Dakota Plains Inactive 10-Q8 May 152015 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2015	8-May-15
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Entity Registrant Name	Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1367311
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		54,926,227

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$6,504,373	$4,690,706
Trade Receivables, Net	6,128,903	3,268,386
Income Tax Receivable	14,803	14,803
Other Current Assets	861,041	99,776
Other Receivables	637,687	781,135
Deferred Tax Asset	1,969,000	2,266,000
Total Current Assets	16,115,807	11,120,806
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land	3,191,521	3,191,521
Site Development	5,829,640	5,829,640
Terminal	21,468,675	21,383,972
Machinery	18,133,754	18,133,754
Construction in Process	2,616,454	1,886,470
Other Property and Equipment	12,157,937	11,910,987
Total Property and Equipment	63,397,981	62,336,344
Less - Accumulated Depreciation	7,251,173	6,143,159
Total Property and Equipment, Net	56,146,808	56,193,185
FINANCE COSTS, NET	1,297,453	1,537,795
RESTRICTED CASH	3,000,141	3,000,000
DEFERRED TAX ASSET	26,939,000	26,762,000
OTHER ASSETS	512,901	512,901
Total Assets	104,012,110	99,126,687
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable	8,790,698	7,387,612
Accrued Expenses	1,866,535	1,696,358
Promissory Notes, SunTrust	23,437,500	23,250,000
Operational Override Liability	782,151	715,497
Notes Payable - Vehicles	41,144
Total Current Liabilities	34,918,028	33,049,467
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Promissory Notes, SunTrust	27,875,000	25,250,000
Operational Override Liability	44,368,573	44,595,370
Notes Payable - Vehicles	148,935
Other Non-Current Liabilities	8,167	9,917
Total Long-Term Liabilities	72,400,675	69,855,287
Total Liabilities	107,318,703	102,904,754
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Preferred Stock - Par Value $.001; 10,000,000 Shares Authorized; None Issued or Outstanding
Common Stock- Par Value $.001; 100,000,000 Shares Authorized; 54,926,227 and 55,044,829 Issued and Outstanding, Respectively	54,925	55,044
Additional Paid-In Capital	6,556,388	6,267,788
Accumulated Deficit	-9,917,906	-10,100,899
Total Stockholders' Deficit	-3,306,593	-3,778,067
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit	$104,012,110	$99,126,687

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	54,926,227	55,044,829
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,926,227	55,044,829

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
REVENUES
Transloading Revenue	$8,479,261	$5,455,458
Sand Revenue	878,373
Rental Income	30,000	30,000
Total Revenues	9,387,634	5,485,458
COST OF REVENUES	2,214,662	2,098,699
OPERATING EXPENSES
Transloading Operating Expenses	1,123,872	462,235
General and Administrative Expenses	1,919,189	2,555,543
Depreciation and Amortization	1,108,014	1,035,215
Total Operating Expenses	4,151,075	4,052,993
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	3,021,897	-666,234
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest Expense (Net of Interest Income)	-1,946,742	-502,136
Other Income (Expense)	-764,662
Total Other Income (Expense)	-2,711,404	-294,050
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	310,493	-960,284
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)	127,500	-514,885
NET INCOME (LOSS)	182,993	-445,399
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS		890,864
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF DAKOTA PLAINS HOLDINGS, INC.	182,993	-1,336,263
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Basic and Diluted	$0	($0.02)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic	54,085,723	53,598,684
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted	55,304,822	53,598,684
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Income (Loss) from Investment		86,632
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Income (Loss) from Investment		$121,454

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income (Loss)	$182,993	($445,399)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities
Depreciation and Amortization	1,108,014	1,035,215
Amortization of Debt Discount		87,408
Amortization of Finance Costs	240,342	18,700
Deferred Income Taxes	120,000	-523,000
Non-Cash Rental Income		4,895
Amortization of Deferred Rent	-1,750	-1,750
Share-Based Compensation	509,531	1,128,932
Changes in Working Capital and Other Items:
Increase in Trade Receivables	-2,860,517	-856,273
Decrease (Increase) in Other Receivables	143,448	-102,856
Increase in Other Current Assets	-761,265	-49,641
Decrease in Due from Related Party		1,388,982
Increase in Accounts Payable	933,750	421,134
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Expenses	170,177	-1,440,380
Increase in Due from Related Party		7,972
Increase in Restricted Cash	-141
Decrease in Operational Override Liability	-160,143
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	-375,561	465,853
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of Property and Equipment	-592,301	-4,709,437
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Common Shares Surrendered	-221,050	-645,679
Advances on Promissory Notes, SunTrust	3,000,000
Payments on Promissory Notes, SunTrust	-187,500
Proceeds from Notes Payable - Vehicles	196,152
Payments on Notes Payable - Vehicles	-6,073
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities	2,781,529	-645,679
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	1,813,667	-4,889,263
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD	4,690,706	13,011,608
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD	6,504,373	8,122,345
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest	460,952	445,246
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes	7,500	8,115
Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities:
Purchase of Property and Equipment Paid Subsequent to Period End	1,223,969	4,174,456
Preferred Dividend Receivable		123,288
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities
Income from Investment		-86,632
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities
Income from Investment		($121,454)

Organization_and_Nature_of_Bus

Organization and Nature of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 transloading crude oil and related products within the Williston Basin.

	Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC ("DPT"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed in August 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. Effective November 30, 2014, the Company ceased the purchase and sale of crude oil.

	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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014, which has been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014. 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 period. 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, 2014.

	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 Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The standard's 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 Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



	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 Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Interest – Imputation of Interest" effective for annual periods and interim periods within those periods beginning after December 31, 2015. The new guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This new guidance will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

	Liquidity

	As of March 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables of approximately $12.6 million and our accounts payable and accrued expenses were approximately $10.7 million. In addition, we have $24.3 million aggregate principal amount of promissory notes and Operational Override liability payments due prior to March 31, 2016.

	Under the Revolving Credit Facility with SunTrust, the Company has $6 million of available borrowings at March 31, 2015 that could be utilized to fund the payment of accounts payable and accrued expense in excess of cash and cash equivalents. The Company is currently focused on increasing the operations at the transloading facility and expects cash flows from operations to increase due to the fact that it currently owns 100% of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC ("DPTS") and DPTS Sand, LLC. The Company believes that the cash flows from operations and the availability under the Revolving Credit Facility will allow it to meet its current obligations in the ordinary course of business. The Company is also in discussion with SunTrus about restructuring the Tranche B portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company may also need to secure financing through the capital markets, or otherwise, in order to fund future operations and satisfy obligations due. There is no guarantee that any such required financing will be available on terms satisfactory to the Company, if at all, or that the Company will be able to successfully refinance or restructure the Tranche B portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.

	Joint Venture Equity Investment

	The Company used the equity method to account for investments in joint ventures where it had significant influence, representing equity ownership of not more than 50%. Effective November 24, 2014, the Company sold its 50% ownership in Dakota Plains Services, LLC ("DPS"). In addition, effective November 30, 2014, the Company purchased the remaining ownership interests in DPTS, DPTS Marketing LLC ("DPTSM") and DPTS Sand, LLC from its joint venture partner (See Note 11). Prior to the aforementioned transactions, the Company accounted for its investments in DPS and DPTSM using the equity method. All of the Company's equity investments had December 31 fiscal year-ends, and the Company recorded its 50% share of the joint ventures' net income or loss based on their most recent interim financial statements, during the period the equity investments were accounted for using the equity method. The Company's share of the joint ventures' operating results for each period were adjusted for its share of intercompany transactions, which primarily related to rental agreements. Any significant unrealized intercompany profits or losses were eliminated in applying the equity method of accounting.

	At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company has no investments in joint ventures where it has significant influence, representing equity ownership of not more than 50%, and is not accounting for any investments using the equity method.

	The Company followed applicable equity method authoritative guidance whereby declines in estimated investment fair value below carrying value assessed as other than temporary were recognized as a charge to earnings to reduce carrying value to estimated fair value. The Company periodically evaluated its equity investments for possible declines in value and determined if declines were 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 Company's 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 Company's 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.

	Segments

	The Company has two principal operating segments, which are the crude oil and frac sand transloading operations. These operating segments were determined based on the nature of the products and services offered. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's chief executive officer and chief operating officer have been identified as the chief operating decision makers. The Company's chief operating decision makers direct the allocation of resources to operating segments based on the profitability and cash flows of each respective segment.

	The Company has determined that there is only one reportable segment as the two segments discussed above have similar processes and purposes, customers, geographic locations and economic characteristics.

	Accounts Receivable

	Accounts receivable are carried on a gross basis, with no discounting. The Company regularly reviews all aged accounts receivable for collectability and establishes an allowance as necessary for individual customer balances. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 there was no allowance for doubtful accounts.

	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
	Tanks	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 $1,108,014 and $1,035,215 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company had fixed assets related to in-progress construction of $2,616,454 and $1,886,470 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company has estimated the cost to complete construction to be approximately $3.4 million.



	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 identified during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

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.

The Company records Goodwill for income tax purposes for the amount that the purchase price paid for an asset or group of assets exceeds the fair value of the assets acquired. The Goodwill is amortized over fifteen years.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company records expenses associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation. For fully vested, restricted stock and restricted stock unit 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.

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



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 when the transloading of sand-related products is complete.

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 March 31, 2014, the potentially dilutive shares are anti-dilutive and thus not added into the diluted EPS calculation.

The reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:


		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic			54,085,723		53,598,684
Plus: Potentially dilutive common shares Warrants, restricted stock and restricted stock units			1,219,099		—
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted			55,304,822		53,598,684

Warrants, restricted stock and restricted stock units excluded from EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect			944,128		852,988

The following warrants, restricted stock and restricted stock units represent potentially dilutive shares as of March 31, 2015 and 2014:

		March 31,
		2015		2014
Restricted Stock			781,149		1,016,150
Restricted Stock Units			1,624,121		—
Stock Warrants			2,771,000		2,771,000
Total Potentially Dilutive Shares			5,176,270		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; and

	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 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, depreciable lives for property and equipment, fair value of the Operational Override liability, inputs in the valuation of certain equity transactions, and accounting for income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Non-Controlling Interest

FASB ASC 810 "Consolidation" requires that a non-controlling interest, previously referred to as a minority 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 Company's non-controlling interest during the three months ended March 31, 2014 is due to the non-controlling member of DPTS prior to the Company's purchase of the 50% interest owned by the non-controlling member.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Joint_Ventures

Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Joint Ventures	3	Joint Ventures

	DPTS Marketing LLC

	The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Dakota Plains Marketing, LLC, entered into a joint venture with Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC ("PTS"). The Company and PTS each owned 50% of the outstanding member units of DPTSM until the Company purchased the 50% ownership interest of PTS, effective November 30, 2014. 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.

	The Company accounted for this joint venture using the equity method of accounting until the date it purchased the 50% ownership interest of PTS. The Company's share of the income or loss from the joint venture was included in other income on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	Summarized unaudited financial statements of DPTSM when accounted for as an equity method investment is as follows:

			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14
	Sales		$	14,993,115
	Net Earnings			173,264
	Company's Share of Equity in Net Earnings			86,632

	Pro Forma Information

	The Company accounted for this joint venture using the equity method of accounting until the date it purchased the 50% ownership interest of PTS. The Company's share of the equity method income or loss from the joint venture was included in other income on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	9



	These pro forma amounts have been calculated after adjusting for intercompany amounts. In addition, the equity earnings from the Company's former non-controlling interest in DPTSM have been removed.

			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14
	Revenues		$	15,879,388
	Net Loss			-363,781
	Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest			977,496
	Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.			(1,341,277	)

	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 owned 50% of the outstanding member units of DPS until the Company sold its 50% ownership to JPND on November 24, 2014. 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 determined 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 in DPS.

	Prior to selling its ownership interest, the Company accounted 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 statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	The unaudited financial statements of DPS are summarized as follows:

			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14
	Sales		$	4,585,949
	Net Earnings			242,908
	Company's Share of Equity in Net Earnings			121,454

Lease_Agreement

Lease Agreement

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Leases [Abstract]

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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Preferred Stock And Common Stock [Abstract]
Preferred Stock And Common Stock	5	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, 118,602 shares of common stock were surrendered by certain executives and employees of the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards. The total value of these shares was $221,050, which was based on the market price on the date the shares were surrendered.

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants	3 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants	6	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. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. The fair value of the warrants and options are recognized as compensation or interest expense over the vesting term.

	Warrants

	The table below reflects the status of warrants outstanding at March 31, 2015:

			Warrants			Exercise Price			Expiration 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

		•	Nowarrants were forfeited or expired during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

		•	The Company recorded no general and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 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 March 31, 2015, as the Company recognized the entire fair value upon vesting.

		•	There are 2,771,000 warrants that are exercisable at March 31, 2015.

		•	Nowarrants were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

	Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards

	The Company issued an aggregate of 1,624,121 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units as compensation to officers and employees of the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2015. The restricted stock shares and restricted stock units vest over various terms with all restricted stock shares and restricted stock units vesting no later than March 2018. As of March 31, 2015, there was $4.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units. The Company has assumed a zero percent forfeiture rate on all grants. The Company recorded general and administrative expense of $509,531 and $386,687 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

	The following table reflects the outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards and activity related thereto for the three months ended March 31, 2015:

			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-15
			Number of				Weighted-
			Shares				Average
							Grant Price
	Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards:
	Outstanding at the Beginning of Period			1,031,150			$	2.89
	Shares Granted			1,624,121			$	1.64
	Lapse of Restrictions			(250,001	)		$	3.61
	Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Outstanding at March 31, 2015			2,405,270			$	1.97

Promissory_Notes

Promissory Notes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Promissory Notes [Abstract]
Promissory Notes	7	Promissory Notes

	On December 5, 2014, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries ("Borrowers") entered into a $57.5 million Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement ("Credit Agreement") with SunTrust Bank ("Administrative Agent"). The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of $20 million (the "Revolving Loan Facility") and one or more tranches of term loans in the aggregate amount of $37.5 million (the "Term Loans" and together with the Revolving Loan Facility, the "Credit Facility"). There was $51.3 million outstanding under the Credit Facility at March 31, 2015.

	All borrowings under the Revolving Loan Facility must be repaid in full upon maturity, December 5, 2017. Outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Loan Facility may be reborrowed and repaid without penalty. The first tranche of Term Loans ("Tranche A") in the amount of $15.0 million is payable in quarterly installments and matures on December 5, 2017. Repayment of the second tranche of Term Loans ("Tranche B") in the amount of $22.5 million is due on December 5, 2015. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Borrowers have the right to increase the commitments to the Revolving Loan Facility and/or the Term Loans in an aggregate amount not to exceed (x) $25,000,000 (such increased commitments, "Tranche B Replacement Commitments") plus (y) solely after the full amount of all Tranche B Replacement Commitments have been made, $40,000,000, at any time on or before the final maturity date of the relevant facility.

	At the Borrowers' option, borrowings under the Credit Facility may be either (i) the "Base Rate" loans, which bear interest at the highest of (a) the rate which the Administrative Agent announces from time to time as its prime lending rate, as in effect from time to time, (b) 1/2 of 1% in excess of the federal funds rate and (c) Adjusted LIBOR (as defined in the Credit Agreement) determined on a daily basis with a one (1) month interest period, plus one percent (1.00%) or (ii) "Eurodollar" loans, which bear interest at Adjusted LIBOR, as determined by reference to the rate for deposits in dollars appearing on the Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page for the respective interest period.

	The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum total debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation expense and amortization), or leverage ratio. The method of calculating all of the components used in the covenants is included in the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all required covenants as of March 31, 2015.

	The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including nonpayment of principal when due; nonpayment of interest after stated grace period; fees or other amounts after stated grace period; material inaccuracy of representations and warranties; violations of covenants; certain bankruptcies and liquidations; any cross-default to material indebtedness; certain material judgments; certain events related to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or "ERISA," actual or asserted invalidity of any guarantee, security document or subordination provision or non-perfection of security interest, and a change in control (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

	Pursuant to a Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated December 5, 2014 (the "Guaranty and Security Agreement"), made by the Borrowers, the Company, and certain subsidiaries of the Borrowers in favor of the Administrative Agent, the obligations of the Borrowers are guaranteed by the Company, each other Borrower and the guaranteeing subsidiaries of the Borrowers and are secured by all of the assets of such parties.

	The proceeds from the Credit Facility were utilized to (i) pay in full the existing loans evidenced by those certain Senior Unsecured Promissory Notes due on October 31, 2015 and terminate the Company's obligations thereunder, (ii) terminate the credit agreement dated as of June 17, 2013 between DPT and World Fuel Services Corporation ("WFS") and pay in full the existing loan made pursuant thereto, and (iii) purchase the remaining membership interests of PTS in DPTS, DPTSM and DPTS Sand, LLC.

	The Company incurred finance costs of $1,617,909 related to the Credit Agreement. These costs were capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the Credit Agreement using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recognized interest expense of $240,342 related to these finance costs.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8	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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 consists of the following:

			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Current Income Taxes		$	7,500	$	8,115

	Deferred Income Taxes
	Federal			111,000		(474,000	)
	State			9,000		(49,000	)
	Total Provision (Benefit)		$	127,500	$	(514,885	)

	The Company has no liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.

	The Company's policy is to recognize potential interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax provision (benefit). For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not recognize any interest or penalties in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, nor did it have any interest or penalties accrued in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

	As part of the transaction to purchase the membership units owned by PTS, the Company recorded goodwill for income tax purposes for the amount that the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the assets acquired. The Company has recorded a deferred tax asset for the tax goodwill in the amount of $6.1 million at March 31, 2015. This deferred tax asset will be reduced as the Company amortizes the goodwill. In addition, the Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of $16.9 million for the Operational Override liability. The liability will be reduced for book purposes when paid and recorded as a taxable deduction at the time of payment. The deferred tax asset will be reduced as these payments are made.

	The Company reported a net deferred tax asset of $28.9 million on its condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015. 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 reported a valuation allowance of $306,000 at March 31, 2015 related to state net operating loss carry forwards. The Company accumulated net operating losses in states other than North Dakota due to the operations of DPTSM. The Company will no longer file tax returns in these states now that the operations of DPTSM have been discontinued.

	The 2013, 2012 and 2011 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	9	Financial Instruments

	The Company's 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 Company's 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	3 Months Ended
Fair Value	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	10	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.

	The following schedule summarizes the valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015 Using
									111
			Quoted Prices In			Significant Other		Significant
			Active Markets for			Observable Inputs		Unobservable
			Identical Assets			(Level 2)		Inputs
			(Level 1)					(Level 3)
	Operational Override Liability - Current Liability		$	—		$	—	$	(782,151	)
	Operational Override Liability – Non-Current Liability			—			—		(44,368,573	)
	Total Operational Override Liability		$	—		$	—	$	(45,150,724	)

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using

			Quoted Prices In			Significant Other		Significant
			Active Markets for			Observable Inputs		Unobservable
			Identical Assets			(Level 2)		Inputs
			(Level 1)					(Level 3)
	Operational Override Liability - Current Liability		$	—		$	—	$	(715,497	)
	Operational Override Liability – Non-Current Liability			—			—		(44,595,370	)
	Total Operational Override Liability		$	—		$	—	$	(45,310,867	)

	:The level 3 liability consists of the liability related to the Operational Override (See Note 11). There were no transfers between any of the fair value levels during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Level 2 liabilities consist of promissory notes (see Note 7).

	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2015

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

			Level 3 Financial Liabilities
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	(45,310,867	)
	Decrease for Lower than Estimated Volumes			160,143
	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	(45,150,724	)
	:

Membership_Purchase_Agreement

Membership Purchase Agreement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Membership Purchase Agreement [Abstract]
Membership Purchase Agreement	11	Membership Purchase Agreement

	On December 5, 2014, the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with DPT, Dakota Plains Sand, LLC, DPM and PTS. Pursuant to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, in exchange for $43 million in cash and an Operational Override (as defined below), DPT acquired all of the limited liability company membership interests of DPTS owned by PTS, Dakota Plains Sand, LLC acquired all of the limited liability company membership interests of DPTS Sand, LLC owned by PTS, and DPM acquired all of the limited liability company membership interests of DPTSM owned by PTS. As a result of the transactions, through ownership of its wholly owned subsidiaries, the Company became the sole member of DPTS, DPTS Sand, LLC and DPTSM.

	In addition to $43 million in cash paid to PTS at closing, the Company agreed to pay to PTS an amount equal to $0.225 per barrel of crude oil arriving at the current transloading facility located in New Town, North Dakota, up to a maximum of 80,000 barrels of crude oil per day through December 31, 2026 (the "Operational Override"). In the event such Operational Override payments, in the aggregate, are less than $10 million, then the Company is obligated to pay PTS the difference on or before January 31, 2027.

	At any time the Company may pay PTS an amount equal to the then-present value (using a nine percent (9%) discount rate) of the maximum remaining Operational Override payments assuming maximum volume for the period between the pre-payment date and December 31, 2026. If such early payment is made, the Company will have no further obligations related to the Operational Override.

	The Membership Interest Purchase Agreement contains certain representations, warranties, covenants and indemnification obligations of the parties.

	In connection with the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into an Indemnification and Release Agreement dated December 5, 2014 with WFS (the "Indemnification and Release Agreement"). Pursuant to the Indemnification and Release Agreement, WFS, on behalf of itself and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, agreed to indemnify the Company, DPTS, DPTSM, and each of their respective officers, managers, directors, employees, affiliates, members, and stockholders, for third party claims in connection with, relating to, or otherwise arising from the train car derailment that occurred in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, on July 6, 2013 (the "Derailment"). In addition, the Company, DPT and DPM, on behalf of itself and each such entity's direct and indirect subsidiaries, agreed to indemnify WFS and WFS's officers, managers, directors, employees, affiliates, members, and stockholders for (i) fifty percent (50%) of the documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by any WFS party as a result of or arising out of certain obligations to railcar lessors; and (ii) fifty percent (50%) of the documented out-of-pocket defense costs and legal expenses incurred by any WFS party in connection with the Derailment. The Company and its affiliates' total exposure under the indemnification is limited to $10 million in the aggregate. The indemnification obligations are net of any insurance proceeds received. To support its indemnification obligations, the Company placed $3 million of cash in escrow, which is recorded as restricted cash on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

	In connection with the indemnification, each of the Company and WFS, on its behalf and on behalf of its affiliates, released the other party and its affiliates from any claims arising in connection with the Derailment, other than those for which indemnification is provided under the Indemnification and Release Agreement.

	Pursuant to a Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated December 5, 2014 (the "Seller Guaranty and Security Agreement"), made by DPT, Dakota Plains Sand, LLC, DPM, the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company, the Company's obligations under Section 2.2(b) of the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement in respect of the Operational Override, the Company's obligations in the Indemnification and Release Agreement and the obligations of DPTSM under five Amended and Restated Railcar Sublease Agreements between DPTSM and Western Petroleum Company are guaranteed by DPT, Dakota Plains Sand, LLC, DPM, the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company, and are secured by a second priority lien on all of the assets of such parties.

	In connection with the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, the following agreements were terminated: (a) that certain Member Control Agreement of DPTS Sand, LLC, effective as of June 1, 2014, by and among Dakota Plains Sand, LLC, PTS, and DPTS Sand, LLC; (b) that certain Second Amended and Restated Member Control Agreement of DPTS effective as of December 31, 2013, by and among DPT, PTS and DPTS; and (c) that certain Second Amended and Restated Member Control Agreement of DPTSM, effective as of December 31, 2013, by and among DPM, PTS, and DPTSM; provided DPM and its affiliates will remain subject to the restrictions against purchasing, selling, storing, transporting or marketing crude oil originating from production fields anywhere in North Dakota, or conducting any trading activities related thereto, until June 5, 2015, but shall be permitted to sublease and lease-for-trip railcars to transport crude oil, and transport any other materials (including crude oil) by road.

	Operational Override

	As part of the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to pay the Operational Override payment on a quarterly basis to PTS through December 31, 2026. The payments are due within 45 days of the end of each calendar quarter. In the event such Operational Override payments, in the aggregate, are less than $10 million, then the Company is obligated to pay PTS the difference on or before January 31, 2027.

	Railcar Sublease Agreements

	As part of the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, the Company, through DPTSM, entered into five Amended and Restated Railcar Sublease Agreements with Western Petroleum Company ("Amended Sublease Agreements"). Under the Amended Sublease Agreements, DPTSM will sublease a total of 872 railcars from Western Petroleum Company subject to the terms, covenants, provisions, conditions, and agreements contained in the master railcar leases between the original lessors and Western Petroleum Company. The term of the Amended Sublease Agreements shall be from December 5, 2014 (the "Effective Date") until the end of the term of the applicable schedule to the respective master railcar lease. The last of the master railcar leases expires in August 2021.

	Within thirty 30 days after the Effective Date, Western Petroleum Company delivered to DPTSM a certain set of railcars as identified in a schedule included with the Amended Sublease Agreements. For the period (the "Suspension Period") beginning on the Effective Date and ending on June 1, 2015 (the "Suspension Termination Date"), the Amended Sublease Agreements as they relate to certain other railcars identified in an additional schedule (the "Suspended Cars") shall be temporarily suspended to permit Western Petroleum Company to retain the Suspended Cars. No later than 30 days after the Suspension Termination Date, Western Petroleum Company will deliver the Suspended Cars to DPTSM at the Company's transloading facility located in New Town, North Dakota, unless an alternate location is agreed to. The Amended Sublease Agreements are being accounted for as operating leases.

	DPTSM assumes and accepts the responsibility for any charges incurred between the time of delivery of the railcars to DPTSM under the Amended Sublease Agreements and redelivery of the railcars to Western Petroleum Company at the conclusion of the term, including, but not limited to, charges resulting from demurrage, track storage, switching, detention, freight or empty movements made by the railcars upon each railroad over which the railcars shall move during the term of the Amended Sublease Agreements, as well as any other charges set forth in the master railcar leases.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	12	Commitments and Contingencies

	Lac-Mégantic, Quebec

	We and certain of our subsidiaries, including DPTS and DPTSM, are among the many defendants named in various lawsuits relating to the derailment of a Montreal Main & Atlantic Railroad, Ltd. ("MM&A") train in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. We believe all claims asserted against us and our subsidiaries are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend against such claims.

	On July 6, 2013, an unmanned freight train operated by MM&A with 72 tank cars carrying approximately 50,000 barrels of crude oil rolled downhill and derailed in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. The derailment resulted in significant loss of life, damage to the environment from spilled crude oil and extensive property damage. DPTSM, a crude oil marketing joint venture in which, at the time of the derailment, we indirectly owned a 50% membership interest, and currently own 100% of the membership interest, subleased the tank cars involved in the incident from an affiliate of our former joint venture partner. An affiliate of our former joint venture partner owned title to the crude oil being carried in the derailed tank cars. DPTS, a crude oil transloading joint venture in which, at the time of the derailment, we also indirectly owned a 50% membership interest, and currently own 100% of the membership interest, arranged for the transloading of the crude oil for DPTSM into tank cars at DPTS's facility in New Town, North Dakota. A different affiliate of our former joint venture partner contracted with Canadian Pacific Railway ("CPR") for the transportation of the tank cars and the crude oil from New Town, North Dakota to a customer in New Brunswick, Canada. CPR subcontracted a portion of that route to MM&A.

	On July 15, 2013, four named parties filed a petition in the Canadian Province of Quebec seeking permission from the court to pursue a class action seeking to recover compensatory and punitive damages along with costs. On June 18, 2014 the petitioners sought permission from the Quebec Superior Court to discontinue the proceedings without prejudice against us and our two subsidiaries Dakota Plains Marketing LLC and Dakota Plains Transloading LLC. The Court granted permission for the discontinuance, and consequently those companies have been removed from the proceeding; however, the most recent iteration of the petition, filed on July 7, 2014, still includes DPTS and DPTSM, along with over 30 third parties, including CPR, MM&A and certain of its affiliates, several manufacturers and lessors of tank cars, as well as the intended purchaser and certain suppliers of the crude oil. The petition generally alleges wrongful death and negligence in the failure to provide for the proper and safe transportation of crude oil. On February 24, 2015, the Superior Court of Quebec issued an order staying the class action proceedings in light of settlement agreements reached by several defendants with the Trustee and the monitor in MMA's Canadian bankruptcy (the "Monitor"). On March 20, 2015, by terms of the order dated February 24, 2015, the stay was lifted in respect of all non-settling defendants, including DPTS and DPTSM. We believe these claims against DPTS and DPTSM are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against such claims and pursue any and all defenses available.

	Around July 29, 2013, nineteen individuals filed lawsuits in Cook County, Illinois seeking unspecified damages for their injuries from the accident. The lawsuits assert claims for negligence against the eight defendants noted above. On August 7, 2013, MM&A filed a Chapter 11 voluntary petition in the bankruptcy court in Maine. On August 29, 2013, the defendants jointly removed the cases from state court in Cook County to the United States District Court in the Northern District of Illinois. On September 13, 2013, the bankruptcy trustee for MM&A, and WFS and Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC filed motions seeking to transfer the nineteen personal injury cases from federal court in Illinois to the United States District Court for the District of Maine (the "ME District Court"). On March 21, 2014, the ME District Court granted the transfer motion. On April 4, 2014, the plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration of the order granting the transfer motion and a motion requesting the ME District Court abstain from exercising jurisdiction over the cases. The motion for reconsideration was denied and the motion for abstention remains pending. On May 1, 2014, the plaintiffs appealed the ME District Court's order granting the transfer motion to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. On June 17, 2014, the ME District Court entered a consent order staying proceedings in the transferred cases pending the appeal. On November 11, 2014, the Trustee for MMA's U.S. bankruptcy estate (the "Trustee") and plaintiffs moved to amend the consent order staying proceedings in the transferred cases to allow plaintiffs to file additional cases in other jurisdictions. On March 23, 2015, the ME District Court entered an amended consent order staying proceedings in the transferred cases pending the appeal and allowing plaintiffs to file additional cases. We believe these claims against us and certain of our subsidiaries, including DPTS and DPTSM, are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against such claims and pursue any and all defenses available.

	The Trustee and the Monitor continue to discuss a global settlement with various parties, including us, and such discussions are ongoing. Although amounts to settle have been offered to us in the course of discussions, to date such offers have been informal, not fully defined, or varied significantly in terms of scope and substance. In addition, the settlement discussions have involved multiple parties whose support for the various offers has been uncertain. Accordingly, we are unable to provide information at this time that we believe would enable investors to reasonably assess the significance of these offers or their bearing on the probability, timing or range of any potential settlement. While we continue to actively discuss a potential settlement to resolve the outstanding claims against us, the settlement discussions may not ultimately result in an agreement.

	The Trustee and the Canadian debtor have each filed proposed bankruptcy plans (in the U.S. and Canada, respectively) that seek to implement settlements reached to date with other parties. Prior to becoming effective, the proposed bankruptcy plans will need to be approved by the requisite creditors in both the U.S. and Canadian bankruptcies, such as plaintiffs in the class action and the Quebec provincial government. Thereafter, if so approved, the plans will be submitted to the respective bankruptcy courts for approval. The bankruptcy plans may also be challenged by third parties objecting to the plans and, therefore, approval of the plans and the related timing is uncertain. The bankruptcy plans may be amended at any time prior to their effective date to include additional settlements.

	Additional claims, lawsuits, proceedings, investigations and orders may be filed, commenced or issued with respect to the incident, which may involve civil claims for damages or governmental investigative, regulatory or enforcement actions against us.

	On December 5, 2014, we entered into an Indemnification and Release Agreement with WFS. Under this agreement, WFS, on behalf of itself and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, has agreed to indemnify us, each of our subsidiaries, including DPTS and DPTSM, for third party claims for bodily injury, death, property damage, economic loss, loss of consortium, loss of income and similar claims in connection with, relating to, or otherwise arising from the derailment, in each case solely to the extent not covered by insurance or otherwise paid for by third parties. In addition, we agreed to indemnify WFS for (i) fifty percent (50%) of the documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by any WFS party as a result of or arising out of certain obligations to railcar lessors; and (ii) fifty percent (50%) of the documented out-of-pocket defense costs and legal expenses incurred by any WFS party in connection with the derailment not otherwise covered by insurance. However, our total exposure under this indemnification is limited to $10 million in the aggregate. All of the indemnification obligations are net of any insurance proceeds received.

	We are currently unable to determine the probability of loss or reasonably estimate a range of potential losses related to the aforementioned proceedings. Accordingly, we have not made any provisions for these potential losses in our consolidated financial statements.

	Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC

	TJMD, LLP v. 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, which DPTS leases for the use and benefit of their business. TJMD alleges that a wrongful termination without cause on 90-day's 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 March 31, 2015, DPTS has not recorded any accruals associated with this legal claim.

	Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC v. TJMD, LLP, et al.

	Since April 2013, DPTS has been involved in litigation with TJMD, Rugged West Services, LLC, a foreign limited liability company ("Rugged West"), and JT Trucking, a foreign limited liability company ("JT"), arising out of crude oil spills that occurred at DPTS's transloading facility while TJMD was operating the facility. DPTS leases the facility for the use and benefit of their business. Trucks haul crude oil to the transloading facility where crude is moved onto railcars and shipped to various locations across the country. DPTS has asserted a claim against TJMD for contractual liability because TJMD must indemnify DPTS for cleanup and remediation expenses incurred as the result of the crude oil spills, based on Service Agreements TJMD entered into with DPTS which provide for contractor indemnification. DPTS has asserted claims against TJMD, Rugged West and JT for negligence in causing or allowing the spills to occur which proximately caused damages to DPTS, entitling DPTS to recovery. DPTS has also asserted claims against TJMD, Rugged West and JT for trespass and nuisance, claiming the defendants exceeded the consent to be on the property, entitling DPTS to recovery.

	TJMD has filed third-party complaints against several trucking companies for indemnification and contribution. Originally, thirteen third-party defendants were named – Deer Valley Trucking, Inc., Hofmann Trucking, LLC, LT Enterprises, Inc., Mad Dog Trucking, Inc., Mann Enterprises, LLC, Missouri Basin Materials, Inc., Nickelback, Inc., Red Rock Transportation, Inc., Safe Rack, LLC, Southern Energy Transportation, Inc., Taylor Trucking, Wylie Bice Trucking, LLC, and Basin Western, Inc. Third-party defendant LT Enterprises also sued Donald Compton d/b/a DC Express, as a fourth-party defendant, claiming DC Express must defend and indemnify LT Enterprises due to a contract entered into between the parties. However, that fourth-party defendant has now been dismissed. Deer Valley Trucking has also been dismissed without prejudice. Pursuant to settlement agreements and releases entered into between the parties, stipulations for dismissal have been filed with the Court for Nickelback, Inc., Missouri Basin Materials, Inc., and Taylor Trucking to be dismissed with prejudice. Nickelback and Missouri Basin have paid DPTS the full amount of remediation costs associated with the spills attributable to them. Taylor Trucking paid DPTS the full amount of remediation costs associated with two out of the three spills attributable to them, and a significant amount toward the third spill because the facts indicate TJMD was actually at fault for this spill.

	DPTS prevailed on a summary judgment motion against JT Trucking, LLC, due to JT's failure to answer or otherwise appear in the matter. DPTS continues to actively attempt to recover cleanup and remediation costs on a spill-by-spill basis from each of the trucking companies involved in the specific spills, and also from TJMD. Because the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain, we cannot estimate the possible recovery for this matter at this time. DPTS is vigorously pursuing its claims.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The standard's 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 Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



	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 Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Interest – Imputation of Interest" effective for annual periods and interim periods within those periods beginning after December 31, 2015. The new guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This new guidance will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity	Liquidity

	As of March 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables of approximately $12.6 million and our accounts payable and accrued expenses were approximately $10.7 million. In addition, we have $24.3 million aggregate principal amount of promissory notes and Operational Override liability payments due prior to March 31, 2016.

	Under the Revolving Credit Facility with SunTrust, the Company has $6 million of available borrowings at March 31, 2015 that could be utilized to fund the payment of accounts payable and accrued expense in excess of cash and cash equivalents. The Company is currently focused on increasing the operations at the transloading facility and expects cash flows from operations to increase due to the fact that it currently owns 100% of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC ("DPTS") and DPTS Sand, LLC. The Company believes that the cash flows from operations and the availability under the Revolving Credit Facility will allow it to meet its current obligations in the ordinary course of business. The Company is also in discussion with SunTrus about restructuring the Tranche B portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company may also need to secure financing through the capital markets, or otherwise, in order to fund future operations and satisfy obligations due. There is no guarantee that any such required financing will be available on terms satisfactory to the Company, if at all, or that the Company will be able to successfully refinance or restructure the Tranche B portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.
Joint Venture Equity Investment	Joint Venture Equity Investment

	The Company used the equity method to account for investments in joint ventures where it had significant influence, representing equity ownership of not more than 50%. Effective November 24, 2014, the Company sold its 50% ownership in Dakota Plains Services, LLC ("DPS"). In addition, effective November 30, 2014, the Company purchased the remaining ownership interests in DPTS, DPTS Marketing LLC ("DPTSM") and DPTS Sand, LLC from its joint venture partner (See Note 11). Prior to the aforementioned transactions, the Company accounted for its investments in DPS and DPTSM using the equity method. All of the Company's equity investments had December 31 fiscal year-ends, and the Company recorded its 50% share of the joint ventures' net income or loss based on their most recent interim financial statements, during the period the equity investments were accounted for using the equity method. The Company's share of the joint ventures' operating results for each period were adjusted for its share of intercompany transactions, which primarily related to rental agreements. Any significant unrealized intercompany profits or losses were eliminated in applying the equity method of accounting.

	At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company has no investments in joint ventures where it has significant influence, representing equity ownership of not more than 50%, and is not accounting for any investments using the equity method.

	The Company followed applicable equity method authoritative guidance whereby declines in estimated investment fair value below carrying value assessed as other than temporary were recognized as a charge to earnings to reduce carrying value to estimated fair value. The Company periodically evaluated its equity investments for possible declines in value and determined if declines were 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 Company's 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 Company's 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.
Segments	Segments

	The Company has two principal operating segments, which are the crude oil and frac sand transloading operations. These operating segments were determined based on the nature of the products and services offered. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's chief executive officer and chief operating officer have been identified as the chief operating decision makers. The Company's chief operating decision makers direct the allocation of resources to operating segments based on the profitability and cash flows of each respective segment.

	The Company has determined that there is only one reportable segment as the two segments discussed above have similar processes and purposes, customers, geographic locations and economic characteristics.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable

	Accounts receivable are carried on a gross basis, with no discounting. The Company regularly reviews all aged accounts receivable for collectability and establishes an allowance as necessary for individual customer balances. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 there was no allowance for doubtful accounts.
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
	Tanks	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 $1,108,014 and $1,035,215 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company had fixed assets related to in-progress construction of $2,616,454 and $1,886,470 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company has estimated the cost to complete construction to be approximately $3.4 million.
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 identified during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
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.

	The Company records Goodwill for income tax purposes for the amount that the purchase price paid for an asset or group of assets exceeds the fair value of the assets acquired. The Goodwill is amortized over fifteen years.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation

	The Company records expenses associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation. For fully vested, restricted stock and restricted stock unit 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.
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
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 when the transloading of sand-related products is complete.
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 March 31, 2014, the potentially dilutive shares are anti-dilutive and thus not added into the diluted EPS calculation.

	The reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic			54,085,723		53,598,684
	Plus: Potentially dilutive common shares Warrants, restricted stock and restricted stock units			1,219,099		—
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted			55,304,822		53,598,684

	Warrants, restricted stock and restricted stock units excluded from EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect			944,128		852,988

	The following warrants, restricted stock and restricted stock units represent potentially dilutive shares as of March 31, 2015 and 2014:

			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Restricted Stock			781,149		1,016,150
	Restricted Stock Units			1,624,121		—
	Stock Warrants			2,771,000		2,771,000
	Total Potentially Dilutive Shares			5,176,270		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; and

		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 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, depreciable lives for property and equipment, fair value of the Operational Override liability, 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

	FASB ASC 810 "Consolidation" requires that a non-controlling interest, previously referred to as a minority 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 Company's non-controlling interest during the three months ended March 31, 2014 is due to the non-controlling member of DPTS prior to the Company's purchase of the 50% interest owned by the non-controlling member.
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. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
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
	Tanks	13 years
	Other Property and Equipment	3 - 5 years
	Land	—
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted

			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic			54,085,723		53,598,684
	Plus: Potentially dilutive common shares Warrants, restricted stock and restricted stock units			1,219,099		—
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted			55,304,822		53,598,684

	Warrants, restricted stock and restricted stock units excluded from EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect			944,128		852,988
Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Restricted Stock			781,149		1,016,150
	Restricted Stock Units			1,624,121		—
	Stock Warrants			2,771,000		2,771,000
	Total Potentially Dilutive Shares			5,176,270		3,787,150

Joint_Ventures_Tables

Joint Ventures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Joint Ventures (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summary Of Pro Forma Information
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
	Revenues	$	15,879,388
	Net Loss		-363,781
	Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest		977,496
	Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.		(1,341,277	)
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summarized Financial Statements
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
	Sales	$	14,993,115
	Net Earnings		173,264
	Company's Share of Equity in Net Earnings		86,632

		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
	Revenues	$	15,879,388
	Net Loss		-363,781
	Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest		977,496
	Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.		(1,341,277	)
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summarized Financial Statements		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
	Sales	$	4,585,949
	Net Earnings		242,908
	Company's Share of Equity in Net Earnings		121,454

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa1

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants [Abstract]
Status Of Warrants Outstanding
		Warrants			Exercise Price			Expiration 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
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15
		Number of				Weighted-
		Shares				Average
						Grant Price
	Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards:
	Outstanding at the Beginning of Period		1,031,150			$	2.89
	Shares Granted		1,624,121			$	1.64
	Lapse of Restrictions		(250,001	)		$	3.61
	Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Outstanding at March 31, 2015		2,405,270			$	1.97

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Current Income Taxes	$	7,500	$	8,115

	Deferred Income Taxes
	Federal		111,000		(474,000	)
	State		9,000		(49,000	)
	Total Provision (Benefit)	$	127,500	$	(514,885	)

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Fair Value (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value [Abstract]
Schedule Of Valuation Of Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis
	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015 Using
								111
		Quoted Prices In			Significant Other		Significant
		Active Markets for			Observable Inputs		Unobservable
		Identical Assets			(Level 2)		Inputs
		(Level 1)					(Level 3)
	Operational Override Liability - Current Liability	$	—		$	—	$	(782,151	)
	Operational Override Liability – Non-Current Liability		—			—		(44,368,573	)
	Total Operational Override Liability	$	—		$	—	$	(45,150,724	)

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using

		Quoted Prices In			Significant Other		Significant
		Active Markets for			Observable Inputs		Unobservable
		Identical Assets			(Level 2)		Inputs
		(Level 1)					(Level 3)
	Operational Override Liability - Current Liability	$	—		$	—	$	(715,497	)
	Operational Override Liability – Non-Current Liability		—			—		(44,595,370	)
	Total Operational Override Liability	$	—		$	—	$	(45,310,867	)

Reconciliation Of The Beginning And Ending Balances For The Liability Measured At Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

		Level 3 Financial Liabilities
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(45,310,867	)
	Decrease for Lower than Estimated Volumes		160,143
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(45,150,724	)

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Nov. 24, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables	$12,600,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	10,700,000
Aggregate principal amount of promissory notes and Operational Override payments	24,300,000
Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity	6,000,000
Maximum balance of cash and cash equivalents which does require FDIC coverage	250,000
Depreciation expense	1,108,014	1,035,215
In progress construction	2,616,454			1,886,470
Estimated cost to complete construction	3,400,000
Recorded impairment	0	0
Liability for environmental obligations	$0			$0
Amortization of goodwill for tax purposes	15 years
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Equity method investment, percentage sold			50.00%

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Estimated Useful Lives Of Property And Equipment) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
Tanks [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
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	54,085,723	53,598,684
Plus: Potentially Dilutive Common Shares, Stock Warrants and Restricted Stock	1,219,099
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	55,304,822	53,598,684
Restricted Stock Excluded from EPS due to the Anti- Dilutive Effect	944,128	852,988

Summary_Of_Significant_Account6

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially Dilutive Shares	5,176,270	3,787,150
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially Dilutive Shares	781,149	1,016,150
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially Dilutive Shares	1,624,121
Stock Warrants [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially Dilutive Shares	2,771,000	2,771,000

Joint_Ventures_Narrative_Detai

Joint Ventures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Joint Ventures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred dividend receivable	$123,288
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		50.00%
Equity method investment, percentage sold		50.00%
Limited partners' contributed capital		$650,000
Each limited partners' units issued for initial capital contribution		1,000
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		50.00%
Equity method investment, percentage purchased		50.00%

Joint_Ventures_Summarized_Fina

Joint Ventures (Summarized Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Sales	$14,993,115
Net Earnings	173,264
Company's Share of Equity in Net Earnings	86,632
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Sales	4,585,949
Net Earnings	242,908
Company's Share of Equity in Net Earnings	$121,454

Joint_Ventures_Summary_Of_Pro_

Joint Ventures (Summary Of Pro Forma Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Revenues	$15,879,388
Net Loss	-363,781
Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest	977,496
Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.	($1,341,277)

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
Preferred Stock And Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Preferred Stock And Common Stock [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000		10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00		$0.00
Preferred stock, shares issued	0		0
Common stock shares issued	54,926,227		55,044,829
General and administrative expense	$1,919,189	$2,555,543
Shares of common stock surrendered, shares	118,602
Shares of common stock surrendered	$221,050

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa2

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Warrants exercisable	2,771,000
General and administrative expense	$1,919,189	$2,555,543
Warrants forfeited or expired	0
Warrants exercised	0
Stock Warrants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
General and administrative expense	0		0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
General and administrative expense	509,531	386,687
Forfeiture rate	0.00%
Unrecognized compensation expense	$4,100,000
Restricted stock awards issued	1,624,121

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa3

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Status of Warrants Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period, Number	1,031,150
Shares Granted, Number	1,624,121
Lapse of Restrictions, Number	-250,001
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the End of Period, Number	2,405,270
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$2.89
Shares Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$1.64
Lapse of Restrictions, Weighted-Average Grant Price	3.61
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the End of Period, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$1.97

Promissory_Notes_Narrative_Det

Promissory Notes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Promissory Notes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 05, 2014
Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		$57,500,000
Potential commitment increase	25,000,000
Potential commitment increase after repayment of replacement commitment	40,000,000
Finance costs incurred	1,617,909
Interest expense	240,342
Amount outstanding	51,300,000
Credit Facility [Member] \| One Month LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable rate	1.00%
Credit Facility [Member] \| Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable rate	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		20,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Tranche A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity	15,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Tranche B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity	22,500,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		$37,500,000

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Valuation allowance	$306,000
Deferred tax assets net	28,900,000
Deferred tax assets, goodwill	6,100,000
Deferred tax assets, operation override liability	16,900,000
Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	$0

Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current Income Taxes	$7,500	$8,115
Deferred Income Taxes, Federal	111,000	-474,000
Deferred Income Taxes, State	9,000	-49,000
Total Provision (Benefit)	$127,500	($514,885)

Fair_Value_Schedule_Of_Valuati

Fair Value (Schedule Of Valuation Of Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Operational Override Liability - Current Liability	($782,151)	($715,497)
Operational Override Liability - Non-Current Liability	-44,368,573	-44,595,370
Total Operational Override Liability	($45,150,724)	($45,310,867)

Fair_Value_Reconciliation_Of_T

Fair Value (Reconciliation Of The Beginning And Ending Balances For The Liability Measured At Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)) (Details) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2014	($45,310,867)
Additions to - Operational Override Liability	160,143
Balance at March 31, 2015	($45,150,724)

Membership_Purchase_Agreement_

Membership Purchase Agreement (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 05, 2014	Jul. 06, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 05, 2014
	Dec. 05, 2014	item	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 05, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of railcars subleased			872
Cash paid	$43
Barrels of Oil		50,000
Total exposure amount	10			10
Number of days after quarter end which payment must be made	45 days
Number of days after effective date railcars were delivered			30 days
Number of days after suspension termination date to deliver railcars			30 days
Dakota Plains Sand [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid	43
Price per barrel	0.225
Barrels of Oil	80,000
Discount rate	9.00%
Cash in escrow	3			3
Maximum [Member] \| Dakota Plains Sand [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operational Override payment amount	10			10
Total exposure amount	10			10
Railcar Lessors Obligations [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indemnification percentage	50.00%
Railcar Lessors Obligations [Member] \| Dakota Plains Sand [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indemnification percentage	50.00%
Legal Expenses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indemnification percentage	50.00%
Total exposure amount	$10			$10
Legal Expenses [Member] \| Dakota Plains Sand [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indemnification percentage	50.00%

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2013	Jul. 15, 2013	Jul. 06, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 05, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	item	item	item	item	Dec. 05, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of tanker-cars			72
Number of plaintiffs		4
Number of third parties				30
Number of defendants	8
Number of individuals	19
Barrels of Oil			50,000
Accruals associated with legal claim						$0
Total exposure amount					10,000,000
Railcar Lessors Obligations [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Indemnification percentage					50.00%
Legal Expenses [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Indemnification percentage					50.00%
Total exposure amount					10,000,000