CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
NET INCOME	$ 391,594		$ 331,226		$ 386,343
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Total adjustments	32,545		(1,804)		(21,739)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	424,139		329,422		364,604
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(176,168)		(134,090)		(159,883)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AHGP	247,971		195,332		204,721
Defined benefit pension plan
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Net actuarial gain (loss)	12,472		(6,524)		(17,483)
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,653	[1]	1,788	[1]	537	[1]
Total adjustments	15,125		(4,736)		(16,946)
Pneumoconiosis benefits
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Net actuarial gain (loss)	16,750		2,156		(4,570)
Amortization of actuarial loss	670	[1]	776	[1]	(223)	[1]
Total adjustments	$ 17,420		$ 2,932		$ (4,793)

[1] Amortization of actuarial gain or loss is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Notes 13 and 17 for additional details).