CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest	Comprehensive income	Limited Partners' Capital
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 457,220	$ (8,138)	$ 135,012		$ 330,346
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2010					59,863,000
Comprehensive income:
Net income	386,343		172,200	386,343	214,143
Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments	(21,739)	(9,422)	(12,317)	(21,739)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	364,604			364,604
Vesting of ARLP Long-Term Incentive Plan	(2,324)		(2,324)
Common unit-based compensation	6,417		6,235		182
Reclassification of SERP and Deferred Compensation Plans	9,905		9,223		682
Contribution by limited partner - affiliate (Note 18)	5,000				5,000
Distributions on ARLP common unit-based compensation	(1,433)		(1,433)
Distributions to AHGP Partners	(136,188)				(136,188)
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interest	(77,008)		(77,008)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	626,193	(17,560)	229,588		414,165
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2011					59,863,000
Comprehensive income:
Net income	331,226		135,158	331,226	196,068
Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments	(1,804)	(736)	(1,068)	(1,804)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	329,422			329,422
Settlement of Directors Deferred Compensation	(459)				(459)
Vesting of ARLP Long-Term Incentive Plan	(3,734)		(3,734)
Common unit-based compensation	7,607		7,428		179
Contribution by limited partner - affiliate (Note 18)	2,000				2,000
Distributions on ARLP common unit-based compensation	(1,536)		(1,536)
Distributions to AHGP Partners	(162,977)				(162,977)
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interest	(88,741)		(88,741)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	707,775	(18,296)	277,095		448,976
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2012	59,863,000				59,863,000
Comprehensive income:
Net income	391,594		157,721	391,594	233,873
Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments	32,545	14,098	18,447	32,545
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	424,139			424,139
Vesting of ARLP Long-Term Incentive Plan	(3,015)		(3,015)
Common unit-based compensation	9,193		8,896		297
Contribution by limited partner - affiliate (Note 18)	2,200				2,200
Distributions on ARLP common unit-based compensation	(1,688)		(1,688)
Distributions to AHGP Partners	(185,276)				(185,276)
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interest	(97,735)		(97,735)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 855,593	$ (4,198)	$ 359,721		$ 500,070
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2013	59,863,000				59,863,000