NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Distributions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interests		$ 117,362	$ 108,413	$ 99,423
SGP
Noncontrolling Interest
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interests	[1]	66	63	57
Non-Affiliates (ARLP'S Non-Affiliate Limited Partners)
Noncontrolling Interest
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interests	[1]	$ 117,296	$ 108,350	$ 99,366

[1] Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests, in the table above, represent ARLP's quarterly distributions in accordance with the ARLP Partnership agreement.