Intrepid Potash (IPI) 10-Q 2 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 26, 2016	Feb. 22, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Intrepid Potash, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,421,461
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		76,595,609
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Restricted Stock
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	755,611			459,663

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 22,979	$ 9,307
Short-term investments	4,908	50,523
Accounts receivable:
Trade, net	17,129	9,743
Other receivables, net	2,787	1,470
Inventory, net	101,898	106,531
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,262	18,141
Total current assets	155,963	195,715
Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net	399,144	419,476
Long-term parts inventory, net	20,535	17,344
Long-term investments	0	3,799
Other assets, net	5,885	3,635
Total Assets	581,527	639,969
Accounts payable:
Trade	11,326	15,709
Related parties	28	45
Accrued liabilities	15,253	15,429
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	4,110	7,409
Current portion of long-term debt, net	14,677	0
Other current liabilities	943	547
Total current liabilities	46,337	39,139
Long-term debt, net	132,024	149,485
Asset retirement obligation	24,274	22,951
Other non-current liabilities	0	1,868
Total Liabilities	202,635	213,443
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 75,839,998 and 75,702,700 shares outstanding at September 30,2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively	76	76
Additional paid-in capital	582,607	580,227
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	(52)
Retained deficit	(203,791)	(153,725)
Total Stockholders' Equity	378,892	426,526
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 581,527	$ 639,969

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	75,839,998	75,536,741

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 43,643	$ 53,692	$ 168,760	$ 244,364
Less:
Freight costs	8,187	5,348	27,450	23,158
Warehousing and handling costs	2,616	3,199	7,818	10,383
Cost of goods sold	35,272	42,151	136,899	180,868
Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments	5,192	4,427	17,129	10,063
Costs associated with abnormal production and other	0	6,910	1,707	6,910
Gross (Deficit) Margin	(7,624)	(8,343)	(22,243)	12,982
Selling and administrative	4,731	5,943	15,837	21,835
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	442	424	1,326	1,272
Restructuring expense	0		2,314	0
Care and maintenance expense	1,719	0	1,719	0
Other operating income	94	(23)	(1,811)	(2,269)
Operating Loss	(14,610)	(14,687)	(41,628)	(7,856)
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense, net	(3,905)	(1,574)	(9,134)	(4,820)
Interest income	57	232	281	587
Other income	218	67	419	440
Loss Before Income Taxes	(18,240)	(15,962)	(50,062)	(11,649)
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit	(1)	7,852	(4)	5,131
Net Loss	$ (18,241)	$ (8,110)	$ (50,066)	$ (6,518)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	75,871,774		75,882,544	75,658,297
Diluted (in shares)	75,871,774	75,701,490	75,882,544	75,658,297
(Loss) Earnings Per Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.24)		$ (0.66)	$ (0.09)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.24)		$ (0.66)	$ (0.09)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ 18,241	$ 8,110	$ 50,066	$ 6,518
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments available for sale, net of tax	3	15	52	(10)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3	15	52	(10)
Comprehensive Loss	$ (18,238)	$ (8,095)	$ (50,014)	$ (6,528)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCK

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2016 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Retained Earnings
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		75,702,700
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 426,526	$ 76	$ 580,227	$ (52)	$ (153,725)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Unrealized gain on investments available for sale, net of tax	52			52
Net loss	(50,066)				(50,066)
Stock-based compensation	2,552		2,552
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting (in shares)		137,298
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting	(172)	$ 0	(172)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016		75,839,998
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 378,892	$ 76	$ 582,607	$ 0	$ (203,791)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net loss	$ (50,066)	$ (6,518)
Items not affecting cash:
Deferred income taxes	0	(5,136)
Depreciation, depletion and accretion	32,965	61,028
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,228	273
Stock-based compensation	2,552	3,780
Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments	17,129	10,063
Allowance for parts inventory obsolescence	514	0
Other	470	1,320
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net	(7,386)	7,203
Other receivables, net	(1,195)	385
Refundable income taxes	92	(84)
Inventory, net	(16,200)	(34,385)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,974	(1,117)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and accrued employee compensation and benefits	(5,157)	5,642
Other liabilities	(1,474)	1,138
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(13,554)	43,592
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties	(14,256)	(36,982)
Purchases of investments	(10,325)	(78,571)
Proceeds from sale of investments	55,822	30,088
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	31,241	(85,465)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Debt issuance costs	(3,843)	(356)
Employee tax withholding paid for restricted stock upon vesting	(172)	(1,038)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,015)	(1,394)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	13,672	(43,267)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	9,307	67,589
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	22,979	24,322
Net cash paid (refunded) during the period for:
Interest	3,247	3,281
Income taxes	(88)	25
Accrued purchases for property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties	$ 801	$ 710

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAS8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest Paid, Capitalized	$ 0.1	$ 0

COMPANY BACKGROUND

COMPANY BACKGROUND	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Text Block [Abstract]
COMPANY BACKGROUND	COMPANY BACKGROUND We are the only producer of muriate of potash ("potassium chloride" or "potash") in the United States and one of two producers of langbeinite ("sulfate of potash magnesia"), which we market and sell as Trio ® . We sell potash and Trio ® primarily into the agricultural market as a fertilizer. We also sell these products into the animal feed market as a nutritional supplement and sell potash into the industrial market as a component in drilling and fracturing fluids for oil and gas wells and other industrial inputs. Our revenues are generated exclusively from the sale of potash and Trio ® . We also produce salt and magnesium chloride from our mining processes, the sales of which are accounted for as by-product credits to our cost of sales. These by-product credits represented approximately 2% to 3% of total cost of goods sold in each of the last three years. We produce potash from three solution mining facilities and until the second quarter of 2016 we also produced potash from two conventional underground mining facilities. Our solution mining production comes from our HB solar solution mine near Carlsbad, New Mexico, a solar solution mine near Moab, Utah, and a solar brine recovery mine in Wendover, Utah. Our conventional production of potash came from our underground West and East mines near Carlsbad, New Mexico. We also operate the North compaction facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico, which services the HB mine and previously serviced the West mine. We produce Trio ® from our conventional underground East mine. In April 2016, we converted our East facility from a mixed-ore facility that produced both potash and Trio ® to a Trio ® -only facility. We completed our commissioning activities related to that transition in the third quarter of 2016. Subsequent to the transition, we no longer produce potash at our East facility. In early July 2016, we idled mining operations at our West facility and transitioned it into a care-and-maintenance mode due to the decline in potash prices. Accordingly, beginning in July 2016, all of our potash is produced from our three solution mining facilities.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation —Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation of interim financial information, have been included. Under a series of waivers entered into during the first nine months of 2016 and a revised note purchase agreement entered into in October 2016, the holders of our senior notes waived the requirement that we comply with certain financial covenants for the first, second, and third quarters of 2016 (see note 7). In addition, under the revised note purchase agreement, we are subject to revised financial covenants including a covenant requiring that we maintain a minimum level of adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and certain other expenses, as defined under the note purchase agreement). We anticipate that our adjusted EBITDA will be sufficient for us to comply with the current covenants. As such, we believe the material uncertainty surrounding our compliance with our debt covenants has been mitigated. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Recently Adopted Accounting Standard —Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. In accordance with the adoption of a new accounting standard, we have reclassified $ 515,000 of deferred financing costs associated with our outstanding debt from "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" and "Other assets" to "Long-term debt, net" as of December 31, 2015 to conform to the September 30, 2016, presentation. Use of Estimates —The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, those for proven and probable mineral reserves, the related present value of estimated future net cash flows, useful lives of plant assets, asset retirement obligations, normal inventory production levels, inventory valuations, the valuation of equity awards, valuation of investments, the valuation of receivables, valuation of our deferred tax assets, and estimated blended income tax rates utilized in the current and deferred income tax calculations. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proven and probable reserves, projecting future rates of production, and the timing of development expenditures. Future mineral prices may vary significantly from the prices in effect at the time the estimates are made, as may estimates of future operating costs. The estimate of proven and probable mineral reserves, the related present value of estimated future cash flows, and useful lives of plant assets can affect various other items, including depletion; the net carrying value of our mineral properties; the useful lives of related property, plant, and equipment; depreciation expense; and estimates associated with recoverability of long-lived assets and asset retirement obligations. Specific to income tax items, we experience fluctuations in the valuation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities due to changing state income tax rates and the blend of state tax rates. Revenue Recognition —Revenue is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists; risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to customers, which is generally when title passes; the selling price is fixed and determinable; and collection is reasonably assured. Title passes at the designated shipping point for the majority of sales, but, in a few cases, title passes at the delivery destination. The shipping point may be the plant, a distribution warehouse, a customer warehouse, or a port. Title passes for some international shipments upon payment by the purchaser; however, revenue is not recognized for these transactions until shipment because the risks and rewards of ownership have not transferred pursuant to a contractual arrangement. Prices are generally set at the time of, or prior to, shipment. In cases where the final price is determined after shipment and agreed to with our customer, revenue is recognized when the final sales price is fixed and determinable and the other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Sales are reported on a gross basis. We quote prices to customers both on a delivered basis and on the basis of pick-up at our plants and warehouses. When a sale occurs on a delivered basis, we incur and, in turn, bill the customer and record as gross revenue the product sales value, freight, packaging, and certain other distribution costs. Many customers, however, arrange and pay for these costs directly and, in these situations, only the product sales are included in gross revenues. Inventory — Inventory consists of product and by-product stocks that are ready for sale; mined ore; potash in evaporation ponds, which is considered work-in-process; and parts and supplies inventory. Product and by-product inventory cost is determined using the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value and includes direct costs, maintenance, operational overhead, depreciation, depletion, and equipment lease costs applicable to the production process. Direct costs, maintenance, and operational overhead include labor and associated benefits. We evaluate our production levels and costs to determine if any should be deemed abnormal and therefore excluded from inventory costs and expensed directly during the applicable period. The assessment of normal production levels is judgmental and unique to each period. We model normal production levels and evaluate historical ranges of production by operating plant in assessing what is deemed to be normal. Property, Plant, Equipment, Mineral Properties, and Development Costs —Property, plant, and equipment are stated at historical cost. Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment relating to new assets or improvements are capitalized, provided the expenditure extends the useful life of an asset or extends the asset's functionality. Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated under the straight-line method using estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives of property, plant, and equipment are evaluated periodically as changes in estimates occur. No depreciation is taken on assets classified as construction in progress until the asset is placed into service. Gains and losses are recorded upon retirement, sale, or disposal of assets. Maintenance and repair costs are recognized as period costs when incurred. Capitalized interest, to the extent of debt outstanding, is calculated and capitalized on assets that are being constructed, drilled, or built or that are otherwise classified as construction in progress. Mineral properties and development costs, which are referred to collectively as mineral properties, include acquisition costs, the cost of drilling production wells, and the cost of other development work, all of which are capitalized. Depletion of mineral properties is calculated using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the relevant ore body. The lives of reserves used for accounting purposes are shorter than current reserve life determinations due to uncertainties inherent in long-term estimates. These reserve life estimates have been prepared by us and reviewed and independently determined by mine consultants. Tons of potash and langbeinite in the proven and probable reserves are expressed in terms of expected finished tons of product to be realized, net of estimated losses. Market price fluctuations of potash or Trio ® , as well as increased production costs or reduced recovery rates, could render proven and probable reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic to exploit and might result in a reduction of reserves. In addition, the provisions of our mineral leases, including royalty provisions, are subject to periodic readjustment by the state and federal government, which could affect the economics of our reserve estimates. Significant changes in the estimated reserves could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. Loss per Share —Basic net loss per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average basic common shares outstanding for the respective period. Diluted net loss per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average diluted common shares outstanding, which includes the effect of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities for the diluted earnings or loss per share calculation consist of awards of non-vested restricted shares of common stock, non-vested performance units, and non-qualified stock options. The dilutive effect of stock based compensation arrangements are computed using the treasury stock method. Following the lapse of the vesting period of restricted shares of common stock, the shares are considered issued and therefore are included in the number of issued and outstanding shares for purposes of these calculations.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	ER SHARE Potentially dilutive securities, including non-vested restricted shares of common stock, stock options, and performance units, are excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect, such as when there is a net loss. The treasury stock method is used to measure the dilutive impact of non-vested restricted common stock, stock options outstanding, and performance units. The following table shows the shares that have an anti-dilutive effect and are excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding computations: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Anti-dilutive shares of non-vested restricted common stock 758,060 467,388 524,998 471,239 Anti-dilutive shares of stock options outstanding 218,857 288,673 224,512 309,602 Anti-dilutive shares of non-vested performance units 126,050 194,375 127,113 158,367 The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net loss $ (18,241 ) $ (8,110 ) $ (50,066 ) $ (6,518 ) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 75,872 75,701 75,883 75,658 Add: Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted common stock — — — — Add: Dilutive effect of performance units — — — — Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 75,872 75,701 75,883 75,658 Loss per share: Basic $ (0.24 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.66 ) $ (0.09 ) Diluted $ (0.24 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.66 ) $ (0.09 )

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS I

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY	INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY The following summarizes our inventory, recorded at the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value, as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Finished goods product inventory $ 56,118 $ 65,200 In-process mineral inventory 26,961 19,769 Total product inventory 83,079 84,969 Current parts inventory, net 18,819 21,562 Total current inventory, net 101,898 106,531 Long-term parts inventory, net 20,535 17,344 Total inventory, net $ 122,433 $ 123,875 Parts inventories are shown net of any required allowances. At September 30, 2016, and 2015, allowances for parts inventory obsolescence were $3.3 million and $0.5 million , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded charges of approximately $17.1 million and $10.1 million , respectively, as a result of routine assessments of the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value of our finished goods product inventory. During the beginning of 2016 before the conversion of the East facility to Trio ® -only, we suspended potash production at our East facility for a total of seven days as we performed a testing run and converted the East facility to a Trio ® -only facility. As a result of the suspension of production, we determined that approximately $1.7 million of production costs at our East facility would have been allocated to additional tons produced, assuming we had been operating at normal production rates for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2016. Accordingly, these costs were excluded from our inventory values and instead expensed in the nine-month period in 2016 as period production costs. During the third quarter of 2015, we received an order issued by MSHA relating to maintenance issues and salt build-up in the ore hoisting shaft at our West mine. Upon issuance of the order, we suspended production at the West mine for 15 days while we took corrective actions to resolve the issues. As a result, potash production from our West mine was abnormally low during this period. In addition, although production resumed in mid-September, we continued to perform incremental maintenance on the ore hoisting shaft into the fourth quarter of 2015, during which time production at the West mine was temporarily suspended. Also during the third quarter of 2015, we temporarily suspended potash production at our East facility for a total of seven days as we performed two separate Trio ® -only testing runs. As a result of these temporary suspensions of production in 2015, we determined that approximately $4.9 million and $2.0 million of production costs at our West and East facilities, respectively, would have been allocated to additional tons produced, assuming we had been operating at normal production rates. Accordingly, these costs were excluded from our inventory values and instead expensed in the period incurred as period production costs. We compare actual production relative to what we estimated could have been produced if we had not incurred the temporary production suspensions and lower operating rates in order to determine the abnormal cost adjustment.

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT, AND

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT, AND MINERAL PROPERTIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant, Equipment, and Mineral Properties	"Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net" were comprised of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Buildings and plant $ 83,680 $ 81,208 Machinery and equipment 223,838 209,920 Vehicles 4,875 4,747 Office equipment and improvements 12,307 12,001 Ponds and land improvements 57,745 55,951 Total depreciable assets $ 382,445 $ 363,827 Accumulated depreciation (109,294 ) (80,707 ) Total depreciable assets, net $ 273,151 $ 283,120 Mineral properties and development costs $ 140,335 $ 139,751 Accumulated depletion (19,943 ) (17,254 ) Total depletable assets, net $ 120,392 $ 122,497 Land $ 719 $ 719 Construction in progress $ 4,882 $ 13,140 Total property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net $ 399,144 $ 419,476
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]	We incurred the following expenses for depreciation, depletion, and accretion, including expenses capitalized into inventory, for the following periods (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Depreciation $ 7,587 $ 18,893 $ 28,931 $ 56,257 Depletion 727 1,038 2,708 3,499 Accretion 442 424 1,326 1,272 Total incurred $ 8,756 $ 20,355 $ 32,965 $ 61,028
PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT, AND MINERAL PROPERTIES	PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT, AND MINERAL PROPERTIES "Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net" were comprised of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Buildings and plant $ 83,680 $ 81,208 Machinery and equipment 223,838 209,920 Vehicles 4,875 4,747 Office equipment and improvements 12,307 12,001 Ponds and land improvements 57,745 55,951 Total depreciable assets $ 382,445 $ 363,827 Accumulated depreciation (109,294 ) (80,707 ) Total depreciable assets, net $ 273,151 $ 283,120 Mineral properties and development costs $ 140,335 $ 139,751 Accumulated depletion (19,943 ) (17,254 ) Total depletable assets, net $ 120,392 $ 122,497 Land $ 719 $ 719 Construction in progress $ 4,882 $ 13,140 Total property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net $ 399,144 $ 419,476 We incurred the following expenses for depreciation, depletion, and accretion, including expenses capitalized into inventory, for the following periods (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Depreciation $ 7,587 $ 18,893 $ 28,931 $ 56,257 Depletion 727 1,038 2,708 3,499 Accretion 442 424 1,326 1,272 Total incurred $ 8,756 $ 20,355 $ 32,965 $ 61,028

DEBT

DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT Senior Notes —In April 2013, we issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes (the "Notes") pursuant to a note purchase agreement entered into in August 2012. As of September 30, 2016 (and prior to our repayment of $15 million of the Notes in October 2016 as described below), the Notes consist of the following series: • $60 million of Senior Notes, Series A, due April 16, 2020 • $45 million of Senior Notes, Series B, due April 14, 2023 • $45 million of Senior Notes, Series C, due April 16, 2025 On October 31, 2016, we entered into a revised note purchase agreement governing the Notes. Under the previous agreement, we were subject to financial covenants consisting of a maximum leverage ratio and minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as specified in the note purchase agreement. We were not in compliance with these financial covenants as of March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, or September 30, 2016. Under a series of waivers entered into during the first nine months of 2016 and the revised note purchase agreement, the holders of the Notes permanently waived the requirement that we comply with these financial covenants for the quarters ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, and September 30, 2016 (and agreed that any noncompliance with these covenants for the quarters ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, and September 30, 2016, will not constitute a default or event of default under the agreement). As part of these waivers, our interest rates on the Notes increased several times over the first nine months of the year. As of September 30, 2016, interest rates on the Notes were 3.5% above the original coupon rates, resulting in an interest rate of 6.73% for the Series A Notes, 7.63% for the Series B Notes, and 7.78% for the Series C Notes. In September 2016, we agreed to repay $15 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes, and related accrued interest through September 30, 2016. These amounts were paid on October 3, 2016. Accordingly, $15 million of the Notes, net of debt issuance costs of $0.3 million , is classified as a current liability as of September 30, 2016. Under the revised agreement, we granted to the collateral agent for the Noteholders a first lien on substantially all of our non-current assets and a second lien on substantially all of our current assets. The revised agreement provides for the following changes to the Notes, among others: • The agreement includes a minimum adjusted EBITDA covenant, which adjusts over time and is measured quarterly through March 2018, ranging from negative $20 million in September 2016 to negative $7.5 million in March 2018. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that is calculated as adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and certain other expenses, as defined under the agreement. • The agreement also includes requirements relating to a leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio to be tested on a quarterly basis commencing with the quarter ending June 30, 2018, with respect to the leverage ratio, and December 31, 2018, with respect to the fixed charge coverage ratio. The maximum leverage ratio will be 11.5 to 1.0 for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, and decreases to 3.5 to 1.0 for the quarter ending March 31, 2020, and each quarter thereafter. The minimum fixed charge coverage ratio will be 0.25 to 1.0 for the quarter ending December 31 2018, and increase to 1.3 to 1.0 for the quarter ending March 31, 2020, and each quarter thereafter. In general, our leverage ratio is calculated as the ratio of funded indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA for the prior four quarters, and our fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated as the ratio of adjusted EBITDA for the prior four quarters, minus maintenance capital expenditures and cash paid for income taxes, to interest expense plus scheduled principal amortization of long-term funded indebtedness. • The interest rates for the Notes increased by 4.5% above the previous rates such that the Series A Senior Notes now bear interest at 7.73% , the Series B Senior Notes now bear interest at 8.63% , and the Series C Senior Notes now bear interest at 8.78% , which reflects the highest rates in a pricing grid. These interest rates are based on a pricing grid set forth in the revised agreement and will be adjusted quarterly based upon our financial performance and certain financial covenant levels. In addition, additional interest of 2% , which may be paid in kind, will begin to accrue on April 1, 2018, unless we satisfy certain financial covenant tests. • We are required to make certain offers to prepay the Notes with the proceeds of dispositions of certain specified property and with the proceeds of certain equity issuances, as set forth in the agreement. • On or prior to November 30, 2016, we are required to engage a nationally recognized investment bank for the purpose of assessing and evaluating, and if determined appropriate by us in our business judgment pursuing, potential strategic alternative transactions. Our outstanding long-term debt, net, is as follows as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Senior Notes $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Less current portion of long-term debt, net 14,677 — Less deferred financing costs 3,299 515 Long-term debt, net $ 132,024 $ 149,485 The obligations under the Notes are unconditionally guaranteed by several of our subsidiaries. Interest expense is recorded net of any capitalized interest associated with investments in capital projects. We incurred gross interest expense of $4.1 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, and $9.5 million and $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Amounts included in interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , and 2015 (in thousands) are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest on notes and line of credit commitment fees $ 2,688 $ 1,590 $ 6,429 $ 4,723 Accrued interest for make-whole payment made October 3, 2016 806 — 806 — Amortization of deferred financing costs 564 87 2,228 273 Gross interest expense 4,058 1,677 9,463 4,996 Less capitalized interest 153 103 329 176 Interest expense, net $ 3,905 $ 1,574 $ 9,134 $ 4,820 Credit Facility —On October 31, 2016, we entered into a credit agreement with Bank of Montreal that provides an asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $35 million in aggregate principal amount. The amount available is subject to monthly borrowing base limits based on our inventory and receivables. If our total remaining availability under the credit facility falls below $6 million , we would be subject to a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1 to 1. Any borrowings on the credit facility will bear interest at 1.75% to 2.25% above LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), based on average availability under the credit facility. We have granted to Bank of Montreal a first lien on substantially all of our current assets and a second lien on substantially all of our non-current assets. The credit facility expires on October 31, 2018. Previous Credit Facility —During the third quarter of 2016, we maintained an unsecured credit facility. Under an amendment entered into in July 2016, the amount available to us under the credit facility was reduced from $8 million to $ 1 million , which amount could be used only for letters of credit, and the maturity date was accelerated to September 30, 2016. The credit facility matured according to its terms on September 30, 2016, and therefore is no longer outstanding. Letter of Credit —As of September 30, 2016 , we had a $0.5 million letter of credit outstanding secured by a restricted cash account reflected in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION	ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION We recognize an estimated liability for future costs associated with the abandonment and reclamation of our mining properties. A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation and a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset are recorded as the mining operations occur or the assets are acquired. Our asset retirement obligation is based on the estimated cost to abandon and reclaim the mining operations, the economic life of the properties, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The liability is discounted using credit adjusted risk-free rate estimates at the time the liability is incurred or when there are revisions to estimated costs. The credit adjusted risk-free rates used to discount our abandonment liabilities range from 6.9% to 8.5% . Revisions to the liability occur due to construction of new or expanded facilities, changes in estimated abandonment costs or economic lives, or if federal or state regulators enact new requirements regarding the abandonment or reclamation of mines. Following is a table of the changes to our asset retirement obligation for the following periods (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Asset retirement obligation, at beginning of period $ 23,832 $ 22,869 $ 22,951 $ 22,037 Liabilities settled — (70 ) (3 ) (86 ) Liabilities incurred — — — — Changes in estimated obligations — — — — Accretion of discount 442 424 1,326 1,272 Total asset retirement obligation, at end of period $ 24,274 $ 23,223 $ 24,274 $ 23,223 The undiscounted amount of asset retirement obligation was $58.4 million as of September 30, 2016 .

COMPENSATION PLANS

COMPENSATION PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
COMPENSATION PLANS	COMPENSATION PLANS Cash Bonus Plans —At times, we use cash bonus programs that allow participants to receive varying percentages of their aggregate base salary. Any awards under the cash bonus programs are based on a variety of elements related to our performance in certain production, operational, financial, and other areas, as well as the participants' individual performance. We accrue cash bonus expense related to the applicable year's performance. In December 2015 as part of our cost savings initiatives, we suspended our cash bonus programs for 2015 for most employees and have not implemented a cash bonus program for 2016. Equity Incentive Compensation Plan —Our Board of Directors and stockholders adopted a long-term incentive compensation plan called the Intrepid Potash, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). We have issued common stock, restricted shares of common stock, performance units, and non-qualified stock option awards under the Plan. As of September 30, 2016 , the following awards were outstanding under the Plan: 755,611 shares of non-vested restricted shares of common stock; non-vested performance units representing 252,100 shares of common stock; and options to purchase 218,857 shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2016 , approximately 6.4 million shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the Plan. Non-vested Restricted Shares of Common Stock —The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee") has granted restricted shares of common stock under the Plan to executive officers, other key employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The awards contain service conditions associated with continued employment or service and provide voting and regular dividend rights. Upon vesting, the restrictions on the restricted shares of common stock lapse and the shares are considered issued and outstanding. In the first quarter of 2015, the Compensation Committee granted restricted shares of common stock under the Plan to our executive management team and other selected employees as part of an annual equity award program. These awards vest ratably over three years . From time to time, the Compensation Committee grants restricted shares of common stock to newly hired or promoted employees or other employees or consultants who have achieved extraordinary personal performance objectives. These restricted shares of common stock generally vest over one - to four -year periods. In the second quarter of 2016, the Compensation Committee granted 562,010 restricted shares of common stock under the Plan to certain members of our Board of Directors, including one employee director. These restricted shares of common stock vest one year after grant. In measuring compensation expense associated with the grant of non-vested restricted shares of common stock, we use the fair value of the award, determined as the closing stock price for our common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense is recorded monthly over the vesting period of the award. Total compensation expense related to the non-vested restricted shares of common stock awards was $0.7 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Total compensation expense was $1.9 million and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively. These amounts are net of estimated forfeiture adjustments. As of September 30, 2016 , there was $2.1 million of total remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted shares of common stock that will be expensed through 2018. A summary of activity relating to our non-vested restricted shares of common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , is presented below. Weighted Average Shares Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, beginning of period 459,663 $ 14.93 Granted 562,010 $ 1.28 Vested (213,643 ) $ 15.53 Forfeited (52,419 ) $ 14.45 Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, end of period 755,611 $ 4.63 Common Stock —In the second quarter of 2015, the Compensation Committee granted shares of common stock under the Plan to our non-employee directors as compensation for service for the period ending on the date of our annual stockholders' meeting for the following year. These shares of common stock were granted without restrictions and vested immediately. Performance Units —In 2015, the Compensation Committee granted at-risk performance units under the Plan to a member of our executive team as part of their annual compensation package. The performance units vest in February 2018, and payout, if any, is based on market-based conditions relating to one-, two- and three-year performance periods beginning on the grant date. No shares were earned under the first one-year performance period. A total of 252,100 shares of common stock are available for future payout under these performance units, subject to continued employment through the vesting date. Non-qualified Stock Options —From 2009 to 2011, the Compensation Committee issued non-qualified stock options under the Plan in the first quarter of each year to our executive management and other selected employees as part of our annual award program. All outstanding stock options are fully vested. Realized tax benefits from tax deductions for exercised options in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to stock compensation for these options are recorded as "excess tax benefits" when the tax deductions occur. A summary of our stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value 1 Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Outstanding non-qualified stock options, 218,857 $25.74 $— 2.9 Vested or expected to vest, 218,857 $25.74 $— 2.9 Exercisable non-qualified stock options, 218,857 $25.74 $— 2.9 1 The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value exceeds the exercise price as of the end of the period presented.
Summary of Non-Vested Restricted Common Stock Activity	A summary of activity relating to our non-vested restricted shares of common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , is presented below. Weighted Average Shares Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, beginning of period 459,663 $ 14.93 Granted 562,010 $ 1.28 Vested (213,643 ) $ 15.53 Forfeited (52,419 ) $ 14.45 Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, end of period 755,611 $ 4.63
Summary of Stock Option Activity	A summary of our stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value 1 Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Outstanding non-qualified stock options, 218,857 $25.74 $— 2.9 Vested or expected to vest, 218,857 $25.74 $— 2.9 Exercisable non-qualified stock options, 218,857 $25.74 $— 2.9

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Our effective tax rate is impacted primarily by the amount of taxable income associated with each jurisdiction in which our income is subject to income tax, permanent differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A summary of the provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Current portion of income tax expense (benefit) $ 1 $ 39 $ 4 $ 5 Deferred portion of income tax (benefit) expense — (7,891 ) — (5,136 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 1 $ (7,852 ) $ 4 $ (5,131 ) Effective tax rate — % 49.2 % — % 44.0 % During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 , our effective tax rate differed from the statutory rate primarily as a result of the impact of recording a valuation allowance to offset the amount of additional deferred tax asset generated during the periods. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015, our effective tax rate differed from the statutory rate primarily as a result of the benefit from estimated depletion deductions that exceed the tax basis in the mineral reserves. The blended state tax rate applied to the deferred tax calculation is subject to change due to changes in state laws and changes in the mix of our business and the states in which we have a taxable relationship. This creates fluctuations in the value of our net deferred tax asset. As of September 30, 2016, we do not believe it is more likely than not that we will fully realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets. As such, we increased the valuation allowance related to our deferred tax assets by $20.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. We recognized a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015. A summary of our valuation allowance activity is as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Valuation allowance, beginning of period $ 300,601 $ 268 Additions 20,740 — Reversals — — Valuation allowance, end of period $ 321,341 $ 268

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Reclamation Deposits and Surety Bonds —As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, we had $21.0 million and $18.7 million , respectively, of security placed principally with the State of Utah and the Bureau of Land Management for eventual reclamation of our various facilities. Of this total requirement, as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, $3.5 million and $0.5 million , respectively, consisted of long-term restricted cash deposits reflected in "Other assets, net" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, and $17.5 million and $18.2 million , respectively, was secured by surety bonds issued by an insurer. The surety bonds are held in place by an annual fee paid to the issuer. We may be required to post additional security to fund future reclamation obligations as reclamation plans are updated or as governmental entities change requirements. Legal —In February 2015, Mosaic Potash Carlsbad Inc. ("Mosaic") filed a complaint and application for preliminary injunction and permanent injunction against Steve Gamble and us in the Fifth Judicial District Court for County of Eddy in the State of New Mexico. Mr. Gamble is a former Intrepid employee and former Mosaic employee. The complaint alleges against us violations of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act and tortious interference with contract relating to alleged misappropriation of Mosaic's trade secrets. Mosaic seeks monetary relief of an unspecified amount, including damages for actual loss and unjust enrichment, exemplary damages, attorneys' fees, and injunctive relief and has alleged that it has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to research and develop its alleged trade secrets. In August 2015, the court denied Mosaic's application for preliminary injunction. The lawsuit is currently progressing through discovery. We are vigorously defending against the lawsuit. Because this matter is at an early stage, we are unable to reasonably estimate the potential amount of loss, if any. In July 2016, Mosaic filed a complaint against Steve Gamble and us in US District Court for the District of New Mexico. The complaint alleges violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, conversion, and civil conspiracy relating to alleged misappropriation of Mosaic's confidential information. Mosaic seeks injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages of an unspecified amount. We are vigorously defending against the lawsuit. Because this matter is at an early stage, we are unable to reasonably estimate the potential amount of loss, if any. We are subject to other claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. While there are uncertainties in predicting the outcome of any claim or legal action, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these other claims or actions is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Future Operating Lease Commitments —We have operating leases for land, mining and other operating equipment, offices, and railcars, with original terms ranging up to 20 years. In May 2015, we exercised an option to terminate our existing corporate office lease prior to its original expiration date. Under the provisions of the lease agreement, we incurred a termination penalty of $1.1 million , which was included in selling and administrative expense in the second quarter of 2015. In December 2015, we paid $0.5 million of this termination penalty in connection with an amendment reducing the leased square footage and extending the expiration date to May 2017. We expect to pay the remaining $0.6 million in March 2017. Rental and lease expenses are shown below for the indicated periods (in thousands): 2016 For the three months ended September 30, 2016 $ 1,530 For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 $ 4,609 2015 For the three months ended September 30, 2015 $ 2,081 For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 $ 5,802

FAIR VALUE

FAIR VALUE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS We applied the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification™ ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The topic establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The topic establishes market or observable inputs as the preferred sources of values, followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. The topic also establishes a hierarchy for grouping these assets and liabilities based on the significance level of the following inputs, as follows: • Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. • Level 2—Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model‑derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. • Level 3—Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable. The following is a listing of our assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and where they are classified within the hierarchy as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): Fair Value at Reporting Date Using September 30, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Investments Corporate bonds $ 3,900 $ — $ 3,900 $ — Fair Value at Reporting Date Using December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Investments Corporate bonds $ 53,317 $ — $ 53,317 $ — Financial assets or liabilities are categorized within the hierarchy based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Below is a general description of our valuation methodologies for financial assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value and are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Our available-for-sale investments consist of corporate bonds that are valued using Level 2 inputs. Market pricing for these investments is obtained from an established financial markets data provider. The methods described above may result in a fair value estimate that may not be indicative of net realizable value or may not be reflective of future fair values and cash flows. While we believe that the valuation methods used are appropriate and consistent with the requirements of ASC Topic 820 and the methods used by other marketplace participants, we recognize that third parties may use different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments that could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Financial Instruments —The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , were as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Senior notes $ 150,000 $ 133,000 $ 150,000 $ 138,000 For cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit and time deposit investments, accounts receivable, refundable income taxes, and accounts payable, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The estimated fair value of the Notes is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar remaining maturities and ratings (a Level 2 input) and is designed to approximate the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in an arm's length transaction between knowledgeable willing parties.

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring Charge [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING CHARGE	RESTRUCTURING CHARGE In January 2016, in response to declining potash prices, we undertook a number of cost saving actions that were intended to better align our cost structure with the business environment. These initiatives included the elimination of approximately 5% of the workforce, elimination of the bonus programs for most employees, as well as reductions in compensation. In April we converted our East facility from a mixed-ore facility to a Trio ® -only facility. In early July 2016, we idled mining operations at our West facility and transitioned it into a care-and-maintenance mode due to the decline in potash prices. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we recognized restructuring expense of $2.3 million related to these events.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	BUSINESS SEGMENTS As a result of pricing pressure and the resulting economic factors giving rise to the conversion of our East facility to Trio ® -only and the idling of our West facility, the chief operating decision maker separately evaluates our potash and Trio ® operations. Accordingly, we reevaluated our segments and determined that, beginning in the second quarter of 2016, we have two segments: potash and Trio ® . The reportable segments are determined by management based on a number of factors including the types of potassium based fertilizer produced, production processes, markets served and the financial information available for our chief operating decision maker. We evaluate performance based on the gross margins of the respective business segments and do not allocate corporate selling and administrative expenses, among others, to the respective segments. Information for each segment is provided in the tables that follow (in thousands). Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Potash Trio ® Corporate Consolidated Sales $ 35,357 $ 8,286 $ — $ 43,643 Less: Freight costs 6,722 1,465 — 8,187 Warehousing and handling costs 2,072 544 — 2,616 Cost of goods sold 29,027 6,245 — 35,272 Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory 4,856 336 — 5,192 Costs associated with abnormal — — — — Gross Deficit $ (7,320 ) $ (304 ) $ — $ (7,624 ) Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred 1 $ 8,090 $ 597 $ 69 $ 8,756 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Potash Trio ® Corporate Consolidated Sales $ 128,248 $ 40,512 $ — $ 168,760 Less: Freight costs 20,156 7,294 — 27,450 Warehousing and handling costs 6,358 1,460 — 7,818 Cost of goods sold 108,816 28,083 — 136,899 Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory 16,793 336 — 17,129 Costs associated with abnormal 650 1,057 — 1,707 Gross (Deficit) Margin $ (24,525 ) $ 2,282 $ — $ (22,243 ) Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred 1 $ 28,970 $ 3,150 $ 845 $ 32,965 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Potash Trio ® Corporate Consolidated Sales $ 41,997 $ 11,695 $ — $ 53,692 Less: Freight costs 3,575 1,773 — 5,348 Warehousing and handling costs 2,655 544 — 3,199 Cost of goods sold 33,729 8,422 — 42,151 Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory 4,427 — — 4,427 Costs associated with abnormal 6,910 — — 6,910 Gross (Deficit) Margin $ (9,299 ) $ 956 $ — $ (8,343 ) Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred 1 $ 16,324 $ 3,294 $ 737 $ 20,355 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Potash Trio ® Corporate Consolidated Sales $ 189,819 $ 54,545 $ — $ 244,364 Less: Freight costs 15,258 7,900 — 23,158 Warehousing and handling costs 8,435 1,948 — 10,383 Cost of goods sold 147,049 33,819 — 180,868 Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory 10,063 — — 10,063 Costs associated with abnormal 6,910 — — 6,910 Gross Margin $ 2,104 $ 10,878 $ — $ 12,982 Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred 1 $ 49,958 $ 9,588 $ 1,482 $ 61,028 1 Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred for potash and Trio ® excludes depreciation, depletion and amortization amounts absorbed in or (relieved from) inventory. Total assets are not presented for each reportable segment as they are not reviewed by, nor otherwise regularly provided to, the chief operating decision maker. All sales of both segments are to external customers. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded restructuring charges of $2.3 million , of which $2.1 million was attributable to the potash segment and $0.2 million was attributable to corporate.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted —In August 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, "Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern," which describes how an entity should assess its ability to meet obligations and sets rules for how this information should be disclosed in the financial statements. The new standard applies to all entities for the first annual period in fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the disclosures included in our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, as amended by Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," which requires revenue to be recognized based on the amount an entity is expected to be entitled to for promised goods or services provided to customers. The standard also requires expanded disclosures regarding contracts with customers. The guidance in this standard supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition," and most industry-specific guidance. This guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018, with retrospective application required, subject to certain practical expedients. We are currently evaluating the requirements of this standard, and have not yet determined the impact on our results of operations or financial position. In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." An entity using an inventory method other than last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method should measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The new guidance clarifies that net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation and is effective for us beginning January 1, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 , "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires, among other things, lessees to recognize lease assets and liabilities on their balance sheets for those leases classified as operating leases under previous generally accepted accounting principles. These assets and liabilities must be recorded generally at the present value of the contracted lease payments, and the cost of the lease must be allocated over the lease term on a straight-line basis. This guidance is effective for us for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with a modified retrospective transition method mandated. We are currently evaluating the requirements of this standard and have not yet determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This standard changes several aspects of how we account for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, forfeitures, minimum statutory tax withholding payments, and classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes. This standard is effective for us for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption, as specified in the guidance, is permitted in any interim or annual period provided that the entire standard is adopted. We are currently evaluating the requirements of this standard and have not yet determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)" which is intended to clarify and align how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows where there is currently diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 specifically addresses eight classification issues within the statement of cash flows including debt prepayments or debt extinguishment costs; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Adopted Accounting Standard —In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which became effective for us beginning January 1, 2016, and requires retrospective adoption. In accordance with this standard, our deferred financing costs associated with outstanding debt balances have been reclassified from "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" and "Other assets, net" to "Long-term debt, net" and "Current portion of long-term debt, net." Amortization of such costs continues to be reported as "Interest expense, net."

FINANCIAL INFROMATION FOR SUBSI

FINANCIAL INFROMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE PUBLIC DEBT (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Guarantees [Abstract]
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]	FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE PUBLIC DEBT Intrepid Potash, Inc., as the parent company, has no independent assets or operations, and operations are conducted solely through its subsidiaries. Cash generated from operations is held at the parent company level as cash on hand and short- and long-term investments. Cash on hand and short- and long-term investments totaled $27.9 million and $63.6 million at September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. In the event that one or more of our wholly-owned operating subsidiaries guarantee public debt securities in the future, those guarantees will be full and unconditional and will constitute the joint and several obligations of the subsidiary guarantors. Our other subsidiaries are minor. There are no restrictions on our ability to obtain cash dividends or other distributions of funds from the subsidiary guarantors, except those imposed by applicable law.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN24

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation of interim financial information, have been included. Under a series of waivers entered into during the first nine months of 2016 and a revised note purchase agreement entered into in October 2016, the holders of our senior notes waived the requirement that we comply with certain financial covenants for the first, second, and third quarters of 2016 (see note 7). In addition, under the revised note purchase agreement, we are subject to revised financial covenants including a covenant requiring that we maintain a minimum level of adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and certain other expenses, as defined under the note purchase agreement). We anticipate that our adjusted EBITDA will be sufficient for us to comply with the current covenants. As such, we believe the material uncertainty surrounding our compliance with our debt covenants has been mitigated. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.
Reclassifications [Text Block]	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. In accordance with the adoption of a new accounting standard, we have reclassified $ 515,000 of deferred financing costs associated with our outstanding debt from "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" and "Other assets" to "Long-term debt, net"
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, those for proven and probable mineral reserves, the related present value of estimated future net cash flows, useful lives of plant assets, asset retirement obligations, normal inventory production levels, inventory valuations, the valuation of equity awards, valuation of investments, the valuation of receivables, valuation of our deferred tax assets, and estimated blended income tax rates utilized in the current and deferred income tax calculations. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proven and probable reserves, projecting future rates of production, and the timing of development expenditures. Future mineral prices may vary significantly from the prices in effect at the time the estimates are made, as may estimates of future operating costs. The estimate of proven and probable mineral reserves, the related present value of estimated future cash flows, and useful lives of plant assets can affect various other items, including depletion; the net carrying value of our mineral properties; the useful lives of related property, plant, and equipment; depreciation expense; and estimates associated with recoverability of long-lived assets and asset retirement obligations. Specific to income tax items, we experience fluctuations in the valuation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities due to changing state income tax rates and the blend of state tax rates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists; risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to customers, which is generally when title passes; the selling price is fixed and determinable; and collection is reasonably assured. Title passes at the designated shipping point for the majority of sales, but, in a few cases, title passes at the delivery destination. The shipping point may be the plant, a distribution warehouse, a customer warehouse, or a port. Title passes for some international shipments upon payment by the purchaser; however, revenue is not recognized for these transactions until shipment because the risks and rewards of ownership have not transferred pursuant to a contractual arrangement. Prices are generally set at the time of, or prior to, shipment. In cases where the final price is determined after shipment and agreed to with our customer, revenue is recognized when the final sales price is fixed and determinable and the other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Sales are reported on a gross basis. We quote prices to customers both on a delivered basis and on the basis of pick-up at our plants and warehouses. When a sale occurs on a delivered basis, we incur and, in turn, bill the customer and record as gross revenue the product sales value, freight, packaging, and certain other distribution costs. Many customers, however, arrange and pay for these costs directly and, in these situations, only the product sales are included in gross revenues.
Inventory, Policy	Inventory consists of product and by-product stocks that are ready for sale; mined ore; potash in evaporation ponds, which is considered work-in-process; and parts and supplies inventory. Product and by-product inventory cost is determined using the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value and includes direct costs, maintenance, operational overhead, depreciation, depletion, and equipment lease costs applicable to the production process. Direct costs, maintenance, and operational overhead include labor and associated benefits. We evaluate our production levels and costs to determine if any should be deemed abnormal and therefore excluded from inventory costs and expensed directly during the applicable period. The assessment of normal production levels is judgmental and unique to each period. We model normal production levels and evaluate historical ranges of production by operating plant in assessing what is deemed to be normal.
Property, Plant, Equipment, Mineral Properties and Development Costs	Property, Plant, Equipment, Mineral Properties, and Development Costs —Property, plant, and equipment are stated at historical cost. Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment relating to new assets or improvements are capitalized, provided the expenditure extends the useful life of an asset or extends the asset's functionality. Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated under the straight-line method using estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives of property, plant, and equipment are evaluated periodically as changes in estimates occur. No depreciation is taken on assets classified as construction in progress until the asset is placed into service. Gains and losses are recorded upon retirement, sale, or disposal of assets. Maintenance and repair costs are recognized as period costs when incurred. Capitalized interest, to the extent of debt outstanding, is calculated and capitalized on assets that are being constructed, drilled, or built or that are otherwise classified as construction in progress. Mineral properties and development costs, which are referred to collectively as mineral properties, include acquisition costs, the cost of drilling production wells, and the cost of other development work, all of which are capitalized. Depletion of mineral properties is calculated using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the relevant ore body. The lives of reserves used for accounting purposes are shorter than current reserve life determinations due to uncertainties inherent in long-term estimates. These reserve life estimates have been prepared by us and reviewed and independently determined by mine consultants. Tons of potash and langbeinite in the proven and probable reserves are expressed in terms of expected finished tons of product to be realized, net of estimated losses. Market price fluctuations of potash or Trio ® , as well as increased production costs or reduced recovery rates, could render proven and probable reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic to exploit and might result in a reduction of reserves. In addition, the provisions of our mineral leases, including royalty provisions, are subject to periodic readjustment by the state and federal government, which could affect the economics of our reserve estimates. Significant changes in the estimated reserves could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
(Loss) Earnings per Share	Basic net loss per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average basic common shares outstanding for the respective period. Diluted net loss per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average diluted common shares outstanding, which includes the effect of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities for the diluted earnings or loss per share calculation consist of awards of non-vested restricted shares of common stock, non-vested performance units, and non-qualified stock options. The dilutive effect of stock based compensation arrangements are computed using the treasury stock method. Following the lapse of the vesting period of restricted shares of common stock, the shares are considered issued and therefore are included in the number of issued and outstanding shares for purposes of these calculations.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	Potentially dilutive securities, including non-vested restricted shares of common stock, stock options, and performance units, are excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect, such as when there is a net loss. The treasury stock method is used to measure the dilutive impact of non-vested restricted common stock, stock options outstanding, and performance units. The following table shows the shares that have an anti-dilutive effect and are excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding computations: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Anti-dilutive shares of non-vested restricted common stock 758,060 467,388 524,998 471,239 Anti-dilutive shares of stock options outstanding 218,857 288,673 224,512 309,602 Anti-dilutive shares of non-vested performance units 126,050 194,375 127,113 158,367
Schedule of Calculation of Basic and Diluted Loss or Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net loss $ (18,241 ) $ (8,110 ) $ (50,066 ) $ (6,518 ) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 75,872 75,701 75,883 75,658 Add: Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted common stock — — — — Add: Dilutive effect of performance units — — — — Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 75,872 75,701 75,883 75,658 Loss per share: Basic $ (0.24 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.66 ) $ (0.09 ) Diluted $ (0.24 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.66 ) $ (0.09 )

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INV

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INVESTMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments	The following table summarizes the fair value of our cash and investments held in our portfolio, recorded as cash and cash equivalents or short-term or long-term investments as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Cash $ 22,936 $ 9,056 Commercial paper and money market accounts 43 251 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 22,979 $ 9,307 Corporate bonds $ 3,900 $ 49,518 Certificates of deposit and time deposits 1,008 1,005 Total short-term investments $ 4,908 $ 50,523 Corporate bonds $ — $ 3,799 Total long-term investments $ — $ 3,799 Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 27,887 $ 63,629
Schedule of Available-for-Sale Investments	The following table summarizes the cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of our available-for-sale investments held in our portfolio as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2015 Unrealized Cost Basis Gain Loss Fair Value Corporate bonds $ 53,403 $ 6 $ (92 ) $ 53,317 Certificates of deposit and time deposits 1,005 — — 1,005 Total available-for-sale investments $ 54,408 $ 6 $ (92 ) $ 54,322

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS27

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventory	The following summarizes our inventory, recorded at the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value, as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Finished goods product inventory $ 56,118 $ 65,200 In-process mineral inventory 26,961 19,769 Total product inventory 83,079 84,969 Current parts inventory, net 18,819 21,562 Total current inventory, net 101,898 106,531 Long-term parts inventory, net 20,535 17,344 Total inventory, net $ 122,433 $ 123,875

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Ta

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes to Asset Retirement Obligation	Following is a table of the changes to our asset retirement obligation for the following periods (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Asset retirement obligation, at beginning of period $ 23,832 $ 22,869 $ 22,951 $ 22,037 Liabilities settled — (70 ) (3 ) (86 ) Liabilities incurred — — — — Changes in estimated obligations — — — — Accretion of discount 442 424 1,326 1,272 Total asset retirement obligation, at end of period $ 24,274 $ 23,223 $ 24,274 $ 23,223

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	A summary of our valuation allowance activity is as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Valuation allowance, beginning of period $ 300,601 $ 268 Additions 20,740 — Reversals — — Valuation allowance, end of period $ 321,341 $ 268
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$ 321,341		$ 268	$ 300,601	$ 268
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	20,740	$ 0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Recoveries	$ 0	$ 0
Schedule of Components of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense	A summary of the provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Current portion of income tax expense (benefit) $ 1 $ 39 $ 4 $ 5 Deferred portion of income tax (benefit) expense — (7,891 ) — (5,136 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 1 $ (7,852 ) $ 4 $ (5,131 ) Effective tax rate — % 49.2 % — % 44.0 %

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Rental and Lease Expense	Rental and lease expenses are shown below for the indicated periods (in thousands): 2016 For the three months ended September 30, 2016 $ 1,530 For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 $ 4,609 2015 For the three months ended September 30, 2015 $ 2,081 For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 $ 5,802

FAIR VALUE (Tables)

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following is a listing of our assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and where they are classified within the hierarchy as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): Fair Value at Reporting Date Using September 30, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Investments Corporate bonds $ 3,900 $ — $ 3,900 $ — Fair Value at Reporting Date Using December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Investments Corporate bonds $ 53,317 $ — $ 53,317 $ —
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , were as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Senior notes $ 150,000 $ 133,000 $ 150,000 $ 138,000

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Information for each segment is provided in the tables that follow (in thousands). Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Potash Trio ® Corporate Consolidated Sales $ 35,357 $ 8,286 $ — $ 43,643 Less: Freight costs 6,722 1,465 — 8,187 Warehousing and handling costs 2,072 544 — 2,616 Cost of goods sold 29,027 6,245 — 35,272 Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory 4,856 336 — 5,192 Costs associated with abnormal — — — — Gross Deficit $ (7,320 ) $ (304 ) $ — $ (7,624 ) Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred 1 $ 8,090 $ 597 $ 69 $ 8,756 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Potash Trio ® Corporate Consolidated Sales $ 128,248 $ 40,512 $ — $ 168,760 Less: Freight costs 20,156 7,294 — 27,450 Warehousing and handling costs 6,358 1,460 — 7,818 Cost of goods sold 108,816 28,083 — 136,899 Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory 16,793 336 — 17,129 Costs associated with abnormal 650 1,057 — 1,707 Gross (Deficit) Margin $ (24,525 ) $ 2,282 $ — $ (22,243 ) Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred 1 $ 28,970 $ 3,150 $ 845 $ 32,965 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Potash Trio ® Corporate Consolidated Sales $ 41,997 $ 11,695 $ — $ 53,692 Less: Freight costs 3,575 1,773 — 5,348 Warehousing and handling costs 2,655 544 — 3,199 Cost of goods sold 33,729 8,422 — 42,151 Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory 4,427 — — 4,427 Costs associated with abnormal 6,910 — — 6,910 Gross (Deficit) Margin $ (9,299 ) $ 956 $ — $ (8,343 ) Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred 1 $ 16,324 $ 3,294 $ 737 $ 20,355 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Potash Trio ® Corporate Consolidated Sales $ 189,819 $ 54,545 $ — $ 244,364 Less: Freight costs 15,258 7,900 — 23,158 Warehousing and handling costs 8,435 1,948 — 10,383 Cost of goods sold 147,049 33,819 — 180,868 Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory 10,063 — — 10,063 Costs associated with abnormal 6,910 — — 6,910 Gross Margin $ 2,104 $ 10,878 $ — $ 12,982 Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred 1 $ 49,958 $ 9,588 $ 1,482 $ 61,028 1 Depreciation, depletion and amortization incurred for potash and Trio ® excludes depreciation, depletion and amortization amounts absorbed in or (relieved from) inventory.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Narrative)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Narrative) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restricted Stock
Anti-dilutive weighted average non-vested shares
Anti-dilutive weighted average non-vested shares (in shares)	758,060	467,388	524,998	471,239
Stock Options
Anti-dilutive weighted average non-vested shares
Anti-dilutive weighted average non-vested shares (in shares)	218,857	288,673	224,512	309,602
Performance Units
Anti-dilutive weighted average non-vested shares
Anti-dilutive weighted average non-vested shares (in shares)	126,050	194,375	127,113	158,367

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Schedule of

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Schedule of Calculation of Basic and Diluted Loss or Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (18,241)	$ (8,110)	$ (8,110)	$ (50,066)	$ (6,518)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	75,871,774	75,701,490		75,882,544	75,658,297
Add: Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted common stock (in shares)	0	0		0	0
Add: Dilutive effect of performance units (in shares)	0	0		0	0
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	75,871,774	75,701,000	75,701,490	75,882,544	75,658,297
(Loss) Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.24)	$ (0.11)		$ (0.66)	$ (0.09)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.24)	$ (0.11)		$ (0.66)	$ (0.09)

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND I35

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INVESTMENTS (Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 22,979	$ 9,307	$ 24,322	$ 67,589
Short-term investments	4,908	50,523
Long-term investments	0	3,799
Cash, cash equivalents, and investments	27,887	63,629
Cash
Investment [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	22,936	9,056
Commercial paper and money market accounts
Investment [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	43	251
Corporate bonds
Investment [Line Items]
Short-term investments	3,900	49,518
Long-term investments	0	3,799
Certificates of deposit and time deposits
Investment [Line Items]
Short-term investments	$ 1,008	$ 1,005

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND I36

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INVESTMENTS (Schedule of Available-for-Sale Investments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Fair value of cash, cash equivalents, and investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 54,408
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	6
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	92
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	54,322
Corporate bonds
Fair value of cash, cash equivalents, and investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	53,403
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	6
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	92
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	53,317
Certificates of deposit and time deposits
Fair value of cash, cash equivalents, and investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,005
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,005

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND I37

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INVESTMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	$ 4

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS38

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY (Summary of Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory [Line Items]
Finished goods product inventory, net	$ 56,118	$ 65,200
In-process mineral inventory	26,961	19,769
Total product inventory, net	83,079	84,969
Current parts inventory	18,819	21,562
Total current inventory, net	101,898	106,531
Long-term parts inventory	20,535	17,344
Total inventory, net	$ 122,433	$ 123,875

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS39

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Valuation Reserves	$ 3,300	$ 500		$ 3,300	$ 500
Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments	5,192	4,427	$ 4,427	17,129	10,063
Production Related Impairments or Charges	$ 0	6,910	$ 6,910	$ 1,707	$ 6,910
West Facility [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Production Related Impairments or Charges		4,900
East Facility [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Production Related Impairments or Charges		$ 2,000

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT, A40

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT, AND MINERAL PROPERTIES (Schedule of Property, Plant, Equipment, and Mineral Properties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 382,445	$ 363,827
Accumulated depreciation	(109,294)	(80,707)
Depreciable assets, net	273,151	283,120
Mineral properties and development costs	140,335	139,751
Accumulated depletion	(19,943)	(17,254)
Total depletable assets, net	120,392	122,497
Land	719	719
Construction in Progress, Gross	4,882	13,140
Property, Plant, Equipment and Mineral Properties, Net	399,144	419,476
Buildings Plant [Member]
Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	83,680	81,208
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	223,838	209,920
Vehicles [Member]
Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	4,875	4,747
Office Equipment and Improvements [Member]
Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	12,307	12,001
Ponds and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 57,745	$ 55,951

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT, A41

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT, AND MINERAL PROPERTIES (Schedule of Depreciation, Depletion, and Accretion) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 7,587		$ 18,893	$ 28,931	$ 56,257
Depletion	727		1,038	2,708	3,499
Accretion	442	$ 424	424	1,326	1,272
Total incurred	$ 8,756	$ 20,355	$ 20,355	$ 32,965	$ 61,028

DEBT (Narrative) (Details)

DEBT (Narrative) (Details)	Apr. 01, 2018	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Debt
Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization						$ 2,688,000	$ 1,590,000		$ 6,429,000	$ 4,723,000
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs						806,000	0		806,000	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs						564,000	87,000		2,228,000	273,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity														$ 1,000,000	$ 8,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit			$ 0			0			0								$ 0
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount			500,000			500,000			500,000
Unsecured Senior Notes			150,000,000			150,000,000			150,000,000							$ 150,000,000	150,000,000
Current portion of long-term debt, net			14,677,000			14,677,000			14,677,000							0
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount						15,000,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Current, Net			300,000			300,000			300,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, EBITDA			20,000,000			20,000,000			20,000,000
Deferred Finance Costs, Net			$ 3,299,000			3,299,000			3,299,000							515,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease)			3.50%
Interest Costs Incurred						4,058,000	1,677,000		9,463,000	4,996,000
Capitalized Interest						153,000	103,000		329,000	176,000
Interest Expense, Including Gain (Loss) on Derivative						3,905,000	$ 1,574,000	$ 1,574,000	9,134,000	4,820,000
Long-term debt, net			$ 132,024,000			132,024,000			132,024,000							$ 149,485,000
Series A Senior Notes
Debt
Unsecured Senior Notes			$ 60,000,000			$ 60,000,000			$ 60,000,000								60,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			6.73%			6.73%			6.73%
Series B Senior Notes
Debt
Unsecured Senior Notes			$ 45,000,000			$ 45,000,000			$ 45,000,000								45,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.63%			7.63%			7.63%
Series C Senior Notes
Debt
Unsecured Senior Notes			$ 45,000,000			$ 45,000,000			$ 45,000,000								45,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.78%			7.78%			7.78%
Unsecured credit facility
Debt
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity																	$ 250,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowings						0		0	0	0
Line of Credit Facility, Repayments						$ 0		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Scenario, Forecast
Debt
Maximum allowable leverage ratio					3.5						11.5
minimum fixed charge ratio					1.3							0.25
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, EBITDA													$ 7,500,000
Subsequent Event
Debt
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 35,000,000		$ 35,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity, Threshold, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		$ 6,000,000		$ 6,000,000
minimum fixed charge ratio		1		1
Repayments of Debt				$ 15,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease)	2.00%	4.50%
Subsequent Event | Series A Senior Notes
Debt
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		7.73%		7.73%
Subsequent Event | Series B Senior Notes
Debt
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.63%		8.63%
Subsequent Event | Series C Senior Notes
Debt
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.78%		8.78%
Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Subsequent Event
Debt
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period		1.75%
Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Subsequent Event
Debt
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period		2.25%

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Na

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit adjusted risk-free rates to discount abandonment liabilities, low end of range (as a percent)	6.90%
Credit adjusted risk-free rates to discount abandonment liabilities, high end of range (as a percent)	8.50%
Asset retirement obligation, current		$ 0
Undiscounted amount of asset retirement obligation	$ 58.4

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Sc

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Schedule of Changes to Asset Retirement Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset retirement obligation, at beginning of period	$ 23,832	$ 22,869	$ 22,037	$ 22,951	$ 22,037
Liabilities settled	0		(70)	(3)	(86)
Liabilities incurred	0		0	0	0
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate	0		0	0	0
Accretion of discount	442	424	$ 424	1,326	1,272
Total asset retirement obligation, at end of period	$ 24,274	$ 23,223		$ 24,274	$ 23,223

COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative)

COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Feb. 22, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period over which grants vest (in years)			1 year
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding non-vested equity-based awards, end of period (in shares)	755,611		755,611			459,663
Period over which grants vest (in years)			3 years
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 659,194	$ 826,520	$ 1,850,921	$ 2,544,178
Total unrecognized compensation expense	$ 2,100,000		$ 2,100,000
Performance Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding non-vested equity-based awards, end of period (in shares)	252,100		252,100
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, end of period (in shares)	218,857		218,857
Common Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock available for issuance under the Plan (in shares)	6,400,000		6,400,000
Restricted Stock Awards, Granted To Newly Hired Employees | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period over which grants vest (in years)			4 years
2015 Performance Units [Member] | Performance Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding non-vested equity-based awards, end of period (in shares)	252,100		252,100

COMPENSATION PLANS (Summary of

COMPENSATION PLANS (Summary of Non-Vested Restricted Common Stock Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 659,194	$ 826,520	$ 1,850,921	$ 2,544,178
Shares
Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, beginning of period (in shares)			459,663
Granted (in shares)			562,010
Vested (in shares)			(213,643)
Forfeited (in shares)			(52,419)
Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, end of period (in shares)	755,611		755,611
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 14.93
Granted (in dollars per share)			1.28
Vested (in dollars per share)			15.53
Forfeited (in dollars per share)			14.45
Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 4.63		$ 4.63

COMPENSATION PLANS (Summary o47

COMPENSATION PLANS (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Stock Options	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock Option Activity, Number of Shares
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, end of period (in shares) | shares	218,857
Vested or expected to vest, end of period (in shares) | shares	218,857
Exercisable non-qualified stock options, end of period (in shares) | shares	218,857
Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 25.74
Vested or expected to vest, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	25.74
Exercisable non-qualified stock options, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 25.74
Stock Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, end of period (in shares) | $	$ 0
Vested or expected to vest, end of period (in shares) | $	0
Exercisable non-qualified stock options, end of period (in shares) | $	$ 0
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, end of period (in years)	2 years 10 months 17 days
Vested or expected to vest, end of period (in years)	2 years 10 months 17 days
Exercisable non-qualified stock options, end of period (in years)	2 years 10 months 17 days

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Compo

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Components of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net					$ 0
Current portion of income tax (benefit) expense	$ 1	$ 39	$ 4	$ 5
Deferred portion of income tax (benefit) expense	0	7,891	0	5,136
Total income tax (benefit) expense	$ 1	$ (7,852)	$ 4	$ (5,131)
Effective tax rate	0.00%	49.20%	0.00%	44.00%

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES49

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Reclamation Deposits and Surety Bonds
Security placed with the State of Utah and BLM	$ 18.7		$ 21
Long-term restricted cash deposits	0.5		3.5
Surety bonds issued by an insurer	18.2		$ 17.5
Future Operating Lease Commitments
Operating Lease, Contract Term, Maximum (in years)			20 years
Lease Termination Penalty		$ 1.1
Early Lease Termination Penalty Paid	0.5
Accrued Early Termination Penalty	$ 0.6

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES50

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Schedule of Rental and Lease Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental and lease expenses	$ 1,530	$ 2,081	$ 4,609	$ 5,802

FAIR VALUE (Schedule of Assets

FAIR VALUE (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments
Corporate bonds	$ 3,900	$ 53,317
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)
Investments
Corporate bonds	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Investments
Corporate bonds	3,900	53,317
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Investments
Corporate bonds	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE (Fair Value, by Bala

FAIR VALUE (Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Groupings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Face Amount	$ 150,000	$ 150,000
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 133,000	$ 138,000

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE (Narrative

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring Charge [Abstract]
Restructuring charge, percentage of eliminated positions		5.00%
Restructuring charge	$ 0		$ 0	$ 2,314	$ 0

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	2
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,314	$ 0
Operating Segments [Member] | Potash [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 2,100
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$ 200

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Information

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Information by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 43,643	$ 53,692	$ 53,692	$ 168,760	$ 244,364
Less: Freight costs	8,187	5,348	5,348	27,450	23,158
Warehousing and handling costs	2,616	3,199	3,199	7,818	10,383
Cost of goods sold	35,272	42,151	42,151	136,899	180,868
Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments	5,192	4,427	4,427	17,129	10,063
Costs associated with abnormal production and other	0	6,910	6,910	1,707	6,910
Gross (Deficit) Margin	(7,624)	(8,343)	(8,343)	(22,243)	12,982
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense	8,756	20,355	$ 20,355	32,965	61,028
Operating Segments [Member] | Potash [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	35,357	41,997		128,248	189,819
Less: Freight costs	6,722	3,575		20,156	15,258
Warehousing and handling costs	2,072	2,655		6,358	8,435
Cost of goods sold	29,027	33,729		108,816	147,049
Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments	4,856	4,427		16,793	10,063
Costs associated with abnormal production and other	0	6,910		650	6,910
Gross (Deficit) Margin	(7,320)	(9,299)		(24,525)	2,104
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense	8,090	16,324		28,970	49,958
Operating Segments [Member] | Trio [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	8,286	11,695		40,512	54,545
Less: Freight costs	1,465	1,773		7,294	7,900
Warehousing and handling costs	544	544		1,460	1,948
Cost of goods sold	6,245	8,422		28,083	33,819
Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments	336	0		336	0
Costs associated with abnormal production and other	0	0		1,057	0
Gross (Deficit) Margin	(304)	956		2,282	10,878
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense	597	3,294		3,150	9,588
Corporate/Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	0	0		0	0
Less: Freight costs	0	0		0	0
Warehousing and handling costs	0	0		0	0
Cost of goods sold	0	0		0	0
Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments	0	0		0	0
Costs associated with abnormal production and other	0	0		0	0
Gross (Deficit) Margin	0	0		0	0
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense	$ 69	$ 737		$ 845	$ 1,482