Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations and Organization

Trans Energy is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, exploitation and production of oil and natural gas. Its operations are presently focused in the State of West Virginia.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include Trans Energy and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Prima Oil Company, Inc., Ritchie County Gathering Systems, Inc., Tyler Construction Company, Inc, and Tyler Energy, Inc., and interest with joint venture partners, which are accounted for under the proportioned consolidation method. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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 and liabilities and 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. The Company’s financial statements are based on a number of significant estimates, including oil and gas reserve quantities which are the basis for the calculation of depreciation, depletion, amortization, and impairment of oil and gas properties and timing and costs associated with its asset retirement obligations. Reserve estimates are by their nature inherently imprecise.

Cash

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk include cash. At times, amounts may exceed federally insured limits and may exceed reported balances due to outstanding checks. Management does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.

Receivables

Accounts receivable and notes receivable are carried at their expected net realizable value. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and the aging of the accounts receivables. If there were a deterioration of a major customer’s creditworthiness, or actual defaults were higher than historical experience, estimates of the recoverability of the amounts due could be overstated, which could have a negative impact on operations. No allowance for doubtful accounts is deemed necessary at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 by management and no bad debt expense was incurred during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation on vehicles, machinery and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over expected useful lives of three to ten years. Depreciation on buildings is computed using the straight-line method over an expected useful life of 39 years. Additions are capitalized and maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Oil and Gas Properties

Trans Energy uses the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Under the successful efforts method, costs to acquire mineral interests in oil and gas properties, to drill and equip exploratory wells that find proved reserves, and to drill and equip development wells and asset retirement costs are capitalized. Costs to drill exploratory wells that do not find proved reserves, geological and geophysical costs, and costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed as incurred.

Unproved oil and gas properties that are individually significant are periodically assessed for impairment of value, and a loss is recognized at the time of impairment by providing an impairment allowance. Other unproved properties are amortized based on Trans Energy’s experience of successful drilling and average holding period. Capitalized costs of producing oil and gas properties, after considering estimated dismantlement and abandonment costs and estimated salvage values, are depreciated and depleted by the unit-of-production method. Depreciation on pipelines and related equipment, including compressors, is computed using the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of fifteen to twenty-five years.

On the sale or retirement of a proved property, the cost and related accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization are eliminated from the property accounts, and the resultant gain or loss is recognized.

On the sale of an entire interest in an unproved property for cash or cash equivalent, gain or loss on the sale is recognized, taking into consideration the amount of any recorded impairment if the property had been assessed individually.

If a partial interest in an unproved property is sold, the amount received is treated as a reduction of the cost of the interest retained.

Long-Lived Assets

Generally accepted accounting principles require that long- lived assets (including oil and gas properties) and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicated that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company, at least annually, reviews its proved oil and gas properties for impairment by comparing the carrying value of its properties to the properties’ undiscounted estimated future net cash flows. Estimates of future oil and gas prices, operating costs, and production are utilized in determining undiscounted future net cash flows. The estimated future production of oil and gas reserves is based upon the Company’s independent reserve engineer’s estimate of proved reserves, which includes assumptions regarding field decline rates and future prices and costs. For properties where the carrying value exceeds undiscounted future net cash flows, the Company recognizes as impairment the difference between the carrying value and fair market value of the properties. The Company determines fair market value using the income approach based on the properties’ discounted estimated future net cash flows, which is considered to be a level 3 input. The Company wrote down oil and gas properties by $1,288,049 in 2011 due to a sharper decline than anticipated. In 2010, if wrote down oil and gas properties by $61,180 and unproved lease costs by $155,250.

Derivatives

Derivative financial instruments, utilized to manage or reduce commodity price risk related to Trans Energy’s production, are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss and are recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects earnings. If the derivative is not designated as a hedge, changes in the fair value are recognized in other expense. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are also recognized in loss on derivative liabilities.

Notes Payable

Trans Energy records notes payable at fair value and recognizes interest expense for accrued interest payable under the terms of the agreements. Principal and interest payments due within one year are classified as current, whereas principal and interest payments for periods beyond one year are classified as long term.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. For the Company, these obligations include dismantlement, plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells and associated pipelines and equipment. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its then present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depleted over the estimated useful life of the related asset.

The following is a description of the changes to Trans Energy’s asset retirement obligations for the twelve months ended December 31:

	2011		2010
Asset retirement obligations at beginning of period	$	219,478	$	202,366
Liabilities incurred during the period		16,229		4,637
Accretion expense		20,944		17,076
Liabilities settled		—		(4,601	)
Asset retirement obligations at end of period	$	256,651	$	219,478

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s current portion of the asset retirement obligation was $0.

Income Taxes

At December 31, 2011, the Company had net operating loss carry forwards (NOLs) for future years of approximately $6.2 million. These NOLS will expire at various dates through 2030. The current tax provision of $214,000 and $450,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is an estimate of the alternative minimum tax that will not be offset by the NOLs. No tax benefit has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements for the remaining NOLs or AMT credit since the potential tax benefit is offset by a valuation allowance of the same amount. Utilization of the NOLs could be limited if there is a substantial change in ownership of the Company and is contingent on future earnings.

The Company has provided a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the total net deferred asset in recognition of the uncertainty regarding the ultimate amount of the net deferred tax asset that will be realized.

The Company has no material unrecognized tax benefits. No tax penalties or interest expense were accrued as of December 31, 2011 or 2010 or paid during the periods then ended. Trans Energy files tax returns in the United States and states in which it has operations and is subject to taxation. Tax years subsequent to 2007 remain open to examination by U.S. federal and state tax jurisdictions, however prior year net operating losses remain open for examination.

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company operated exclusively in the United States, entirely in West Virginia, in the business of oil and gas acquisition, exploration, development, exploitation, and production. The Company operates in an environment with many financial risks, including, but not limited to, the ability to acquire additional economically recoverable oil and gas reserves, the inherent risks of the search for, development of and production of oil and gas, the ability to sell oil and gas at prices which will provide attractive rates of return, the volatility and seasonality of oil and gas production and prices, and the highly competitive and, at times, seasonal nature of the industry and worldwide economic conditions. The Company’s ability to expand its reserve base and diversify its operations is also dependent upon the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary capital though operating cash flow, borrowings or equity offerings. Various federal, state, and local governmental agencies are considering, and some have adopted, laws and regulations regarding environmental protection which could adversely affect the proposed business activities of the Company. The Company cannot predict what effect, if any, current and future regulations may have on the results of operations of the Company. See Note 10 for gas purchase contract information.

Revenue and Cost Recognition

Trans Energy recognizes gas revenues upon delivery of the gas to the customers’ pipeline from Trans Energy’s pipelines when recorded as received by the customers’ meter. Trans Energy recognizes oil revenues when pumped and metered by the customer. Trans Energy recognized $14,293,883 and $5,681,679 in oil and gas revenues in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Trans Energy uses the sales method to account for sales and imbalances of natural gas. Under this method, revenues are recognized based on actual volumes sold to purchasers. The volumes sold may differ from the volumes to which Trans Energy is entitled based on our interest in the properties. These differences create imbalances which are recognized as a liability only when the imbalance exceeds the estimate of remaining reserves. Trans Energy had no material imbalances as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Costs associated with production are expensed in the period incurred.

Revenue payable represents cash received but not yet distributed to third parties.

Transportation revenue is recognized at the time it is earned and we have a contractual right to receive payment. We recognized $360,358 and $336,463 of transportation revenue in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Trans Energy estimates the fair value of each stock option award at the grant date by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model employs various assumptions, based on management’s best estimates at the time of the grant, which impact the fair value calculated and ultimately, the expense that is recognized over the life of the award. We have utilized historical data and analyzed current information to reasonably support these assumptions. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant.

We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation expense related to options granted was $467,998 and $444,062 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Compensation expense related to stock awarded was $507,101 and $499,804 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Earnings per Share of Common Stock

Basic earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted income per share assumes issuance of stock compensation awards, provided the effect is not anti-dilutive. Certain stock options were dilutive for 2011 and 2010. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, assumed exercise of stock options had the effect of adding 744,257 and 411,299 shares to the denominator.

Dilutive options that are issued during a period or that expire or are canceled during a period are reflected in the computations for the time they were outstanding during the periods being reported.

	For the Years Ended
	December 31,
	2011		2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders	$	8,926,676	$	17,925,850
Denominator:
Weighted average shares - basic		12,807,964		12,426,252
Weighted average shares - diluted		13,552,221		12,837,551
Total earnings per share - basic	$	0.70	$	1.44
Total earnings per share - diluted	$	0.66	$	1.40

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) established a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements by establishing a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs and defines valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Basis of Fair Value Measurement

Level 1 Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 Inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or the liability; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 Unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available.

Trans Energy believes that the fair value of its financial instruments comprising cash, certificate of deposit, accounts receivable, note receivable, accounts payable and notes payable approximate their carrying amounts. The interest rates payable by Trans Energy on its note payable approximate market rates. The fair value of Trans Energy’s level 2 financial assets consist of derivative assets, which are based on quoted commodity prices of the underlying commodity market approach. The following tables summarize fair value measurement information for Trans Energy financial assets.

	As of December 31, 2011
					Fair Value Measurements Using:
					Quoted	Significant
					Prices	Other		Significant
					In Active	Observable		Unobservable
	Carrying		Total		Markets	Inputs		Inputs
	Amount		Fair Value		(Level 1)	(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial Assets:
Derivative Assets	$	—	$	—	$	$	—	$

	As of December 31, 2010
					Fair Value Measurements Using:
					Quoted		Significant
					Prices		Other		Significant
					In Active		Observable		Unobservable
	Carrying		Total		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Amount		Fair Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial Assets:
Derivative Assets	$	187,590	$	187,590	$	—	$	187,590	$	—

New Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-20 “Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses” (“ASU No. 2010-20”)

In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20. ASU 2010-20 amends disclosure requirements with respect to the credit quality of financing receivables and the related allowance for credit losses. Entities will be required to disaggregate by portfolio segment or class certain existing disclosures and provide certain new disclosures about its financing receivables and related allowance for credit losses. The disclosures will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2010. Since ASU 2010-20 only amended disclosure requirements, not current accounting practice, this did not have any impact on the Company’s balance sheets, statements of income or statements of cash flows.

Trans Energy reviewed all other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and does not believe any such pronouncement will have a material impact on the financial statements.