Dakota Plains 10-Q 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 10, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001367311	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	54,914,829

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$6,535,618	$13,011,608
Trade Receivables	1,860,513	'
Income Tax Receivable	170,958	1,120,057
Other Current Assets	283,393	542,523
Due from Related Party	848,547	2,840,292
Other Receivables	23,720	68,896
Deferred Tax Asset	1,669,000	3,728,000
Total Current Assets	11,391,749	21,311,376
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
Land	3,166,849	3,166,849
Site Development	5,829,640	5,498,501
Terminal	21,105,863	19,813,452
Machinery	17,836,465	12,702,655
Construction in Process	34,357	7,551,187
Other Property and Equipment	11,879,445	6,747,349
Total Property and Equipment	59,852,619	55,479,993
Less - Accumulated Depreciation	5,040,093	1,810,259
Total Property and Equipment, Net	54,812,526	53,669,734
PREFERRED DIVIDEND RECEIVABLE	626,027	252,057
FINANCE COSTS, NET	70,439	123,280
DEFERRED TAX ASSET	3,366,000	153,000
OTHER ASSETS	140,902	15,902
Total Assets	80,858,344	87,054,584
CURRENT LIABILITIES	'	'
Accounts Payable	2,806,521	8,286,489
Accrued Expenses	246,355	1,547,645
Accounts Payable - Related Parties	'	722
Total Current Liabilities	3,052,876	9,834,856
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	'	'
Promissory Notes, Net of Debt Discount	7,338,553	7,076,332
Promissory Note, Pioneer Terminal	6,969,595	7,500,000
Other Non-Current Liabilities	11,667	16,917
Total Long-Term Liabilities	14,319,815	14,593,249
Total Liabilities	17,372,691	24,428,105
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Preferred Stock - Par Value $.001; 10,000,000 Shares Authorized; None Issued or Outstanding	'	'
Common Stock, Par Value $.001; 100,000,000 Shares Authorized; 54,900,787 and 54,206,380 Issued and Outstanding, Respectively	54,900	54,206
Additional Paid-In Capital	45,169,317	43,836,032
Accumulated Deficit	-9,196,723	-6,836,825
Total Equity Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.	36,027,494	37,053,413
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries	27,458,159	25,573,066
Total Stockholders' Equity	63,485,653	62,626,479
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	80,858,344	87,054,584
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
INVESTMENT	9,790,884	11,458,836
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
INVESTMENT	$659,817	$70,399

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	54,900,787	54,206,380
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,900,787	54,206,380

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUES	'	'	'	'
Transloading Revenue	$6,349,502	'	$19,103,521	'
Sand Revenue	557,168	'	733,355	'
Rental Income	30,000	76,758	90,000	271,527
Total Revenues	6,936,670	76,758	19,926,876	271,527
COST OF REVENUE	1,919,429	'	5,775,590	'
Gross Profit	5,017,241	76,758	14,151,286	271,527
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
General and Administrative Expenses	2,311,780	1,940,378	7,784,815	5,930,221
Depreciation and Amortization	1,108,348	47,065	3,229,834	131,923
Total Operating Expenses	3,420,128	1,987,443	11,014,649	6,062,144
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	1,597,113	-1,910,685	3,136,637	-5,790,617
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'
Interest Expense (Net of Interest Income)	-496,637	-970,962	-1,503,017	-2,762,175
Total Other Income (Expense), net	-42,667	-1,413,078	-2,207,581	2,445,949
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	1,554,446	-3,323,763	929,056	-3,344,668
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)	19,737	-1,266,000	-1,142,148	-1,282,000
NET INCOME (LOSS)	1,534,709	-2,057,763	2,071,204	-2,062,668
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS	1,521,295	'	4,431,102	'
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF DAKOTA PLAINS HOLDINGS, INC.	13,414	-2,057,763	-2,359,898	-2,062,668
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Basic and Diluted	$0	($0.05)	($0.04)	($0.05)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic	53,884,637	42,033,077	53,755,966	41,770,880
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted	54,908,368	42,033,077	53,755,966	41,770,880
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Investment	'	644,133	'	3,423,054
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Investment	289,232	-1,100,564	-1,293,982	1,572,326
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Investment	$164,738	$14,315	$589,418	$212,744

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	$2,071,204	($2,062,668)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	3,229,834	131,923
Amortization of Debt Discount	262,221	262,224
Amortization of Finance Costs	52,841	52,026
Deferred Income Taxes	-1,154,000	-262,000
Share-Based Consulting Fees	'	280,714
Decrease in Deferred Rental Income	'	-21,638
Non-Cash Rental Income	'	-9,719
Non-Cash Rental Expense	14,685	'
Amortization of Deferred Rent	-5,250	-2,000
Share-Based Compensation	1,904,658	2,430,665
Changes in Working Capital and Other Items:	'	'
Increase in Trade Receivables	-1,860,513	-110,187
Decrease in Other Receivables	45,176	'
Decrease (Increase) in Income Taxes Receivable	949,099	-154,105
Decrease (Increase) in Other Current Assets	334,130	-90,137
Decrease in Due from Related Party	1,991,745	4,686
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable	-181,754	146,491
Decrease in Income Taxes Payable	'	-1,028,000
Decrease in Accrued Expenses	-1,301,290	-116,074
Decrease in Deferred Rental Income	'	-8,062
Decrease in Accounts Payable - Related Party	-722	'
Increase in Other Assets	-125,000	-14,300
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	6,931,628	-5,778,285
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Purchases of Property and Equipment	-9,670,840	-159,737
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities	-9,670,840	4,459,384
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Principal Payments on Promissory Note, Pioneer Terminal	-530,405	'
Cash Distributions Paid to Non-Controlling Interests	-2,561,694	'
Finance Costs Paid	'	-9,783
Common Shares Surrendered	-645,679	-568,058
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities	-3,736,778	-577,841
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-6,475,990	-1,896,742
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD	13,011,608	2,340,083
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD	6,535,618	443,341
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'	'
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest	1,259,582	2,392,404
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes	11,852	189,054
Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities:	'	'
Purchase of Property and Equipment Paid Subsequent to Period End	885,639	'
Change in Preferred Dividend Receivable	373,970	372,604
Fair Value of Warrants Issued for Consulting Fees	'	208,663
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'	'
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	'	'
Loss (Income) from Investment	'	-3,423,054
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Cash Received from Joint Venture	'	583,462
Cash Paid for Investment	'	-10,000,000
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'	'
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	'	'
Loss (Income) from Investment	1,293,982	-1,572,326
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Cash Received from Joint Venture	'	12,910,000
Preferred Dividends Received from Investment	'	1,065,753
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'	'
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	'	'
Loss (Income) from Investment	-589,418	-212,744
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Cash Received from Joint Venture	'	59,906
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Sand, LLC [Member]	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Capital Contributions to investment	$1,000	'

Organization_And_Nature_Of_Bus

Organization And Nature Of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization And Nature Of Business [Abstract]	'
Organization And Nature Of Business	'
	1.Organization and Nature of Business
	Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc. (the Company, our and words of similar import) is an integrated midstream energy company, principally focused on developing and owning transloading facilities and marketing and transporting crude oil and related products within the Williston Basin.
	Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC (DPT), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed in April 2011 primarily to participate in the ownership and operation of a transloading facility near New Town, North Dakota through which producers, transporters and marketers may transload crude oil and related products from and onto the Canadian Pacific Railway.
	Dakota Plains Marketing, LLC (DPM), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed in April 2011 primarily to engage in the purchase, sale, storage, transport and marketing of hydrocarbons produced within North Dakota to or from refineries and other end-users or persons.
	Dakota Plains Trucking, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed in September 2012 primarily to engage in the transportation by road of hydrocarbons and materials used or produced in the extraction of hydrocarbons to or from refineries and other end-users or persons, wherever located.
	Dakota Plains Sand, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed in May 2014 primarily to participate in the ownership and operation of a sand transloading facility near New Town, North Dakota.
	The Company is governed by its board of directors and managed by its officers.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	The financial information included herein is unaudited, except for the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, which has been derived from the Companys audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013. However, such information includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and changes in accounting principles), which are in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire year.
	Certain information, accounting policies, and footnote disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have been omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to certain rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. If not discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11 Income Taxes Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry Forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry Forward Exists which provides that entities should present the unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of the deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (NOL) or similar tax loss or tax credit carry forward rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carry forward under the tax law. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standards core principle is that an entity shall recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard generally requires an entity to identify performance obligations in its contracts, estimate the amount of variable consideration to be received in the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, and recognize revenue as obligations are satisfied. The standard will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented in the financial statements, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2014-09; however, the standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-8, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This ASU changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have a major effect on an entitys operations and financial results. The standard also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually material disposals that do not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation effective for annual periods and interim periods within those periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2014-12, however, the standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Joint Venture Equity Investment
	The equity method is used to account for investments in joint ventures where the Company has significant influence, representing equity ownership of not more than 50%. As further described in Note 3, the Companys equity investments consist of 50% owned Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC (DPTS) joint venture (prior to December 31, 2013), 50% owned DPTS Marketing LLC (DPTSM) joint venture, 50% owned Dakota Plains Services, LLC (DPS) joint venture and 50% owned DPTS Sand, LLC joint venture. All of the Companys equity investments have December 31 fiscal year ends, and the Company records its 50% share of the joint ventures net income or loss based on their most recent interim financial statements. The Companys share of the joint ventures operating results for each reporting period is adjusted for its share of intercompany transactions, which primarily relate to rental agreements. Any significant unrealized intercompany profits or losses are eliminated in applying the equity method of accounting. Effective at the end of business on December 31, 2013, DPT was appointed the Facility Management Member of DPTS. The appointment as the Facility Management Member resulted in the consolidation of the accounts of DPTS with and into the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2013. Accordingly, the accompanying September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 include the accounts and operations of DPTS. The operations of DPTS Sand, LLC commenced in June 2014, and the accompanying financial statements include the accounts and operations of DPTS Sand, LLC.
	The Company follows applicable equity method authoritative guidance whereby declines in estimated investment fair value below carrying value assessed as other than temporary are recognized as a charge to earnings to reduce carrying value to estimated fair value. The Company periodically evaluates its equity investments for possible declines in value and determines if declines are other than temporary based on, among other factors, the sufficiency and outcome of equity investee performed impairment assessments (which includes third party appraisals and other analyses), the amount and length of time that fair value may have been below carrying value, near-term and longer-term operating and financial prospects of equity investees, and the Companys intent and ability to hold the equity investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of interest-bearing bank accounts and money market funds. The Companys cash positions represent assets held in checking and money market accounts. These assets are generally available to the Company on a daily or weekly basis and are highly liquid in nature. Due to the balances being greater than $250,000, the Company does not have FDIC coverage on the entire amount of bank deposits. The Company believes this risk of loss is minimal.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.
	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Site development		15 years
	Terminal		13 years
	Machinery		5 - 13 years
	Other Property and Equipment		3 - 5 years
	Land
	Expenditures for replacements, renewals, and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation expense was $1,108,348 and $3,229,834 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $47,065 and $131,923 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The Company had fixed assets related to in progress construction of $34,357 and $7,551,187 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Impairment
	FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 360-10-35-21 requires that long-lived assets to be held and used be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The determination of impairment is based upon expectations of undiscounted future cash flows, before interest, of the related asset. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, the impairment would be computed as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the fair value. There was no impairment recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Environmental Accrual
	Accruals for estimated costs for environmental obligations generally are recognized no later than the date when the Company identifies what cleanup measures, if any, are likely to be required to address the environmental conditions. Included in such obligations are the estimated direct costs to investigate and address the conditions and the associated engineering, legal and consulting costs. In making these estimates, the Company considers information that is currently available, existing technology, enacted laws and regulations, and its estimates of the timing of the required remedial actions. Such accruals are initially measured on a discounted basis and are adjusted as further information becomes available or circumstances change and are accreted up over time. The Company has recorded no liability for environmental obligations as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Any required environmental accruals would be accounted for by DPTSM and DPS.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC 740-10-30. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Accounting standards require the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements only if the position is more likely than not of being sustained if the position were to be challenged by a taxing authority. The Company has examined the tax positions taken in its tax returns and determined that there are no uncertain tax positions. As a result, the Company has recorded no uncertain tax liabilities in its condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company records expenses associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation. For fully vested and restricted stock grants, the Company calculates the stock-based compensation expense based upon estimated fair value on the date of grant. For stock warrants and options, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock-based compensation at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
	Revenue Recognition
	DPTS and DPTS Sand, LLC recognize revenues when the related services are performed, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. DPTS records the gross sale of fuel-related services when the transloading of petroleum-related products is complete. DPTS Sand, LLC records the gross sale of sand-related services when the transloading of sand-related products is complete.
	Stock Issuance
	The Company records the stock-based compensation awards issued to non-employees and other external entities for goods and services at either the fair market value of the goods received or services rendered or the instruments issued in exchange for such services, whichever is more readily determinable, using the measurement date guidelines enumerated in FASB ASC 505-50-30.
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Company stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock equivalents were exercised or converted to common stock. The dilutive effect of common stock equivalents is calculated using the treasury stock method. When a loss from continuing operations exists, all potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the computation of diluted EPS. As the Company had a loss for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the potentially dilutive shares are anti-dilutive and thus not added into the EPS calculation.
	The reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic			53,884,637		42,033,077		53,755,966		41,770,880
	Plus: Potentially Dilutive Common Shares, Stock Warrants and Restricted Stock			1,023,731
	Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Diluted			54,908,368		42,033,077		53,755,966		41,770,880
	Restricted Stock Excluded from EPS due to the Anti- Dilutive Effect			430,652		948,457		976,462		933,871
	The following stock warrants and restricted stock represent potentially dilutive shares as of September 30, 2014:
			30-Sep-14
	Restricted Stock			1,016,150
	Stock Warrants			2,771,000
	Total Potentially Dilutive Shares			3,787,150
	Fair Value Measures
	The Company measures fair value using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, essentially an exit price, based on the highest and best use of the asset or liability. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
		Level 1 Quoted market prices in active markets that are accessible at measurement date for identical assets or liabilities;
		Level 2 Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities;
		Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities and less observable from objective sources
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such significant estimates include recoverability of property and equipment and equity investments, depreciable lives for property and equipment, inputs in the valuation of certain equity transactions, and accounting for income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
	Non-Controlling Interest
	ASC 810 Consolidation requires that a non-controlling interest be reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements and that losses be allocated to the non-controlling interest even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance, reducing the losses attributable to the controlling interest. The Companys non-controlling interest at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is due to the non-controlling member of DPTS and DPTS Sand, LLC.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 also include the accounts of DPTS and DPTS Sand, LLC. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Effective at the end of business on December 31, 2013, DPT was appointed the Facility Management Member of DPTS, which resulted in the consolidation of the accounts of DPTS with and into the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2013. The operations of DPTS Sand, LLC commenced in June 2014.

Joint_Ventures

Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Joint Ventures	'
	3.Joint Ventures
	Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC
	On November 9, 2009, the Company entered into a joint venture with Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC (PTS). The Company and PTS each own 50% of the outstanding member units of DPTS. The joint venture was formed to engage in the acquisition, construction and operation of a petroleum transloading facility in New Town, North Dakota (Transloading Facility).
	Each of the members of DPTS was required to make an initial capital contribution of $50,000. Each member received 1,000 member units for their initial capital contribution, for a total of 2,000 member units issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2014.
	As part of the joint venture agreement, the Company owns the Transloading Facility and certain equipment acquired and leases the property to DPTS.
	The operations of the Transloading Facility commenced in November 2009. Under provisions of the member control agreement the profits and losses of DPTS are split 50/50, pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding. The cash payments from the joint venture also are paid pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding.
	On June 1, 2012, DPT entered into an amended and restated member control agreement with DPTS and PTS. The amended and restated member control agreement, among other things, incorporated all previous amendments and supplements, extended the initial term through December 31, 2021, and provided for the initial term to automatically extend in two-year intervals unless and until terminated. On August 30, 2012, the parties amended the amended and restated member control agreement to permit certain other ventures. On June 17, 2013, the parties further amended the amended and restated member control agreement to, among other things, extend the initial term through December 31, 2026. On December 31, 2013, the parties entered into the Second Amended and Restated Member Control Agreement (Revised MCA) that, among other things, named DPT as the Facility Management Member.
	As a result of the Revised MCA, the Company accounted for the joint venture using the equity method of accounting through the end of business on December 31, 2013, at which time it was consolidated. Accordingly, the Companys share of income from the joint venture is included in other income on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company reflected the assets and liabilities of DPTS at carryover basis.
	On August 30, 2013, the Board of Governors of DPTSM authorized a distribution to each of its members simultaneously in the amount of $10 million, which was used by its members to fund capital contributions to DPTS in order to fund a portion of the Pioneer Terminal.
	Supplemental Agreement
	In September 2010, the Company entered into a Supplemental Agreement to the DPTS member control agreement (Supplemental Agreement). The purpose of the Supplemental Agreement was to obtain access to site improvements and certain additional transloading equipment necessary to fulfill certain transloading contracts. Under this Supplemental Agreement the Company agreed to provide funds for the site improvements. The total costs incurred for these site improvements were $1,299,201. These costs have been capitalized as property and equipment in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	As part of the Supplemental Agreement, PTS was required to pay all costs for the acquisition of four new transloaders. The total cost of these transloaders was $658,012, with an estimated residual value of $131,602 at the end of the initial Agreement term for a net cost incurred of $526,410.
	To reflect the economics of the $526,410 of costs incurred, the Company recognized rental income of $1,972 and $9,719 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. No cash was received related to this rental income; the rental income recorded was treated as an increase in the Companys investment in the joint venture.
	In order to render fair and equitable the leases for the additional expenditures by the members relating to the site improvements and new equipment, the Supplemental Agreement included a provision that the Company would receive 75% of the cash distributions from DPTS until it had been reimbursed. The additional expenditures would also incur interest at an interest rate of 7% per annum until paid in full. After the Company was reimbursed and received the required interest, the cash distributions reverted back to the 50/50 split as per the original agreement. Only the cash distributions were changed under the Supplemental Agreement. The profit and loss allocations remained the same as the original member control agreement. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had been fully reimbursed for the additional expenditures related to the Supplemental Agreement.
	In the first quarter of 2013, the Company settled an outstanding invoice related to the costs incurred as part of the Supplemental Agreement. The invoice was settled for $21,546 less than the original invoice amount. Based on this the total additional expenditures incurred by the Company were $772,791.
	Rental income related to the Supplemental Agreement was $2,542 and $8,156 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. There were no future lease payments receivable related to this agreement as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	The Revised MCA, among other things, named DPT as the Facility Management Member. This assumption of control of the day-to-day operations resulted in a change in the Companys method of accounting for the joint venture. Effective December 31, 2013, the Company consolidated the accounts of DPTS into its consolidated balance sheet. Beginning January 1, 2014, the Company began including the operations of DPTS in its consolidated statements of operations. The operations of DPTS for the periods prior to January 1, 2014 are included in the pro forma financial statements below.
	Pro Forma Information
	The assumption of the control of day-to-day management of the operations was effective at the end of business December 31, 2013. Therefore, the operating results of DPTS have not been included in the Companys condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The following unaudited pro forma results of operations assume that the change in control of day-to-day management of the operations had been effective for the aforementioned periods. Such results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have been realized nor are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations.
	These pro forma amounts have been calculated after adjusting for intercompany amounts. In addition, the equity earnings from the Companys former non-controlling interest in DPTS have been removed.
		Three Months			Nine Months
		Ended			Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2013
	Revenues	$	3,356,845		$	12,906,617
	Net Income (Loss)		(1,490,386	)		1,088,860
	Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest		567,377			3,151,528
	Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.		(2,057,763	)		(2,062,668	)
	DPTS Marketing LLC
	The Company, through DPM, entered into a joint venture with PTS. The Company and PTS each own 50% of the outstanding member units of DPTSM. The joint venture was formed to engage in the purchase, sale, storage, transport and marketing of hydrocarbons produced within North Dakota to or from refineries and other end-users or persons and to conduct trading activities.
	Each of the members of DPTSM was required to make an initial capital contribution of $100. Each member received 1,000 member units for their initial capital contribution, for a total of 2,000 member units issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2014.
	Each of the members of DPTSM was also required to make an initial Member Preferred Contribution of $10 million to support the trading activities of the joint venture. Upon written agreement of all the members, the members will make such additional Member Preferred Contributions as are agreed upon. All Member Preferred Contributions made shall entitle the member to receive a cumulative preferred return of 5% per annum, which preferred return will be paid in cash on a quarterly basis subject to cash availability. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company reported a preferred dividend receivable of $626,027 and $252,057, respectively, on its condensed consolidated balance sheets. In September 2013, the Company received a payment of $1.1 million related to the cumulative preferred return. This payment was for the cumulative preferred return from the date of the initial $10 million contribution through June 30, 2013. No additional payments related to the preferred return have been received since September 2013.
	The operations of DPTSM commenced in May 2011. Under the member control agreement, the profits and losses of DPTSM are split 50/50, pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding. The cash payments from the joint venture are also paid pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding. The Company did not receive any priority cash distribution payments from DPTSM for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company received its first priority cash distribution payments in April and June 2013.
	On June 1, 2012, DPM entered into an amended and restated member control agreement with DPTSM and PTS. The amended and restated member control agreement, among other things, incorporated all previous amendment and supplements, extended the initial term through December 31, 2021, and provided for the initial term to automatically extend in two-year intervals unless and until terminated. On August 30, 2012, the parties amended the amended and restated member control agreement to permit certain other ventures. On June 17, 2013, the parties further amended the amended and restated member control agreement to extend the initial term through December 31, 2026. On December 31, 2013, the parties entered into the Second Amended and Restated Member Control Agreement that, among other things, increased the operating and accounting fees paid to the member who performs and is solely responsible for purchasing, selling, storing, transporting, marketing and transacting trades in North Dakota crude oil, and entering into related agreements and conducting related activities on behalf of DPTSM (Trading Member) and amended the limitations on its trading activities.
	The Company accounts for this joint venture using the equity method of accounting. The Companys share of the income or loss from the joint venture is included in other income on the condensed consolidated statements of operations, and the Company has recorded an investment in DPTSM on its condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	The unaudited financial statements of DPTSM are summarized as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Sales	$	15,273,607		$	9,115,703		$	41,637,411		$	44,234,110
	Net Earnings (Losses)		578,463			(2,201,127	)		(2,587,964	)		3,144,653
	Companys Share of Equity in Net Earnings (Losses)		289,232			(1,100,564	)		(1,293,982	)		1,572,326
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total Assets	$	31,054,796		$	33,523,175
	Total Liabilities		11,473,028			10,605,497
	Share of Equity in Net Assets		9,790,884			11,458,836
	Dakota Plains Services, LLC
	The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Dakota Plains Trucking, LLC, entered into a joint venture with JPND II, LLC (JPND). The Company and JPND each own 50% of the outstanding member units of DPS. The joint venture was formed to engage in the transportation by road of hydrocarbons and materials used or produced in the extraction of hydrocarbons to or from refineries and other end-users or persons, wherever located, and any other lawful activities as the board of governors may determine from time to time.
	JPND made an initial capital contribution of $650,000 to DPS. The Company was not required to make a capital contribution. Each member received 1,000 member units, for a total of 2,000 member units issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2014.
	The member control agreement of DPS includes a provision that JPND will receive all distributions from the joint venture until the aggregate amount of distributions received is equal to their initial capital contribution. The cash distributions will be split 50/50 after JPND has received distributions equal to its capital contribution. The Company received no distributions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company received a tax distribution in June 2013.
	The operations of DPS commenced in September 2012. Under provisions of the member control agreement the profits and losses of DPS are split 50/50, pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding.
	The initial term of the joint venture is until December 31, 2022, and the term will automatically extend in two-year renewal periods unless and until terminated.
	The Company accounts for this joint venture using the equity method of accounting. The income or loss from the joint venture is included in other income on the condensed consolidated statements of operations, and the Company has recorded an investment in DPS on its condensed consolidated balance sheet. As required by GAAP, the Company recognized its pro rata share of the net income from DPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 less the unrecognized losses from the period ended December 31, 2012. The Company did not recognize the loss from DPS for the year ended December 31, 2012 or decrease its investment in DPS below zero as of December 31, 2012. GAAP prohibits the Company from reducing the investment below zero unless the Company is obligated to provide financial support to DPS.
	The unaudited financial statements of DPS are summarized as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Sales	$	4,780,797		$	3,805,769		$	14,569,046		$	10,902,636
	Net Earnings		329,475			28,630			1,178,835			617,639
	Companys Share of Equity in Net Earnings		164,738			14,315			589,418			212,744
								September 30,			December 31,
								2014			2013
Total Assets							$	8,758,351		$	9,945,720
Total Liabilities								6,760,292			9,126,495
Share of Equity in Net Assets								659,817			70,399
DPTS Sand, LLC
The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Dakota Plains Sand, LLC, entered into a joint venture with PTS. The Company and PTS each own 50% of the outstanding member units of DPTS Sand, LLC. The joint venture was formed to engage in the operation of a sand transloading facility near New Town, North Dakota and any other lawful activities as the board of governors may determine from time to time.
Each of the members of DPTS Sand, LLC was required to make an initial capital contribution of $1,000. Each member received 1,000 member units for their initial capital contribution, for a total of 2,000 member units issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2014.
The operations of DPTS Sand, LLC commenced in June 2014. Under the member control agreement, the profits and losses of DPTS Sand, LLC are split 50/50, pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding. The cash payments from the joint venture will also be paid pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding.
The initial term of the joint venture is until December 31, 2026, and the term will automatically extend in one-year renewal periods unless and until terminated.
As part of the member control agreement, the Company is the Facility Management Member of DPTS Sand, LLC. As the Facility Management Member, the Company is responsible for the day-to-day operations of DPTS Sand, LLC. Accordingly, the Company has consolidated the accounts of DPTS Sand, LLC with and into its consolidated financial statements since the inception of DPTS Sand, LLC.

Lease_Agreement_Related_Party

Lease Agreement - Related Party	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Lease Agreement - Related Party	'
	4.Lease Agreement Related Party
	In November 2009, our predecessor entered into an operating lease agreement with DPTS (See Note 3).
	Prior to January 1, 2014, in accordance with the equity method requirements described in Note 3, 50% of the rent payments received were recognized as rental income and 50% were included in income from investment in DPTS. Accordingly, for the three months ended September 30, 2013, $72,243 of the $144,486 in rent payments was recognized as rental income and $72,243 was included in income from investment in DPTS and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, $253,653 of the $507,306 in rent payments was recognized as rental income and $253,653 was included in income from investment in DPTS.

Lease_Agreement

Lease Agreement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Lease Agreement	'
	5.Lease Agreement
	In July 2013, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement with UNIMIN Corporation to lease certain land owned by the Company in New Town, North Dakota. The Company began receiving monthly lease payments of $10,000 in January 2014 and will continue to do so through December 2023, with annual increases of 3% starting January 2016. The lease agreement includes a provision that allows UNIMIN Corporation the option to renew and extend the term of the lease for four additional periods of five years each. In addition, all improvements to the land, including rail tracks and the sand facility, revert to the Company upon termination of the lease.

Preferred_Stock_And_Common_Sto

Preferred Stock And Common Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Preferred Stock And Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Preferred Stock And Common Stock	'
	6.Preferred Stock and Common Stock
	The Company has authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. Shares of preferred stock may be issued in one or more series with rights and restrictions as may be determined by the Company. No shares of preferred stock have been issued as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	In January 2014, the Company issued 236,739 shares of common stock to its executives and an employee pursuant to its 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. These shares were valued at $532,663, or $2.25 per share, the market value of the shares of common stock on the date of issuance, and have been expensed as general and administrative expenses.
	In March 2014, the Company issued 50,498 shares of common stock to an executive and an employee pursuant to its 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. These shares were valued at $109,581, or $2.17 per share, the market value of the shares of common stock on the date of issuance, and have been expensed as general and administrative expenses.
	In June 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 130,436 shares of common stock to its non-employee directors pursuant to its 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for prior and future service to the Company. These shares were valued at $300,000 or $2.30 per share, the market value of the shares of common stock on the date of issuance. The Company recorded general and administrative expenses of $75,000 and $225,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, related to this stock issuance.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 297,749 shares of common stock were surrendered by certain executives and employees of the Company to cover tax obligations in connection with their fully vested and restricted stock awards. The total value of these shares was $645,679, which was based on the market price on the date the shares were surrendered.

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants	'
	7.Stock-Based Compensation and Warrants
	The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC 718-10-55. This standard requires the Company to record an expense associated with the fair value of the stock-based compensation. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock-based compensation at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility. For warrants granted to employees and directors, the Company uses the simplified method to determine the expected term of the warrants due to the lack of sufficient historical data. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. The fair value of the warrants are recognized as compensation or interest expense over the vesting term.
	Warrants
	The table below reflects the status of warrants outstanding at September 30, 2014:
	Issue Date	Common			Exercise		Expiration
		Shares			Price		Date
	1-Feb-11		1,000,000		$	0.285		31-Jan-21
	22-Feb-11		600,000		$	2.5		22-Feb-16
	5-Apr-11		100,000		$	2.5		5-Apr-16
	1-Nov-12		50,000		$	3.28		1-Nov-16
	2-Nov-12		921,000		$	4		31-Oct-17
	1-Jan-13		100,000		$	3.25		15-Feb-18
	Total		2,771,000
	Outstanding Warrants
	No warrants were forfeited or expired during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	The Company recorded general and administrative expense of $15,697 and $217,868 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, related to these warrants. The Company recorded no general and administrative expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, related to these warrants. There is no further general and administrative expense that will be recognized in future periods related to any warrants that have been granted as of September 30, 2014, as the Company recognized the entire fair value upon vesting.
	There are 2,771,000 warrants that are exercisable at September 30, 2014.
	No warrants were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	Stock Options
	Effective January 16, 2014, certain executives and outside directors of the Company agreed to surrender the 415,625 stock options granted to them in prior periods. There are no options outstanding at September 30, 2014.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued 574,483 restricted shares of common stock as compensation to officers and employees of the Company. The restricted shares vest over various terms with all restricted shares vesting no later than March 2017. As of September 30, 2014, there was $2.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock. This compensation expense will be recognized over the weighted average period of 1.8 years. The Company has assumed a zero percent forfeiture rate for restricted stock. The Company recorded general and administrative expense of $325,363 and $1,037,414 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $465,076 and $1,094,919 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, related to issuances of restricted shares.
	The following table reflects the outstanding restricted stock awards and activity related thereto for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Price
	Restricted Stock Awards:
	Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period		769,063		$	3.82
	Shares Granted		574,483		$	2.24
	Lapse of Restrictions		(327,396	)	$	3.88
	Restricted Shares Outstanding at September 30, 2014		1,016,150		$	2.91

Promissory_Notes

Promissory Notes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Promissory Notes [Abstract]	'
Promissory Notes	'
	8.Promissory Notes
	Principal Amount	$	7,717,317
	Unamortized Debt Discount at September 30, 2014		(378,764	)
	Promissory Notes, Net of Debt Discount	$	7,338,553
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company has the following outstanding promissory notes:
	All promissory notes bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum, with interest paid in arrears on the last day of each fiscal quarter and mature on October 31, 2015.
	The Company incurred finance costs of $195,062 related to these promissory notes, which is being amortized over the term of the notes and is included in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The amortization recorded for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $16,255 and $48,765, respectively.
	Pioneer Terminal
	In June 2013, Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC (Borrower), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with World Fuel Services Corporation. The Credit Agreement provides the Borrower with a $20 million delayed draw term loan facility (the Facility) to finance the Borrowers share of improvements to be made to the Pioneer Terminal in New Town, North Dakota. The availability period for draws under the Facility expired on September 30, 2014, and the maturity date of the Facility is December 31, 2026. The Facility is secured by a mortgage on a majority of the land owned by the Company in New Town, North Dakota as well as a pledge of the equity owned by the Borrower in DPTS.
	During the availability period, a loan under the Facility bore interest at a rate per annum equal to nine percent (9%). After the expiration of the availability period, a loan under the Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) six percent (6%), at any time when the aggregate unpaid principal amount of loans outstanding is less than $5 million, (ii) nine percent (9%), at any time when the aggregate unpaid principal amount of loans outstanding is less than $10 million. There was $7.0 million and $7.5 million outstanding under the Facility at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the right of the Borrower to incur indebtedness, merge, lease, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, make investments and grant liens on their assets.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, the occurrence of which would permit World Fuel Services Corporation to terminate its commitment and accelerate loans under the Facility, including failure to make payments under the Facility, failure to comply with covenants in the Credit Agreement and other loan documents, cross default to other material indebtedness of the Company, failure of the Company or Borrower to pay or discharge material judgments, bankruptcy of the Company or the Borrower, and a change in control of the Company or the Borrower.
	The Company incurred finance costs of $9,783 related to the Credit Agreement, which was amortized through June 2014 and was included in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The amortization recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $0 and $4,076, respectively, and $2,446 and $3,261 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	9.Income Taxes
	The Company utilizes the asset and liability approach to measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences existing at each balance sheet date using currently enacted tax rates in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-30. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
	The income tax provision (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 consists of the following:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Current Income Taxes	$	3,737	$	(391,000	)	$	11,852		$	(1,042,000	)
	Deferred Income Taxes
	Federal		14,000		(793,000	)		(1,048,000	)		(207,000	)
	State		2,000		(82,000	)		(106,000	)		(33,000	)
	Total Provision (Benefit)	$	19,737	$	(1,266,000	)	$	(1,142,148	)	$	(1,282,000	)
	The Company has no liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.
	The Companys policy is to recognize potential interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax provision (benefit). For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not recognize any interest or penalties in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, nor did the Company have any interest or penalties accrued in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, relating to unrecognized benefits.
	The Company reported a net deferred tax asset of $5,035,000 on its condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014. GAAP requires the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has determined that no valuation allowance is necessary related to the deferred tax assets at September 30, 2014. The net operating loss carry forward of $19.3 million that was generated in the year ended December 31, 2013 was caused by the tax expense related to the satisfaction of promissory notes with the issuance of the Companys common stock and the Companys pro rata share of the bonus depreciation that DPTS recorded related to the Pioneer Terminal for income tax purposes. The Company had taxable income in the year ended December 31, 2012 and anticipates taxable income for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	The 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 tax years remain open to examination for federal income tax purposes and by the other major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	10.Financial Instruments
	The Companys financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables, accounts payable, and promissory notes. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value because of their immediate or short-term maturities. The carrying amounts of the Companys promissory notes outstanding approximate fair value because its current borrowing rates do not materially differ from market rates for similar borrowings.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	11.Fair Value
	FASB ASC 820-10-55 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under FASB ASC 820-10-55 as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under FASB ASC 820-10-55 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has no financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Level 2 liabilities consist of the promissory notes (see Note 8).

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	12.Commitments and Contingencies
	Lac-Mgantic, Quebec
	Aspreviouslydisclosed,various lawsuits have been filed against us, certain of our subsidiaries, DPTS, and DPTSM related to aJuly 2013trainderailment inLac-Mgantic, Quebec.For additional information regarding the legal proceedingsrelated to the train derailment, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and Part II Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2014.
	We are currently unable to determine the probability of loss or reasonably estimate a range of potential losses related to the proceedingsarising from thetrain derailment. Accordingly, we have not made any provision for these potential losses in our consolidated financial statements.
	Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC
	Since October 2012, DPTS has been involved in litigation with TJMD, LLP, a North Dakota limited liability partnership (TJMD) arising out of the termination of TJMD as operator of the transloading facility, in which DPTS leases the facility for the use and benefit of their business. TJMD alleges that a wrongful termination without cause on 90 days written notice occurred in June 2012 under the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and a second wrongful termination occurred in September 2012, when DPTS finally terminated the contract before the end of the 90 day period. TJMD is seeking payment for work performed prior to the final September termination, as well as, monetary damages for future losses and other relief. Because the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain, DPTS cannot estimate the possible loss or range of loss for this matter. DPTS intends to vigorously defend against this claim. As of September 30, 2014 and December31, 2013, DPTS has not recorded any accruals associated with this legal claim.
	At September 30, 2014, $13,720 of the other receivables balance was attributed to the net asset relating to the amount of cost that DPTS expects to recover from the third parties responsible for causing the incidents on its property in excess of the estimated amount of cost that it reasonably expects to pay for cleanup measures.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	13.Subsequent Events
	In November 2014, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to sell its membership units in DPS to its joint venture partner, JPND II, LLC. The total proceeds to be received in exchange for the membership units is $1.15 million, and the Company anticipates closing on the purchase agreement in November 2014.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. If not discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11 Income Taxes Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry Forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry Forward Exists which provides that entities should present the unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of the deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (NOL) or similar tax loss or tax credit carry forward rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carry forward under the tax law. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standards core principle is that an entity shall recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard generally requires an entity to identify performance obligations in its contracts, estimate the amount of variable consideration to be received in the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, and recognize revenue as obligations are satisfied. The standard will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented in the financial statements, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2014-09; however, the standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-8, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This ASU changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have a major effect on an entitys operations and financial results. The standard also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually material disposals that do not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation effective for annual periods and interim periods within those periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2014-12, however, the standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Joint Venture Equity Investment	'
	Joint Venture Equity Investment
	The equity method is used to account for investments in joint ventures where the Company has significant influence, representing equity ownership of not more than 50%. As further described in Note 3, the Companys equity investments consist of 50% owned Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC (DPTS) joint venture (prior to December 31, 2013), 50% owned DPTS Marketing LLC (DPTSM) joint venture, 50% owned Dakota Plains Services, LLC (DPS) joint venture and 50% owned DPTS Sand, LLC joint venture. All of the Companys equity investments have December 31 fiscal year ends, and the Company records its 50% share of the joint ventures net income or loss based on their most recent interim financial statements. The Companys share of the joint ventures operating results for each reporting period is adjusted for its share of intercompany transactions, which primarily relate to rental agreements. Any significant unrealized intercompany profits or losses are eliminated in applying the equity method of accounting. Effective at the end of business on December 31, 2013, DPT was appointed the Facility Management Member of DPTS. The appointment as the Facility Management Member resulted in the consolidation of the accounts of DPTS with and into the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2013. Accordingly, the accompanying September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 include the accounts and operations of DPTS. The operations of DPTS Sand, LLC commenced in June 2014, and the accompanying financial statements include the accounts and operations of DPTS Sand, LLC.
	The Company follows applicable equity method authoritative guidance whereby declines in estimated investment fair value below carrying value assessed as other than temporary are recognized as a charge to earnings to reduce carrying value to estimated fair value. The Company periodically evaluates its equity investments for possible declines in value and determines if declines are other than temporary based on, among other factors, the sufficiency and outcome of equity investee performed impairment assessments (which includes third party appraisals and other analyses), the amount and length of time that fair value may have been below carrying value, near-term and longer-term operating and financial prospects of equity investees, and the Companys intent and ability to hold the equity investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of interest-bearing bank accounts and money market funds. The Companys cash positions represent assets held in checking and money market accounts. These assets are generally available to the Company on a daily or weekly basis and are highly liquid in nature. Due to the balances being greater than $250,000, the Company does not have FDIC coverage on the entire amount of bank deposits. The Company believes this risk of loss is minimal.
Property And Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.
	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Site development		15 years
	Terminal		13 years
	Machinery		5 - 13 years
	Other Property and Equipment		3 - 5 years
	Land
	Expenditures for replacements, renewals, and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation expense was $1,108,348 and $3,229,834 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $47,065 and $131,923 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The Company had fixed assets related to in progress construction of $34,357 and $7,551,187 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Impairment	'
	Impairment
	FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 360-10-35-21 requires that long-lived assets to be held and used be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The determination of impairment is based upon expectations of undiscounted future cash flows, before interest, of the related asset. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, the impairment would be computed as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the fair value. There was no impairment recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Environmental Accrual	'
	Environmental Accrual
	Accruals for estimated costs for environmental obligations generally are recognized no later than the date when the Company identifies what cleanup measures, if any, are likely to be required to address the environmental conditions. Included in such obligations are the estimated direct costs to investigate and address the conditions and the associated engineering, legal and consulting costs. In making these estimates, the Company considers information that is currently available, existing technology, enacted laws and regulations, and its estimates of the timing of the required remedial actions. Such accruals are initially measured on a discounted basis and are adjusted as further information becomes available or circumstances change and are accreted up over time. The Company has recorded no liability for environmental obligations as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Any required environmental accruals would be accounted for by DPTSM and DPS.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC 740-10-30. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Accounting standards require the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements only if the position is more likely than not of being sustained if the position were to be challenged by a taxing authority. The Company has examined the tax positions taken in its tax returns and determined that there are no uncertain tax positions. As a result, the Company has recorded no uncertain tax liabilities in its condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company records expenses associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation. For fully vested and restricted stock grants, the Company calculates the stock-based compensation expense based upon estimated fair value on the date of grant. For stock warrants and options, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock-based compensation at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	DPTS and DPTS Sand, LLC recognize revenues when the related services are performed, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. DPTS records the gross sale of fuel-related services when the transloading of petroleum-related products is complete. DPTS Sand, LLC records the gross sale of sand-related services when the transloading of sand-related products is complete.
Stock Issuance	'
	Stock Issuance
	The Company records the stock-based compensation awards issued to non-employees and other external entities for goods and services at either the fair market value of the goods received or services rendered or the instruments issued in exchange for such services, whichever is more readily determinable, using the measurement date guidelines enumerated in FASB ASC 505-50-30.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Company stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock equivalents were exercised or converted to common stock. The dilutive effect of common stock equivalents is calculated using the treasury stock method. When a loss from continuing operations exists, all potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the computation of diluted EPS. As the Company had a loss for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the potentially dilutive shares are anti-dilutive and thus not added into the EPS calculation.
	The reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic			53,884,637		42,033,077		53,755,966		41,770,880
	Plus: Potentially Dilutive Common Shares, Stock Warrants and Restricted Stock			1,023,731
	Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Diluted			54,908,368		42,033,077		53,755,966		41,770,880
	Restricted Stock Excluded from EPS due to the Anti- Dilutive Effect			430,652		948,457		976,462		933,871
	The following stock warrants and restricted stock represent potentially dilutive shares as of September 30, 2014:
			30-Sep-14
	Restricted Stock			1,016,150
	Stock Warrants			2,771,000
	Total Potentially Dilutive Shares			3,787,150
Fair Value Measures	'
	Fair Value Measures
	The Company measures fair value using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, essentially an exit price, based on the highest and best use of the asset or liability. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
		Level 1 Quoted market prices in active markets that are accessible at measurement date for identical assets or liabilities;
		Level 2 Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities;
		Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities and less observable from objective sources
Use Of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such significant estimates include recoverability of property and equipment and equity investments, depreciable lives for property and equipment, inputs in the valuation of certain equity transactions, and accounting for income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Non-Controlling Interest	'
	Non-Controlling Interest
	ASC 810 Consolidation requires that a non-controlling interest be reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements and that losses be allocated to the non-controlling interest even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance, reducing the losses attributable to the controlling interest. The Companys non-controlling interest at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is due to the non-controlling member of DPTS and DPTS Sand, LLC.
Principles Of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 also include the accounts of DPTS and DPTS Sand, LLC. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Effective at the end of business on December 31, 2013, DPT was appointed the Facility Management Member of DPTS, which resulted in the consolidation of the accounts of DPTS with and into the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2013. The operations of DPTS Sand, LLC commenced in June 2014.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Estimated Useful Lives Of Property And Equipment	'
	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Site development	15 years
	Terminal	13 years
	Machinery	5 - 13 years
	Other Property and Equipment	3 - 5 years
	Land
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic		53,884,637		42,033,077		53,755,966		41,770,880
	Plus: Potentially Dilutive Common Shares, Stock Warrants and Restricted Stock		1,023,731
	Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Diluted		54,908,368		42,033,077		53,755,966		41,770,880
	Restricted Stock Excluded from EPS due to the Anti- Dilutive Effect		430,652		948,457		976,462		933,871
Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share	'
		30-Sep-14
	Restricted Stock		1,016,150
	Stock Warrants		2,771,000
	Total Potentially Dilutive Shares		3,787,150

Joint_Ventures_Tables

Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Pro Forma Information	'
		Three Months			Nine Months
		Ended			Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2013
	Revenues	$	3,356,845		$	12,906,617
	Net Income (Loss)		(1,490,386	)		1,088,860
	Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest		567,377			3,151,528
	Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.		(2,057,763	)		(2,062,668	)
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Summarized Financial Statements	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Sales	$	15,273,607		$	9,115,703		$	41,637,411		$	44,234,110
	Net Earnings (Losses)		578,463			(2,201,127	)		(2,587,964	)		3,144,653
	Companys Share of Equity in Net Earnings (Losses)		289,232			(1,100,564	)		(1,293,982	)		1,572,326
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total Assets	$	31,054,796		$	33,523,175
	Total Liabilities		11,473,028			10,605,497
	Share of Equity in Net Assets		9,790,884			11,458,836
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Summarized Financial Statements	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Sales	$	4,780,797		$	3,805,769		$	14,569,046		$	10,902,636
	Net Earnings		329,475			28,630			1,178,835			617,639
	Companys Share of Equity in Net Earnings		164,738			14,315			589,418			212,744
								September 30,			December 31,
								2014			2013
	Total Assets							$	8,758,351		$	9,945,720
	Total Liabilities								6,760,292			9,126,495
	Share of Equity in Net Assets								659,817			70,399

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa1

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants [Abstract]	'
Status Of Warrants Outstanding	'
	Issue Date	Common			Exercise		Expiration
		Shares			Price		Date
	1-Feb-11		1,000,000		$	0.285		31-Jan-21
	22-Feb-11		600,000		$	2.5		22-Feb-16
	5-Apr-11		100,000		$	2.5		5-Apr-16
	1-Nov-12		50,000		$	3.28		1-Nov-16
	2-Nov-12		921,000		$	4		31-Oct-17
	1-Jan-13		100,000		$	3.25		15-Feb-18
	Total		2,771,000
Outstanding Restricted Stock Awards And Activity	'
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Price
	Restricted Stock Awards:
	Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period		769,063		$	3.82
	Shares Granted		574,483		$	2.24
	Lapse of Restrictions		(327,396	)	$	3.88
	Restricted Shares Outstanding at September 30, 2014		1,016,150		$	2.91

Promissory_Notes_Tables

Promissory Notes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Promissory Notes [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Outstanding Promissory Notes	'
	Principal Amount	$	7,717,317
	Unamortized Debt Discount at September 30, 2014		(378,764	)
	Promissory Notes, Net of Debt Discount	$	7,338,553

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Current Income Taxes	$	3,737	$	(391,000	)	$	11,852		$	(1,042,000	)
	Deferred Income Taxes
	Federal		14,000		(793,000	)		(1,048,000	)		(207,000	)
	State		2,000		(82,000	)		(106,000	)		(33,000	)
	Total Provision (Benefit)	$	19,737	$	(1,266,000	)	$	(1,142,148	)	$	(1,282,000	)

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum balance of cash and cash equivalents which does require FDIC coverage	$250,000	'	$250,000	'	'
Depreciation expense	3,229,834	131,923	1,108,348	47,065	'
In progress construction	34,357	'	34,357	'	7,551,187
Liability for environmental obligations	$0	'	$0	'	$0
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Sand, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Estimated Useful Lives Of Property And Equipment) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Site Development [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'15 years
Terminal [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'13 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years
Minimum [Member] | Other Property And Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'3 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'13 years
Maximum [Member] | Other Property And Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years

Summary_Of_Significant_Account5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	53,884,637	42,033,077	53,755,966	41,770,880
Plus: Potentially Dilutive Common Shares, Stock Warrants and Restricted Stock	1,023,731	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	54,908,368	42,033,077	53,755,966	41,770,880
Restricted Stock Excluded from EPS due to the Anti- Dilutive Effect	430,652	948,457	976,462	933,871

Summary_Of_Significant_Account6

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Potentially Dilutive Shares	3,787,150
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Potentially Dilutive Shares	1,016,150
Stock Warrants [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Potentially Dilutive Shares	2,771,000

Joint_Ventures_Narrative_Detai

Joint Ventures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 09, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Sand, LLC [Member]

Supplemental Agreement [Member]

Supplemental Agreement [Member]

Supplemental Agreement [Member]

Transloader [Member]

Transloader [Member]

Transloader [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

50.00%

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Limited partners' contributed capital

'

'

'

'

'

'

$50,000

$650,000

$100

'

$1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Each limited partners' units issued for initial capital contribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

1,000

1,000

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding

'

'

'

'

2,000

'

'

2,000

2,000

'

2,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Agreement renewal period

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'2 years

'2 years

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

Member preferred contribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Member preferred contributions cash return per annum percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred dividend receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

626,027

252,057

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Site improvements

'

'

'

'

1,299,201

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

PPE, Gross

59,852,619

55,479,993

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

658,012

Estimated residual value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

131,602

PPE, net

54,812,526

53,669,734

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

526,410

Cost of property less salvage value

'

'

'

'

526,410

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash distribution percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75.00%

'

'

'

'

Cash distribution

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional expenditures interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.00%

'

'

'

'

Additional expenditures incurred from agreement, discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,546

'

'

'

'

Additional expenditures incurred from agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

772,791

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from cumulative preferred return

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rental income

'

'

'

$253,653

'

$72,243

'

'

'

'

'

$2,542

'

$8,156

$1,972

$9,719

'

Joint_Ventures_Summarized_Fina

Joint Ventures (Summarized Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	$15,273,607	$9,115,703	$41,637,411	$44,234,110	'
Net Earnings	578,463	-2,201,127	-2,587,964	3,144,653	'
Company's Share of Equity in Net Earnings (Losses)	289,232	-1,100,564	-1,293,982	1,572,326	'
Total Assets	31,054,796	'	31,054,796	'	33,523,175
Total Liabilities	11,473,028	'	11,473,028	'	10,605,497
Share of Equity in Net Assets	9,790,884	'	9,790,884	'	11,458,836
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	4,780,797	3,805,769	14,569,046	10,902,636	'
Net Earnings	329,475	28,630	1,178,835	617,639	'
Company's Share of Equity in Net Earnings (Losses)	164,738	14,315	589,418	212,744	'
Total Assets	8,758,351	'	8,758,351	'	9,945,720
Total Liabilities	6,760,292	'	6,760,292	'	9,126,495
Share of Equity in Net Assets	$659,817	'	$659,817	'	$70,399

Joint_Ventures_Summary_Of_Pro_

Joint Ventures (Summary Of Pro Forma Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	$3,356,845	$12,906,617
Net Income (Loss)	-1,490,386	1,088,860
Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest	567,377	3,151,528
Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.	($2,057,763)	($2,062,668)

Lease_Agreement_Related_Party_

Lease Agreement - Related Party (Details) (Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Lease Agreement [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percent of the costs recognized as rental income	'	50.00%	'
Percentage recognized as investment income	'	50.00%	'
Rental income	$253,653	'	$72,243
Rent payments	507,306	'	144,486
Investment income	$253,653	'	$72,243

Lease_Agreement_Details

Lease Agreement (Details) (UNIMIN Corporation [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013
	item
UNIMIN Corporation [Member]	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Operating lease agreement, monthly lease payment	$10,000
Operating lease agreement, annual increase percent after two years	3.00%
Number of optional additional periods	4
Number of years in each period	'5 years

Preferred_Stock_And_Common_Sto1

Preferred Stock And Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
						Board Of Directors [Member]	Board Of Directors [Member]	Board Of Directors [Member]	Executive And Employee [Member]	Executive And Employee [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	'	10,000,000	'	10,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	'	$0.00	'	$0.00	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	'	0	'	0	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock shares issued	54,900,787	'	54,900,787	'	54,206,380	'	'	'	'	'
Warrants forfeited or expired	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock sold, price per share	'	'	'	'	'	$2.30	'	'	$2.17	$2.25
Issuance of common shares related to agreement, shares	'	'	'	'	'	130,436	'	'	50,498	236,739
Issuance of common shares related to agreement	'	'	'	'	'	$300,000	'	'	$109,581	$532,663
General and administrative expense	2,311,780	1,940,378	7,784,815	5,930,221	'	'	75,000	225,000	'	'
Shares of common stock surrendered, shares	'	'	297,749	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares of common stock surrendered	'	'	$645,679	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa2

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Warrants exercisable	2,771,000	'	2,771,000	'
General and administrative expense	$2,311,780	$1,940,378	$7,784,815	$5,930,221
Warrants exercised	0	'	0	'
Common stock surrendered	415,625	'	415,625	'
Options outstanding	0	'	0	'
Stock Warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expense	0	15,697	0	217,868
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expense	325,363	465,076	1,037,414	1,094,919
Forfeiture rate	'	'	0.00%	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	$2,200,000	'	$2,200,000	'
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average recognition period	'	'	'1 year 9 months 18 days	'
Restricted stock awards issued	'	'	574,483	'

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa3

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Status of Warrants Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Common Shares	2,771,000
February 1, 2011 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	1-Feb-11
Common Shares	1,000,000
Exercise price	$0.28
Expiration Date	31-Jan-21
February 22, 2011 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	22-Feb-11
Common Shares	600,000
Exercise price	$2.50
Expiration Date	22-Feb-16
April 5, 2011 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	5-Apr-11
Common Shares	100,000
Exercise price	$2.50
Expiration Date	5-Apr-16
November 1, 2012 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	1-Nov-12
Common Shares	50,000
Exercise price	$3.28
Expiration Date	1-Nov-16
November 2, 2012 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	2-Nov-12
Common Shares	921,000
Exercise price	$4
Expiration Date	31-Oct-17
January 1, 2013 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	1-Jan-13
Common Shares	100,000
Exercise price	$3.25
Expiration Date	15-Feb-18

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa4

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Outstanding Restricted Stock Awards And Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period, Number	769,063
Shares Granted, Number	574,483
Lapse of Restrictions, Number	-327,396
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the End of Period, Number	1,016,150
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$3.82
Shares Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$2.24
Lapse of Restrictions, Weighted-Average Grant Price	3.88
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the End of Period, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$2.91

Promissory_Notes_Narrative_Det

Promissory Notes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
					Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member]	Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member]	Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member]	Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member]	Maximum [Member]
							Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate	12.00%	'	12.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate before expiration date feature	'	'	'	'	9.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate after expiration date, feature 1	'	'	'	'	6.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate after expiration date, feature 2	'	'	'	'	9.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount outstanding after expiration date, feature	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,000,000
Amount outstanding after expiration date, feature 2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,000,000
Maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31-Dec-26	'	'
Finance costs incurred	'	'	195,062	'	'	'	'	'	9,783	'	'
Interest expense	48,765	48,765	16,255	16,255	'	'	0	2,446	4,076	3,261	'
Borrowing capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,000,000	'	20,000,000	'	'
Amount outstanding	'	'	'	'	$7,000,000	$7,500,000	'	'	'	'	'

Promissory_Notes_Schedule_Of_O

Promissory Notes (Schedule Of Outstanding Promissory Notes) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Promissory Notes [Abstract]	'
Principal Amount	$7,717,317
Unamortized debt discount	-378,764
Promissory notes, net of debt discount	$7,338,553

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$19,300,000	'	'
Deferred tax assets net	5,035,000	'	'
Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	0	'	'
Interest or penalties accrued in the condensed consolidated balance sheet	0	'	0
Interest or penalties in the condensed consolidated statement of operations	$0	$0	'

Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Current Income Taxes	$3,737	($391,000)	$11,852	($1,042,000)
Deferred Income Taxes, Federal	14,000	-793,000	-1,048,000	-207,000
Deferred Income Taxes, State	2,000	-82,000	-106,000	-33,000
Total Provision (Benefit)	$19,737	($1,266,000)	($1,142,148)	($1,282,000)

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Estimated recovery from third party	$13,720

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Proceeds from sale of interest in joint venture	$1.15