Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NORDIC AMERICAN TANKERS Ltd
Entity Central Index Key	0001000177
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	6-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2013