Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	$ 177,413	$ 196,052
Operating profit (loss)	(585)	7,022
Net income (loss)	(1,524)	4,422
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	(660)	(957)
Operating profit (loss)	(309)	(15)
Net income (loss)	(2,349)	(1,400)
NACoal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	39,872	51,147
Operating profit (loss)	6,653	11,785
Net income (loss)	5,705	9,591
HBB
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	101,325	106,151
Operating profit (loss)	937	2,668
Net income (loss)	350	1,501
KC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	36,876	39,711
Operating profit (loss)	(6,514)	(4,980)
Net income (loss)	(4,033)	(3,267)
NACCO and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	(1,352)	(2,436)
Net income (loss)	$ (1,197)	$ (2,003)