NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Balance	$ 855,593	$ 707,775
Net income	115,336	102,384
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(38)	727
Settlement of directors deferred compensation	(218)
Vesting of ARLP Long-Term Incentive Plan	(2,991)	(3,015)
Common unit-based compensation	2,522	2,078
Distributions on ARLP common unit-based compensation	(624)	(517)
Distributions to AHGP Partners	(49,537)	(44,299)
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interest	(25,662)	(23,637)
Balance	894,381	741,496
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance	(4,198)	(18,296)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(9)	355
Balance	(4,207)	(17,941)
Noncontrolling Interest
Balance	359,721	277,095
Net income	47,889	42,382
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(29)	372
Vesting of ARLP Long-Term Incentive Plan	(2,991)	(3,015)
Common unit-based compensation	2,443	2,005
Distributions on ARLP common unit-based compensation	(624)	(517)
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interest	(25,662)	(23,637)
Balance	380,747	294,685
Limited Partners' Capital
Balance	500,070	448,976
Net income	67,447	60,002
Settlement of directors deferred compensation	(218)
Common unit-based compensation	79	73
Distributions to AHGP Partners	(49,537)	(44,299)
Balance	$ 517,841	$ 464,752