Dakota Plains 10-Q 9 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	8-May-14
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001367311	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	54,770,351

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$8,122,345	$13,011,608
Trade Receivables	856,273	'
Income Taxes Receivable	1,120,057	1,120,057
Other Current Assets	592,164	542,523
Due from Related Party	1,451,310	2,840,292
Other receivables	171,752	68,896
Deferred Tax Asset	3,648,000	3,728,000
Total Current Assets	15,961,901	21,311,376
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
Land	3,166,849	3,166,849
Site Development	5,808,781	5,498,501
Terminal	20,211,177	19,813,452
Machinery	17,721,691	12,702,655
Construction in Process	70,312	7,551,187
Other Property and Equipment	11,201,223	6,747,349
Total Property and Equipment	58,180,033	55,479,993
Less - Accumulated Depreciation	2,845,474	1,810,259
Total Property and Equipment, Net	55,334,559	53,669,734
PREFERRED DIVIDEND RECEIVABLE	375,345	252,057
FINANCE COSTS, NET	104,580	123,280
DEFERRED TAX ASSET	756,000	153,000
OTHER ASSETS	15,902	15,902
Total Assets	84,162,320	87,054,584
CURRENT LIABILITIES	'	'
Accounts Payable	6,698,226	8,286,489
Accrued Expenses	207,265	1,547,645
Accounts Payable - Related Parties	8,694	722
Total Current Liabilities	6,914,185	9,834,856
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	'	'
Promissory Notes, Net of Debt Discount	7,163,740	7,076,332
Promissory Note, Pioneer Terminal	7,500,000	7,500,000
Other Non-Current Liabilities	15,167	16,917
Total Long-Term Liabilities	14,678,907	14,593,249
Total Liabilities	21,593,092	24,428,105
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Preferred Stock - Par Value $.001; 10,000,000 Shares Authorized; None Issued or Outstanding	'	'
Common Stock - Par Value $.001; 100,000,000 Shares Authorized; 54,770,351 and 54,206,380 Issued and Outstanding, Respectively	54,770	54,206
Additional Paid-In Capital	44,218,721	43,836,032
Accumulated Deficit	-8,173,088	-6,836,825
Total Equity Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.	36,100,403	37,053,413
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiary	26,468,825	25,573,066
Total Stockholders' Equity	62,569,228	62,626,479
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	84,162,320	87,054,584
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
INVESTMENT	11,422,180	11,458,836
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
INVESTMENT	$191,853	$70,399

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	54,770,351	54,206,380
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,770,351	54,206,380

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
REVENUES	'	'
Transloading Revenue	$5,455,458	'
Rental Income	30,000	95,199
Total Revenues	5,485,458	95,199
COST OF REVENUE	2,098,699	'
Gross Profit	3,386,759	95,199
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'
General and Administrative Expenses	3,017,778	1,444,391
Depreciation and Amortization	1,035,215	40,984
Total Operating Expenses	4,052,993	1,485,375
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-666,234	-1,390,176
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'
Interest Expense (Net of Interest Income)	-502,136	-890,805
Total Other Income (Expense), net	-294,050	2,352,073
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	-960,284	961,897
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)	-514,885	373,000
NET INCOME (LOSS)	-445,399	588,897
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS	890,864	'
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF DAKOTA PLAINS HOLDINGS, INC.	-1,336,263	588,897
Net Loss Per Common Share - Basic and Diluted	($0.02)	$0.01
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic	53,598,684	41,418,606
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted	53,598,684	42,827,077
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'	'
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'
Income from Investment	'	1,414,260
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'	'
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'
Income from Investment	86,632	1,766,563
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'	'
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'
Income from Investment	$121,454	$62,055

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	($445,399)	$588,897
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	1,035,215	40,984
Amortization of Debt Discount	87,408	87,408
Amortization of Finance Costs	18,700	16,255
Deferred Income Taxes	-523,000	257,000
Share-Based Consulting Fees	'	130,769
Decrease in Deferred Rental Income	'	-21,273
Non-Cash Rental Income	'	-3,875
Non-Cash Rental Expense	4,895	'
Amortization of Deferred Rent	-1,750	'
Share-Based Compensation	1,128,932	420,890
Changes in Working Capital and Other Items	'	'
Increase in Trade Receivables	-856,273	'
Increase in Income Taxes Receivable	'	-42,883
Increase in Other Receivables	-102,856	'
Increase in Other Current Assets	-49,641	-201,105
Decrease in Due from Related Party	1,388,982	19,433
Increase in Accounts Payable	421,134	362,361
Increase in Income Taxes Payable	'	21,546
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Expenses	-1,440,380	82,000
Decrease in Deferred Rental Income	'	-176,662
Increase in Accounts Payable - Related Party	7,972	'
Increase in Other Assets	'	-894
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	465,853	-1,662,027
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Purchases of Property and Equipment	-4,709,437	-67,482
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities	-4,709,437	-19,660
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Common Shares Surrendered	-645,679	'
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-4,889,263	-1,681,687
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD	13,011,608	2,340,083
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD	8,122,345	658,396
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'	'
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest	445,246	787,225
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes	8,115	34,000
Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities:	'	'
Purchase of Property and Equipment Paid Subsequent to Period End	4,174,456	'
Change in Preferred Dividend Receivable	123,288	121,918
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'	'
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	'	'
Income from Investment	'	-1,414,260
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Cash Received from Joint Venture	'	47,822
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	-1,766,563
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)	($62,055)

Organization_And_Nature_Of_Bus

Organization And Nature Of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization And Nature Of Business [Abstract]	'
Organization And Nature Of Business	'
	1	Organization and Nature of Business
	Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc. (the "Company", "our" and words of similar import) is an integrated midstream energy company, principally focused on developing and owning transloading facilities and marketing and transporting crude oil and related products within the Williston Basin.
	Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC ("DPT"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed in April 2011 primarily to participate in the ownership and operation of a transloading facility near New Town, North Dakota through which producers, transporters, and marketers may transload crude oil and related products from and onto the Canadian Pacific Railway.
	Dakota Plains Marketing, LLC ("DPM"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company was formed in April 2011 primarily to engage in the purchase, sale, storage, transport and marketing of hydrocarbons produced within North Dakota to or from refineries and other end-users or persons.
	Dakota Plains Trucking, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company was formed in September 2012 primarily to engage in the transportation by road of hydrocarbons and materials used or produced in the extraction of hydrocarbons to or from refineries and other end-users or persons, wherever located.
	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, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	The financial information included herein is unaudited, except for the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, which has been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013. However, such information includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and change in accounting principles), which are in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire year.
	Certain information, accounting policies, and footnote disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to certain rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. If not discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements upon adoption.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update "ASU" No. 2013-11 "Income Taxes – Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry forward Exists" which provides that entities should present the unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of the deferred tax asset for a net operating loss ("NOL") or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
	Joint Venture Equity Investment
	The equity method is used to account for investments in joint ventures where the Company has significant influence, representing equity ownership of not more than 50%. As further described in Note 3, the Company's equity investments consist of 50% owned Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC ("DPTS") joint venture (prior to December 31, 2013), 50% owned DPTS Marketing LLC ("DPTSM") joint venture, and 50% owned Dakota Plains Services, LLC ("DPS") joint venture. DPTS, DPTSM, and DPS have December 31 fiscal year ends, and the Company records its 50% share of the joint ventures' net income or loss based on their most recent interim financial statements. The Company's share of the joint ventures' operating results for each reporting period is adjusted for its share of intercompany transactions, which primarily relate to rental agreements. Any significant unrealized intercompany profits or losses are eliminated in applying the equity method of accounting. Effective at end of business on December 31, 2013, DPT was appointed the Facility Management Member of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC. The appointment as the Facility Management Member requires consolidation of the financial statements of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC with and into the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Company consolidated the financial statements of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC with and into its March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheets and its condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	The Company follows applicable equity method authoritative guidance whereby declines in estimated investment fair value below carrying value assessed as other than temporary are recognized as a charge to earnings to reduce carrying value to estimated fair value. The Company periodically evaluates its equity investments for possible declines in value and determines if declines are other than temporary based on, among other factors, the sufficiency and outcome of equity investee performed impairment assessments (which includes third party appraisals and other analyses), the amount and length of time that fair value may have been below carrying value, near-term and longer-term operating and financial prospects of equity investees, and the 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.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.
	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Site development		15 years
	Terminal		13 years
	Machinery		5 - 13 years
	Other Property and Equipment		3 - 5 years
	Land		—
	Expenditures for replacements, renewals, and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation expense was $1,035,215 and $40,984 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company had fixed assets related to in progress construction of $70,312 and $7,551,187 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Impairment
	FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360-10-35-21 requires that long-lived assets to be held and used be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The determination of impairment is based upon expectations of undiscounted future cash flows, before interest, of the related asset. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, the impairment would be computed as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the fair value. There was no impairment recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Environmental Accrual
	Accruals for estimated costs for environmental obligations generally are recognized no later than the date when the Company identifies what cleanup measures, if any, are likely to be required to address the environmental conditions. Included in such obligations are the estimated direct costs to investigate and address the conditions, and the associated engineering, legal and consulting costs. In making these estimates, the Company considers information that is currently available, existing technology, enacted laws and regulations, and its estimates of the timing of the required remedial actions. Such accruals are initially measured on a discounted basis — and are adjusted as further information becomes available or circumstances change — and are accreted up over time. The Company has recorded no liability for environmental obligations as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Any required environmental accruals would generally be accounted for by DPTSM and DPS.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC 740-10-30. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Accounting standards require the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is "more likely than not" that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements only if the position is more likely than not of being sustained if the position were to be challenged by a taxing authority. The Company has examined the tax positions taken in its tax returns and determined that there are no uncertain tax positions. As a result, the Company has recorded no uncertain tax liabilities in its condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	Revenue Recognition
	Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC recognizes revenue when the related services are performed, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC records the gross sale of fuel-related services when the transloading of petroleum-related products is complete.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company records expenses associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation. For fully vested and restricted stock grants, the Company calculates the stock-based compensation expense based upon estimated fair value on the date of grant. For stock warrants and options, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock-based compensation at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
	Stock Issuance
	The Company records the stock-based compensation awards issued to non-employees and other external entities for goods and services at either the fair market value of the goods received or services rendered or the instruments issued in exchange for such services, whichever is more readily determinable, using the measurement date guidelines enumerated in FASB ASC 505-50-30.
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share ("EPS") excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Company shareholders 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, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic			53,598,684		41,418,606
	Plus: Potentially dilutive common shares
	Stock options, warrants and restricted stock			—		1,408,471
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted			53,598,684		42,827,077
	Stock options, warrants and restricted stock excluded from EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect			852,988		131,957
	The following stock warrants and restricted stock represent potentially dilutive shares as of March 31, 2014:
					31-Mar-14
	Restricted Stock					1,016,150
	Stock Warrants					2,771,000
	Total Potentially Dilutive Shares					3,787,150
	Fair Value Measures
	The Company measures fair value using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, essentially an exit price, based on the highest and best use of the asset or liability. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
		Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets that are accessible at measurement date for identical assets or liabilities;
		Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities;
		Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities and less observable from objective sources.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such significant estimates include recoverability of property and equipment and equity investments, depreciable lives for property and equipment, inputs in the valuation of certain equity transactions, and accounting for income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
	Non-Controlling Interest
	ASC 810 "Consolidation" requires that a non-controlling interest be reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements and that losses be allocated to the non-controlling interest even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance, reducing the losses attributable to the controlling interest. The Company's non-controlling interest at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is due to the non-controlling member of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 also include the accounts of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Effective at the end of business on December 31, 2013, DPT was appointed the Facility Management Member of DPTS. The appointment as the Facility Management Member requires consolidation of the financial statements of DPTS with and into the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Joint_Ventures

Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Joint Ventures	'
	3	Joint Ventures
	Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC
	On November 9, 2009, the Company entered into a joint venture with Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC ("PTS"). The Company and PTS each own 50% of the outstanding member units of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC. The joint venture was formed to engage in the acquisition, construction and operation of a petroleum transloading facility in New Town, North Dakota ("Transloading Facility").
	Each of the members of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC was required to make an initial capital contribution of $50,000. Each member received 1,000 member units for their initial capital contribution, for a total of 2,000 member units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2014.
	As part of the joint venture agreement, the Company owns the transloading facility and certain equipment acquired and leases the property to Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC.
	The operations of the transloading facility commenced in November 2009. Under provisions of the member control agreement the profits and losses of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC are split 50/50, pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding. The cash payments from the joint venture also are paid pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding.
	On June 1, 2012, DPT entered into an amended and restated member control agreement with Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC and PTS. The amended and restated member control agreement, among other things, incorporated all previous amendments and supplements, extended the initial term through December 31, 2021, and provided for the initial term to automatically extend in two-year intervals unless and until terminated. On August 30, 2012, the parties amended the amended and restated member control agreement to permit certain other ventures. On June 17, 2013, the parties further amended the amended and restated member control agreement to, among other things, extend the initial term through December 31, 2026. On December 31, 2013, the parties entered into the Second Amended and Restated Member Control Agreement ("Revised MCA") that, among other things, named DPT as the Facility Management Member.
	Due to the Revised MCA, the Company accounted for this joint venture using the equity method of accounting through the end of business on December 31, 2013, at which time it was consolidated. Accordingly, the Company's share of income from the joint venture is included in other income on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company reflected the assets and liabilities of DPTS at carryover basis.
	On August 30, 2013, the Board of Governors of DPTS Marketing LLC authorized a distribution to each member simultaneously in the amount of $10 million, which was used by its members to fund capital contributions to Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC in order to fund a portion of the Pioneer Terminal.
	Supplemental Agreement
	In September 2010, the Company entered into a Supplemental Agreement to the Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC member control agreement ("Supplemental Agreement"). The purpose of the Supplemental Agreement was to obtain access to site improvements and certain additional transloading equipment necessary to fulfill certain transloading contracts. Under this Supplemental Agreement the Company agreed to provide funds for the site improvements. The total costs incurred for these site improvements were $1,299,201. These costs have been capitalized as property and equipment on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	As part of the Supplemental Agreement, PTS was required to pay all costs for the acquisition of four new transloaders. The total cost of these transloaders was $658,012, with an estimated residual value of $131,602 at the end of the initial Agreement term for a net cost incurred of $526,410.
	To reflect the economics of the $526,410 of costs incurred, the Company recognized rental income of $3,873 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. No cash was received related to this rental income; the rental income recorded was treated as an increase in the Company's investment in the joint venture.
	In order to render fair and equitable the leases for the additional expenditures by the members relating to the site improvements and new equipment, the Supplemental Agreement included a provision that the Company would receive 75% of the cash distributions from Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC until the Company had been reimbursed. The additional expenditures would also incur interest at an interest rate of 7% per annum until paid in full. After the Company was reimbursed and received the required interest, the cash distributions reverted back to the 50/50 split as per the original agreement. Only the cash distributions were changed under the Supplemental Agreement, the profit and loss allocations remained the same as the original member control agreement. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has been reimbursed for the additional expenditures related to the Supplemental Agreement.
	In the first quarter of 2013, the Company settled an outstanding invoice related to the costs incurred as part of the Supplemental Agreement. The invoice was settled for $21,546 less than the original invoice amount. Based on this the total additional expenditures incurred by the Company were $772,791.
	Rental income related to the Supplemental Agreement was $622 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. There were no future lease payments receivable related to this agreement as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	The Revised MCA, among other things, names DPT as the Facility Management Member. This assumption of control of the day-to-day operations caused a change in how the Company must account for the joint venture. Effective December 31, 2013, the Company was required to consolidate the balance sheet of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC with and into its consolidated balance sheet. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company began consolidating the operations of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC with and into its consolidated financial statements. The amounts are included in the pro forma financial statements below.
	Pro Forma Information
	The assumption of the control of day-to-day management of the operations was effective at the end of business December 31, 2013. Therefore, the operating results of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC have not been included in the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The following unaudited pro forma results of operations assume that the change in control of day-to-day management of the operations had been effective for the aforementioned period. Such results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have been realized nor are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations.
	These pro forma amounts have been calculated after adjusting for intercompany amounts. In addition, the equity earnings from the Company's former non-controlling interest in Dakota Petroleum Transport Solution, LLC have been removed.
			Three Months
			Ended March 31,
			2013
	Revenues		$	4,924,261
	Net Income			1,907,954
	Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest			1,319,057
	Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.			588,897
	DPTS Marketing LLC
	The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Dakota Plains Marketing, LLC, entered into a joint venture with PTS. The Company and PTS each own 50% of the outstanding member units of DPTS Marketing LLC. The joint venture was formed to engage in the purchase, sale, storage, transport and marketing of hydrocarbons produced within North Dakota to or from refineries and other end-users or persons and to conduct trading activities.
	Each of the members of DPTS Marketing LLC was required to make an initial capital contribution of $100. Each member received 1,000 member units for their initial capital contribution, for a total of 2,000 member units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2014.
	Each of the members of DPTS Marketing LLC was also required to make an initial Member Preferred Contribution of $10,000,000 to support the trading activities of the joint venture. Upon written agreement of all the members, the members will make such additional Member Preferred Contributions as are agreed upon. All Member Preferred Contributions made shall entitle the member to receive a cumulative preferred return of 5% per annum, which preferred return will be paid in cash on a quarterly basis subject to cash availability. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company accrued a preferred dividend receivable of $375,345 and $252,057, respectively, on its condensed consolidated balance sheets. In September 2013, the Company received a payment of $1.1 million related to the cumulative preferred return. This payment was for the cumulative preferred return from the date of the initial $10 million contribution through June 30, 2013. No additional payments have been received since September 2013.
	The operations of DPTS Marketing LLC commenced in May 2011. Under the member control agreement, the profits and losses of DPTS Marketing LLC are split 50/50, pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding. The cash payments from the joint venture will also be paid pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding. The Company did not receive any priority cash distribution payments from DPTS Marketing LLC for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	On June 1, 2012, DPM entered into an amended and restated member control agreement with DPTS Marketing LLC and PTS. The amended and restated member control agreement, among other things, incorporated all previous amendment and supplements, extended the initial term through December 31, 2021, and provided for the initial term to automatically extend in two-year intervals unless and until terminated. On August 30, 2012, the parties amended the amended and restated member control agreement to permit certain other ventures. On June 17, 2013, they subsequently amended the amended and restated member control agreement to extend the initial term through December 31, 2026. On December 31, 2013, the parties entered into the Second Amended and Restated Member Control Agreement that, among other things, increased the operating and accounting fees paid to the Trading Member and amended the limitations on its trading activities.
	The Company accounts for this joint venture using the equity method of accounting. The Company's share of the income or loss from the joint venture is included in other income on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the Company has recorded an investment in DPTS Marketing LLC on its condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	The unaudited financial statements of DPTS Marketing LLC are summarized as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013
	Sales		$	14,993,115	$	19,842,543
	Net Income			173,264		3,533,126
	Company's Share of Equity in Net Income			86,632		1,766,563
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Total Assets		$	37,954,893	$	33,523,175
	Total Liabilities			15,110,533		10,605,497
	Share of Equity in Net Assets			11,422,180		11,458,839
	Dakota Plains Services, LLC
	The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Dakota Plains Trucking, LLC, entered into a joint venture with JPND II, LLC ("JPND"). The Company and JPND each own 50% of the outstanding member units of Dakota Plains Services, LLC. The joint venture was formed to engage in the transportation by road of hydrocarbons and materials used or produced in the extraction of hydrocarbons to or from refineries and other end-users or persons, wherever located, and any other lawful activities as the board of governors may determine from time to time.
	JPND made an initial capital contribution of $650,000 to Dakota Plains Services, LLC. The Company was not required to make a capital contribution. Each member received 1,000 member units, for a total of 2,000 member units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2014.
	The member control agreement of Dakota Plains Services, LLC includes a provision that JPND will receive all distributions from the joint venture until the aggregate amount of distributions received is equal to their initial capital contribution. The cash distributions will be split 50/50 after JPND has received distributions equal to its capital contribution. The Company received no distributions for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The operations of Dakota Plains Services, LLC commenced in September 2012. Under provisions of the member control agreement the profits and losses of Dakota Plains Services, LLC are split 50/50 pro rata based on the number of member units outstanding.
	The initial term of the joint venture is until December 31, 2022, and the term will automatically extend in two-year renewal periods unless and until terminated.
	The Company accounts for this joint venture using the equity method of accounting. The income or loss from the joint venture is included in other income on the condensed consolidated statements of operations, and the Company has recorded an investment in Dakota Plains Services, LLC on its condensed consolidated balance sheet. As required by GAAP, the Company recognized its pro rata share of the net income from Dakota Plains Services, LLC for the three months ended March 31, 2013 less the unrecognized losses from the period ended December 31, 2012. The Company did not recognize the loss from Dakota Plains Services, LLC for the period ended December 31, 2012 or decrease its investment in Dakota Plains Services, LLC below zero as of December 31, 2012. GAAP prohibits the Company from reducing the investment below zero unless the Company is obligated to provide financial support to Dakota Plains Services, LLC.
	The unaudited financial statements of Dakota Plains Services, LLC are summarized as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013
	Sales		$	4,585,949	$	3,173,574
	Net Income			242,908		316,261
	Company's Share of Equity in Net Income			121,454		62,055
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Total Assets		$	9,203,394	$	9,945,720
Total Liabilities			8,141,262		9,126,495
Share of Equity in Net Assets			191,853		70,399

Lease_Agreement_Related_Party

Lease Agreement - Related Party	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Lease Agreement - Related Party	'
	4	Lease Agreement – Related Party
	In November 2009, our predecessor entered into an operating lease agreement with Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC (See Note 3).
	In accordance with the equity method requirements described in Note 3, prior to December 31, 2013, 50% of the rent payments received were recognized as rental income and 50% were included in income from investment from Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC. Accordingly, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, $90,704 of the $181,409 in rent payments was recognized as rental income and $90,705 was included in income from investment in Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC.

Lease_Agreement

Lease Agreement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Lease Agreement	'
	5	Lease Agreement
	In July 2013, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement with UNIMIN Corporation to lease certain land owned by the Company in New Town, North Dakota. The Company began receiving monthly lease payments of $10,000 in January 2014 and will continue to do so through December 2023, with annual increases of 3% starting January 2016. The lease agreement includes a provision that allows UNIMIN Corporation the option to renew and extend the term of the lease for four additional periods of five years each. In addition, all improvements to the land, including rail tracks and the sand facility, revert to the Company upon termination of the lease.

Preferred_Stock_And_Common_Sto

Preferred Stock And Common Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Preferred Stock And Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Preferred Stock And Common Stock	'
	6	Preferred Stock and Common Stock
	The Company has authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. Shares of preferred stock may be issued in one or more series with rights and restrictions as may be determined by the Company. No shares of preferred stock have been issued as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	In January 2014, the Company issued 236,739 shares of common stock to its executives and an employee pursuant to our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. These shares were valued at $532,663, or $2.25 per share, the market value of the shares of common stock on the date of issuance, and have been expensed as general and administrative expenses.
	In March 2014, the Company issued 50,498 shares of common stock to an executive and an employee pursuant to our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. These shares were valued at $109,581, or $2.17 per share, the market value of the shares of common stock on the date of issuance, and have been expensed as general and administrative expenses.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, 297,749 shares of common stock were surrendered by certain executives and employees of the Company to cover tax obligations in connection with their fully vested and restricted stock awards. The total value of these shares was $645,679, which was based on the market price on the date the shares were surrendered.

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants	'
	7	Stock-Based Compensation and Warrants
	The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC 718-10-55. This standard requires the Company to record an expense associated with the fair value of the stock-based compensation. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock-based compensation at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility. For warrants and options granted to employees and directors, the Company uses the simplified method to determine the expected term of the warrants and options due to the lack of sufficient historical data. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. The fair value of the warrants 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, 2014:
	Issue Date		Common			Exercise		Expiration
			Shares			Price		Date
	1-Feb-11			1,000,000		$	0.285	31-Jan-21
	22-Feb-11			600,000		$	2.5	22-Feb-16
	5-Apr-11			100,000		$	2.5	5-Apr-16
	1-Nov-12			50,000		$	3.28	1-Nov-16
	2-Nov-12			921,000		$	4	31-Oct-17
	1-Jan-13			100,000		$	3.25	15-Feb-18
	Total			2,771,000
	Outstanding Warrants
		•	No warrants were forfeited or expired during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
		•	The Company recorded general and administrative expense of $0 and $113,687, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 related to these warrants. There is no further general and administrative expense that will be recognized in future periods related to any warrants that had been granted as of March 31, 2014, as the Company recognized the entire fair value upon vesting.
		•	There are 2,771,000 warrants that are exercisable at March 31, 2014.
		•	No warrants were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Stock Options
	Effective January 16, 2014, certain executives and outside directors of the Company agreed to surrender the 415,625 stock options granted to them in prior periods. There are no options outstanding at March 31, 2014.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company issued 574,483 restricted shares of common stock as compensation to officers and employees of the Company. The restricted shares vest over various terms with all restricted shares vesting no later than March 2017. As of March 31, 2014, there was $2.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock. This compensation expense will be recognized over the weighted average period of 2.2 years. The Company has assumed a zero percent forfeiture rate for restricted stock. The Company recorded general and administrative expense of $386,687 and $242,638 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to issuances of restricted shares.
	The following table reflects the outstanding restricted stock awards and activity related thereto for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14
			Number of			Weighted-Average
			Shares			Grant Price
	Restricted Stock Awards:
	Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period			769,063		$	3.82
	Shares Granted			574,483		$	2.24
	Lapse of Restrictions			(327,396	)	$	3.88
	Restricted Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2014			1,016,150		$	2.91

Promissory_Notes

Promissory Notes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Promissory Notes [Abstract]	'
Promissory Notes	'
	8	Promissory Notes
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company has the following outstanding promissory notes:
	Maturity Date		Principal Amount
	31-Oct-15		$	7,717,317
	Unamortized debt discount at March 31, 2014			(553,577	)
	Promissory notes, net of debt discount		$	7,163,740
	All promissory notes bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum, with interest paid in arrears on the last day of each fiscal quarter.
	The Company incurred finance costs of $195,062 related to these promissory notes, which is being amortized over the term of the notes and included in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The interest expense recorded for each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $16,255.
	Pioneer Terminal
	On June 17, 2013, Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC ("Borrower"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") with World Fuel Services Corporation. The Credit Agreement provides the Borrower with a $20 million delayed draw term loan facility (the "Facility") to finance the Borrower's share of improvements to be made to the Pioneer Terminal in New Town, North Dakota. The availability period for draws under the Facility expires on September 30, 2014, and the maturity date of the Facility is December 31, 2026. The Facility is secured by a mortgage on a majority of the land owned by the Company in New Town, North Dakota as well as a pledge of the equity owned by the Borrower in Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC.
	During the availability period, a loan under the Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to either (i) nine percent (9%), at any time when the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the loans outstanding is less than $10 million, or (ii) twelve percent (12%), at any time the aggregate unpaid principal amount of loans outstanding is greater than or equal to $10 million. After the expiration of the availability period, a loan under the Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) six percent (6%), at any time when the aggregate unpaid principal amount of loans outstanding is less than $5 million, (ii) nine percent (9%), at any time when the aggregate unpaid principal amount of loans outstanding is less than $10 million, or (iii) twelve percent (12%), at any time the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the loans outstanding is greater than or equal to $10 million. There was $7.5 million outstanding under the Facility at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the right of the Borrower to incur indebtedness, merge, lease, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, make investments and grant liens on their assets.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, the occurrence of which would permit World Fuel Services Corporation to terminate its commitment and accelerate loans under the Facility, including failure to make payments under the Facility, failure to comply with covenants in the Credit Agreement and other loan documents, cross default to other material indebtedness of the Company, failure of the Company or Borrower to pay or discharge material judgments, bankruptcy of the Company or the Borrower, and a change in control of the Company or the Borrower.
	The Company incurred finance costs of $9,783 related to the Credit Agreement, which is being amortized over the term of the notes and is included in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The interest expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $2,445.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	9	Income Taxes
	The Company utilizes the asset and liability approach to measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences existing at each balance sheet date using currently enacted tax rates in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-30. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
	The income tax expense (benefit) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 consists of the following:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Current Income Taxes		$	8,115		$	116,000
	Deferred Income Taxes
	Federal			(474,000	)		233,000
	State			(49,000	)		24,000
	Total Expense (Benefit)		$	(514,885	)	$	373,000
	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 expense (benefit). For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not recognize any interest or penalties in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, nor did the Company have any interest or penalties accrued in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, relating to unrecognized benefits.
	The Company reported a net deferred tax asset of $4,404,000 on its condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2014. GAAP requires the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is "more likely than not" that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has determined that no valuation allowance is necessary related to the deferred tax assets at March 31, 2014. The net operating loss carry forward of $19.3 million that was generated in the year ended December 31, 2013 was caused by the tax expense related to the satisfaction of promissory notes with the issuance of the Company's common stock and the Company's pro rata share of the bonus depreciation that Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC recorded related to the Pioneer Terminal for income tax purposes. The Company had taxable income in the year ended December 31, 2012 and anticipates taxable income for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	The 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 tax years remain open to examination for federal income tax purposes and by the other major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	10	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. They carrying amounts of our promissory notes outstanding approximate fair value because our current borrowing rates do not materially differ from market rates for similar borrowings.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	11	Fair Value
	FASB ASC 820-10-55 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under FASB ASC 820-10-55 as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under FASB ASC 820-10-55 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value of hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has no financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Level 2 liabilities consist of the promissory notes (see Note 8).

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	12	Commitments and Contingencies
	Lac-Mégantic, Quebec
	As previously disclosed, various lawsuits have been filed against us, certain of our subsidiaries, DPTS, and DPTSM related to the July 2013 train derailment in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. For additional information regarding the legal proceedings related to the train derailment, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and Part II – Item 1 of this Periodic Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
	We are currently unable to determine the probability of loss or reasonably estimate a range of potential losses related to the proceedings arising from the train derailment. Accordingly, we have not made any provision for these potential losses in our consolidated financial statements.
	Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC
	Since October 2012, DPTS has been involved in litigation with TJMD, LLP, a North Dakota limited liability partnership ("TJMD") arising out of the termination of TJMD as operator of the transloading facility, in which DPTS leases the facility for the use and benefit of their business. TJMD alleges that a wrongful termination without cause on 90-days written notice occurred in June 2012 under the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and a second wrongful termination occurred in September 2012, when DPTS finally terminated the contract before the end of the 90-day period. TJMD is seeking payment for work performed prior to the final September termination, as well as, monetary damages for future losses and other relief. Because the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain, DPTS cannot estimate the possible loss or range of loss for this matter. DPTS intends to vigorously defend against this claim. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, DPTS has not recorded any accruals associated with this legal claim.
	At March 31, 2014, $171,752 of the other receivables balance was attributed to the net asset relating to the amount of cost that DPTS expects to recover from the third parties responsible for causing the incidents on its property in excess of the estimated amount of cost that it reasonably expects to pay for cleanup measures.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	13	Subsequent Events
	In connection with preparing the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the date of this filing and determined that there were no subsequent events which required recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. If not discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements upon adoption.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update "ASU" No. 2013-11 "Income Taxes – Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry forward Exists" which provides that entities should present the unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of the deferred tax asset for a net operating loss ("NOL") or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
Joint Venture Equity Investment	'
	Joint Venture Equity Investment
	The equity method is used to account for investments in joint ventures where the Company has significant influence, representing equity ownership of not more than 50%. As further described in Note 3, the Company's equity investments consist of 50% owned Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC ("DPTS") joint venture (prior to December 31, 2013), 50% owned DPTS Marketing LLC ("DPTSM") joint venture, and 50% owned Dakota Plains Services, LLC ("DPS") joint venture. DPTS, DPTSM, and DPS have December 31 fiscal year ends, and the Company records its 50% share of the joint ventures' net income or loss based on their most recent interim financial statements. The Company's share of the joint ventures' operating results for each reporting period is adjusted for its share of intercompany transactions, which primarily relate to rental agreements. Any significant unrealized intercompany profits or losses are eliminated in applying the equity method of accounting. Effective at end of business on December 31, 2013, DPT was appointed the Facility Management Member of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC. The appointment as the Facility Management Member requires consolidation of the financial statements of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC with and into the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Company consolidated the financial statements of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC with and into its March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheets and its condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	The Company follows applicable equity method authoritative guidance whereby declines in estimated investment fair value below carrying value assessed as other than temporary are recognized as a charge to earnings to reduce carrying value to estimated fair value. The Company periodically evaluates its equity investments for possible declines in value and determines if declines are other than temporary based on, among other factors, the sufficiency and outcome of equity investee performed impairment assessments (which includes third party appraisals and other analyses), the amount and length of time that fair value may have been below carrying value, near-term and longer-term operating and financial prospects of equity investees, and the 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.
Property And Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.
	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Site development		15 years
	Terminal		13 years
	Machinery		5 - 13 years
	Other Property and Equipment		3 - 5 years
	Land		—
	Expenditures for replacements, renewals, and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation expense was $1,035,215 and $40,984 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company had fixed assets related to in progress construction of $70,312 and $7,551,187 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Impairment	'
	Impairment
	FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360-10-35-21 requires that long-lived assets to be held and used be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The determination of impairment is based upon expectations of undiscounted future cash flows, before interest, of the related asset. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, the impairment would be computed as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the fair value. There was no impairment recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
Environmental Accrual	'
	Environmental Accrual
	Accruals for estimated costs for environmental obligations generally are recognized no later than the date when the Company identifies what cleanup measures, if any, are likely to be required to address the environmental conditions. Included in such obligations are the estimated direct costs to investigate and address the conditions, and the associated engineering, legal and consulting costs. In making these estimates, the Company considers information that is currently available, existing technology, enacted laws and regulations, and its estimates of the timing of the required remedial actions. Such accruals are initially measured on a discounted basis — and are adjusted as further information becomes available or circumstances change — and are accreted up over time. The Company has recorded no liability for environmental obligations as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Any required environmental accruals would generally be accounted for by DPTSM and DPS.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC 740-10-30. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Accounting standards require the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is "more likely than not" that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements only if the position is more likely than not of being sustained if the position were to be challenged by a taxing authority. The Company has examined the tax positions taken in its tax returns and determined that there are no uncertain tax positions. As a result, the Company has recorded no uncertain tax liabilities in its condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC recognizes revenue when the related services are performed, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC records the gross sale of fuel-related services when the transloading of petroleum-related products is complete.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company records expenses associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation. For fully vested and restricted stock grants, the Company calculates the stock-based compensation expense based upon estimated fair value on the date of grant. For stock warrants and options, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock-based compensation at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
Stock Issuance	'
	Stock Issuance
	The Company records the stock-based compensation awards issued to non-employees and other external entities for goods and services at either the fair market value of the goods received or services rendered or the instruments issued in exchange for such services, whichever is more readily determinable, using the measurement date guidelines enumerated in FASB ASC 505-50-30.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share ("EPS") excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Company shareholders 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, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic			53,598,684		41,418,606
	Plus: Potentially dilutive common shares
	Stock options, warrants and restricted stock			—		1,408,471
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted			53,598,684		42,827,077
	Stock options, warrants and restricted stock excluded from EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect			852,988		131,957
	The following stock warrants and restricted stock represent potentially dilutive shares as of March 31, 2014:
					31-Mar-14
	Restricted Stock					1,016,150
	Stock Warrants					2,771,000
	Total Potentially Dilutive Shares					3,787,150
Fair Value Measures	'
	Fair Value Measures
	The Company measures fair value using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, essentially an exit price, based on the highest and best use of the asset or liability. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
		Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets that are accessible at measurement date for identical assets or liabilities;
		Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities;
		Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities and less observable from objective sources.
Use Of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such significant estimates include recoverability of property and equipment and equity investments, depreciable lives for property and equipment, inputs in the valuation of certain equity transactions, and accounting for income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Non-Controlling Interest	'
	Non-Controlling Interest
	ASC 810 "Consolidation" requires that a non-controlling interest be reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements and that losses be allocated to the non-controlling interest even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance, reducing the losses attributable to the controlling interest. The Company's non-controlling interest at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is due to the non-controlling member of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC.
Principles Of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 also include the accounts of Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Effective at the end of business on December 31, 2013, DPT was appointed the Facility Management Member of DPTS. The appointment as the Facility Management Member requires consolidation of the financial statements of DPTS with and into the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Estimated Useful Lives Of Property And Equipment	'
	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Site development	15 years
	Terminal	13 years
	Machinery	5 - 13 years
	Other Property and Equipment	3 - 5 years
	Land	—
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted	'
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic		53,598,684		41,418,606
	Plus: Potentially dilutive common shares
	Stock options, warrants and restricted stock		—		1,408,471
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted		53,598,684		42,827,077
	Stock options, warrants and restricted stock excluded from EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect		852,988		131,957
Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share	'
				31-Mar-14
	Restricted Stock				1,016,150
	Stock Warrants				2,771,000
	Total Potentially Dilutive Shares				3,787,150

Joint_Ventures_Tables

Joint Ventures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Pro Forma Information	'
		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2013
	Revenues	$	4,924,261
	Net Income		1,907,954
	Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest		1,319,057
	Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.		588,897
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Summarized Financial Statements	'
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Sales	$	14,993,115	$	19,842,543
	Net Income		173,264		3,533,126
	Company's Share of Equity in Net Income		86,632		1,766,563
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Total Assets	$	37,954,893	$	33,523,175
	Total Liabilities		15,110,533		10,605,497
	Share of Equity in Net Assets		11,422,180		11,458,839
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Summarized Financial Statements	'
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Sales	$	4,585,949	$	3,173,574
	Net Income		242,908		316,261
	Company's Share of Equity in Net Income		121,454		62,055
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Total Assets	$	9,203,394	$	9,945,720
	Total Liabilities		8,141,262		9,126,495
	Share of Equity in Net Assets		191,853		70,399

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa1

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants [Abstract]	'
Status Of Warrants Outstanding	'
	Issue Date	Common			Exercise		Expiration
		Shares			Price		Date
	1-Feb-11		1,000,000		$	0.285	31-Jan-21
	22-Feb-11		600,000		$	2.5	22-Feb-16
	5-Apr-11		100,000		$	2.5	5-Apr-16
	1-Nov-12		50,000		$	3.28	1-Nov-16
	2-Nov-12		921,000		$	4	31-Oct-17
	1-Jan-13		100,000		$	3.25	15-Feb-18
	Total		2,771,000
Outstanding Restricted Stock Awards And Activity	'
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Price
	Restricted Stock Awards:
	Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period		769,063		$	3.82
	Shares Granted		574,483		$	2.24
	Lapse of Restrictions		(327,396	)	$	3.88
	Restricted Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2014		1,016,150		$	2.91

Promissory_Notes_Tables

Promissory Notes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Promissory Notes [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Outstanding Promissory Notes	'
	Maturity Date	Principal Amount
	31-Oct-15	$	7,717,317
	Unamortized debt discount at March 31, 2014		(553,577	)
	Promissory notes, net of debt discount	$	7,163,740

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Current Income Taxes	$	8,115		$	116,000
	Deferred Income Taxes
	Federal		(474,000	)		233,000
	State		(49,000	)		24,000
	Total Expense (Benefit)	$	(514,885	)	$	373,000

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum balance of cash and cash equivalents which does require FDIC coverage	$250,000	'	'
Depreciation expense	1,035,215	40,984	'
In progress construction	70,312	'	7,551,187
Liability for environmental obligations	$0	'	$0
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Estimated Useful Lives Of Property And Equipment) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Site Development [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'15 years
Terminal [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'13 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years
Minimum [Member] | Other Property And Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'3 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'13 years
Maximum [Member] | Other Property And Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years

Summary_Of_Significant_Account5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	53,598,684	41,418,606
Stock options, warrants and restricted stock	'	1,408,471
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	53,598,684	42,827,077
Stock options, warrants and restricted stock excluded from EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect	852,988	131,957

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, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Potentially Dilutive Shares	3,787,150
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Potentially Dilutive Shares	1,016,150
Warrants [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Potentially Dilutive Shares	2,771,000

Joint_Ventures_Narrative_Detai

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

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Nov. 09, 2009

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]

Supplemental Agreement [Member]

Supplemental Agreement [Member]

Transloader [Member]

Transloader [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]

Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Limited partners' contributed capital

'

'

'

'

$50,000

$650,000

$100

'

'

'

'

'

Each limited partners' units issued for initial capital contribution

'

'

'

'

1,000

1,000

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding

'

'

2,000

'

'

2,000

2,000

'

'

'

'

'

Agreement renewal period

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'2 years

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

Member preferred contribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Member preferred contributions cash return per annum percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred dividend receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

375,345

252,057

'

'

'

'

Site improvements

'

'

1,299,201

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

PPE, Gross

58,180,033

55,479,993

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

658,012

Estimated residual value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

131,602

PPE, net

55,334,559

53,669,734

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

526,410

Cost of property less salvage value

'

'

526,410

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash distribution percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75.00%

'

'

'

Additional expenditures interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.00%

'

'

'

Additional expenditures incurred from agreement, discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,546

'

'

'

Additional expenditures incurred from agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

772,791

'

'

'

Proceeds from cumulative preferred return

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rental income

'

'

'

$90,704

'

'

'

'

'

$622

$3,873

'

Joint_Ventures_Summarized_Fina

Joint Ventures (Summarized Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions Marketing, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	$14,993,115	$19,842,543	'
Net Income	173,264	3,533,126	'
Company's Share of Equity in Net Income	86,632	1,766,563	'
Total Assets	37,954,893	'	33,523,175
Total Liabilities	15,110,533	'	10,605,497
Share of Equity in Net Assets	11,422,180	'	11,458,839
Dakota Plains Services, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	4,585,949	3,173,574	'
Net Income	242,908	316,261	'
Company's Share of Equity in Net Income	121,454	62,055	'
Total Assets	9,203,394	'	9,945,720
Total Liabilities	8,141,262	'	9,126,495
Share of Equity in Net Assets	$191,853	'	$70,399

Joint_Ventures_Summary_Of_Pro_

Joint Ventures (Summary Of Pro Forma Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Revenues	$4,924,261
Net Income (Loss)	1,907,954
Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest	1,319,057
Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Dakota Plains Holdings, Inc.	$588,897

Lease_Agreement_Related_Party_

Lease Agreement - Related Party (Details) (Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Dakota Petroleum Transport Solutions, LLC [Member]	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Percent of the costs recognized as rental income	50.00%	'
Percentage recognized as investment income	50.00%	'
Rental income	'	$90,704
Rent payments	'	181,409
Investment income	'	$90,705

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		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
			Executive And Employee [Member]	Executive And Employee [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0	'	'
Common stock shares issued	54,770,351	54,206,380	'	'
Common stock sold, price per share	'	'	$2.17	$2.25
Issuance of common shares related to agreement, shares	'	'	50,498	236,739
Issuance of common shares related to agreement	'	'	$109,581	$532,663
Shares of common stock surrendered, shares	297,749	'	'	'
Shares of common stock surrendered	$645,679	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa2

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Warrants outstanding	2,771,000	'
Warrants exercisable	2,771,000	'
General and administrative expense	$3,017,778	$1,444,391
Common stock surrendered	415,625	'
Interest expense	16,255	16,255
Warrants [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
General and administrative expense	0	113,687
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
General and administrative expense	386,687	242,638
Forfeiture rate	0.00%	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	$2,800,000	'
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average recognition period	'2 years 2 months 12 days	'
Restricted stock awards issued	574,483	'

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa3

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Status of Warrants Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Common Shares	2,771,000
February 1, 2011 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	1-Feb-11
Common Shares	1,000,000
Exercise price	$0.28
Expiration Date	31-Jan-21
February 22, 2011 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	22-Feb-11
Common Shares	600,000
Exercise price	$2.50
Expiration Date	22-Feb-16
April 5, 2011 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	5-Apr-11
Common Shares	100,000
Exercise price	$2.50
Expiration Date	5-Apr-16
November 1, 2012 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	1-Nov-12
Common Shares	50,000
Exercise price	$3.28
Expiration Date	1-Nov-16
November 2, 2012 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	2-Nov-12
Common Shares	921,000
Exercise price	$4
Expiration Date	31-Oct-17
January 1, 2013 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Issue Date	1-Jan-13
Common Shares	100,000
Exercise price	$3.25
Expiration Date	15-Feb-18

StockBased_Compensation_And_Wa4

Stock-Based Compensation And Warrants (Outstanding Restricted Stock Awards And Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period, Number	769,063
Shares Granted, Number	574,483
Lapse of Restrictions, Number	-327,396
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the End of Period, Number	1,016,150
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$3.82
Shares Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$2.24
Lapse of Restrictions, Weighted-Average Grant Price	3.88
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the End of Period, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$2.91

Promissory_Notes_Narrative_Det

Promissory Notes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate	12.00%	'	'
Promissory Notes	$7,163,740	'	$7,076,332
Warrants issued	2,771,000	'	'
Amortization of Debt Discount	87,408	87,408	'
Finance costs incurred	195,062	'	'
Interest expense	16,255	16,255	'
Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount outstanding	7,500,000	'	'
Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maturity date	31-Dec-26	'	'
Finance costs incurred	9,783	'	'
Interest expense	2,445	'	'
Borrowing capacity	20,000,000	'	'
Expiration date	30-Sep-14	'	'
Before Expiration Date Feature 1 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate	9.00%	'	'
Before Expiration Date Feature 2 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate	12.00%	'	'
After Expiration Date Feature 1 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate	6.00%	'	'
After Expiration Date Feature 2 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate	9.00%	'	'
After Expiration Date Feature 3 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate	12.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Before Expiration Date Feature 2 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount outstanding	10,000,000	'	'
Minimum [Member] | After Expiration Date Feature 3 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount outstanding	10,000,000	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Before Expiration Date Feature 1 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount outstanding	10,000,000	'	'
Maximum [Member] | After Expiration Date Feature 1 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount outstanding	5,000,000	'	'
Maximum [Member] | After Expiration Date Feature 2 [Member] | Dakota Plains Transloading, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount outstanding	$10,000,000	'	'

Promissory_Notes_Schedule_Of_O

Promissory Notes (Schedule Of Outstanding Promissory Notes) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Unamortized debt discount	($553,577)
Promissory notes, net of debt discount	7,163,740
October 31, 2015 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Total outstanding principal	$7,717,317

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$19,300,000
Deferred tax assets net	$4,404,000

Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Current Income Taxes	$8,115	$116,000
Deferred Income Taxes, Federal	-474,000	233,000
Deferred Income Taxes, State	-49,000	24,000
Total Benefit	($514,885)	$373,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Estimated recovery from third party	$171,752