RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges	$ 553,000	$ 397,000
ROVA Contract
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Remaining Period of Contract			5 years
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	400,000
Restructuring charges	0	400,000
Restructuring payments	400,000
Ending balance	0
Sherritt International Corporation and Westmoreland Resources LP
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	8,800,000
Restructuring charges	600,000
Restructuring payments	5,800,000
Ending balance	3,600,000
One-time Employee Termination Benefits | Sherritt International Corporation and Westmoreland Resources LP
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges	$ 600,000	$ 0