KEMMERER DROP	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
KEMMERER DROP	KEMMERER DROP On August 1, 2015, we contributed 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Westmoreland Kemmerer, LLC (“Kemmerer”) to WMLP, a controlled and consolidated subsidiary, in exchange for $230 million in aggregate consideration, composed of $115 million of cash and $115 million in newly issued WMLP Series A Convertible Units (the "Series A Units" and such transaction, the “Kemmerer Drop”). In connection with the Kemmerer Drop, all employees of Kemmerer and related employee liabilities, including but not limited to post-retirement pension obligations and post-retirement health benefits, were transferred to us. The Series A Units are convertible into common units representing limited partner interests of WMLP (“Common Units”), on a one-for-one basis, upon the earlier of (i) the date on which WMLP first makes a regular quarterly cash distribution to holders of Common Units in an amount equal to at least $0.22 per Common Unit, or (ii) a change of control of WMLP. Following the Kemmerer Drop, we hold an approximately 93.8% controlling interest in WMLP (on a fully diluted basis). The Kemmerer Drop represents a reorganization of entities under common control. Accordingly, the net assets transferred are deemed to have transferred at the $99.6 million carrying value as of the date of transfer. No gain or loss was recognized.

KEMMERER DROP

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

On August 1, 2015, we contributed 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Westmoreland Kemmerer, LLC (“Kemmerer”) to WMLP, a controlled and consolidated subsidiary, in exchange for $230 million in aggregate consideration, composed of $115 million of cash and $115 million in newly issued WMLP Series A Convertible Units (the "Series A Units" and such transaction, the “Kemmerer Drop”). In connection with the Kemmerer Drop, all employees of Kemmerer and related employee liabilities, including but not limited to post-retirement pension obligations and post-retirement health benefits, were transferred to us.

The Series A Units are convertible into common units representing limited partner interests of WMLP (“Common Units”), on a one-for-one basis, upon the earlier of (i) the date on which WMLP first makes a regular quarterly cash distribution to holders of Common Units in an amount equal to at least $0.22 per Common Unit, or (ii) a change of control of WMLP. Following the Kemmerer Drop, we hold an approximately 93.8% controlling interest in WMLP (on a fully diluted basis).

The Kemmerer Drop represents a reorganization of entities under common control. Accordingly, the net assets transferred are deemed to have transferred at the $99.6 million carrying value as of the date of transfer. No gain or loss was recognized.