Rhino Resource Partners 10-Q 10 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 07, 2016
Entity Registrant Name	Rhino Resource Partners LP
Entity Central Index Key	1,490,630
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Trading Symbol	RHNO
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,905,799
Subordinated Units [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,235,534

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 36	$ 59
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts ($0 as of September 30, 2016 and $0 as of December 31, 2015)	13,272	12,597
Inventories	8,807	8,570
Advance royalties, current portion	1,091	753
Prepaid expenses and other	6,854	5,467
Current assets held for sale		1,998
Total current assets	30,060	29,444
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
At cost, including coal properties, mine development and construction costs	449,204	484,309
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	(261,473)	(258,739)
Net property, plant and equipment	187,731	225,570
Advance royalties, net of current portion	7,697	7,172
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	7,446	7,578
Other non-current assets	26,006	26,306
Non-current assets held for sale		108,596
TOTAL	258,940	404,666
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	8,789	9,199
Accrued expenses and other	9,101	11,049
Current portion of long-term debt		41,479
Current portion of asset retirement obligations	1,430	767
Current portion of postretirement benefits		45
Current liabilities held for sale		930
Total current liabilities	19,320	63,469
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, net of current portion	30,350	2,595
Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion	22,600	22,310
Other non-current liabilities	42,964	44,765
Non-current liabilities held for sale		3,599
Total non-current liabilities	95,914	73,269
Total liabilities	115,234	136,738
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 13)
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
Limited partners	136,722	253,312
Subscription receivable from limited partners	(2,000)
General partner	8,984	9,821
Accumulated other comprehensive income		4,795
Total partners' capital	143,706	267,928
TOTAL	$ 258,940	$ 404,666

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 0	$ 0

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
REVENUES:
Coal sales		$ 40,992	$ 45,468	$ 116,777	$ 139,493
Freight and handling revenues		424	735	1,634	1,942
Other revenues		1,999	5,693	5,947	16,899
Total revenues		43,415	51,896	124,358	158,334
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of operations (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately below)		35,249	47,678	98,105	139,733
Freight and handling costs		385	709	1,451	1,915
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		6,489	7,838	18,341	24,456
Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)		4,305	2,866	12,248	11,805
Loss on asset impairments			2,332		4,512
(Gain) on sale/disposal of assets-net		(125)	(453)	(420)	(435)
Total costs and expenses		46,303	60,970	129,725	181,986
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS		(2,888)	(9,074)	(5,367)	(23,652)
INTEREST AND OTHER (EXPENSE)/INCOME:
Interest expense		(1,904)	(1,385)	(5,195)	(3,652)
Interest income and other		(54)		11	38
Gain on extinguishment of debt		1,663		1,663
Equity in net (loss)/income of unconsolidated affiliates		(27)	77	(132)	342
Total interest and other (expense)		(322)	(1,308)	(3,653)	(3,272)
NET (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		(3,210)	(10,382)	(9,020)	(26,924)
INCOME TAXES
NET (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		(3,210)	(10,382)	(9,020)	(26,924)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (NOTE 3)
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations		(575)	1,076	(117,940)	5,666
NET (LOSS)		(3,785)	(9,306)	(126,960)	(21,258)
Other comprehensive income:
Amortization of actuarial gain under ASC Topic 715			(44)		(133)
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)		$ (3,785)	$ (9,350)	$ (126,960)	$ (21,391)
Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, diluted:
Distributions paid per limited partner unit	[1]				$ 0.07
General Partner [Member]
INTEREST AND OTHER (EXPENSE)/INCOME:
NET (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		$ (21)	$ (208)	$ (87)	$ (538)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (NOTE 3)
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations		(4)	22	(750)	113
NET (LOSS)		(25)	(186)	(837)	(425)
Common Unitholders [Member]
INTEREST AND OTHER (EXPENSE)/INCOME:
NET (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		(2,758)	(5,840)	(7,144)	(15,143)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (NOTE 3)
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations		(494)	605	(93,734)	3,187
NET (LOSS)		$ (3,252)	$ (5,235)	$ (100,878)	$ (11,956)
Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, basic:
Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations		$ (0.35)	$ (3.49)	$ (1.45)	$ (8.99)
Net income per unit from discontinued operations		(0.06)	0.36	(18.98)	1.91
Net (loss)/income per common unit, basic		(0.41)	(3.13)	(20.43)	(7.08)
Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, diluted:
Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations		(0.35)	(3.49)	(1.45)	(8.99)
Net income per unit from discontinued operations		(0.06)	0.36	(18.98)	1.91
Net (loss)/income per common unit, diluted		$ (0.41)	$ (3.13)	$ (20.43)	$ (7.08)
Weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding, basic		7,906,000	1,671,000	4,937,000	1,670,000
Weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding, diluted		7,906,000	1,671,000	4,937,000	1,670,000
Subordinated Unitholders [Member]
INTEREST AND OTHER (EXPENSE)/INCOME:
NET (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		$ (431)	$ (4,334)	$ (1,788)	$ (11,243)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (NOTE 3)
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations		(77)	449	(23,456)	2,366
NET (LOSS)		$ (508)	$ (3,885)	$ (25,244)	$ (8,877)
Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, basic:
Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations		$ (0.35)	$ (3.49)	$ (1.45)	$ (9.19)
Net income per unit from discontinued operations		(0.06)	0.36	(18.98)	1.91
Net (loss)/income per common unit, basic		(0.41)	(3.13)	(20.43)	(7.28)
Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, diluted:
Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations		(0.35)	(3.49)	(1.45)	(9.19)
Net income per unit from discontinued operations		(0.06)	0.36	(18.98)	1.91
Net (loss)/income per common unit, diluted		(0.41)	(3.13)	(20.43)	(7.28)
Distributions paid per limited partner unit
Weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding, basic		1,236,000	1,240,000	1,236,000	1,240,000
Weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding, diluted		1,236,000	1,240,000	1,236,000	1,240,000
[1]	No distributions were paid on the subordinated units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Distributions paid per limited partner unit	[1]				$ 0.07
Subordinated Unitholders [Member]
Distributions paid per limited partner unit
[1]	No distributions were paid on the subordinated units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss)	$ (126,960)	$ (21,258)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	18,341	24,456
Accretion on asset retirement obligations	1,141	1,651
Accretion on interest-free debt
Amortization of deferred revenue	(1,337)	(2,058)
Amortization of advance royalties	773	602
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,976	1,079
Amortization of actuarial gain	(4,796)	(133)
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,000	496
Equity in net loss/(income) of unconsolidated affiliates	132	(342)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate		232
Loss on retirement of advance royalties	144	40
Loss on asset impairments		4,512
Loss on business disposal	119,160
(Gain) on sale/disposal of assets-net	(420)	(1,172)
Equity-based compensation	528	25
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(54)	3,308
Inventories	(237)	3,373
Advance royalties	(1,782)	(1,456)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	21	561
Accounts payable	(78)	(1,390)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(3,648)	421
Asset retirement obligations	(161)	(467)
Postretirement benefits	(45)	210
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,109	13,928
CASH FLOWS FROM CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(5,892)	(12,060)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant, and equipment	348	7,519
Proceeds from sale of Elk Horn	10,650
Return of capital from unconsolidated affiliates		35
Net cash used in investing activities	5,106	(4,506)
CASH FLOWS FROM CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on line of credit	80,450	75,650
Repayments on line of credit	(91,300)	(82,100)
Restricted cash from Royal contribution	(2,000)
Repayments on long-term debt	(1,210)	(156)
Gain on debt extinguishment	(1,663)
Distributions to unitholders	(24)	(1,267)
General partner's contributions		1
Payments on debt issuance costs	(1,510)	(2,062)
Limited partner contributions	7,000
Net cash used in financing activities	(10,257)	(9,934)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(42)	(512)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-Beg of period	59	626
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-End of period	$ 36	$ 114

Basis of Presentation and Organ

Basis of Presentation and Organization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Organization	1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Unaudited Interim Financial Information Organization On January 21, 2016, a definitive agreement (“Definitive Agreement”) was completed between Royal Energy Resources, Inc. (“Royal”) and Wexford Capital LP (“Wexford Capital”) whereby Royal acquired 6,769,112 issued and outstanding common units of the Partnership from Wexford Capital for $3.5 million. The Definitive Agreement also included the committed acquisition by Royal within sixty days from the date of the Definitive Agreement of all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Rhino GP LLC, the general partner of the Partnership (the “General Partner”), as well as 9,455,252 issued and outstanding subordinated units of the Partnership from Wexford Capital for $1.0 million. On March 17, 2016, Royal completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Rhino GP LLC as well as the 9,455,252 issued and outstanding subordinated units from Wexford Capital. Royal obtained control of, and a majority limited partner interest, in the Partnership with the completion of this transaction. On March 21, 2016, the Partnership and Royal entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Partnership issued 60,000,000 common units in the Partnership to Royal in a private placement at $0.15 per common unit for an aggregate purchase price of $9.0 million. Royal paid the Partnership $2.0 million in cash and delivered a promissory note payable to the Partnership in the amount of $7.0 million. The promissory note is payable in three installments: (i) $3.0 million on July 31, 2016; (ii) $2.0 million on or before September 30, 2016 and (iii) $2.0 million on or before December 31, 2016. In the event the disinterested members of the board of directors of the General Partner determine that the Partnership does not need the capital that would be provided by either or both installments set forth in (ii) and (iii) above, in each case, the Partnership has the option to rescind Royal’s purchase of 13,333,333 common units and the applicable installment will not be payable (each, a “Rescission Right”). If the Partnership fails to exercise a Rescission Right, in each case, the Partnership has the option to repurchase 13,333,333 common units at $0.30 per common unit from Royal (each, a “Repurchase Option”). The Repurchase Options terminate on December 31, 2017. Royal’s obligation to pay any installment of the promissory note is subject to certain conditions, including that the Operating Company has entered into an agreement to extend the amended and restated credit agreement, as amended, to a date no sooner than December 31, 2017. In the event such conditions are not satisfied as of the date each installment is due, Royal has the right to cancel the remaining unpaid balance of the promissory note in exchange for the surrender of such number of common units equal to the principal balance of the promissory note divided by $0.15. On May 13, 2016 and September 30, 2016, Royal paid the Partnership $3.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for the promissory note installments that were due July 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The payments were made in relation to the fifth amendment of the amended and restated credit agreement completed on May 13, 2016. See Note 8 for more information on the fifth amendment to the amended and restated credit agreement. On September 30, 2016, the Partnership entered into an equity exchange agreement (the “Agreement”) with Royal, Rhino Resource Partners Holdings, LLC (“Rhino Holdings”), an entity wholly owned by certain investment partnerships managed by Yorktown Partners LLC (“Yorktown”) and the General Partner. Investment partnerships managed by Yorktown own substantially all of the outstanding common stock of Armstrong Energy, Inc. (“Armstrong Energy”), a coal producing company with mines located in the Illinois Basin in western Kentucky. The Agreement contemplates that prior to closing, Yorktown will contribute its shares of common stock of Armstrong Energy to Rhino Holdings. At the closing, Rhino Holdings will contribute those shares to the Partnership in exchange for 10 million newly issued common units of the Partnership. The Agreement also contemplates that the General Partner, currently owned and controlled by Royal, will issue a 50% ownership of the General Partner to Rhino Holdings in connection with the issuance of the common units of the Partnership for the common stock of Armstrong Energy. Closing of the Agreement is conditioned upon (i) the current bondholders of Armstrong Energy agreeing to restructure their bonds and (ii) the Partnership refinancing its amended and restated credit agreement with funds from an equity investment into the Partnership to be arranged by Rhino Holdings. The Agreement is also subject to other standard closing conditions and required approvals. The Agreement contains customary covenants, representations and warranties and indemnification obligations for breaches of, or the inaccuracy of representations or warranties or breaches of covenants contained in, the Agreement and associated agreements. The Partnership has also agreed to enter into a registration rights agreement with Rhino Holdings that provides Rhino Holdings with the right to demand two shelf registration statements and registration statements on Form S-1, as well as piggyback registration rights. The Agreement may be terminated by the mutual written consent of the Partnership and Rhino Holdings or by either the Partnership or Rhino Holdings if: (i) the closing has not occurred on or before December 31, 2016 (unless the closing is as a result of such terminating party’s inability or failure to satisfy the conditions to the closing or if the non-terminating party has filed an action seeking specific performance); (ii) a law or order issued by a governmental authority prevents the closing from occurring (unless such law or order resulted from such party’s failure to perform its obligations under the Agreement); (iii) the board of directors of the General Partner fails to approve the transactions or transaction documents contemplated by the Agreement; or (iv) the lenders of the Partnership’s credit facility fail to approve the transactions and transaction documents contemplated by the Agreement. The parties anticipate the Agreement will be consummated on or before December 31, 2016. On April 18, 2016, the Partnership completed a 1-for-10 reverse split on its common units and subordinated units. Pursuant to the reverse split, common unitholders received one common unit for every 10 common units owned on April 18, 2016 and subordinated unitholders received one subordinated unit for every 10 subordinated units owned on April 18, 2016. Any fractional units resulting from the reverse unit split were rounded to the nearest whole unit. The reverse unit split was intended to increase the market price per unit of Rhino’s common units in order to comply with the New York Stock Exchange’s (“NYSE”) continued listing standards. As previously reported, on December 17, 2015, the Partnership was notified by the NYSE that the NYSE had determined to commence proceedings to delist its common units from the NYSE as a result of the Partnership’s failure to comply with the continued listing standard set forth in Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual to maintain an average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period of at least $15 million. The NYSE also suspended the trading of the Partnership’s common units at the close of trading on December 17, 2015. On January 4, 2016, the Partnership filed an appeal with the NYSE to review the suspension and delisting determination of its common units. The NYSE held a hearing regarding the Partnership’s appeal on April 20, 2016 and affirmed its prior decision to delist the Partnership’s common units. On April 27, 2016, the NYSE filed with the SEC a notification of removal from listing and registration on Form 25 to delist the Partnership’s common units and terminate the registration of the Partnership’s common units under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The delisting became effective on May 9, 2016. The Partnership’s common units trade on the OTCQB Marketplace under the ticker symbol “RHNO.”

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and General	2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND GENERAL Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates. In May 2008, the Operating Company entered into a joint venture, Rhino Eastern LLC (“Rhino Eastern”), with an affiliate of Patriot Coal Corporation (“Patriot”) to acquire the Eagle mining complex located in Central Appalachia. The Partnership accounted for the investment in the joint venture and its results of operations under the equity method. In January 2015, the Partnership completed a Membership Transfer Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) with an affiliate of Patriot that terminated the Rhino Eastern joint venture. Pursuant to the Transfer Agreement, Patriot sold and assigned its 49% membership interest in the Rhino Eastern joint venture to the Partnership and, in consideration of this transfer, Patriot received certain fixed assets, leased equipment and coal reserves associated with the mining area previously operated by the Rhino Eastern joint venture. Patriot also assumed substantially all of the active workforce related to the Eagle mining area that was previously employed by the Rhino Eastern joint venture. The Partnership retained approximately 34 million tons of coal reserves that are not related to the Eagle mining area as well as a prepaid advanced royalty balance. As part of the closing of the Transfer Agreement, the Partnership and Patriot agreed to a dissolution payment based upon a final working capital adjustment calculation as defined in the Transfer Agreement. Refer to Note 16 for information on the financial statement impact of the Rhino Eastern dissolution completed in January 2015. In December 2012, the Partnership made an initial investment of approximately $2.0 million in a new joint venture, Muskie Proppant LLC (“Muskie”), with affiliates of Wexford Capital. Muskie was formed to provide sand for fracking operations to drillers in the Utica Shale region and other oil and natural gas basins in the United States. The Partnership accounted for the investment in the joint venture and results of operations under the equity method. In November 2014, the Partnership contributed its interest in Muskie to Mammoth Energy Partners LP (“Mammoth”), which is discussed below. In November 2014, the Partnership contributed its investment interest in Muskie to Mammoth in return for a limited partner interest in Mammoth. Mammoth was formed to own various companies that provide services to companies, which engage in the exploration and development of North American onshore unconventional oil and natural gas reserves. Mammoth’s companies provide services that include completion and production services, contract land and directional drilling services and remote accommodation services. The non-cash transaction was a contribution of the Partnership’s investment interest in the Muskie entity for an investment interest in Mammoth. Thus, the Partnership determined that the non-cash exchange of the Partnership’s ownership interest in Muskie did not result in any gain or loss. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Partnership has recorded its investment in Mammoth of $1.9 million as a long-term asset, which the Partnership records as a cost method investment based upon its ownership percentage. In October 2016, the Partnership contributed its limited partner interests in Mammoth to Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. in exchange for 234,300 shares of common stock of Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. See Subsequent Events Note 18 for further details. The Partnership has included its investment in Mammoth and its prior investment in Muskie in its Other category for segment reporting purposes. In September 2014, the Partnership made an initial investment of $5.0 million in a new joint venture, Sturgeon Acquisitions LLC (“Sturgeon”), with affiliates of Wexford Capital and Gulfport Energy (“Gulfport”), a publicly traded company. Sturgeon subsequently acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of certain limited liability companies located in Wisconsin that provide frac sand for oil and natural gas drillers in the United States. The Partnership accounts for the investment in the joint venture and results of operations under the equity method. The Partnership recorded its proportionate share of the operating (loss) for Sturgeon for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 of approximately ($27,000) and ($0.1) million, respectively. The Partnership recorded its proportionate share of the operating income for Sturgeon for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 of approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The Partnership has included the operating activities of Sturgeon in its Other category for segment reporting purposes. Recently Issued Accounting Standards. Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition—Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangibles—Goodwill and Other In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, “Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items”. ASC 225-20, Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items, required that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. The amendments in ASU 2015-01 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The effective date is the same for both public business entities and all other entities. The adoption of ASU 2015-01 on January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation”. ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments of ASU 2015-02: a) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, b) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, c) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships and d) provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in this Update using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 on January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)-Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Prior to ASU 2015-03, debt issuance costs have been presented in the balance sheet as a deferred charge, or asset. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. For public business entities, ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of ASU 2015-03 is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. In addition, ASU 2015-03 requires entities to apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Elk Horn Coal Leasing In August 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement to sell its Elk Horn coal leasing company (“Elk Horn”) to a third party for total cash consideration of $12.0 million. The Partnership received $10.5 million in cash consideration upon the closing of the Elk Horn transaction and the remaining $1.5 million of consideration will be paid in ten equal monthly installments of $150,000 on the 20 th Utica Shale Oil and Natural Gas Assets Beginning in 2011, the Partnership and an affiliate of Wexford Capital participated with Gulfport to acquire interests in a portfolio of oil and natural gas leases in the Utica Shale, which consisted of a 5% interest in a total of approximately 152,300 gross acres, or approximately 7,615 net acres. In March 2014, the Partnership completed a purchase and sale agreement with Gulfport to sell the Partnership’s oil and natural gas properties in the Utica Shale region. In addition, in January 2014, the Partnership received approximately $8.4 million of net proceeds from the sale by Blackhawk Midstream LLC (“Blackhawk”) of its equity interest in two entities, Ohio Gathering Company, LLC and Ohio Condensate Company, LLC, to Summit Midstream Partners, LLC. As part of the joint operating agreement for the Utica Shale investment discussed above, the Partnership had the right to approximately 5% of the proceeds of the sale by Blackhawk. In February 2015, the Partnership received approximately $0.7 million in additional proceeds from the sale by Blackhawk that had been held in escrow. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Partnership recorded the $0.7 million in Income from discontinued operations in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The gain from the Blackhawk transaction is included in the (Gain) on sale/disposal of assets—net line in the operating activities section of the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The proceeds from the Blackhawk transaction are included in the Proceeds from sales of property, plant, and equipment line in the investing activities section of the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	4. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Other prepaid expenses $ 402 $ 675 Debt issuance costs—net - 2,155 Prepaid insurance 1,969 1,492 Prepaid leases 97 80 Supply inventory 872 901 Deposits 164 164 Restricted cash from Royal contribution 2,000 - Note receivable 1,350 - Total Prepaid expenses and other $ 6,854 $ 5,467 Debt issuance costs were included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31, 2015 since the Partnership classified its credit facility balance as a current liability prior to the fifth amendment to the credit facility completed in May 2016. See Note 6 for further information on debt issuance costs and accumulated amortization of debt issuance costs as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. See Note 8 for further information on the amendments to the amended and restated senior secured credit facility. The $2.0 million of restricted cash relates to the Royal contribution made to the Partnership on September 30, 2016 and described in Note 1. The contribution was completed after the close of business on September 30, 2016 and was restricted to reduce the Partnership’s outstanding balance on its credit facility balance per the fifth amendment to the Partnership’s amended and restated credit agreement described further in Note 8. The $1.4 million note receivable relates to the $1.5 million of consideration to be paid in ten equal monthly installments of $150,000 for the Elk Horn sale discussed earlier. The first installment was paid in September 2016.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment, including coal properties and mine development and construction costs, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized by major classification as follows: Useful Lives September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Land and land improvements $ 17,671 $ 18,285 Mining and other equipment and related facilities 2 - 20 Years 305,186 304,692 Mine development costs 1 - 15 Years 57,365 64,262 Coal properties 1 - 15 Years 68,383 94,390 Construction work in process 599 2,680 Total 449,204 484,309 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (261,473 ) (258,739 ) Net $ 187,731 $ 225,570 Depreciation expense for mining and other equipment and related facilities, depletion expense for coal properties and oil and natural gas properties, amortization expense for mine development costs, amortization expense for intangible assets and amortization expense for asset retirement costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Depreciation expense-mining and other equipment and related facilities $ 5,597 $ 7,194 $ 15,908 $ 22,138 Depletion expense for coal properties and oil and natural gas properties 404 307 1,224 1,053 Amortization expense for mine development costs 511 465 1,294 1,545 Amortization expense for intangible assets - 12 - 35 Amortization expense for asset retirement costs (23 ) (140 ) (85 ) (315 ) Total depreciation, depletion and amortization $ 6,489 $ 7,838 $ 18,341 $ 24,456

Other Non-Current Assets

Other Non-Current Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other Non-Current Assets	6. OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS Other non-current assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Deposits and other $ 185 $ 138 Debt issuance costs—net 1,690 - Non-current receivable 23,908 23,908 Note Receivable - 2,000 Deferred expenses 223 260 Total $ 26,006 $ 26,306 Debt issuance costs were included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31, 2015 since the Partnership classified its credit facility balance as a current liability prior to the fifth amendment to the credit facility completed in May 2016 and discussed further below (see Note 4 for Prepaid expenses and other current assets). Debt issuance costs were $13.1 million and $11.6 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Accumulated amortization of debt issuance costs were $11.4 million and $9.4 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. In April 2015, the Partnership entered into a third amendment of its amended and restated senior secured credit facility that reduced the borrowing commitment to $100 million. As part of executing the third amendment to the amended and restated senior secured credit facility, the Operating Company paid a fee of approximately $2.1 million to the lenders in April 2015, which was recorded as an addition to Debt issuance costs. The Partnership wrote-off approximately $0.2 million of its remaining unamortized debt issuance costs since the third amendment reduced the borrowing commitment under the amended and restated senior secured credit facility. In March 2016, the Partnership entered into a fourth amendment of its amended and restated senior secured credit facility that reduced the borrowing commitment to $80 million. As part of executing the fourth amendment to the amended and restated senior secured credit facility, the Operating Company paid a fee of approximately $0.4 million to the lenders in March 2016, which was recorded as an addition to Debt issuance costs. The Partnership wrote-off approximately $0.2 million of its remaining unamortized debt issuance costs since the fourth amendment reduced the borrowing commitment under the amended and restated senior secured credit facility. In May 2016, the Partnership entered into a fifth amendment of its amended and restated senior secured credit facility that reduced the borrowing commitment to $75 million. As part of executing the fifth amendment to the amended and restated senior secured credit facility, the Operating Company paid a fee of approximately $1.2 million to the lenders in May 2016, which was recorded as an addition to Debt issuance costs. The Partnership wrote-off approximately $0.1 million of its remaining unamortized debt issuance costs since the fifth amendment reduced the borrowing commitment under the amended and restated senior secured credit facility. See Note 8 for further information on the amendments to the amended and restated senior secured credit facility. The non-current receivable balance of $23.9 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the amount due from the Partnership’s workers’ compensation insurance providers for potential claims against the Partnership that are the primary responsibility of the Partnership, which are covered under the Partnership’s insurance policies. The $23.9 million is also included in the Partnership’s accrued workers’ compensation benefits liability balance, which is included in the non-current liabilities section of the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. The Partnership presents this amount on a gross asset and liability basis since a right of setoff does not exist per the accounting guidance in ASC Topic 210, Balance Sheet The Partnership recorded a $2.0 million note receivable from a third party at December 31, 2015 related to the sale of the Partnership’s Deane mining complex in eastern Kentucky. The note accrued interest with initial interest payments due beginning June 2016 and the final principal due December 31, 2017. The Partnership has not received any of the scheduled interest payments from the third party as of September 30, 2016 and ongoing discussions with the third party indicated it was more likely than not that the Partnership would not receive the balance of the note receivable. While the Partnership continues discussions with the third party for collection of the note receivable, the Partnership recorded a $2.0 million reserve against the note receivable as of September 30, 2016.

Accrued Expenses and Other Curr

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	7. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Payroll, bonus and vacation expense $ 1,106 $ 1,439 Non income taxes 2,595 2,993 Royalty expenses 1,656 1,566 Accrued interest 1,039 571 Health claims 688 817 Workers’ compensation & pneumoconiosis 1,150 1,150 Accrued insured litigation claims 302 266 Other 565 2,247 Total $ 9,101 $ 11,049 The $0.3 million accrued for insured litigation claims as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consists of probable and estimable litigation claims that are the primary obligation of the Partnership. The amount accrued for litigation claims is also due from the Partnership’s insurance providers and is included in Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts on the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. The Partnership presents this amount on a gross asset and liability basis, as a right of setoff does not exist per the accounting guidance in ASC Topic 210, Balance Sheet

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	8. DEBT Debt as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Senior secured credit facility with PNC Bank, N.A. $ 30,350 $ 41,200 Other notes payable - 2,874 Total 30,350 44,074 Less current portion - (41,479 ) Long-term debt $ 30,350 $ 2,595 Senior Secured Credit Facility with PNC Bank, N.A. In April 2015, the Partnership entered into a third amendment of its amended and restated senior secured credit facility. The third amendment reduced the borrowing commitment under the credit facility to a maximum of $100 million and reduced the amount available for letters of credit to $50 million. The third amendment also provides that the disposition of any assets by the Partnership consisting of net cash proceeds up to an aggregate $35 million shall reduce the total commitment under the facility on a dollar-for-dollar basis by up to a total of $10 million, and any dispositions of assets in excess of $35 million in the aggregate shall reduce the commitment under the facility on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The third amendment limits the Partnership’s quarterly distributions to a maximum of $0.035 per unit unless (i) the pro forma leverage ratio of the Partnership, immediately prior to and after giving effect to such distribution, is less than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0 and (ii) the amount of borrowings available under the credit facility, immediately prior to and after giving effect to such distribution, is at least $20 million. In addition, the third amendment removed the interest coverage ratio covenant and replaced it with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, which consists of the ratio of consolidated EBITDA minus maintenance capital expenditures to fixed charges. Fixed charges are defined in the third amendment to include the sum of cash interest expense, scheduled principal installments on indebtedness (as adjusted for prepayments), dividends and distributions. Commencing with the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the fixed charge coverage ratio for the trailing four quarters must be a minimum of 1.1 to 1.0. The third amendment also limits any investments made by the Partnership, including investments in hydrocarbons, to $10 million provided that the leverage ratio is less than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0 and the borrowers’ available liquidity is at least $20 million. The third amendment does not permit the Partnership to issue any new equity of the Partnership unless the proceeds of such equity issuance are used to reduce the outstanding borrowings under the facility. Issuances of equity under the Partnership’s long-term incentive plan are excluded from this requirement. The third amendment limits the amount of the Partnership’s capital expenditures to $20.0 million for fiscal year 2015 and limits capital expenditures to $27.5 million for each fiscal year after 2015. However, to the extent that capital expenditures for any fiscal year are less than indicated above, the Partnership may increase the following year’s capital expenditures by the lesser of such unused amount or $5.0 million. As part of executing the third amendment to the amended and restated senior secured credit facility, the Operating Company paid a fee of approximately $2.1 million to the lenders in April 2015, which was recorded in Debt issuance costs in Other non-current assets on the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. In addition, the Partnership recorded a non-cash charge of approximately $0.2 million to write-off a portion of its unamortized debt issuance costs since the third amendment reduced the borrowing commitment under the amended and restated senior secured credit facility, which was recorded in Interest expense on the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. In March 2016, the Partnership entered into a fourth amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) of its amended and restated senior secured credit facility. The Fourth Amendment amended the definition of change of control in the amended and restated credit agreement to permit Royal to purchase the membership interests of the General Partner and set the expiration of the facility to July 29, 2016. The Fourth Amendment reduced the borrowing capacity under the credit facility to a maximum of $80 million and reduced the amount available for letters of credit to $30 million. The Fourth Amendment eliminated the option to borrow funds utilizing the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin and established the borrowing rate for all borrowings under the facility to be based upon the current PRIME rate plus an applicable margin of 3.50%. The Fourth Amendment eliminated the capability to make Swing Loans under the facility and eliminated the ability of the Partnership to pay distributions to its common or subordinated unitholders. The Fourth Amendment altered the maximum leverage ratio, calculated as of the end of the most recent month, on a trailing twelve-month basis, to 6.75 to 1.00. The leverage ratio shall be reduced by 0.50 to 1.00 for every $10 million of net cash proceeds, in the aggregate, received by the Partnership after the date of the Fourth Amendment from a liquidity event; provided, however, that in no event shall the maximum permitted leverage ratio be reduced below 3.00 to 1.00. A liquidity event is defined in the Fourth Amendment as the issuance of any equity by the Partnership on or after the Fourth Amendment effective date (other than the Royal equity contribution discussed above), or the disposition of any assets by the Partnership. The Fourth Amendment requires the Partnership to maintain minimum liquidity of $5 million and minimum EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement), calculated as of the end of the most recent month, on a trailing twelve month basis, of $8 million. The Fourth Amendment limits the amount of the Partnership’s capital expenditures to $15 million, calculated as of end of the most recent month, on a trailing twelve-month basis. The Fourth Amendment requires the Partnership to provide monthly financial statements and a weekly rolling thirteen-week cash flow forecast to the administrative agent. On May 13, 2016, the Partnership entered into a fifth amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) of its amended and restated senior secured credit facility that extends the term of the senior secured credit facility to July 31, 2017. Per the Fifth Amendment, the credit facility will be automatically extended to December 31, 2017 if revolving credit commitments are reduced to $55 million or less on or before July 31, 2017. The Fifth Amendment immediately reduces the revolving credit commitments under the credit facility to a maximum of $75 million and maintains the amount available for letters of credit at $30 million. The Fifth Amendment further reduces the revolving credit commitments over time on a dollar-for-dollar basis in amounts equal to each of the following: (i) the face amount of any letter of credit that expires or whose face amount is reduced by any such dollar amount, (ii) the net proceeds received from any asset sales, (iii) the Royal scheduled capital contributions (as outlined below), (iv) the net proceeds from the issuance of any equity by the Partnership up to $20.0 million (other than equity issued in exchange for any Royal contribution as outlined in the Securities Purchase Agreement or the Royal scheduled capital contributions to the Partnership as outlined below) and (v) the proceeds from the incurrence of any subordinated debt. The first $11 million of proceeds received from any equity issued by the Partnership described in clause (iv) above shall also satisfy the Royal scheduled capital contributions as outlined below. The Fifth Amendment requires Royal to contribute $2 million each quarter beginning September 30, 2016 through September 30, 2017 and $1 million on December 1, 2017, for a total of $11 million. The Fifth Amendment further reduces the revolving credit commitments as follows: Date of Reduction Reduction Amount September 30, 2016 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $2 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) December 31, 2016 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $4 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) March 31, 2017 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $6 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) June 30, 2017 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $8 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) September 30, 2017 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $10 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) December 1, 2017 The lesser of (i) $1 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $11 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) The Fifth Amendment requires that on or before March 31, 2017, the Partnership shall have solicited bids for the potential sale of certain non-core assets, satisfactory to the administrative agent, and provided the administrative agent, and any other lender upon its request, with a description of the solicitation process, interested parties and any potential bids. The Fifth Amendment limits any payments by the Partnership to the General Partner to: (i) the usual and customary payroll and benefits of the Partnership’s management team so long as the Partnership’s management team remains employees of the General Partner, (2) the usual and customary board fees of the General Partner and (3) the usual and customary general and administrative costs and expenses of the General Partner incurred in connection with the operation of its business in an amount not to exceed $0.3 million per fiscal year. The Fifth Amendment limits asset sales to a maximum of $5 million unless the Partnership receives consent from the lenders. The Fifth Amendment alters the maximum leverage ratio, calculated as of the end of the most recent month, on a trailing twelve-month basis, as follows: Period Ratio For the month ending April 30, 2016, through the month ending May 31, 2016 7.50 to 1.00 For the month ending June 30, 2016, through the month ending August 31, 2016 7.25 to 1.00 For the month ending September 30, 2016, through the month ending November 30, 2016 7.00 to 1.00 For the month ending December 31, 2016, through the month ending March 31, 2017 6.75 to 1.00 For the month ending April 30, 2017, through the month ending June 30, 2017 6.25 to 1.00 For the month ending July 31, 2017, through the month ending November 30, 2017 6.0 to 1.00 For the month ending December 31, 2017 5.50 to 1.00 The leverage ratios above shall be reduced by 0.50 to 1.00 for every $10 million of aggregate proceeds received by the Partnership from: (i) the issuance of equity by the Partnership (excluding any Royal capital contributions) and/or (ii) the proceeds received from the sale of assets, provided that the leverage ratio shall not be reduced below 3.50 to 1.00. The Fifth Amendment removes the $5.0 million minimum liquidity requirement and requires the Partnership to have any deposit, securities or investment accounts with a member of the lending group. In July 2016, the Partnership entered into a sixth amendment (the “Sixth Amendment”) of its amended and restated senior secured credit facility that permitted the sale of Elk Horn that was discussed earlier. The Sixth Amendment reduced the maximum commitment amount allowed under the credit facility based on the initial cash proceeds of $10.5 million that were received for the Elk Horn sale. The Sixth Amendment further reduces the maximum commitment amount allowed under the credit facility for the additional $1.5 million to be received from the Elk Horn sale by $375,000 each quarterly period beginning September 30, 2016 through June 30, 2017. At September 30, 2016, the Operating Company had borrowings outstanding (excluding letters of credit) of $30.4 million at a variable interest rate of PRIME plus 3.50% (7.00% at September 30, 2016). In addition, the Operating Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $27.8 million at a fixed interest rate of 5.00% at September 30, 2016. Based upon a maximum borrowing capacity of 6.50 times a trailing twelve-month EBITDA calculation (as defined in the credit agreement), the Operating Company had available borrowing capacity of approximately $4.0 million at September 30, 2016. Other Notes Payable

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligations	9. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS The changes in asset retirement obligations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 are as follows: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Balance at beginning of period (including current portion) $ 23,077 $ 29,883 Accretion expense 1,114 2,082 Adjustment resulting from addition of property - 1,235 Adjustment resulting from disposal of property (1) - (7,531 ) Adjustments to the liability from annual recosting and other - (2,078 ) Liabilities settled (161 ) (514 ) Balance at end of period 24,030 23,077 Less current portion of asset retirement obligation (1,430 ) (767 ) Long-term portion of asset retirement obligation $ 22,600 $ 22,310 (1) The ($7.5) million adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2015 relates to the sale of the Partnership’s Deane mining complex.

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	10. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS In conjunction with the acquisition of the coal operations of American Electric Power on April 16, 2004, the Operating Company acquired a postretirement benefit plan that provided healthcare to eligible employees at its Hopedale operations. The Partnership has no other postretirement plans. On December 10, 2015, the Partnership notified the employees at its Hopedale operations that healthcare benefits from the postretirement benefit plan would cease on January 31, 2016. The negative plan amendment that arose on December 10, 2015 resulted in an approximate $6.5 million prior service cost benefit. The Partnership amortized the prior service cost benefit over the remaining term of the benefits provided through January 31, 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Partnership recognized a benefit of approximately $3.9 million from the plan amendment in the Cost of operations line of the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Service costs $ - $ 67 $ - $ 202 Interest cost - 51 - 152 Amortization of (gain) - (44 ) (4,796 ) (133 ) Total $ - $ 74 $ (4,796 ) $ 221 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, net periodic benefit costs, including the amortization of actuarial gain included in the table above, are included in Cost of operations in the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. 401(k) Plans Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) 401(k) plan expense $ 406 $ 501 $ 1,113 $ 1,640

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity-Based Compensation	11. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION In October 2010, the General Partner established the Rhino Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan” or “LTIP”). The Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Partnership by providing to employees, consultants and directors of the General Partner, the Partnership or affiliates of either incentive compensation awards to encourage superior performance. The LTIP provides for grants of restricted units, unit options, unit appreciation rights, phantom units, unit awards, and other unit-based awards. As of September 30, 2016, the General Partner had granted phantom units to certain employees and restricted units and unit awards to its directors. These grants consisted of annual restricted unit awards to directors and phantom unit awards with tandem distribution equivalent rights (“DERs”) granted in the first quarters from 2012 through 2015 to certain employees in connection with the prior year’s performance. The DERs consist of rights to accrue quarterly cash distributions in an amount equal to the cash distribution the Partnership makes to unitholders during the vesting period. These awards are subject to service based vesting conditions and any accrued distributions will be forfeited if the related awards fail to vest according to the relevant service based vesting conditions. The Partnership accounts for its unit-based awards as liabilities with applicable mark-to-market adjustments at each reporting period because the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of the General Partner has historically elected to pay some of the awards in cash in lieu of issuing common units. As discussed in Note 1, on March 17, 2016, Royal completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Rhino GP LLC as well as 9,455,252 issued and outstanding subordinated units from Wexford Capital. Royal obtained control of, and a majority limited partner interest, in the Partnership with the completion of this transaction, which constituted a change in control of the Partnership. The language in the Partnership’s phantom unit and restricted unit grant agreements states that all outstanding, unvested units will become immediately vested upon a change in control. The Partnership recognized approximately $10,000 of expense from the vesting of these units as a result of the change in control. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the General Partner granted fully vested common units to its board of directors as well as certain members of management. The Partnership recognized approximately $0.6 million of expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 in relation to the common units granted.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Coal Sales Contracts and Contingencies Year Tons (in thousands) Number of customers 2016 Q4 797 14 2017 2,910 10 2018 701 3 Some of the contracts have sales price adjustment provisions, subject to certain limitations and adjustments, based on a variety of factors and indices. Leases Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Lease expense $ 1,438 $ 2,582 $ 3,517 $ 5,001 Royalty expense $ 2,409 $ 2,301 $ 7,350 $ 8,659 Joint Ventures The Partnership may contribute additional capital to the Sturgeon joint venture that was formed in the third quarter of 2014. The Partnership made an initial capital contribution of $5.0 million during the third quarter ended September 30, 2014 based upon its proportionate ownership interest. The Partnership did not make any capital contributions to the Sturgeon joint venture during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015.

Earnings Per Unit ('EPU')

Earnings Per Unit ('EPU')	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
Earnings Per Unit ("EPU")	13. EARNINGS PER UNIT (“EPU”) On April 18, 2016, the Partnership completed a 1-for-10 reverse split on its common units and subordinated units. The following tables present a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPU calculations for the periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, which include the retrospective application of the 1-for-10 reverse unit split: Three months ended September 30, 2016 General Partner Common Unitholders Subordinated Unitholders (in thousands, except per unit data) Numerator: Interest in net (loss): Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (21 ) $ (2,758 ) $ (431 ) Net income from discontinued operations (4 ) (494 ) (77 ) Total interest in net (loss) $ (25 ) $ (3,252 ) $ (508 ) Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations $ - $ - $ - Net income from discontinued operations - - - Interest in net income $ - $ - $ - Interest in net (loss) for EPU purposes: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (21 ) $ (2,758 ) $ (431 ) Net income from discontinued operations (4 ) (494 ) (77 ) Interest in net (loss) $ (25 ) $ (3,252 ) $ (508 ) Denominator: Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU n/a 7,906 1,236 Effect of dilutive securities — LTIP awards: Dilutive securities for net (loss) from continuing operations n/a - - Dilutive securities for net income from discontinued operations n/a - - Total dilutive securities n/a - - Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU n/a 7,906 1,236 Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, basic Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (0.35 ) $ (0.35 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a (0.06 ) (0.06 ) Net (loss) per common unit, basic n/a $ (0.41 ) $ (0.41 ) Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, diluted Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (0.35 ) $ (0.35 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a (0.06 ) (0.06 ) Net (loss) per common unit, diluted n/a $ (0.41 ) $ (0.41 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2016 General Partner Common Unitholders Subordinated Unitholders (in thousands, except per unit data) Numerator: Interest in net (loss)/income: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (87 ) $ (7,144 ) $ (1,788 ) Net income from discontinued operations (750 ) (93,734 ) (23,456 ) Total interest in net (loss) $ (837 ) $ (100,878 ) $ (25,244 ) Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations $ - $ - $ - Net income from discontinued operations - - - Interest in net income/(loss) $ - $ - $ - Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (87 ) $ (7,144 ) $ (1,788 ) Net income from discontinued operations (750 ) (93,734 ) (23,456 ) Interest in net (loss) $ (837 ) $ (100,878 ) $ (25,244 ) Denominator: Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU n/a 4,937 1,236 Effect of dilutive securities — LTIP awards: Dilutive securities for net (loss) from continuing operations n/a - - Dilutive securities for net income from discontinued operations n/a - - Total dilutive securities n/a - - Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU n/a 4,937 1,236 Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, basic Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (1.45 ) $ (1.45 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a (18.98 ) (18.98 ) Net income per common unit, basic n/a $ (20.43 ) $ (20.43 ) Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, diluted Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (1.45 ) $ (1.45 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a (18.98 ) (18.98 ) Net income per common unit, diluted n/a $ (20.43 ) $ (20.43 ) Three months ended September 30, 2015 General Partner Common Unitholders Subordinated Unitholders (in thousands, except per unit data) Numerator: Interest in net (loss): Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (208 ) $ (5,840 ) $ (4,334 ) Net income from discontinued operations 22 605 449 Total interest in net (loss) $ (186 ) $ (5,235 ) $ (3,885 ) Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations $ - $ - $ - Net income from discontinued operations - - - Interest in net income/(loss) $ - $ - $ - Interest in net (loss) for EPU purposes: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (208 ) $ (5,840 ) $ (4,334 ) Net income from discontinued operations 22 605 449 Interest in net (loss) $ (186 ) $ (5,235 ) $ (3,885 ) Denominator: Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU n/a 1,671 1,240 Effect of dilutive securities — LTIP awards: Dilutive securities for net (loss) from continuing operations n/a - - Dilutive securities for net income from discontinued operations n/a - - Total dilutive securities n/a - - Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU n/a 1,671 1,240 Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, basic Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (3.49 ) $ (3.49 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a 0.36 0.36 Net (loss) per common unit, basic n/a $ (3.13 ) $ (3.13 ) Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, diluted Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (3.49 ) $ (3.49 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a 0.36 0.36 Net (loss) per common unit, diluted n/a $ (3.13 ) $ (3.13 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2015 General Partner Common Unitholders Subordinated Unitholders (in thousands, except per unit data) Numerator: Interest in net (loss)/income: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (538 ) $ (15,143 ) $ (11,243 ) Net income from discontinued operations 113 3,187 2,366 Total interest in net income $ (425 ) $ (11,956 ) $ (8,877 ) Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations $ 5 $ 139 $ (144 ) Net income from discontinued operations - - - Interest in net income/(loss) $ 5 $ 139 $ (144 ) Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (534 ) $ (15,003 ) $ (11,387 ) Net income from discontinued operations 113 3,187 2,366 Interest in net income $ (421 ) $ (11,816 ) $ (9,021 ) Denominator: Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU n/a 1,669 1,240 Effect of dilutive securities — LTIP awards: Dilutive securities for net income from continuing operations and discontinued operations n/a - - Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU n/a 1,669 1,240 Net income per limited partner unit, basic Net income per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (8.99 ) $ (9.19 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a 1.91 1.91 Net income per common unit, basic n/a $ (7.08 ) $ (7.28 ) Net income per limited partner unit, diluted Net income per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (8.99 ) $ (9.19 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a 1.91 1.91 Net income per common unit, diluted n/a $ (7.08 ) $ (7.28 ) Diluted EPU gives effect to all dilutive potential common units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Diluted EPU excludes all dilutive potential units calculated under the treasury stock method if their effect is anti-dilutive. Since the Partnership incurred total net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, all potential dilutive units were excluded from the diluted EPU calculation for these periods.

Major Customers

Major Customers	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Major Customers	14. MAJOR CUSTOMERS The Partnership had revenues or receivables from the following major customers that in each period equaled or exceeded 10% of revenues (Note: customers with “n/a” had revenue below the 10% threshold in any period where this is indicated): Nine months Nine months September 30 2016 December 31 2015 ended ended Receivable Receivable September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Balance Balance Sales Sales (in thousands) PPL Corporation $ 1,646 $ 1,881 $ 31,333 24,457 PacifiCorp Energy 668 1,969 14,418 16,831 Big Rivers Electric Corporation 1,314 n/a 14,044 n/a NRG Energy, Inc. (fka GenOn Energy, Inc.) n/a n/a n/a 20,356

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	15. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The book values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values because of the immediate short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of the Partnership’s amended and restated senior secured credit facility was based upon a Level 2 measurement utilizing a market approach, which incorporated market-based interest rate information with credit risks similar to the Partnership. The fair value of the Partnership’s amended and restated senior secured credit facility approximates the carrying value at September 30, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Partnership had nonrecurring fair value measurements related to its asset impairment actions. The nonrecurring fair value measurements for the asset impairments for the year ended December 31, 2015 were Level 3 measurements.

Supplemental Disclosures of Cas

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	16. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION The unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 excludes approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of property additions, which are recorded in accounts payable. In January 2015, the Partnership dissolved the Rhino Eastern joint venture with Patriot. As part of the dissolution, the Partnership retained coal reserves, a prepaid advanced royalty balance and other assets and liabilities. In addition, the Partnership and Patriot agreed to a dissolution payment as part of the dissolution based upon a final working capital adjustment calculation, which is a liability of the Partnership. The Partnership recorded the dissolution of the joint venture by removing the investment in the Rhino Eastern unconsolidated subsidiary and recording the specific assets and liabilities retained in the dissolution. The dissolution of the Rhino Eastern joint venture completed in January 2015 had no impact on the Partnership’s unconsolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three and six months ended September 30, 2015. The unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended September 30, 2015 excludes the removal of the investment in the unconsolidated subsidiary and the recognition of the retained assets and liabilities, which are detailed in the table below. (in thousands) Coal properties (incl asset retirement costs) $ 12,104 Advance royalties, net of current portion 4,706 Other non-current assets - acquired 229 Other non-current assets - written off (642 ) Accrued expenses and other (2,012 ) Asset retirement obligations (1,235 ) Net assets acquired 13,150 Investment in unconsolidated affiliates-Rhino Eastern - written off $ (13,150 )

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	17. SEGMENT INFORMATION The Partnership produces and markets coal from surface and underground mines in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio and Utah. The Partnership sells primarily to electric utilities in the United States. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Partnership had four reportable segments: Central Appalachia (comprised of both surface and underground mines located in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia), Northern Appalachia (comprised of both surface and underground mines located in Ohio), Rhino Western (comprised of an underground mine in Utah) and Illinois Basin (comprised of an underground mine in western Kentucky). The Partnership’s Other category is comprised of the Partnership’s ancillary businesses and its remaining oil and natural gas activities. The Partnership has not provided disclosure of total expenditures by segment for long-lived assets, as the Partnership does not maintain discrete financial information concerning segment expenditures for long lived-assets, and accordingly such information is not provided to the Partnership’s chief operating decision maker. The information provided in the following tables represents the primary measures used to assess segment performance by the Partnership’s chief operating decision maker. Reportable segment results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 are as follows (Note: “DD&A” refers to depreciation, depletion and amortization): Central Northern Rhino Illinois Total Appalachia Appalachia Western Basin Other Consolidated (in thousands) Total revenues $ 10,432 $ 10,974 $ 7,219 $ 14,576 $ 214 $ 43,415 DD&A 1,642 777 1,292 2,638 140 6,489 Interest expense 536 57 116 301 895 1,905 Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1,544 ) $ 3,166 $ (21 ) $ (2,800 ) $ (2,011 ) $ (3,210 ) Reportable segment results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are as follows: Central Northern Rhino Illinois Total Appalachia Appalachia Western Basin Other Consolidated (in thousands) Total revenues $ 21,673 $ 31,707 $ 25,140 $ 45,456 $ 382 $ 124,358 DD&A 4,951 2,541 4,107 6,319 423 18,341 Interest expense 1,795 287 304 762 2,047 5,195 Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (10,126 ) $ 9,006 $ (649 ) $ (4,237 ) $ (3,014 ) $ (9,020 ) Reportable segment results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 are as follows: Central Northern Rhino Illinois Total Appalachia Appalachia Western Basin Other Consolidated (in thousands) Total revenues $ 14,975 $ 18,382 $ 8,698 $ 9,649 $ 192 $ 51,896 DD&A 2,565 1,894 1,593 1,624 162 7,838 Interest expense 602 145 97 175 366 1,385 Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (8,436 ) $ 1,959 $ (526 ) $ (3,067 ) $ (312 ) $ (10,382 ) Reportable segment results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 are as follows: Central Northern Rhino Illinois Total Appalachia Appalachia Western Basin Other Consolidated (in thousands) Total revenues $ 49,727 $ 52,469 $ 27,251 $ 27,411 $ 1,476 $ 158,334 DD&A 9,075 5,699 4,822 4,274 586 24,456 Interest expense 1,446 381 228 429 1,169 3,653 Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (16,359 ) $ 4,643 $ (3,055 ) $ (10,255 ) $ (1,898 ) $ (26,924 )

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the Partnership continued the suspension of the cash distribution for its common units, which was initially suspended for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. No distribution will be paid for common or subordinated units for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. The Partnership’s common units accrue arrearages every quarter when the distribution level is below the minimum level of $0.445 per unit, as outlined in the Partnership’s limited partnership agreement. The Partnership initially lowered its quarterly common unit distribution below the minimum level of $0.445 per unit with the quarter ended September 30, 2014. Thus, the Partnership’s distributions for each of the quarters ended September 30, 2014 through the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were below the minimum level and the current amount of accumulated arrearages as of September 30, 2016 related to the common unit distribution was approximately $149.7 million. In October 2016, the Partnership contributed its limited partner interests in Mammoth to Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. (“Mammoth Inc.”) in exchange for 234,300 shares of common stock of Mammoth Inc. The common stock of Mammoth Inc. began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market in October 2016 under the ticker symbol TUSK and the Partnership sold 1,953 shares during the initial public offering of Mammoth Inc. and received proceeds of approximately $27,000. The Partnership’s remaining shares of Mammoth Inc. are subject to a 180 day lock-up period from the date of Mammoth Inc.’s initial public offering.

Summary of Significant Accoun25

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and General (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates. In May 2008, the Operating Company entered into a joint venture, Rhino Eastern LLC (“Rhino Eastern”), with an affiliate of Patriot Coal Corporation (“Patriot”) to acquire the Eagle mining complex located in Central Appalachia. The Partnership accounted for the investment in the joint venture and its results of operations under the equity method. In January 2015, the Partnership completed a Membership Transfer Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) with an affiliate of Patriot that terminated the Rhino Eastern joint venture. Pursuant to the Transfer Agreement, Patriot sold and assigned its 49% membership interest in the Rhino Eastern joint venture to the Partnership and, in consideration of this transfer, Patriot received certain fixed assets, leased equipment and coal reserves associated with the mining area previously operated by the Rhino Eastern joint venture. Patriot also assumed substantially all of the active workforce related to the Eagle mining area that was previously employed by the Rhino Eastern joint venture. The Partnership retained approximately 34 million tons of coal reserves that are not related to the Eagle mining area as well as a prepaid advanced royalty balance. As part of the closing of the Transfer Agreement, the Partnership and Patriot agreed to a dissolution payment based upon a final working capital adjustment calculation as defined in the Transfer Agreement. Refer to Note 16 for information on the financial statement impact of the Rhino Eastern dissolution completed in January 2015. In December 2012, the Partnership made an initial investment of approximately $2.0 million in a new joint venture, Muskie Proppant LLC (“Muskie”), with affiliates of Wexford Capital. Muskie was formed to provide sand for fracking operations to drillers in the Utica Shale region and other oil and natural gas basins in the United States. The Partnership accounted for the investment in the joint venture and results of operations under the equity method. In November 2014, the Partnership contributed its interest in Muskie to Mammoth Energy Partners LP (“Mammoth”), which is discussed below. In November 2014, the Partnership contributed its investment interest in Muskie to Mammoth in return for a limited partner interest in Mammoth. Mammoth was formed to own various companies that provide services to companies, which engage in the exploration and development of North American onshore unconventional oil and natural gas reserves. Mammoth’s companies provide services that include completion and production services, contract land and directional drilling services and remote accommodation services. The non-cash transaction was a contribution of the Partnership’s investment interest in the Muskie entity for an investment interest in Mammoth. Thus, the Partnership determined that the non-cash exchange of the Partnership’s ownership interest in Muskie did not result in any gain or loss. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Partnership has recorded its investment in Mammoth of $1.9 million as a long-term asset, which the Partnership records as a cost method investment based upon its ownership percentage. In October 2016, the Partnership contributed its limited partner interests in Mammoth to Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. in exchange for 234,300 shares of common stock of Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. See Subsequent Events Note 18 for further details. The Partnership has included its investment in Mammoth and its prior investment in Muskie in its Other category for segment reporting purposes. In September 2014, the Partnership made an initial investment of $5.0 million in a new joint venture, Sturgeon Acquisitions LLC (“Sturgeon”), with affiliates of Wexford Capital and Gulfport Energy (“Gulfport”), a publicly traded company. Sturgeon subsequently acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of certain limited liability companies located in Wisconsin that provide frac sand for oil and natural gas drillers in the United States. The Partnership accounts for the investment in the joint venture and results of operations under the equity method. The Partnership recorded its proportionate share of the operating (loss) for Sturgeon for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 of approximately ($27,000) and ($0.1) million, respectively. The Partnership recorded its proportionate share of the operating income for Sturgeon for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 of approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The Partnership has included the operating activities of Sturgeon in its Other category for segment reporting purposes.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards. Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition—Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangibles—Goodwill and Other In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, “Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items”. ASC 225-20, Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items, required that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. The amendments in ASU 2015-01 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The effective date is the same for both public business entities and all other entities. The adoption of ASU 2015-01 on January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation”. ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments of ASU 2015-02: a) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, b) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, c) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships and d) provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in this Update using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 on January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)-Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Prior to ASU 2015-03, debt issuance costs have been presented in the balance sheet as a deferred charge, or asset. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. For public business entities, ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of ASU 2015-03 is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. In addition, ASU 2015-03 requires entities to apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements.

Prepaid Expenses And Other Cu26

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Other prepaid expenses $ 402 $ 675 Debt issuance costs—net - 2,155 Prepaid insurance 1,969 1,492 Prepaid leases 97 80 Supply inventory 872 901 Deposits 164 164 Restricted cash from Royal contribution 2,000 - Note receivable 1,350 - Total Prepaid expenses and other $ 6,854 $ 5,467

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment by Major Classification	Property, plant and equipment, including coal properties and mine development and construction costs, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized by major classification as follows: Useful Lives September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Land and land improvements $ 17,671 $ 18,285 Mining and other equipment and related facilities 2 - 20 Years 305,186 304,692 Mine development costs 1 - 15 Years 57,365 64,262 Coal properties 1 - 15 Years 68,383 94,390 Construction work in process 599 2,680 Total 449,204 484,309 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (261,473 ) (258,739 ) Net $ 187,731 $ 225,570
Schedule of Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization	Depreciation expense for mining and other equipment and related facilities, depletion expense for coal properties and oil and natural gas properties, amortization expense for mine development costs, amortization expense for intangible assets and amortization expense for asset retirement costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Depreciation expense-mining and other equipment and related facilities $ 5,597 $ 7,194 $ 15,908 $ 22,138 Depletion expense for coal properties and oil and natural gas properties 404 307 1,224 1,053 Amortization expense for mine development costs 511 465 1,294 1,545 Amortization expense for intangible assets - 12 - 35 Amortization expense for asset retirement costs (23 ) (140 ) (85 ) (315 ) Total depreciation, depletion and amortization $ 6,489 $ 7,838 $ 18,341 $ 24,456

Other Non-Current Assets (Table

Other Non-Current Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Non-current Assets	Other non-current assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Deposits and other $ 185 $ 138 Debt issuance costs—net 1,690 - Non-current receivable 23,908 23,908 Note Receivable - 2,000 Deferred expenses 223 260 Total $ 26,006 $ 26,306

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu29

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Payroll, bonus and vacation expense $ 1,106 $ 1,439 Non income taxes 2,595 2,993 Royalty expenses 1,656 1,566 Accrued interest 1,039 571 Health claims 688 817 Workers’ compensation & pneumoconiosis 1,150 1,150 Accrued insured litigation claims 302 266 Other 565 2,247 Total $ 9,101 $ 11,049

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Debt as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Senior secured credit facility with PNC Bank, N.A. $ 30,350 $ 41,200 Other notes payable - 2,874 Total 30,350 44,074 Less current portion - (41,479 ) Long-term debt $ 30,350 $ 2,595
Schedule of Changes to Borrowing Capacity of Credit Facility	The Fifth Amendment further reduces the revolving credit commitments as follows: Date of Reduction Reduction Amount September 30, 2016 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $2 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) December 31, 2016 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $4 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) March 31, 2017 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $6 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) June 30, 2017 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $8 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) September 30, 2017 The lesser of (i) $2 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $10 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions) December 1, 2017 The lesser of (i) $1 million or (ii) the positive difference (if any) of $11 million minus the proceeds from the issuance of any Partnership equity (excluding any Royal equity contributions)
Schedule of Changes to Maximum Leverage Ratio Allowed by Credit Facility Covenants	The Fifth Amendment alters the maximum leverage ratio, calculated as of the end of the most recent month, on a trailing twelve-month basis, as follows: Period Ratio For the month ending April 30, 2016, through the month ending May 31, 2016 7.50 to 1.00 For the month ending June 30, 2016, through the month ending August 31, 2016 7.25 to 1.00 For the month ending September 30, 2016, through the month ending November 30, 2016 7.00 to 1.00 For the month ending December 31, 2016, through the month ending March 31, 2017 6.75 to 1.00 For the month ending April 30, 2017, through the month ending June 30, 2017 6.25 to 1.00 For the month ending July 31, 2017, through the month ending November 30, 2017 6.0 to 1.00 For the month ending December 31, 2017 5.50 to 1.00

Asset Retirement Obligations (T

Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations	The changes in asset retirement obligations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 are as follows: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Balance at beginning of period (including current portion) $ 23,077 $ 29,883 Accretion expense 1,114 2,082 Adjustment resulting from addition of property - 1,235 Adjustment resulting from disposal of property (1) - (7,531 ) Adjustments to the liability from annual recosting and other - (2,078 ) Liabilities settled (161 ) (514 ) Balance at end of period 24,030 23,077 Less current portion of asset retirement obligation (1,430 ) (767 ) Long-term portion of asset retirement obligation $ 22,600 $ 22,310 (1) The ($7.5) million adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2015 relates to the sale of the Partnership’s Deane mining complex.

Employee Benefits (Tables)

Employee Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Service costs $ - $ 67 $ - $ 202 Interest cost - 51 - 152 Amortization of (gain) - (44 ) (4,796 ) (133 ) Total $ - $ 74 $ (4,796 ) $ 221
Schedule of Expense Under Defined Contribution Savings Plans	The expense under these plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is included in Cost of operations and Selling, general and administrative expense in the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and was as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) 401(k) plan expense $ 406 $ 501 $ 1,113 $ 1,640

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Delivery Commitments	As of September 30, 2016, the Partnership had commitments under sales contracts to deliver annually scheduled base quantities of coal as follows: Year Tons (in thousands) Number of customers 2016 Q4 797 14 2017 2,910 10 2018 701 3
Schedule of Lease and Royalty Expense	Lease and royalty expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are included in Cost of operations in the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and was as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Lease expense $ 1,438 $ 2,582 $ 3,517 $ 5,001 Royalty expense $ 2,409 $ 2,301 $ 7,350 $ 8,659

Earnings Per Unit ('EPU') (Tabl

Earnings Per Unit ('EPU') (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share	The following tables present a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPU calculations for the periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, which include the retrospective application of the 1-for-10 reverse unit split: Three months ended September 30, 2016 General Partner Common Unitholders Subordinated Unitholders (in thousands, except per unit data) Numerator: Interest in net (loss): Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (21 ) $ (2,758 ) $ (431 ) Net income from discontinued operations (4 ) (494 ) (77 ) Total interest in net (loss) $ (25 ) $ (3,252 ) $ (508 ) Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations $ - $ - $ - Net income from discontinued operations - - - Interest in net income $ - $ - $ - Interest in net (loss) for EPU purposes: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (21 ) $ (2,758 ) $ (431 ) Net income from discontinued operations (4 ) (494 ) (77 ) Interest in net (loss) $ (25 ) $ (3,252 ) $ (508 ) Denominator: Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU n/a 7,906 1,236 Effect of dilutive securities — LTIP awards: Dilutive securities for net (loss) from continuing operations n/a - - Dilutive securities for net income from discontinued operations n/a - - Total dilutive securities n/a - - Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU n/a 7,906 1,236 Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, basic Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (0.35 ) $ (0.35 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a (0.06 ) (0.06 ) Net (loss) per common unit, basic n/a $ (0.41 ) $ (0.41 ) Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, diluted Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (0.35 ) $ (0.35 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a (0.06 ) (0.06 ) Net (loss) per common unit, diluted n/a $ (0.41 ) $ (0.41 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2016 General Partner Common Unitholders Subordinated Unitholders (in thousands, except per unit data) Numerator: Interest in net (loss)/income: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (87 ) $ (7,144 ) $ (1,788 ) Net income from discontinued operations (750 ) (93,734 ) (23,456 ) Total interest in net (loss) $ (837 ) $ (100,878 ) $ (25,244 ) Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations $ - $ - $ - Net income from discontinued operations - - - Interest in net income/(loss) $ - $ - $ - Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (87 ) $ (7,144 ) $ (1,788 ) Net income from discontinued operations (750 ) (93,734 ) (23,456 ) Interest in net (loss) $ (837 ) $ (100,878 ) $ (25,244 ) Denominator: Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU n/a 4,937 1,236 Effect of dilutive securities — LTIP awards: Dilutive securities for net (loss) from continuing operations n/a - - Dilutive securities for net income from discontinued operations n/a - - Total dilutive securities n/a - - Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU n/a 4,937 1,236 Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, basic Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (1.45 ) $ (1.45 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a (18.98 ) (18.98 ) Net income per common unit, basic n/a $ (20.43 ) $ (20.43 ) Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, diluted Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (1.45 ) $ (1.45 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a (18.98 ) (18.98 ) Net income per common unit, diluted n/a $ (20.43 ) $ (20.43 ) Three months ended September 30, 2015 General Partner Common Unitholders Subordinated Unitholders (in thousands, except per unit data) Numerator: Interest in net (loss): Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (208 ) $ (5,840 ) $ (4,334 ) Net income from discontinued operations 22 605 449 Total interest in net (loss) $ (186 ) $ (5,235 ) $ (3,885 ) Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations $ - $ - $ - Net income from discontinued operations - - - Interest in net income/(loss) $ - $ - $ - Interest in net (loss) for EPU purposes: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (208 ) $ (5,840 ) $ (4,334 ) Net income from discontinued operations 22 605 449 Interest in net (loss) $ (186 ) $ (5,235 ) $ (3,885 ) Denominator: Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU n/a 1,671 1,240 Effect of dilutive securities — LTIP awards: Dilutive securities for net (loss) from continuing operations n/a - - Dilutive securities for net income from discontinued operations n/a - - Total dilutive securities n/a - - Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU n/a 1,671 1,240 Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, basic Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (3.49 ) $ (3.49 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a 0.36 0.36 Net (loss) per common unit, basic n/a $ (3.13 ) $ (3.13 ) Net (loss)/income per limited partner unit, diluted Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (3.49 ) $ (3.49 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a 0.36 0.36 Net (loss) per common unit, diluted n/a $ (3.13 ) $ (3.13 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2015 General Partner Common Unitholders Subordinated Unitholders (in thousands, except per unit data) Numerator: Interest in net (loss)/income: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (538 ) $ (15,143 ) $ (11,243 ) Net income from discontinued operations 113 3,187 2,366 Total interest in net income $ (425 ) $ (11,956 ) $ (8,877 ) Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations $ 5 $ 139 $ (144 ) Net income from discontinued operations - - - Interest in net income/(loss) $ 5 $ 139 $ (144 ) Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net (loss) from continuing operations $ (534 ) $ (15,003 ) $ (11,387 ) Net income from discontinued operations 113 3,187 2,366 Interest in net income $ (421 ) $ (11,816 ) $ (9,021 ) Denominator: Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU n/a 1,669 1,240 Effect of dilutive securities — LTIP awards: Dilutive securities for net income from continuing operations and discontinued operations n/a - - Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU n/a 1,669 1,240 Net income per limited partner unit, basic Net income per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (8.99 ) $ (9.19 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a 1.91 1.91 Net income per common unit, basic n/a $ (7.08 ) $ (7.28 ) Net income per limited partner unit, diluted Net income per unit from continuing operations n/a $ (8.99 ) $ (9.19 ) Net income per unit from discontinued operations n/a 1.91 1.91 Net income per common unit, diluted n/a $ (7.08 ) $ (7.28 )

Major Customers (Tables)

Major Customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Summary of Major Customers	The Partnership had revenues or receivables from the following major customers that in each period equaled or exceeded 10% of revenues (Note: customers with “n/a” had revenue below the 10% threshold in any period where this is indicated): Nine months Nine months September 30 2016 December 31 2015 ended ended Receivable Receivable September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Balance Balance Sales Sales (in thousands) PPL Corporation $ 1,646 $ 1,881 $ 31,333 24,457 PacifiCorp Energy 668 1,969 14,418 16,831 Big Rivers Electric Corporation 1,314 n/a 14,044 n/a NRG Energy, Inc. (fka GenOn Energy, Inc.) n/a n/a n/a 20,356

Supplemental Disclosures of C36

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures	The unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended September 30, 2015 excludes the removal of the investment in the unconsolidated subsidiary and the recognition of the retained assets and liabilities, which are detailed in the table below. (in thousands) Coal properties (incl asset retirement costs) $ 12,104 Advance royalties, net of current portion 4,706 Other non-current assets - acquired 229 Other non-current assets - written off (642 ) Accrued expenses and other (2,012 ) Asset retirement obligations (1,235 ) Net assets acquired 13,150 Investment in unconsolidated affiliates-Rhino Eastern - written off $ (13,150 )

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Reportable Segment Results of Operations	Reportable segment results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 are as follows (Note: “DD&A” refers to depreciation, depletion and amortization): Central Northern Rhino Illinois Total Appalachia Appalachia Western Basin Other Consolidated (in thousands) Total revenues $ 10,432 $ 10,974 $ 7,219 $ 14,576 $ 214 $ 43,415 DD&A 1,642 777 1,292 2,638 140 6,489 Interest expense 536 57 116 301 895 1,905 Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1,544 ) $ 3,166 $ (21 ) $ (2,800 ) $ (2,011 ) $ (3,210 ) Reportable segment results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are as follows: Central Northern Rhino Illinois Total Appalachia Appalachia Western Basin Other Consolidated (in thousands) Total revenues $ 21,673 $ 31,707 $ 25,140 $ 45,456 $ 382 $ 124,358 DD&A 4,951 2,541 4,107 6,319 423 18,341 Interest expense 1,795 287 304 762 2,047 5,195 Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (10,126 ) $ 9,006 $ (649 ) $ (4,237 ) $ (3,014 ) $ (9,020 ) Reportable segment results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 are as follows: Central Northern Rhino Illinois Total Appalachia Appalachia Western Basin Other Consolidated (in thousands) Total revenues $ 14,975 $ 18,382 $ 8,698 $ 9,649 $ 192 $ 51,896 DD&A 2,565 1,894 1,593 1,624 162 7,838 Interest expense 602 145 97 175 366 1,385 Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (8,436 ) $ 1,959 $ (526 ) $ (3,067 ) $ (312 ) $ (10,382 ) Reportable segment results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 are as follows: Central Northern Rhino Illinois Total Appalachia Appalachia Western Basin Other Consolidated (in thousands) Total revenues $ 49,727 $ 52,469 $ 27,251 $ 27,411 $ 1,476 $ 158,334 DD&A 9,075 5,699 4,822 4,274 586 24,456 Interest expense 1,446 381 228 429 1,169 3,653 Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (16,359 ) $ 4,643 $ (3,055 ) $ (10,255 ) $ (1,898 ) $ (26,924 )

Basis of Presentation and Org38

Basis of Presentation and Organization (Details Narrative) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)	May 13, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 18, 2016	Mar. 21, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 17, 2016shares	Jan. 21, 2016USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Reverse split description			1-for-10 reverse split on its common units and subordinated units
Reverse stock split conversion ratio			10
Common Units [Member]
Reverse stock split conversion ratio			10
Subordinated Units [Member]
Reverse stock split conversion ratio			10
Royal Energy Resources, Inc [Member]
Common stock price per unit | $ / shares				$ 0.30
Number of common units rescind of purchase during the period | shares				13,333,333
Number of common units repurchase during the period | shares				13,333,333
Repurchase options termination date				Dec. 31, 2017
Debt conversion price per share | $ / shares				$ 0.15
Repayment of debt		$ 3,000					$ 2,000
Debt due date		Jul. 31, 2016					Sep. 30, 2016
Wexford Capital L P [Member] | Royal Energy Resources, Inc [Member] | Subordinated Units [Member]
Number of common unit shares acquired during the period | shares					9,455,252
Definitive Agreement [Member] | Royal Energy Resources, Inc [Member] | Wexford Capital L P [Member]
Number of common unit shares acquired during the period | shares						6,769,112
Number of common unit acquired during the period						$ 3,500
Definitive Agreement [Member] | Wexford Capital L P [Member] | Subordinated Units [Member]
Number of common unit shares acquired during the period | shares						9,455,252
Number of common unit acquired during the period						$ 1,000
Securities Purchase Agreement [Member] | Royal Energy Resources, Inc [Member]
Number of common unit shares issued during the period | shares				60,000,000
Common stock price per unit | $ / shares				$ 0.15
Number of common unit issued during the period				$ 9,000
Proceeds from shares issued				2,000
Promissory note payable face value				7,000
Promissory note payable periodic amount	$ 3,000						$ 2,000
Securities Purchase Agreement [Member] | Royal Energy Resources, Inc [Member] | On or Before December 31, 2016 [Member]
Promissory note payable periodic amount				$ 2,000
Equity Exchange Agreement [Member] | Armstrong Energy [Member]
Number of common unit issued during the period							$ 10,000
Ownership percentage							50.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun39

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and General (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015T	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliate				$ (27)	$ 77	$ (132)	$ 342
Mammoth Energy Partners LP [Member]
Equity method investment				1,900	1,900	$ 1,900	1,900
Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. [Member] | October 2016 [Member]
Number of limited partner interest exchange for shares of common stock | shares						234,300
Rhino Eastern LLC [Member] | Membership Transfer Agreement [Member]
Interest acquired	49.00%
Coal reserves | T	34,000,000
Muskie Proppant LLC [Member]
Payments to acquire interest in joint venture			$ 2,000
Sturgeon Acquisitions LLC [Member]
Payments to acquire interest in joint venture		$ 5,000
Ownership interest		100.00%
Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliate				$ 27	$ 100	$ 100	$ 300

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	Sep. 20, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2014USD ($)Entities	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015T	Dec. 31, 2011a
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges							$ 2,332		$ 4,512
Loss on business disposal								(119,160)
Income from discontinued operations									$ 700
Utica Shale Region Of Ohio [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest											5.00%
Gross acreage | a											152,300
Net acreage | a											7,615
Proceeds from sale of interest				$ 700
Coal Properties [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges			$ 118,700
Blackhawk Midstream Llc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of interest					$ 8,400
Number of equity interests sold | Entities					2
Percentage of payout interest					5.00%
Elk Horn [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration payable						$ 1,500		1,500
Cash Consideration paid monthly installment								150
Coal reserves, tons | T										100,000,000
Disposal of assets and liabilities		$ 500
Loss on business disposal								$ 119,200
Elk Horn [Member] | Third Party [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration		12,000
Cash consideration upon the closing transaction paid		10,500
Cash consideration payable		$ 1,500
Cash Consideration paid monthly installment	$ 150

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu41

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted cash from Royal contribution	$ 2,000
Elk Horn [Member]
Note receivable	1,400
Cash consideration payable	1,500
Cash Consideration paid monthly installment	$ 150

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu42

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Other prepaid expenses	$ 402	$ 675
Debt issuance costs-net		2,155
Prepaid insurance	1,969	1,492
Prepaid leases	97	80
Supply inventory	872	901
Deposits	164	164
Restricted cash from Royal contribution	2,000
Note receivable	1,350
Total Prepaid expenses and other	$ 6,854	$ 5,467

Property, Plant and Equipment43

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details Narrative) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense

Property, Plant and Equipment -

Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, Plant and Equipment by Major Classification (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	$ 449,204	$ 484,309
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	(261,473)	(258,739)
Net property, plant and equipment	187,731	225,570
Mining and Other Equipment and Related Facilities [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	$ 305,186	304,692
Mining and Other Equipment and Related Facilities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	2 years
Mining and Other Equipment and Related Facilities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	20 years
Mine Development Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	$ 57,365	64,262
Mine Development Costs [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	1 year
Mine Development Costs [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	15 years
Coal Properties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	$ 68,383	94,390
Coal Properties [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	1 year
Coal Properties [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	15 years
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	$ 17,671	18,285
Construction Work In Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	$ 599	$ 2,680

Property, Plant and Equipment45

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	$ 6,489	$ 7,838	$ 18,341	$ 24,456
Asset Retirement Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	(23)	(140)	(85)	(315)
Intangible Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization		12		35
Mining and Other Equipment and Related Facilities [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	5,597	7,194	15,908	22,138
Coal Properties and Oil and Natural Gas Properties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	404	307	1,224	1,053
Mine Development Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	$ 511	$ 465	$ 1,294	$ 1,545

Other Non-Current Assets (Detai

Other Non-Current Assets (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	May 13, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs				$ 13,100		$ 11,600
Accumulated amortization of debt issuance costs				11,400		9,400
Workers' compensation insurance receivable				23,908		23,908
Note receivable				$ 1,350
Initial interest payments Description				The note accrued interest with initial interest payments due beginning June 2016 and the final principal due December 31, 2017.
Third Party [Member]
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Note receivable						$ 2,000
Reserve against note receivable				$ 2,000
Third Amendment [Member]
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Credit facility maximum available			$ 100,000
Amendment fee			2,100
Unamortized debt issuance costs written off			$ 200
Fourth Amendment [Member]
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Credit facility maximum available	$ 75,000	$ 80,000
Amendment fee		400
Unamortized debt issuance costs written off		$ 200
Fifth Amendment [Member]
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Credit facility maximum available	75,000				$ 75,000
Amendment fee	1,200
Unamortized debt issuance costs written off	$ 100

Other Non-Current Assets - Sche

Other Non-Current Assets - Schedule of Other Non-Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deposits and other	$ 185	$ 138
Debt issuance costs-net	1,690
Non-current receivable	23,908	23,908
Note receivable		2,000
Deferred expenses	223	260
Total	$ 26,006	$ 26,306

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu48

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued insured litigation claims	$ 302	$ 266

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu49

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Payroll, bonus and vacation expense	$ 1,106	$ 1,439
Non income taxes	2,595	2,993
Royalty expenses	1,656	1,566
Accrued interest	1,039	571
Health claims	688	817
Workers’ compensation & pneumoconiosis	1,150	1,150
Accrued insured litigation claims	302	266
Other	565	2,247
Total	$ 9,101	$ 11,049

Debt (Details Narrative)

Debt (Details Narrative) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 07, 2016USD ($)	May 13, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2011USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding				$ 30,350					$ 30,350		$ 30,350		$ 41,200
Gain from extinguishment of debt									1,663		1,663
Third Party [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Other notes payable	$ 2,800
Settlement of debt on cash consideration	1,100
Repayment of debt					$ 1,100
Gain from extinguishment of debt	$ 1,700
First Amendment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available			$ 300,000
Line of credit facility option to increase maximum borrowing capacity			50,000
First Amendment [Member] | Letter Of Credit One [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available			300,000
First Amendment [Member] | Letter Of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available			$ 75,000
Fourth Amendment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available						$ 75,000	$ 80,000
Incremental interest rate above variable rate							3.50%
Line of credit facility, expiration date						Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Line of credit facility,extended expiration date						Dec. 31, 2017
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio related to limited investments							3
Amendment fee							$ 400
Unamortized debt issuance costs written off							$ 200
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio							6.75
Line of credit facility maximum leverage ratio reduction when threshold met							1
Line of credit facility, threshold for reduction of maximum leverage ratio							$ 10,000
Line of credit facility, miniumum liquidity							5,000
Liquidity							8,000
Line of credit facility, maximum capital expenditures							$ 15,000
Fourth Amendment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio							3
Fourth Amendment [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Incremental interest rate above variable rate				3.50%			3.50%
Fourth Amendment [Member] | Letter Of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available						$ 30,000
Fourth Amendment [Member] | Letters Of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available														$ 30,000
Third Amendment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available								$ 100,000
Line of credit facility, threshold for proceeds from disposition of assets that determines amount used to reduce commitments								35,000
Line of credit facility, amount by which commitments must be reduced if proceeds from sale of assets are below threshold								10,000
Line of credit any dispositions of assets in excess can reduce the commitment								$ 35,000
Line of credit facility, maximum quarterly distributions per unit | $ / shares								$ 0.035
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio related to limited investments								3
Line of credit facility, minimum borrowing availability required for distributions in excess of maximum stated amount								$ 20,000
Line of credit facility, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio										1.1
Line of credit facility, maximum investments										$ 10,000
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio required for distributions in excess of maximum stated amount										3
Line of credit facility, minimum available liquidity for limited investments										$ 20,000
Line of credit facility, maximum capital expenditures for remainder of fiscal year													$ 20,000
Line of credit facility maximum capital expenditures after current fiscal year											27,500
Line of credit facility, maximum carryover of unused capital expenditures											5,000
Amendment fee								2,100
Unamortized debt issuance costs written off								200
Third Amendment [Member] | Letter Of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available								$ 50,000
Fifth Amendment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available		$ 75,000				75,000
Line of credit facility, expiration date		Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment fee						1,200
Unamortized debt issuance costs written off						$ 100
Line of credit facility maximum leverage ratio reduction when threshold met		0.50
Line of credit facility, threshold for reduction of maximum leverage ratio		$ 10,000
Amount of proceeds from equity issuance that will be used to satisfy schedule capital contributions		11,000
Covenant compliance, asset sales		$ 5,000
Outstanding letters of credit				$ 27,800					$ 27,800		$ 27,800
Fixed interest rate				5.00%					5.00%		5.00%
Maximum borrowing capacity measured as a multiple of EBITDA											6.50
EBITDA measurement period for determining maximum borrowing capacity											12 months
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity				$ 4,000					$ 4,000		$ 4,000
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Royal Energy Resources Inc. [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Partner's required capital contribution				2,000					2,000		2,000
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Royal Energy Resources Inc. [Member] | On or Before July 31, 2017 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Threshold for revolving credit commitments				55,000					55,000		55,000
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Royal Energy Resources Inc. [Member] | December 31, 2016 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Partner's required capital contribution				2,000					2,000		2,000
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Royal Energy Resources Inc. [Member] | March 31, 2017 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Partner's required capital contribution				2,000					2,000		2,000
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Royal Energy Resources Inc. [Member] | June 30, 2017 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Partner's required capital contribution				2,000					2,000		2,000
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Royal Energy Resources Inc. [Member] | September 30, 2017 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Partner's required capital contribution				2,000					2,000		2,000
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Royal Energy Resources Inc. [Member] | December 1, 2017 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Partner's required capital contribution				1,000					1,000		$ 1,000
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio		3.50
Line of credit facility maximum leverage ratio reduction when threshold met		5,000
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of equity that will be used to reduce credit commitments		$ 20,000
Covenant compliance, general and administrative costs incurred by general partner		300
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Incremental interest rate above variable rate											3.50%
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding				$ 30,400					$ 30,400		$ 30,400
Effective interest rate				7.00%					7.00%		7.00%
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Letter Of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available		$ 30,000
Sixth Amendment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum available					10,500
Sixth Amendment [Member] | Elk Horn [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maxmium commitment amount for additional					$ 1,500						$ 375
Sixth Amendment [Member] | Elk Horn [Member] | December 31, 2016 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maxmium commitment amount for additional											375
Sixth Amendment [Member] | Elk Horn [Member] | March 31, 2017 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maxmium commitment amount for additional											375
Sixth Amendment [Member] | Elk Horn [Member] | June 30, 2017 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maxmium commitment amount for additional											$ 375

Debt - Schedule Of Debt (Detail

Debt - Schedule Of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior secured credit facility with PNC Bank, N.A.	$ 30,350	$ 41,200
Other notes payable		2,874
Total	30,350	44,074
Less current portion		(41,479)
Long-term debt	$ 30,350	$ 2,595

Debt - Schedule of Changes to B

Debt - Schedule of Changes to Borrowing Capacity of Credit Facility (Details) - Fifth Amendment [Member] $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
September 30, 2016 [Member]
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity	$ 2,000
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity, less proceeds from issuance of equity	2,000
December 31, 2016 [Member]
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity	2,000
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity, less proceeds from issuance of equity	4,000
March 31, 2017 [Member]
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity	2,000
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity, less proceeds from issuance of equity	6,000
June 30, 2017 [Member]
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity	2,000
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity, less proceeds from issuance of equity	8,000
September 30, 2017 [Member]
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity	2,000
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity, less proceeds from issuance of equity	10,000
December 1, 2017 [Member]
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity	1,000
Scheduled amount of decrease in borrowing capacity, less proceeds from issuance of equity	$ 11,000

Debt - Schedule of Changes to M

Debt - Schedule of Changes to Maximum Leverage Ratio Allowed by Credit Facility Covenants (Details) - Fifth Amendment [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
For The Month Ending April 30, 2016, Through The Month Ending May 31, 2016 [Member]
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio	7.50 to 1.00
For the Month Ending June 30, 2016, Through the Month Ending August 31, 2016 [Member]
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio	7.25 to 1.00
For The Month Ending September 30, 2016, Through The Month Ending November 30, 2016 [Member]
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio	7.00 to 1.00
For The Month Ending December 31, 2016, Through The Month Ending March 31, 2017 [Member]
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio	6.75 to 1.00
For The Month Ending April 30, 2017, Through The Month Ending June 30, 2017 [Member]
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio	6.25 to 1.00
For The Month Ending July 31, 2017, Through The Month Ending November 30, 2017 [Member]
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio	6.0 to 1.00
For The Month Ending December 31, 2017 [Member]
Line of credit facility, maximum leverage ratio	5.50 to 1.00

Asset Retirement Obligations -

Asset Retirement Obligations - Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period (including current portion)		$ 23,077	$ 29,883	$ 29,883
Accretion expense		1,141	1,651	2,082
Adjustment resulting from addition of property				1,235
Adjustment resulting from disposal of property	[1]			(7,531)
Adjustments to the liability from annual recosting and other				(2,078)
Liabilities settled		(161)		(514)
Balance at end of period		$ 23,077	$ 29,883	$ 29,883	$ 24,030	$ 23,077
Less current portion of asset retirement obligation					(1,430)	(767)
Long-term portion of asset retirement obligation					$ 22,600	$ 22,310
[1]	The ($7.5) million adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2015 relates to the sale of the Partnership's Deane mining complex.

Asset Retirement Obligations 55

Asset Retirement Obligations - Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Adjustment from sale of property	[1]		$ 7,531
[1]	The ($7.5) million adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2015 relates to the sale of the Partnership's Deane mining complex.

Employee Benefits (Details Narr

Employee Benefits (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 10, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Prior service cost benefit		$ 6,500
Benefit recognized	$ 3,900

Employee Benefits - Components

Employee Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service costs		$ 67		$ 202
Interest cost		51		152
Amortization of (gain)		(44)	(4,796)	(133)
Total		$ 74	$ (4,796)	$ 221

Employee Benefits - Schedule of

Employee Benefits - Schedule of Expense Under Defined Contribution Savings Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
401(k) plan expense	$ 406	$ 501	$ 1,113	$ 1,640

Equity-Based Compensation (Deta

Equity-Based Compensation (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 17, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Accelerated vesting expense	$ 10
Equity-based compensation expense		$ 600
Royal Energy Resources Inc. [Member] | Wexford Capital L P [Member] | Subordinated Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of common unit shares acquired during the period	9,455,252

Commitments and Contingencies60

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Sturgeon Acquisitions [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments to acquire interest in joint venture	$ 5,000

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Delivery Commitments (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016CustomersT
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2016 Q4 | T	797,000
Tons, 2017 | T	2,910,000
Tons, 2018 | T	701,000
Number of customers, 2016 Q4 | Customers	14
Number of customers, 2017 | Customers	10
Number of customers, 2018 | Customers	3

Commitments and Contingencies62

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Lease And Royalty Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease expense	$ 1,438	$ 2,582	$ 3,517	$ 5,001
Royalty expense	$ 2,409	$ 2,301	$ 7,350	$ 8,659

Earnings Per Unit ('EPU') (Deta

Earnings Per Unit ('EPU') (Details Narrative)	Apr. 18, 2016
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
Reverse stock split conversion ratio	1-for-10 reverse split on its common units and subordinated units

Earnings Per Unit ('EPU') - Sch

Earnings Per Unit ('EPU') - Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Unit [Line Items]
Interest in net (loss)/income: Net (loss) from continuing operations	$ (3,210)	$ (10,382)	$ (9,020)	$ (26,924)
Interest in net (loss)/income: Net income from discontinued operations	(575)	1,076	(117,940)	5,666
Interest in net (loss)/income: Total interest in net income (loss)	(3,785)	(9,306)	(126,960)	(21,258)
General Partner [Member]
Earnings Per Unit [Line Items]
Interest in net (loss)/income: Net (loss) from continuing operations	(21)	(208)	(87)	(538)
Interest in net (loss)/income: Net income from discontinued operations	(4)	22	(750)	113
Interest in net (loss)/income: Total interest in net income (loss)	(25)	(186)	(837)	(425)
Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations				5
Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from discontinued continuing operations
Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Interest in net income/(loss)				5
Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations	(21)	(208)	(87)	(534)
Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net income from discontinued operations	(4)	22	(750)	113
Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Interest in net (loss)/income	(25)	(186)	(837)	(425)
Common Unitholders [Member]
Earnings Per Unit [Line Items]
Interest in net (loss)/income: Net (loss) from continuing operations	(2,758)	(5,840)	(7,144)	(15,143)
Interest in net (loss)/income: Net income from discontinued operations	(494)	605	(93,734)	3,187
Interest in net (loss)/income: Total interest in net income (loss)	(3,252)	(5,235)	(100,878)	(11,956)
Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations				139
Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from discontinued continuing operations
Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Interest in net income/(loss)				139
Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations	(2,758)	(5,840)	(7,144)	(15,003)
Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net income from discontinued operations	(494)	605	(93,734)	3,187
Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Interest in net (loss)/income	$ (3,252)	$ (5,235)	$ (100,878)	$ (11,816)
Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU	7,906,000	1,671,000	4,937,000	1,670,000
Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU	7,906,000	1,671,000	4,937,000	1,670,000
Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations	$ (0.35)	$ (3.49)	$ (1.45)	$ (8.99)
Net income per unit from discontinued operations	(0.06)	0.36	(18.98)	1.91
Net (loss)/income per common unit, basic	(0.41)	(3.13)	(20.43)	(7.08)
Net (loss)/income per unit from continuing operations	(0.35)	(3.49)	(1.45)	(8.99)
Net income per unit from discontinued operations	(0.06)	0.36	(18.98)	1.91
Net income per common unit, diluted	$ (0.41)	$ (3.13)	$ (20.43)	$ (7.08)
Subordinated Unitholders [Member]
Earnings Per Unit [Line Items]
Interest in net (loss)/income: Net (loss) from continuing operations	$ (431)	$ (4,334)	$ (1,788)	$ (11,243)
Interest in net (loss)/income: Net income from discontinued operations	(77)	449	(23,456)	2,366
Interest in net (loss)/income: Total interest in net income (loss)	(508)	(3,885)	(25,244)	(8,877)
Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations				(144)
Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Net income/(loss) from discontinued continuing operations
Impact of subordinated distribution suspension: Interest in net income/(loss)				(144)
Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations	(431)	(4,334)	(1,788)	(11,387)
Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Net income from discontinued operations	(77)	449	(23,456)	2,366
Interest in net (loss)/income for EPU purposes: Interest in net (loss)/income	$ (508)	$ (3,885)	$ (25,244)	$ (9,021)
Weighted average units used to compute basic EPU	1,236,000	1,240,000	1,236,000	1,240,000
Weighted average units used to compute diluted EPU	1,236,000	1,240,000	1,236,000	1,240,000
Net (loss) per unit from continuing operations	$ (0.35)	$ (3.49)	$ (1.45)	$ (9.19)
Net income per unit from discontinued operations	(0.06)	0.36	(18.98)	1.91
Net (loss)/income per common unit, basic	(0.41)	(3.13)	(20.43)	(7.28)
Net (loss)/income per unit from continuing operations	(0.35)	(3.49)	(1.45)	(9.19)
Net income per unit from discontinued operations	(0.06)	0.36	(18.98)	1.91
Net income per common unit, diluted	$ (0.41)	$ (3.13)	$ (20.43)	$ (7.28)

Major Customers - Summary of Ma

Major Customers - Summary of Major Customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Receivable balance	$ 13,272		$ 13,272		$ 12,597
Revenue	43,415	$ 51,896	124,358	$ 158,334
PPL Corporation [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Receivable balance	1,646		1,646		1,881
Revenue			31,333	24,457
PacifiCorp Energy [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Receivable balance	668		668		$ 1,969
Revenue			14,418	16,831
Big Rivers Electric Corporation [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Receivable balance	$ 1,314		1,314
Revenue			$ 14,044
NRG Energy, Inc [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenue				$ 20,356

Major Customers - Summary of 66

Major Customers - Summary of Major Customers (Details) (Parenthetical)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
PPL Corporation [Member]
Percentage of concentration risk	10.00%	10.00%
PacifiCorp Energy [Member]
Percentage of concentration risk	10.00%	10.00%
Big Rivers Electric Corporation [Member]
Percentage of concentration risk	10.00%
NRG Energy, Inc [Member]
Percentage of concentration risk		10.00%

Supplemental Disclosures of C67

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts Payable [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Property additions	$ 200	$ 100

Supplemental Disclosures of C68

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - Schedule of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Coal properties (incl asset retirement costs)		$ 449,204	$ 484,309
Advance royalties, net of current portion		1,091	753
Other non-current assets - acquired		$ 26,006	$ 26,306
Rhino Eastern [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Coal properties (incl asset retirement costs)	$ 12,104
Advance royalties, net of current portion	4,706
Other non-current assets - acquired	229
Other non-current assets - written off	(642)
Accrued expenses and other	(2,012)
Asset retirement obligations	(1,235)
Net assets acquired	13,150
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates-Rhino Eastern - written off	$ (13,150)

Segment Information (Details Na

Segment Information (Details Narrative) - Segments	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable business segments	4	4

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Reportable Segment Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 43,415	$ 51,896	$ 124,358	$ 158,334
DD&A	6,489	7,838	18,341	24,456
Interest expense	1,904	1,385	5,195	3,652
Net Income (loss) from continuing operations	(3,210)	(10,382)	(9,020)	(26,924)
Central Appalachia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	10,432	14,975	21,673	49,727
DD&A	1,642	2,565	4,951	9,075
Interest expense	536	602	1,795	1,446
Net Income (loss) from continuing operations	(1,544)	(8,436)	(10,126)	(16,359)
Northern Appalachia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	10,974	18,382	31,707	52,469
DD&A	777	1,894	2,541	5,699
Interest expense	57	145	287	381
Net Income (loss) from continuing operations	3,166	1,959	9,006	4,643
Rhino Western [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	7,219	8,698	25,140	27,251
DD&A	1,292	1,593	4,107	4,822
Interest expense	116	97	304	228
Net Income (loss) from continuing operations	(21)	(526)	(649)	(3,055)
Illinois Basin [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	14,576	9,649	45,456	27,411
DD&A	2,638	1,624	6,319	4,274
Interest expense	301	175	762	429
Net Income (loss) from continuing operations	(2,800)	(3,067)	(4,237)	(10,255)
Segment Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	214	192	382	1,476
DD&A	140	162	423	586
Interest expense	895	366	2,047	1,169
Net Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (2,011)	$ (312)	$ (3,014)	$ (1,898)

Subsequent Events (Details Narr

Subsequent Events (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
		Oct. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash distribution	[1]						$ 0.07
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Distribution arrearages outstanding			$ 149,700			$ 149,700
Subsequent Event [Member] | Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of limited partner interest exchange for shares of common stock		234,300
Subsequent Event [Member] | Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. [Member] | Public Offering [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of shares issued		$ 1,953
Proceeds from initial public offering		27
Subordinated Units [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash distribution						$ 0
Common Units [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash distribution						0
Minimum required distributions per unit					$ 0.445	$ 0.445
[1]	No distributions were paid on the subordinated units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015