Essex Rental (ESSX) 10-Q 7 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
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		24,935,600

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and cash equivalents	$688	$1,087
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and credit memos of $3,496 and $3,019, respectively	17,843	16,981
Other receivables	1,624	1,700
Deferred tax assets	3,620	3,504
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,759	1,516
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	40,860	39,333
Property and equipment, net	4,667	4,613
Spare parts inventory, net	3,854	3,816
Identifiable finite lived intangibles, net	651	735
Goodwill	1,796	1,796
Loan acquisition costs, net	4,549	5,132
TOTAL ASSETS	321,639	325,890
Accounts payable	3,994	4,966
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	1,578	2,008
Accrued taxes	3,291	3,694
Accrued interest	897	870
Accrued other expenses	1,520	1,031
Unearned rental revenue	2,035	1,849
Customer deposits	228	350
Revolving credit facilities - short-term	144,391	142,709
Term loan - short-term	2,000	2,000
Purchase money security interest debt - short-term	1,556	1,655
Capital lease obligation - short-term	49	35
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	161,539	161,167
Revolving credit facility	2,381	1,781
Term loans	64,000	64,500
Promissory notes	1,655	1,655
Purchase money security interest debt	7,227	6,652
Deferred tax liabilities	32,365	34,487
Capital lease obligation	223	162
TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	107,851	109,237
TOTAL LIABILITIES	269,390	270,404
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 24,935,600 shares at March 31, 2015 and 24,824,614 shares at December 31, 2014	2	2
Paid in capital	126,772	126,510
Accumulated deficit	-74,634	-71,077
Accumulated other comprehensive income	109	51
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	52,249	55,486
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	321,639	325,890
Property Subject to Operating Lease
Rental equipment, held for sale	790	790
Property and equipment, net	265,262	270,465
Retail Spare Parts Inventory, Net
Retail equipment	1,749	1,725
Retail Equipment Inventory
Retail equipment	$12,787	$12,030

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts and credit memos	$3,496	$3,019
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	24,935,600	24,824,614
Common stock, outstanding	24,935,600	24,824,614

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equipment rentals	$12,045	$11,044
Transportation	1,424	1,773
Equipment repairs and maintenance	2,825	2,482
TOTAL REVENUES	22,066	21,086
Salaries, payroll taxes and benefits	2,981	2,544
Depreciation	4,441	4,604
Transportation	1,266	1,776
Equipment repairs and maintenance	2,625	2,377
Yard operating expenses	839	792
TOTAL COST OF REVENUES	17,072	16,904
GROSS PROFIT	4,994	4,182
Selling, general and administrative expenses	6,438	5,919
Other depreciation and amortization	173	258
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-1,617	-1,995
Other income (expense)	1	11
Interest expense	-3,817	-2,972
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	-336	-152
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)	-4,152	-3,113
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	-5,769	-5,108
BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES	-2,213	-1,939
NET LOSS	-3,556	-3,169
Basic (shares)	24,920,802	24,789,338
Diluted (shares)	24,920,802	24,789,338
Basic earnings (loss) per share	($0.14)	($0.13)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	($0.14)	($0.13)
Retail Spare Parts Inventory, Net
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	1,926	2,167
Cost of Goods Sold	1,566	1,742
Property Subject to Operating Lease
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	1,024	2,319
Cost of Goods Sold	753	1,919
Retail Equipment Inventory
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	2,822	1,301
Cost of Goods Sold	$2,601	$1,150

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net loss	($3,556)	($3,169)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	58	11
Other comprehensive income	58	11
Comprehensive loss	($3,498)	($3,158)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net loss	($3,556)	($3,169)
Depreciation and amortization of tangible assets	4,530	4,778
Amortization of loan acquisition costs and other intangibles	662	579
Deferred income taxes	-2,266	-1,958
Share based compensation expense	116	81
Accounts receivable, net	-638	-189
Other receivables	76	287
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-243	-80
Spare parts inventory	-73	-281
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-274	237
Unearned rental revenue	186	171
Customer deposits	-122	-91
Total change in operating assets and liabilities	-1,845	-632
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-2,630	-721
Purchases of property and equipment	-169	-64
Accounts receivable from rental equipment sales	-224	804
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	570	2,468
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	25,309	21,378
Payments on revolving credit facilities	-23,027	-22,832
Payments on term loans	-500	-500
Payments on purchase money security interest debt	-478	-229
Payments on capital lease obligation	-10	0
Payments for loan acquisition costs	0	-36
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES	1,294	-2,219
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	367	153
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-399	-319
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	1,087	1,349
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	688	1,030
Board of Directors fees paid in common stock	147	150
Equipment obtained through capital lease	85	0
Equipment purchased directly through short-term debt obligation	56	525
Interest Paid	3,207	2,972
Income Taxes Paid, Net	-11	18
Retail Equipment Inventory
Retail equipment inventory	-757	-686
Property Subject to Operating Lease
Gain on sale of rental equipment	-271	-400
Purchases of property and equipment	-61	-591
Proceeds from sale of rental equipment	$1,024	$2,319

Business_and_Principles_of_Con

Business and Principles of Consolidation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2015. 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, 2014.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies
	Please refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 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 interest rate swaps and other 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, including its derivative 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
	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 - Held for Use
	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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and as a result of continuing losses and depressed utilization rates, the Company determined that a triggering event had occurred at Essex Crane, which caused the Company to determine if an impairment of these long-lived assets to be held and used was necessary.
	Application of the long-lived asset to be held and used impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of 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 to be held and used. 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 each 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 to be held and used 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 assets to be held and used as of March 31, 2015.
	The Company also assessed whether a triggering event for potential impairment of its Coast Crane equipment assets existed, and it was determined that no such event occurred for these assets during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Long-lived Assets - Held for Sale
	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company agreed to terms to sell certain traditional crawler crane rental equipment assets. Under the agreed upon terms, the rental equipment assets, in their current condition, were or will be sold in three groups with the first group sale completed during the three months ended September 30, 2014, the second group sale completed during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and the remaining group sale expected to be completed during the three months ended June 30, 2015. As a result of the agreed upon sales terms, the Company has determined that these long-lived rental equipment assets shall be classified as held for sale. The held for sale assets are classified within the Company's Essex Crane equipment rentals segment.
	As a result of the held for sale classification, the Company performed an impairment analysis of the long-lived rental equipment assets held for sale. Application of the long-lived asset held for sale impairment test requires comparing the carrying value of the the asset to its fair value less cost to sell. The Company determined that the fair value of the assets was equal to the agreed upon sales price. The carrying value of the assets exceeded the fair value of the assets less cost to sell resulting in the Company recording an impairment charge of approximately $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014.
	Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance for the presentation of debt issuance costs on an entity's balance sheet. The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from that debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim reporting periods within those years (early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued). Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results.
	Liquidity
	The Company has typically had substantial liquidity from its operating cash flows despite the significant downturn in the construction industry and recurring losses in recent years. The Company anticipates its current cash resources, availability under its revolving credit facilities, and cash to be generated from operations in 2015 and the three months ended March 31, 2016 will be adequate to meet the Company's liquidity needs for at least the next twelve months. As discussed further in Note 4 of these consolidated financial statements, the Company is obligated to make principal payments on outstanding debt totaling approximately $3.6 million during the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2015, availability under the Essex Crane borrowing base calculation was approximately $1.8 million and availability under the Coast Crane borrowing base calculation was approximately $0.5 million. If cash generated from operations is not materially consistent with management’s plans, the Company may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or from other sources to enable it to repay its indebtedness and to fund its other liquidity needs. The Company may not be able to refinance its indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we cannot service or refinance our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as asset divestitures, seeking additional equity or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, any of which could have an adverse effect on our operations. Additionally, we may not be able to effect such actions, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
	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.
	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.
	Although the balances outstanding on the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility and Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility, with respect to Coast Crane borrowings, are classified as short-term obligations within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, we expect that we will be able to continue to use the facilities on a long-term basis to fund operations absent any material adverse changes at the Company. A material adverse change would permit the lenders under the Essex Crane and Coast Crane revolving credit facilities to exercise their rights under the respective subjective acceleration clauses and declare all outstanding debt under the revolving credit facilities due and payable. If we cannot refinance our indebtedness upon the exercise of the subjective acceleration clauses, we may have to take actions such as asset divestitures, seeking additional equity financing or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, which could have an adverse effect on our operations and/or be dilutive to our stockholders. Additionally, we may not be able to effect any such action, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Goodwill of $1.8 million was recorded associated with the acquisition of Coast Crane's assets on November 24, 2010 for the excess of the total consideration transferred over the fair value of 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):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Essex Crane customer relationship	$	784		$	784
	Essex Crane trademark	804			804
	Coast Crane customer relationship	1,500			1,500
	Coast Crane trademark	600			600
	Total intangible assets	3,688			3,688
	Less: accumulated amortization	(3,037		)	(2,953		)
	Intangible assets, net	$	651		$	735
	The Company’s amortization expense associated with other intangible assets was approximately $0.1 million for each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 for the years ended December 31st (amounts in thousands):
	2015	$	240
	2016	214
	2017	197
	Total	$	651

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_an

Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations	Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations
	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
		31-Mar-15		December 31, 2014		31-Mar-15		Maturity Dates
	Essex Crane revolving credit facility - short-term	$	119,929	$	118,611	3.94	%	Oct-16
	Coast Crane revolving credit facility - short-term	24,462		24,098		5.31	%	Mar-17
	Coast Crane revolving credit facility - long-term	2,381		1,781		5.37	%	Mar-17
	Essex Crane term loan	30,000		30,000		11.5	%	May-19
	Coast Crane term loan	34,000		34,500		5.25	%	June 2016 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		1,655		18	%	Oct-16
	Purchase money security interest debt	7,227		6,652		5.44	%	April 2016 to March 2022
	Purchase money security interest debt - short-term	1,556		1,655		5.44	%	within 1 year
	Total debt obligations outstanding	$	223,210	$	220,952
	Aggregate payments of principal on debt obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2015 for each of the years ended December 31st based on contractual installment payment terms and maturities are as follows:
	2015	$	147,153
	2016	5,001
	2017	36,510
	2018	1,551
	2019 and thereafter	32,995
	Total	$	223,210
	Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
	On May 13, 2014, Essex Crane entered into a 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 Company's cash proceeds from the sale of certain assets as of March 31, 2015 exceeded the required minimum proceeds outlined in the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility. 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.
	On October 30, 2014, Essex Crane entered into a First Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to modify the calculation of the fixed charge coverage ratio to allow for the exclusion of severance expenses. Additionally, the amendment reduced the required fixed charge coverage ratio for September 2014 to not less than 1.08 to 1.00 and to waive an event of default that occurred as a result of the fixed charge coverage ratio falling below the required ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 in August 2014. All other terms of the May 13, 2014 Essex Crane Revolving Credit facility remained in effect following such amendment.
	The maximum amount that could be borrowed under the revolving loan portion of the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility, net of letters of credit and other reserves was approximately $135.7 million and $135.3 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Essex Crane’s available borrowing under its revolving credit facility was approximately $15.7 million and $16.6 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. After consideration of the 10% availability threshold covenant, the Company had available borrowings under its revolving credit facility of approximately $1.8 million and $2.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was $1.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of available formulated collateral in excess of the maximum borrowing amounts of approximately $135.7 million and $135.3 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance on the term loan portion of the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility was $30.0 million.
	As of March 31, 2015, the applicable prime rate, LIBOR rate and undrawn commitment fee on the revolving loan were 3.25%, 0.18% and 0.375%, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the applicable prime rate, LIBOR rate and undrawn commitment fee on the revolving loan were 3.25%, 0.16% and 0.375%, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 , the LIBOR rate on the term loan was 0.18% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. As of December 31, 2014, the LIBOR rate on the term loan was 0.15% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%.
	Essex Crane was in compliance with the covenants and other provisions set forth in the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2015. 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 March 12, 2013, Coast Crane entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility) 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 each quarter beginning on June 30, 2013. The amounts borrowed under the term loan which are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed.
	The Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility provides certain limitations on net capital expenditures and a $3.7 million "first amendment reserve" (as defined in the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility) as well as a fixed charge coverage ratio requirement of not less than 1.20 to 1.00. The agreement also limits the amount of certain additional indebtedness, including secured purchase money indebtedness, that Coast Crane can incur to $10.0 million.
	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 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 remains 1.20 to 1.00. In addition, the Second Amendment waived 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 was at least equal to 1.00 to 1.00. Further, under the amendment, Coast Crane was and 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 March 31, 2015, the applicable LIBOR rate, Base rate, and unused line commitment fee were 0.27%, 3.25% and 0.50%, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the applicable LIBOR rate, Base rate, and unused line commitment fee were 0.25%, 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 $35.0 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Coast Crane’s available borrowing under the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility was approximately $0.5 million and $3.3 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, after certain lender reserves of $7.1 million and $5.8 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance on the term loan portion of the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility was $36.0 million and $36.5 million, respectively. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $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.
	Coast Crane was in compliance with the covenants and other provisions set forth in the Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2015. 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 three 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the outstanding principal balance on the unsecured promissory notes was approximately $1.7 million.
	Beginning on January 1, 2014, including the three month period ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014, interest accrues on the outstanding promissory notes at a per annum rate of 18.00% and is payable annually in arrears.
	Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company's purchase money security interest debt consisted of the financing of twenty pieces of equipment. Ten 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. Ten of the debt obligations accrue interest at rates that range from 3.59% to 8.29%. The obligations are secured by the equipment purchased and have maturity dates that range from September 2015 to March 2022. As these loans are amortizing, approximately $1.6 million of the total $8.8 million in principal payments is due prior to March 31, 2016 and as such, this amount is classified as a current liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015.
	As of December 31, 2014, the purchase money security interest debt consisted of the financing of nineteen pieces of equipment with an outstanding balance of approximately $8.3 million. The interest rates at December 31, 2014 ranged from LIBOR plus 3.25% to LIBOR plus 5.38% for ten of the debt obligations.  Nine of the debt obligations accrued interest at rates that range from 3.59% to 8.29% as of December 31, 2014.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative and Hedging Activities	Derivatives and Hedging Activities
	Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
	The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.  The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s investments and borrowings.
	Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
	The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, the Company primarily uses interest rate caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company had one interest rate cap outstanding.
	Coast Crane Interest Rate Cap
	On October 8, 2014, the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement with one of the lenders of its Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility to limit its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. The cap agreement has a notional principal amount of $40.0 million and matures on June 17, 2016. Under the agreement, the Company's exposure to increases in three-month LIBOR is limited to a maximum three-month LIBOR of 2.50%. The interest rate swap was not designated as a cash flow hedge. The change in fair value for the interest rate cap for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was an unrealized loss of approximately $6,000, which is reported within interest expense of other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Essex Rental Corp. Summary
	The weighted average interest rate of the Company’s total debt outstanding, including the impact of the interest rate cap was 5.50% and 5.49% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 $224.1 million and $221.9 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Beginning balance	$	51	$	11
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	58		11
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—		—
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	58		11
	Ending balance	$	109	$	22

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 share and per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net loss	$	(3,556	)	$	(3,169	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic	24,920,802			24,789,338
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Options	—			—
	Restricted Stock	—			—
	Diluted	24,920,802			24,789,338
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.13	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.13	)
	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 months ended March 31, 2014 are 493,671 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 options and restricted stock; only in the periods in which such effect is dilutive.
	The weighted average restricted stock outstanding that could be converted into 27,949 and 16,608 common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 common shares for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
	As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were 1,336,365 and 1,313,879 stock options outstanding, respectively, which are exercisable at weighted average exercise prices of $4.43 and $4.75, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s effective tax rate of 38.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was higher than the statutory federal rate primarily due to discrete items such as changes in state valuation allowances and state tax audit activity. The Company’s effective tax rate of 38.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was higher than the statutory federal rate due to state taxes and discrete items such as changes in the state valuation allowances and state tax audit activity.
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company has unused federal net operating loss carry-forwards totaling approximately $155.4 million that begin expiring in 2022. As of March 31, 2015, the Company also has unused state net operating loss carry-forwards totaling approximately $81.1 million, which expire between 2015 and 2036. The net operating loss carry-forwards are primarily from the acquisition of Holdings and losses in recent years. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had unused federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards totaling approximately $148.3 million and $77.4 million, respectively.
	The Company also has remaining excess tax goodwill of approximately $3.1 million as of March 31, 2015 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, 2014.
	The Company is generally no longer subject to federal and state examinations for tax years prior to December 31, 2011.
	The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.1 million as of March 31, 2015 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, 2014. The Company did not incur any interest expense related to uncertain tax positions for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 did not grant options to purchase shares during the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company granted to certain key members of management options to purchase the following shares by grant date during the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Grant Date
		March 13,
		2014
	Options granted	100,000
	Exercise price per share	$	3.26
	Service period	3 years
	Option life	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 three months ended March 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Grant Date
		March 13,
		2014
	Expected dividend yield	—		%
	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
	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 March 31, 2015.
	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 vested on November 15, 2014 and an additional one-third of the restricted shares are scheduled to vest on November 15, 2015 and November 15, 2016, respectively, and as such, 16,667 shares were vested as of March 31, 2015.
	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 vested on June 18, 2014 and an additional one-third of the restricted shares are scheduled to vest on June 18, 2015 and June 18, 2016, respectively, and as such, 22,500 shares were vested as of March 31, 2015.
	The Company recorded $0.1 million of non-cash compensation expense associated with stock options and restricted shares in selling, general and administrative expenses for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. There was approximately $0.8 million and $0.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively related to unvested 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 110,986 and 45,719 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure	Segment Information
	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 March 31,
		2015		2014
	Segment revenues
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	7,918	$	8,310
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	6,575		6,826
	Equipment distribution	2,822		1,301
	Parts and service	4,751		4,649
	Total revenues	$	22,066	$	21,086
	Segment gross profit
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	1,024	$	657
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	2,732		2,208
	Equipment distribution	36		10
	Parts and service	1,202		1,307
	Total gross profit	$	4,994	$	4,182
	The following table presents information about our reportable segments related to total assets (amounts in thousands):
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Segment identified assets
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	206,032	$	208,777
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	81,415		83,561
	Equipment distribution	13,476		12,494
	Parts and service	7,644		7,277
	Total segment identified assets	308,567		312,109
	Non-segmented identified assets	13,072		13,781
	Total assets	$	321,639	$	325,890
	The Company operates primarily in the United States. Our sales to international customers for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were 4.0% of total revenues. Sales to customers in Canada represented 4.0% 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 March 31, 2015, one customer individually accounted for approximately 26.0% of revenues on a segmented basis. Within the equipment distribution segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015, three customers individually accounted for approximately 44.0%, 24.0% and 17.0% 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 March 31, 2014 were 9.0% of total revenues. Sales to customers in Canada represented 5.0% 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 March 31, 2014, one customer individually accounted for approximately 22.0% of revenues on a segmented basis. Within the Coast Crane equipment rentals segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014, one customer individually accounted for approximately 11.0% of revenues on a segmented basis. Within the equipment distribution segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014, five customers individually accounted for approximately 22.0%, 21.0%, 21.0%, 21.0% and 14.0% 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.
	The Company maintains assets in Canada associated with our Coast Crane Ltd. subsidiary. Total assets located in Canada at March 31, 2015 totaled approximately $4.1 million, including long-lived assets totaling approximately $3.1 million. At December 31, 2014, total assets located in Canada totaled approximately $3.9 million, including long-lived assets totaling approximately $2.8 million.

Commitments_Contingencies_and_

Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions	Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions
	Since December 2010, the Company occupies 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 of Directors. 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 agreed to pay such entity approximately $8,000 per month for such services based on reimbursement of actual costs with the terms of such arrangement being reconsidered from time to time. Effective November 7, 2014, the Company has agreed to pay such entity approximately $11,000 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 March 31, 2015 and 2014 include approximately $33,000 and $23,000, 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 were 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 provided in connection with this liability, net of an estimated allowance.  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 $2.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, at March 31, 2015. Management estimated the gross personal property taxes liability and related contractual customer receivable of the Company to be approximately $3.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014.
	The Company is subject to a number of claims and proceedings that generally arise in the normal conduct of business.  The Company believes that any liabilities ultimately resulting from these claims will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 interest rate swaps and other 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, including its derivative 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
	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 - Held for Use
	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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and as a result of continuing losses and depressed utilization rates, the Company determined that a triggering event had occurred at Essex Crane, which caused the Company to determine if an impairment of these long-lived assets to be held and used was necessary.
	Application of the long-lived asset to be held and used impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of 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 to be held and used. 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 each 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 to be held and used 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 assets to be held and used as of March 31, 2015.
	The Company also assessed whether a triggering event for potential impairment of its Coast Crane equipment assets existed, and it was determined that no such event occurred for these assets during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Long-lived Assets - Held for Sale
	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company agreed to terms to sell certain traditional crawler crane rental equipment assets. Under the agreed upon terms, the rental equipment assets, in their current condition, were or will be sold in three groups with the first group sale completed during the three months ended September 30, 2014, the second group sale completed during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and the remaining group sale expected to be completed during the three months ended June 30, 2015. As a result of the agreed upon sales terms, the Company has determined that these long-lived rental equipment assets shall be classified as held for sale. The held for sale assets are classified within the Company's Essex Crane equipment rentals segment.
	As a result of the held for sale classification, the Company performed an impairment analysis of the long-lived rental equipment assets held for sale. Application of the long-lived asset held for sale impairment test requires comparing the carrying value of the the asset to its fair value less cost to sell. The Company determined that the fair value of the assets was equal to the agreed upon sales price. The carrying value of the assets exceeded the fair value of the assets less cost to sell resulting in the Company recording an impairment charge of approximately $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance for the presentation of debt issuance costs on an entity's balance sheet. The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from that debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim reporting periods within those years (early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued). Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Liquidity [Policy Text Block]	Liquidity
	The Company has typically had substantial liquidity from its operating cash flows despite the significant downturn in the construction industry and recurring losses in recent years. The Company anticipates its current cash resources, availability under its revolving credit facilities, and cash to be generated from operations in 2015 and the three months ended March 31, 2016 will be adequate to meet the Company's liquidity needs for at least the next twelve months. As discussed further in Note 4 of these consolidated financial statements, the Company is obligated to make principal payments on outstanding debt totaling approximately $3.6 million during the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2015, availability under the Essex Crane borrowing base calculation was approximately $1.8 million and availability under the Coast Crane borrowing base calculation was approximately $0.5 million. If cash generated from operations is not materially consistent with management’s plans, the Company may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or from other sources to enable it to repay its indebtedness and to fund its other liquidity needs. The Company may not be able to refinance its indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we cannot service or refinance our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as asset divestitures, seeking additional equity or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, any of which could have an adverse effect on our operations. Additionally, we may not be able to effect such actions, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
	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.
	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.
	Although the balances outstanding on the Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility and Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility, with respect to Coast Crane borrowings, are classified as short-term obligations within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, we expect that we will be able to continue to use the facilities on a long-term basis to fund operations absent any material adverse changes at the Company. A material adverse change would permit the lenders under the Essex Crane and Coast Crane revolving credit facilities to exercise their rights under the respective subjective acceleration clauses and declare all outstanding debt under the revolving credit facilities due and payable. If we cannot refinance our indebtedness upon the exercise of the subjective acceleration clauses, we may have to take actions such as asset divestitures, seeking additional equity financing or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, which could have an adverse effect on our operations and/or be dilutive to our stockholders. Additionally, we may not be able to effect any such action, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Essex Crane customer relationship	$	784		$	784
	Essex Crane trademark	804			804
	Coast Crane customer relationship	1,500			1,500
	Coast Crane trademark	600			600
	Total intangible assets	3,688			3,688
	Less: accumulated amortization	(3,037		)	(2,953		)
	Intangible assets, net	$	651		$	735
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 for the years ended December 31st (amounts in thousands):
	2015	$	240
	2016	214
	2017	197
	Total	$	651

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_an1

Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		31-Mar-15		December 31, 2014		31-Mar-15		Maturity Dates
	Essex Crane revolving credit facility - short-term	$	119,929	$	118,611	3.94	%	Oct-16
	Coast Crane revolving credit facility - short-term	24,462		24,098		5.31	%	Mar-17
	Coast Crane revolving credit facility - long-term	2,381		1,781		5.37	%	Mar-17
	Essex Crane term loan	30,000		30,000		11.5	%	May-19
	Coast Crane term loan	34,000		34,500		5.25	%	June 2016 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		1,655		18	%	Oct-16
	Purchase money security interest debt	7,227		6,652		5.44	%	April 2016 to March 2022
	Purchase money security interest debt - short-term	1,556		1,655		5.44	%	within 1 year
	Total debt obligations outstanding	$	223,210	$	220,952
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Aggregate payments of principal on debt obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2015 for each of the years ended December 31st based on contractual installment payment terms and maturities are as follows:
	2015	$	147,153
	2016	5,001
	2017	36,510
	2018	1,551
	2019 and thereafter	32,995
	Total	$	223,210

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Beginning balance	$	51	$	11
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	58		11
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—		—
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	58		11
	Ending balance	$	109	$	22

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 share and per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net loss	$	(3,556	)	$	(3,169	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic	24,920,802			24,789,338
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Options	—			—
	Restricted Stock	—			—
	Diluted	24,920,802			24,789,338
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.13	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.13	)

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award	The Company granted to certain key members of management options to purchase the following shares by grant date during the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Grant Date
		March 13,
		2014
	Options granted	100,000
	Exercise price per share	$	3.26
	Service period	3 years
	Option life	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 three months ended March 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Grant Date
		March 13,
		2014
	Expected dividend yield	—		%
	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

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31,
		2015		2014
	Segment revenues
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	7,918	$	8,310
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	6,575		6,826
	Equipment distribution	2,822		1,301
	Parts and service	4,751		4,649
	Total revenues	$	22,066	$	21,086
	Segment gross profit
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	1,024	$	657
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	2,732		2,208
	Equipment distribution	36		10
	Parts and service	1,202		1,307
	Total gross profit	$	4,994	$	4,182
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	The following table presents information about our reportable segments related to total assets (amounts in thousands):
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Segment identified assets
	Essex Crane equipment rentals	$	206,032	$	208,777
	Coast Crane equipment rentals	81,415		83,561
	Equipment distribution	13,476		12,494
	Parts and service	7,644		7,277
	Total segment identified assets	308,567		312,109
	Non-segmented identified assets	13,072		13,781
	Total assets	$	321,639	$	325,890

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	4
Impairment - rental equipment, held for sale		$0.80

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 24, 2010
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$1,796,000		$1,796,000	$1,800,000
Intangible assets	3,688,000		3,688,000
Less: accumulated amortization	-3,037,000		-2,953,000
Intangible assets, net	651,000		735,000
Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets	100,000	100,000
2015	240,000
2016	214,000
2017	197,000
Essex Crane Customer Relationship Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	784,000		784,000
Essex Crane Trademark Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	804,000		804,000
Coast Crane Customer Relationship Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	1,500,000		1,500,000
Coast Crane Trademark Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$600,000		$600,000

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_an2

Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Debt Obligations (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	13-May-14	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2010	Mar. 12, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Nov. 24, 2010	Feb. 21, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit, Current		$144,391,000		$142,709,000
Revolving credit facility		2,381,000		1,781,000
Term loans		64,000,000		64,500,000
Term loan - short-term		2,000,000		2,000,000
Promissory notes		1,655,000		1,655,000
Purchase money security interest debt		7,227,000		6,652,000
Purchase money security interest debt - short-term		1,556,000		1,655,000
Total debt obligations outstanding		223,210,000		220,952,000
2015		147,153,000
2016		5,001,000
2017		36,510,000
2018		1,551,000
2019 and thereafter		32,995,000
Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit, Current		119,929,000		118,611,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		3.94%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		Oct-16
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						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		135,700,000		135,300,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity				15,700,000				16,600,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity After 10 Percent Availability Covenant Threshold		1,800,000		2,700,000
Line Of Credit Facility Excess Availability		1,900,000		1,500,000
Line of Credit Facility London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR)		0.18%		0.16%
Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit, Current		24,462,000		24,098,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		5.31%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		Mar-17
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						35,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.50%	0.50%	0.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio						1.2
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity		35,000,000		35,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		500,000		3,300,000
London Interbank Offered Rate Interest Rate Floor			1.50%
Reserves on Revolving Credit Facility						3,700,000
Line of Credit Facility, Letter of Credit Fee			3.75%
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Reserve		7,100,000		5,800,000
Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility, Coast LTD Portion
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility		2,381,000		1,781,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		5.37%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		Mar-17
Essex Crane Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loans	30,000,000	30,000,000		30,000,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		11.50%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		May-19
Line of Credit Facility London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR)		0.18%		0.15%
London Interbank Offered Rate Interest Rate Floor	1.00%	1.00%		1.00%
Coast Crane Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loans		34,000,000		34,500,000		40,000,000
Term loan - short-term		2,000,000		2,000,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		5.25%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		within 1 year
Debt Instrument, Quarterly Principal Payment									500,000
Loans Payable to Bank		36,000,000		36,500,000
Unsecured Promissory Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Promissory notes		1,655,000		1,655,000	5,200,000					5,200,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		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, Discount Amortization Period		3 years
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		18.00%		18.00%
Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Purchase money security interest debt		7,227,000		6,652,000
Purchase money security interest debt - short-term		1,556,000		1,655,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		5.44%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		within 1 year
Pieces of Equipment Financed		20		19
Long-term Debt		8,800,000		8,300,000
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		Jun-16
Minimum | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		Apr-16
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.59%		3.59%
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		Mar-22
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	3.75%	0.38%		0.38%
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)		0.27%		0.25%
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		10		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%		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%		5.38%
Stated Interest Rate [Member] | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Pieces of Equipment Financed		10
Stated Interest Rate [Member] | Maximum | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.29%		8.29%
Stated Interest Rate 8.29% | Purchase Money Security Interest Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Pieces of Equipment Financed				9
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 One [Member] | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Borrowing Base Percentage Of Eligible Accounts						85.00%					85.00%
Option One [Member] | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility, Coast LTD Portion
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Borrowing Base Percentage Of Eligible Accounts											85.00%
Option Two | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
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
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
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
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base, Percentage of Net Orderly Liquidation Value and Invoice Cost of New Equipment											85.00%
September 2014 [Member] | Essex Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio												1.08
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			7,900,000
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			8,200,000
June 2015 and Thereafter | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required Trailing Twelve Month EBITDA			8,300,000
2014 and Thereafter | Coast Crane Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Covenant Maximum Indebtedness						10,000,000

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi1

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 08, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
		contract
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held		1
Derivative, Notional Amount	$40,000,000
Derivative, Maturity Date	17-Jun-16
Derivative, Cap Interest Rate	2.50%
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments		$6,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		5.50%	5.49%

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Debt instrument, fair value disclosure	$224.10	$221.90

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$51
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	58	11
Ending balance	109
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	51	11
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	58	11
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	58	11
Ending balance	$109	$22

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net loss	($3,556)	($3,169)
Basic (shares)	24,920,802	24,789,338
Diluted (shares)	24,920,802	24,789,338
Basic earnings (loss) per share	($0.14)	($0.13)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	($0.14)	($0.13)
Weighted average number of shares, retained interests		493,671
Stock options outstanding, number	1,336,365	1,313,879
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$4.43	$4.75
Employee Stock Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive securities (shares)	0	0
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	0	0
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive securities (shares)	0	0
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	27,949	16,608

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate, percent	38.40%	38.00%
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	155.4		148.3
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$81.10		$77.40

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 13, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Nov. 15, 2013	Jun. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost	$100,000	$100,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	800,000						900,000
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
June 27 2014 | Restricted Stock
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				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, Number	0
November 15 2013 | Restricted Stock
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, Number	16,667
June 18 2013 | Restricted Stock
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, Number	22,500
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
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
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%
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 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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2008
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Value			$12
Strategic Planning and Finance Committee
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services	110,986	45,719

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	4
Revenues	$22,066,000	$21,086,000
Gross Profit	4,994,000	4,182,000
Assets	321,639,000		325,890,000
Essex Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	7,918,000	8,310,000
Gross Profit	1,024,000	657,000
Assets	206,032,000		208,777,000
Coast Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6,575,000	6,826,000
Gross Profit	2,732,000	2,208,000
Assets	81,415,000		83,561,000
Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,822,000	1,301,000
Gross Profit	36,000	10,000
Assets	13,476,000		12,494,000
Parts and Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	4,751,000	4,649,000
Gross Profit	1,202,000	1,307,000
Assets	7,644,000		7,277,000
Segmented Assets Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	308,567,000		312,109,000
Total Non-Segmented Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	13,072,000		13,781,000
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	4,100,000		3,900,000
Assets, Noncurrent	$3,100,000		$2,800,000
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Essex Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Number of Major Customers	1	1
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Coast Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Number of Major Customers		1
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Number of Major Customers	3	5
Geographic Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | International Customers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	4.00%	9.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	4.00%	5.00%
Customer One | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Essex Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	26.00%	22.00%
Customer One | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Coast Crane Equipment Rentals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		11.00%
Customer One | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	44.00%	22.00%
Customer Two | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	24.00%	21.00%
Customer Three | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	17.00%	21.00%
Customer Four | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		21.00%
Customer Five | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Equipment Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		14.00%

Commitments_Contingencies_and_1

Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 24, 2010
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Promissory Notes	$1,655,000			$1,655,000
Personal Property Tax Liability	2,900,000			3,200,000
Personal Property Tax Receivable	1,600,000			1,700,000
Hyde Park Real Estate LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	33,000	23,000
January 1 2012 [Member] | Hyde Park Real Estate LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Monthly Rent Expense	8,000
November 7 2014 [Member] | Hyde Park Real Estate LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Monthly Rent Expense	11,000
Unsecured Promissory Notes [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Promissory Notes	$1,655,000		$5,200,000	$1,655,000	$5,200,000
Common Stock Warrants Issued			90,000
Share Price			$0.01