Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	$ 196,017	$ 171,435	$ 392,069	$ 345,114
Operating profit (loss)	8,803	7,601	15,825	15,669
Income from continuing operations	5,147	3,443	9,569	8,155
NACoal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	43,567	19,199	94,714	43,533
Operating profit (loss)	11,196	9,152	22,981	21,080
Income from continuing operations	8,952	7,130	18,543	16,337
HBB
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	114,651	110,676	220,802	215,616
Operating profit (loss)	4,005	5,048	6,673	7,199
Income from continuing operations	1,985	2,214	3,486	3,241
KC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	38,380	42,340	78,091	87,633
Operating profit (loss)	(5,407)	(5,163)	(10,387)	(9,741)
Income from continuing operations	(2,403)	(3,189)	(5,670)	(6,006)
NACCO and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	(1,099)	(1,480)	(3,535)	(2,994)
Income from continuing operations	(1,048)	(1,715)	(3,051)	(3,167)
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	(581)	(780)	(1,538)	(1,668)
Operating profit (loss)	108	44	93	125
Income from continuing operations	$ (2,339)	$ (997)	$ (3,739)	$ (2,250)