SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Paid For:
Interest	$ 35,362	$ 35,833	$ 36,188
Income taxes			300
Non-Cash Activity:
Accounts payable for purchase of property, plant and equipment	17,924	20,972	24,979
Market value of ARLP common units vested in ARLP's Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors Deferred Compensation Plans before minimum statutory tax withholding requirements	8,583	11,070	6,572
Assets acquired by capital lease			3,525
Acquisition of business:
Fair value of assets assumed		126,639
Cash paid		(100,000)
Fair value of liabilities assumed		$ 26,639