Essex Rental (ESSX) 10-Q/A 31 Mar 15 2014 Q2 Quarterly report (amended) Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q/A
Amendment Flag	TRUE
Amendment Description	This amended filing reflects corrections made to our financial statements and related disclosures related to (i) classification of indebtedness outstanding under our revolving credit facilities as long-term obligations instead of short-term obligations and (ii) aggregation of our operating subsidiaries' equipment rentals segments in our segment disclosures.Â
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	ESSX
Entity Registrant Name	Essex Rental Corp.
Entity Central Index Key	1373988
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,813,619

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and cash equivalents	$936	$1,349
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and credit memos of $2,641 and $2,485, respectively	16,395	14,059
Other receivables	2,236	2,412
Deferred tax assets	3,020	2,878
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,583	1,791
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	33,285	27,503
Property and equipment, net	4,807	5,205
Spare parts inventory, net	3,466	3,248
Identifiable finite lived intangibles, net	902	1,069
Goodwill	1,796	1,796
Loan acquisition costs, net	6,030	6,095
TOTAL ASSETS	328,135	332,776
Accounts payable	9,106	5,703
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	1,997	2,012
Accrued taxes	3,683	3,909
Accrued interest	984	655
Accrued other expenses	715	1,007
Unearned rental revenue	2,136	1,668
Customer deposits	212	293
Revolving credit facilities - short-term	137,975	163,114
Term loan - short-term	2,000	2,000
Purchase money security interest debt - short-term	966	959
Capital lease obligation	20	0
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	159,794	181,320
Revolving credit facility	1,135	2,368
Term loans	65,500	36,500
Promissory notes	1,655	3,655
Purchase money security interest debt	2,011	1,975
Deferred tax liabilities	37,433	40,869
Capital lease obligation	104	0
TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	107,838	85,367
TOTAL LIABILITIES	267,632	266,687
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value, Authorized 1,000,000 shares, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $.0001 par value, Authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 24,813,619 shares at June 30, 2014 and 24,743,513 shares at December 31, 2013	2	2
Paid in capital	126,280	125,952
Accumulated deficit	-65,786	-59,876
Accumulated other comprehensive income	7	11
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	60,503	66,089
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	328,135	332,776
Property Subject to Operating Lease
Property and equipment, net	277,849	287,860
Retail Spare Parts Inventory, Net
Retail equipment	1,602	1,598
Retail Equipment Inventory
Retail equipment	$7,513	$3,416

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts and credit memos	$2,641	$2,485
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, issued	24,813,619	24,743,513
Common stock, outstanding	24,813,619	24,743,513

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Equipment rentals	$12,518	$12,192	$23,562	$23,645
Transportation	2,192	1,878	3,965	3,071
Equipment repairs and maintenance	2,801	3,257	5,283	6,390
TOTAL REVENUES	24,509	25,213	45,595	50,279
Salaries, payroll taxes and benefits	2,834	2,750	5,378	5,501
Depreciation	4,613	4,658	9,217	9,329
Transportation	2,048	1,810	3,824	2,941
Equipment repairs and maintenance	3,275	2,598	5,652	5,479
Yard operating expenses	810	718	1,602	1,542
TOTAL COST OF REVENUES	19,236	18,850	36,140	38,191
GROSS PROFIT	5,273	6,363	9,455	12,088
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,828	6,313	11,747	12,394
Other depreciation and amortization	255	258	513	542
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-810	-208	-2,805	-848
Other income (expense)	-9	1	2	6
Interest expense	-3,602	-2,985	-6,574	-5,500
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	99	-213	-53	-332
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)	-3,512	-3,197	-6,625	-5,826
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	-4,322	-3,405	-9,430	-6,674
BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES	-1,581	-1,473	-3,520	-2,579
NET LOSS	-2,741	-1,932	-5,910	-4,095
Basic (shares)	24,801,387	24,653,513	24,795,396	24,632,629
Diluted (shares)	24,801,387	24,653,513	24,795,396	24,632,629
Basic earnings (loss) per share	($0.11)	($0.08)	($0.24)	($0.17)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	($0.11)	($0.08)	($0.24)	($0.17)
Retail Spare Parts Inventory, Net
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	2,375	2,173	4,542	3,951
Cost of Goods Sold	1,854	1,630	3,596	2,981
Property Subject to Operating Lease
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	1,746	4,858	4,065	8,657
Cost of Goods Sold	1,260	4,008	3,179	6,610
Retail Equipment Inventory
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	2,877	855	4,178	4,565
Cost of Goods Sold	$2,542	$678	$3,692	$3,808

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net loss	($5,910)	($4,095)
Depreciation and amortization of tangible assets	9,563	9,704
Amortization of loan acquisition costs and other intangibles	1,448	1,010
Amortization of promissory notes discount	0	48
Gain on sale of rental equipment	-886	-2,047
Deferred income taxes	-3,577	-2,737
Share based compensation expense	177	585
Accounts receivable, net	-3,291	966
Other receivables	176	-68
Prepaid expenses and other assets	208	89
Spare parts inventory	-237	-59
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,373	1,600
Unearned rental revenue	468	168
Customer deposits	-81	192
Total change in operating assets and liabilities	-3,972	154
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-3,157	2,622
Purchases of property and equipment	-430	-602
Accounts receivable from rental equipment sales	955	131
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	3,773	5,334
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	49,261	47,394
Payments on revolving credit facilities	-75,633	-93,053
Proceeds from term loans	30,000	40,000
Payments on term loans	-1,000	-500
Payments on purchase money security interest debt	-483	-575
Payments on promissory notes	-2,000	0
Payments on capital lease obligation	-5	-3
Employer repurchase of shares to satisfy minimum tax withholding	-24	-103
Payments for loan acquisition costs	-1,217	-6,783
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-1,101	-13,623
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	72	248
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-413	-5,419
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	1,349	8,389
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	936	2,970
Board of Directors fees paid in common stock	150	150
Equipment obtained through capital lease	129	0
Equipment purchased directly through short-term debt obligation	525	464
Cash paid for interest	4,963	5,102
Cash paid for income taxes, net	88	101
Retail Equipment Inventory
Retail equipment inventory	-4,588	-2,734
Property Subject to Operating Lease
Purchases of property and equipment	-817	-2,852
Proceeds from sale of rental equipment	$4,065	$8,657

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net loss	($2,741)	($1,932)	($5,910)	($4,095)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-15	1	-4	-4
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-15	1	-4	-4
Comprehensive loss	($2,756)	($1,931)	($5,914)	($4,099)

Business_and_Principles_of_Con

Business and Principles of Consolidation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business and Principles of Consolidation	Business and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Essex Rental Corp. (“Essex Rental”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries Essex Holdings, LLC ("Holdings"), Essex Crane Rental Corp. ("Essex Crane"), Essex Finance Corp. (“Essex Finance”), CC Acquisition Holding Corp. (“CC Acquisition”), Coast Crane Company, formerly known as CC Bidding Corp. (“Coast Crane”) and Coast Crane Ltd. (“Coast Crane Ltd.") (collectively the "Company"). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company is engaged primarily in renting lattice boom crawler cranes and attachments, tower cranes and attachments, rough terrain cranes, boom trucks and other related heavy lifting machinery and equipment to the construction industry throughout the United States of America, including Hawaii and Alaska, and Canada. The assets are rented for use in building and maintaining power plants, refineries, bridge and road construction, alternative energy, water treatment facilities and other industrial, commercial, residential and infrastructure related projects. The Company is also engaged in servicing and distributing heavy lifting machinery and other construction related equipment and parts.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which management considers necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s operating results, financial position and cash flows as of and for all periods presented. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been omitted from these unaudited financial statements in accordance with applicable rules.
	The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2014. For further information, please refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies (As Restated)
	Please refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2013 for a complete description of our significant accounting policies.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, contingent assets and liabilities, and the related disclosures.  Accordingly, actual results could materially differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates include the allowance for doubtful accounts and credit memos, spare parts inventory obsolescence reserve, useful lives for rental equipment and property and equipment, deferred income taxes, personal property tax receivable and accrual, loss contingencies and the fair value of financial instruments.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The valuation of financial instruments requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the fair value of the instruments. The Company, where possible, bases the fair values of its financial instruments on listed market prices and third party quotes. Where these are not available, the Company bases its estimates on current instruments with similar terms and maturities or on other factors relevant to the financial instruments.
	Segment Reporting (As Restated)
	We have determined, in accordance with applicable accounting guidance regarding operating segments, that we have four reportable segments. We derive our revenues from four principal business activities: (1) Essex Crane equipment rentals; (2) Coast Crane equipment rentals; (3) equipment distribution; and (4) parts and service. These segments are based upon how we allocate resources and assess performance. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements regarding our segment information.
	Long-lived Assets
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The criteria for determining impairment for such long-lived assets to be held and used is determined by comparing the carrying value of these long-lived assets to be held and used to management's best estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of these assets. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The estimated fair value of the assets is measured by estimating the present value of the future discounted cash flows to be generated.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, and as a result of continuing losses and depressed utilization rates the Company determined that triggering event had occurred at Essex Crane, which caused the Company to determine if an impairment of these long-lived assets was necessary.
	Application of the long-lived asset impairment test requires judgment, including the identification the primary asset, identification of the lowest level of identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and the future cash flows of the long-lived assets. The Company identified its crawler crane rental equipment fleet as the primary asset as it is the basis of all revenue generating activities for Essex Crane, its replacement would require a significant level of investment and its remaining useful life significantly exceeds the remaining useful life of all other assets. The lowest level of identifiable cash flows within the rental equipment fleet is at the equipment model level. Each equipment model group is capable of producing cash flows without other complementary assets and each asset within the specific equipment model groups is interchangeable with any other asset within that equipment model group. The Company tested the recoverability of the rental equipment assets by model using an undiscounted cash flow approach dependent primarily upon estimates of future rental income, orderly liquidation value and discount rates. Cash flows for each equipment model group considered the possibility of continuing to rent the assets and selling the assets in orderly transactions in the future or at the end of their remaining useful lives. The Company estimated that the future cash flows generated by each of the equipment model groups exceeded the carrying value of the assets and no impairment was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2014
	The Company also assessed whether a triggering event for potential impairment of its other equipment assets existed, and it was determined that no such event occurred for these assets during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Restatement_Notes

Restatement (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Restatement	Restatement
	On March 17, 2015, the Company concluded that certain of the Company's previously issued Consolidated Financial Statements, including those for the period covered by this report, should not be relied upon due to errors relating to the Company's classification of its revolving credit facilities and errors related to segment reporting.  Management concluded that (i) reclassification of certain of the obligations under the revolving credit facilities as short term obligations is appropriate under relevant accounting guidance that provides for such classification when a credit facility includes a subjective acceleration clause and a traditional lock-box arrangement and (ii) the equipment rental operating segment of the Company's two operating subsidiaries, Essex Crane and Coast Crane, should not be aggregated, but reported as separate segments, under applicable accounting guidance that provides for segment reporting when two operating segments do not share similar economic characteristics based on certain quantitative measures.  The restatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report does not have any impact on the net cash flows, cash balances, revenues, net income or earnings per share of the Company, as previously reported.
	The Company has restated its Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. In addition, Note 5 and Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements have been restated to reflect the correction of these errors.
	The effects of the restatement of certain revolving credit facilities to short-term obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		As of June 30, 2014
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Current Liabilities:
	Revolving credit facilities - short-term	$	—	$	137,975		$	137,975
	Total Current Liabilities	21,819		137,975			159,794
	Long-term Liabilities:
	Revolving credit facility	139,110		(137,975		)	1,135
	Total Long-term Liabilities	$	245,813	$	(137,975	)	$	107,838
	The effects of the restatement of the revolving credit facilities to short-term obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2013
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Current Liabilities:
	Revolving credit facilities - short-term	$	—	$	163,114		$	163,114
	Total Current Liabilities	18,206		163,114			181,320
	Long-term Liabilities:
	Revolving credit facility	165,482		(163,114		)	2,368
	Total Long-term Liabilities	$	248,481	$	(163,114	)	$	85,367
	The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment revenue and gross profit within Note 12 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Segment revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	16,456	$	(16,456	)	$	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		8,846			8,846
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		7,610			7,610
	Segment gross profit:
	Equipment rentals	3,812		(3,812		)	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		1,080			1,080
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		2,732			2,732
	The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment revenue and gross profit within Note 12 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Segment revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	18,928	$	(18,928	)	$	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		10,440			10,440
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		8,488			8,488
	Segment gross profit:
	Equipment rentals	4,732		(4,732		)	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		1,629			1,629
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	$	—	$	3,103		$	3,103
	The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment revenue and gross profit within Note 12 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Segment revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	31,592	$	(31,592	)	$	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		17,156			17,156
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		14,436			14,436
	Segment gross profit:
	Equipment rentals	6,675		(6,675		)	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		1,736			1,736
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		4,939			4,939
	The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment revenue and gross profit within Note 12 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Segment revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	35,373	$	(35,373	)	$	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		17,878			17,878
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		17,495			17,495
	Segment gross profit:
	Equipment rentals	8,750		(8,750		)	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		2,467			2,467
Coast Crane equipment rentals	$	—	$	6,283		$	6,283
The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment identified assets within Note 12 as of June 30, 2014 along with the impact of certain reclassifications to conform with the current year presentation are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	As of June 30, 2014
	As Previously Reported		Adjustments			Reclassifications			As Restated
Segment identified assets:
Equipment rentals	$	298,683	$	(298,683	)	$	—		$	—
Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		219,749			—			219,749
Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		78,934			359			79,293
Equipment distribution	8,273		—			(718		)	7,555
Parts and service	$	6,911	$	—		$	359		$	7,270
The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment identified assets within Note 12 as of December 31, 2012 along with the impact of certain reclassifications to conform with the current year presentation are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	As of December 31, 2013
	As Previously Reported		Adjustments			Reclassifications			As Restated
Segment identified assets:
Equipment rentals	$	307,372	$	(307,372	)	$	—		$	—
Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		225,502			—			225,502
Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		81,870			1,236			83,106
Equipment distribution	5,150		—			(740		)	4,410
Parts and service	$	5,261	$	—		$	(496	)	$	4,765

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, goodwill related to the acquisition of Coast Crane's assets was approximately $1.8 million. Goodwill represents the excess of the total consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed.
	The following table presents the gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount of the Company’s other identifiable finite lived intangible assets (amounts in thousands):
		30-Jun-14			31-Dec-13
	Essex Crane customer relationship	$	785		$	785
	Essex Crane trademark	804			804
	Coast Crane customer relationship	1,500			1,500
	Coast Crane trademark	600			600
	Total intangible assets	3,689			3,689
	Less: accumulated amortization	(2,787		)	(2,620		)
	Intangible assets, net	$	902		$	1,069
	The Company’s amortization expense associated with other intangible assets was approximately $0.1 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. The Company's amortization expense associated with other intangible assets was approximately $0.2 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets as of June 30, 2014 for the years ended December 31st (amounts in thousands):
	2014	$	167
	2015	324
	2016	214
	2017	197
	Total	$	902

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_an

Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations	Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations (As Restated)
	The Company’s revolving credit facilities and other debt obligations consist of the following (amounts in thousands):
		Principal Outstanding at				Weighted Average
						Interest Rate as of
		30-Jun-14		December 31, 2013		30-Jun-14		Maturity Dates
		(Restated)		(Restated)		(Restated)		(Restated)
	Essex Crane revolving credit facility - short-term	$	122,375	$	148,149	3.92	%	Oct-16
	Coast Crane revolving credit facility - short-term	15,600		14,965		5.4	%	Mar-17
	Coast Crane revolving credit facility - long-term	1,135		2,368		5.47	%	Mar-17
	Essex Crane term loan	30,000		—		11.5	%	May-19
	Coast Crane term loan	35,500		36,500		5.25	%	September 2015 to March 2017
	Coast Crane term loan - short-term	2,000		2,000		5.25	%	within 1 year
	Unsecured promissory notes (related party)	1,655		3,655		18	%	Oct-16
	Purchase money security interest debt	2,011		1,975		5.05	%	September 2015 to October 2018
	Purchase money security interest debt - short-term	966		959		5.05	%	within 1 year
	Total debt obligations outstanding	$	211,242	$	210,571
	Aggregate payments of principal on debt obligations outstanding as of June 30, 2014 for each of the years ended December 31st based on contractual installment payment terms and maturities are as follows:
	2014	$	139,590
	2015	2,846
	2016	3,996
	2017	34,206
	2018 and thereafter	30,604
	Total	$	211,242
	Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
	On May 13, 2014, Essex Crane entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility”). The credit facility provides for a revolving loan in the amount of $145.0 million, with a $20.0 million aggregate sublimit for letters of credit, and a $30.0 million term loan. Essex Crane may borrow on the revolving loan an amount equal to the sum of 85% of eligible net receivables and 75% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible rental equipment. The aggregate commitment will be reduced by: (i) on an individual transaction basis, 100% of the net cash proceeds from the sales of certain assets and (ii) on an annual basis, 60% of free cash flow, other than net cash proceeds from certain asset sales, as defined within the credit agreement. The maximum commitment under the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility may not exceed $130.0 million beginning on February 28, 2016. The revolving loan and term loan mature on October 31, 2016 and May 13, 2019, respectively. The Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility is collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of Essex Crane’s assets.
	Under the terms of the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility, borrowings on the revolving loan accrue interest at the borrower’s option of either (a) the bank’s prime rate plus the applicable prime rate margin of 1.75% or (b) a Euro-dollar rate based on the rate the bank offers deposits of U.S. Dollars in the London interbank market (“LIBOR”) plus the applicable LIBOR margin of 3.75%. Borrowings on the term loan accrue interest at LIBOR plus the applicable LIBOR term loan margin of 10.50% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. Essex Crane is also required to pay a monthly commitment fee with respect to the undrawn commitments under the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility of 0.375%.
	The Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility requires Essex Crane to maintain a trailing twelve month fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1.00. Additionally, Essex Crane must generate net cash proceeds, through the sale of certain assets, of not less than $8.0 million by March 31, 2016 with not less than $3.0 million of net cash proceeds generated by March 31, 2015. The Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility also provides for an annual limit on certain capital expenditures of $2.0 million and limits the ability of Essex Crane to make distributions to affiliates. Essex Crane is permitted to incur certain additional indebtedness, including secured purchase money indebtedness, of up to $1.5 million outstanding at any time, subject to certain provisions set forth in the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility.
	The maximum amount that could be borrowed under the revolving loan portion of the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility, net of letters of credit, interest rate swaps and other reserves was approximately $139.5 million and $170.1 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Essex Crane’s available borrowing under its revolving credit facility was approximately $17.1 million and $21.9 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. After consideration of the 10% availability threshold covenant, the Company had available borrowings under its revolving credit facility of approximately $2.6 million and $4.4 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was $2.6 million and $9.3 million, respectively, of available formulated collateral in excess of the maximum borrowing amounts of approximately $139.5 million and $170.1 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding balance on the term loan portion of the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility was $30.0 million and zero, respectively.
	As of June 30, 2014, the applicable prime rate, LIBOR rate and undrawn commitment fee on the revolving loan were 3.25%, 0.15% and 0.375%, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the applicable prime rate, LIBOR rate and undrawn commitment fee on the revolving loan were 3.25%, 0.15% and 0.375%, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, the LIBOR rate on the term loan was 0.15% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%.
	As a result of the errors in our Consolidated Balance Sheets discussed in Note 3 as of June 30, 2014 and for the three and six months then ended, Essex Crane was in technical default under the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility. Such default was waived as of March 19, 2015 by the lenders under such facility. Any failure to be in compliance with any material provision or covenant of these agreements could have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity and operations.
	The Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility includes a subjective acceleration clause and requires the Company to maintain a traditional lock-box. As a result, the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility is classified as a short-term obligation within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
	On November 24, 2010, Coast Crane entered into a new revolving credit facility in conjunction with the acquisition of Coast Crane's assets (the “Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility”).  The Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility provided for a revolving loan and letter of credit facility in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million with a $2.0 million aggregate principal sublimit for letters of credit.   Coast Crane’s ability to borrow under the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility is subject to, among other things, a borrowing base calculated based on  the sum of (a) 85% of eligible accounts, (b) the lesser of 50% of eligible spare parts inventory and $5.0 million, (c) the lesser of 95% of the lesser of (x) the net orderly liquidation value and (y) the invoice cost, of eligible new equipment inventory and $15.0 million and (d) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible other equipment, less reserves established by the lenders and the liquidity reserve.
	On November 14, 2011 the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility was amended and restated to include Coast Crane Ltd. as a signatory to the credit facility. The amendment provided that equipment owned by Coast Crane located in Canada may be included in the borrowing base calculation, which was previously prohibited. As amended, the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility agreement is collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of Coast Crane’s and Coast Crane Ltd.’s assets.
	Proceeds of the first borrowing under the amended Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility in the amount of $1.5 million were used to pay off the remaining balance on the Coast Crane Ltd.'s revolving credit facility at the time of its termination in November 2011.
	On May 7, 2012, the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility was amended to provide certain limitations on net capital expenditures and a $3.7 million “first amendment reserve” (as defined in the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility). The amendment also provides for a modified fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.20 to 1.00 as well as an obligation of Essex to contribute, or cause to be contributed, to Coast Crane up to $2.5 million to the extent that EBITDA for Coast Crane for the year ending December 31, 2012 was less than $6.0 million. Coast Crane EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2012 exceeded the $6.0 million threshold and no contribution from Essex was required. The amendment also reduced the amount of certain additional indebtedness, including secured purchase money indebtedness, that Coast Crane may incur to $7.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2013 and $10.0 million thereafter. All other terms of the November 14, 2011 amendment and restatement remained in effect following such amendment.
	A definitional interpretation resulted in Coast Crane's lenders determining that the springing fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.20 to 1.00 (which under the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility was triggered if Coast Crane's borrowing availability fell below $8.0 million) was triggered notwithstanding that Coast Crane and Coast Crane Ltd. had combined excess availability of $9.5 million, $8.4 million and $8.5 million as of January 31, 2012, February 29, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively. The modified fixed charge coverage ratio included in the May 7, 2012 amendment replaced the springing trailing twelve month fixed charge coverage ratio. The May 7, 2012 amendment also addressed and waived Coast Crane’s non-compliance (which existed as of March 31, 2012) with certain delivery and reporting requirements contained in the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility.
	On March 12, 2013, the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility was amended and restated to extend the maturity date to March 12, 2017. The amendment also provides for a $40.0 million term loan and reduces the aggregate maximum principal amount of the revolving loan and letter of credit facility by a corresponding amount to $35.0 million. In addition, the amendment provides for scheduled quarterly term loan payments to reduce the term loan principal outstanding by $0.5 million beginning on June 30, 2013. The amounts borrowed under the term loan which are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. All other terms of the May 7, 2012 amendment and restatement remained in effect following such amendment.
	On February 21, 2014, Coast Crane and Coast Crane Ltd. entered into a First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to amend the mandatory prepayment provision to exclude proceeds received from permitted equipment asset sales and to waive an event of default that occurred as a result of permitted equipment asset sales and the failure to apply proceeds to the term loan under the Coast Crane Credit Agreement. In addition, the First Amendment amends the borrowing base calculation as it relates to new equipment inventory, and creates a progressive new equipment inventory cap based on a leverage ratio.
	Under the terms of the February 21, 2014 amendment, Coast Crane and Coast Crane Ltd. may borrow, repay and reborrow under the Coast Crane Facility. Coast Crane’s ability to borrow under the Coast Crane Facility is subject to, among other things, a borrowing base which is calculated as the sum of (a) 85% of eligible Coast Crane accounts, (b) the lesser of 50% of eligible Coast Crane inventory and $5.0 million, (c) the lesser of (i) 95% of the lesser of (x) the Net Orderly Liquidation Value and (y) the invoice cost, of U.S. Eligible New Sale Equipment Inventory and (ii) the U.S. Eligible New Sale Equipment Inventory Cap (as hereinafter defined) and (d) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible other equipment, less reserves established by the lenders and the liquidity reserve. Coast Crane Ltd.’s ability to borrow under the Coast Crane Facility is subject to among other things, a borrowing base which is calculated as the sum of (a) 85% of eligible Coast Crane Ltd. accounts, (b) the lesser of 50% of eligible Coast Crane Ltd. inventory and $0.8 million, (c) the lesser of (i) 95% of the lesser of (x) the net orderly liquidation value and (y) the invoice cost, of eligible new Coast Crane Ltd. equipment and (ii) $2.0 million and (d) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible other Coast Crane Ltd. equipment, less reserves established by the lenders and the liquidity reserve.
	The U.S. Eligible New Sale Equipment Inventory Cap shall mean the U.S. Eligible New Sale Equipment Inventory Cap in effect from time to time determined based upon the applicable leverage ratio then in effect. The U.S. Eligible New Sale Equipment Inventory Cap is adjusted from $4.0 million to $15.0 million based on the applicable leverage ratio then in effect and also based on the amount of U.S. Eligible New Sale Equipment Inventory that is under a written agreement to be sold to a customer.
	On April 29, 2014, Coast Crane entered into a Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The purpose of the Second Amendment is to adjust the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio requirement to 0.88 to 1.00, 1.00 to 1.00 and 1.10 to 1.00 from 1.20 to 1.00, for the trailing twelve month periods ended April 30, 2014, May 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively. The minimum required fixed charge coverage ratio for the trailing twelve month periods ending July 31, 2014 and thereafter will remain 1.20 to 1.00. In addition, the Second Amendment waives any event of default arising from Coast Crane’s breach of the minimum 1.20 to 1.00 fixed charge coverage ratio requirement for the trailing twelve month period ended March 31, 2014, so long as the fixed charge coverage ratio for such period is at least equal to 1.00 to 1.00. Further, under the amendment, Coast Crane is required to achieve a minimum trailing twelve month EBITDA threshold as of the last day of the month of $7.7 million for March 2014 through August 2014; $7.9 million for September 2014 through November 2014; $8.0 million for December 2014 through February 2015; $8.2 million for March 2015 through May 2015; and $8.3 million for June, 2015 and thereafter. All other terms of the February 21, 2014 amendment and restatement remained in effect following such amendment.
	Interest accrues on Coast Crane's outstanding revolving loans and term loan under the revolving credit facility at either a per annum rate equal to (a) LIBOR plus 3.75%, with a 1.50% LIBOR floor or (b) the Base rate plus 2.75%, at Coast Crane’s election. Coast Crane will be obligated to pay a letter of credit fee on the outstanding letter of credit accommodations based on a per annum rate of 3.75%. Interest on the revolving loans and fees on the letter of credit accommodations is payable monthly in arrears. Coast Crane is also obligated to pay an unused line fee on the amount by which the maximum credit under the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility exceeds the aggregate amount of revolving loans and letter of credit accommodations based on a per annum rate of 0.50%. At June 30, 2014, the applicable LIBOR rate, Base rate, and unused line commitment fee were 0.23%, 3.25% and 0.50%, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the applicable LIBOR rate, Base rate, and unused line commitment fee were 0.24%, 3.25% and 0.50%, respectively.
	The maximum amount that could be borrowed under the revolving loans under the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility was approximately $34.5 million and $34.4 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Coast Crane’s available borrowing under the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility was approximately $9.4 million and $8.2 million, respectively, after certain lender reserves of $8.3 million and $8.9 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Although the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility limits Coast Crane’s and Coast Crane Ltd.’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, Coast Crane and Coast Crane Ltd. are permitted to incur certain additional indebtedness, including secured purchase money indebtedness, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility.
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding balance on the term loan portion of the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility was $37.5 million and $38.5 million, respectively. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $2.0 million of the outstanding balance is classified as a current liability as a result of the scheduled quarterly term loan payments of $0.5 million that began on June 30, 2013.
	As a result of the errors in our Consolidated Balance Sheets discussed in Note 3 as of June 30, 2014 and for the three and six months then ended, Coast Crane was in technical default under the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility. Such default was waived as of March 20, 2015 by the lenders under such facility. Any failure to be in compliance with any material provision or covenant of these agreements could have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity and operations.
	The Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility includes a subjective acceleration clause and requires the Company to maintain a traditional lock-box for Coast Crane and a springing lock-box for Coast Crane Ltd. As a result, the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility, with respect to Coast Crane borrowings, is classified as a short-term obligation within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Coast Crane Ltd. borrowings under the Coast Crane Revolving Credit facility are classified as long-term obligations within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Unsecured Promissory Notes
	In November 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with the holders of certain Coast Crane indebtedness pursuant to which such holders agreed, in consideration of the assumption of such indebtedness by the Company, to exchange such indebtedness for one or more promissory notes issued by the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $5.2 million. As additional consideration under the agreement, the Company agreed to issue 90,000 warrants to the holders of such indebtedness entitling the holder thereof to purchase up to 90,000 shares of Essex Rental common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share, and to reimburse such holders for certain legal fees incurred in connection with the transaction. The warrants were exercised in full on October 24, 2013.
	In accordance with accounting guidance related to debt issued with conversion or other options, the fair value of the detachable warrants of $0.3 million was recorded as a discount to the principal balance outstanding with an offset to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and was amortized on a straight-line basis over the 3 year life of the notes as additional interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations, which is not materially different than the effective interest method. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the discount related to the fair value of the detachable warrants was fully amortized.
	On December 31, 2013, the unsecured promissory notes were amended and restated to extend the maturity date to the earlier of October 31, 2016 or the consummation of any Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility refinancing to the extent that the terms and conditions of the refinancing permit the Company to use the proceeds from refinancing for the repayment of the outstanding principal balance on the unsecured promissory notes. In addition, beginning on January 1, 2014, interest accrues on the outstanding promissory notes at a per annum rate of 18.00% and is payable in arrears.
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding principal balance on the unsecured promissory notes was approximately $1.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Interest accrued on the outstanding promissory notes at a per annum rate of 18.00% and 10.00% at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	As a result of the errors in our Consolidated Balance Sheets discussed in Note 3 as of June 30, 2014 and for the three and six months then ended, the Company was in technical default under the unsecured promissory notes. Such default was waived as of March 24, 2015 by the lenders. Any failure to be in compliance with any material provision or covenant of these agreements could have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity and operations.
	Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
	As of June 30, 2014, the Company's purchase money security interest debt consisted of the financing of twelve pieces of equipment. Eleven of these debt obligations accrue interest at rates that range from LIBOR plus 3.25% to LIBOR plus 5.38% per annum with interest payable in arrears. One of the debt obligations accrues interest at a rate of 8.29%. The obligations are secured by the equipment purchased and have maturity dates that range from September 2015 to October 2018. As these loans are amortizing, approximately $1.0 million of the total $3.0 million in principal payments is due prior to June 30, 2015 and as such, this amount is classified as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2014.
	As of December 31, 2013, the purchase money security interest debt consisted of the financing of eleven pieces of equipment with an outstanding balance of approximately $2.9 million. The interest rates at December 31, 2013 ranged from LIBOR plus 3.25% to LIBOR plus 5.38% for ten of the debt obligations.  One of the debt obligations accrued interest at a rate of 8.29% as of December 31, 2013.
	As a result of the errors in our Consolidated Balance Sheets discussed in Note 3 as of June 30, 2014 and for the three and six months then ended, the Company was in technical default under the purchase money security interest debt agreements. Such default was waived as of March 18, 2015 by the lenders. Any failure to be in compliance with any material provision or covenant of these agreements could have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity and operations.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Value
	The FASB issued a statement on Fair Value Measurements which, among other things, defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis and clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the standard establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
	•	Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets:
	•	Level 2- Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
	•	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The fair value of the Company’s total debt obligations was approximately $211.2 million and $212.0 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, calculated using a discounted cash flows approach at a market rate of interest. The inputs used in the calculation are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, approximate their carrying values. The Company bases its fair values on listed market prices or third party quotes when available. If not available, then the Company bases its estimates on instruments with similar terms and maturities.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications
	The following table presents the Company's changes in accumulated other comprehensive income related to foreign currency translation adjustments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	22		$	5	$	11		$	10
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(15		)	1		(4		)	(4		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		—			—
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(15		)	1		(4		)	(4		)
	Ending balance	$	7		$	6	$	7		$	6

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per Share
	The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (amounts in thousands except per share data):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net loss	$	(2,741	)	$	(1,932	)	$	(5,910	)	$	(4,095	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic	24,801			24,654			24,795			24,633
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Warrants	—			—			—			—
	Options	—			—			—			—
	Restricted common stock	—			—			—			—
	Diluted	24,801			24,654			24,795			24,633
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(0.17	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(0.17	)
	Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are 493,671 weighted average shares of common stock for the effective conversion of the retained interest in Holdings into common stock of the Company. The retained interests were converted to common stock on April 17, 2014. Diluted EPS adjusts basic EPS for the effects of Warrants, Units and Options; only in the periods in which such effect is dilutive.
	The weighted average restricted stock outstanding that could be converted into 18,237 and eighty-four common shares for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive. Weighted average options outstanding that could be converted into zero and 103,295 common shares for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive. Weighted average warrants outstanding that could be converted into 89,792 common shares for the three months ended June 30, 2013 were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
	The weighted average restricted stock outstanding that could be converted into 20,619 and zero common shares for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive. Weighted average options outstanding that could be converted into zero and 86,545 common shares for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive. Weighted average warrants outstanding that could be converted into 89,784 common shares for the six months ended June 30, 2013 were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
	As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, there were 1,411,903 and 1,430,459 stock options outstanding, respectively, which are exercisable at weighted average exercise prices of $4.59 and $5.29, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, there were 90,000 privately issued warrants outstanding which were exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $0.01. The warrants were exercised in full on October 24, 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s effective tax rate of 37.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was higher than the statutory federal rate due to discrete items including changes in state valuation allowances and state income tax audit activity. The Company’s effective tax rate of 38.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was higher than the statutory federal rate due to state taxes.
	As of June 30, 2014, the Company has unused federal net operating loss carry-forwards totaling approximately $152.3 million that begin expiring in 2022. As of June 30, 2014, the Company also has unused state net operating loss carry-forwards totaling approximately $82.7 million, which expire between 2014 and 2035. The net operating loss carry-forwards are primarily from the acquisition of Holdings and losses in recent years. The Company had unused federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards totaling approximately $143.8 million and $77.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.
	The Company also has remaining excess tax goodwill of approximately $3.1 million as of June 30, 2014 associated with the acquisition of Holdings. The excess tax goodwill will be amortized and deducted for tax purposes over the remaining three year term. However, the excess tax goodwill has not been recorded for GAAP purposes and will not be realized as a benefit to the income tax provision until the amortization deductions are realized through the reduction of taxable income in future years. The Company had remaining excess tax goodwill of approximately $3.1 million as of December 31, 2013.
	The Company is generally no longer subject to federal and state examinations for tax years prior to December 31, 2010.
	The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.1 million as of June 30, 2014 primarily associated with tax positions taken in a prior years. The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.1 million as of December 31, 2013. The Company did not incur any interest expense related to uncertain tax positions for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company utilizes a two-step approach to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon tax authority examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation	Stock Based Compensation
	The Company may issue up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock pursuant to its 2011 Long-term Incentive Plan to employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company. The Company may issue up to 1,575,000 shares of common stock pursuant to its 2008 Long-term Incentive Plan to employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company. Options to purchase shares of common stock are granted at its market price on the grant date and expire at either seven or ten years from issuance.
	Stock Options
	The Company calculates stock option compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the award and recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award. The Company has granted to certain key members of management options to purchase the following shares by grant date during the six months ended June 30, 2014:
		Grant Date
		June 27,			June 27,			March 13,
		2014			2014			2014
	Options granted	49,814			98,024			100,000
	Exercise price per share	$	2.51		$	2.51		$	3.26
	Service period	3 years			3 years			3 years
	Option life	7 years			10 years			10 years
	The fair values of the stock options granted are estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model is sensitive to changes in assumptions which can materially affect the fair value estimate. The Company’s method of estimating the expected volatility for the 2014 option grants was based on the volatility of its own common shares outstanding. The expected dividend yield was estimated based on the Company’s expected dividend rate over the term of the options. The expected term of the options was based on management’s estimate, and the risk-free rate is based on U.S. Treasuries with a term approximating the expected life of the options.
	The following table presents the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the resulting option fair values by grant date during the six months ended June 30, 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Grant Date
		June 27,			June 27,			March 12,
		2014			2014			2014
	Expected dividend yield	—		%	—		%	—		%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.45		%	1.89		%	1.84		%
	Expected volatility	69.94		%	69.94		%	71.12		%
	Expected life of option	4.5 years			6 years			6 years
	Grant date fair value per share	$	1.4		$	1.58		$	1.88
	Grant date fair value	$	70		$	155		$	188
	On November 11, 2013 and May 31, 2013, the Company entered into separation agreements with its former Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Financial Officer, respectively. In accordance with the terms of the separation agreements, and as permitted under the terms of the applicable option awards, the Company agreed that options awarded to the former executives of the Company on December 18, 2008 and January 14, 2011, to the extent vested, will remain exercisable until the ten year anniversary of the applicable grant date, instead of expiring 90 days following the date employment was terminated, as provided in the option award agreements. The separation agreements resulted in the forfeiture of 403,353 vested options issued under the March 18, 2010 option grant and 32,487 unvested options issued under the January 14, 2011 option grant.
	Restricted Shares of Common Stock
	On June 27, 2014, the Company granted to key members of management 51,640 shares of restricted common stock with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $0.1 million. One-third of the restricted shares are scheduled to vest on June 27, 2015, June 27, 2016 and June 27, 2017, respectively, and as such, no shares were vested as of June 30, 2014.
	On November 15, 2013, the Company granted to a key member of management 50,000 shares of restricted common stock with an aggregate grant date fair value of $0.2 million. One-third of the restricted shares are scheduled to vest on November 15, 2014, November 15, 2015 and November 15, 2016, respectively, and as such, no shares were vested as of June 30, 2014.
	On June 18, 2013, the Company granted to a key member of management 67,500 shares of restricted common stock with an aggregate grant date fair value of $0.3 million. One-third of the restricted shares are scheduled to vest on June 18, 2014, June 18, 2015 and June 18, 2016, respectively, and as such, 22,500 shares were vested as of June 30, 2014.
	On January 3, 2011, the Company granted to certain employees 166,943 shares of restricted common stock with an aggregate grant date fair value of $0.9 million. One half of these restricted shares vested on January 3, 2012 and the remainder vested on January 3, 2013, and as such, 166,943 were vested as of June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company recorded $0.1 million and $0.5 million of non-cash compensation expense associated with stock options and restricted shares in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company recorded $0.2 million and $0.6 million of non-cash compensation expense associated with stock options and restricted shares in selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There was approximately $1.1 million and $0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively related to non-vested stock option and restricted share awards. The remaining cost is expected to be recognized ratably over the remaining respective vesting periods.

Common_Stock_and_Warrants

Common Stock and Warrants	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock and Warrants	Common Stock and Warrants
	In October 2008 our Board of Directors authorized a stock and warrant repurchase program, under which the Company may purchase, from time to time, in open market transactions at prevailing prices or through privately negotiated transactions as conditions permit, up to $12.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock and warrants. The Company’s stock repurchase program was suspended in May 2010 in conjunction with the launching of the cashless exercise warrant offer. Repurchases of our common stock and warrants were funded with cash flows of the business.
	The Company issued 45,719 and 43,715 shares of common stock, respectively, for services provided by the members of the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company issued 3,155 shares of common stock for services provided by one member of the Board of Directors during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The Company issued 8,352 shares of common stock to certain members of management in lieu of cash compensation during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The Company issued 22,500 and 83,469 shares of common stock related to the vesting of restricted shares during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which were previously granted to certain employees. The Company withheld 9,621 and 29,489 common shares to cover the employee tax obligation related to the restricted shares issuance during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure	Segment Information (As Restated)
	We have identified four reportable segments: Essex Crane equipment rentals, Coast Crane equipment rentals, equipment distribution, and parts and service. These segments are based upon how management of the Company allocates resources and assesses performance. The Essex Crane and Coast Crane equipment rentals segments include rental, transportation and used rental equipment sales. There were no sales between segments for any of the periods presented. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as well as all other income and expense items below gross profit are not generally allocated to our reportable segments.
	We do not compile discrete financial information by our segments other than the information presented below. The following table presents information about our reportable segments related to revenues and gross profit (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(Restated)		(Restated)		(Restated)		(Restated)
	Segment revenues
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	8,846	$	10,440	$	17,156	$	17,878
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	7,610		8,488		14,436		17,495
	Equipment distribution	2,877		855		4,178		4,565
	Parts and service	5,176		5,430		9,825		10,341
	Total revenues	$	24,509	$	25,213	$	45,595	$	50,279
	Segment gross profit
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	1,080	$	1,629	$	1,736	$	2,467
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	2,732		3,103		4,939		6,283
	Equipment distribution	163		29		174		439
	Parts and service	1,298		1,602		2,606		2,899
	Total gross profit	$	5,273	$	6,363	$	9,455	$	12,088
	The following table presents information about our reportable segments related to total assets (amounts in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(Restated)		(Restated)
	Segment identified assets
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	219,749	$	225,502
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	79,293		83,106
	Equipment distribution	7,555		4,410
	Parts and service	7,270		4,765
	Total segment identified assets	313,867		317,783
	Non-segmented identified assets	14,268		14,993
	Total assets	$	328,135	$	332,776
	The Company operates primarily in the United States. Our sales to international customers for the three months ended June 30, 2014 were 7.3% of total revenues. Sales to customers in Canada represented 6.4% of total revenues. No customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues on a consolidated basis. Within the Essex Crane equipment rentals segment for the three months ended June 30, 2014, one customer individually accounted for approximately 18.2% of revenues on a segmented basis. Within the equipment distribution segment for the three months ended June 30, 2014, three customers individually accounted for approximately 40.3%, 20.3% and 15.4% of revenues on a segmented basis. The concentration of revenues from these customers within the equipment distribution segment is directly attributable to the large dollar value of individual transactions and the small number of individual transactions.
	Our sales to international customers for the three months ended June 30, 2013 were 9.8% of total revenues. Sales to customers in Canada represented 9.2% of total revenues. No customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues on a consolidated basis. Within the Essex Crane equipment rentals segment, one customer individually accounted for approximately 16.7% of revenues on a segmented basis. Within the Coast Crane Equipment rentals segment, one customer individually accounted for approximately 12.4% of segmented revenues.Within the equipment distribution segment for the three months ended June 30, 2013, three customers individually accounted for approximately 45.4%, 26.6% and 11.2% of revenues on a segmented basis. The concentration of revenues from these customers within the equipment distribution segment is directly attributable to the large dollar value of individual transactions and the small number of individual transactions.
	Our sales to international customers for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were 7.9% of total revenues. Sales to customers in Canada represented 5.6% of total revenues. One customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues on a consolidated basis. Within the Essex Crane equipment rentals segment for the six months ended June 30, 2014, one customer individually accounted for approximately 20.2% of revenues on a segmented basis.Within the equipment distribution segment for the six months ended June 30, 2014, three customers individually accounted for approximately 27.7%, 13.0% and 10.6% of revenues on a segmented basis. The concentration of revenues from these customers within the equipment distribution segment is directly attributable to the large dollar value of individual transactions and the small number of individual transactions.
	Our sales to international customers for the six months ended June 30, 2013 were 9.1% of total revenues. Sales to customers in Canada represented 8.5% of total revenues. No customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues on a consolidated basis. Within the equipment distribution segment for the six months ended June 30, 2013, one customer individually accounted for approximately 46.3% of revenues on a segmented basis. The concentration of revenues from this customer within the equipment distribution segment is directly attributable to the large dollar value of individual transactions and the small number of individual transactions.
	The Company maintains assets in Canada associated with our Coast Crane Ltd. subsidiary. Total assets located in Canada at June 30, 2014 totaled approximately $3.3 million, including long-lived assets totaling approximately $2.3 million. At December 31, 2013, total assets located in Canada totaled approximately $4.5 million, including long-lived assets totaling approximately $3.5 million.

Commitments_Contingencies_and_

Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions	Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions
	Since December 2010, the Company has occupied office space at 500 Fifth Avenue, 50th Floor, New York, NY 10110, provided by Hyde Park Real Estate LLC, an affiliate of Laurence S. Levy, our chairman of the board. Such affiliate has agreed that it will make such office space, as well as certain office and administrative services, available to the Company, as may be required by the Company from time to time. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company has agreed to pay such entity $7,688 per month for such services based on reimbursement of actual costs with the terms of such arrangement being reconsidered from time to time. The Company’s statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 include approximately $23,064 and $46,128, respectively of rent expense related to these agreements.
	In November 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with the holders of certain Coast Crane indebtedness pursuant to which such holders agreed, in consideration of the assumption of such indebtedness by the Company, to exchange such indebtedness of $5.2 million for unsecured promissory notes issued by the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $5.2 million plus the receipt of up to 90,000 warrants to purchase Essex common stock at $0.01 per share. The warrants were exercised in full on October 24, 2013. The holders of the unsecured promissory notes are related parties to the Company as they owned a significant amount of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock at the time of the transaction.
	The Company maintains reserves for personal property taxes.  These reserves are based on a variety of factors including: duration of rental in each county jurisdiction, tax rates, rental contract terms, customer filings, tax-exempt nature of projects or jurisdictions, statutes of limitations and potential related penalties and interest.  Additionally, most customer rental contracts contain a provision that provides that personal property taxes are an obligation to be borne by the lessee. Where provided in the rental contract, management will invoice the customer for any personal property taxes paid by the Company. An estimated receivable has been recorded, net of an estimated allowance in connection with this liability.  This customer receivable has been presented as other receivables in current assets while the property tax reserve has been included in accrued taxes.
	Management estimated the gross personal property taxes liability and related contractual customer receivable of the Company to be approximately $3.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2014 and approximately $3.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, contingent assets and liabilities, and the related disclosures.  Accordingly, actual results could materially differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates include the allowance for doubtful accounts and credit memos, spare parts inventory obsolescence reserve, useful lives for rental equipment and property and equipment, deferred income taxes, personal property tax receivable and accrual, loss contingencies and the fair value of financial instruments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The valuation of financial instruments requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the fair value of the instruments. The Company, where possible, bases the fair values of its financial instruments on listed market prices and third party quotes. Where these are not available, the Company bases its estimates on current instruments with similar terms and maturities or on other factors relevant to the financial instruments.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting (As Restated)
	We have determined, in accordance with applicable accounting guidance regarding operating segments, that we have four reportable segments. We derive our revenues from four principal business activities: (1) Essex Crane equipment rentals; (2) Coast Crane equipment rentals; (3) equipment distribution; and (4) parts and service. These segments are based upon how we allocate resources and assess performance. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements regarding our segment information.
Long-lived Assets	Long-lived Assets
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The criteria for determining impairment for such long-lived assets to be held and used is determined by comparing the carrying value of these long-lived assets to be held and used to management's best estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of these assets. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The estimated fair value of the assets is measured by estimating the present value of the future discounted cash flows to be generated.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, and as a result of continuing losses and depressed utilization rates the Company determined that triggering event had occurred at Essex Crane, which caused the Company to determine if an impairment of these long-lived assets was necessary.
	Application of the long-lived asset impairment test requires judgment, including the identification the primary asset, identification of the lowest level of identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and the future cash flows of the long-lived assets. The Company identified its crawler crane rental equipment fleet as the primary asset as it is the basis of all revenue generating activities for Essex Crane, its replacement would require a significant level of investment and its remaining useful life significantly exceeds the remaining useful life of all other assets. The lowest level of identifiable cash flows within the rental equipment fleet is at the equipment model level. Each equipment model group is capable of producing cash flows without other complementary assets and each asset within the specific equipment model groups is interchangeable with any other asset within that equipment model group. The Company tested the recoverability of the rental equipment assets by model using an undiscounted cash flow approach dependent primarily upon estimates of future rental income, orderly liquidation value and discount rates. Cash flows for each equipment model group considered the possibility of continuing to rent the assets and selling the assets in orderly transactions in the future or at the end of their remaining useful lives. The Company estimated that the future cash flows generated by each of the equipment model groups exceeded the carrying value of the assets and no impairment was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2014
	The Company also assessed whether a triggering event for potential impairment of its other equipment assets existed, and it was determined that no such event occurred for these assets during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Restatement_Tables

Restatement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Schedule of Effects of the Restatement	The effects of the restatement of certain revolving credit facilities to short-term obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		As of June 30, 2014
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Current Liabilities:
	Revolving credit facilities - short-term	$	—	$	137,975		$	137,975
	Total Current Liabilities	21,819		137,975			159,794
	Long-term Liabilities:
	Revolving credit facility	139,110		(137,975		)	1,135
	Total Long-term Liabilities	$	245,813	$	(137,975	)	$	107,838
	The effects of the restatement of the revolving credit facilities to short-term obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2013
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Current Liabilities:
	Revolving credit facilities - short-term	$	—	$	163,114		$	163,114
	Total Current Liabilities	18,206		163,114			181,320
	Long-term Liabilities:
	Revolving credit facility	165,482		(163,114		)	2,368
	Total Long-term Liabilities	$	248,481	$	(163,114	)	$	85,367
	The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment revenue and gross profit within Note 12 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Segment revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	16,456	$	(16,456	)	$	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		8,846			8,846
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		7,610			7,610
	Segment gross profit:
	Equipment rentals	3,812		(3,812		)	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		1,080			1,080
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		2,732			2,732
	The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment revenue and gross profit within Note 12 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Segment revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	18,928	$	(18,928	)	$	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		10,440			10,440
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		8,488			8,488
	Segment gross profit:
	Equipment rentals	4,732		(4,732		)	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		1,629			1,629
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	$	—	$	3,103		$	3,103
	The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment revenue and gross profit within Note 12 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Segment revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	31,592	$	(31,592	)	$	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		17,156			17,156
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		14,436			14,436
	Segment gross profit:
	Equipment rentals	6,675		(6,675		)	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		1,736			1,736
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		4,939			4,939
	The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment revenue and gross profit within Note 12 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		As Previously Reported		Adjustments			As Restated
	Segment revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	35,373	$	(35,373	)	$	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		17,878			17,878
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		17,495			17,495
	Segment gross profit:
	Equipment rentals	8,750		(8,750		)	—
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		2,467			2,467
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	$	—	$	6,283		$	6,283
	The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment identified assets within Note 12 as of June 30, 2014 along with the impact of certain reclassifications to conform with the current year presentation are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		As of June 30, 2014
	As Previously Reported		Adjustments			Reclassifications			As Restated
Segment identified assets:
Equipment rentals	$	298,683	$	(298,683	)	$	—		$	—
Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		219,749			—			219,749
Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		78,934			359			79,293
Equipment distribution	8,273		—			(718		)	7,555
Parts and service	$	6,911	$	—		$	359		$	7,270
The effects of the restatement related to the disaggregation of the equipment rentals segment identified assets within Note 12 as of December 31, 2012 along with the impact of certain reclassifications to conform with the current year presentation are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	As of December 31, 2013
	As Previously Reported		Adjustments			Reclassifications			As Restated
Segment identified assets:
Equipment rentals	$	307,372	$	(307,372	)	$	—		$	—
Essex Crane equipment rentals	—		225,502			—			225,502
Coast Crane equipment rentals	—		81,870			1,236			83,106
Equipment distribution	5,150		—			(740		)	4,410
Parts and service	$	5,261	$	—		$	(496	)	$	4,765

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following table presents the gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount of the Company’s other identifiable finite lived intangible assets (amounts in thousands):
		30-Jun-14			31-Dec-13
	Essex Crane customer relationship	$	785		$	785
	Essex Crane trademark	804			804
	Coast Crane customer relationship	1,500			1,500
	Coast Crane trademark	600			600
	Total intangible assets	3,689			3,689
	Less: accumulated amortization	(2,787		)	(2,620		)
	Intangible assets, net	$	902		$	1,069
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets as of June 30, 2014 for the years ended December 31st (amounts in thousands):
	2014	$	167
	2015	324
	2016	214
	2017	197
	Total	$	902

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_an1

Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The Company’s revolving credit facilities and other debt obligations consist of the following (amounts in thousands):
		Principal Outstanding at				Weighted Average
						Interest Rate as of
		30-Jun-14		December 31, 2013		30-Jun-14		Maturity Dates
		(Restated)		(Restated)		(Restated)		(Restated)
	Essex Crane revolving credit facility - short-term	$	122,375	$	148,149	3.92	%	Oct-16
	Coast Crane revolving credit facility - short-term	15,600		14,965		5.4	%	Mar-17
	Coast Crane revolving credit facility - long-term	1,135		2,368		5.47	%	Mar-17
	Essex Crane term loan	30,000		—		11.5	%	May-19
	Coast Crane term loan	35,500		36,500		5.25	%	September 2015 to March 2017
	Coast Crane term loan - short-term	2,000		2,000		5.25	%	within 1 year
	Unsecured promissory notes (related party)	1,655		3,655		18	%	Oct-16
	Purchase money security interest debt	2,011		1,975		5.05	%	September 2015 to October 2018
	Purchase money security interest debt - short-term	966		959		5.05	%	within 1 year
	Total debt obligations outstanding	$	211,242	$	210,571
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Aggregate payments of principal on debt obligations outstanding as of June 30, 2014 for each of the years ended December 31st based on contractual installment payment terms and maturities are as follows:
	2014	$	139,590
	2015	2,846
	2016	3,996
	2017	34,206
	2018 and thereafter	30,604
	Total	$	211,242

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents the Company's changes in accumulated other comprehensive income related to foreign currency translation adjustments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	22		$	5	$	11		$	10
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(15		)	1		(4		)	(4		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		—			—
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(15		)	1		(4		)	(4		)
	Ending balance	$	7		$	6	$	7		$	6

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (amounts in thousands except per share data):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net loss	$	(2,741	)	$	(1,932	)	$	(5,910	)	$	(4,095	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic	24,801			24,654			24,795			24,633
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Warrants	—			—			—			—
	Options	—			—			—			—
	Restricted common stock	—			—			—			—
	Diluted	24,801			24,654			24,795			24,633
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(0.17	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(0.17	)

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award	The Company has granted to certain key members of management options to purchase the following shares by grant date during the six months ended June 30, 2014:
		Grant Date
		June 27,			June 27,			March 13,
		2014			2014			2014
	Options granted	49,814			98,024			100,000
	Exercise price per share	$	2.51		$	2.51		$	3.26
	Service period	3 years			3 years			3 years
	Option life	7 years			10 years			10 years
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The following table presents the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the resulting option fair values by grant date during the six months ended June 30, 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Grant Date
		June 27,			June 27,			March 12,
		2014			2014			2014
	Expected dividend yield	—		%	—		%	—		%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.45		%	1.89		%	1.84		%
	Expected volatility	69.94		%	69.94		%	71.12		%
	Expected life of option	4.5 years			6 years			6 years
	Grant date fair value per share	$	1.4		$	1.58		$	1.88
	Grant date fair value	$	70		$	155		$	188

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Segment Revenues And Segment Gross Profit Table	The following table presents information about our reportable segments related to revenues and gross profit (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(Restated)		(Restated)		(Restated)		(Restated)
	Segment revenues
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	8,846	$	10,440	$	17,156	$	17,878
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	7,610		8,488		14,436		17,495
	Equipment distribution	2,877		855		4,178		4,565
	Parts and service	5,176		5,430		9,825		10,341
	Total revenues	$	24,509	$	25,213	$	45,595	$	50,279
	Segment gross profit
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	1,080	$	1,629	$	1,736	$	2,467
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	2,732		3,103		4,939		6,283
	Equipment distribution	163		29		174		439
	Parts and service	1,298		1,602		2,606		2,899
	Total gross profit	$	5,273	$	6,363	$	9,455	$	12,088
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	The following table presents information about our reportable segments related to total assets (amounts in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(Restated)		(Restated)
	Segment identified assets
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	219,749	$	225,502
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	79,293		83,106
	Equipment distribution	7,555		4,410
	Parts and service	7,270		4,765
	Total segment identified assets	313,867		317,783
	Non-segmented identified assets	14,268		14,993
	Total assets	$	328,135	$	332,776

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
	Segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	4

Restatement_Details

Restatement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Revolving credit facilities - short-term	$137,975		$137,975		$163,114
Total Current Liabilities	159,794		159,794		181,320
Revolving credit facility	1,135		1,135		2,368
Total Long-term Liabilities	107,838		107,838		85,367
Revenues	24,509	25,213	45,595	50,279
Gross Profit	5,273	6,363	9,455	12,088
Assets	328,135		328,135		332,776
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Revolving credit facilities - short-term	0		0		0
Total Current Liabilities	21,819		21,819		18,206
Revolving credit facility	139,110		139,110		165,482
Total Long-term Liabilities	245,813		245,813		248,481
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Revolving credit facilities - short-term	137,975		137,975		163,114
Total Current Liabilities	137,975		137,975		163,114
Revolving credit facility	-137,975		-137,975		-163,114
Total Long-term Liabilities	-137,975		-137,975		-163,114
Equipment Rental
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Gross Profit	0	0	0	0
Equipment Rental | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Revenues	16,456	18,928	31,592	35,373
Gross Profit	3,812	4,732	6,675	8,750
Assets	298,683		298,683		307,372
Equipment Rental | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Revenues	-16,456	-18,928	-31,592	-35,373
Gross Profit	-3,812	-4,732	-6,675	-8,750
Assets	-298,683		-298,683		-307,372
Equipment Rental | Reclassification [Member]
Assets	0		0		0
Equipment Rental | Scenario, Actual [Member]
Assets	0		0		0
Essex Crane Equipment Rentals
Revenues	8,846	10,440	17,156	17,878
Gross Profit	1,080	1,629	1,736	2,467
Assets	219,749		219,749		225,502
Essex Crane Equipment Rentals | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Gross Profit	0	0	0	0
Assets	0		0		0
Essex Crane Equipment Rentals | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Revenues	8,846	10,440	17,156	17,878
Gross Profit	1,080	1,629	1,736	2,467
Assets	219,749		219,749		225,502
Essex Crane Equipment Rentals | Reclassification [Member]
Assets	0		0		0
Essex Crane Equipment Rentals | Scenario, Actual [Member]
Assets	219,749		219,749		225,502
Coast Crane Equipment Rentals
Revenues	7,610	8,488	14,436	17,495
Gross Profit	2,732	3,103	4,939	6,283
Assets	79,293		79,293		83,106
Coast Crane Equipment Rentals | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Gross Profit	0	0	0	0
Assets	0		0		0
Coast Crane Equipment Rentals | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Revenues	7,610	8,488	14,436	17,495
Gross Profit	2,732	3,103	4,939	6,283
Assets	78,934		78,934		81,870
Coast Crane Equipment Rentals | Reclassification [Member]
Assets	359		359		1,236
Coast Crane Equipment Rentals | Scenario, Actual [Member]
Assets	79,293		79,293		83,106
Equipment Distribution [Member]
Revenues	2,877	855	4,178	4,565
Gross Profit	163	29	174	439
Assets	7,555		7,555		4,410
Equipment Distribution [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Assets	8,273		8,273		5,150
Equipment Distribution [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Assets	0		0		0
Equipment Distribution [Member] | Reclassification [Member]
Assets	-718		-718		-740
Equipment Distribution [Member] | Scenario, Actual [Member]
Assets	7,555		7,555		4,410
Parts and Service [Member]
Revenues	5,176	5,430	9,825	10,341
Gross Profit	1,298	1,602	2,606	2,899
Assets	7,270		7,270		4,765
Parts and Service [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Assets	6,911		6,911		5,261
Parts and Service [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Assets	0		0		0
Parts and Service [Member] | Reclassification [Member]
Assets	359		359		-496
Parts and Service [Member] | Scenario, Actual [Member]
Assets	$7,270		$7,270		$4,765

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$1,796,000		$1,796,000		$1,796,000
Intangible assets	3,689,000		3,689,000		3,689,000
Less: accumulated amortization	-2,787,000		-2,787,000		-2,620,000
Intangible assets, net	902,000		902,000		1,069,000
Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets	100,000	100,000	200,000	200,000
2014	167,000		167,000
2015	324,000		324,000
2016	214,000		214,000
2017	197,000		197,000
Essex Crane Customer Relationship Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	785,000		785,000		785,000
Essex Crane Trademark Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	804,000		804,000		804,000
Coast Crane Customer Relationship Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	1,500,000		1,500,000		1,500,000
Coast Crane Trademark Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$600,000		$600,000		$600,000

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_an2

Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended			12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	13-May-14	7-May-12	Nov. 14, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2010	Apr. 29, 2014	Feb. 21, 2014	Mar. 12, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Nov. 24, 2010	Jan. 01, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$1,135,000					$2,368,000
Term loans	65,500,000					36,500,000
Term loan - short-term	2,000,000					2,000,000
Promissory notes	1,655,000					3,655,000		5,200,000
Purchase money security interest debt	2,011,000					1,975,000
Purchase money security interest debt - short-term	966,000					959,000
Total debt obligations outstanding	211,242,000					210,571,000
2014	139,590,000
2015	2,846,000
2016	3,996,000
2017	34,206,000
2018 and thereafter	30,604,000
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	49,261,000	47,394,000
Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	122,375,000					148,149,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.92%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			145,000,000
Maximum Amount Of Letters Of Credit Sublimit Under Credit Facility			20,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility Borrowing Base Percentage Of Eligible Accounts			85.00%
Percentage Of Net Orderly Liquidation Value Eligible Asset			75.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Future Reduction in Aggregate Commitment, Percentage of Proceeds on Sale of Assets			100.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Future Reduction in Aggregate Commitment, Percentage of Free Cash Flow			60.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.38%
Line of Credit Facility, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio			1.1
Line of Credit Facility, Limit on Certain Capital Expenditures			2,000,000
Debt Instrument Covenant Maximum Indebtedness			1,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	139,500,000					170,100,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	17,100,000					21,900,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity After 10 Percent Availability Covenant Threshold	2,600,000					4,400,000
Line Of Credit Facility Excess Availability	2,600,000					9,300,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Oct-16
Line of Credit Facility London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR)	0.15%					0.15%
Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	15,600,000					14,965,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.40%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity											35,000,000				75,000,000
Maximum Amount Of Letters Of Credit Sublimit Under Credit Facility															2,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility Borrowing Base Percentage Of Eligible Accounts										85.00%
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities					1,500,000
Reserves on Revolving Credit Facility				3,700,000
Line of Credit Facility, Letter of Credit Fee	3.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate Interest Rate Floor	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%					0.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio				1.2
Minimum Availability Level Of Borrowings To Avoid Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Test				8,000,000
Payment Of Contributions By Subsidiary							2,500,000
Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation And Amortization							6,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	34,500,000					34,400,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	9,400,000					8,200,000
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Reserve	8,300,000					8,900,000
Line Of Credit Facility Excess Availability												8,500,000	8,400,000	9,500,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Mar-17
Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility, Coast LTD Portion [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	1,135,000					2,368,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.47%
Line Of Credit Facility Borrowing Base Percentage Of Eligible Accounts										85.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Mar-17
Essex Crane Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loans	30,000,000		30,000,000			0
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	11.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate Interest Rate Floor			1.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	May-19
Line of Credit Facility London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR)	0.15%
Coast Crane Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loans	35,500,000					36,500,000					40,000,000
Term loan - short-term	2,000,000					2,000,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		500,000
Loans Payable to Bank	37,500,000					38,500,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	within 1 year
Unsecured Promissory Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Promissory notes	1,655,000					3,655,000		5,200,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	18.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	18.00%					10.00%										18.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Oct-16
Class of Warrant or Right Issued								90,000
Common Stock Issuable Upon Exercise of Warrants								90,000
Warrant Exercise Price per Share								$0.01
Class of Warrant or Right Fair Value								300,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period								3 years
Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Purchase money security interest debt	2,011,000					1,975,000
Purchase money security interest debt - short-term	966,000					959,000
Long-term Debt	3,000,000					2,900,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.05%
Pieces of Equipment Financed	12					11
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.29%					8.29%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	within 1 year
Minimum | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
US Eligible New Sale Inventory Cap										4,000,000
Minimum | Coast Crane Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Sep-15
Minimum | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Sep-15
Maximum | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
US Eligible New Sale Inventory Cap										15,000,000
Maximum | Coast Crane Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Mar-17
Maximum | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Oct-18
Prime Rate | Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.75%
Line of Credit Facility Prime Rate	3.25%					3.25%
Prime Rate | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%
Line of Credit Facility Prime Rate	3.25%					3.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.38%	0.38%	3.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.75%
Line of Credit Facility London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR)	0.23%					0.24%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Essex Crane Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			10.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Pieces of Equipment Financed	11					10
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Maximum | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	5.38%
Stated Interest Rate 8.29% | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Pieces of Equipment Financed	1					1
February 28 2016 | Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			130,000,000
March 31 2016 | Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required Rental Equipment Sales Proceeds			8,000,000
March 31 2015 | Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required Rental Equipment Sales Proceeds			3,000,000
Option Two | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Borrowing Base Percentage Of Eligible Accounts															85.00%
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base, Percentage of Inventory										50.00%					50.00%
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base										5,000,000					5,000,000
Option Two | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility, Coast LTD Portion [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base, Percentage of Inventory										50.00%
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base										800,000
Option Three | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base															15,000,000
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base, Percentage of Net Orderly Liquidation Value and Invoice Cost of New Equipment										95.00%					95.00%
Option Three | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility, Coast LTD Portion [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base										2,000,000
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base, Percentage of Net Orderly Liquidation Value and Invoice Cost of New Equipment										95.00%
Option Four | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base, Percentage of Net Orderly Liquidation Value and Invoice Cost of New Equipment										85.00%
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base, Percentage of Net Orderly Liquidation Value Less Reserves															85.00%
Option Four | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility, Coast LTD Portion [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base, Percentage of Net Orderly Liquidation Value and Invoice Cost of New Equipment										85.00%
April 30 2014 | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio									0.88
May 31 2014 | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio									1
June 30 2014 | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio									1.1
July 31 2014 and Thereafter | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio									1.2
March 31 2014 | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio									1
March 2014 to August 2014 | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required Trailing Twelve Month EBITDA									7,700,000
September 2014 to November 2014 | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required Trailing Twelve Month EBITDA									7,850,000
December 2014 to February 2015 | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required Trailing Twelve Month EBITDA									8,000,000
March 2015 to May 2015 | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required Trailing Twelve Month EBITDA									8,150,000
June 2015 and Thereafter | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required Trailing Twelve Month EBITDA									8,300,000
2013 | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Covenant Maximum Indebtedness				7,000,000
2014 and Thereafter | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Covenant Maximum Indebtedness				$10,000,000

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Debt instrument, fair value disclosure	$211.20	$212

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$22	$5	$11	$10
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-15	1	-4	-4
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-15	1	-4	-4
Ending balance	$7	$6	$7	$6

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net loss	($2,741)	($1,932)	($5,910)	($4,095)
Basic (shares)	24,801,387	24,653,513	24,795,396	24,632,629
Diluted (shares)	24,801,387	24,653,513	24,795,396	24,632,629
Basic earnings (loss) per share	($0.11)	($0.08)	($0.24)	($0.17)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	($0.11)	($0.08)	($0.24)	($0.17)
Weighted average number of shares, retained interests	493,671	493,671	493,671	493,671
Stock options outstanding, number	1,411,903	1,430,459	1,411,903	1,430,459
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$4.59	$5.29	$4.59	$5.29
Class of warrant or rights, outstanding (shares)		90,000		90,000
Class of warrants or rights, exercise price of warrants or rights		$0.01		$0.01
Warrant
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive securities (shares)	0	0	0	0
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount		89,792		89,784
Employee Stock Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive securities (shares)	0	0	0	0
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	0	103,295	0	86,545
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive securities (shares)	0	0	0	0
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	18,237	84	20,619	0

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate, percent	37.30%	38.60%
Business acquisition, goodwill, expected tax deductible amount	$3.10		$3.10
Tax goodwill amortization period	3 years
Unrecognized tax benefits	0.1		0.1
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	152.3		143.8
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$82.70		$77.30

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	31-May-13	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 13, 2014	Nov. 15, 2013	Jun. 18, 2013	Jan. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost	$100,000	$500,000	$200,000	$600,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,100,000		1,100,000								700,000
Share Based Compensation, Options, Annual Vesting Percentage	33.33%		33.33%
March 18 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period					403,353
January 14 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period					32,487
June 27 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted						49,814
Exercise price per share						$2.51
Service period						3 years
Option life						7 years
Expected dividend yield						0.00%
Risk-free interest rate						1.45%
Expected volatility						69.94%
Expected life of option						4 years 6 months
Grant date fair value per share						$1.40
Grant date fair value						70,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period						51,640
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Total Grant Date Fair Value						100,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			0
June 27 2014 Executives
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted						98,024
Exercise price per share						$2.51
Service period						3 years
Option life						10 years
Expected dividend yield						0.00%
Risk-free interest rate						1.89%
Expected volatility						69.94%
Expected life of option						6 years
Grant date fair value per share						$1.58
Grant date fair value						155,000
March 13 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted							100,000
Exercise price per share							$3.26
Service period							3 years
Option life							10 years
Expected dividend yield							0.00%
Risk-free interest rate							1.84%
Expected volatility							71.12%
Expected life of option							6 years
Grant date fair value per share							$1.88
Grant date fair value							188,000
November 15 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period								50,000
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Total Grant Date Fair Value								200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			0
June 18 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period									67,500
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Total Grant Date Fair Value									300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			22,500
January 3 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period										166,943
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Total Grant Date Fair Value										$900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			166,943
2011 Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	1,500,000		1,500,000
2008 Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	1,575,000		1,575,000
January 3 2012 | January 3 2011 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date										50.00%
January 3 2013 | January 3 2011 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date										50.00%
November 15 2014 | November 15 2013 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date								33.33%
November 15 2015 | November 15 2013 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date								33.33%
November 15 2016 | November 15 2013 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date								33.33%
June 18 2014 | June 18 2013 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date									33.33%
June 18 2015 | June 18 2013 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date									33.33%
June 18 2016 | June 18 2013 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date									33.33%
June 27 2015 | June 27 2014 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date						33.33%
June 27 2016 | June 27 2014 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date						33.33%
June 27 2017 | June 27 2014 | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation, Restricted Common Stock, Percentage Vesting By Date						33.33%

Common_Stock_and_Warrants_Deta

Common Stock and Warrants (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2008
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Value				$12
Strategic Planning and Finance Committee [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services	45,719	43,715
Board of Directors [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services	3,155
Management [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services			8,352
June 18 2013 Restricted Share Grant [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	22,500
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	9,621
January 3 2011 Restricted Share Grant [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		83,469
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation		29,489

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments			4
Revenues	$24,509,000	$25,213,000	$45,595,000	$50,279,000
Gross Profit	5,273,000	6,363,000	9,455,000	12,088,000
Assets	328,135,000		328,135,000		332,776,000
Essex Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	8,846,000	10,440,000	17,156,000	17,878,000
Gross Profit	1,080,000	1,629,000	1,736,000	2,467,000
Assets	219,749,000		219,749,000		225,502,000
Coast Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	7,610,000	8,488,000	14,436,000	17,495,000
Gross Profit	2,732,000	3,103,000	4,939,000	6,283,000
Assets	79,293,000		79,293,000		83,106,000
Equipment Rental
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Gross Profit	0	0	0	0
Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,877,000	855,000	4,178,000	4,565,000
Gross Profit	163,000	29,000	174,000	439,000
Assets	7,555,000		7,555,000		4,410,000
Parts and Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	5,176,000	5,430,000	9,825,000	10,341,000
Gross Profit	1,298,000	1,602,000	2,606,000	2,899,000
Assets	7,270,000		7,270,000		4,765,000
Segmented Assets Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	313,867,000		313,867,000		317,783,000
Total Non-Segmented Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	14,268,000		14,268,000		14,993,000
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	3,300,000		3,300,000		4,500,000
Long-Lived Assets	$2,300,000		$2,300,000		$3,500,000
Sales Revenue, Net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Number of Major Customers	0	0	1	0
Sales Revenue, Net | Essex Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Number of Major Customers	1	1	1
Sales Revenue, Net | Coast Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Number of Major Customers		1
Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Number of Major Customers	3	3	3	1
Geographic Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Foreign
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	7.30%	9.80%	7.90%	9.10%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	6.40%	9.20%	5.60%	8.50%
Customer One | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Essex Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	18.20%	16.70%	20.20%
Customer One | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Coast Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		12.40%
Customer One | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	40.30%	45.40%	27.70%	46.30%
Customer Two | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	20.30%	26.60%	13.00%
Customer Three | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	15.40%	11.20%	10.60%

Commitments_Contingencies_and_1

Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2010	Jan. 02, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount	$5,200,000
Promissory Notes	5,200,000		1,655,000		1,655,000		3,655,000
Common Stock Warrants Issued	90,000
Share Price	$0.01
Personal Property Tax Liability			3,100,000		3,100,000		3,300,000
Personal Property Tax Receivable			1,800,000		1,800,000		2,000,000
Hyde Park Real Estate LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Monthly Rent Expense		7,688
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net			$23,064	$23,064	$46,128	$46,128