Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Contingencies [Abstract]

Contingencies

3. CONTINGENCIES

We are not engaged in any material litigation. The ARLP Partnership is involved in various lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings incidental to its business. The ARLP Partnership records an accrual for a potential loss related to these matters when, in management's opinion, such loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Based on known facts and circumstances, the ARLP Partnership believes the ultimate outcome of these outstanding lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, if the results of these matters were different from management's current opinion and in amounts greater than the ARLP Partnership's accruals, then they could have a material adverse effect.