Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS LP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001086600	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,469,278,739
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	37,030,317	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$93,654		$28,283
Trade receivables	153,662		172,724
Other receivables	776		1,019
Due from affiliates	1,964		658
Inventories	44,214		46,660
Advance royalties	11,454		11,492
Prepaid expenses and other assets	16,186		20,476
Total current assets	321,910		281,312
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:	'		'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,645,872		2,361,863
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-1,031,493		-832,293
Total property, plant and equipment, net	1,614,379		1,529,570
OTHER ASSETS:	'		'
Advance royalties	18,813		23,267
Due from affiliate	11,560		3,084
Equity investments in affiliates	130,410		88,513
Other long-term assets	24,826		30,226
Total other assets	185,609		145,090
TOTAL ASSETS	2,121,898	[1]	1,955,972	[1]
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'		'
Accounts payable	79,371		100,174
Due to affiliates	290		327
Accrued taxes other than income taxes	19,061		19,998
Accrued payroll and related expenses	47,105		38,501
Accrued interest	996		1,435
Workers' compensation and pneumoconiosis benefits	9,065		9,320
Current capital lease obligations	1,288		1,000
Other current liabilities	18,625		19,572
Current maturities, long-term debt	36,750		18,000
Total current liabilities	212,551		208,327
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'		'
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	831,250		773,000
Pneumoconiosis benefits	48,455		59,931
Accrued pension benefit	18,182		31,078
Workers' compensation	54,949		68,786
Asset retirement obligations	80,807		81,644
Long-term capital lease obligations	17,135		18,613
Other liabilities	7,332		9,147
Total long-term liabilities	1,058,110		1,042,199
Total liabilities	1,270,661		1,250,526
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'		'
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:	'		'
Limited Partners - Common Unitholders 36,963,054 and 36,874,949 units outstanding, respectively	1,128,519		1,020,823
General Partners' deficit	-267,563		-273,113
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-9,719		-42,264
Total Partners' Capital	851,237		705,446
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL	$2,121,898		$1,955,972
[1]	Total assets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 includes investments in affiliate of $128.7 million, $86.8 million and $38.5 million, respectively, included in the White Oak segment and $1.7 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, included in the Other and Corporate segment.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Limited Partners, Common Unitholders, units outstanding	36,963,054	36,874,949

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES:	'		'		'
Coal sales	$2,137,449		$1,979,437		$1,786,089
Transportation revenues	32,642		22,034		31,939
Other sales and operating revenues	35,470		32,830		25,532
Total revenues	2,205,561	[1]	2,034,301	[1]	1,843,560	[1]
EXPENSES:	'		'		'
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)	1,398,763		1,303,291		1,131,750
Transportation expenses	32,642		22,034		31,939
Outside coal purchases	2,030		38,607		54,280
General and administrative	63,697		58,737		52,334
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	264,911		218,122		160,335
Asset impairment charge	'		19,031		'
Total operating expenses	1,762,043		1,659,822		1,430,638
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	443,518		374,479		412,922
Interest expense (net of interest capitalized of $8,992, $8,436 and $14,797, respectively)	-27,044		-28,684		-21,954
Interest income	962		229		375
Equity in loss of affiliates, net	-24,441		-14,650		-3,404
Other income	1,891		3,115		983
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	394,886		334,489		388,922
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)	1,396		-1,082		-431
NET INCOME	393,490		335,571		389,353
GENERAL PARTNERS' INTEREST IN NET INCOME	121,349		106,837		86,251
LIMITED PARTNERS' INTEREST IN NET INCOME	$272,141		$228,734		$303,102
BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT (in dollars per unit)	$7.26	[2]	$6.12	[2]	$8.13	[2]
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT (in dollars per unit)	$4.57		$4.16		$3.63
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF UNITS OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED (in units)	36,952,192	[2]	36,863,022	[2]	36,769,126	[2]
[1]	Revenues included in the Other and Corporate column are primarily attributable to Matrix Group revenues, Mt. Vernon transloading revenues, administrative service revenues from affiliates and brokerage sales.
[2]	Diluted EPU gives effect to all dilutive potential common units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Diluted EPU excludes all dilutive potential units calculated under the treasury stock method if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, LTIP, SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan units of 341,366, 344,956 and 409,969, respectively, were considered anti-dilutive.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	'	'	'
Interest expense, interest capitalized	$8,992	$8,436	$14,797

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

NET INCOME

$99,293

$87,186

$104,074

$102,937

$96,638

$60,510

$95,455

$82,968

$393,490

$335,571

$389,353

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,545

-1,804

-21,739

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

426,035

333,767

367,614

Defined benefit pension plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net actuarial gain (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,472

-6,524

-17,483

Amortization of actuarial loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,653

[1]

1,788

[1]

537

[1]

Total adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,125

-4,736

-16,946

Pneumoconiosis benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net actuarial gain (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,750

2,156

-4,570

Amortization of actuarial loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

670

[1]

776

[1]

-223

[1]

Total adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$17,420

$2,932

($4,793)

[1]

Amortization of actuarial gain or loss is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Notes 13 and 17 for additional details).

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income	$393,490	$335,571	$389,353
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	264,911	218,122	160,335
Non-cash compensation expense	8,896	7,428	6,235
Asset retirement obligations	3,004	2,853	2,546
Coal inventory adjustment to market	2,811	2,978	386
Equity in loss of affiliates, net	24,441	14,650	3,404
Net (gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	3,475	147	-634
Asset impairment charge	'	19,031	'
Valuation allowance of deferred tax assets	3,483	'	'
Other	-6,251	-3,815	1,488
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Trade receivables	19,062	-44,081	-15,701
Other receivables	243	1,960	-1,832
Inventories	-795	-16,119	-2,818
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,290	-8,531	-1,921
Advance royalties	4,492	765	-3,225
Accounts payable	-17,755	7,312	21,890
Due to affiliates	-1,343	4,291	1,717
Accrued taxes other than income taxes	-937	4,125	1,972
Accrued payroll and related benefits	8,604	2,625	5,103
Pneumoconiosis benefits	5,944	5,961	4,944
Workers' compensation	-14,092	4,075	5,717
Other	-1,321	-3,492	-4,976
Total net adjustments	311,162	220,285	184,630
Net cash provided by operating activities	704,652	555,856	573,983
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-329,151	-424,631	-321,920
Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-3,048	-4,007	11,640
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,520	114	1,526
Purchases of equity investments in affiliate	-62,500	-59,800	-42,700
Payment for acquisition of business	'	-100,000	'
Payments to affiliate for acquisition and development of coal reserves	-25,272	-34,601	-50,800
Advances/loans to affiliate	-7,500	-5,229	'
Payments from affiliate	'	4,229	'
Other	'	546	1,146
Net cash used in investing activities	-425,951	-623,379	-401,108
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Borrowings under term loan	'	250,000	'
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	386,000	278,800	'
Payments under revolving credit facilities	-291,000	-123,800	'
Payment on term loan	'	-300,000	'
Payment on long-term debt	-18,000	-18,000	-18,000
Payments on capital lease obligations	-1,190	-943	-812
Payment of debt issuance costs	'	-4,272	'
Net settlement of employee withholding taxes on vesting of Long-Term Incentive Plan	-3,015	-3,734	-2,324
Cash contributions by General Partners	2,314	2,150	87
Distributions paid to Partners	-288,439	-257,923	-217,860
Net cash used in financing activities	-213,330	-177,722	-238,909
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	65,371	-245,245	-66,034
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	28,283	273,528	339,562
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$93,654	$28,283	$273,528

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_PART

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (USD $)	Total	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income	Limited Partners' Capital	General Partners' Capital (Deficit)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$455,783	($18,721)	'	$761,875	($287,371)
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	'	'	36,716,855	'
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	389,353	'	389,353	303,102	86,251
Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments	-21,739	-21,739	-21,739	'	'
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	367,614	'	367,614	'	'
Issuance of units to Long-Term Incentive Plan participants upon vesting	-2,324	'	'	-2,324	'
Issuance of units to Long-Term Incentive Plan participants upon vesting (in units)	'	'	'	58,886	'
Common unit-based compensation	6,235	'	'	6,235	'
Reclassification of SERP and Deferred Compensation Plans	9,223	'	'	9,223	'
Distributions on common unit-based compensation	-1,433	'	'	-1,433	'
General Partners contributions (Note 12)	5,087	'	'	'	5,087
Distributions to Partners	-216,427	'	'	-133,353	-83,074
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	623,758	-40,460	'	943,325	-279,107
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	'	'	36,775,741	'
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	335,571	'	335,571	228,734	106,837
Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments	-1,804	-1,804	-1,804	'	'
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	333,767	'	333,767	'	'
Issuance of units to Long-Term Incentive Plan participants upon vesting	-3,734	'	'	-3,734	'
Issuance of units to Long-Term Incentive Plan participants upon vesting (in units)	'	'	'	99,208	'
Common unit-based compensation	7,428	'	'	7,428	'
Distributions on common unit-based compensation	-1,536	'	'	-1,536	'
General Partners contributions (Note 12)	2,150	'	'	'	2,150
Distributions to Partners	-256,387	'	'	-153,394	-102,993
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	705,446	-42,264	'	1,020,823	-273,113
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2012	36,874,949	'	'	36,874,949	'
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	393,490	'	393,490	272,141	121,349
Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments	32,545	32,545	32,545	'	'
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	426,035	'	426,035	'	'
Issuance of units to Long-Term Incentive Plan participants upon vesting	-3,015	'	'	-3,015	'
Issuance of units to Long-Term Incentive Plan participants upon vesting (in units)	'	'	'	88,105	'
Common unit-based compensation	8,896	'	'	8,896	'
Distributions on common unit-based compensation	-1,688	'	'	-1,688	'
General Partners contributions (Note 12)	2,314	'	'	'	2,314
Distributions to Partners	-286,751	'	'	-168,638	-118,113
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$851,237	($9,719)	'	$1,128,519	($267,563)
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2013	36,963,054	'	'	36,963,054	'

ORGANIZATION_AND_PRESENTATION

ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION	'
ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION	'
	1.                                      ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION
	Significant Relationships Referenced in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
	·      References to “we,” “us,” “our” or “ARLP Partnership” mean the business and operations of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., the parent company, as well as its consolidated subsidiaries.
	·      References to “ARLP” mean Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., individually as the parent company, and not on a consolidated basis.
	·      References to “MGP” mean Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the managing general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., also referred to as our managing general partner.
	·      References to “SGP” mean Alliance Resource GP, LLC, the special general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., also referred to as our special general partner.
	·      References to “Intermediate Partnership” mean Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P., the intermediate partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., also referred to as our intermediate partnership.
	·      References to “Alliance Coal” mean Alliance Coal, LLC, the holding company for the operations of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P., also referred to as our operating subsidiary.
	·      References to “AHGP” mean Alliance Holdings GP, L.P., individually as the parent company, and not on a consolidated basis.
	·      References to “AGP” mean Alliance GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Holdings GP, L.P.
	Organization
	ARLP is a Delaware limited partnership listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “ARLP.”  ARLP was formed in May 1999 to acquire, upon completion of ARLP’s initial public offering on August 19, 1999, certain coal production and marketing assets of Alliance Resource Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ARH”), consisting of substantially all of ARH’s operating subsidiaries, but excluding ARH.  ARH is owned by Joseph W. Craft III, the President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of our managing general partner, and Kathleen S. Craft.  SGP, a Delaware limited liability company, is owned by ARH and holds a 0.01% general partner interest in each of ARLP and the Intermediate Partnership.
	We are managed by our managing general partner, MGP, a Delaware limited liability company, which holds a 0.99% and a 1.0001% managing general partner interest in ARLP and the Intermediate Partnership, respectively, and a 0.001% managing member interest in Alliance Coal.  AHGP is a Delaware limited partnership that was formed to become the owner and controlling member of MGP.  AHGP completed its initial public offering (“AHGP IPO”) on May 15, 2006.  AHGP owns directly and indirectly 100% of the members’ interest of MGP, the incentive distribution rights (“IDR”) in ARLP and 15,544,169 common units of ARLP.
	The Delaware limited partnership, limited liability companies and corporation that comprise our subsidiaries are as follows: Intermediate Partnership, Alliance Coal, Alliance Design Group, LLC, (“Alliance Design”), Alliance Land, LLC, Alliance Properties, LLC, Alliance Resource Properties, LLC, (“Alliance Resource Properties”), ARP Sebree, LLC, ARP Sebree South, LLC, Alliance WOR Properties, LLC (“WOR Properties”), Alliance Service, Inc. (“ASI”), Alliance WOR Processing, LLC (“WOR Processing”), Backbone Mountain, LLC, CR Services, LLC, Excel Mining, LLC, Gibson County Coal, LLC (“Gibson County Coal”), Hopkins County Coal, LLC (“Hopkins County Coal”), Matrix Design Group, LLC (“Matrix Design”), MC Mining, LLC (“MC Mining”), Mettiki Coal, LLC (“Mettiki (MD)”), Mettiki Coal (WV), LLC (“Mettiki (WV)”), Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC (“Mt. Vernon”), Penn Ridge Coal, LLC (“Penn Ridge”), Pontiki Coal, LLC (“Pontiki”), River View Coal, LLC (“River View”), Sebree Mining, LLC (“Sebree Mining”), Steamport, LLC, Tunnel Ridge, LLC (“Tunnel Ridge”), Warrior Coal, LLC (“Warrior”), Webster County Coal, LLC (“Webster County Coal”), and White County Coal, LLC (“White County Coal”).
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the ARLP Partnership and present our financial position as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and results of our operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in partners’ capital for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013.  All of our intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	2.                                      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Estimates—The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) of the United States (“U.S.”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The carrying amounts for cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, due from affiliates and due to affiliates approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the estimated fair value of our long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately $884.8 million and $834.3 million, respectively (Note 8).
	Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit, including highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less.  We had no restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Cash Management—The cash flows from operating activities section of our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reflects an adjustment for $10.3 million and $6.7 million representing book overdrafts at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  We had no book overdrafts at December 31, 2013.
	Inventories—Coal inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Supply inventories are stated at an average cost basis, less a reserve for obsolete and surplus items.
	Property, Plant and Equipment—Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment assets are capitalized.  Interest costs associated with major asset additions are capitalized during the construction period.  Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life or increase productivity of the asset are charged to operating expense as incurred.  Exploration expenditures are charged to operating expense as incurred, including costs related to drilling and study costs incurred to convert or upgrade mineral resources to reserves. Preparation plants and processing facilities are depreciated using the units-of-production method.  Other plant and equipment assets are depreciated principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from 1 to 20 years, limited by the remaining estimated life of each mine. Depreciable lives for mining equipment range from 1 to 20 years. Depreciable lives for buildings, office equipment and improvements range from 2 to 20 years. Gains or losses arising from retirements are included in operating expenses. Depletable lives for mineral rights range from 2 to 20 years. Depletion of mineral rights is provided on the basis of tonnage mined in relation to estimated recoverable tonnage which equals estimated proven and probable reserves. Therefore, our mineral rights are depleted based on only proven and probable reserves derived in accordance with Industry Guide 7.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, land and mineral rights include $45.5 million and $118.2 million, respectively, representing the carrying value of coal reserves attributable to properties where we or a third-party to which we lease reserves are not currently engaged in mining operations or leasing to third parties, and therefore, the coal reserves are not currently being depleted.  We believe that the carrying value of these reserves will be recovered.
	Mine Development Costs—Mine development costs are capitalized until production, other than production incidental to the mine development process, commences and are amortized on a units of production method based on the estimated proven and probable reserves.  Mine development costs represent costs incurred in establishing access to mineral reserves and include costs associated with sinking or driving shafts and underground drifts, permanent excavations, roads and tunnels.  The end of the development phase and the beginning of the production phase takes place when construction of the mine for economic extraction is substantially complete.  Coal extracted during the development phase is incidental to the mine’s production capacity and is not considered to shift the mine into the production phase.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, capitalized mine development costs were $33.1 million and $32.6 million, respectively, representing the carrying value of development costs attributable to properties where we have not reached the production stage of mining operations or leasing to third parties, and therefore, the mine development costs are not currently being amortized.  We believe that the carrying value of these development costs will be recovered.
	Long-Lived Assets—We review the carrying value of long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable based upon estimated undiscounted future cash flows.  To the extent the carrying amount is not recoverable based on undiscounted cash flows, the amount of impairment is measured by the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset.  We recorded an asset impairment charge of $19.0 million in 2012 (Note 4).  No impairment charges were recorded in 2013 and 2011.
	Intangible Assets—Intangible assets subject to amortization include contracts with covenants not to compete, customer contracts acquired in a business combination and mining permits.  Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful life.  Amortization expense attributable to intangible assets was $3.0 million, $2.6 million and $1.4 million for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Our intangible assets are included in other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012.  Our intangible assets at December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Original Cost		Accumulated		Intangibles,		Original Cost		Accumulated		Intangibles,
				Amortization		Net				Amortization		Net
	Non-compete agreements	$	15,236	$	(7,002)	$	8,234	$	15,236	$	(5,374)	$	9,862
	Customer contracts	6,171		(2,301)		3,870		6,171		(1,003)		5,168
	Mining permits	3,843		(116)		3,727		3,843		(50)		3,793
	Total	$	25,250	$	(9,419)	$	15,831	$	25,250	$	(6,427)	$	18,823
	Amortization expense attributable to intangible assets is estimated to be $3.0 million in 2014-2016, $1.3 million in 2017 and $1.0 million in 2018.
	Advance Royalties—Rights to coal mineral leases are often acquired and/or maintained through advance royalty payments.  Where royalty payments represent prepayments recoupable against future production, they are recorded as an asset, with amounts expected to be recouped within one year classified as a current asset.  As mining occurs on these leases, the royalty prepayments are charged to operating expenses. We assess the recoverability of royalty prepayments based on estimated future production.  Royalty prepayments estimated to be nonrecoverable are expensed.  Our advance royalties at December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Advance royalties, affiliates (Note 18)	$	17,840	$	22,509
	Advance royalties, third-parties	12,427		12,250
	Total advance royalties	$	30,267	$	34,759
	Asset Retirement Obligations—We record a liability for the estimated cost of future mine asset retirement and closing procedures on a present value basis when incurred and a corresponding amount is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long lived asset. Those costs relate to permanently sealing portals at underground mines and to reclaiming the final pits and support acreage at surface mines. Examples of these types of costs, common to both types of mining, include, but are not limited to, removing or covering refuse piles and settling ponds, water treatment obligations, and dismantling preparation plants, other facilities and roadway infrastructure.  Accounting for asset retirement obligations also requires depreciation of the capitalized asset retirement cost and accretion of the asset retirement obligation over time.  The depreciation is generally determined on a units of production basis and accretion is generally recognized over the life of the producing assets (Note 16).
	Workers’ Compensation and Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung) Benefits—We are generally self-insured for workers’ compensation benefits, including black lung benefits. We accrue a workers’ compensation liability for the estimated present value of workers’ compensation and black lung benefits based on our actuarially determined calculations (Note 17).
	Income Taxes—We are not a taxable entity for federal or state income tax purposes; the tax effect of our activities accrues to the unitholders. Although publicly traded partnerships as a general rule will be taxed as corporations, we qualify for an exemption because at least 90% of our income consists of qualifying income, as defined in Section 7704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Net income for financial statement purposes may differ significantly from taxable income reportable to unitholders as a result of differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and the taxable income allocation requirements under our partnership agreement. Individual unitholders have different investment bases depending upon the timing and price of acquisition of their partnership units. Furthermore, each unitholder’s tax accounting, which is partially dependent upon the unitholder’s tax position, differs from the accounting followed in our consolidated financial statements.  Accordingly, the aggregate difference in the basis of our net assets for financial and tax reporting purposes cannot be readily determined because information regarding each unitholder’s tax attributes in our partnership is not available to us. Our subsidiary, ASI, is subject to federal and state income taxes. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	Our tax counsel has provided an opinion that ARLP, the Intermediate Partnership and Alliance Coal will each be treated as a partnership. However, as is customary, no ruling has been or will be requested from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) regarding our classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
	Revenue Recognition—Revenues from coal sales are recognized when title passes to the customer as the coal is shipped. Some coal supply agreements provide for price adjustments based on variations in quality characteristics of the coal shipped. In certain cases, a customer’s analysis of the coal quality is binding and the results of the analysis are received on a delayed basis. In these cases, we estimate the amount of the quality adjustment and adjust the estimate to actual when the information is provided by the customer. Historically, such adjustments have not been material. Non-coal sales revenues primarily consist of transloading fees, administrative service revenues from our affiliates, mine safety services and products, throughput fees earned from White Oak Resources LLC (“White Oak”) (Note 11), other coal contract fees and other handling and service fees.  Transportation revenues are recognized in connection with us incurring the corresponding costs of transporting coal to customers through third-party carriers for which we are directly reimbursed through customer billings.  We had no allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Pension Benefits—Our defined benefit pension obligation and the related benefit cost are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits.  Pension cost and obligations are actuarially determined and are affected by assumptions including expected return on plan assets, discount rates, compensation increases, employee turnover rates and retirement dates. We evaluate our assumptions periodically and make adjustments to these assumptions and the recorded liability as necessary (Note 13).
	Common Unit-Based Compensation—We account for compensation expense attributable to restricted common units granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) and the MGP Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (“Deferred Compensation Plan”) based on the requirements of FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation.  Accordingly, the fair value of award grants are determined on the grant date of the award and this value is recognized as compensation expense on a pro rata basis for LTIP and SERP awards, as appropriate, over the requisite service period.  Compensation expense is fully recognized on the grant date for quarterly distributions credited to SERP accounts and Deferred Compensation Plan awards.  The corresponding liability is classified as equity and included in limited partners’ capital in the consolidated financial statements (Note 14).
	Net Income Per Unit—Basic net income per limited partner unit is determined by dividing net income available to Limited Partners by the weighted average number of outstanding common units.  Diluted net income per unit is based on the combined weighted average number of common units and common unit equivalents outstanding unless the effect is anti-dilutive (Note 12).
	Investments—Investments and ownership interests are accounted for under the equity method of accounting if we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the entity.  Investments accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at cost, and the difference between the basis of our investment and the underlying equity in the net assets of the joint venture at the investment date, if any, is amortized over the lives of the related assets that gave rise to the difference.  In the event our ownership entitles us to a disproportionate sharing of income or loss, our equity in earnings or losses of affiliates is allocated based on the hypothetical liquidation at book value (“HLBV”) method of accounting. Under the HLBV method, equity in earnings or losses of affiliates is allocated based on the difference between our claim on the net assets of the equity method investee at the end and beginning of the period with consideration of certain eliminating entries regarding differences of accounting for various related party transactions, after taking into account contributions and distributions, if any. Our share of the net assets of the equity method investee is calculated as the amount we would receive if the equity method investee were to liquidate all of its assets at net book value and distribute the resulting cash to creditors, other investors and us according to the respective priorities. Our share of earnings or losses under the HLBV method of accounting from equity method investments and basis difference amortization is reported in the consolidated statements of income as “Equity in loss of affiliates, net.” We review our investments and ownership interests accounted for under the equity method of accounting for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a loss in the value of the investment may be other than temporary.  For 2013 and 2012, we determined there were no such material events or changes in circumstances that would indicate the carrying amount of such investments was not recoverable.  Our equity method investments include our ownership interests in White Oak (Note 11) and Mid-America Carbonates, LLC (“MAC”).
	New Accounting Standards Issued and Adopted—In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”).  ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component.  In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, certain significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income.  ASU 2013-02 does not change the items that must be reported in AOCI.  ASU 2013-02 was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012.  The adoption of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ACQUISITIONS	'
ACQUISITIONS	'
	3.                                      ACQUISITIONS
	Asset Acquisition
	In June 2013, our subsidiary, Alliance Resource Properties acquired the rights to approximately 11.6 million tons of proven and probable medium-sulfur coal reserves, and an additional 5.9 million resource tons, in Grant and Tucker Counties, West Virginia from Laurel Run Mining Company, a subsidiary of Consol Energy, Inc.  The purchase price of $25.2 million was allocated to owned and leased coal rights and was financed using existing cash on hand.  As a result of the coal reserve purchase, we reclassified certain tons of medium-sulfur, non-reserve coal deposits as reserves, which together with the reserves purchased above, extended the expected life of Mettiki (WV)’s Mountain View mine.
	Green River Collieries, LLC
	On April 2, 2012, we acquired substantially all of Green River Collieries, LLC’s (“Green River”) assets related to its coal mining business and operations located in Webster and Hopkins Counties, Kentucky.  The transaction includes the Onton No. 9 mining complex (“Onton mine”), which includes the mine, a dock, tugboat, and a lease for the preparation plant, and an estimated 40.0 million tons of coal reserves in the West Kentucky No. 9 coal seam.   The Green River acquisition is consistent with our general business strategy and complements our current coal mining operations.
	The following table summarizes the consideration paid to Green River and the final fair value allocation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
	Consideration paid	$	100,000
	Recognized amounts of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Inventories	547
	Advance royalties	888
	Property, plant and equipment, including mineral rights and leased facilities	117,110
	Noncompete agreement	1,200
	Customer contracts, net	4,955
	Permits	843
	Capital lease obligation	(17,384		)
	Asset retirement obligation	(6,032		)
	Pneumoconiosis benefits	(2,127		)
	Net tangible and intangible assets acquired	$	100,000
	During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, we finalized the purchase price allocation related to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Green River.  The adjustments to the preliminary fair values resulted from additional information obtained about facts in existence on April 2, 2012.  Prior financial statements have not been retrospectively adjusted due to immateriality.
	Intangible assets and liabilities related to coal supply agreements will be amortized over the average term of the contracts.  Mine permits will be amortized over the estimated useful life of the Onton mine and the noncompete agreement will be amortized over the term of the agreement.
	The following unaudited pro forma information for the ARLP Partnership has been prepared for illustrative purposes and assumes that the business combination occurred on January 1, 2011.  The unaudited pro forma results have been prepared based upon Green River’s historical results with respect to the business acquired and estimates of the effects of the transactions that we believe are reasonable and supportable. The results are not necessarily reflective of the consolidated results of operations had the acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2011, nor are they indicative of future operating results.
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Total revenues
	As reported	$	2,034,301		$	1,843,560
	Pro forma	$	2,061,644		$	1,957,598
	Net income
	As reported	$	335,571		$	389,353
	Pro forma	$	336,852		$	400,727
	The revenues and net income related to the acquired business are reflected in our consolidated statements of income beginning April 2, 2012 through December 31, 2012 and totaled $81.6 million and $7.6 million, respectively, which are included in the total revenues and net income above for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The pro forma net income includes adjustments to depreciation, depletion and amortization to reflect the new basis in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets acquired, elimination of income tax expense, and the elimination of interest expense of Green River as its debt was paid off in conjunction with the acquisition.  Acquisition costs related to the business acquired of $0.6 million were reclassified to the beginning of 2011 in preparation of the pro forma results, as the acquisition was assumed to have been completed January 1, 2011 for the pro forma presentation.
	Synergies from the acquisition are not reflected in the pro forma results.

ASSET_IMPAIRMENT_CHARGE

ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGE	'
ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGE	'
	4.                                      ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGE
	Pontiki’s mining complex in Martin County, Kentucky was idled from August 29, 2012 to November 25, 2012.  The Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) ordered the closure of the coal preparation plant and associated surface facilities at the Pontiki mining complex following the failure on August 23, 2012 of a belt line between two clean coal stacking tubes.  MSHA required a comprehensive structural inspection of all the surface facilities by an independent bridge engineering firm before the surface facilities could be reopened.  Although the Pontiki mining complex resumed operations to fulfill contractual obligations for the delivery of coal in 2013 under existing coal sales agreements, significant uncertainty remained regarding market demand and pricing for coal from Pontiki beyond 2013.  This uncertainty along with the likelihood of future cost increases arising from stringent regulatory oversight placed the long-term viability of Pontiki at significant risk.
	As a result of the above events, uncertainty regarding the future operations of the mine and the required additional repair costs, and our assessment of related risks, we concluded that indicators of impairment were present and the carrying value of the asset group representing the Pontiki mining complex (“Pontiki Assets”) was not fully recoverable.  We estimated the fair value of the Pontiki Assets and determined it was exceeded by the carrying value and accordingly, we recorded an asset impairment charge of $19.0 million in our Central Appalachian segment during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 to reduce the carrying value of the Pontiki Assets to their estimated fair value of $16.1 million.  The fair value of the Pontiki Assets was determined using the market and cost valuation techniques and represents a Level 3 fair value measurement.  The fair value analysis was based on the marketability of coal properties in the current market environment, discounted projected future cash flows, and estimated fair value of assets that could be sold or used at other operations.  The asset impairment established a new cost basis on which depreciation, depletion and amortization was calculated for the Pontiki Assets.
	As noted above, although the Pontiki mining complex resumed operations, significant uncertainty remained regarding market demand and pricing for coal from Pontiki beyond 2013.  On September 27, 2013, we issued Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notices to all employees at Pontiki’s mining complex.  We ceased operations at the Pontiki mining complex in late November 2013 after fulfilling commitments under existing sales contracts.  A large number of Pontiki’s employees and equipment were migrated to our MC Mining operation.  No additional impairment was required related to the closure of the mine.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INVENTORIES	'
INVENTORIES	'
	5.                                      INVENTORIES
	Inventories consist of the following at December 31, (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Coal	$	12,791		$	14,763
	Supplies (net of reserve for obsolescence of $3,150 and $2,721, respectively)	31,423			31,897
	Total inventory	$		44,214	$	46,660

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'
	6.                                      PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at December 31, (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Mining equipment and processing facilities	$	1,583,329	$	1,434,674
	Land and mineral rights	369,347		303,725
	Buildings, office equipment and improvements	226,672		208,351
	Construction and mine development in progress	194,221		162,331
	Mine development costs	272,303		252,782
	Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,645,872		2,361,863
	Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-1,031,493		-832,293
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,614,379	$	1,529,570
	Equipment leased by us under lease agreements which are determined to be capital leases are stated at an amount equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments during the lease term, less accumulated amortization.  Equipment under capital leases totaling $22.8 million included in mining equipment and processing facilities is amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of its useful life or the related lease term.  The provision for amortization of leased properties is included in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense.  Accumulated amortization related to our capital leases was $5.8 million and $3.8 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and amortization expense was $2.0 million, $1.9 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  For information regarding the impairment of assets at the Pontiki mine, please see Note 4.

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
	7.                                      LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Credit facility	$	250,000		$	155,000
	Senior notes	18,000			36,000
	Series A senior notes	205,000			205,000
	Series B senior notes	145,000			145,000
	Term loan	250,000			250,000
		868,000			791,000
	Less current maturities	(36,750		)	(18,000		)
	Total long-term debt	$	831,250		$	773,000
	Credit Facility.  On May 23, 2012, our Intermediate Partnership entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with various financial institutions for a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) of $700 million and a term loan (the “Term Loan”) in the aggregate principal amount of $250 million (collectively, the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan are referred to as the “Credit Facility”).  The Credit Facility replaced the $142.5 million revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature September 25, 2012 and the $300 million term loan agreement dated December 29, 2010 that was prepaid and terminated early on May 23, 2012.  The aggregate unpaid principal amount of $300 million and all unpaid interest was repaid using the proceeds of the Term Loan and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.  Our Intermediate Partnership did not incur any early termination penalties in connection with the prepayment of the term loan.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate, at our election, plus an applicable margin that fluctuates depending upon the ratio of Consolidated Debt to Consolidated Cash Flow (each as defined in the Credit Agreement).  We have elected a Eurodollar Rate which, with applicable margin, was 1.82% on borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2013.  The Credit Facility matures May 23, 2017, at which time all amounts outstanding are required to be repaid.  Interest is payable quarterly, with principal of the Term Loan due as follows:  commencing with the quarter ending June 30, 2014 and for each quarter thereafter ending on March 31, 2016, an amount per quarter equal to 2.50% of the aggregate amount of the Term Loan advances outstanding; for each quarter beginning June 30, 2016 through December 31, 2016, 20% of the aggregate amount of the Term Loan advances outstanding; and the remaining balance of the Term Loan advances at maturity.  We have the option to prepay the Term Loan at any time in whole or in part subject to terms and conditions described in the Credit Agreement.  Upon a “change of control” (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the unpaid principal amount of the Credit Facility, all interest thereon and all other amounts payable under the Credit Agreement will become due and payable.
	At December 31, 2013, we had borrowings of $250.0 million and $24.2 million of letters of credit outstanding with $425.8 million available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility.  We utilize the Revolving Credit Facility, as appropriate, for working capital requirements, capital expenditures, debt payments and distribution payments.  We incur an annual commitment fee of 0.25% on the undrawn portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.
	We incurred debt issuance costs of approximately $4.3 million in 2012 associated with the Credit Agreement, which have been deferred and are being amortized as a component of interest expense over the duration of the Credit Agreement.  We also expensed $1.1 million in 2012 of previously deferred debt issuance cost associated with our previous $300 million term loan.
	Senior Notes.  Our Intermediate Partnership has $18.0 million principal amount of 8.31% senior notes due August 20, 2014, with interest payable semi-annually (“Senior Notes”).
	Series A Senior Notes.  On June 26, 2008, our Intermediate Partnership entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2008 Note Purchase Agreement”) with a group of institutional investors in a private placement offering.  We issued $205.0 million of Series A senior notes, which bear interest at 6.28% and mature on June 26, 2015 with interest payable semi-annually.
	Series B Senior Notes.  On June 26, 2008, we issued under the 2008 Note Purchase Agreement $145.0 million of Series B senior notes (together with the Series A senior notes, the “2008 Senior Notes”), which bear interest at 6.72% and mature on June 26, 2018 with interest payable semi-annually.
	The Senior Notes, 2008 Senior Notes and the Credit Facility described above (collectively, “ARLP Debt Arrangements”) are guaranteed by all of the material direct and indirect subsidiaries of our Intermediate Partnership.  The ARLP Debt Arrangements contain various covenants affecting our Intermediate Partnership and its subsidiaries restricting, among other things, the amount of distributions by our Intermediate Partnership, the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, the sale of assets, the making of investments, the entry into mergers and consolidations and the entry into transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to various exceptions.  The ARLP Debt Arrangements also require the Intermediate Partnership to remain in control of a certain amount of mineable coal reserves relative to its annual production.  In addition, the ARLP Debt Arrangements require our Intermediate Partnership to maintain (a) debt to cash flow ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 and (b) cash flow to interest expense ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0, in each case, during the four most recently ended fiscal quarters.  The debt to cash flow ratio and cash flow to interest expense ratio were 1.24 to 1.0 and 19.8 to 1.0, respectively, for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2013.  We were in compliance with the covenants of the ARLP Debt Arrangements as of December 31, 2013.
	Other.  In addition to the letters of credit available under the Revolving Credit Facility discussed above, we also have agreements with two banks to provide additional letters of credit in an aggregate amount of $31.1 million to maintain surety bonds to secure certain asset retirement obligations and our obligations for workers’ compensation benefits.  At December 31, 2013, we had $30.7 million in letters of credit outstanding under agreements with these two banks.
	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are payable as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending
	December 31,
	2014	$	36,750
	2015	230,000
	2016	156,250
	2017	300,000
	2018	145,000
	Thereafter	-
		$	868,000

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	8.                                      FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	We apply the provisions of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, which, among other things, defines fair value, requires disclosures about assets and liabilities carried at fair value and establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework based upon the quality of inputs used to measure fair value.
	Valuation techniques are based upon observable and unobservable inputs.  Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our own market assumptions.  These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
	·	Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	·	Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
	·	Level 3—Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
	The carrying amounts for cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, due from affiliates and due to affiliates approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the estimated fair value of our long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately $884.8 million and $834.3 million, respectively, based on interest rates that we believe are currently available to us for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities (see Note 7).  The fair value of debt, which is based upon interest rates for similar instruments in active markets, is classified as a Level 2 measurement under the fair value hierarchy.

DISTRIBUTIONS_OF_AVAILABLE_CAS

DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH	'
DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH	'
	9.                                      DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH
	We distribute 100% of our available cash within 45 days after the end of each quarter to unitholders of record and to our general partners.  Available cash is generally defined in the partnership agreement as all cash and cash equivalents on hand at the end of each quarter less reserves established by our managing general partner in its reasonable discretion for future cash requirements.  These reserves are retained to provide for the conduct of our business, the payment of debt principal and interest and to provide funds for future distributions.
	As quarterly distributions of available cash exceed the target distribution levels established in our partnership agreement, our managing general partner receives distributions based on specified increasing percentages of the available cash that exceeds the target distribution levels.  The target distribution levels are based on the amounts of available cash from our operating surplus distributed for a given quarter that exceed the minimum quarterly distribution (“MQD”) and common unit arrearages, if any.  Our partnership agreement defines the MQD as $0.25 per unit ($1.00 per unit on an annual basis).
	Under the quarterly IDR provisions of our partnership agreement, our managing general partner is entitled to receive 15% of the amount we distribute in excess of $0.275 per unit, 25% of the amount we distribute in excess of $0.3125 per unit, and 50% of the amount we distribute in excess of $0.375 per unit. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we allocated to our managing general partner incentive distributions of $115.6 million, $102.1 million and $83.4 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the quarterly per unit distribution paid during the respective quarter:
		Year
		2013	2012	2011
	First Quarter	$1.11	$0.99	$0.86
	Second Quarter	$1.13	$1.02	$0.89
	Third Quarter	$1.15	$1.06	$0.92
	Fourth Quarter	$1.18	$1.08	$0.96
	On January 28, 2014, we declared a quarterly distribution of $1.1975 per unit, totaling approximately $75.9 million (which includes our managing general partner’s incentive distributions), on all our common units outstanding, which was paid on February 14, 2014, to all unitholders of record on February 7, 2014.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	10.                               INCOME TAXES
	Our subsidiary, ASI, is subject to federal and state income taxes.  ASI’s income is principally due to its subsidiary, Matrix Design.  ASI has minor temporary differences between Matrix Design’s financial reporting basis and the tax basis of its assets and liabilities.  Components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	7		$	-37		$	-337
	State	16			-183			-75
		23			-220			-412
	Deferred:
	Federal	1,022			-753			-17
	State	351			-109			-2
		1,373			-862			-19
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	1,396		$	-1,082		$	-431
	We have deferred tax assets due to net operating losses and research and development credits associated with ASI’s operations in the amount of $4.4 million, partially offset by liabilities of $0.9 million.  State and federal valuation allowances have been established to reduce these deferred tax assets to an amount that will, more likely than not, be realized.  During 2013, the federal and state valuation allowances increased to $2.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, primarily due to the ongoing evaluation process of the losses and credits anticipated to be realized in future years.
	Reconciliations from the provision for income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate for the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013					2012			2011
	Income taxes at statutory rate	$	138,210				$	117,057		$	136,122
	Less: Income taxes at statutory rate on Partnership income not subject to income taxes	(139,771		)			(117,767		)	(136,257		)
	Increase/(decrease) resulting from:
	State taxes, net of federal income tax	(192		)			(83		)	(8		)
	Valuation allowance of deferred tax assets	3,483					-			-
	Other	(334		)			(289		)	(288		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	1,396				$	(1,082)		$	(431	)

WHITE_OAK_TRANSACTIONS

WHITE OAK TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
WHITE OAK TRANSACTIONS	'
WHITE OAK TRANSACTIONS	'
	11.                               WHITE OAK TRANSACTIONS
	On September 22, 2011 (the “Transaction Date”), we entered into a series of transactions with White Oak and related entities to support development of a longwall mining operation currently under construction.  The transactions feature several components, including an equity investment in White Oak (represented by “Series A Units” containing certain distribution and liquidation preferences), the acquisition and lease-back of certain coal reserves and surface rights and a backstop equipment financing facility.  Our initial investment funding to White Oak at the Transaction Date, consummated utilizing existing cash on hand, was $69.5 million and we have funded White Oak $216.7 million between the Transaction Date and December 31, 2013.  We expect to fund a total of approximately $300.5 million to $425.5 million from the Transaction Date through the next year, which includes the funding made to White Oak through December 31, 2013 discussed above.  On the Transaction Date, we also entered into a coal handling and services agreement, pursuant to which we constructed and are operating a preparation plant and other surface facilities.  We expect to fund these additional commitments utilizing existing cash balances, future cash flows from operations, borrowings under credit facilities and cash provided from the issuance of debt or equity.  The following information discusses each component of these transactions in further detail.
	Hamilton County, Illinois Reserve Acquisition
	On the Transaction Date, WOR Properties acquired from White Oak the rights to approximately 204.9 million tons of proven and probable high-sulfur coal reserves, of which 105.2 million tons are currently being developed for future mining by White Oak, and certain surface properties and rights in Hamilton County, Illinois (the “Reserve Acquisition”), which is adjacent to White County, Illinois, where our Pattiki mine is located.  The asset purchase price of $33.8 million cash paid at closing was allocated to owned and leased coal rights.  Between the Transaction Date and December 31, 2012, WOR Properties provided $51.6 million to White Oak for development of the acquired coal reserves, fulfilling its initial commitment for further development funding.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, WOR Properties acquired from White Oak, for $25.3 million cash paid at various closings, an additional 90.1 million tons of reserves.  Of the additional tons acquired, 45.9 million tons are currently being developed for future mining by White Oak.  WOR Properties has a remaining commitment of $29.3 million for additional coal reserve acquisitions and development funding.  In conjunction with the Reserve Acquisition, WOR Properties entered into a Coal Mining Lease, Sublease and Development Agreement (“Coal Lease Agreement”) with White Oak, which provides White Oak the rights to develop and mine the acquired reserves.  The Coal Lease Agreement requires, in consideration of the lease-back of the coal reserves and the funding of development of those coal reserves, White Oak to pay WOR Properties earned royalties when coal sales begin and a fully recoupable minimum monthly royalty of $1.625 million during the period beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2034. The lease term is through December 31, 2034, subject to certain renewal options for White Oak.
	Equity Investment — Series A Units
	Concurrent with the Reserve Acquisition, WOR Processing made an initial equity investment of $35.7 million in White Oak to purchase Series A Units representing ownership in White Oak.  White Oak and WOR Processing agreed to an additional investment in Series A Units by WOR Processing of at least $114.3 million (for a minimum total of $150.0 million), and WOR Processing committed to invest up to an additional $125.0 million in Series A Units (for a maximum total of $275.0 million) to the extent required for development or operation of the White Oak Mine No. 1 mine, and subject to certain rights and obligations of other White Oak owners to participate in such investment.  WOR Processing purchased $66.8 million of additional Series A Units between the Transaction Date and December 31, 2012, and $62.5 million of additional Series A Units during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, bringing the total investment in Series A Units to $165.0 million at December 31, 2013.  In 2014, through February 28, 2014, WOR Processing has purchased $23.0 million of additional Series A Units.
	The Series A Units are entitled to receive 100% of all distributions made by White Oak until such time as the Series A Units have realized a defined minimum return, after which the Series A Units will receive distributions based on a participation percentage determined in accordance with the White Oak operating agreement.  In addition, the Series A Units contain certain liquidation preferences that require, upon an event of liquidation, the minimum return provision must be satisfied on a priority basis over other classes of White Oak equity.  Assuming a $150.0 million investment in Series A Units, WOR Processing’s ownership interest in White Oak will be 20.0% and it will be entitled to receive 20.0% of all distributions subsequent to satisfaction of the Series A Units minimum return.  WOR Processing’s ownership interest and distribution participation percentage in White Oak may increase with additional investments in the Series A Units up to a maximum of 40.0% for an investment of $275.0 million in the Series A Units.  WOR Processing’s ownership and member’s voting interest in White Oak at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 21.6% and 14.6%, respectively, based upon currently outstanding voting units.  The remainder of the equity ownership in White Oak, represented by Series B Units, is held by other investors and members of White Oak management.
	There are four primary activities we believe most significantly impact White Oak’s economic performance.  These primary activities are associated with financing, capital, operating and marketing of White Oak’s development and operation of the mine areas covered by the agreements.  We have various protective or participating rights related to these primary activities, such as minority representation on White Oak’s board of directors, restrictions on indebtedness and other obligations, the ability to assume control of White Oak’s board of directors in certain circumstances, such as an event of default by White Oak, and the right to approve certain coal sales agreements that represent a significant concentration of White Oak’s coal sales, among others.  Currently, we have two representatives on White Oak’s board of directors, which consists of five board members.  We continually review all rights provided to WOR Processing and us by various agreements with White Oak and continue to conclude all such rights are protective or participating in nature and do not provide WOR Processing or us the ability to unilaterally direct any of the primary activities of White Oak that most significantly impact its economic performance.  However, the agreements provide us the ability to exert significant influence over these activities.  As such, we recognize WOR Processing’s interest in White Oak as an equity investment in affiliate in our consolidated balance sheets.  We account for WOR Processing’s ownership interest in White Oak under the equity method of accounting, with recognition of its ownership interest in the income or loss of White Oak as equity income/(loss) in our consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2013, WOR Processing had invested $165.0 million in Series A Units of White Oak equity, which represents our current maximum exposure to loss as a result of our equity investment in White Oak exclusive of capitalized interest.  White Oak made no distributions from the Transaction Date through December 31, 2013.
	We record WOR Processing’s equity in earnings or losses of affiliates under the HLBV method of accounting due to the preferences WOR Processing receives on distributions.  Under the HLBV method, we determine WOR Processing’s share of White Oak earnings or losses by determining the difference between its claim to White Oak’s book value at the end of the period as compared to the beginning of the period with consideration of certain eliminating entries regarding differences of accounting for various related party transactions between us and White Oak.  WOR Processing’s claim on White Oak’s book value is calculated as the amount it would receive if White Oak were to liquidate all of its assets at recorded amounts determined in accordance with GAAP and distribute the resulting cash to creditors, other investors and WOR Processing according to the respective priorities.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we were allocated losses of $25.3 million and $15.3 million, respectively.
	Services Agreement
	Simultaneous with the closing of the Reserve Acquisition, WOR Processing entered into a Coal Handling and Preparation Agreement (“Services Agreement”) with White Oak pursuant to which WOR Processing committed to construct and operate a coal preparation plant and related facilities and a rail loop and loadout facility to service the White Oak Mine No. 1 mine.  The Services Agreement requires White Oak to pay a throughput fee for these services of $5.00 per ton of feedstock coal processed through the preparation plant up to a minimum throughput quantity (and, beginning in January 2015, to pay any deficiency if less than the minimum tonnage is throughput) and $2.40 per ton for quantities in excess of the minimum throughput quantity.  The minimum throughput quantity is 666,667 tons of feedstock coal per month.  The term of the Services Agreement is through December 31, 2034.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, WOR Processing began processing and loading coal through the facilities and earned throughput fees of $2.1 million from White Oak.
	In addition, the Intermediate Partnership agreed to loan $10.5 million to White Oak for the construction of various assets on the surface property, including but not limited to, a bathhouse, office and warehouse (“Construction Loan”).  The Construction Loan has a term of 20 years, with repayment scheduled to begin in 2015.  White Oak had borrowed the entire amount available under the Construction Loan as of December 31, 2013 and had borrowed $3.0 million as of December 31, 2012.
	Equipment Financing Commitment
	Also on the Transaction Date, the Intermediate Partnership committed to provide $100.0 million of fully collateralized equipment financing with a five-year term to White Oak for the purchase of coal mining equipment should other third-party funding sources not be available.  During the second quarter of 2012, White Oak obtained third-party financing for the purchase of coal mining equipment, and on June 18, 2012, repaid the Intermediate Partnership the outstanding amount of $2.2 million for previous advances and interest due.  White Oak also terminated early the equipment financing agreement with the Intermediate Partnership, and as part of the termination, paid the Intermediate Partnership a $2.0 million cancellation fee on June 18, 2012.

NET_INCOME_PER_LIMITED_PARTNER

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT	'
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT	'
	12.                               NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT
	We apply the provisions of FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share.  As required by FASB ASC 260, we apply the two-class method in calculating earnings per unit (“EPU”).  Net income is allocated to the general partners and limited partners in accordance with their respective partnership percentages, after giving effect to any special income or expense allocations, including incentive distributions to our managing general partner, the holder of the IDR pursuant to our partnership agreement, which are declared and paid following the end of each quarter (Note 9).  Under the quarterly IDR provisions of our partnership agreement, our managing general partner is entitled to receive 15% of the amount we distribute in excess of $0.275 per unit, 25% of the amount we distributed in excess of $0.3125 per unit, and 50% of the amount we distribute in excess of $0.375 per unit.  Our partnership agreement contractually limits our distributions to available cash and therefore, undistributed earnings of the ARLP Partnership are not allocated to the IDR holder.  In addition, our outstanding unvested awards under our LTIP, SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan contain rights to nonforfeitable distributions and are therefore considered participating securities.  As such, we allocate undistributed and distributed earnings to the outstanding awards in our calculation of EPU.
	The following is a reconciliation of net income and net income used for calculating EPU and the weighted average units used in computing EPU for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively (in thousands, except per unit data):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net income	$	393,490		$	335,571		$	389,353
	Adjustments:
	Managing general partner priority distributions	(117,995		)	(104,168		)	(85,066		)
	General partners’ 2% equity ownership	(5,554		)	(4,669		)	(6,185		)
	General partners’ special allocation of certain general and administrative expenses	2,200			2,000			5,000
	Limited partners’ interest in Net income	272,141			228,734			303,102
	Less:
	Distributions to participating securities	(2,362		)	(2,095		)	(1,985		)
	Undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities	(1,350		)	(922		)	(2,337		)
	Net income available to limited partners	$	268,429		$	225,717		$	298,780
	Weighted average limited partner units outstanding – Basic and Diluted (1)	36,952			36,863			36,769
	Basic and Diluted Net income per limited partner unit (1)	$	7.26		$	6.12		$	8.13
	(1)          Diluted EPU gives effect to all dilutive potential common units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method.  Diluted EPU excludes all dilutive potential units calculated under the treasury stock method if their effect is anti-dilutive.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, LTIP, SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan units of 341,366, 344,956 and 409,969, respectively, were considered anti-dilutive.
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, our managing general partner made a capital contribution of $2.2 million, $2.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, to us for certain general and administrative expenses.  A special allocation of general and administrative expenses equal to the amount of our managing general partner’s contribution was made to them.  Net income allocated to the limited partners was not burdened by this expense (Note 18).

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	'
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	'
	13.                               EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Defined Contribution Plans—Our eligible employees currently participate in a defined contribution profit sharing and savings plan (“PSSP”) that we sponsor. The PSSP covers substantially all regular full-time employees.  PSSP participants may elect to make voluntary contributions to this plan up to a specified amount of their compensation. We make matching contributions based on a percent of an employee’s eligible compensation and also make an additional nonmatching contribution.  Our contribution expense for the PSSP was approximately $20.4 million, $18.9 million and $15.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The increases in contribution expense are primarily attributable to increased headcount and higher salaries and wages included in the matching calculation.
	Defined Benefit Plan—Eligible employees at certain of our mining operations participate in a defined benefit plan (the “Pension Plan”) that we sponsor. The benefit formula for the Pension Plan is a fixed-dollar unit based on years of service.  Effective during 2008, new employees of these participating operations are no longer eligible to participate in the Pension Plan, but are eligible to participate in the PSSP that we sponsor.  Additionally, certain employees participating in the Pension Plan, for some of those participating operations, had the one-time option during 2008 to remain in the Pension Plan or participate in enhanced benefit provisions under the PSSP.
	The following sets forth changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the funded status of the Pension Plan reconciled with the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Change in benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$	86,468			$	73,730
	Service cost	2,783				2,682
	Interest cost	3,640				3,246
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(5,479		)		8,318
	Benefits paid	(1,750		)		(1,508		)
	Benefit obligations at end of year	85,662				86,468
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	55,390				46,192
	Employer contribution	2,400				5,029
	Actual return on plan assets	11,440				5,677
	Benefits paid	(1,750		)		(1,508		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	67,480				55,390
	Funded status at the end of year	$	(18,182	)		$	(31,078	)
	Amounts recognized in balance sheet:
	Non-current liability	$	(18,182	)		$	(31,078	)
		$	(18,182	)		$	(31,078	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consists of:
	Net actuarial loss	$	(18,230	)		$	(33,356	)
	Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations as of December 31,
	Discount rate	4.89		%		3.99		%
	Expected rate of return on plan assets	8		%		8		%
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31,
	Discount rate	3.99		%		4.49		%
	Expected return on plan assets	8		%		7.9		%
	The actuarial gain component of the change in benefit obligation in 2013 was primarily attributable to an increase in the discount rate and an increase in the actual rate of return on plan assets compared to December 31, 2012, offset in part by an update to future benefit payment estimates.  The actuarial loss component of the change in benefit obligation in 2012 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the discount rate partially offset by an increase in the actual rate of return on plan assets compared to December 31, 2011.
	The expected long-term rate of return assumption is based on broad equity and bond indices, the investment goals and objectives, the target investment allocation and on the long-term historical rates of return for each asset class.  The expected long-term rate of return used to determine our pension liability was 8.0% based on the above factors and an asset allocation assumption of 70.0% invested in domestic equity securities with an expected long-term rate of return of 9.2%, 10.0% invested in international equities with an expected long-term rate of return of 6.4% and 20.0% invested in fixed income securities with an expected long-term rate of return of 5.4%.  Expected long-term rate of return is based on a 20-year-average annual total return for each investment group.
	The actual return on plan assets was 22.7% and 14.8% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
		2013				2012				2011
						(in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	2,783			$	2,682			$	2,312
	Interest cost	3,640				3,246				3,184
	Expected return on plan assets	(4,446		)		(3,882		)		(3,877		)
	Amortization of net loss	2,653				1,788				537
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,630			$	3,834			$	2,156
		2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligation recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	12,472			$	(6,524	)
	Reversal of amortization item:
	Net actuarial loss	2,653				1,788
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	15,125				(4,736		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	(4,630		)		(3,834		)
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and	$	10,495			$	(8,570	)
	accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
	Estimated future benefit payments as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending
	December 31,
	2014	$	2,067
	2015	2,362
	2016	2,692
	2017	3,068
	2018	3,479
	2019-2023	24,354
		$	38,022
	We expect to contribute $3.6 million to the Pension Plan in 2014.  The estimated net actuarial loss for the Pension Plan that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during the 2014 fiscal year is $0.8 million.
	As permitted under ASC 715, Compensation—Retirement Benefits, the amortization of any prior service cost is determined using a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the Pension Plan.
The compensation committee of our managing general partner (“Compensation Committee”) maintains a Funding and Investment Policy Statement (“Policy Statement”) for the Pension Plan. The Policy Statement provides that the assets of the Pension Plan be invested in a prudent manner based on the stated purpose of the Pension Plan and diversified among a broad range of investments including domestic and international equity securities, domestic fixed income securities and cash equivalents.  The Pension Plan allows for the utilization of options in a “collar strategy” to limit potential exposure to market fluctuations.  The investment goal of the Pension Plan is to ensure that the assets provide sufficient resources to meet or exceed the benefit obligations as determined under terms and conditions of the Pension Plan.  The Policy Statement provides that the Pension Plan shall be funded by employer contributions in amounts determined in accordance with generally accepted actuarial standards. The investment objectives as established by the Policy Statement are, first, to increase the value of the assets under the Pension Plan and, second, to control the level of risk or volatility of investment returns associated with Pension Plan investments.
We had unfunded benefit obligations of approximately $18.2 million and $31.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  In general, increases in benefit obligations will be offset by employer contributions and market returns.  However, general market conditions may result in market losses.  When the Pension Plan experiences market losses, significant variations in the funded status of the Pension Plan can, and often do, occur.  Actuarial methods utilized in determining required future employer contributions take into account the long-term effect of market losses and result in increased future employer contributions, thus offsetting such market losses.  Conversely, the long-term effect of market gains will result in decreased future employer contributions.  Total account performance is reviewed at least annually, using a dynamic benchmark approach to track investment performance.
The Compensation Committee has selected an investment manager to implement the selection and on-going evaluation of Pension Plan investments. The investments shall be selected from the following assets classes, which includes mutual funds, collective funds, or the direct investment in individual stocks, bonds or cash equivalent investments, including: (a) money market accounts, (b) U.S. Government bonds, (c) corporate bonds, (d) large, mid, and small capitalization stocks, and (e) international stocks. The Policy Statement provides the following guidelines and limitations, subject to exceptions authorized by the Compensation Committee under unusual market conditions: (i) the maximum investment in any one stock should not exceed 10.0% of the total stock portfolio, (ii) the maximum investment in any one industry should not exceed 30.0% of the total stock portfolio, and (iii) the average credit quality of the bond portfolio should be at least AA with a maximum amount of non-investment grade debt of 10.0%.
The Policy Statement’s asset allocation guidelines are as follows:
	Percentage of Total Portfolio
	Minimum		Target		Maximum
Domestic equity securities	50%		70%		90%
Foreign equity securities	0%		10%		20%
Fixed income securities/cash	5%		20%		40%
Domestic equity securities primarily include investments in individual common stocks or registered investment companies that hold positions in companies that are based in the U.S.  Foreign equity securities primarily include investments in individual common stocks or registered investment companies that hold positions in companies based outside the U.S.  Fixed income securities primarily include individual bonds or registered investment companies that hold positions in U.S. Treasuries, U.S. government obligations, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and preferred stocks.  Short-term market conditions may result in actual asset allocations that fall outside the minimum or maximum guidelines reflected in the Policy Statement.
Asset allocations as of December 31,	2013		2012
Domestic equity securities	71%		64%
Foreign equity securities	13%		16%
Fixed income securities/cash	16%		20%
	100%		100%
We consider multiple factors in our investment strategy.  The following factors have been taken into consideration with respect to the Pension Plan’s long-term investment goals and objectives and in the establishment of the Pension Plan’s target investment allocation:
·                  The long-term nature of providing retirement income benefits to Pension Plan participants;
·                  The projected annual funding requirements necessary to meet the benefit obligations;
·                  The current level of benefit payments to Pension Plan participants and beneficiaries; and
·                  Ongoing analysis of economic conditions and investment markets.
As required by FASB ASC 715, the following information discloses the fair values of our Pension Plan assets, by asset category, for the periods indicated (in thousands):
	December 31, 2013									December 31, 2012
	Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
	Active Markets for			Observable			Unobservable			Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
	Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,625		$	-		$	-		$	652	$	-	$	-
Equity securities (a):
U.S. large-cap growth	9,406			-			-			6,210		-		-
U.S. large-cap value	17,731			-			-			8,219		-		-
U.S. small/mid-cap blend	10,512			-			-			-		-		-
International large-cap core	4,970			-			-			-		-		-
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury securities (b)	1,426			-			-			1,781		-		-
Corporate bonds (c)	-			1,623			-			-		2,266		-
Preferred stock	-			107			-			-		-		-
Taxable municipal bonds (c)	-			162			-			-		202		-
International bonds (c)	-			569			-			-		579		-
Equity mutual funds (d):
U.S. large-cap growth	-			1,446			-			-		3,458		-
U.S. large-cap value	-			1,398			-			-		1,661		-
U.S. large-cap blend	-			-			-			-		2,180		-
U.S. mid-cap growth	-			4,752			-			-		4,497		-
U.S. mid-cap value	-			-			-			-		4,439		-
U.S. small-cap growth	-			1,389			-			-		1,099		-
U.S. small-cap value	-			1,331			-			-		1,158		-
U.S. small-cap blend	-			-			-			-		2,232		-
International	-			-			-			-		5,185		-
International small/mid-cap blend	-			1,916			-			-		1,686		-
Emerging Markets	-			1,805			-			-		2,241		-
Fixed income mutual funds (d):
Corporate bond	-			2,617			-			-		799		-
Mortgage backed-securities	-			1,075			-			-		1,265		-
Short term investment grade bond	-			1,009			-			-		1,673		-
Intermediate investment grade bond	-			-			-			-		1,023		-
High yield bond	-			684			-			-		553		-
International bond	-			207			-			-		262		-
Stock market index options (e):
Puts	-			46			-			-		63		-
Calls	-			-407			-			-		-53		-
Accrued income (f)	-			81			-			-		60		-
Total	$	45,670		$	21,810		$	-		$	16,862	$	38,528	$	-
(a)           Equity securities include investments in publicly traded common stock and preferred stock.  Publicly-traded common stocks are traded on a national securities exchange and investments in common and preferred stocks are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned.
(b)          U.S. Treasury securities include agency and treasury debt.  These investments are valued using dealer quotes in an active market.
(c)           Bonds are valued utilizing a market approach that includes various valuation techniques and sources such as value generation models, broker quotes in active and non-active markets, benchmark yields and securities, reported trades, issuer spreads, and/or other applicable reference data. The corporate bonds and notes category is primarily comprised of U.S. dollar denominated, investment grade securities. Less than 5 percent of the securities have a rating below investment grade.
(d)          Mutual funds are valued daily in actively traded markets by an independent custodian for the investment manager.  For purposes of calculating the value, portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotes are readily available are valued at market value.  Market value is generally determined on a basis of last reported sales prices, or if no sales are reported, based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers, or pricing services.  Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollars are converted to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates obtained from pricing services.
(e)           Options are valued utilizing a market approach that includes various valuation techniques and sources such as value generation models, broker quotes in active and non-active markets, reported trades, issuer spreads, and/or other applicable reference data.
(f)            Accrued income represents dividends declared, but not received, on equity securities owned at December 31, 2013.
Pension Plan assets for which the fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are considered to be valued with Level 1 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.  Pension Plan assets for which the fair value is based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active are considered to be valued with Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

COMPENSATION_PLANS

COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
COMPENSATION PLANS	'
COMPENSATION PLANS	'
	14.                               COMPENSATION PLANS
	We have the LTIP for certain of our employees and officers of our managing general partner and its affiliates who perform services for us.  The LTIP awards are of non-vested “phantom” or notional units, which upon satisfaction of vesting requirements, entitle the LTIP participant to receive ARLP common units.  Annual grant levels and vesting provisions for designated participants are recommended by our President and Chief Executive Officer, subject to the review and approval of the Compensation Committee.
	On January 23, 2013, the Compensation Committee determined that the vesting requirements for the 2010 grants of 130,102 restricted units (which was net of 8,028 forfeitures) had been satisfied as of January 1, 2013.  As a result of this vesting, on February 15, 2013, we issued 82,400 unrestricted common units to LTIP participants.  The remaining units were settled in cash to satisfy the tax withholding obligations for the LTIP participants.  On January 22, 2014, the Compensation Committee determined that the vesting requirements for the 2011 grants of 101,371 restricted units (which was net of 7,045 forfeitures) had been satisfied as of January 1, 2014.  As a result of this vesting, on February 14, 2014, we issued 64,305 unrestricted common units to the LTIP participants.  The remaining units were settled in cash to satisfy the individual statutory minimum tax obligations of the LTIP participants.
	On January 22, 2014, the Compensation Committee authorized additional grants of 185,205 restricted units, of which 175,205 units were granted.  During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we issued grants of 146,725 units and 107,114 units, respectively.  Grants issued during the year ending December 31, 2014 vest on January 1, 2017.  Grants issued during the year ended December 31, 2013 vest on January 1, 2016.  Grants issued during the year ended December 31, 2012 vest on January 1, 2015.  Vesting of all grants is subject to the satisfaction of certain financial tests, which management currently believes is probable.  As of December 31, 2013, 14,489 of these outstanding LTIP grants have been forfeited.  After consideration of the January 1, 2014 vesting and subsequent issuance of 64,305 common units, 2.1 million units remain available for issuance in the future, assuming that all grants issued in 2012 and 2013 and currently outstanding are settled with common units, without reduction for tax withholding, and no future forfeitures occur.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, our LTIP expense was $7.4 million, $6.4 million and $5.3 million, respectively.  The total obligation associated with the LTIP as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $14.7 million and $12.1 million, respectively, and is included in limited partners’ capital in our consolidated balance sheets.
	The fair value of the 2013, 2012 and 2011 grants is based upon the intrinsic value at the date of grant, which was $63.02, $77.71 and $66.84 per restricted unit, respectively, on a weighted average basis.  We expect to settle the non-vested LTIP grants by delivery of ARLP common units, except for the portion of the grants that will satisfy the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.  As provided under the distribution equivalent rights provision of the LTIP, all non-vested grants include contingent rights to receive quarterly cash distributions in an amount equal to the cash distribution we make to unitholders during the vesting period.
	A summary of non-vested LTIP grants as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	Non-vested grants at January 1, 2013	340,878
	Granted	146,725
	Vested	(130,102	)
	Forfeited	(9,735	)
	Non-vested grants at December 31, 2013	347,766
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $8.7 million in total unrecognized compensation expense related to the non-vested LTIP grants that are expected to vest.  That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years. As of December 31, 2013, the intrinsic value of the non-vested LTIP grants was $26.8 million.
	SERP and Directors Deferred Compensation Plan
	We utilize the SERP to provide deferred compensation benefits for certain officers and key employees. All allocations made to participants under the SERP are made in the form of “phantom” ARLP units.  The SERP is administered by the Compensation Committee.
	Our directors participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan. Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan, for amounts deferred either automatically or at the election of the director, a notional account is established and credited with notional common units of ARLP, described in the plan as “phantom” units.
	For both the SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan, when quarterly cash distributions are made with respect to ARLP common units, an amount equal to such quarterly distribution is credited to each participant’s notional account as additional phantom units.  All grants of phantom units under the SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan vest immediately.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan participant notional account balances were credited with a total of 16,869 and 13,791 phantom units, respectively, and the fair value of these phantom units was $70.96 and $60.91, respectively, on a weighted-average basis.  Total SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan expense was approximately $1.2 million, $0.8 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, there were 173,660 total phantom units outstanding under the SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan and the total intrinsic value of the SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan phantom units was $13.4 million.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the total obligation associated with the SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan was $11.5 million and $10.7 million, respectively, and is included in the partners’ capital-limited partners line item in our consolidated balance sheets.  On February 14, 2014, we issued 2,958 ARLP common units to directors under the Deferred Compensation Plan.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'
	15.                               SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(in thousands)
	Cash Paid For:
	Interest	$	35,362	$	35,833	$	36,188
	Income taxes	$	-	$	-	$	300
	Non-Cash Activity:
	Accounts payable for purchase of property, plant and equipment	$	17,924	$	20,972	$	24,979
	Market value of common units vested in Long-Term Incentive Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan before minimum statutory tax withholding requirements	$	8,583	$	11,070	$	6,572
	Assets acquired by capital lease	$	-	$	-	$	3,525
	Acquisition of business:
	Fair value of assets assumed	$	-	$	126,639	$	-
	Cash paid	-		-100,000		-
	Fair value of liabilities assumed	$	-	$	26,639	$	-

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
	16.                               ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
	The majority of our operations are governed by various state statutes and the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, which establish reclamation and mine closing standards. These regulations, among other requirements, require restoration of property in accordance with specified standards and an approved reclamation plan.  We account for our asset retirement obligations in accordance with FASB ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, which requires the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred.  We have estimated the costs and timing of future asset retirement obligations escalated for inflation, then discounted and recorded at the present value of those estimates.  Federal and state laws require bonds to secure our obligations to reclaim lands used for mining and are typically renewable on a yearly basis.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had approximately $88.7 million and $76.0 million, respectively, in surety bonds outstanding to secure the performance of our reclamation obligations.
	The impact of discounting our estimated cash flows resulted in reducing the accrual for asset retirement obligations by $76.5 million and $70.7 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Estimated payments of asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending
	December 31,
	2014	$	2,091
	2015	2,630
	2016	8,072
	2017	447
	2018	1,036
	Thereafter	145,122
	Aggregate undiscounted asset retirement obligations	159,398
	Effect of discounting	-76,500
	Total asset retirement obligations	82,898
	Less: current portion	-2,091
	Asset retirement obligations	$	80,807
	The following table presents the activity affecting the asset retirement and mine closing liability (in thousands):
		Year ended December 31,
		2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	84,836	$	72,342
	Accretion expense	3,004		2,853
	Payments	-2,242		-2,842
	Allocation of liability associated with acquisition, mine development and change in assumptions	-2,700		12,483
	Ending balance	$	82,898	$	84,836
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, the allocation of liability associated with acquisition, mine development and change in assumptions is a net decrease of $2.7 million which was primarily attributable to extension of mine life estimate at our Mettiki operation as a result of the acquisition of additional reserves (Note 3), offset by increased refuse site reclamation disturbances primarily at our Tunnel Ridge, Warrior and Pattiki operations and new disturbances associated with the construction of the Gibson South mine, as well as the net impact of overall general changes in inflation and discount rates, current estimates of the costs and scope of remaining reclamation work, reclamation work completed and fluctuation in other projected mine life estimates.
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, the allocation of liability associated with acquisition, mine development and change in assumptions is a net increase of $12.5 million which was primarily attributable to the liability associated with the Onton mine acquisition (see Note 3) and increased refuse site reclamation disturbances with new mine development work at Tunnel Ridge and Gibson South, as well as the net impact of overall general changes in inflation and discount rates, current estimates of the costs and scope of remaining reclamation work and fluctuations in projected mine life estimates over all locations.  These increases were offset in part by reductions for completed reclamation work at certain inactive locations.

ACCRUED_WORKERS_COMPENSATION_A

ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS	'
ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS	'
	17.                               ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS
	Certain of our mine operating entities are liable under state statutes and the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as amended, to pay pneumoconiosis, or black lung, benefits to eligible employees and former employees and their dependents.  In addition, we are liable for workers' compensation benefits for traumatic injuries.  Both black lung and traumatic claims are covered through our self-insured programs.
	Our black lung benefits liability is calculated using the service cost method that considers the calculation of the actuarial present value of the estimated black lung obligation.  Our actuarial calculations are based on numerous assumptions including disability incidence, medical costs, mortality, death benefits, dependents and interest rates.  Actuarial gains or losses are amortized over the remaining service period of active miners.
	We provide income replacement and medical treatment for work-related traumatic injury claims as required by applicable state laws.  Workers' compensation laws also compensate survivors of workers who suffer employment related deaths.  Our liability for traumatic injury claims is the estimated present value of current workers' compensation benefits, based on our actuarial estimates.  Our actuarial calculations are based on a blend of actuarial projection methods and numerous assumptions including claim development patterns, mortality, medical costs and interest rates.  The discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of future obligations for black lung was 4.69% and 3.78% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and for workers’ compensation was 4.11% and 3.22% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The black lung and workers’ compensation expense consists of the following components for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	Black lung benefits:
	Service cost	$	3,810	$	3,758	$	3,345
	Interest cost	2,253		2,372		2,382
	Net amortization	670		776		-223
	Total black lung	6,733		6,906		5,504
	Workers’ compensation (benefit) expense	-110		17,572		18,996
	Total expense	$	6,623	$	24,478	$	24,500
	The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the black lung benefit obligation recognized in AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Net actuarial gain	$	16,750	$	2,156
	Reversal of amortization item:
	Net actuarial loss	670		776
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	17,420	$	2,932
	The following is a reconciliation of the changes in workers’ compensation liability (including current and long-term liability balances) at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	77,046	$	73,201
	Accruals	18,544		24,812
	Payments	-10,639		-10,477
	Interest accretion	2,481		2,739
	Valuation gain	-24,523		-13,229
	Ending balance	$	62,909	$	77,046
	The valuation gain component of the change in benefit obligation in 2013 and 2012 was primarily attributable to favorable reserve adjustments for claims incurred in prior years.  The 2013 valuation gain was also favorably impacted by an increase in the discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of future obligations.
	The following is a reconciliation of the changes in black lung benefit obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$	60,991	$	55,605
	Service cost	3,810		3,758
	Interest cost	2,253		2,372
	Actuarial gain	-16,750		-2,156
	Benefits and expenses paid	-744		-715
	Acquisition of Onton (Note 3)	-		2,127
	Benefit obligations at end of year	$	49,560	$	60,991
	Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	-8,511	$	8,908
	The actuarial gain component of the change in benefit obligation in 2013 was primarily attributable to an increase in the discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of future obligations as well as favorable changes in claims development and disability incident rate assumptions.
	Summarized below is information about the amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for black lung and workers’ compensation benefits at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Black lung claims	$	49,560	$	60,991
	Workers’ compensation claims	62,909		77,046
	Total obligations	112,469		138,037
	Less current portion	-9,065		-9,320
	Non-current obligations	$	103,404	$	128,717
	Both the black lung and workers' compensation obligations were unfunded at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $86.3 million and $81.4 million, respectively, in surety bonds and letters of credit outstanding to secure workers' compensation obligations.

RELATEDPARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
	18.                               RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	The board of directors of our managing general partner (“Board of Directors”) and its conflicts committee (“Conflicts Committee”) review our related-party transactions to determine that such transactions reflect market-clearing terms and conditions.  As a result of these reviews, the Board of Directors and the Conflicts Committee approved each of the transactions described below as fair and reasonable to us and our limited partners.
	Administrative Services—On April 1, 2010, effective January 1, 2010, ARLP entered into an Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administrative Services Agreement”) with our managing general partner, our Intermediate Partnership, AHGP and its general partner AGP, and Alliance Resource Holdings II, Inc. (“ARH II”), the indirect parent of SGP.  The Administrative Services Agreement superseded the administrative services agreement signed in connection with the AHGP IPO in 2006.  Under the Administrative Services Agreement, certain employees, including some executive officers, provide administrative services to our managing general partner, AHGP, AGP, ARH II and their respective affiliates.  We are reimbursed for services rendered by our employees on behalf of these affiliates as provided under the Administrative Services Agreement.  We billed and recognized administrative service revenue under the Administrative Services Agreement of $0.4 million during each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 from AHGP and $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million from ARH II for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Our partnership agreement provides that our managing general partner and its affiliates be reimbursed for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments made on behalf of us, including, but not limited to, director fees and expenses, management’s salaries and related benefits (including incentive compensation), and accounting, budgeting, planning, treasury, public relations, land administration, environmental, permitting, payroll, benefits, disability, workers' compensation management, legal and information technology services. Our managing general partner may determine in its sole discretion the expenses that are allocable to us. Total costs billed by our managing general partner and its affiliates to us were approximately $0.8 million, $1.2 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Managing General Partner Contributions—During December 2013, 2012 and 2011, an affiliated entity controlled by Mr. Craft contributed $2.2 million, $2.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, to AHGP for the purpose of funding certain of our general and administrative expenses.  Upon AHGP’s receipt of each contribution, it contributed the same to its subsidiary MGP, our managing general partner, which in turn contributed the same to our subsidiary, Alliance Coal. As provided under our partnership agreement, we made special allocations to our managing general partner of certain general and administrative expenses equal to its contributions (Note 12).
	White Oak—On September 22, 2011, we entered into a series of transactions with White Oak and related entities to support development of a longwall mining operation currently under construction.  The transactions feature several components, including an equity investment containing certain distribution and liquidation preferences, the acquisition and lease-back of certain reserves and surface rights, a coal handling and services agreement and a loan for surface facilities.  See Note 11 for further information on these related party transactions.
	White Oak also has agreements with our subsidiaries for the purchase of various services and products.  For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we earned $2.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for services and products provided to White Oak, which are included in “Other sales and operating revenues” on our consolidated statements of income.
	SGP Land, LLC—On March 1, 2012, JC Air, LLC (“JC Air”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of our special general partner, was merged into our subsidiary, ASI.  JC Air’s sole assets were two airplanes, one of which was previously subject to a time-sharing agreement between SGP Land, LLC (“SGP Land”), a subsidiary of SGP, and us.  In consideration for this merger, we paid SGP approximately $8.0 million cash at closing.
	ASI has agreements with JC Land LLC (“JC Land”), an entity owned by Mr. Craft, SGP Land and Mr. Craft, providing for the use of ASI aircraft.  JC Land, SGP and Mr. Craft paid us $0.1 million for aircraft usage in each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, as a result of these agreements.  In addition, Alliance Coal has an agreement with JC Land providing for the use of JC Land’s aircraft by Alliance Coal.  As a result of this agreement, we paid JC Land $0.3 million and $0.1 million for aircraft usage in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Effective August 1, 2013, Alliance Coal entered into an expense reimbursement agreement with JC Land regarding pilots hired by Alliance Coal to operate aircraft owned by ASI and JC Land.  In accordance with the expense reimbursement agreement, JC Land reimburses Alliance Coal for a portion of the compensation expense for its pilots.  JC Land paid us $0.1 million in 2013 pursuant to this agreement.
	We reimbursed SGP Land $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in accordance with the provisions of the replaced time-sharing agreement, which ended on March 1, 2012, upon the merger of JC Air into ASI, as discussed above.
	In 2001, SGP Land, as successor in interest to an unaffiliated third party, entered into an amended mineral lease with MC Mining. Under the terms of the lease, MC Mining has paid and will continue to pay an annual minimum royalty of $0.3 million until $6.0 million of cumulative annual minimum and/or earned royalty payments have been paid.  MC Mining paid royalties of $1.9 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.  As of December 31, 2013, $0.8 million of advance minimum royalties paid under the lease is available for recoupment, and management expects that it will be recouped against future production.
	SGP—In January 2005, we acquired Tunnel Ridge from ARH.  In connection with this acquisition, we assumed a coal lease with SGP.  Under the terms of the lease, Tunnel Ridge has paid and will continue to pay an annual minimum royalty of $3.0 million until the earlier of January 1, 2033 or the exhaustion of the mineable and merchantable leased coal.  Tunnel Ridge paid advance minimum royalties of $3.0 million during each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.  As of December 31, 2013, $17.1 million of advance minimum royalties paid under the lease is available for recoupment and management expects that it will be recouped against future production.
	Tunnel Ridge also controls surface land and other tangible assets under a separate lease agreement with SGP.  Under the terms of the lease agreement, Tunnel Ridge has paid and will continue to pay SGP an annual lease payment of $0.2 million.  The lease agreement had an initial term of four years, which may be extended to match the term of the coal lease.  Lease expense was $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	We have a noncancelable lease arrangement for the Gibson North mine’s coal preparation plant and ancillary facilities with SGP.  Based on the terms of the original lease, we made monthly payments of approximately $0.2 million through January 2011.  Effective February 1, 2011, the lease was amended to extend the term through January 2017 and modify other terms, including reducing the monthly payments to approximately $50,000.  The lease arrangement is considered a capital lease based on the terms of the new arrangement.  Lease payments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	19.          COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Commitments—We lease buildings and equipment under operating lease agreements that provide for the payment of both minimum and contingent rentals. We also have a noncancelable lease with SGP (Note 18) and a noncancelable lease for equipment under a capital lease obligation. Future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands):
				Other Operating Leases
	Year Ending December 31,	Capital		Affiliate		Others		Total
		Lease
	2014	$	2,178	$	240	$	1,897	$	2,137
	2015	2,142		-		1,552		1,552
	2016	2,100		-		1,552		1,552
	2017	1,504		-		1,552		1,552
	2018	1,461		-		1,057		1,057
	Thereafter	14,453		-		-		-
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	23,838	$	240	$	7,610	$	7,850
	Less: amount representing interest	-5,415
	Present value of future minimum lease payments	18,423
	Less: current portion	-1,288
	Long-term capital lease obligation	$	17,135
	Rental expense (including rental expense incurred under operating lease agreements) was $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
	Contractual Commitments—In connection with planned capital projects, we have contractual commitments of approximately $66.2 million at December 31, 2013.  As of December 31, 2013, we had no commitments to purchase, from external production sources, coal in 2014.
	On September 22, 2011, we entered into a series of transactions with White Oak and related entities to support development of a longwall mining operation currently under construction.  Our initial investment funding to White Oak at the Transaction date was $69.5 million and we have funded to White Oak $216.7 million between the Transaction Date and December 31, 2013.  We have committed to fund total expenditures for the project of approximately $300.5 million to $425.5 million from the Transaction Date through the next year which includes the funding made to White Oak through December 31, 2013 discussed above.  On the Transaction Date, we also entered into a coal handling and services agreement, pursuant to which we constructed and are operating a preparation plant and other surface facilities.  We plan to utilize existing cash balances, future cash flows from operations, borrowings under revolving credit facilities and cash provided from the issuance of debt or equity to fund our commitments to the White Oak project.  For more information on the White Oak transactions, please read Note 11.
	General Litigation—Various lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings incidental to our business are pending against the ARLP Partnership.  We record 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, we believe the ultimate outcome of these outstanding lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our 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 our accruals, then they could have a material adverse effect.
	Other—Effective October 1, 2013, we renewed our annual property and casualty insurance program.  The aggregate maximum limit in the commercial property program is $100.0 million per occurrence excluding a $1.5 million deductible for property damage, a 90 or 120-day waiting period for underground business interruption depending on the mining complex and a $10.0 million overall aggregate deductible.  We may experience significant insurance claims in the future that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to purchase property insurance in the future.

CONCENTRATION_OF_CREDIT_RISK_A

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS	'
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS	'
	20.          CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
	We have significant long-term coal supply agreements, some of which contain prospective price adjustment provisions designed to reflect changes in market conditions, labor and other production costs and, in the infrequent circumstance when the coal is sold other than free on board the mine, changes in transportation rates. Total revenues from major customers, including transportation revenues, which are at least ten percent of total revenues, are as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
		Segment (Note 21)	2013		2012		2011
	Customer A	Illinois Basin	$	319,932	$	336,560	$	231,838
	Customer B	Illinois Basin		263,582		243,339		249,047
	Trade accounts receivable from these customers totaled approximately $45.8 million and $58.9 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Our bad debt experience has historically been insignificant.  Financial conditions of our customers could result in a material change to our bad debt expense in future periods.  The coal supply agreements with our significant customers expire in 2016.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	21.          SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We operate in the eastern U.S. as a producer and marketer of coal to major utilities and industrial users.  We aggregate multiple operating segments into five reportable segments: the Illinois Basin, Central Appalachia, Northern Appalachia, White Oak and Other and Corporate.  The first three reportable segments correspond to the three major coal producing regions in the eastern U.S.  Similar economic characteristics for our operating segments within each of these three reportable segments include coal quality, coal seam height, mining and transportation methods and regulatory issues.  The White Oak reportable segment includes our activities associated with the White Oak longwall Mine No. 1 development project more fully described below.
	The Illinois Basin reportable segment is comprised of multiple operating segments, including Webster County Coal’s Dotiki mining complex, Gibson County Coal’s mining complex, which includes the Gibson North mine and Gibson South project, Hopkins County Coal’s Elk Creek mining complex, White County Coal’s Pattiki mining complex, Warrior’s mining complex, Sebree Mining’s mining complex, which includes the Onton mine, and River View’s mining complex.  The development of the Gibson South mine is currently underway.  For information regarding the acquisition of the Onton mine, which was added to the Illinois Basin segment in April 2012, please see Note 3.
	The Central Appalachian reportable segment is comprised of two operating segments, the MC Mining and Pontiki mining complexes.  The Pontiki mining complex ceased operations in November 2013.  For more information regarding the Pontiki mining complex, please see Note 4.
	The Northern Appalachian reportable segment is comprised of multiple operating segments, including the Mettiki mining complex, the Tunnel Ridge mining complex and the Penn Ridge property.  The Mettiki mining complex includes Mettiki Coal (WV)’s Mountain View mine, Mettiki Coal’s preparation plant and a small third-party mining operation which has been idled since July 2013.  In May 2012, longwall production began at the Tunnel Ridge mine.  We are in the process of permitting the Penn Ridge property for future mine development.
	The White Oak reportable segment is comprised of two operating segments, WOR Processing and WOR Properties.  WOR Processing includes both the surface operations at White Oak and the equity investment in White Oak.  WOR Properties owns coal reserves acquired from White Oak with a lease-back arrangement (Note 11).
	Other and Corporate includes marketing and administrative expenses, ASI and its subsidiary, Matrix Design, Alliance Design (collectively, Matrix Design and Alliance Design are referred to as the “Matrix Group”) and ASI’s ownership of aircraft (Note 18), the Mt. Vernon dock activities, coal brokerage activity, our equity investment in MAC and certain activities of Alliance Resource Properties.
	Reportable segment results as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are presented below.
		Illinois		Central		Northern		White Oak			Other and		Elimination	Consolidated
		Basin		Appalachia		Appalachia					Corporate		-1
		(in thousands)
	Reportable segment results as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	Total revenues (2)	$ 1,629,089		$ 169,520		$ 377,640		$	2,194		$	40,209	$    (13,091)	$    2,205,561
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)	951,686		125,323		292,627		2,112			40,245		-13,091	1,398,902
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4)(5)	657,404		43,973		72,594		-25,229			834		-	749,576
	Total assets (6)	1,077,231		72,196		525,586		317,361			130,599		-1,075	2,121,898
	Capital expenditures (7)	232,676		10,380		63,510		40,185			7,672		-	354,423
	Reportable segment results as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 were as follows:
	Total revenues (2)	$ 1,499,976		$ 157,311		$ 335,099		$	-		$	58,443	$    (16,528)	$    2,034,301
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)	894,769		131,148		277,736		(1,347		)	53,005		-16,528	1,338,783
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4) (5)	593,054		25,712		47,933		(13,987		)	6,122		-	658,834
	Total assets (6)	1,042,719		87,068		537,042		226,714			63,528		-1,099	1,955,972
	Capital expenditures (7)	219,029		33,817		109,039		85,671			11,676		-	459,232
	Reportable segment results as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:
	Total revenues (2)	$ 1,313,148		$ 206,323		$ 274,233		$	-		$	65,024	$    (15,168)	$    1,843,560
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)	786,116		151,101		203,317		155			59,526		-15,168	1,185,047
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4) (5)	505,113		53,729		62,395		(4,407		)	6,340		-	623,170
	Total assets (6)	787,923		96,099		452,407		89,690			306,254		-855	1,731,518
	Capital expenditures (7)	153,118		28,477		137,040		51,198			2,887		-	372,720
	-1	The elimination column represents the elimination of intercompany transactions and is primarily comprised of sales from Matrix Group to our mining operations.
	-2	Revenues included in the Other and Corporate column are primarily attributable to Matrix Group revenues, Mt. Vernon transloading revenues, administrative service revenues from affiliates and brokerage sales.
	-3	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense includes operating expenses, outside coal purchases and other income. Transportation expenses are excluded as these expenses are passed through to our customers and consequently we do not realize any gain or loss on transportation revenues. We review Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton for cost trends.
	The following is a reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense to operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization) (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense	$	1,398,902			$	1,338,783			$	1,185,047
	Outside coal purchases		-2,030				-38,607				-54,280
	Other income		1,891				3,115				983
	Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)	$	1,398,763			$	1,303,291			$	1,131,750
	-4	Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, asset impairment charge and general and administrative expenses.  Management therefore is able to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating profitability as it relates to our revenues and operating expenses, which are primarily controlled by our segments.  Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to net income below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA	$	749,576		$	658,834		$	623,170
	General and administrative	-63,697			-58,737			-52,334
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization	-264,911			-218,122			-160,335
	Asset impairment charge	-			-19,031			-
	Interest expense, net	-26,082			-28,455			-21,579
	Income tax (expense) benefit	-1,396			1,082			431
	Net income	$	393,490		$	335,571		$	389,353
	-5	Includes equity in income (loss) of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 of $(25.3) million, $(15.3) million and $(4.3) million, respectively, included in the White Oak segment and $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, included in the Other and Corporate segment.
	-6	Total assets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 includes investments in affiliate of $128.7 million, $86.8 million and $38.5 million, respectively, included in the White Oak segment and $1.7 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, included in the Other and Corporate segment.
	-7	Capital expenditures shown above for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 includes $25.3 million, $34.6 million and $50.8 million, respectively, for acquisition and development of coal reserves in our consolidated statements of cash flow. Capital expenditures shown above excludes the Green River acquisition in April 2012 (Note 3).

SELECTED_QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_D

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	'
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	'
	22.          SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
	A summary of our consolidated quarterly operating results in 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except unit and per unit data):
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,			June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
		2013			2013		2013		2013 (1)
	Revenues	$	548,055		$	553,571	$	537,229	$	566,706
	Income from operations	112,316			115,569		98,002		117,631
	Income before income taxes	102,239			104,183		86,468		101,996
	Net income	102,937			104,074		87,186		99,293
	Basic and diluted net income per limited partner unit	$	1.95		$	1.96	$	1.5	$	1.85
	Weighted average number of units outstanding – basic and diluted	36,919,002			36,963,054		36,963,054		36,963,054
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,		June 30,		September 30,	December 31,
		2012		2012		2012 (2)	2012 (1)
	Revenues	$ 443,586		$  529,864		$ 511,441	$  549,410
	Income from operations	91,983		105,461		70,338	106,697
	Income before income taxes	82,601		95,198		60,408	96,282
	Net income	82,968		95,455		60,510	96,638
	Basic and diluted net income per limited partner unit	$       1.54		$       1.83		$       0.89	$        1.87
	Weighted average number of units outstanding – basic and diluted	36,826,980		36,874,949		36,874,949	36,874,949
	(1)   The comparability of our December 31, 2013 and 2012 quarterly results to other quarters presented were affected by a $12.9 million and $14.0 million, respectively, decrease in our workers’ compensation liability, excluding discount rate changes, due to the completion of our annual actuarial study, which reflected a favorable development in our disability emergence patterns and claims estimates (Note 17).
	(2)   During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, we recorded a $19.0 million impairment of the carrying value of assets at the Pontiki mine (Note 4).

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
	23.          SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Other than those events described in Notes 9, 11 and 14, there were no other subsequent events.

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
		Balance At		Additions		Deductions		Balance At
		Beginning		Charged to				End of Year
		of Year		Income
		(in thousands)
	2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
	2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
	2011
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

'

Estimates

'

Estimates—The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) of the United States (“U.S.”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

'

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The carrying amounts for cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, due from affiliates and due to affiliates approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the estimated fair value of our long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately $884.8 million and $834.3 million, respectively (Note 8).

Cash And Cash Equivalents

'

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit, including highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less.  We had no restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Cash Management

'

Cash Management—The cash flows from operating activities section of our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reflects an adjustment for $10.3 million and $6.7 million representing book overdrafts at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  We had no book overdrafts at December 31, 2013.

Inventories

'

Inventories—Coal inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Supply inventories are stated at an average cost basis, less a reserve for obsolete and surplus items.

Property, Plant And Equipment

'

Property, Plant and Equipment—Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment assets are capitalized.  Interest costs associated with major asset additions are capitalized during the construction period.  Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life or increase productivity of the asset are charged to operating expense as incurred.  Exploration expenditures are charged to operating expense as incurred, including costs related to drilling and study costs incurred to convert or upgrade mineral resources to reserves. Preparation plants and processing facilities are depreciated using the units-of-production method.  Other plant and equipment assets are depreciated principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from 1 to 20 years, limited by the remaining estimated life of each mine. Depreciable lives for mining equipment range from 1 to 20 years. Depreciable lives for buildings, office equipment and improvements range from 2 to 20 years. Gains or losses arising from retirements are included in operating expenses. Depletable lives for mineral rights range from 2 to 20 years. Depletion of mineral rights is provided on the basis of tonnage mined in relation to estimated recoverable tonnage which equals estimated proven and probable reserves. Therefore, our mineral rights are depleted based on only proven and probable reserves derived in accordance with Industry Guide 7.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, land and mineral rights include $45.5 million and $118.2 million, respectively, representing the carrying value of coal reserves attributable to properties where we or a third-party to which we lease reserves are not currently engaged in mining operations or leasing to third parties, and therefore, the coal reserves are not currently being depleted.  We believe that the carrying value of these reserves will be recovered.

Mine Development Costs

'

Mine Development Costs—Mine development costs are capitalized until production, other than production incidental to the mine development process, commences and are amortized on a units of production method based on the estimated proven and probable reserves.  Mine development costs represent costs incurred in establishing access to mineral reserves and include costs associated with sinking or driving shafts and underground drifts, permanent excavations, roads and tunnels.  The end of the development phase and the beginning of the production phase takes place when construction of the mine for economic extraction is substantially complete.  Coal extracted during the development phase is incidental to the mine’s production capacity and is not considered to shift the mine into the production phase.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, capitalized mine development costs were $33.1 million and $32.6 million, respectively, representing the carrying value of development costs attributable to properties where we have not reached the production stage of mining operations or leasing to third parties, and therefore, the mine development costs are not currently being amortized.  We believe that the carrying value of these development costs will be recovered.

Long-Lived Assets

'

Long-Lived Assets—We review the carrying value of long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable based upon estimated undiscounted future cash flows.  To the extent the carrying amount is not recoverable based on undiscounted cash flows, the amount of impairment is measured by the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset.  We recorded an asset impairment charge of $19.0 million in 2012 (Note 4).  No impairment charges were recorded in 2013 and 2011.

Intangible Assets

'

Intangible Assets—Intangible assets subject to amortization include contracts with covenants not to compete, customer contracts acquired in a business combination and mining permits.  Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful life.  Amortization expense attributable to intangible assets was $3.0 million, $2.6 million and $1.4 million for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Our intangible assets are included in other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012.  Our intangible assets at December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

Original Cost

Accumulated

Intangibles,

Original Cost

Accumulated

Intangibles,

Amortization

Net

Amortization

Net

Non-compete agreements

$

15,236

$

(7,002)

$

8,234

$

15,236

$

(5,374)

$

9,862

Customer contracts

6,171

(2,301)

3,870

6,171

(1,003)

5,168

Mining permits

3,843

(116)

3,727

3,843

(50)

3,793

Total

$

25,250

$

(9,419)

$

15,831

$

25,250

$

(6,427)

$

18,823

Amortization expense attributable to intangible assets is estimated to be $3.0 million in 2014-2016, $1.3 million in 2017 and $1.0 million in 2018.

Advance Royalties

'

Advance Royalties—Rights to coal mineral leases are often acquired and/or maintained through advance royalty payments.  Where royalty payments represent prepayments recoupable against future production, they are recorded as an asset, with amounts expected to be recouped within one year classified as a current asset.  As mining occurs on these leases, the royalty prepayments are charged to operating expenses. We assess the recoverability of royalty prepayments based on estimated future production.  Royalty prepayments estimated to be nonrecoverable are expensed.  Our advance royalties at December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

2013

2012

Advance royalties, affiliates (Note 18)

$

17,840

$

22,509

Advance royalties, third-parties

12,427

12,250

Total advance royalties

$

30,267

$

34,759

Asset Retirement Obligations

'

Asset Retirement Obligations—We record a liability for the estimated cost of future mine asset retirement and closing procedures on a present value basis when incurred and a corresponding amount is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long lived asset. Those costs relate to permanently sealing portals at underground mines and to reclaiming the final pits and support acreage at surface mines. Examples of these types of costs, common to both types of mining, include, but are not limited to, removing or covering refuse piles and settling ponds, water treatment obligations, and dismantling preparation plants, other facilities and roadway infrastructure.  Accounting for asset retirement obligations also requires depreciation of the capitalized asset retirement cost and accretion of the asset retirement obligation over time.  The depreciation is generally determined on a units of production basis and accretion is generally recognized over the life of the producing assets (Note 16).

Workers' Compensation And Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung) Benefits

'

Workers’ Compensation and Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung) Benefits—We are generally self-insured for workers’ compensation benefits, including black lung benefits. We accrue a workers’ compensation liability for the estimated present value of workers’ compensation and black lung benefits based on our actuarially determined calculations (Note 17).

Income Taxes

'

Income Taxes—We are not a taxable entity for federal or state income tax purposes; the tax effect of our activities accrues to the unitholders. Although publicly traded partnerships as a general rule will be taxed as corporations, we qualify for an exemption because at least 90% of our income consists of qualifying income, as defined in Section 7704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Net income for financial statement purposes may differ significantly from taxable income reportable to unitholders as a result of differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and the taxable income allocation requirements under our partnership agreement. Individual unitholders have different investment bases depending upon the timing and price of acquisition of their partnership units. Furthermore, each unitholder’s tax accounting, which is partially dependent upon the unitholder’s tax position, differs from the accounting followed in our consolidated financial statements.  Accordingly, the aggregate difference in the basis of our net assets for financial and tax reporting purposes cannot be readily determined because information regarding each unitholder’s tax attributes in our partnership is not available to us. Our subsidiary, ASI, is subject to federal and state income taxes. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Our tax counsel has provided an opinion that ARLP, the Intermediate Partnership and Alliance Coal will each be treated as a partnership. However, as is customary, no ruling has been or will be requested from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) regarding our classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.

Revenue Recognition

'

Revenue Recognition—Revenues from coal sales are recognized when title passes to the customer as the coal is shipped. Some coal supply agreements provide for price adjustments based on variations in quality characteristics of the coal shipped. In certain cases, a customer’s analysis of the coal quality is binding and the results of the analysis are received on a delayed basis. In these cases, we estimate the amount of the quality adjustment and adjust the estimate to actual when the information is provided by the customer. Historically, such adjustments have not been material. Non-coal sales revenues primarily consist of transloading fees, administrative service revenues from our affiliates, mine safety services and products, throughput fees earned from White Oak Resources LLC (“White Oak”) (Note 11), other coal contract fees and other handling and service fees.  Transportation revenues are recognized in connection with us incurring the corresponding costs of transporting coal to customers through third-party carriers for which we are directly reimbursed through customer billings.  We had no allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Pension Benefits

'

Pension Benefits—Our defined benefit pension obligation and the related benefit cost are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits.  Pension cost and obligations are actuarially determined and are affected by assumptions including expected return on plan assets, discount rates, compensation increases, employee turnover rates and retirement dates. We evaluate our assumptions periodically and make adjustments to these assumptions and the recorded liability as necessary (Note 13).

Common Unit-Based Compensation

'

Common Unit-Based Compensation—We account for compensation expense attributable to restricted common units granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) and the MGP Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (“Deferred Compensation Plan”) based on the requirements of FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation.  Accordingly, the fair value of award grants are determined on the grant date of the award and this value is recognized as compensation expense on a pro rata basis for LTIP and SERP awards, as appropriate, over the requisite service period.  Compensation expense is fully recognized on the grant date for quarterly distributions credited to SERP accounts and Deferred Compensation Plan awards.  The corresponding liability is classified as equity and included in limited partners’ capital in the consolidated financial statements (Note 14).

Net Income Per Unit

'

Net Income Per Unit—Basic net income per limited partner unit is determined by dividing net income available to Limited Partners by the weighted average number of outstanding common units.  Diluted net income per unit is based on the combined weighted average number of common units and common unit equivalents outstanding unless the effect is anti-dilutive (Note 12).

Investments

'

Investments—Investments and ownership interests are accounted for under the equity method of accounting if we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the entity.  Investments accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at cost, and the difference between the basis of our investment and the underlying equity in the net assets of the joint venture at the investment date, if any, is amortized over the lives of the related assets that gave rise to the difference.  In the event our ownership entitles us to a disproportionate sharing of income or loss, our equity in earnings or losses of affiliates is allocated based on the hypothetical liquidation at book value (“HLBV”) method of accounting. Under the HLBV method, equity in earnings or losses of affiliates is allocated based on the difference between our claim on the net assets of the equity method investee at the end and beginning of the period with consideration of certain eliminating entries regarding differences of accounting for various related party transactions, after taking into account contributions and distributions, if any. Our share of the net assets of the equity method investee is calculated as the amount we would receive if the equity method investee were to liquidate all of its assets at net book value and distribute the resulting cash to creditors, other investors and us according to the respective priorities. Our share of earnings or losses under the HLBV method of accounting from equity method investments and basis difference amortization is reported in the consolidated statements of income as “Equity in loss of affiliates, net.” We review our investments and ownership interests accounted for under the equity method of accounting for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a loss in the value of the investment may be other than temporary.  For 2013 and 2012, we determined there were no such material events or changes in circumstances that would indicate the carrying amount of such investments was not recoverable.  Our equity method investments include our ownership interests in White Oak (Note 11) and Mid-America Carbonates, LLC (“MAC”).

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
Summary of intangible assets	'
	Our intangible assets at December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Original Cost		Accumulated		Intangibles,		Original Cost		Accumulated		Intangibles,
				Amortization		Net				Amortization		Net
	Non-compete agreements	$	15,236	$	(7,002)	$	8,234	$	15,236	$	(5,374)	$	9,862
	Customer contracts	6,171		(2,301)		3,870		6,171		(1,003)		5,168
	Mining permits	3,843		(116)		3,727		3,843		(50)		3,793
	Total	$	25,250	$	(9,419)	$	15,831	$	25,250	$	(6,427)	$	18,823
Summary of Advance Royalties	'
	Our advance royalties at December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Advance royalties, affiliates (Note 18)	$	17,840	$	22,509
	Advance royalties, third-parties	12,427		12,250
	Total advance royalties	$	30,267	$	34,759

ACQUISITION_OF_BUSINESS_Tables

ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ACQUISITIONS	'
Summary of Purchase Price Allocation	'
	The following table summarizes the consideration paid to Green River and the final fair value allocation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
	Consideration paid	$	100,000
	Recognized amounts of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Inventories	547
	Advance royalties	888
	Property, plant and equipment, including mineral rights and leased facilities	117,110
	Noncompete agreement	1,200
	Customer contracts, net	4,955
	Permits	843
	Capital lease obligation	(17,384		)
	Asset retirement obligation	(6,032		)
	Pneumoconiosis benefits	(2,127		)
	Net tangible and intangible assets acquired	$	100,000
Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Information	'
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Total revenues
	As reported	$	2,034,301		$	1,843,560
	Pro forma	$	2,061,644		$	1,957,598
	Net income
	As reported	$	335,571		$	389,353
	Pro forma	$	336,852		$	400,727

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INVENTORIES	'
Schedule of Inventories	'
	Inventories consist of the following at December 31, (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Coal	$	12,791		$	14,763
	Supplies (net of reserve for obsolescence of $3,150 and $2,721, respectively)	31,423			31,897
	Total inventory	$		44,214	$	46,660

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'
Schedule of Property, Plant And Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at December 31, (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Mining equipment and processing facilities	$	1,583,329	$	1,434,674
	Land and mineral rights	369,347		303,725
	Buildings, office equipment and improvements	226,672		208,351
	Construction and mine development in progress	194,221		162,331
	Mine development costs	272,303		252,782
	Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,645,872		2,361,863
	Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-1,031,493		-832,293
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,614,379	$	1,529,570

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments	'
	Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Credit facility	$	250,000		$	155,000
	Senior notes	18,000			36,000
	Series A senior notes	205,000			205,000
	Series B senior notes	145,000			145,000
	Term loan	250,000			250,000
		868,000			791,000
	Less current maturities	(36,750		)	(18,000		)
	Total long-term debt	$	831,250		$	773,000
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt	'
	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are payable as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending
	December 31,
	2014	$	36,750
	2015	230,000
	2016	156,250
	2017	300,000
	2018	145,000
	Thereafter	-
		$	868,000

DISTRIBUTIONS_OF_AVAILABLE_CAS1

DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH	'
Summary of Distribution Paid Per Unit	'
		Year
		2013	2012	2011
	First Quarter	$1.11	$0.99	$0.86
	Second Quarter	$1.13	$1.02	$0.89
	Third Quarter	$1.15	$1.06	$0.92
	Fourth Quarter	$1.18	$1.08	$0.96

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	Components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	7		$	-37		$	-337
	State	16			-183			-75
		23			-220			-412
	Deferred:
	Federal	1,022			-753			-17
	State	351			-109			-2
		1,373			-862			-19
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	1,396		$	-1,082		$	-431
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate for the Provision for Income Taxes	'
	Reconciliations from the provision for income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate for the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013					2012			2011
	Income taxes at statutory rate	$	138,210				$	117,057		$	136,122
	Less: Income taxes at statutory rate on Partnership income not subject to income taxes	(139,771		)			(117,767		)	(136,257		)
	Increase/(decrease) resulting from:
	State taxes, net of federal income tax	(192		)			(83		)	(8		)
	Valuation allowance of deferred tax assets	3,483					-			-
	Other	(334		)			(289		)	(288		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	1,396				$	(1,082)		$	(431	)

NET_INCOME_PER_LIMITED_PARTNER1

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT	'
Reconciliation of net Income	'
	The following is a reconciliation of net income and net income used for calculating EPU and the weighted average units used in computing EPU for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively (in thousands, except per unit data):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net income	$	393,490		$	335,571		$	389,353
	Adjustments:
	Managing general partner priority distributions	(117,995		)	(104,168		)	(85,066		)
	General partners’ 2% equity ownership	(5,554		)	(4,669		)	(6,185		)
	General partners’ special allocation of certain general and administrative expenses	2,200			2,000			5,000
	Limited partners’ interest in Net income	272,141			228,734			303,102
	Less:
	Distributions to participating securities	(2,362		)	(2,095		)	(1,985		)
	Undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities	(1,350		)	(922		)	(2,337		)
	Net income available to limited partners	$	268,429		$	225,717		$	298,780
	Weighted average limited partner units outstanding – Basic and Diluted (1)	36,952			36,863			36,769
	Basic and Diluted Net income per limited partner unit (1)	$	7.26		$	6.12		$	8.13
	(1)          Diluted EPU gives effect to all dilutive potential common units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method.  Diluted EPU excludes all dilutive potential units calculated under the treasury stock method if their effect is anti-dilutive.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, LTIP, SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan units of 341,366, 344,956 and 409,969, respectively, were considered anti-dilutive.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables) (Pension Plan)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'
Summary of Benefit Plans for Employees	'
	The following sets forth changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the funded status of the Pension Plan reconciled with the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (dollars in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Change in benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$	86,468			$	73,730
	Service cost	2,783				2,682
	Interest cost	3,640				3,246
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(5,479		)		8,318
	Benefits paid	(1,750		)		(1,508		)
	Benefit obligations at end of year	85,662				86,468
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	55,390				46,192
	Employer contribution	2,400				5,029
	Actual return on plan assets	11,440				5,677
	Benefits paid	(1,750		)		(1,508		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	67,480				55,390
	Funded status at the end of year	$	(18,182	)		$	(31,078	)
	Amounts recognized in balance sheet:
	Non-current liability	$	(18,182	)		$	(31,078	)
		$	(18,182	)		$	(31,078	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consists of:
	Net actuarial loss	$	(18,230	)		$	(33,356	)
	Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations as of December 31,
	Discount rate	4.89		%		3.99		%
	Expected rate of return on plan assets	8		%		8		%
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31,
	Discount rate	3.99		%		4.49		%
	Expected return on plan assets	8		%		7.9		%
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
		2013				2012				2011
						(in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	2,783			$	2,682			$	2,312
	Interest cost	3,640				3,246				3,184
	Expected return on plan assets	(4,446		)		(3,882		)		(3,877		)
	Amortization of net loss	2,653				1,788				537
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,630			$	3,834			$	2,156
Schedule of Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligation Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
		2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligation recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	12,472			$	(6,524	)
	Reversal of amortization item:
	Net actuarial loss	2,653				1,788
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	15,125				(4,736		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	(4,630		)		(3,834		)
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and	$	10,495			$	(8,570	)
	accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Schedule of Estimated Future Benefit Payments	'
	Estimated future benefit payments as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending
	December 31,
	2014	$	2,067
	2015	2,362
	2016	2,692
	2017	3,068
	2018	3,479
	2019-2023	24,354
		$	38,022
Schedule of Policy Statement's Asset Allocation Guidelines	'
		Percentage of Total Portfolio
		Minimum		Target		Maximum
	Domestic equity securities	50%		70%		90%
	Foreign equity securities	0%		10%		20%
	Fixed income securities/cash	5%		20%		40%
Schedule of Actual Asset Allocations	'
	Asset allocations as of December 31,	2013		2012
	Domestic equity securities	71%		64%
	Foreign equity securities	13%		16%
	Fixed income securities/cash	16%		20%
		100%		100%
Schedule of Fair Value of Plan Assets	'
	As required by FASB ASC 715, the following information discloses the fair values of our Pension Plan assets, by asset category, for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013									December 31, 2012
		Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		Active Markets for			Observable			Unobservable			Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
		Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,625		$	-		$	-		$	652	$	-	$	-
	Equity securities (a):
	U.S. large-cap growth	9,406			-			-			6,210		-		-
	U.S. large-cap value	17,731			-			-			8,219		-		-
	U.S. small/mid-cap blend	10,512			-			-			-		-		-
	International large-cap core	4,970			-			-			-		-		-
	Fixed income securities:
	U.S. Treasury securities (b)	1,426			-			-			1,781		-		-
	Corporate bonds (c)	-			1,623			-			-		2,266		-
	Preferred stock	-			107			-			-		-		-
	Taxable municipal bonds (c)	-			162			-			-		202		-
	International bonds (c)	-			569			-			-		579		-
	Equity mutual funds (d):
	U.S. large-cap growth	-			1,446			-			-		3,458		-
	U.S. large-cap value	-			1,398			-			-		1,661		-
	U.S. large-cap blend	-			-			-			-		2,180		-
	U.S. mid-cap growth	-			4,752			-			-		4,497		-
	U.S. mid-cap value	-			-			-			-		4,439		-
	U.S. small-cap growth	-			1,389			-			-		1,099		-
	U.S. small-cap value	-			1,331			-			-		1,158		-
	U.S. small-cap blend	-			-			-			-		2,232		-
	International	-			-			-			-		5,185		-
	International small/mid-cap blend	-			1,916			-			-		1,686		-
	Emerging Markets	-			1,805			-			-		2,241		-
	Fixed income mutual funds (d):
	Corporate bond	-			2,617			-			-		799		-
	Mortgage backed-securities	-			1,075			-			-		1,265		-
	Short term investment grade bond	-			1,009			-			-		1,673		-
	Intermediate investment grade bond	-			-			-			-		1,023		-
	High yield bond	-			684			-			-		553		-
	International bond	-			207			-			-		262		-
	Stock market index options (e):
	Puts	-			46			-			-		63		-
	Calls	-			-407			-			-		-53		-
	Accrued income (f)	-			81			-			-		60		-
	Total	$	45,670		$	21,810		$	-		$	16,862	$	38,528	$	-
	(a)           Equity securities include investments in publicly traded common stock and preferred stock.  Publicly-traded common stocks are traded on a national securities exchange and investments in common and preferred stocks are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned.
	(b)          U.S. Treasury securities include agency and treasury debt.  These investments are valued using dealer quotes in an active market.
	(c)           Bonds are valued utilizing a market approach that includes various valuation techniques and sources such as value generation models, broker quotes in active and non-active markets, benchmark yields and securities, reported trades, issuer spreads, and/or other applicable reference data. The corporate bonds and notes category is primarily comprised of U.S. dollar denominated, investment grade securities. Less than 5 percent of the securities have a rating below investment grade.
	(d)          Mutual funds are valued daily in actively traded markets by an independent custodian for the investment manager.  For purposes of calculating the value, portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotes are readily available are valued at market value.  Market value is generally determined on a basis of last reported sales prices, or if no sales are reported, based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers, or pricing services.  Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollars are converted to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates obtained from pricing services.
	(e)           Options are valued utilizing a market approach that includes various valuation techniques and sources such as value generation models, broker quotes in active and non-active markets, reported trades, issuer spreads, and/or other applicable reference data.
	(f)            Accrued income represents dividends declared, but not received, on equity securities owned at December 31, 2013.

COMPENSATION_PLANS_Tables

COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
COMPENSATION PLANS	'
Summary Of Non-Vested LTIP Grants	'
	Non-vested grants at January 1, 2013	340,878
	Granted	146,725
	Vested	(130,102	)
	Forfeited	(9,735	)
	Non-vested grants at December 31, 2013	347,766

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(in thousands)
	Cash Paid For:
	Interest	$	35,362	$	35,833	$	36,188
	Income taxes	$	-	$	-	$	300
	Non-Cash Activity:
	Accounts payable for purchase of property, plant and equipment	$	17,924	$	20,972	$	24,979
	Market value of common units vested in Long-Term Incentive Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan before minimum statutory tax withholding requirements	$	8,583	$	11,070	$	6,572
	Assets acquired by capital lease	$	-	$	-	$	3,525
	Acquisition of business:
	Fair value of assets assumed	$	-	$	126,639	$	-
	Cash paid	-		-100,000		-
	Fair value of liabilities assumed	$	-	$	26,639	$	-

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_T

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
Schedule of Estimated Payments of Assets Retirement Obligations	'
	Estimated payments of asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending
	December 31,
	2014	$	2,091
	2015	2,630
	2016	8,072
	2017	447
	2018	1,036
	Thereafter	145,122
	Aggregate undiscounted asset retirement obligations	159,398
	Effect of discounting	-76,500
	Total asset retirement obligations	82,898
	Less: current portion	-2,091
	Asset retirement obligations	$	80,807
Schedule of Activity in Asset Retirement and Mine Closing Liability	'
	The following table presents the activity affecting the asset retirement and mine closing liability (in thousands):
		Year ended December 31,
		2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	84,836	$	72,342
	Accretion expense	3,004		2,853
	Payments	-2,242		-2,842
	Allocation of liability associated with acquisition, mine development and change in assumptions	-2,700		12,483
	Ending balance	$	82,898	$	84,836

ACCRUED_WORKERS_COMPENSATION_A1

ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Workers Compensation And Pneumoconiosis Benefits	'
Components of Black Lung and Workers Compensation Expense	'
	The black lung and workers’ compensation expense consists of the following components for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	Black lung benefits:
	Service cost	$	3,810	$	3,758	$	3,345
	Interest cost	2,253		2,372		2,382
	Net amortization	670		776		-223
	Total black lung	6,733		6,906		5,504
	Workers’ compensation (benefit) expense	-110		17,572		18,996
	Total expense	$	6,623	$	24,478	$	24,500
Reconciliation of Changes in Workers Compensation Liability	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the changes in workers’ compensation liability (including current and long-term liability balances) at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	77,046	$	73,201
	Accruals	18,544		24,812
	Payments	-10,639		-10,477
	Interest accretion	2,481		2,739
	Valuation gain	-24,523		-13,229
	Ending balance	$	62,909	$	77,046
Summary of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets for Black Lung and Workers Compensation Benefits	'
	Summarized below is information about the amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for black lung and workers’ compensation benefits at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Black lung claims	$	49,560	$	60,991
	Workers’ compensation claims	62,909		77,046
	Total obligations	112,469		138,037
	Less current portion	-9,065		-9,320
	Non-current obligations	$	103,404	$	128,717
Black Lung	'
Accrued Workers Compensation And Pneumoconiosis Benefits	'
Components of Black Lung Benefit Obligation Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the black lung benefit obligation recognized in AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Net actuarial gain	$	16,750	$	2,156
	Reversal of amortization item:
	Net actuarial loss	670		776
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	17,420	$	2,932
Reconciliation of Changes in Black Lung Benefit Obligation	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the changes in black lung benefit obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$	60,991	$	55,605
	Service cost	3,810		3,758
	Interest cost	2,253		2,372
	Actuarial gain	-16,750		-2,156
	Benefits and expenses paid	-744		-715
	Acquisition of Onton (Note 3)	-		2,127
	Benefit obligations at end of year	$	49,560	$	60,991
	Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	-8,511	$	8,908

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
Schedule of future minimum lease payments	'
	Future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands):
				Other Operating Leases
	Year Ending December 31,	Capital		Affiliate		Others		Total
		Lease
	2014	$	2,178	$	240	$	1,897	$	2,137
	2015	2,142		-		1,552		1,552
	2016	2,100		-		1,552		1,552
	2017	1,504		-		1,552		1,552
	2018	1,461		-		1,057		1,057
	Thereafter	14,453		-		-		-
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	23,838	$	240	$	7,610	$	7,850
	Less: amount representing interest	-5,415
	Present value of future minimum lease payments	18,423
	Less: current portion	-1,288
	Long-term capital lease obligation	$	17,135

CONCENTRATION_OF_CREDIT_RISK_A1

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS	'
Schedule of Total Revenues from Major Customers	'
	Total revenues from major customers, including transportation revenues, which are at least ten percent of total revenues, are as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
		Segment (Note 21)	2013		2012		2011
	Customer A	Illinois Basin	$	319,932	$	336,560	$	231,838
	Customer B	Illinois Basin		263,582		243,339		249,047

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
Schedule of results of reportable segment	'
		Illinois		Central		Northern		White Oak			Other and		Elimination	Consolidated
		Basin		Appalachia		Appalachia					Corporate		-1
		(in thousands)
	Reportable segment results as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	Total revenues (2)	$ 1,629,089		$ 169,520		$ 377,640		$	2,194		$	40,209	$    (13,091)	$    2,205,561
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)	951,686		125,323		292,627		2,112			40,245		-13,091	1,398,902
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4)(5)	657,404		43,973		72,594		-25,229			834		-	749,576
	Total assets (6)	1,077,231		72,196		525,586		317,361			130,599		-1,075	2,121,898
	Capital expenditures (7)	232,676		10,380		63,510		40,185			7,672		-	354,423
	Reportable segment results as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 were as follows:
	Total revenues (2)	$ 1,499,976		$ 157,311		$ 335,099		$	-		$	58,443	$    (16,528)	$    2,034,301
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)	894,769		131,148		277,736		(1,347		)	53,005		-16,528	1,338,783
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4) (5)	593,054		25,712		47,933		(13,987		)	6,122		-	658,834
	Total assets (6)	1,042,719		87,068		537,042		226,714			63,528		-1,099	1,955,972
	Capital expenditures (7)	219,029		33,817		109,039		85,671			11,676		-	459,232
	Reportable segment results as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:
	Total revenues (2)	$ 1,313,148		$ 206,323		$ 274,233		$	-		$	65,024	$    (15,168)	$    1,843,560
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)	786,116		151,101		203,317		155			59,526		-15,168	1,185,047
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4) (5)	505,113		53,729		62,395		(4,407		)	6,340		-	623,170
	Total assets (6)	787,923		96,099		452,407		89,690			306,254		-855	1,731,518
	Capital expenditures (7)	153,118		28,477		137,040		51,198			2,887		-	372,720
	-1	The elimination column represents the elimination of intercompany transactions and is primarily comprised of sales from Matrix Group to our mining operations.
	-2	Revenues included in the Other and Corporate column are primarily attributable to Matrix Group revenues, Mt. Vernon transloading revenues, administrative service revenues from affiliates and brokerage sales.
	-3	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense includes operating expenses, outside coal purchases and other income. Transportation expenses are excluded as these expenses are passed through to our customers and consequently we do not realize any gain or loss on transportation revenues. We review Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton for cost trends.
	The following is a reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense to operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization) (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense	$	1,398,902			$	1,338,783			$	1,185,047
	Outside coal purchases		-2,030				-38,607				-54,280
	Other income		1,891				3,115				983
	Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)	$	1,398,763			$	1,303,291			$	1,131,750
	-4	Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, asset impairment charge and general and administrative expenses.  Management therefore is able to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating profitability as it relates to our revenues and operating expenses, which are primarily controlled by our segments.  Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to net income below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA	$	749,576		$	658,834		$	623,170
	General and administrative	-63,697			-58,737			-52,334
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization	-264,911			-218,122			-160,335
	Asset impairment charge	-			-19,031			-
	Interest expense, net	-26,082			-28,455			-21,579
	Income tax (expense) benefit	-1,396			1,082			431
	Net income	$	393,490		$	335,571		$	389,353
	-5	Includes equity in income (loss) of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 of $(25.3) million, $(15.3) million and $(4.3) million, respectively, included in the White Oak segment and $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, included in the Other and Corporate segment.
	-6	Total assets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 includes investments in affiliate of $128.7 million, $86.8 million and $38.5 million, respectively, included in the White Oak segment and $1.7 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, included in the Other and Corporate segment.
	-7	Capital expenditures shown above for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 includes $25.3 million, $34.6 million and $50.8 million, respectively, for acquisition and development of coal reserves in our consolidated statements of cash flow. Capital expenditures shown above excludes the Green River acquisition in April 2012 (Note 3).
Schedule of reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense to operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)	'
	The following is a reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense to operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization) (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense	$	1,398,902			$	1,338,783			$	1,185,047
	Outside coal purchases		-2,030				-38,607				-54,280
	Other income		1,891				3,115				983
	Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)	$	1,398,763			$	1,303,291			$	1,131,750
Schedule of reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net income	'
	Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to net income below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA	$	749,576		$	658,834		$	623,170
	General and administrative	-63,697			-58,737			-52,334
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization	-264,911			-218,122			-160,335
	Asset impairment charge	-			-19,031			-
	Interest expense, net	-26,082			-28,455			-21,579
	Income tax (expense) benefit	-1,396			1,082			431
	Net income	$	393,490		$	335,571		$	389,353

SELECTED_QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_D1

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	'
Schedule of Consolidated Quarterly Operating Results	'
	A summary of our consolidated quarterly operating results in 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except unit and per unit data):
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,			June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
		2013			2013		2013		2013 (1)
	Revenues	$	548,055		$	553,571	$	537,229	$	566,706
	Income from operations	112,316			115,569		98,002		117,631
	Income before income taxes	102,239			104,183		86,468		101,996
	Net income	102,937			104,074		87,186		99,293
	Basic and diluted net income per limited partner unit	$	1.95		$	1.96	$	1.5	$	1.85
	Weighted average number of units outstanding – basic and diluted	36,919,002			36,963,054		36,963,054		36,963,054
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,		June 30,		September 30,	December 31,
		2012		2012		2012 (2)	2012 (1)
	Revenues	$ 443,586		$  529,864		$ 511,441	$  549,410
	Income from operations	91,983		105,461		70,338	106,697
	Income before income taxes	82,601		95,198		60,408	96,282
	Net income	82,968		95,455		60,510	96,638
	Basic and diluted net income per limited partner unit	$       1.54		$       1.83		$       0.89	$        1.87
	Weighted average number of units outstanding – basic and diluted	36,826,980		36,874,949		36,874,949	36,874,949
	(1)   The comparability of our December 31, 2013 and 2012 quarterly results to other quarters presented were affected by a $12.9 million and $14.0 million, respectively, decrease in our workers’ compensation liability, excluding discount rate changes, due to the completion of our annual actuarial study, which reflected a favorable development in our disability emergence patterns and claims estimates (Note 17).
	(2)   During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, we recorded a $19.0 million impairment of the carrying value of assets at the Pontiki mine (Note 4).

ORGANIZATION_AND_PRESENTATION_

ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Ownership interests	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by general partners	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
ARLP | SGP	'	'	'
Ownership interests	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by general partners	0.01%	'	'
ARLP | MGP	'	'	'
Ownership interests	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by general partners	0.99%	'	'
ARLP | AHGP	'	'	'
Ownership interests	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of managing general partner by parent	100.00%	'	'
Units owned by parent	15,544,169	'	'
Intermediate Partnership | SGP	'	'	'
Ownership interests	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by general partners	0.01%	'	'
Intermediate Partnership | MGP	'	'	'
Ownership interests	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by general partners	1.00%	'	'
Alliance Coal | MGP	'	'	'
Ownership interests	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by general partners	0.00%	'	'

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Plant and equipment assets, other than preparation plants and processing facilities

Plant and equipment assets, other than preparation plants and processing facilities

Mining Equipment

Mining Equipment

Buildings, Office Equipment And Improvements

Buildings, Office Equipment And Improvements

Land And Mineral Rights

Land And Mineral Rights

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities (Level 2)

'

$834,300,000

$884,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and Cash Equivalents

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Management

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Book overdrafts

'

10,300,000

0

6,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, Plant and Equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated useful life

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'20 years

'1 year

'20 years

'2 years

'20 years

'2 years

'20 years

Coal reserves not subject to depletion

'

118,200,000

45,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mine development costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized mine development costs

'

32,600,000

33,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-Lived Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset impairment charge

$19,000,000

$19,031,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Amortization expense associated with intangible assets	$3,000,000	$2,600,000	$1,400,000
Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Original Cost	25,250,000	25,250,000	'
Accumulated amortization	-9,419,000	-6,427,000	'
Intangibles, Net	15,831,000	18,823,000	'
Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets in 2014	3,000,000	'	'
Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets in 2015	3,000,000	'	'
Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets in 2016	3,000,000	'	'
Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets in 2017	1,300,000	'	'
Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets in 2018	1,000,000	'	'
Non-compete agreements	'	'	'
Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Original Cost	15,236,000	15,236,000	'
Accumulated amortization	-7,002,000	-5,374,000	'
Intangibles, Net	8,234,000	9,862,000	'
Customer contracts	'	'	'
Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Original Cost	6,171,000	6,171,000	'
Accumulated amortization	-2,301,000	-1,003,000	'
Intangibles, Net	3,870,000	5,168,000	'
Mining permits	'	'	'
Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Original Cost	3,843,000	3,843,000	'
Accumulated amortization	-116,000	-50,000	'
Intangibles, Net	$3,727,000	$3,793,000	'

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Advance Royalties	'	'
Advance royalties, affiliates	$17,840	$22,509
Advance royalties, third-parties	12,427	12,250
Total advance royalties	30,267	34,759
Income Taxes	'	'
Percentage of qualifying income for tax purposes	90.00%	'
Revenue Recognition	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables	$0	$0

ACQUISITION_OF_BUSINESS_Detail

ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS (Details) (Alliance Resource Properties, Acquisition of coal reserves from Laurel Run Mining Company, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013
	T
Alliance Resource Properties | Acquisition of coal reserves from Laurel Run Mining Company	'
Asset Acquisition	'
Coal reserves, rights purchased (in tons)	11,600,000
Additional coal resources (in tons)	5,900,000
Purchase price	$25.20

ACQUISITION_OF_BUSINESS_Detail1

ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012
		Green River	Green River	Green River	Green River
		T	Noncompete agreement	Customer contracts, net	Permits
Acquisition Of Business	'	'	'	'	'
Coal reserves (in tons)	'	40,000,000	'	'	'
Consideration paid	$100,000	$100,000	'	'	'
Recognized amounts of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed:	'	'	'	'	'
Inventories	'	547	'	'	'
Advance royalties	'	888	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, including mineral rights and leased facilities	'	117,110	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	1,200	4,955	843
Capital lease obligation	'	-17,384	'	'	'
Asset retirement obligation	'	-6,032	'	'	'
Pneumoconiosis benefits	'	-2,127	'	'	'
Net tangible and intangible assets acquired	'	$100,000	'	'	'

ACQUISITION_OF_BUSINESS_Detail2

ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS (Details 3) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Green River

Green River

Green River

Green River

Acquisition Of Business

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues, As reported

$566,706,000

[1]

$537,229,000

$553,571,000

$548,055,000

$549,410,000

[1]

$511,441,000

[2]

$529,864,000

$443,586,000

$2,205,561,000

[3]

$2,034,301,000

[3]

$1,843,560,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

Total revenues, Pro forma

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,061,644,000

1,957,598,000

Net income, as reported

99,293,000

87,186,000

104,074,000

102,937,000

96,638,000

60,510,000

95,455,000

82,968,000

393,490,000

335,571,000

389,353,000

'

'

'

'

Net income, Pro forma

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

336,852,000

400,727,000

Revenue of acquired business reflected in condensed consolidated statements of income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

81,600,000

81,600,000

'

Net income of acquired business reflected in condensed consolidated statements of income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,600,000

7,600,000

'

Acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$600,000

'

'

'

[1]

The comparability of our December 31, 2013 and 2012 quarterly results to other quarters presented were affected by a $12.9 million and $14.0 million, respectively, decrease in our workers' compensation liability, excluding discount rate changes, due to the completion of our annual actuarial study, which reflected a favorable development in our disability emergence patterns and claims estimates (Note 17).

[2]

During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, we recorded a $19.0 million impairment of the carrying value of assets at the Pontiki mine (Note 4).

[3]

Revenues included in the Other and Corporate column are primarily attributable to Matrix Group revenues, Mt. Vernon transloading revenues, administrative service revenues from affiliates and brokerage sales.

ASSET_IMPAIRMENT_CHARGE_Detail

ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Aug. 23, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
			Pontiki mining complex	Pontiki mining complex	Pontiki mining complex
			Central Appalachia	Central Appalachia	Central Appalachia
				item
Asset impairment charges	'	'	'	'	'
Number of clean coal stacking tubes with belt line failure	'	'	'	2	'
Asset impairment charge	$19,000,000	$19,031,000	$0	'	$19,000,000
Property plant and equipment, fair value	'	'	'	'	$16,100,000

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
INVENTORIES	'	'
Coal	$12,791	$14,763
Supplies (net of reserve for obsolescence of $3,150 and $2,721, respectively)	31,423	31,897
Total inventory	44,214	46,660
Reserve for obsolescence	$3,150	$2,721

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$2,645,872,000	$2,361,863,000	'
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	-1,031,493,000	-832,293,000	'
Total property, plant and equipment, net	1,614,379,000	1,529,570,000	'
Equipment under capital leases	22,800,000	'	'
Accumulated amortization related to capital leases	5,800,000	3,800,000	'
Amortization expense related to capital leases	2,000,000	1,900,000	800,000
Mining Equipment And Processing Facilities	'	'	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,583,329,000	1,434,674,000	'
Land And Mineral Rights	'	'	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	369,347,000	303,725,000	'
Buildings, Office Equipment And Improvements	'	'	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	226,672,000	208,351,000	'
Construction and mine development in progress	'	'	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	194,221,000	162,331,000	'
Mine development costs	'	'	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$272,303,000	$252,782,000	'

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-Term Debt	'	'
Long-term debt including current and non-current	$868,000	$791,000
Less current maturities	-36,750	-18,000
Total long-term debt	831,250	773,000
Credit facility	'	'
Long-Term Debt	'	'
Credit facility	250,000	155,000
Senior notes	'	'
Long-Term Debt	'	'
Long-term debt including current and non-current	18,000	36,000
Series A Senior Notes	'	'
Long-Term Debt	'	'
Long-term debt including current and non-current	205,000	205,000
Series B Senior Notes	'	'
Long-Term Debt	'	'
Long-term debt including current and non-current	145,000	145,000
Term loan	'	'
Long-Term Debt	'	'
Long-term debt including current and non-current	$250,000	$250,000

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_2

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 2) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

23-May-12

23-May-12

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 26, 2008

Jun. 26, 2008

23-May-12

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 29, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

ARLP Debt Arrangements

ARLP Debt Arrangements

ARLP Debt Arrangements

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit facility

Credit facility

ARLP Term Loan

ARLP Term Loan

ARLP Term Loan

Senior notes

ARLP Series A Senior Notes

ARLP Series B Senior Notes

Replaced Revolving Credit Facility

Terminated term loan

Terminated term loan

Terminated term loan

Other

Maximum

Minimum

June 2014 through March 2016

June 2016 through December 2016

item

Long-Term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$250

'

'

$18

$205

$145

'

'

'

$300

'

Effective interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

1.82%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Principal Repayment Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issuance costs

'

'

'

4.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write off of deferred debt issuance cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.1

'

'

'

Amount repaid on loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300

'

'

Number of banks

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

Revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

700

'

'

'

'

'

'

142.5

'

'

'

31.1

Interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.31%

6.28%

6.72%

'

'

'

'

'

ARLP debt arrangements requirements, debt to cash flow ratio

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ARLP debt arrangements requirements, cash flow to interest expense ratio

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ARLP debt arrangements requirements, period over which the ratios are required to be maintained

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Actual debt to cash flow ratio for trailing twelve months

1.24

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Actual cash flow to interest expense ratio for trailing twelve months

19.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

24.2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.7

Line of credit facility, available for borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

$425.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual commitment fee percentage, undrawn portion

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_3

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt	'	'
2014	$36,750	'
2015	230,000	'
2016	156,250	'
2017	300,000	'
2018	145,000	'
Long-term debt including current and non-current	$868,000	$791,000

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'	'
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities (Level 2)	$884.80	$834.30

DISTRIBUTIONS_OF_AVAILABLE_CAS2

DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Excess Of $0.275 Per Unit

Excess Of $0.3125 Per Unit

Excess Of $0.375 Per Unit

MGP

MGP

MGP

Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of available cash distributed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period following quarter end for distribution of available cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'45 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum quarterly distribution (in dollars per unit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum annual distribution (in dollars per unit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1

'

'

'

'

'

'

General partner incentive distribution percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

25.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

Threshold distribution of net income per unit (in dollars per unit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.28

$0.31

$0.38

'

'

'

Managing general partner incentive distributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$115.60

$102.10

$83.40

Quarterly per unit distribution paid

'

$1.18

$1.15

$1.13

$1.11

$1.08

$1.06

$1.02

$0.99

$0.96

$0.92

$0.89

$0.86

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions declared per unit (in dollars per unit)

$1.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Approximate distribution to be paid

$75.90

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	$7	($37)	($337)
State	16	-183	-75
Total current income tax expense (benefit)	23	-220	-412
Deferred:	'	'	'
Federal	1,022	-753	-17
State	351	-109	-2
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	1,373	-862	-19
Income tax expense (benefit)	$1,396	($1,082)	($431)

INCOME_TAXES_Details_2

INCOME TAXES (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income taxes	'
Deferred tax assets due to net operating losses and research and development credits	$4.40
Deferred tax liabilities	0.9
Federal	'
Income taxes	'
Valuation allowance	2.7
State	'
Income taxes	'
Valuation allowance	$0.80

INCOME_TAXES_Details_3

INCOME TAXES (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
INCOME TAXES	'	'	'
Income taxes at statutory rate	$138,210	$117,057	$136,122
Less: Income taxes at statutory rate on Partnership income not subject to income taxes	-139,771	-117,767	-136,257
Increase/(decrease) resulting from:	'	'	'
State taxes, net of federal income tax	-192	-83	-8
Valuation allowance of deferred tax assets	3,483	'	'
Other	-334	-289	-288
Income tax expense (benefit)	$1,396	($1,082)	($431)

WHITE_OAK_TRANSACTIONS_Details

WHITE OAK TRANSACTIONS (Details) (White Oak, USD $)

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

27 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 22, 2011

Feb. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 22, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 22, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 22, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 22, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 22, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 18, 2012

Sep. 22, 2011

item

Person

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Reserve Acquisition

Reserve Acquisition

Reserve Acquisition

Reserve Acquisition

Reserve Acquisition, rights purchased on Transaction Date

Reserve Acquisition, rights purchased on Transaction Date

Reserve Acquisition, rights purchased during first half of 2013

Services Agreement

Services Agreement

Services Agreement

Equipment Financing Commitment

Equipment Financing Commitment

Person

Forecast

T

T

T

T

White oak transactions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount funded by partnership

$69,500,000

'

'

'

'

$216,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total expected funding by partnership

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,500,000

'

425,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Coal reserves, rights purchased (in tons)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

204,900,000

'

90,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Coal reserves developed for future mining (in tons)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

105,200,000

45,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

Payment for acquisition of coal reserves and other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33,800,000

25,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment for development of acquired coal reserves

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

51,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment for additional coal reserve acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum monthly royalties receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,625,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase of equity investment

35,700,000

23,000,000

62,500,000

'

66,800,000

165,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining equity investment commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

114,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity investment commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

275,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional equity investment commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of ARLP representatives on White Oak board of directors

'

'

2

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total number of White Oak directors

'

'

5

'

'

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, net

'

'

165,000,000

'

'

165,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of distributions Series A Units are entitled to receive

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Potential ownership interest (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of distributions the partnership is entitled to receive

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Voting Interest (as a percent)

'

'

21.60%

14.60%

14.60%

21.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of primary activities that impact economic performance

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions from White Oak

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allocated losses

'

'

25,300,000

15,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Throughput fee up to minimum throughput quantity (in dollars per ton)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

'

'

'

Throughput fee beyond minimum throughput quantity (in dollars per ton)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.4

'

'

'

Minimum throughput quantity of feedstock coal, per month

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

666,667

'

'

'

Throughput fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,100,000

'

'

'

Additional commitment for construction loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,500,000

'

'

'

'

Construction Loan utilized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,500,000

3,000,000

'

'

Term of construction loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 years

'

'

'

Equipment financing commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

Term of equipment financing commitment loan years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

Repayment of prior advances on equipment financing commitment loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,200,000

'

Cancellation fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,000,000

'

NET_INCOME_PER_LIMITED_PARTNER2

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Excess Of $0.275 Per Unit	'
Incentive distributions	'
General partner incentive distribution percentage	15.00%
Threshold distribution of net income per unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.28
Excess Of $0.3125 Per Unit	'
Incentive distributions	'
General partner incentive distribution percentage	25.00%
Threshold distribution of net income per unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.31
Excess Of $0.375 Per Unit	'
Incentive distributions	'
General partner incentive distribution percentage	50.00%
Threshold distribution of net income per unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.38

NET_INCOME_PER_LIMITED_PARTNER3

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT (Details 2) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

$99,293

$87,186

$104,074

$102,937

$96,638

$60,510

$95,455

$82,968

$393,490

$335,571

$389,353

Managing general partner's priority distributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-117,995

-104,168

-85,066

General partners' 2% equity ownership

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,554

-4,669

-6,185

General partners' special allocation of certain general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,200

2,000

5,000

LIMITED PARTNERS' INTEREST IN NET INCOME

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

272,141

228,734

303,102

Distributions to participating securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,362

-2,095

-1,985

Undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,350

-922

-2,337

Net income available to limited partners

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$268,429

$225,717

$298,780

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding - Basic and Diluted (in units)

36,963,054

[1]

36,963,054

36,963,054

36,919,002

36,874,949

[1]

36,874,949

[2]

36,874,949

36,826,980

36,952,192

[3]

36,863,022

[3]

36,769,126

[3]

Basic and Diluted Net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit)

$1.85

[1]

$1.50

$1.96

$1.95

$1.87

[1]

$0.89

[2]

$1.83

$1.54

$7.26

[3]

$6.12

[3]

$8.13

[3]

Ownership percentage by general partners

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

2.00%

2.00%

Anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method (in units)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

341,366

344,956

409,969

[1]

The comparability of our December 31, 2013 and 2012 quarterly results to other quarters presented were affected by a $12.9 million and $14.0 million, respectively, decrease in our workers' compensation liability, excluding discount rate changes, due to the completion of our annual actuarial study, which reflected a favorable development in our disability emergence patterns and claims estimates (Note 17).

[2]

During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, we recorded a $19.0 million impairment of the carrying value of assets at the Pontiki mine (Note 4).

[3]

Diluted EPU gives effect to all dilutive potential common units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Diluted EPU excludes all dilutive potential units calculated under the treasury stock method if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, LTIP, SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan units of 341,366, 344,956 and 409,969, respectively, were considered anti-dilutive.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Contribution Plans	'	'	'
Employer contribution	$20.40	$18.90	$15.60
Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'	'
Expected rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	8.00%	8.00%	'
Period of average annual total return used as basis for expected long-term rate of return	'20 years	'	'
Actual return on plan assets (as a percent)	22.70%	14.80%	'
Pension Plan | Domestic equity securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'	'
Assumed asset allocations (as a percent)	70.00%	'	'
Expected rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	9.20%	'	'
Pension Plan | Foreign equity securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'	'
Assumed asset allocations (as a percent)	10.00%	'	'
Expected rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	6.40%	'	'
Pension Plan | Fixed income securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'	'
Assumed asset allocations (as a percent)	20.00%	'	'
Expected rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	5.40%	'	'

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details1

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 2) (Pension Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Plan	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$86,468	$73,730	'
Service cost	2,783	2,682	2,312
Interest cost	3,640	3,246	3,184
Actuarial (gain) loss	-5,479	8,318	'
Benefits and expenses paid	-1,750	-1,508	'
Benefit obligations at end of year	85,662	86,468	73,730
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	55,390	46,192	'
Employer contribution	2,400	5,029	'
Actual return on plan assets	11,440	5,677	'
Benefits and expenses paid	-1,750	-1,508	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	67,480	55,390	46,192
Funded status at the end of year	-18,182	-31,078	'
Amounts recognized in balance sheet:	'	'	'
Non-current liability	-18,182	-31,078	'
Total amounts recognized in balance sheet	-18,182	-31,078	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	($18,230)	($33,356)	'

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 3) (Pension Plan)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plan	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.89%	3.99%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	8.00%	8.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.99%	4.49%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	8.00%	7.90%

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details3

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:	'		'		'
Total adjustments	$32,545		($1,804)		($21,739)
Pension Plan	'		'		'
Components of net periodic benefit cost:	'		'		'
Service cost	2,783		2,682		2,312
Interest cost	3,640		3,246		3,184
Expected return on plan assets	-4,446		-3,882		-3,877
Amortization of net loss	2,653		1,788		537
Net periodic benefit cost	4,630		3,834		2,156
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:	'		'		'
Net actuarial gain (loss)	12,472		-6,524		-17,483
Reversal of amortization item, net actuarial loss	2,653	[1]	1,788	[1]	537	[1]
Total adjustments	15,125		-4,736		-16,946
Net periodic benefit cost	-4,630		-3,834		-2,156
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$10,495		($8,570)		'
[1]	Amortization of actuarial gain or loss is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Notes 13 and 17 for additional details).

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details4

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 5) (Pension Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'
2014	$2,067,000
2015	2,362,000
2016	2,692,000
2017	3,068,000
2018	3,479,000
2019-2023	24,354,000
Estimated future benefit payments	38,022,000
Expected contribution for pension plan in 2014	3,600,000
Estimated net actuarial loss for pension plan amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost in 2014	$800,000

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details5

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 6) (Pension Plan)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Asset allocations (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Domestic equity securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Target allocation, minimum (as a percent)	50.00%	'
Target allocation (as a percent)	70.00%	'
Target allocation, maximum (as a percent)	90.00%	'
Asset allocations (as a percent)	71.00%	64.00%
Foreign equity securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Target allocation, minimum (as a percent)	0.00%	'
Target allocation (as a percent)	10.00%	'
Target allocation, maximum (as a percent)	20.00%	'
Asset allocations (as a percent)	13.00%	16.00%
Fixed income securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Target allocation, minimum (as a percent)	5.00%	'
Target allocation (as a percent)	20.00%	'
Target allocation, maximum (as a percent)	40.00%	'
Asset allocations (as a percent)	16.00%	20.00%
Any one stock	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Target allocation, maximum (as a percent)	10.00%	'
Any one industry	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Target allocation, maximum (as a percent)	30.00%	'
Noninvestment grade debt	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Target allocation, maximum (as a percent)	10.00%	'

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details6

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 7) (Pension Plan, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	$67,480		$55,390		$46,192
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	45,670		16,862		'
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	21,810		38,528		'
Cash And Cash Equivalents | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,625		652		'
Equity securities | U.S. large-cap growth | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	9,406	[1]	6,210	[1]	'
Equity securities | U.S. large-cap value | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	17,731	[1]	8,219	[1]	'
Equity securities | U.S. small/mid-cap blend | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	10,512	[1]	'		'
Equity securities | International large-cap core | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	4,970	[1]	'		'
Fixed income securities | Maximum	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Percentage of securities below investment grade	5.00%		'		'
Fixed income securities | U.S. Treasury securities | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,426	[2]	1,781	[2]	'
Fixed income securities | Corporate bond | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,623	[3]	2,266	[3]	'
Fixed income securities | Preferred stock | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	107		'		'
Fixed income securities | Taxable municipal bonds | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	162	[3]	202	[3]	'
Fixed income securities | International bonds | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	569	[3]	579	[3]	'
Equity mutual funds | U.S. large-cap growth | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,446	[4]	3,458	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | U.S. large-cap value | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,398	[4]	1,661	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | U.S. large-cap blend | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	'		2,180	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | U.S. mid-cap growth | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	4,752	[4]	4,497	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | U.S. mid-cap value | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	'		4,439	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | U.S. small cap growth | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,389	[4]	1,099	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | U.S. small cap value | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,331	[4]	1,158	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | U.S. small-cap blend | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	'		2,232	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | International | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	'		5,185	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | International small/mid-cap blend | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,916	[4]	1,686	[4]	'
Equity mutual funds | Emerging Markets | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,805	[4]	2,241	[4]	'
Fixed income mutual funds | Corporate bond | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	2,617	[4]	799	[4]	'
Fixed income mutual funds | International bonds | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	207	[4]	262	[4]	'
Fixed income mutual funds | Mortgage backed-securities | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,075	[4]	1,265	[4]	'
Fixed income mutual funds | Short term investment grade bond | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	1,009	[4]	1,673	[4]	'
Fixed income mutual funds | Intermediate investment grade bond | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	'		1,023	[4]	'
Fixed income mutual funds | High yield bond | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	684	[4]	553	[4]	'
Stock market index options | Puts | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	46	[5]	63	[5]	'
Stock market index options | Calls | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	-407	[5]	-53	[5]	'
Accrued income | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'		'		'
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	$81	[6]	$60	[6]	'
[1]	Equity securities include investments in publicly-traded common stock and preferred stock. Publicly-traded common stocks are traded on a national securities exchange and investments in common and preferred stocks are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned.
[2]	U.S. Treasury securities include agency and treasury debt. These investments are valued using dealer quotes in an active market.
[3]	Bonds are valued utilizing a market approach that includes various valuation techniques and sources such as value generation models, broker quotes in active and non-active markets, benchmark yields and securities, reported trades, issuer spreads, and/or other applicable reference data. The corporate bonds and notes category is primarily comprised of U.S. dollar denominated, investment grade securities. Less than 5 percent of the securities have a rating below investment grade.
[4]	Mutual funds are valued daily in actively traded markets by an independent custodian for the investment manager. For purposes of calculating the value, portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotes are readily available are valued at market value. Market value is generally determined on a basis of last reported sales prices, or if no sales are reported, based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers, or pricing services. Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollars are converted to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates obtained from pricing services.
[5]	Options are valued utilizing a market approach that includes various valuation techniques and sources such as value generation models, broker quotes in active and non-active markets, reported trades, issuer spreads, and/or other applicable reference data.
[6]	Accrued income represents dividends declared, but not received, on equity securities owned at December 31, 2013.

COMPENSATION_PLANS_Details

COMPENSATION PLANS (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

36 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

36 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 14, 2014

Feb. 15, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 22, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 02, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 14, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

ARLP LTIP

SERP and Deferred Compensation Plans

SERP and Deferred Compensation Plans

SERP and Deferred Compensation Plans

SERP and Deferred Compensation Plans

SERP and Deferred Compensation Plans

SERP and Deferred Compensation Plans

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

Phantom Share Units (PSUs)

2010 Grants

2010 Grants

2011 Grants

2011 Grants

2013 and 2012 Grants

Compensation Plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Units for which vesting requirements were deemed satisfied

'

'

'

'

'

'

130,102

'

'

130,102

'

101,371

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in units)

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,735

'

'

'

8,028

'

7,045

14,489

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common units issued upon vesting

64,305

82,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,958

'

'

'

'

'

Additional grants authorized (in units)

'

'

'

'

'

185,205

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Units granted

'

'

'

'

'

175,205

146,725

107,114

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,869

13,791

Units available for grant

'

'

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share based compensation expense

'

'

$7.40

$6.40

$5.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.20

$0.80

$1

'

'

Total unit based obligation recorded

'

'

14.7

12.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.5

10.7

'

'

'

Fair value as intrinsic value at date of grant (in dollars per unit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$63.02

$77.71

$66.84

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$70.96

$60.91

Summary of non-vested LTIP grants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the beginning of the period (in units)

'

'

'

'

'

'

340,878

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in units)

'

'

'

'

'

175,205

146,725

107,114

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,869

13,791

Vested (in units)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-130,102

'

'

-130,102

'

-101,371

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in units)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,735

'

'

'

-8,028

'

-7,045

-14,489

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the end of the period (in units)

'

'

'

'

'

'

347,766

340,878

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

173,660

'

Unrecognized compensation expense

'

'

8.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average period for recognition of expense

'

'

'1 year 7 months 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intrinsic value of outstanding grants

'

'

'

'

'

'

$26.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$13.40

'

Grants outstanding (in units)

'

'

'

'

'

'

347,766

340,878

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

173,660

'

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Paid For:	'	'	'
Interest	$35,362	$35,833	$36,188
Income taxes	'	'	300
Non-Cash Activity:	'	'	'
Accounts payable for purchase of property, plant and equipment	17,924	20,972	24,979
Market value of common units vested in Long-Term Incentive Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan before minimum statutory tax withholding requirements	8,583	11,070	6,572
Assets acquired by capital lease	'	'	3,525
Acquisition of business:	'	'	'
Fair value of assets assumed	'	126,639	'
Cash paid	'	-100,000	'
Fair value of liabilities assumed	'	$26,639	'

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_D

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'	'	'
Surety bonds outstanding to performance of reclamation obligations	$88,700,000	$76,000,000	'
Estimated payments of asset retirement obligations:	'	'	'
2014	2,091,000	'	'
2015	2,630,000	'	'
2016	8,072,000	'	'
2017	447,000	'	'
2018	1,036,000	'	'
Thereafter	145,122,000	'	'
Aggregate undiscounted asset retirement obligations	159,398,000	'	'
Effect of discounting	-76,500,000	-70,700,000	'
Total asset retirement obligations	82,898,000	84,836,000	72,342,000
Less: current portion	-2,091,000	'	'
Asset retirement obligations	$80,807,000	$81,644,000	'

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_D1

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset retirement and mine closing liability	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$84,836	$72,342
Accretion expense	3,004	2,853
Payments	-2,242	-2,842
Allocation of liability associated with acquisition, mine development and change in assumptions	-2,700	12,483
Balance at the end of the period	$82,898	$84,836

ACCRUED_WORKERS_COMPENSATION_A2

ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued Workers Compensation And Pneumoconiosis Benefits	'	'
Workers' compensation discount rate (as a percent)	4.11%	3.22%
Letters of credit to secure workers compensation obligation	$86.30	$81.40
Black Lung	'	'
Accrued Workers Compensation And Pneumoconiosis Benefits	'	'
Pneumoconiosis discount rate (as a percent)	4.69%	3.78%

ACCRUED_WORKERS_COMPENSATION_A3

ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accrued Workers Compensation And Pneumoconiosis Benefits	'	'	'
Workers' compensation (benefit) expense	($110)	$17,572	$18,996
Total expense	6,623	24,478	24,500
Black Lung	'	'	'
Accrued Workers Compensation And Pneumoconiosis Benefits	'	'	'
Service cost	3,810	3,758	3,345
Interest cost	2,253	2,372	2,382
Net amortization	670	776	-223
Net periodic benefit cost	$6,733	$6,906	$5,504

ACCRUED_WORKERS_COMPENSATION_A4

ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Accrued Workers Compensation And Pneumoconiosis Benefits	'		'		'
Total adjustments	$32,545		($1,804)		($21,739)
Black Lung	'		'		'
Accrued Workers Compensation And Pneumoconiosis Benefits	'		'		'
Net actuarial gain	16,750		2,156		-4,570
Reversal of amortization item, net actuarial loss	670	[1]	776	[1]	-223	[1]
Total adjustments	$17,420		$2,932		($4,793)
[1]	Amortization of actuarial gain or loss is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Notes 13 and 17 for additional details).

ACCRUED_WORKERS_COMPENSATION_A5

ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of the changes in workers' compensation liability	'	'
Beginning balance	$77,046	$73,201
Accruals	18,544	24,812
Payments	-10,639	-10,477
Interest accretion	2,481	2,739
Valuation gain	-24,523	-13,229
Ending balance	$62,909	$77,046

ACCRUED_WORKERS_COMPENSATION_A6

ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS (Details 5) (Black Lung, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Black Lung	'	'	'
Reconciliation of the changes in black lung benefit obligations	'	'	'
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$60,991	$55,605	'
Service cost	3,810	3,758	3,345
Interest cost	2,253	2,372	2,382
Actuarial gain	-16,750	-2,156	'
Benefits and expenses paid	-744	-715	'
Acquisition of Onton (Note 3)	'	2,127	'
Benefit obligations at end of year	49,560	60,991	55,605
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	($8,511)	$8,908	'

ACCRUED_WORKERS_COMPENSATION_A7

ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS (Details 6) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS	'	'	'
Black lung claims	$49,560	$60,991	'
Workers' compensation claims	62,909	77,046	73,201
Total obligations	112,469	138,037	'
Less current portion	-9,065	-9,320	'
Non-current obligations	$103,404	$128,717	'

RELATEDPARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Deta

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 01, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

White Oak

White Oak

AHGP

AHGP

AHGP

ARH II

ARH II

ARH II

MGP

MGP

MGP

Affiliated entity controlled by Mr. Craft

Affiliated entity controlled by Mr. Craft

Affiliated entity controlled by Mr. Craft

SGP Land, LLC

SGP Land, LLC

SGP Land, LLC

SGP Land, LLC

SGP Land, LLC

SGP Land, LLC

SGP

SGP

SGP

SGP

SGP

SGP

SGP

SGP

SGP

SGP

JC Land

JC Land

Administrative services agreement

Administrative services agreement

Administrative services agreement

Administrative services agreement

Administrative services agreement

Administrative services agreement

Partnership agreement

Partnership agreement

Partnership agreement

Airplanes

MC Mining LLC

MC Mining LLC

MC Mining LLC

Tunnel Ridge

Tunnel Ridge

Tunnel Ridge

Tunnel Ridge

Tunnel Ridge

Tunnel Ridge

Gibson County Coal

Gibson County Coal

Gibson County Coal

Gibson County Coal

item

Coal lease

Coal lease

Coal lease

Surface land and tangible assets lease

Surface land and tangible assets lease

Surface land and tangible assets lease

Related Party Transaction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from services

'

'

'

$2,400,000

$1,000,000

$400,000

$400,000

$400,000

$100,000

$100,000

$200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Costs billed by managing general partner and its affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

1,200,000

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contributions from affiliates for general and administrative expenses

2,200,000

2,000,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,200,000

2,000,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of airplanes acquired in merger

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of airplanes acquired, previously subject to time sharing agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of airplanes acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount received for use of aircraft

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

100,000

Amount paid for use of aircraft

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

100,000

Amount received for reimbursement of pilot compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

'

Annual minimum royalties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative annual minimum and/or earned royalty payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments for royalties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,900,000

400,000

300,000

3,000,000

3,000,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advance royalties

30,267,000

34,759,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

'

'

17,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

200,000

200,000

'

600,000

600,000

800,000

'

'

Lease agreement term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Monthly lease payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000

$50,000

'

'

'

'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Future minimum lease payments, Capital Lease	'	'	'
2014	$2,178,000	'	'
2015	2,142,000	'	'
2016	2,100,000	'	'
2017	1,504,000	'	'
2018	1,461,000	'	'
Thereafter	14,453,000	'	'
Total future minimum lease payments	23,838,000	'	'
Less: amount representing interest	-5,415,000	'	'
Present value of future minimum lease payments	18,423,000	'	'
Less: current portion	-1,288,000	-1,000,000	'
Long-term capital lease obligation	17,135,000	18,613,000	'
Future minimum lease payments, Other Operating Leases	'	'	'
2014	2,137,000	'	'
2015	1,552,000	'	'
2016	1,552,000	'	'
2017	1,552,000	'	'
2018	1,057,000	'	'
Total future minimum lease payments	7,850,000	'	'
Rental expense	5,100,000	5,100,000	5,300,000
Other Operating Leases, Affiliate	'	'	'
Future minimum lease payments, Other Operating Leases	'	'	'
2014	240,000	'	'
Total future minimum lease payments	240,000	'	'
Other Operating Leases, Others	'	'	'
Future minimum lease payments, Other Operating Leases	'	'	'
2014	1,897,000	'	'
2015	1,552,000	'	'
2016	1,552,000	'	'
2017	1,552,000	'	'
2018	1,057,000	'	'
Total future minimum lease payments	$7,610,000	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	27 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 22, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
		White Oak	White Oak	White Oak	White Oak
				Maximum	Minimum
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'	'	'	'
Contractual commitments amount	$66.20	'	'	'	'
Commitments to purchase coal	0	'	'	'	'
White oak transactions	'	'	'	'	'
Amount funded by partnership	'	69.5	216.7	'	'
Total expected funding by partnership	'	'	'	$425.50	$300.50

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_3

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 3) (Property and casualty insurance, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies	'
Aggregate maximum insurance limit	$100
Insurance deductible	1.5
Overall aggregate deductible	$10
Minimum	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
Waiting period	'90 days
Maximum	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
Waiting period	'120 days

CONCENTRATION_OF_CREDIT_RISK_A2

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue, Major Customer	'	'	'
Trade receivables	$153,662	$172,724	'
Customers A and B	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer	'	'	'
Trade receivables	45,800	58,900	'
Illinois Basin | Customer A	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer	'	'	'
Total revenues from major customers	319,932	336,560	231,838
Illinois Basin | Customer B	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer	'	'	'
Total revenues from major customers	$263,582	$243,339	$249,047

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

segment

Segment Information

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of reportable segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

'

'

Number of reportable segments corresponding to major coal producing regions in the eastern U.S.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

Reportable segment results

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

$566,706

[1]

$537,229

$553,571

$548,055

$549,410

[1]

$511,441

[2]

$529,864

$443,586

$2,205,561

[3]

$2,034,301

[3]

$1,843,560

[3]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,398,902

[4]

1,338,783

[4]

1,185,047

[4]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

749,576

[5],[6]

658,834

[5],[6]

623,170

[5],[6]

Total assets

2,121,898

[7]

'

'

'

1,955,972

[7]

'

'

'

2,121,898

[7]

1,955,972

[7]

1,731,518

[7]

Capital expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

354,423

[8]

459,232

[8]

372,720

[8]

Additional information

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity in income (loss) of affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-24,441

-14,650

-3,404

Investments in affiliate

130,410

'

'

'

88,513

'

'

'

130,410

88,513

'

Payments to affiliate for acquisition and development of coal reserves

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,272

34,601

50,800

Central Appalachia

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Information

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of operating segments within the reportable segment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

White Oak

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Information

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of operating segments within the reportable segment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

Operating segments | Illinois Basin

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reportable segment results

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,629,089

[3]

1,499,976

[3]

1,313,148

[3]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

951,686

[4]

894,769

[4]

786,116

[4]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

657,404

[5],[6]

593,054

[5],[6]

505,113

[5],[6]

Total assets

1,077,231

[7]

'

'

'

1,042,719

[7]

'

'

'

1,077,231

[7]

1,042,719

[7]

787,923

[7]

Capital expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

232,676

[8]

219,029

[8]

153,118

[8]

Operating segments | Central Appalachia

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reportable segment results

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

169,520

[3]

157,311

[3]

206,323

[3]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,323

[4]

131,148

[4]

151,101

[4]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43,973

[5],[6]

25,712

[5],[6]

53,729

[5],[6]

Total assets

72,196

[7]

'

'

'

87,068

[7]

'

'

'

72,196

[7]

87,068

[7]

96,099

[7]

Capital expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,380

[8]

33,817

[8]

28,477

[8]

Operating segments | Northern Appalachia

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reportable segment results

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

377,640

[3]

335,099

[3]

274,233

[3]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

292,627

[4]

277,736

[4]

203,317

[4]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

72,594

[5],[6]

47,933

[5],[6]

62,395

[5],[6]

Total assets

525,586

[7]

'

'

'

537,042

[7]

'

'

'

525,586

[7]

537,042

[7]

452,407

[7]

Capital expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

63,510

[8]

109,039

[8]

137,040

[8]

Operating segments | White Oak

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reportable segment results

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,194

[3]

'

'

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,112

[4]

-1,347

[4]

155

[4]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-25,229

[5],[6]

-13,987

[5],[6]

-4,407

[5],[6]

Total assets

317,361

[7]

'

'

'

226,714

[7]

'

'

'

317,361

[7]

226,714

[7]

89,690

[7]

Capital expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,185

[8]

85,671

[8]

51,198

[8]

Additional information

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity in income (loss) of affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-25,300

-15,300

-4,300

Investments in affiliate

128,700

'

'

'

86,800

'

'

'

128,700

86,800

38,500

Operating segments | Other And Corporate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reportable segment results

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,209

[3]

58,443

[3]

65,024

[3]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,245

[4]

53,005

[4]

59,526

[4]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

834

[5],[6]

6,122

[5],[6]

6,340

[5],[6]

Total assets

130,599

[7]

'

'

'

63,528

[7]

'

'

'

130,599

[7]

63,528

[7]

306,254

[7]

Capital expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,672

[8]

11,676

[8]

2,887

[8]

Additional information

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity in income (loss) of affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900

700

800

Investments in affiliate

1,700

'

'

'

1,700

'

'

'

1,700

1,700

1,600

Elimination

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reportable segment results

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,091

[3],[9]

-16,528

[3],[9]

-15,168

[3],[9]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,091

[4],[9]

-16,528

[4],[9]

-15,168

[4],[9]

Total assets

($1,075)

[7],[9]

'

'

'

($1,099)

[7],[9]

'

'

'

($1,075)

[7],[9]

($1,099)

[7],[9]

($855)

[7],[9]

[1]

The comparability of our December 31, 2013 and 2012 quarterly results to other quarters presented were affected by a $12.9 million and $14.0 million, respectively, decrease in our workers' compensation liability, excluding discount rate changes, due to the completion of our annual actuarial study, which reflected a favorable development in our disability emergence patterns and claims estimates (Note 17).

[2]

During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, we recorded a $19.0 million impairment of the carrying value of assets at the Pontiki mine (Note 4).

[3]

Revenues included in the Other and Corporate column are primarily attributable to Matrix Group revenues, Mt. Vernon transloading revenues, administrative service revenues from affiliates and brokerage sales.

[4]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense includes operating expenses, outside coal purchases and other income. Transportation expenses are excluded as these expenses are passed through to our customers and consequently we do not realize any gain or loss on transportation revenues. We review Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton for cost trends.

[5]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, asset impairment charge and general and administrative expenses. Management therefore is able to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating profitability as it relates to our revenues and operating expenses, which are primarily controlled by our segments.

[6]

Includes equity in income (loss) of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 of $(25.3) million, $(15.3) million and $(4.3) million, respectively, included in the White Oak segment and $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, included in the Other and Corporate segment.

[7]

Total assets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 includes investments in affiliate of $128.7 million, $86.8 million and $38.5 million, respectively, included in the White Oak segment and $1.7 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, included in the Other and Corporate segment.

[8]

Capital expenditures shown above for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 includes $25.3 million, $34.6 million and $50.8 million, respectively, for acquisition and development of coal reserves in our consolidated statements of cash flow. Capital expenditures shown above excludes the Green River acquisition in April 2012 (Note 3).

[9]

The elimination column represents the elimination of intercompany transactions and is primarily comprised of sales from Matrix Group to our mining operations.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details_2

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense to operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)	'		'		'
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense	$1,398,902	[1]	$1,338,783	[1]	$1,185,047	[1]
Outside coal purchases	-2,030		-38,607		-54,280
Other income	1,891		3,115		983
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)	$1,398,763		$1,303,291		$1,131,750
[1]	Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense includes operating expenses, outside coal purchases and other income. Transportation expenses are excluded as these expenses are passed through to our customers and consequently we do not realize any gain or loss on transportation revenues. We review Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton for cost trends.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details_3

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 3) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$749,576

[1],[2]

$658,834

[1],[2]

$623,170

[1],[2]

General and administrative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-63,697

-58,737

-52,334

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-264,911

-218,122

-160,335

Asset impairment charge

'

'

'

'

'

-19,000

'

'

'

-19,031

'

Interest expense, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-26,082

-28,455

-21,579

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,396

1,082

431

NET INCOME

$99,293

$87,186

$104,074

$102,937

$96,638

$60,510

$95,455

$82,968

$393,490

$335,571

$389,353

[1]

Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, asset impairment charge and general and administrative expenses. Management therefore is able to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating profitability as it relates to our revenues and operating expenses, which are primarily controlled by our segments.

[2]

Includes equity in income (loss) of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 of $(25.3) million, $(15.3) million and $(4.3) million, respectively, included in the White Oak segment and $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, included in the Other and Corporate segment.

SELECTED_QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_D2

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	'		'	'	'	'		'		'	'	'		'		'
Revenues	$566,706	[1]	$537,229	$553,571	$548,055	$549,410	[1]	$511,441	[2]	$529,864	$443,586	$2,205,561	[3]	$2,034,301	[3]	$1,843,560	[3]
Income from operations	117,631	[1]	98,002	115,569	112,316	106,697	[1]	70,338	[2]	105,461	91,983	443,518		374,479		412,922
Income before income taxes	101,996		86,468	104,183	102,239	96,282		60,408		95,198	82,601	394,886		334,489		388,922
Net income	$99,293		$87,186	$104,074	$102,937	$96,638		$60,510		$95,455	$82,968	$393,490		$335,571		$389,353
Basic and Diluted Net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit)	$1.85	[1]	$1.50	$1.96	$1.95	$1.87	[1]	$0.89	[2]	$1.83	$1.54	$7.26	[4]	$6.12	[4]	$8.13	[4]
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding - Basic and Diluted	36,963,054	[1]	36,963,054	36,963,054	36,919,002	36,874,949	[1]	36,874,949	[2]	36,874,949	36,826,980	36,952,192	[4]	36,863,022	[4]	36,769,126	[4]
[1]	The comparability of our December 31, 2013 and 2012 quarterly results to other quarters presented were affected by a $12.9 million and $14.0 million, respectively, decrease in our workers' compensation liability, excluding discount rate changes, due to the completion of our annual actuarial study, which reflected a favorable development in our disability emergence patterns and claims estimates (Note 17).
[2]	During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, we recorded a $19.0 million impairment of the carrying value of assets at the Pontiki mine (Note 4).
[3]	Revenues included in the Other and Corporate column are primarily attributable to Matrix Group revenues, Mt. Vernon transloading revenues, administrative service revenues from affiliates and brokerage sales.
[4]	Diluted EPU gives effect to all dilutive potential common units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Diluted EPU excludes all dilutive potential units calculated under the treasury stock method if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, LTIP, SERP and Deferred Compensation Plan units of 341,366, 344,956 and 409,969, respectively, were considered anti-dilutive.

SELECTED_QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_D3

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Workers compensation	'	'	'	'
Decrease in workers compensation liability	'	$77,046	$62,909	$73,201
Impairment recorded related to the carrying value of assets at the Pontiki mine	19,000	19,031	'	'
Adjustments due to annual actuarial study	'	'	'	'
Workers compensation	'	'	'	'
Decrease in workers compensation liability	'	$14,000	$12,900	'

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (Allowance for doubtful accounts, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	'
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	'	'	'
Balance At Beginning of Year	$0	$0	$0
Additions Charged to Income	0	0	0
Deductions	0	0	0
Balance At End of Year	$0	$0	$0