LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt including current and non-current	$ 833,000	$ 868,000
Less current maturities	(43,000)	(36,750)
Total long-term debt	790,000	831,250
ARLP Revolving credit facility
Long-Term Debt
Credit facility	215,000	250,000
ARLP Senior notes
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt including current and non-current	18,000	18,000
ARLP Series A Senior Notes
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt including current and non-current	205,000	205,000
ARLP Series B Senior Notes
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt including current and non-current	145,000	145,000
ARLP Term Loan
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt including current and non-current	$ 250,000	$ 250,000