NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARABIAN AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT CO (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Basic Net Income per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Arabian American Development Co.	$ 2,120	$ 1,995	[1]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	24,105,000	24,043,000	[1]
Net Income Attributable to Arabian American Development Company (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.08	[1]
Diluted Net Income per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Arabian American Development Co.	$ 2,120	$ 1,995
Dilutive stock options outstanding (in shares)	553,000	934,000
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)	24,658,000	24,977,000	[1]
Net Income Attributable to Arabian American Development Company (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.08	[1]
Exercisable, stock options (in shares)	446,009	285,415
Number of shares held in treasury by an outside party (in shares)	300,000	300,000

[1] (Restated)