66 and Kern Oil and Refining, respectively at December 31, 2012. Trade receivables were approximately 54% and 45% attributable to Phillips 66 and Kern Oil and Refining, respectively at December 31, 2011.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities”. This ASU requires us to disclose both net and gross information about assets and liabilities that have been offset, if any, and the related arrangements. The disclosures under this new guidance are required to be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. We are required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, which simplifies how entities test indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment and permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. This ASU is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 (early adoption is permitted). The Company adopted this guidance and did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In October 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-04, “Technical Corrections and Improvements.” The amendments in this update cover a wide range of Topics in the Accounting Standards Codification. These amendments include technical corrections and improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification and conforming amendments related to fair value measurements. The amendments in this update will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior financial statements to conform to the 2012 presentation.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes sales when: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) product delivery has occurred; (3) pricing is fixed or determinable; and (4) collection is reasonably assured. To satisfy these criteria, the Company: (1) has crude oil sales contracts with its crude oil purchasers; (2) records revenue based upon receipt of evidence of shipment of crude oil and when risk of loss and title transfer has occurred; (3) the Company's crude oil contracts specify the pricing terms which are fixed and determinable; (4) validates creditworthiness through past payment history and other financial date. Sales rebates, discounts and customer returns are not applicable to the oil and gas industry.

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Our accounts receivable are unsecured and are at risk to the extent such amounts become uncollectible. The Company has had the same two major customers for approximately 20 years with no history of non-payment or default. Pursuant to the terms of the crude oil sales contracts, the Company receives payment around the 20th of the month following crude oil shipments. The Company has established a nominal allowance for doubtful accounts due to the Company's evaluation of its customers past payment history, creditworthiness and other financial data.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 19 years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, while significant improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement or disposition of property, the asset and related accumulated depreciation or amortization is removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is charged to operations. The carrying value of property and equipment is assessed periodically and/or when factors indicating impairment are present. We recognize impairment losses when the expected cash flows are less than the asset's carrying value, in which case the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. The Company recorded an impairment reserve of $237,711, $751,263 and $1,222,527 at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively (see Note 6).