Intrepid Potash (IPI) 10-K 3 Mar 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 26, 2020	Jun. 28, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Intrepid Potash, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001421461
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
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 Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 390
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		131,688,835
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20,603	$ 33,222
Accounts receivable:
Trade, net	23,749	25,161
Other receivables, net	1,247	597
Inventory, net	94,220	82,046
Other current assets	5,524	4,332
Total current assets	145,343	145,358
Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net	378,509	346,209
Water rights	19,184	2,311
Long-term parts inventory, net	27,569	30,031
Other assets, net	7,834	1,322
Total Assets	578,439	525,231
Accounts payable:
Trade	9,992	9,107
Related parties		28
Income taxes payable	50	914
Accrued liabilities	13,740	8,717
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	4,464	4,124
Other current liabilities	19,382	11,891
Advances on credit facility	19,817
Current portion of long-term debt	20,000
Total current liabilities	87,445	34,781
Long-term debt, net	29,753	49,642
Asset retirement obligation	22,140	23,125
Operating lease liabilities	4,025	0
Other non-current liabilities	420	420
Total Liabilities	143,783	107,968
Commitments and Contingencies
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; and 129,553,517 and 128,716,595 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively	130	129
Additional paid-in capital	652,963	649,202
Retained deficit	(218,437)	(232,068)
Total Stockholders' Equity	434,656	417,263
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 578,439	$ 525,231

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	129,553,517	128,716,595

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Less:
Lower of cost or net realizable value inventory adjustments		$ 1,810	$ 1,711	$ 6,379
Gross Margin (Deficit)		43,478	38,271	11,888
Selling and administrative		23,556	20,438	18,915
Accretion of asset retirement obligation		1,793	1,668	1,558
Restructuring expense				266
Care and maintenance expense		549	530	1,687
Other operating expense (income)		1,220	141	3,523
Operating Income (Loss)		16,360	15,494	(14,061)
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense, net		(3,031)	(3,855)	(11,692)
Other income		355	252	403
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes		13,684	11,891	(25,350)
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit		(53)	(108)	2,783
Net Income (Loss)		$ 13,631	$ 11,783	$ (22,567)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)		129,049,168	128,070,702	115,708,859
Diluted (in shares)		131,050,920	130,985,919	115,708,859
Income (Loss) Per Share:
Basic (dollar per share)		$ 0.11	$ 0.09	$ (0.20)
Diluted (dollar per share)		$ 0.10	$ 0.09	$ (0.20)
Mineral [Member]
Sales	[1]	$ 220,075	$ 208,270	$ 177,915
Cost of goods and services sold		126,110	121,955	117,962
Freight costs [Member]
Cost of goods and services sold		40,056	37,052	32,016
Warehouse and handling costs [Member]
Cost of goods and services sold		$ 8,621	$ 9,281	$ 9,670
[1]	Segment sales include the sales of byproducts generated during the production of potash and Trio®.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCK

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Deficit [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Adjustment/Adoption | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]			$ 120	$ (120)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		75,839,998
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 362,565	$ 76	583,653	(221,164)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income (Loss)	(22,567)			(22,567)
Issuance of common stock (shares)		50,612,027
Issuance of common stock	59,130	$ 51	59,079
Stock-based compensation	3,622		3,622
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting (shares)		1,077,292
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting		$ 1
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting	(781)		(782)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		117,213
Exercise of stock option	121		121
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		127,646,530
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	402,090	$ 128	645,813	(243,851)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income (Loss)	11,783			11,783
Stock-based compensation	4,179		4,179
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting (shares)		975,061
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting		$ 1
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting	(903)		(904)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		95,004
Exercise of stock option	114		114
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	417,263	$ 129	649,202	(232,068)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income (Loss)	13,631			13,631
Stock-based compensation	4,281		4,281
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting (shares)		816,177
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting		$ 1
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting	(540)		(541)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		20,745
Exercise of stock option	21		21
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		129,553,517
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 434,656	$ 130	$ 652,963	$ (218,437)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$ 13,631	$ 11,783	$ (22,567)
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	34,121	32,215	33,209
Amortization of intangible assets	214	0
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	1,793	1,668	1,558
Amortization of deferred financing costs	303	732	1,778
Stock-based compensation	4,281	4,179	3,622
Allowance for doubtful accounts	75	100	865
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets	345	(87)	1,830
Lower of cost or net realizable value inventory adjustments	1,810	1,711	6,379
Other	(34)	(4)	1,073
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,337	(7,484)	(6,870)
Other receivables, net	(650)	165	(270)
Refundable income taxes		2,663	(1,284)
Inventory, net	(11,525)	(67)	(1,263)
Other current assets	(1,019)	1,762	(3,207)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued employee compensation and benefits	2,280	1,740	1,738
Income taxes payable	(865)	914
Operating lease liabilities	(2,090)
Other liabilities	5,374	12,247	102
Net cash provided by operating activities	49,381	64,237	16,693
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties	(63,836)	(16,891)	(13,505)
Additions to intangible Assets	(16,873)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties	68	110	5,651
Net cash used in investing activities	(80,641)	(16,781)	(7,854)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expense			59,130
Repayments of long-term debt		(10,000)	(75,000)
Debt prepayment costs		(402)	(3,001)
Proceeds from from short-term borrowings on credit facility	30,317	13,500	22,000
Repayments of short-term borrowings on credit facility	(10,500)	(17,400)	(18,100)
Capitalized debt costs	(503)	(210)	(129)
Employee tax withholding paid for restricted stock upon vesting	(540)	(903)	(781)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	21	114	121
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,795	(15,301)	(15,760)
Net Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	(12,465)	32,155	(6,921)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, beginning of period	33,704	1,549	8,470
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, end of period	21,239	33,704	1,549
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest, net of $0.2 million of capitalized interest in 2019, and $0.1 million in both 2018 and 2017	2,733	3,470	11,639
Income taxes	942	(3,469)	(1,499)
Accrued purchases for property, plant, equipment, mineral properties, and development costs	$ 5,021	$ 1,082	$ 4,068

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Capitalized interest	$ 180	$ 128	$ 130

COMPANY BACKGROUND

COMPANY BACKGROUND	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Company Background [Abstract]
COMPANY BACKGROUND	COMPANY BACKGROUND We are a diversified mineral company that delivers potassium, magnesium, sulfur, salt, and water products essential for customer success in agriculture, animal feed and the oil and gas industry. We are the only U.S. producer of muriate of potash (sometimes referred to as potassium chloride or potash), which is applied as an essential nutrient for healthy crop development, utilized in several industrial applications, and used as an ingredient in animal feed. In addition, we produce a specialty fertilizer, Trio ® , which delivers three key nutrients, potassium, magnesium, and sulfate, in a single particle. We also provide water, magnesium chloride, brine and various oilfield products and services. Our extraction and production operations are conducted entirely in the continental United States. We produce potash from three solution mining facilities: our HB solution mine in Carlsbad, New Mexico, our solution mine in Moab, Utah and our brine recovery mine in Wendover, Utah. We also operate our North compaction facility in Carlsbad, New Mexico, which compacts and granulates product from the HB mine. We produce Trio ® from our conventional underground East mine in Carlsbad, New Mexico. We have water rights in New Mexico under which we sell water primarily to support oil and gas development in the Permian Basin near our Carlsbad facilities. We continue to work to expand our sales of water. In May 2019, we acquired certain land, water rights, other related assets in Lea County, New Mexico, from Dinwiddie Cattle Company. We refer to these assets and operations as "Intrepid South." The purchase price was $53 million . A reduction of $12 million from the original $65 million purchase price was agreed upon by the parties prior to closing subject to issues identified in the diligence process. Dinwiddie Cattle Company also reserved a 20 -year, 10% royalty, proportionally reduced as to our interest, on certain produced water disposal revenue related to Intrepid South and certain other properties located near Intrepid South. We capitalized $3.2 million of acquisition fees related to the purchase of the Intrepid South Assets. We have three segments: potash, Trio ® , and oilfield solutions. We account for the sales of byproducts as revenue in the potash or Trio ® segment, based on which segment generates the byproduct. For each of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, a majority of our byproduct sales were accounted for in the potash segment. We manage sales and marketing operations centrally. This allows us to evaluate the product needs of our customers and then centrally determine which of our production facilities to use to fill customer orders in a manner designed to realize the highest average net realized sales price per ton. Average net realized sales price per ton is a non-GAAP measure that we calculate for each of potash and Trio as segment sales less segment byproduct sales and segment freight costs, divided by the number of tons of product sold in the period. We also monitor product inventory levels and overall production costs centrally.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation —Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 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, revenue from products we sell to customers where the price is variable, the valuation of receivables, estimated future net cash flows used in long-lived assets impairment analysis, the related valuation of our long-lived assets, 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 income tax rates and the blend of state tax rates. Revenue Recognition —We account for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"). Under ASC 606, we recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Performance Obligations: A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account in ASC 606. The contract's transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations and recognized as revenue when the performance obligations are satisfied. Substantially all of our contracts are of a short-term nature and contain a single performance obligation because the sale is for one type of product and shipping and handling charges are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are not considered to be a separate performance obligation. The performance obligation is satisfied when control of the product is transferred to the customer, which typically occurs when we ship mineral products or deliver water from our facility to the customer. We account for substantially all of our revenue from sales to customers at a single point in time. Contract Estimates: In certain circumstances, we may sell product to customers where the sales price is variable. For such sales, we estimate the sales price we expect to realize based on the facts and circumstances for each sale, including historical experience, and recognize revenue to the extent it is probable that a subsequent change in estimate will not result in a significant revenue reversal compared to the cumulative revenue recognized under the contract. Contract Balances: The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collection may result in contract assets or contract liabilities. For certain contracts, the customer has agreed to pay us before we have satisfied our performance obligations. Customer payments received before we have satisfied our performance obligations are accounted for as a contract liability. Disaggregation of Revenue: We present disaggregation of revenue by products which we believe best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic conditions. Inventory and Long-Term Parts Inventory —Inventory consists of product and byproduct 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 byproduct 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. Parts inventory, including critical spares, that is not expected to be used within a period of one year is classified as non-current. Parts and supply inventory cost is determined using the lower of average acquisition cost or estimated replacement cost. Detailed reviews are performed related to the net realizable value of parts inventory, giving consideration to quality, slow-moving items, obsolescence, excessive levels, and other factors. Parts inventories that have not turned over in more than a year, excluding parts classified as critical spares, are reviewed for obsolescence and, if deemed appropriate, are included in the determination of an allowance for obsolescence. 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. Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets —We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment is potentially considered to exist if an asset group's total estimated net future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the related asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the excess of the carrying amount of long-lived assets over its estimated fair value. Changes in significant assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates or fair values of asset groups may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. Sales price is a significant element of any cash flow estimate, particularly for higher cost operations. Other assumptions we estimate include, among other things, the economic life of the asset, sales volume, inflation, raw materials costs, cost of capital, tax rates, and capital spending. Factors we generally will consider important and which could trigger an impairment review of the carrying value of long-lived assets include the following: • significant underperformance relative to expected operating results or operating losses • significant changes in the manner of use of assets or the strategy for our overall business • the denial or delay of necessary permits or approvals that would affect the utilization of our tangible assets • underutilization of our tangible assets • discontinuance of certain products by us or our customers • a decrease in estimated mineral reserves • significant negative industry or economic trends Intangible Assets —Water rights are accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets. We test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually on October 1, and more frequently if circumstances require. We use a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the unamortized intangible is less than its carrying value. If our qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of the unamortized assets is less than its carrying value, we estimate the fair value of the unamortized asset and record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the unamortized intangible asset over its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated using quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimated fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows. Changes in significant assumptions underlying fair value estimates may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. We also have finite-lived intangible assets consisting of contractual agreements. These intangible assets are amortized over the period of estimated benefit using the straight-line method. No significant residual value is estimated for our finite-lived intangible assets. We estimate the useful life of intangible assets considering various factors, including but not limited to, the expected use of the asset, the expected life of other assets the intangible asset may relate, any legal, regulatory, contractual provisions, or relevant economic factors that may limit the use of the intangible asset. We evaluate the remaining useful lives of intangible assets each reporting period to determine if a revision to the asset's remaining life is necessary. Changes in significant assumptions underlying useful lives may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. We evaluate our finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such circumstances may include but are not limited to (1) significant adverse changes in the manner the asset is used, or (2) significant adverse changes in legal factors or economic conditions, including adverse actions by regulatory authorities. We did not record any impairments to our intangible assets in 2019 and 2018. Exploration Costs —Exploration costs include geological and geophysical work performed on areas that do not yet have proven and probable reserves declared. These costs are expensed as incurred. Asset Retirement Obligations —Reclamation costs are initially recorded as a liability associated with the asset to be reclaimed or abandoned, based on applicable inflation assumptions and discount rates. The accretion of this discounted liability is recognized as expense over the life of the related assets, and the liability is periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation and abandonment costs. Planned Turnaround Maintenance —Each production operation typically shuts down periodically for planned maintenance activities. The costs of maintenance turnarounds at our facilities are considered part of production costs and are absorbed into inventory in the period incurred. Leases —We determine if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. Operating and finance lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the discount rate for the lease at the commencement date. If readily determinable, we use the implicit rate in the lease to determine the present value of future lease payments. If the implicit rate is not readily determinable, we use an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of future lease payments. Operating right-of-use ("ROU") assets and finance lease assets are generally recognized based on the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component and we do not apply the requirements of ASC Topic 842 to short-term leases with a term of one year or less at inception. Income Taxes —We are a subchapter C corporation and, therefore, are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. We recognize income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized. We record a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be realized in full. These determinations are subject to ongoing assessment. Cash and Cash Equivalents —Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Fair Value of Financial Instruments —Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, refundable income taxes, accounts payable and current accrued liabilities. These instruments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of the instruments. Allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded against the accounts receivable balance to estimate net realizable value. The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar remaining maturities and ratings. Amounts outstanding under our secured credit facility are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, due to the short-term nature of the borrowings. Earnings per Share —Basic net income or loss per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average basic common shares outstanding for the respective period. Diluted net income per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net income 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 restricted shares, performance units, and non‑qualified stock options. The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation arrangements is computed using the treasury‑stock method. Following the lapse of the vesting period of restricted shares, the shares are considered issued and therefore are included in the number of issued and outstanding shares for purposes of these calculations. When we report a net loss, all potentially dilutive securities are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from the dilutive loss per share calculation. Stock‑Based Compensation —We account for stock-based compensation by recording expense using the fair value of the awards at the time of grant. We have recorded compensation expense associated with the issuance of restricted shares, performance units, and non-qualified stock options, all of which are subject to service conditions and in some cases subject to operational performance or market-based conditions. The expense associated with such awards is recognized over the service period associated with each grant. Expense associated with awards with service only conditions is recognized using the straight-line recognition method over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting period of the award. Expense associated with awards that contain both a service condition and a market condition is recognized using the accelerated recognition method over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the longest of the explicit service period or the derived service period (expected date the market condition is estimated to be achieved). Reclassification of Prior Period Presentation —Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations. Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted —In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, as amended by ASU No. 2019-04 and ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments - (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining life. This guidance is effective for us for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Because we have historically experienced minimal bad debt expense related to our trade receivables, the adoption of this new standard will not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STA

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Accounting Standard	RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , ("ASC Topic 842"), which we adopted on January 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective method, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. We used the effective date as our date of initial application. Consequently, financial information will not be updated, and disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates before January 1, 2019. The new standard requires lessees to recognize lease assets and liabilities on their balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. These assets and liabilities are recorded generally at the present value of the contracted lease payments, using the rate implicit in the lease if known. If the implicit rate is not known, we use our estimated incremental borrowing rate. We do not account for lease and non-lease components separately and we do not apply the requirements of ASC Topic 842 to short-term leases with a term of one year or less at inception. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. As a result of adopting the new standard, we recorded operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets of $5.9 million and operating lease liabilities of $6.1 million on January 1, 2019.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. For purposes of determining diluted earnings per share, basic weighted-average common shares outstanding is adjusted to include potentially dilutive securities, including restricted stock, stock options, and performance units. The treasury-stock method is used to measure the dilutive impact of potentially dilutive shares. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the diluted weighted-average shares outstanding computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. The following table shows the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net income (loss) $ 13,631 $ 11,783 $ (22,567 ) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 129,049 128,071 115,709 Add: Dilutive effect restricted common stock 1,215 1,982 — Add: Dilutive effect of stock options outstanding 787 933 — Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 131,051 130,986 115,709 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.11 $ 0.09 $ (0.20 ) Diluted $ 0.10 $ 0.09 $ (0.20 ) The following table shows anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Anti-dilutive effect of restricted shares 495 — 3,328 Anti-dilutive effect of stock options outstanding 1,649 1,452 1,711 Anti-dilutive effect of performance units — — 63

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RES

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Restricted Cash	CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, as shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows are included in the following accounts at December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents 20,603 $ 33,222 $ 1,068 Restricted cash included in "Other current assets" 150 — — Restricted cash included in "Other assets, net" 486 482 481 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 21,239 $ 33,704 $ 1,549 Restricted cash included in "Other assets, net" on the balance sheet at December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 represents amounts whose use is restricted by contractual agreements with the Bureau of Land Management or the State of Utah as security to fund future reclamation obligations at our sites. Restricted cash included in "Other current assets" on the balance sheet at December 31, 2019 represents a cash deposit with a supply vendor.

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS I

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 December 31, 2019 , and 2018 , respectively (in thousands): December 31, 2019 2018 Finished goods product inventory $ 55,585 $ 48,370 In-process mineral inventory 25,591 24,325 Total product inventory 81,176 72,695 Current parts inventory, net 13,044 9,351 Total current inventory, net 94,220 82,046 Long-term parts inventory, net 27,569 30,031 Total inventory, net $ 121,789 $ 112,077 Parts inventories are shown net of any required allowances. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , we recorded charges of approximately $1.8 million , $1.7 million , and $6.4 million , respectively, as a result of routine assessments of the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value on our finished goods product inventory.

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND MINERAL PROPERTIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
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): December 31, 2019 2018 Land $ 27,274 $ 519 Ponds and land improvements 65,992 58,961 Mineral properties and development costs 143,988 139,418 Buildings and plant 81,468 81,429 Machinery and equipment 253,536 241,977 Vehicles 6,222 5,669 Office equipment and leasehold improvements 9,136 13,779 Operating lease ROU assets 8,123 — Construction in progress 7,124 2,822 Total property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, gross $ 602,863 $ 544,574 Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization (224,354 ) (198,365 ) Total property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net $ 378,509 $ 346,209 We incurred the following expenses for depreciation, depletion, and amortization of ROU assets, including expenses capitalized into inventory, for the following periods (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Depreciation $ 27,889 $ 27,858 $ 28,323 Depletion 4,173 4,357 4,886 Amortization of ROU assets 2,059 — — Total incurred $ 34,121 $ 32,215 $ 33,209

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Note 8 — LEASES We determine if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. We have operating leases for mining equipment, trucks, rail cars, and office space. Our operating leases have remaining leases terms ranging from less than one year to five years. Leases recorded on the balance sheet consist of the following (amounts in thousands): Leases Classification on the Balance Sheet Balance, December 31, 2019 Assets Operating lease ROU assets, net Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net $ 6,064 Liabilities Current operating lease liabilities Other current liabilities $ 2,187 Non-current operating lease liabilities Operating lease liabilities $ 4,025 Other information related to lease term and discount rate is as follows: December 31, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 3.1 Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 5.62 % The components of lease expense are as follows (amounts in thousands): For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Operating lease expense $ 2,410 Short-term lease expense 107 Total lease expense $ 2,517 Rental and lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018, and 2017 were $3.9 million and $5.7 million , respectively. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (amounts in thousands): For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 2,441 Right-of-Use Assets exchanged for new operating lease liabilities 8,123 As of December 31, 2019, maturities of lease liabilities are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ending December 31, Operating Leases 2020 $ 2,432 2021 2,116 2022 1,459 2023 357 2024 167 Thereafter 98 Total future minimum lease payments $ 6,629 Less - amount representing interest 417 Present value of future minimum lease payments $ 6,212 Less - current lease obligations 2,187 Long-term lease obligations $ 4,025 As of December 31, 2018, and prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 842, the annual future minimum lease payments were as follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ending December 31, Operating Leases 2019 $ 2,266 2020 1,874 2021 1,602 2022 1,083 2023 172 Thereafter 1,343 Total $ 8,340

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	INTANGIBLE ASSETS We acquired certain water rights, recorded at $16.9 million , and other intangible assets, recorded at $6.4 million , in the Intrepid South asset acquisition that we completed in May 2019. We account for our water rights as indefinite-lived intangible assets. We account for the other intangible assets acquired in the Intrepid South asset acquisition as finite-lived intangible assets and amortize those intangible assets over the period of estimated benefit, using the straight-line method. The weighted-average amortization period for the other intangible assets acquired in the Intrepid South asset acquisition was 20 years. These intangible assets are included in "Other assets, net" on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, we have the following amounts recorded for intangible assets (amounts in thousands): December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Finite-lived intangible assets: Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Produced water disposal royalty agreements $ 2,700 $ (90 ) $ — $ — Surface damage and easement agreements 3,735 (124 ) — — Total $ 6,435 $ (214 ) $ — $ — Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Water rights $ 19,184 $ 2,311 Total amortization of intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2019, was $0.2 million . We did not record any amortization of intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2018. We estimate the annual amortization expense of intangible assets will be $0.3 million for each of the next five years.

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT Senior Notes —As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding $50 million of senior notes (the "Notes") consisting of the following series: • $20 million of Senior Notes, Series A, due April 16, 2020 • $15 million of Senior Notes, Series B, due April 14, 2023 • $15 million of Senior Notes, Series C, due April 16, 2025 The agreement governing the Notes contains certain financial covenants including those discussed below: • We are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.30 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter, measured based on the previous four quarters. Our fixed charge coverage ratio as of December 31, 2019, was 10.4 to 1.0, therefore we were in compliance with this covenant. • We are allowed a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter, measured based on the previous four quarters. Our leverage ratio as of December 31, 2019, was 1.3 to 1.0 therefore we were in compliance with this covenant. Fixed charge coverage ratio and leverage ratio are calculated in accordance with the agreement governing the Notes. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the interest rates on the Notes were 3.73% for the Series A Notes, 4.63% for the Series B Notes and 4.78% for the Series C Notes. These rates represent the lowest interest rates available under the Notes. The interest rates may adjust upward if we do not continue to meet certain financial covenants. For the ten months ended October 31, 2017, the interest rates on the Notes were 7.73% for the Series A Notes, 8.63% for the Series B Notes and 8.78% for the Series C Notes. Beginning November 1, 2017, the interest rates on the Notes were reduced to 3.73% for the Series A Notes, 4.63% for the Series B Notes and 4.78% for the Series C Notes. We have 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. We are required to offer to prepay the Notes with proceeds of dispositions of certain specified property and with the proceeds of certain equity issuances, as set forth in the agreement. The obligations under the Notes are unconditionally guaranteed by several of our subsidiaries. We were in compliance with the applicable covenants under the agreement governing the Notes as of December 31, 2019. Our outstanding long-term debt, net, was as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Notes, at carrying value $ 50,000 $ 50,000 Less current portion of Notes (20,000 ) — Less deferred financing costs (247 ) (358 ) Long-term portion of Notes, net $ 29,753 $ 49,642 Credit Facility —We maintain a secured revolving credit facility with Bank of Montreal. In August 2019, we amended and restated the credit facility to change it from an asset-backed facility to a cash-flow facility, to increase the amount available under the facility from $50 million to $75 million plus an additional $75 million accordion, and to extend the maturity date to August 1, 2024. The revolving credit facility also provides for a $7.5 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. As of December 31, 2019, borrowings under the credit facility bore interest at LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) plus an applicable margin of 1.25% to 2.00% per annum, based on our leverage ratio. 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 obligations under the credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by several of our subsidiaries. We occasionally borrow and repay amounts under the facility for near-term working capital needs or other purposes and may do so in the future. For the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, we borrowed $30.3 million and $13.5 million , respectively, and repaid $10.5 million and $17.4 million , respectively, under the facility. As of December 31, 2019, we had $19.8 million borrowings outstanding and $1.0 million in an outstanding letter of credit under the facility. As of December 31, 2018, we had no borrowings outstanding and $1.0 million in outstanding letters of credit under the facility. We have $54.2 million available under the facility as of December 31, 2019. We were in compliance with the applicable covenants under the facility as of December 31, 2019. Interest Expense —Interest expense is recorded net of any capitalized interest associated with investments in capital projects. We incurred gross interest expense of $3.2 million , $4.0 million , and $11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Amounts included in interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 (in thousands) are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Interest on notes and credit facility $ 2,908 $ 2,849 $ 7,043 Make-whole payments — 402 3,001 Amortization of deferred financing costs 303 732 1,778 Gross interest expense 3,211 3,983 11,822 Less capitalized interest 180 128 130 Interest expense, net $ 3,031 $ 3,855 $ 11,692

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 upward revisions to estimated costs. The credit adjusted risk-free rates used to discount our abandonment liabilities range from 6.9% to 9.7% . Revisions to the liability occur due to construction of new or expanded facilities, changes in estimated abandonment costs or economic lives, changes in the estimated timing of the reclamation activities 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 obligations for the following periods (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Asset retirement obligation, at beginning of period $ 23,125 $ 21,476 $ 19,976 Liabilities settled (38 ) (19 ) — Liabilities incurred 60 — 29 Changes in estimated obligations (2,690 ) — (87 ) Accretion of discount 1,793 1,668 1,558 Total asset retirement obligation, at end of period $ 22,250 $ 23,125 $ 21,476 As of December 31, 2019, $0.1 million of the total asset retirement obligation is included in "Other current liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We estimate approximately $9.9 million in payments may occur in the next five years.

REVENUE

REVENUE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE	REVENUE Revenue Recognition —Under ASC 606, we recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Contract Balances —As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, we had $16.6 million and $11.7 million of contract liabilities, respectively, which are included in "Other current liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. Our contract liability relates to payments received from customers for water purchases for which we have not yet delivered the water. Our contract liability activity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 is shown below (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 11,678 $ — Additions 11,058 17,558 Recognized as revenue during period (6,124 ) (5,880 ) Ending balance $ 16,612 $ 11,678 Disaggregation of Revenue —The table below shows the disaggregation of revenue by product and reconciles disaggregated revenue to segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. We believe the disaggregation of revenue by products best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic conditions (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 Product Potash Segment Trio ® Segment Oilfield Solutions Segment Intersegment Eliminations Total Potash $ 103,403 $ — $ 2,973 $ (1,909 ) $ 104,467 Trio ® — 64,299 — — 64,299 Water 1,823 4,495 19,339 — 25,657 Salt 12,022 757 — — 12,779 Magnesium Chloride 4,907 — — — 4,907 Brines 2,493 — — — 2,493 Other — — 5,582 (109 ) 5,473 Total Revenue $ 124,648 $ 69,551 $ 27,894 $ (2,018 ) $ 220,075 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Product Potash Segment Trio ® Segment Oilfield Solutions Segment Intersegment Eliminations Total Potash $ 107,471 $ — $ — $ — $ 107,471 Trio ® — 64,139 — — 64,139 Water 1,368 2,430 15,999 — 19,797 Salt 6,638 239 — — 6,877 Magnesium Chloride 6,804 — — — 6,804 Brines 1,777 — — — 1,777 Other — — 1,405 — 1,405 Total Revenue $ 124,058 $ 66,808 $ 17,404 $ — $ 208,270 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Product Potash Segment Trio ® Segment Oilfield Solutions Segment Intersegment Eliminations Total Potash $ 95,540 $ — $ — $ — $ 95,540 Trio ® — 63,338 — — 63,338 Water 441 289 6,312 — 7,042 Salt 6,275 59 — — 6,334 Magnesium Chloride 5,432 — — — 5,432 Brines 229 — — — 229 Total Revenue $ 107,917 $ 63,686 $ 6,312 $ — $ 177,915

COMPENSATION PLANS

COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
COMPENSATION PLANS	COMPENSATION PLANS Cash Bonus Programs —At times, we use cash bonus programs under which employees may receive cash bonuses based on corporate, department, location, or individual performance or other events or accomplishments. We accrue cash bonus expense related to the current year's performance. We did not meet our performance metrics related to the 2019 cash bonus program, and accordingly, we will not be paying cash bonuses for 2019 under the program. We did not meet our performance metrics related to the 2018 cash bonus program, and accordingly, we did not pay cash bonuses for 2018 under the program. We did not implement a cash bonus program for 2017. 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 restricted shares, common stock, performance units, and non-qualified stock option awards under the Plan. As of December 31, 2019 , 1,993,932 restricted shares and options to purchase 3,134,794 shares of common stock were outstanding. As of December 31, 2019 , approximately 9.2 million shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the Plan. Total compensation expense related to the Plan was $4.3 million , $4.2 million , and $3.6 million , for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively. As of December 31, 2019 , there was $5.3 million of total remaining unrecognized compensation expense that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years . When restricted shares and performance units vest and when stock options are exercised, new shares are issued and considered outstanding for financial statement purposes. Restricted Shares • Restricted Shares with Service Conditions —Under the Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee") has granted restricted shares of common stock to members of the Board of Directors, executive officers, and other key employees. The restricted shares contain service conditions associated with continued employment or service. The restricted shares provide voting and regular dividend rights to the holders of the awards. In 2019 the Compensation Committee granted 555,180 restricted shares to executives and key employees under the Plan as part of our annual equity award program. The awards vest over two years, subject to continued employment or service. In 2019, the Compensation Committee granted 128,395 restricted shares to non-employee members of the Board of Directors and one employee member of the Board of Directors under the Plan for their annual service as directors. The restricted shares vest one year after the date of grant, subject to continued service. We use the closing price of our common stock on the grant date as the grant date fair value for these awards. We record compensation expense monthly using the straight-line recognition method over the vesting period of the award. The weighted-average grant date fair value per share for restricted shares with service conditions issued in 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $3.47 , $4.16 , and $2.27 , respectively. • Restricted Shares with Service and Market Conditions — Under the Plan in 2019 and 2017, the Compensation Committee granted restricted shares of common stock with service and market conditions to a member of our executive team as part of his annual compensation package. These restricted share grants contain service and market conditions. These grants vest over three years . The market condition for the 2019 award has not been met as of December 31, 2019. The market condition for the 2017 award was met in August 2017. We did not grant any restricted shares of common stock with service and market conditions under the Plan during 2018. We used a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model to estimate the fair value of these awards on the grant date. We record compensation expense monthly using the accelerated recognition method over the longer of the explicit or derived service period of the award. The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of restricted shares with service and market conditions issued in 2019, and 2017, was $2.89 and $2.10 , respectively. Valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock. We used the following assumptions to compute the weighted-average grant date fair market value of restricted stock with service and market conditions granted in 2019 and 2017: 2019 2017 Closing stock price on grant date $ 3.31 $ 2.29 Risk free interest rate 2.2 % 1.7 % Dividend yield — % — % Estimated volatility 84.5 % 81.7 % Expected life 4.81 years 5.00 years Restricted Shares with Service and Performance Conditions —In 2019 the Compensation Committee granted 218,393 restricted shares of common stock to executive officers, and other key employees. These restricted share grants vest one year after the grant date, subject to continued service and the company meeting certain performance goals. We did not meet the performance goals and 218,393 restricted shares were canceled. A summary of all activity relating to our restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2019 , is presented below: Weighted Average Shares Restricted shares of common stock, beginning of period 1,953,305 $ 1.87 Granted with service only condition 683,575 $ 3.47 Granted with service and performance conditions 218,393 $ 3.81 Granted with service and market conditions 545,707 $ 2.89 Vested, service only condition (927,344 ) $ 2.01 Vested, service and market conditions (71,251 ) $ 2.10 Forfeited, service only condition (190,060 ) $ 2.15 Forfeited, service and performance conditions (218,393 ) $ 3.81 Restricted shares of common stock, end of period 1,993,932 $ 2.69 Non-qualified Stock Options • Non-qualified Stock Options with Service-Based Vesting —The Compensation Committee did not grant any non-qualified stock options under the Plan during 2019. In 2018, the Compensation Committee granted 623,274 non-qualified stock options under the Plan to a member of our executive team as part of his annual compensation package. The stock options have a ten -year term from the grant date and vest over three years. In measuring compensation expense for options, we estimated the fair value of the award on the grant date using the Black‑Scholes option valuation model. We record compensation expense monthly using the straight-line recognition method over the vesting period of the award. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock. We used the following assumptions to compute the weighted average fair market value of options with service-based vesting granted in 2018, and 2017: 2018 2017 Closing stock price on grant date $ 3.90 $ 2.29 Risk free interest rate 1.1 % 1.6 % Dividend yield — % — % Estimated volatility 72.8 % 71.5 % Expected option life 6.00 years 6.00 years Our estimate of volatility was based on the historic volatility of our common stock over a period comparable to the expected life of the option. The estimate of expected option life was determined based on the "simplified method," giving consideration to the overall vesting period and the contractual terms of the award. This method was used because we have very little option exercise history for options issued under the Plan. The risk-free interest rate for the period that matched the option awards' expected life was based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity yield at the time of grant. • Non-qualified Stock Options with Service and Market Conditions —The Compensation Committee did not grant any non-qualified stock options with service and market conditions under the Plan during 2019. In 2018, the Compensation Committee granted 934,911 non-qualified stock options with service and market conditions under the Plan to a member of our executive team as part of his annual compensation package. The stock options vest in three equal annual installments, subject to continued employment; provided, however, that no vesting would occur unless and until the volume-weighted average closing market price or our common stock equals or exceeds $5.85 for 20 consecutive trading days on or before the five -year anniversary of the grant date. As of December 31, 2019, the market condition has not been met. We used a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model to estimate the fair value of these awards on their grant dates. We record compensation expense monthly using the accelerated recognition method over the longer of the explicit or derived service period of the award. Valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock. We used the following assumptions to compute the weighted average fair market value of options with service and market conditions granted in 2018 and 2017: 2018 2017 Closing stock price on grant date $ 3.90 $ 2.29 Risk free interest rate 2.9 % 2.2 % Dividend yield — % — % Estimated volatility 75.0 % 81.7 % Expected life 10.00 years 10.00 years Non-Qualified Stock Option Activity A summary of all stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 , is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value 1 Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Outstanding non-qualified stock 3,351,684 $3.91 Granted — $— Exercised (20,745 ) $1.03 Forfeited (69,372 ) $1.35 Expired (126,773 ) $22.03 Outstanding non-qualified stock 3,134,794 $3.25 $1,857,788 7.2 Vested or expected to vest, 3,134,794 $3.25 $1,857,788 7.2 Exercisable non-qualified 1,388,702 $3.10 $1,408,824 6.3 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. We did not grant any stock options during 2019. The weighted-average fair value per share of options to purchase stock granted during 2018, and 2017, was $2.33 , and $1.38 per share, respectively. The total intrinsic value of exercised options to purchase stock during 2019 was $41,000 and was $0.3 million in both 2018 and 2017.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes . This standard requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates in effect when the related taxes are expected to be settled or realized. We recognize income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions where we conduct business. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A summary of the provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current portion of income tax expense (benefit): Federal $ — $ 23 $ (2,793 ) State 53 85 10 Deferred portion of income tax expense: Federal — — — State — — — Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 53 $ 108 $ (2,783 ) A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for 2019 and 2018, and 35% for 2017 to our effective rate is as follows (in thousands, except percentages): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Federal taxes at statutory rate $ 2,874 $ 2,497 $ (8,873 ) Add: State taxes, net of federal benefit 1,245 1,663 (1,414 ) Change in valuation allowance (6,754 ) (3,330 ) (104,710 ) Change in federal and state tax rates 2,322 634 115,545 Percentage depletion (600 ) (656 ) (598 ) Other 966 (700 ) (2,733 ) Net expense (benefit) as calculated $ 53 $ 108 $ (2,783 ) Effective tax rate 0.4 % 0.9 % 11.0 % Our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate due to the valuation allowance. During the year ended December 31, 2017, our effective tax rate was impacted by the decrease in our expected future rate at which our deferred tax assets will reverse due to newly enacted federal tax legislation, which reduced the value of our deferred tax assets by $115.5 million . Since we have a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, a corresponding decrease in our valuation allowance was also required. The net decrease in our valuation allowance was $104.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Finally, our effective tax rate was impacted by a benefit of $2.7 million related to our ability to monetize existing alternative minimum tax credits through a carryback as well as an election available to taxpayers in 2017. As of December 31, 2019 , and 2018 , we had gross deferred tax assets of $211.6 million and $218.4 million , respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019, our deferred tax assets decreased primarily due to varying business conditions for normal business transactions and operations as well as changes to state tax rates and apportionment laws. Included in gross deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2019 were approximately $230.0 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards, which expire beginning in 2033, and approximately $296.6 million of state net operating loss carry forwards, the majority of which begin to expire in 2033. Also included are $1.9 million of federal research and development credits which begin to expire in 2031. The federal loss carryforward could be subject to examination by the tax authorities within three years after the carryforward is utilized, while the state net operating loss carryforwards could be subject to examination by the tax authorities generally within three and four years after the carryforward is utilized, depending on jurisdiction. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets (liabilities): Property, plant, equipment and mineral properties, net $ 133,586 $ 138,855 Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards 63,194 65,779 Asset retirement obligation 5,763 5,950 Deferred revenue 4,371 3,035 Other 2,839 2,888 R&D credits 1,870 1,870 Total deferred tax assets 211,623 218,377 Valuation allowance (211,623 ) (218,377 ) Deferred tax asset, net $ — $ — In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by analyzing the relative impact of all the available positive and negative evidence regarding our forecasted taxable income using both historical and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in prior carryback years, as permitted by regulation, and the availability of tax planning strategies. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of certain types of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. In making this assessment, we consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, our ability to carry back the deferred tax asset, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, we have a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets because we do not believe it is more likely than not that we will fully realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets. During 2019, our valuation allowance decreased $6.8 million . The decrease was mainly due to current year reversals of our deferred tax assets. Our deferred tax asset, net of the valuation allowance, at both December 31, 2019, and 2018, is zero . The estimated statutory income tax rates that are applied to our current and deferred income tax calculations are impacted most significantly by the tax jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Changing business conditions for normal business transactions and operations, as well as changes to state tax rates and apportionment laws, potentially alter the apportionment of income among the states for income tax purposes. These changes to apportionment laws result in changes in the calculation of our current and deferred income taxes, including the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. The effects of any such changes are recorded in the period of the adjustment. Such adjustments can increase or decrease the net deferred tax asset on the balance sheet and impact the corresponding deferred tax benefit or deferred tax expense on the statement of operations. A decrease of our state tax rate decreases the value of its deferred tax asset, resulting in additional deferred tax expense being recorded in the income statement. Conversely, an increase in our state income tax rate would increase the value of the deferred tax asset, resulting in an increase in our deferred tax benefit. Because of the magnitude of the temporary differences between our book and tax basis in the assets, relatively small changes in the state tax rate may have a pronounced impact on the value of our net deferred tax asset. Each quarter we evaluate the need for a liability for uncertain tax positions. At December 31, 2019, and 2018, there were no items that required disclosure in accordance with FASB guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. We operate, and accordingly file income tax returns, in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various U.S. state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to income tax audits that could result in an assessment for years prior to 2016.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Reclamation Deposits and Surety Bonds —As of December 31, 2019 , and 2018 , we had $22.3 million and $19.0 million , respectively, of security placed principally with the State of Utah and the Bureau of Land Management for eventual reclamation of its various facilities. Of this total requirement, as of December 31, 2019 , and 2018 , $0.5 million consisted of long-term restricted cash deposits reflected in "Other" long-term assets on the balance sheet, and $21.8 million and $18.5 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 the County of Eddy in the State of New Mexico. Mr. Gamble is a former employee of Intrepid and Mosaic. In August 2015, the court denied Mosaic’s application for preliminary injunction. In July 2016, Mosaic filed a second complaint against Mr. Gamble and us in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. In January 2018, the two lawsuits were consolidated into one lawsuit pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. Mosaic alleges against us violations of the New Mexico Uniform Trade Secrets Act, tortious interference with contract relating to Mr. Gamble’s separation of employment from Mosaic, violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, conversion, and civil conspiracy relating to the alleged misappropriation of Mosaic’s confidential information and related actions. Mosaic seeks $23 million to $28 million in compensatory damages, $28 million to $37 million in exemplary damages, and attorneys' fees, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and future royalty damages in unspecified amounts. A settlement conference is scheduled for March 25, 2020 and a trial date has been set for April 27, 2020 through May 8, 2020. The lawsuit has progressed through discovery with many pending motions and additions concerning both the facts and confidentiality procedures concerning trade secrets. We believe that we have defenses against the claims asserted and we are vigorously defending against the lawsuit. We have recorded no loss contingency in our statements of operations related to this legal matter. In February 2019, Pecos Valley Artesian Conservancy District, Carlsbad Irrigation District, and Otis Mutual Domestic Water Consumers & Sewage Works Association (together, the "Protestants") filed an expedited inter se proceeding against us, Henry McDonald, Select Energy Services, LLC d/b/a Gregory Rockhouse Ranch, and Vision Resources, Inc. in the Fifth Judicial District Court for the County of Chaves in the State of New Mexico. This court serves as the adjudication court for the Pecos Stream System, which includes the Pecos River. The Protestants challenge the validity of our Pecos River water rights, representing approximately 20,000 acre feet per year. In August 2019, the parties stipulated to the jurisdiction of the adjudication court. To promote settlement, the adjudication court established a settlement schedule and ordered a trial date in August 2020 if the parties have not reached a settlement by that time. We are currently allowed to sell water associated with 5,700 acre feet per year of these water rights under preliminary authorizations issued in 2017 and 2018 by the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer ("OSE"). The preliminary authorizations allowed for water sales to begin immediately, subject to repayment if the underlying water rights are ultimately found to be invalid. Separate from the adjudication proceeding, the Protestants have protested these preliminary authorizations before the OSE. Although the OSE is required to hold a hearing relating to the protests, it has temporarily stayed the hearing process until the adjudication process is complete. In the adjudication proceeding, the court is expected to make a determination as to the size of our Pecos River water rights. In addition, the Protestants are asking for unspecified monetary and injunctive relief, as well as attorneys' fees and costs, relating to our sale of water under these water rights and breach of contract claims. We believe that our legal position with respect to the validity of our water rights is solid, and we are vigorously defending against this matter. We have not recorded a loss contingency in our condensed consolidated statements of operations relating to this matter. We are subject to other claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. Legal costs are expensed as incurred. 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.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS We measure our financial assets and liabilities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification™ ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. 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 upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The definition of each input is described below: • 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 As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, our cash consisted of bank deposits. Other financial assets and liabilities including, accounts receivable, refundable income taxes, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and advances on credit facility are carried at cost which approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, the estimated fair value of our outstanding Notes was $50.0 million and $48.1 million , respectively. The fair value of our 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.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS	EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 401(k) Plan We maintain a savings plan qualified under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401(a) and 401(k). The 401(k) Plan is available to eligible employees of our consolidated entities. Employees may contribute amounts as allowed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to the 401(k) Plan (subject to certain restrictions) in before-tax contributions. In January 2016, we elected to suspend matching employee contributions to the 401(k) Plan and resumed contributions to the 401(k) Plan in August 2016, matching employee contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to a maximum of 2% of the employee's base compensation. In January 2018, we increased the matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to a maximum of 5% of the employee's base compensation. Our contributions to the 401(k) Plan in the following periods were (in thousands): Contributions Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 1,522 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 1,410 Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 685

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	BUSINESS SEGMENTS Our operations are organized into three segments: potash, Trio ® and oilfield solutions. The reportable segments are determined by management based on several factors including the types of products and services sold, 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. Intersegment sales prices are market-based and are eliminated in the "Other" column. Information for each segment is provided in the tables that follow (in thousands). Year Ended December 31, 2019 Potash Trio ® Oilfield Solutions Other Consolidated Sales 1 $ 124,648 $ 69,551 $ 27,894 $ (2,018 ) $ 220,075 Less: Freight costs 18,715 20,514 936 (109 ) 40,056 Warehousing and handling costs 4,745 3,876 — — 8,621 Cost of goods sold 73,401 42,251 12,367 (1,909 ) 126,110 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments — 1,810 — — 1,810 Gross Margin $ 27,787 $ 1,100 $ 14,591 $ — $ 43,478 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 2 incurred $ 25,796 $ 6,163 $ 1,566 $ 810 $ 34,335 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Potash Trio ® Oilfield Solutions Other Consolidated Sales 1 $ 124,058 $ 66,808 $ 17,404 $ — $ 208,270 Less: Freight costs 17,682 19,370 — — 37,052 Warehousing and handling costs 5,046 4,225 10 — 9,281 Cost of goods sold 72,322 45,284 4,349 — 121,955 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments — 1,711 — — 1,711 Gross Margin (Deficit) $ 29,008 $ (3,782 ) $ 13,045 $ — $ 38,271 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization incurred 2 $ 25,134 $ 6,343 $ 343 $ 395 $ 32,215 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Potash Trio ® Oilfield Solutions Other Consolidated Sales 1 $ 107,917 $ 63,686 $ 6,312 $ — $ 177,915 Less: Freight costs 13,912 18,104 — — 32,016 Warehousing and handling costs 5,556 4,114 — — 9,670 Cost of goods sold 72,229 45,187 546 — 117,962 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments 550 5,829 — — 6,379 Gross (Deficit) Margin $ 15,670 $ (9,548 ) $ 5,766 $ — $ 11,888 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization incurred 2 $ 26,485 $ 6,576 $ 19 $ 129 $ 33,209 1 Segment sales include the sales of byproducts generated during the production of potash and Trio ® . 2 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization incurred for potash and Trio ® excludes depreciation, depletion, and amortization 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.

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK	CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if counterparties failed completely to perform as contracted. Concentrations of credit risk, whether on- or off-balance sheet, that arise from financial instruments exist for counterparties when they have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions. Our products are marketed for sale into three primary markets. These markets are the agricultural market as a fertilizer, the industrial market as a component in drilling fluids for oil and gas exploration, and the animal feed market as a nutrient. Credit risks associated with the collection of accounts receivable are primarily related to the impact of external factors on our customers. Our customers are distributors and end-users whose credit worthiness and ability to meet their payment obligations will be affected by factors in their industries and markets. Those factors include soil nutrient levels, crop prices, weather, the type of crops planted, changes in diets, growth in population, the amount of land under cultivation, fuel prices and consumption, oil and gas drilling and completion activity, the demand for biofuels, government policy, and the relative value of currencies. Our industrial sales are significantly influenced by oil and gas drilling activity. In 2019 , 2018, and 2017, no customer accounted for more than 10% of our sales. Because of the size of our company compared to the overall size of the North American market and the regional demands for our products, we believe that a decline in a specific customer's purchases would not have a material adverse long-term effect on our financial results. In each of the last three years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , 94% , 95% , and 88% , respectively, of our total sales were sold to customers located in the United States. All of our long-lived assets are located in the United States. We maintain cash accounts with several financial institutions. At times, the balances in the accounts may exceed the $250,000 balance insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSI

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE PUBLIC DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE PUBLIC DEBT	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 totaled $20.6 million and $33.2 million at December 31, 2019, and 2018, 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.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (in thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 Sales $ 48,849 $ 51,160 $ 62,512 $ 57,554 Cost of Goods Sold $ 26,735 $ 31,863 $ 35,818 $ 31,694 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments $ 348 $ 1,462 $ — $ — Gross Margin $ 10,190 $ 6,949 $ 13,171 $ 13,168 Net Income (Loss) $ 2,082 $ (217 ) $ 5,611 $ 6,155 Basic and Diluted Earnings $ 0.02 $ — $ 0.04 $ 0.05 Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 June 30, 2018 March 31, 2018 Sales $ 54,364 $ 41,410 $ 55,176 $ 57,320 Cost of Goods Sold $ 26,504 $ 23,370 $ 35,426 $ 36,655 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments $ 930 $ — $ 76 $ 705 Gross Margin $ 14,826 $ 8,959 $ 7,286 $ 7,200 Net Income (Loss) $ 7,634 $ 3,350 $ (958 ) $ 1,757 Basic and Diluted Earnings $ 0.06 $ 0.03 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.01 Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported gross margin or net income (loss).

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUA

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (In thousands) Description Balance at Beginning of Year Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions Balance at End of Year For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Allowances deducted from assets Deferred tax assets - valuation allowance $ 326,417 $ — $ (104,710 ) $ 221,707 Reserve for parts inventory obsolescence 3,109 1,073 — 4,182 Allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables — 865 — 865 Total allowances deducted from assets $ 329,526 $ 1,938 $ (104,710 ) $ 226,754 For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Allowances deducted from assets Deferred tax assets - valuation allowance $ 221,707 $ — $ (3,330 ) $ 218,377 Reserve for parts inventory obsolescence 4,182 15 (2,454 ) 1,743 Allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables 865 100 (500 ) 465 Total allowances deducted from assets $ 226,754 $ 115 $ (6,284 ) $ 220,585 For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Allowances deducted from assets Deferred tax assets - valuation allowance $ 218,377 $ — $ (6,754 ) $ 211,623 Reserve for parts inventory obsolescence 1,743 — (1,127 ) 616 Allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables 465 75 (60 ) 480 Total allowances deducted from assets $ 220,585 $ 75 $ (7,941 ) $ 212,719

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
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, revenue from products we sell to customers where the price is variable, the valuation of receivables, estimated future net cash flows used in long-lived assets impairment analysis, the related valuation of our long-lived assets, 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 income tax rates and the blend of state tax rates.
Revenue Recognition	We account for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"). Under ASC 606, we recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
Performance Obligation	A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account in ASC 606. The contract's transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations and recognized as revenue when the performance obligations are satisfied. Substantially all of our contracts are of a short-term nature and contain a single performance obligation because the sale is for one type of product and shipping and handling charges are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are not considered to be a separate performance obligation. The performance obligation is satisfied when control of the product is transferred to the customer, which typically occurs when we ship mineral products or deliver water from our facility to the customer. We account for substantially all of our revenue from sales to customers at a single point in time.
Contract Estimates	In certain circumstances, we may sell product to customers where the sales price is variable. For such sales, we estimate the sales price we expect to realize based on the facts and circumstances for each sale, including historical experience, and recognize revenue to the extent it is probable that a subsequent change in estimate will not result in a significant revenue reversal compared to the cumulative revenue recognized under the contract.
Contract Balances	The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collection may result in contract assets or contract liabilities. For certain contracts, the customer has agreed to pay us before we have satisfied our performance obligations. Customer payments received before we have satisfied our performance obligations are accounted for as a contract liability.
Disaggregation of Revenue	We present disaggregation of revenue by products which we believe best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic conditions.
Inventory and Long-Term Parts Inventory	Inventory consists of product and byproduct 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 byproduct 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. Parts inventory, including critical spares, that is not expected to be used within a period of one year is classified as non-current. Parts and supply inventory cost is determined using the lower of average acquisition cost or estimated replacement cost. Detailed reviews are performed related to the net realizable value of parts inventory, giving consideration to quality, slow-moving items, obsolescence, excessive levels, and other factors. Parts inventories that have not turned over in more than a year, excluding parts classified as critical spares, are reviewed for obsolescence and, if deemed appropriate, are included in the determination of an allowance for obsolescence.
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.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets	We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment is potentially considered to exist if an asset group's total estimated net future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the related asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the excess of the carrying amount of long-lived assets over its estimated fair value. Changes in significant assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates or fair values of asset groups may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. Sales price is a significant element of any cash flow estimate, particularly for higher cost operations. Other assumptions we estimate include, among other things, the economic life of the asset, sales volume, inflation, raw materials costs, cost of capital, tax rates, and capital spending. Factors we generally will consider important and which could trigger an impairment review of the carrying value of long-lived assets include the following: • significant underperformance relative to expected operating results or operating losses • significant changes in the manner of use of assets or the strategy for our overall business • the denial or delay of necessary permits or approvals that would affect the utilization of our tangible assets • underutilization of our tangible assets • discontinuance of certain products by us or our customers • a decrease in estimated mineral reserves • significant negative industry or economic trends
Intangible Assets	Water rights are accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets. We test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually on October 1, and more frequently if circumstances require. We use a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the unamortized intangible is less than its carrying value. If our qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of the unamortized assets is less than its carrying value, we estimate the fair value of the unamortized asset and record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the unamortized intangible asset over its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated using quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimated fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows. Changes in significant assumptions underlying fair value estimates may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. We also have finite-lived intangible assets consisting of contractual agreements. These intangible assets are amortized over the period of estimated benefit using the straight-line method. No significant residual value is estimated for our finite-lived intangible assets. We estimate the useful life of intangible assets considering various factors, including but not limited to, the expected use of the asset, the expected life of other assets the intangible asset may relate, any legal, regulatory, contractual provisions, or relevant economic factors that may limit the use of the intangible asset. We evaluate the remaining useful lives of intangible assets each reporting period to determine if a revision to the asset's remaining life is necessary. Changes in significant assumptions underlying useful lives may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. We evaluate our finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such circumstances may include but are not limited to (1) significant adverse changes in the manner the asset is used, or (2) significant adverse changes in legal factors or economic conditions, including adverse actions by regulatory authorities. We did not record any impairments to our intangible assets in 2019 and 2018.
Exploration Costs	Exploration costs include geological and geophysical work performed on areas that do not yet have proven and probable reserves declared. These costs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligation	Reclamation costs are initially recorded as a liability associated with the asset to be reclaimed or abandoned, based on applicable inflation assumptions and discount rates. The accretion of this discounted liability is recognized as expense over the life of the related assets, and the liability is periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation and abandonment costs.
Planned Turnaround Maintenance	Each production operation typically shuts down periodically for planned maintenance activities. The costs of maintenance turnarounds at our facilities are considered part of production costs and are absorbed into inventory in the period incurred.
Leases	We determine if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. Operating and finance lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the discount rate for the lease at the commencement date. If readily determinable, we use the implicit rate in the lease to determine the present value of future lease payments. If the implicit rate is not readily determinable, we use an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of future lease payments. Operating right-of-use ("ROU") assets and finance lease assets are generally recognized based on the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component and we do not apply the requirements of ASC Topic 842 to short-term leases with a term of one year or less at inception.
Income Taxes	We are a subchapter C corporation and, therefore, are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. We recognize income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized. We record a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be realized in full. These determinations are subject to ongoing assessment.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, refundable income taxes, accounts payable and current accrued liabilities. These instruments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of the instruments. Allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded against the accounts receivable balance to estimate net realizable value. The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar remaining maturities and ratings. Amounts outstanding under our secured credit facility are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, due to the short-term nature of the borrowings.
Earnings per Share	Basic net income or loss per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average basic common shares outstanding for the respective period. Diluted net income per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net income 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 restricted shares, performance units, and non‑qualified stock options. The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation arrangements is computed using the treasury‑stock method. Following the lapse of the vesting period of restricted shares, the shares are considered issued and therefore are included in the number of issued and outstanding shares for purposes of these calculations.
Stock-Based Compensation	We account for stock-based compensation by recording expense using the fair value of the awards at the time of grant. We have recorded compensation expense associated with the issuance of restricted shares, performance units, and non-qualified stock options, all of which are subject to service conditions and in some cases subject to operational performance or market-based conditions. The expense associated with such awards is recognized over the service period associated with each grant. Expense associated with awards with service only conditions is recognized using the straight-line recognition method over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting period of the award. Expense associated with awards that contain both a service condition and a market condition is recognized using the accelerated recognition method over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the longest of the explicit service period or the derived service period (expected date the market condition is estimated to be achieved).
Reclassification of Prior Period Presentation	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations.
Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted	In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, as amended by ASU No. 2019-04 and ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments - (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining life. This guidance is effective for us for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Because we have historically experienced minimal bad debt expense related to our trade receivables, the adoption of this new standard will not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table shows the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net income (loss) $ 13,631 $ 11,783 $ (22,567 ) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 129,049 128,071 115,709 Add: Dilutive effect restricted common stock 1,215 1,982 — Add: Dilutive effect of stock options outstanding 787 933 — Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 131,051 130,986 115,709 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.11 $ 0.09 $ (0.20 ) Diluted $ 0.10 $ 0.09 $ (0.20 )
Schedule of Anti-Dilutive Shares Excluded From The Calculation of Diluted Loss Per Share	The following table shows anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Anti-dilutive effect of restricted shares 495 — 3,328 Anti-dilutive effect of stock options outstanding 1,649 1,452 1,711 Anti-dilutive effect of performance units — — 63

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND R_2

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Restricted Cash	Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, as shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows are included in the following accounts at December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents 20,603 $ 33,222 $ 1,068 Restricted cash included in "Other current assets" 150 — — Restricted cash included in "Other assets, net" 486 482 481 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 21,239 $ 33,704 $ 1,549

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS_2

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 December 31, 2019 , and 2018 , respectively (in thousands): December 31, 2019 2018 Finished goods product inventory $ 55,585 $ 48,370 In-process mineral inventory 25,591 24,325 Total product inventory 81,176 72,695 Current parts inventory, net 13,044 9,351 Total current inventory, net 94,220 82,046 Long-term parts inventory, net 27,569 30,031 Total inventory, net $ 121,789 $ 112,077

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AN_2

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND MINERAL PROPERTIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Schedule of Property, Plant, Equipment, And Mineral Properties	Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net" were comprised of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2019 2018 Land $ 27,274 $ 519 Ponds and land improvements 65,992 58,961 Mineral properties and development costs 143,988 139,418 Buildings and plant 81,468 81,429 Machinery and equipment 253,536 241,977 Vehicles 6,222 5,669 Office equipment and leasehold improvements 9,136 13,779 Operating lease ROU assets 8,123 — Construction in progress 7,124 2,822 Total property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, gross $ 602,863 $ 544,574 Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization (224,354 ) (198,365 ) Total property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net $ 378,509 $ 346,209
Schedule of Depreciation, Depletion Amortization and Accretion	We incurred the following expenses for depreciation, depletion, and amortization of ROU assets, including expenses capitalized into inventory, for the following periods (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Depreciation $ 27,889 $ 27,858 $ 28,323 Depletion 4,173 4,357 4,886 Amortization of ROU assets 2,059 — — Total incurred $ 34,121 $ 32,215 $ 33,209

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases Recorded on Balance Sheets	Leases recorded on the balance sheet consist of the following (amounts in thousands): Leases Classification on the Balance Sheet Balance, December 31, 2019 Assets Operating lease ROU assets, net Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net $ 6,064 Liabilities Current operating lease liabilities Other current liabilities $ 2,187 Non-current operating lease liabilities Operating lease liabilities $ 4,025
Other Information Related to Lease Term and Discount Rate, and Components of Lease Expense	Other information related to lease term and discount rate is as follows: December 31, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 3.1 Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 5.62 % The components of lease expense are as follows (amounts in thousands): For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Operating lease expense $ 2,410 Short-term lease expense 107 Total lease expense $ 2,517 Rental and lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018, and 2017 were $3.9 million and $5.7 million , respectively. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (amounts in thousands): For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 2,441 Right-of-Use Assets exchanged for new operating lease liabilities 8,123
Maturities of Lease Liabilities	As of December 31, 2019, maturities of lease liabilities are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ending December 31, Operating Leases 2020 $ 2,432 2021 2,116 2022 1,459 2023 357 2024 167 Thereafter 98 Total future minimum lease payments $ 6,629 Less - amount representing interest 417 Present value of future minimum lease payments $ 6,212 Less - current lease obligations 2,187 Long-term lease obligations $ 4,025
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments	As of December 31, 2018, and prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 842, the annual future minimum lease payments were as follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ending December 31, Operating Leases 2019 $ 2,266 2020 1,874 2021 1,602 2022 1,083 2023 172 Thereafter 1,343 Total $ 8,340

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, we have the following amounts recorded for intangible assets (amounts in thousands): December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Finite-lived intangible assets: Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Produced water disposal royalty agreements $ 2,700 $ (90 ) $ — $ — Surface damage and easement agreements 3,735 (124 ) — — Total $ 6,435 $ (214 ) $ — $ — Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Water rights $ 19,184 $ 2,311
Schedule of Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Total amortization of intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2019, was $0.2 million . We did not record any amortization of intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2018. We estimate the annual amortization expense of intangible assets will be $0.3 million for each of the next five years.

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long Term Debt	Our outstanding long-term debt, net, was as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Notes, at carrying value $ 50,000 $ 50,000 Less current portion of Notes (20,000 ) — Less deferred financing costs (247 ) (358 ) Long-term portion of Notes, net $ 29,753 $ 49,642
Schedule Of Interest Expense Debt	Amounts included in interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 (in thousands) are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Interest on notes and credit facility $ 2,908 $ 2,849 $ 7,043 Make-whole payments — 402 3,001 Amortization of deferred financing costs 303 732 1,778 Gross interest expense 3,211 3,983 11,822 Less capitalized interest 180 128 130 Interest expense, net $ 3,031 $ 3,855 $ 11,692

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Ta

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes to asset retirement obligations	Following is a table of the changes to our asset retirement obligations for the following periods (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Asset retirement obligation, at beginning of period $ 23,125 $ 21,476 $ 19,976 Liabilities settled (38 ) (19 ) — Liabilities incurred 60 — 29 Changes in estimated obligations (2,690 ) — (87 ) Accretion of discount 1,793 1,668 1,558 Total asset retirement obligation, at end of period $ 22,250 $ 23,125 $ 21,476

REVENUE (Tables)

REVENUE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract Balances	The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collection may result in contract assets or contract liabilities. For certain contracts, the customer has agreed to pay us before we have satisfied our performance obligations. Customer payments received before we have satisfied our performance obligations are accounted for as a contract liability. As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, we had $16.6 million and $11.7 million of contract liabilities, respectively, which are included in "Other current liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. Our contract liability relates to payments received from customers for water purchases for which we have not yet delivered the water. Our contract liability activity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 is shown below (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 11,678 $ — Additions 11,058 17,558 Recognized as revenue during period (6,124 ) (5,880 ) Ending balance $ 16,612 $ 11,678
Disaggregation of Revenue	The table below shows the disaggregation of revenue by product and reconciles disaggregated revenue to segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. We believe the disaggregation of revenue by products best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic conditions (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 Product Potash Segment Trio ® Segment Oilfield Solutions Segment Intersegment Eliminations Total Potash $ 103,403 $ — $ 2,973 $ (1,909 ) $ 104,467 Trio ® — 64,299 — — 64,299 Water 1,823 4,495 19,339 — 25,657 Salt 12,022 757 — — 12,779 Magnesium Chloride 4,907 — — — 4,907 Brines 2,493 — — — 2,493 Other — — 5,582 (109 ) 5,473 Total Revenue $ 124,648 $ 69,551 $ 27,894 $ (2,018 ) $ 220,075 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Product Potash Segment Trio ® Segment Oilfield Solutions Segment Intersegment Eliminations Total Potash $ 107,471 $ — $ — $ — $ 107,471 Trio ® — 64,139 — — 64,139 Water 1,368 2,430 15,999 — 19,797 Salt 6,638 239 — — 6,877 Magnesium Chloride 6,804 — — — 6,804 Brines 1,777 — — — 1,777 Other — — 1,405 — 1,405 Total Revenue $ 124,058 $ 66,808 $ 17,404 $ — $ 208,270 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Product Potash Segment Trio ® Segment Oilfield Solutions Segment Intersegment Eliminations Total Potash $ 95,540 $ — $ — $ — $ 95,540 Trio ® — 63,338 — — 63,338 Water 441 289 6,312 — 7,042 Salt 6,275 59 — — 6,334 Magnesium Chloride 5,432 — — — 5,432 Brines 229 — — — 229 Total Revenue $ 107,917 $ 63,686 $ 6,312 $ — $ 177,915

COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)

COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of non-vested restricted shares of common stock	A summary of all activity relating to our restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2019 , is presented below: Weighted Average Shares Restricted shares of common stock, beginning of period 1,953,305 $ 1.87 Granted with service only condition 683,575 $ 3.47 Granted with service and performance conditions 218,393 $ 3.81 Granted with service and market conditions 545,707 $ 2.89 Vested, service only condition (927,344 ) $ 2.01 Vested, service and market conditions (71,251 ) $ 2.10 Forfeited, service only condition (190,060 ) $ 2.15 Forfeited, service and performance conditions (218,393 ) $ 3.81 Restricted shares of common stock, end of period 1,993,932 $ 2.69
Summary of stock option activity	A summary of all stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 , is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value 1 Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Outstanding non-qualified stock 3,351,684 $3.91 Granted — $— Exercised (20,745 ) $1.03 Forfeited (69,372 ) $1.35 Expired (126,773 ) $22.03 Outstanding non-qualified stock 3,134,794 $3.25 $1,857,788 7.2 Vested or expected to vest, 3,134,794 $3.25 $1,857,788 7.2 Exercisable non-qualified 1,388,702 $3.10 $1,408,824 6.3
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of stock options, valuation assumptions	Valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock. We used the following assumptions to compute the weighted average fair market value of options with service and market conditions granted in 2018 and 2017: 2018 2017 Closing stock price on grant date $ 3.90 $ 2.29 Risk free interest rate 2.9 % 2.2 % Dividend yield — % — % Estimated volatility 75.0 % 81.7 % Expected life 10.00 years 10.00 years
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of stock options, valuation assumptions	Valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock. We used the following assumptions to compute the weighted-average grant date fair market value of restricted stock with service and market conditions granted in 2019 and 2017: 2019 2017 Closing stock price on grant date $ 3.31 $ 2.29 Risk free interest rate 2.2 % 1.7 % Dividend yield — % — % Estimated volatility 84.5 % 81.7 % Expected life 4.81 years 5.00 years
Service Based Vesting [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of stock options, valuation assumptions	Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock. We used the following assumptions to compute the weighted average fair market value of options with service-based vesting granted in 2018, and 2017: 2018 2017 Closing stock price on grant date $ 3.90 $ 2.29 Risk free interest rate 1.1 % 1.6 % Dividend yield — % — % Estimated volatility 72.8 % 71.5 % Expected option life 6.00 years 6.00 years

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Tax Provision	A summary of the provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current portion of income tax expense (benefit): Federal $ — $ 23 $ (2,793 ) State 53 85 10 Deferred portion of income tax expense: Federal — — — State — — — Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 53 $ 108 $ (2,783 )
Reconciliation of The Statutory Rate to The Effective Rate	A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for 2019 and 2018, and 35% for 2017 to our effective rate is as follows (in thousands, except percentages): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Federal taxes at statutory rate $ 2,874 $ 2,497 $ (8,873 ) Add: State taxes, net of federal benefit 1,245 1,663 (1,414 ) Change in valuation allowance (6,754 ) (3,330 ) (104,710 ) Change in federal and state tax rates 2,322 634 115,545 Percentage depletion (600 ) (656 ) (598 ) Other 966 (700 ) (2,733 ) Net expense (benefit) as calculated $ 53 $ 108 $ (2,783 ) Effective tax rate 0.4 % 0.9 % 11.0 %
Schedule of Net Deferred Tax Assets and liabilities	Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets (liabilities): Property, plant, equipment and mineral properties, net $ 133,586 $ 138,855 Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards 63,194 65,779 Asset retirement obligation 5,763 5,950 Deferred revenue 4,371 3,035 Other 2,839 2,888 R&D credits 1,870 1,870 Total deferred tax assets 211,623 218,377 Valuation allowance (211,623 ) (218,377 ) Deferred tax asset, net $ — $ —

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments	As of December 31, 2019, maturities of lease liabilities are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ending December 31, Operating Leases 2020 $ 2,432 2021 2,116 2022 1,459 2023 357 2024 167 Thereafter 98 Total future minimum lease payments $ 6,629 Less - amount representing interest 417 Present value of future minimum lease payments $ 6,212 Less - current lease obligations 2,187 Long-term lease obligations $ 4,025

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Contributions to the 401K Plan	Our contributions to the 401(k) Plan in the following periods were (in thousands): Contributions Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 1,522 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 1,410 Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 685

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Year Ended December 31, 2019 Potash Trio ® Oilfield Solutions Other Consolidated Sales 1 $ 124,648 $ 69,551 $ 27,894 $ (2,018 ) $ 220,075 Less: Freight costs 18,715 20,514 936 (109 ) 40,056 Warehousing and handling costs 4,745 3,876 — — 8,621 Cost of goods sold 73,401 42,251 12,367 (1,909 ) 126,110 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments — 1,810 — — 1,810 Gross Margin $ 27,787 $ 1,100 $ 14,591 $ — $ 43,478 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 2 incurred $ 25,796 $ 6,163 $ 1,566 $ 810 $ 34,335 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Potash Trio ® Oilfield Solutions Other Consolidated Sales 1 $ 124,058 $ 66,808 $ 17,404 $ — $ 208,270 Less: Freight costs 17,682 19,370 — — 37,052 Warehousing and handling costs 5,046 4,225 10 — 9,281 Cost of goods sold 72,322 45,284 4,349 — 121,955 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments — 1,711 — — 1,711 Gross Margin (Deficit) $ 29,008 $ (3,782 ) $ 13,045 $ — $ 38,271 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization incurred 2 $ 25,134 $ 6,343 $ 343 $ 395 $ 32,215 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Potash Trio ® Oilfield Solutions Other Consolidated Sales 1 $ 107,917 $ 63,686 $ 6,312 $ — $ 177,915 Less: Freight costs 13,912 18,104 — — 32,016 Warehousing and handling costs 5,556 4,114 — — 9,670 Cost of goods sold 72,229 45,187 546 — 117,962 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments 550 5,829 — — 6,379 Gross (Deficit) Margin $ 15,670 $ (9,548 ) $ 5,766 $ — $ 11,888 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization incurred 2 $ 26,485 $ 6,576 $ 19 $ 129 $ 33,209 1 Segment sales include the sales of byproducts generated during the production of potash and Trio ® . 2 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization incurred for potash and Trio ® excludes depreciation, depletion, and amortization absorbed in or (relieved from) inventory.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Table

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (in thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 Sales $ 48,849 $ 51,160 $ 62,512 $ 57,554 Cost of Goods Sold $ 26,735 $ 31,863 $ 35,818 $ 31,694 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments $ 348 $ 1,462 $ — $ — Gross Margin $ 10,190 $ 6,949 $ 13,171 $ 13,168 Net Income (Loss) $ 2,082 $ (217 ) $ 5,611 $ 6,155 Basic and Diluted Earnings $ 0.02 $ — $ 0.04 $ 0.05 Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 June 30, 2018 March 31, 2018 Sales $ 54,364 $ 41,410 $ 55,176 $ 57,320 Cost of Goods Sold $ 26,504 $ 23,370 $ 35,426 $ 36,655 Lower of cost or NRV inventory adjustments $ 930 $ — $ 76 $ 705 Gross Margin $ 14,826 $ 8,959 $ 7,286 $ 7,200 Net Income (Loss) $ 7,634 $ 3,350 $ (958 ) $ 1,757 Basic and Diluted Earnings $ 0.06 $ 0.03 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.01

COMPANY BACKGROUND (Details)

COMPANY BACKGROUND (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019Reporting_SegmentsFacility
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of mining facilities | Facility		3
Number of reportable segments | Reporting_Segments		3
Dinwiddie Cattle Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 53
Reduction of purchase consideration subjec to issues identified in the diligence process	12
Original purchase price	$ 65
Royalty term	20 years
Royalty term, percentage	0.1
Capitalize acquisition fees	$ 3.2

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNING STAN

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNING STANDARDS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 6,064	$ 5,900

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share
Net Income (Loss)	$ 2,082	$ (217)	$ 5,611	$ 6,155	$ 7,634	$ 3,350	$ (958)	$ 1,757	$ 13,631	$ 11,783	$ (22,567)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding									129,049,168	128,070,702	115,708,859
Add: Dilutive effect restricted common stock									1,215,000	1,982,000
Add: Dilutive effect of stock options oustanding									787,000	933,000
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding									131,050,920	130,985,919	115,708,859
Earnings per share:
Basic									$ 0.11	$ 0.09	$ (0.20)
Diluted									$ 0.10	$ 0.09	$ (0.20)
Restricted Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares									495,000	0	3,328,000
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares									1,649,000	1,452,000	1,711,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares									0	0	63,000

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INV

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20,603	$ 33,222	$ 1,068
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	150	0	0
Restricted cash included in Other current, net	486	482	481
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 21,239	$ 33,704	$ 1,549	$ 8,470

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS_3

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory [Line Items]
Lower of cost or net realizable value inventory adjustments	$ 348	$ 1,462	$ 0	$ 0	$ 930	$ 0	$ 76	$ 705	$ 1,810	$ 1,711	$ 6,379

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS_4

INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY (Summary of Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished goods product inventory	$ 55,585	$ 48,370
In-process mineral inventory	25,591	24,325
Total product inventory	81,176	72,695
Current parts inventory, net	13,044	9,351
Total current inventory, net	94,220	82,046
Long-term parts inventory, net	27,569	30,031
Total inventory, net	$ 121,789	$ 112,077

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AN_3

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND MINERAL PROPERTIES (Schedule of Property, Plant, Equipment and Mineral Properties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	$ 602,863	$ 544,574
Accumulated depreciation	(224,354)	(198,365)
Total property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net	378,509	346,209
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	27,274	519
Ponds and land improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	65,992	58,961
Mineral properties and development costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	143,988	139,418
Buildings and Plant [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	81,468	81,429
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	253,536	241,977
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	6,222	5,669
Office equipment and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	9,136	13,779
Right Of Use Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	8,123	0
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciable assets	$ 7,124	$ 2,822

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AN_4

PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND MINERAL PROPERTIES (Schedule of Depreciation, Depletion, and Accretion) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 27,889	$ 27,858	$ 28,323
Depletion	4,173	4,357	4,886
Amortization of ROU assets	2,059	0	0
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	$ 34,121	$ 32,215	$ 33,209

LEASES (Leases Recorded on Bala

LEASES (Leases Recorded on Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease ROU assets, net	$ 6,064	$ 5,900
Current operating lease liabilities	2,187
Non-current operating lease liabilities	$ 4,025		$ 0

LEASES (Other Information Relat

LEASES (Other Information Related to Lease Term and Discount) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years)	3 years 1 month 2 days
Weighted average discount rate - operating leases	5.62%

LEASES (Components of Lease Exp

LEASES (Components of Lease Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense	$ 2,410
Short-term lease expense	107
Total lease expense	$ 2,517
Rental and lease expenses		$ 3,900	$ 5,700

LEASES LEASES (Supplemental Cas

LEASES LEASES (Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 2,441
Right-of-Use Asset exchanged for new operating lease liabilities	$ 8,123

LEASES (Maturities of Lease Lia

LEASES (Maturities of Lease Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
2020	$ 2,432
2021	2,116
2022	1,459
2023	357
2024	167
Thereafter	98
Total future minimum lease payments	6,629
Less - amount representing interest	417
Present value of future minimum lease payments	6,212	$ 6,100
Less - current lease obligations	2,187
Long-term lease obligations	$ 4,025		$ 0
Prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 842 [Abstract]
2019			2,266
2020			1,874
2021			1,602
2022			1,083
2023			172
Thereafter			1,343
Total			$ 8,340

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Water rights acquired in the Intrepid South asset acquisition	$ 16,900
Other intangible assets acquired in the Intrepid South asset acquisition		$ 6,435	$ 0
Amortization of intangible assets		$ 214	$ 0
Weighted average amortization period		20 years

INTANGINBLE ASSETS (Schedule of

INTANGINBLE ASSETS (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ (6,435)	$ 0
Accumulated Amortization	(214)	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, water rights	19,184	2,311
Produced Water Disposal Royalty Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	(2,700)	0
Accumulated Amortization	(90)	0
Surface Damage And Easement Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	(3,735)	0
Accumulated Amortization	$ (124)	$ 0

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Amortization

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Amortization of Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
2020	$ 322
2021	322
2022	322
2023	322
2024	$ 322

DEBT (Narrative) (Details)

DEBT (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from from short-term borrowings on credit facility	$ 30,317	$ 13,500	$ 22,000
Repayments of short-term borrowings on credit facility	10,500	17,400	18,100
Line of credit, outstanding	19,817
Interest costs incurred	3,211	3,983	$ 11,822
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	$ 50,000	50,000
Minimum fixed charge ratio	1.30
Maximum leverage ratio	3.5
Fixed charge coverage ratio	10.4
Leverage ratio	1.3
Bank Of Montreal [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, borrowing capacity				$ 75,000	$ 50,000
Credit facility, accordion feature				75,000
Credit facility, sublimit letters of credit				$ 7,500
Line of credit, outstanding		0
Letters of credit	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity	$ 54,200
Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Bank Of Montreal [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread credit facility	1.25%
Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Bank Of Montreal [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread credit facility	2.00%
Series A Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	$ 20,000
Interest rate	3.73%		3.73%			7.73%
Series B Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	$ 15,000
Interest rate	4.63%		4.63%			8.63%
Series C Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	$ 15,000
Interest rate	4.78%		4.78%			8.78%

DEBT (Sschedule of Long Term De

DEBT (Sschedule of Long Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less current portion of notes	$ (20,000)
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes, at carrying value	50,000	$ 50,000
Less current portion of notes	(20,000)	0
Less deferred financing costs	(247)	(358)
Long-term portion of Notes, net	$ 29,753	$ 49,642

DEBT (Schedule of Interest Expe

DEBT (Schedule of Interest Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest on notes and credit facility	$ 2,908	$ 2,849	$ 7,043
Make-whole payment	0	402	3,001
Amortization of deferred financing costs	303	732	1,778
Gross interest expense	3,211	3,983	11,822
Less capitalized interest	180	128	130
Interest expense, net	$ 3,031	$ 3,855	$ 11,692

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Na

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Asset retirement obligation in other current liabilities	$ 0.1
Asset retirement obligation payments expected to be made	$ 9.9
Period in which no significant payments related to asset retirement obligation are expected (in years)	5 years
Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Credit risk free rate	0.069
Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Credit risk free rate	0.097

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Sc

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Schedule of Changes to Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes to asset retirement obligations
Asset retirement obligation, at beginning of period	$ 23,125	$ 21,476	$ 19,976
Liabilities settled	(38)	(19)	0
Liabilities incurred	60	0	29
Changes in estimated obligations	(2,690)	0	(87)
Accretion of discount	1,793	1,668	1,558
Total asset retirement obligation, at end of period	$ 22,250	$ 23,125	$ 21,476

REVENUE (Contract Balances) (De

REVENUE (Contract Balances) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 11,678	$ 0
Additions	11,058	17,558
Recognized as revenue during period	6,124	5,880
Ending balance	$ 16,612	$ 11,678

REVENUE (Disaggregation of Reve

REVENUE (Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Potash [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 104,467		$ 107,471		$ 95,540
Trio [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									64,299		64,139		63,338
Water Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									25,657		19,797		7,042
Salt [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									4,907		6,804		6,334
Magnesium Chloride [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									12,779		6,877		5,432
Brines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									2,493		1,777		229
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									5,473		1,405
Mineral [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 48,849	$ 51,160	$ 62,512	$ 57,554	$ 54,364	$ 41,410	$ 55,176	$ 57,320	220,075	[1]	208,270	[1]	177,915	[1]
Potash [Member] | Potash [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									103,403		107,471		95,540
Potash [Member] | Trio [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Potash [Member] | Water Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									1,823		1,368		441
Potash [Member] | Salt [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									4,907		6,804		6,275
Potash [Member] | Magnesium Chloride [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									12,022		6,638		5,432
Potash [Member] | Brines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									2,493		1,777		229
Potash [Member] | Product and Service, Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0
Potash [Member] | Mineral [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									124,648		124,058		107,917
Trio [Member] | Potash [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Trio [Member] | Trio [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									64,299		64,139		63,338
Trio [Member] | Water Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									4,495		2,430		289
Trio [Member] | Salt [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		59
Trio [Member] | Magnesium Chloride [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									757		239		0
Trio [Member] | Brines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Trio [Member] | Product and Service, Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0
Trio [Member] | Mineral [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									69,551		66,808		63,686
Oil Field Solutions [Member] | Potash [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									2,973		0		0
Oil Field Solutions [Member] | Trio [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Oil Field Solutions [Member] | Water Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									19,339		15,999		6,312
Oil Field Solutions [Member] | Salt [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Oil Field Solutions [Member] | Magnesium Chloride [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Oil Field Solutions [Member] | Brines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Oil Field Solutions [Member] | Product and Service, Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									5,582		1,405
Oil Field Solutions [Member] | Mineral [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									27,894		17,404		6,312
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									(2,018)		0		0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Potash [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									(1,909)		0		0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Trio [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Water Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Salt [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Magnesium Chloride [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Brines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0		0		$ 0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Product and Service, Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ (109)		$ 0
[1]	Segment sales include the sales of byproducts generated during the production of potash and Trio®.

COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative)

COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock available for issuance	9,200,000
Total compensation expense	$ 4,300,000	$ 4,200,000	$ 3,600,000
Total unrecognized compensation expense	$ 5,300,000
Unrecognized compensation expense, period for recognition	1 year 7 months 6 days
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards, outstanding	1,993,932	1,953,305
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise in the period	20,745
Awards, outstanding	3,134,794	3,351,684
Non Qualified Stock Options [Abstract]
Options granted in the period	0
Options granted, weighted average fair value		$ 2.33	$ 1.38
Options exercised, intrinsic value	$ 41,000	$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Service Based Vesting [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	683,575
Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Granted in period, weighted average fair value	$ 3.47	$ 4.16	$ 2.27
Shares canceled	190,060
Service Based Vesting [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Non Qualified Stock Options [Abstract]
Options granted in the period	0
Service Based Vesting [Member] | Key Employees [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	555,180
Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Vesting period	2 years
Service Based Vesting [Member] | Director [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	128,395
Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Vesting period	1 year
Service Based Vesting [Member] | Executive Officer [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Vesting period		3 years
Non Qualified Stock Options [Abstract]
Options granted in the period		623,274
Grant term		10 years
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Vesting period	3 years
Granted in period, weighted average fair value	$ 2.89		$ 2.10
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Non Qualified Stock Options [Abstract]
Options granted in the period	0
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member] | Key Employees [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	545,707
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member] | Executive Officer [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Vesting period		3 years
Non Qualified Stock Options [Abstract]
Options granted in the period		934,911
Grant term		5 years
Closing market value of common stock for vesting		$ 5.85
Minimum consecutive trading days		20 days
Service And Performance Based Vesting [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Granted in period, weighted average fair value	$ 3.81
Service And Performance Based Vesting [Member] | Key Employees [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	218,393
Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Vesting period	1 year
Shares canceled	218,393

COMPENSATION PLANS (Schedule of

COMPENSATION PLANS (Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing stock price on grant date	$ 3.31		$ 2.29
Risk free interest rate	2.20%		1.70%
Dividend yield	0.00%		0.00%
Expected volatility	84.50%		81.70%
Expected life	4 years 9 months 22 days		5 years
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing stock price on grant date		$ 3.90	$ 2.29
Risk free interest rate		2.90%	2.20%
Dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility		75.00%	81.70%
Expected life		10 years	10 years
Service Based Vesting [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing stock price on grant date		$ 3.90	$ 2.29
Risk free interest rate		1.10%	1.60%
Dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility		72.80%	71.50%
Expected life		6 years	6 years

COMPENSATION PLANS (Schedule _2

COMPENSATION PLANS (Schedule of Restricted Shares) (Details) - Restricted Shares [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted common stock, at beginning of period (in shares)	1,953,305
Restricted common stock, at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 1.87
Restricted common stock, at end of period (in shares)	1,993,932	1,953,305
Restricted common stock, at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 2.69	$ 1.87
Service Based Vesting [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	683,575
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.47	$ 4.16	$ 2.27
Vested (in shares)	(927,344)
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 2.01
Forfeited (in shares)	(190,060)
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 2.15
Service Based Vesting [Member] | Key Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	555,180
Service And Performance Based Vesting [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.81
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 3.81
Service And Performance Based Vesting [Member] | Key Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	218,393
Forfeited (in shares)	(218,393)
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.89		$ 2.10
Vested (in shares)	(71,251)
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 2.10
Service And Market Condition Based Vesting [Member] | Key Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	545,707

COMPENSATION PLANS (Summary of

COMPENSATION PLANS (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Stock Options [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock option activity, number of shares
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	3,351,684
Granted (in shares) | shares	0
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(20,745)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(69,372)
Expired (in Shares) | shares	(126,773)
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, at end of period (in shares) | shares	3,134,794
Vested or expected to vest, end of period (in shares) | shares	3,134,794
Exercisable non-qualified stock options, at end of period (in shares) | shares	1,388,702
Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, at beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.91
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	1.03
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	1.35
Expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	22.03
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, at end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	3.25
Vested or expected to vest, weighted average exercise price end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	3.25
Exercisable non-qualified stock options, at end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.10
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, aggregate intrinsic value at end of period (in dollars per share) | $	$ 1,857,788	[1]
Vested or expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value at end of period (in dollars per share) | $	1,857,788	[1]
Exercisable non-qualified stock options, aggregate intrinsic value at end of period (in dollars per share) | $	$ 1,408,824	[1]
Outstanding non-qualified stock options, weighted average contractual life	7 years 2 months 19 days
Vested or expected to vest, end of period, weighted average contractual life	7 years 2 months 19 days
Exercisable non-qualified stock options, aggregate intrinsic value at end of period, weighted average contractual life	6 years 3 months 22 days
[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.

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detai

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate, percentage	21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
Change in enacted tax rate, deferred tax	$ 2,322	$ 634	$ 115,545
Change in valuation allowance	(6,754)	(3,330)	(104,710)
Benefit to tax rate			$ 2,700
Deferred tax assets, gross	211,623	218,377
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carry forwards, federal	230,000
Deferred tax assets, 0perating loss carry forwards, state	296,600
Deferred tax assets, federal research and development credits	1,870	1,870
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 0	$ 0

INCOME TAXES (Components of Inc

INCOME TAXES (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current portion of income tax expense (benefit):
Federal	$ 0	$ 23	$ (2,793)
State	53	85	10
Deferred portion of income tax expense:
Federal	0	0	0
State	0	0	0
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 53	$ 108	$ (2,783)

INCOME TAXES (Reconciliation of

INCOME TAXES (Reconciliation of Statutory Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal taxes at statutory rate	$ 2,874	$ 2,497	$ (8,873)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	1,245	1,663	(1,414)
Change in valuation allowance	(6,754)	(3,330)	(104,710)
Change in federal and state tax rate	2,322	634	115,545
Percentage depletion	(600)	(656)	(598)
Other	966	(700)	(2,733)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 53	$ 108	$ (2,783)
Effective tax rate	0.40%	0.90%	11.00%

INCOME TAXES (Deferred Tax Asse

INCOME TAXES (Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Property, plant, equipment and mineral properties, net	$ 133,586	$ 138,855
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	63,194	65,779
Other	2,839	2,888
Asset retirement obligation	5,763	5,950
Deferred revenue	4,371	3,035
R&D Credits	1,870	1,870
Total Deferred Tax Assets	211,623	218,377
Valuation allowance	(211,623)	(218,377)
Deferred tax asset, net	$ 0	$ 0

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2018Lawsuit	Jul. 31, 2016Lawsuit	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)acre ft	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Reclamation Deposits and Surety Bonds
Security placed with the State of Utah and the BLM			$ 22,300,000	$ 19,000,000
Long-term restricted cash deposits			486,000	482,000	$ 481,000
Surety bonds issued by an insurer			21,800,000	$ 18,500,000
Mosaic Lawsuit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
loss contingency recorded			0
Mosaic Lawsuit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuit | Lawsuit	1	2
Mosaic Lawsuit [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Compensatory Damages [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible Loss			23,000,000
Mosaic Lawsuit [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Exemplary Damages [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible Loss			28,000,000
Mosaic Lawsuit [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Compensatory Damages [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible Loss			28,000,000
Mosaic Lawsuit [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Exemplary Damages [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible Loss			$ 37,000,000
Protestants Expedited Inter Se Proceeding [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Water rights, volume disputed | acre ft			20,000
Annual allowable water sales, volume | acre ft			5,700

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VA

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of outstanding notes	$ 50	$ 48.1

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Details)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			17 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay	5.00%			2.00%
Contributions to 401K Plan	$ 1,522	$ 1,410	$ 685

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019Reporting_Segments
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Information

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Information by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Lower of cost or NRV		$ 348	$ 1,462	$ 0	$ 0	$ 930	$ 0	$ 76	$ 705	$ 1,810		$ 1,711		$ 6,379
Gross Margin (Deficit)		10,190	6,949	13,171	13,168	14,826	8,959	7,286	7,200	43,478		38,271		11,888
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense	[1]									34,335		32,215		33,209
Operating Segments [Member] | Potash [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Lower of cost or NRV										0		0		550
Gross Margin (Deficit)										27,787		29,008		15,670
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense	[1]									25,796		25,134		26,485
Operating Segments [Member] | Trio [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Lower of cost or NRV										1,810		1,711		5,829
Gross Margin (Deficit)										1,100		(3,782)		(9,548)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense	[1]									6,163		6,343		6,576
Operating Segments [Member] | Oil Field Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Lower of cost or NRV										0		0		0
Gross Margin (Deficit)										14,591		13,045		5,766
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense	[1]									1,566		343		19
Corporate/Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Lower of cost or NRV												0		0
Gross Margin (Deficit)												0
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense	[1]									810		395		129
Freight costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold										40,056		37,052		32,016
Freight costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Potash [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold										18,715		17,682		13,912
Freight costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Trio [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold										20,514		19,370		18,104
Freight costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Oil Field Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold										936		0		0
Freight costs [Member] | Corporate/Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold										(109)		0		0
Warehouse and handling costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold										8,621		9,281		9,670
Warehouse and handling costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Potash [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold										4,745		5,046		5,556
Warehouse and handling costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Trio [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold										3,876		4,225		4,114
Warehouse and handling costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Oil Field Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold										0		10		0
Warehouse and handling costs [Member] | Corporate/Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods and services sold														0
Mineral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		48,849	51,160	62,512	57,554	54,364	41,410	55,176	57,320	220,075	[2]	208,270	[2]	177,915	[2]
Cost of goods and services sold		$ 26,735	$ 31,863	$ 35,818	$ 31,694	$ 26,504	$ 23,370	$ 35,426	$ 36,655	126,110		121,955		117,962
Mineral [Member] | Potash [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales										124,648		124,058		107,917
Mineral [Member] | Trio [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales										69,551		66,808		63,686
Mineral [Member] | Oil Field Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales										27,894		17,404		6,312
Mineral [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Potash [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	[2]									124,648		124,058		107,917
Cost of goods and services sold										73,401		72,322		72,229
Mineral [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Trio [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	[2]									69,551		66,808		63,686
Cost of goods and services sold										42,251		45,284		45,187
Mineral [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Oil Field Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	[2]									27,894		17,404		6,312
Cost of goods and services sold										12,367		4,349		546
Mineral [Member] | Corporate/Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	[2]									(2,018)		0		0
Cost of goods and services sold										$ (1,909)		$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization incurred for potash and Trio® excludes depreciation, depletion, and amortization absorbed in or (relieved from) inventory.
[2]	Segment sales include the sales of byproducts generated during the production of potash and Trio®.

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK (N

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)markets	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
FDIC insured amount | $	$ 250,000
Number of primary markets (in markets) | markets	3
Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
UNITED STATES | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Customers located in the United States
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	94.00%	95.00%	88.00%

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUB_2

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE PUBLIC DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20,603	$ 33,222	$ 1,068

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Detai

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Lower of cost or NRV	$ 348	$ 1,462	$ 0	$ 0	$ 930	$ 0	$ 76	$ 705	$ 1,810		$ 1,711		$ 6,379
Gross Margin (Deficit)	10,190	6,949	13,171	13,168	14,826	8,959	7,286	7,200	43,478		38,271		11,888
Net Income (Loss)	$ 2,082	$ (217)	$ 5,611	$ 6,155	$ 7,634	$ 3,350	$ (958)	$ 1,757	13,631		11,783		(22,567)
Basic and Diluted Earnings(Loss) Per Share	$ 0.02	$ 0	$ 0.04	$ 0.05	$ 0.06	$ 0.03	$ (0.01)	$ 0.01
Mineral [Member]
Sales	$ 48,849	$ 51,160	$ 62,512	$ 57,554	$ 54,364	$ 41,410	$ 55,176	$ 57,320	220,075	[1]	208,270	[1]	177,915	[1]
Cost of Goods Sold	$ 26,735	$ 31,863	$ 35,818	$ 31,694	$ 26,504	$ 23,370	$ 35,426	$ 36,655	$ 126,110		$ 121,955		$ 117,962
[1]	Segment sales include the sales of byproducts generated during the production of potash and Trio®.

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND Q_2

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, at beginning of year	$ 220,585	$ 226,754	$ 329,526
Charged to costs and expenses	75	115	1,938
Deductions	(7,941)	(6,284)	(104,710)
Valuation allowance, at end of year	212,719	220,585	226,754
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, at beginning of year	218,377	221,707	326,417
Charged to costs and expenses	0	0	0
Deductions	(6,754)	(3,330)	(104,710)
Valuation allowance, at end of year	211,623	218,377	221,707
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Inventory [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, at beginning of year	1,743	4,182	3,109
Charged to costs and expenses	0	15	1,073
Deductions	(1,127)	(2,454)	0
Valuation allowance, at end of year	616	1,743	4,182
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, at beginning of year	465	865	0
Charged to costs and expenses	75	100	865
Deductions	(60)	(500)	0
Valuation allowance, at end of year	$ 480	$ 465	$ 865