East Dubuque Nitrogen Partners (RNF) 10-Q 18 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Rentech Nitrogen Partners, L.P.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001525998	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	38,904,944

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash	$20,100	$34,060
Accounts receivable	13,404	7,434
Inventories	33,373	31,102
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,167	4,942
Other receivables	741	2,227
Total current assets	75,785	79,765
Property, plant and equipment, net	235,568	234,359
Construction in progress	48,499	33,531
Other assets	'	'
Goodwill	'	27,202
Intangible assets	21,706	22,298
Debt issuance costs	7,862	8,404
Other assets	763	785
Total other assets	30,331	58,689
Total assets	390,183	406,344
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	12,243	9,793
Payable to general partner	5,132	5,353
Accrued liabilities	12,106	18,444
Deferred revenue	18,598	20,365
Accrued interest	4,507	4,622
Total current liabilities	52,586	58,577
Long-term liabilities	'	'
Debt	320,000	320,000
Asset retirement obligation	2,845	2,822
Other	1,688	1,820
Total long-term liabilities	324,533	324,642
Total liabilities	377,119	383,219
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)	'	'
Partners' Capital	'	'
Common unitholders - 38,893 units issued and 38,889 units outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	11,780	21,816
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,284	1,309
General partner's interest	0	0
Total partners' capital	13,064	23,125
Total liabilities and partners' capital	$390,183	$406,344

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common unitholders, units issued	38,893	38,893
Common unitholders, units outstanding	38,889	38,889

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$113,609	$103,956	$169,889	$163,520
Cost of sales	85,390	64,108	127,906	100,953
Gross profit	28,219	39,848	41,983	62,567
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	4,504	4,901	9,782	9,642
Depreciation and amortization	375	908	708	1,856
Pasadena goodwill impairment	27,202	'	27,202	'
Other (income) expense	228	-7	222	8
Total operating expenses	32,309	5,802	37,914	11,506
Operating income (loss)	-4,090	34,046	4,069	51,061
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net	-4,809	-3,926	-9,813	-5,729
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	-6,001	'	-6,001
Gain on fair value adjustment to earn-out consideration	'	4,823	'	4,611
Other expense, net	'	-96	'	-7
Total other expense, net	-4,809	-5,200	-9,813	-7,126
Income (loss) before income taxes	-8,899	28,846	-5,744	43,935
Income tax expense	25	125	55	205
Net income (loss)	($8,924)	$28,721	($5,799)	$43,730
Basic net income (loss) per common unit allocated to common unitholders	($0.23)	$0.74	($0.15)	$1.12
Diluted net income (loss) per common unit allocated to common unitholders	($0.23)	$0.74	($0.15)	$1.12
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	38,891	38,842	38,890	38,840
Diluted	38,891	38,899	38,890	38,910

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($8,924)	$28,721	($5,799)	$43,730
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Pension and postretirement plan adjustments	-13	2	-25	8
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-13	2	-25	8
Comprehensive income (loss)	($8,937)	$28,723	($5,824)	$43,738

Consolidated_Statement_of_Part

Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital (USD $)	Total	Affiliated Entity [Member]	Non Affiliated Entity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
In Thousands					Affiliated Entity [Member]	Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$23,125	'	'	$21,816	'	'	$1,309
Beginning Balance, Units at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	38,889	'	'	'
Common units	-31	'	'	-31	'	'	'
Common units, Units	'	'	'	4	'	'	'
Distributions to common unitholders	-5,081	-3,023	-2,058	'	-3,023	-2,058	'
Unit-based compensation expense	875	'	'	875	'	'	'
Net loss	-5,799	'	'	-5,799	'	'	'
Other comprehensive loss	-25	'	'	'	'	'	-25
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	$13,064	'	'	$11,780	'	'	$1,284
Ending Balance, Units at Jun. 30, 2014	'	'	'	38,893	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income (loss)	($5,799)	$43,730
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	10,933	7,995
Utilization of spare parts	3,200	1,486
Write-down of inventory	2,761	2,308
Non-cash interest expense	515	519
Pasadena goodwill impairment	27,202	'
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	6,001
Unit-based compensation	875	1,152
Other	748	-193
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-5,970	-147
Inventories	-3,917	-24,786
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,852	-3,152
Other receivables	1,486	-231
Other assets	-1,351	-200
Accounts payable	2,637	-238
Accrued liabilities, accrued payroll and other	-2,702	-5,764
Deferred revenue	-1,766	-9,347
Accrued interest	552	3,481
Net cash provided by operating activities	27,552	22,614
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-35,787	-33,712
Other items	-625	10
Net cash used in investing activities	-36,412	-33,702
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of notes	'	320,000
Proceeds from credit facilities	'	15,600
Payments and retirement of debt	'	-208,890
Payment of debt issuance costs	-19	-8,962
Payment of offering costs	'	-950
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-5,100	68,053
Increase (decrease) in cash	-13,960	56,965
Cash, beginning of period	34,060	55,799
Cash, end of period	20,100	112,764
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and construction in progress in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	5,502	7,289
Affiliates [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Distributions to common unitholders - affiliates	-3,023	-29,063
Non Affiliates [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Distributions to common unitholders - affiliates	($2,058)	($19,682)

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 — Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Rentech Nitrogen Partners, L.P. (the “Partnership”) and its consolidated subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and in compliance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Neither authority requires all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair statement of the Partnership’s financial position as of June 30, 2014, and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014 or any other reporting period. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 17, 2014 (the “Annual Report”).
	The Partnership’s assets consist primarily of all of the equity interests, directly or indirectly held by it, of Rentech Nitrogen, LLC (“RNLLC”), which owns a fertilizer facility in East Dubuque, Illinois (the “East Dubuque Facility”), and Rentech Nitrogen Pasadena, LLC (“RNPLLC”), which owns a fertilizer facility in Pasadena, Texas (the “Pasadena Facility”).
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fair values of cash, receivables, deposits, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities were assumed to approximate carrying value since they are short term and can be settled on demand. These items meet the definition of Level 1 financial instruments as defined in “Note 3 – Fair Value.”
	Accounting guidance establishes accounting and reporting requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. This guidance requires recognition of all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on the Partnership’s balance sheet and measurement of those instruments at fair value. The accounting treatment of changes in fair value is dependent upon whether or not a derivative instrument is designated as a hedge and if so, the type of hedge. The Partnership currently does not designate any of its derivatives as hedges for financial accounting purposes. Gains and losses on derivative instruments not designated as hedges are currently included in earnings and reported under cash from operating activities. The Partnership does not have any master netting agreements or collateral relating to these derivatives.
	The Partnership recognizes the unrealized gains or losses related to the commodity-based derivative instruments in its consolidated financial statements. The Partnership uses commodity-based derivatives to minimize its exposure to the fluctuations in natural gas prices.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. The Partnership tests goodwill for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment may have occurred. The analysis of the potential impairment of goodwill is a two-step process. Step one of the impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with the aggregate carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, step two must be performed to determine the amount, if any, of the goodwill impairment.
	There are significant assumptions involved in performing a goodwill impairment test, which include discount rates, terminal growth rates, future prices of end products and raw materials, terminal values and production volumes. The various valuation methods used (income approach, replacement cost and market approach) are also weighted in determining fair value. See “Note 6 — Goodwill”.
	The Partnership has evaluated events occurring between June 30, 2014 and the date of these financial statements to ensure that such events are properly reflected in these statements.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Note 2 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance that will significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. The Partnership is evaluating the provisions of this guidance and the potential impact, if any, on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Partnership is evaluating the provisions of this guidance and the potential impact, if any, on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	Note 3 — Fair Value
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in a principal or most advantageous market. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on inputs, which refer broadly to assumptions that market participants use in pricing assets or liabilities. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable inputs. The Partnership makes certain assumptions it believes that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk, and the risks inherent in the inputs to valuation techniques. Credit risk of the Partnership and its counterparties is incorporated in the valuation of assets and liabilities. The Partnership believes it uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable market-based inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
	A fair value hierarchy has been established that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value in three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. All assets and liabilities are required to be classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Assessing the significance of a particular input may require judgment considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the asset or liability and its placement within the fair value hierarchy. The Partnership classifies fair value balances based on the fair value hierarchy, defined as follows:
		•		Level 1 — Consists of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Partnership has the ability to access as of the reporting date.
		•		Level 2 — Consists of inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data.
		•		Level 3 — Consists of unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies using inputs that are generally less readily observable and supported by little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best available information and subject to cost-benefit constraints.
	The following table presents the financial instruments that require fair value disclosure as of June 30, 2014.
			Fair Value							Carrying Value
			(in thousands)
			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Liabilities
	Notes		$	326,400		$	—	$	—	$	320,000
	Forward gas contracts			—			529		—		529
	The following table presents the financial instruments that require fair value disclosure as of December 31, 2013.
			Fair Value							Carrying Value
			(in thousands)
			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Liabilities
	Notes		$	318,400		$	—	$	—	$	320,000
	Notes
	The $320.0 million of 6.5% second lien senior secured notes due 2021 (the “Notes”) are deemed to be Level 1 financial instruments because there was an active market for such debt. The fair value of such debt had been determined based on market prices.
	Forward Gas Contracts
	Our East Dubuque Facility enters into forward gas purchase contracts to minimize its exposure to the fluctuations in natural gas prices. The forward gas contracts are deemed to be Level 2 financial instruments because the measurement is based on observable market data. The fair value of such contracts had been determined based on market prices. Gain or loss associated with forward gas contracts is recorded in cost of sales on the consolidated statement of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the amount of unrealized loss recorded was $0.5 million. These forward gas contracts are recorded in accrued liabilities on the balance sheet.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of the Agrifos earn-out consideration, a Level 3 financial instrument, as of June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	4,920
	Add: Unrealized gain			(4,611	)
	Balance at June 30, 2013		$	309
	The levels within the fair value hierarchy at which the Partnership’s financial instruments have been evaluated have not changed for any of the Partnership’s financial instruments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 4 — Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		As of
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Finished goods	$	31,239	$	26,690
	Raw materials		1,856		4,193
	Other		278		219
	Total inventory	$	33,373	$	31,102
	During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Partnership wrote down the value of the Pasadena Facility’s ammonium sulfate inventory by $2.8 million to market value. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, the Partnership wrote down the value of the Pasadena Facility’s ammonium sulfate inventory by $1.8 million to market value. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Partnership wrote down the value of the Pasadena Facility’s ammonium sulfate, sulfur and sulfuric acid inventory by $2.3 million to market value. The various write-downs were reflected in cost of goods sold for the applicable periods.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Note 5 — Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
		As of
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	22,655		$	22,540
	Buildings and building improvements		28,578			27,307
	Machinery and equipment and catalysts		257,958			246,963
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		300			258
	Computer equipment and computer software		3,833			3,759
	Vehicles		186			186
	Other		210			210
			313,720			301,223
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(78,152	)		(66,864	)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	235,568		$	234,359
	The construction in progress balance at June 30, 2014 of $48.5 million, which includes $1.8 million of capitalized interest costs, represents primarily the costs associated with the power generation project and the sulfuric acid converter replacement project.

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Note 6 — Goodwill
	A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at December 31, 2013 – Pasadena	$	27,202
	Goodwill impairment – Pasadena		(27,202	)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	—
	The Partnership tests goodwill assets for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that impairment may have occurred. Management considered the inventory impairment as noted in “Note 4 – Inventories”, negative gross margin and EBITDA in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and revised cash flow projections developed during the three months ended June 30, 2014, taken together as indicators that a potential impairment of the goodwill related to the Pasadena Facility may have occurred. Factors that affect cash flow include, but are not limited to, product prices; product sales volumes; feedstock prices, labor, maintenance, and other operating costs; required capital expenditures, and plant productivity.
	Cash flow projections decreased primarily because of a decline in forecasted product margins. The reduction of prices in the forecast was the result of an evaluation of many factors, including recent deterioration in reported margins. Average sales prices per ton dropped by 30% for ammonium sulfate and by 3% for sulfuric acid for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as compared with the same period last year. A global decline in nitrogen prices, along with higher exports of ammonium sulfate from China, put downward pressure on ammonium sulfate prices. The additional supplies from China originate from new plants that produce ammonium sulfate as a by-product of caprolactam. Current prices for ammonia and sulfur, key inputs for ammonium sulfate, have increased significantly during the second quarter. Global ammonia supplies are tight, supported by production issues in Egypt, Algeria, Trinidad and Qatar, as well as political issues in Libya and Ukraine.
	The analysis of the potential impairment of goodwill is a two-step process. Step one of the impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with the aggregate carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, step two must be performed to determine the amount, if any, of the goodwill impairment. Step one of the goodwill impairment test involves a high degree of judgment and consists of a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its book value. The fair value of the Pasadena reporting unit is based upon various assumptions and is based primarily on the discounted cash flows that the business can be expected to generate in the future (the “Income Approach”). The Income Approach valuation method requires the Company to make projections of revenue and costs over a multi-year period. Additionally, the Partnership made an estimate of a weighted average cost of capital that a market participant would use as a discount rate. The Partnership also considers other valuation methods including the replacement cost and market approach. Based upon its analysis of the fair value of the Pasadena reporting unit, the Partnership believes it is probable that the Pasadena reporting unit had a carrying value in excess of its fair value at June 30, 2014. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in accounting guidance.
	Step two of the goodwill impairment test consists of comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill against the carrying value of the goodwill. The estimated difference between the fair value of the entire reporting unit as determined in step one and the net fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities represents the implied fair value of goodwill. The valuation of assets and liabilities in step two is performed only for purposes of assessing goodwill for impairment and the Partnership did not adjust the net book value of the assets and liabilities on its balance sheet other than goodwill as a result of this process. The estimated difference between fair value of the entire reporting unit as determined in step one and the net fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities represents the implied fair value of goodwill. Completion of step two of the goodwill impairment test indicated no remaining residual value of goodwill and resulted in the Partnership recording an impairment charge of $27.2 million. The goodwill impairment was primarily the result of a decrease in the implied fair value of the Pasadena reporting unit. A deterioration in projected cash flows and an increase in the rate used to discount such cash flows contributed to this decrease. In addition, the implied residual value of goodwill decreased because of an increase in the amount of invested capital at the Pasadena Facility, which primarily was the result of capital expenditures for the power generation project and expenditures to replace the sulfuric acid converter.
	Significant effort is required to determine the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill in step two of the goodwill impairment test and although the Partnership is unable to fully complete the process before filing this report, the $27.2 million impairment is its best estimate of the probable loss which will be finalized in the third quarter of 2014.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Note 7 — Debt
	Credit Agreement
	On April 12, 2013, the Partnership and Rentech Nitrogen Finance Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership, entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement consisted of a $35.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Partnership had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. See “Note 14 — Subsequent Events” regarding the incurrence of additional debt and the termination of the Credit Agreement subsequent to June 30, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 8 — Commitments and Contingencies
	Natural Gas Forward Purchase Contracts
	The Partnership’s policy and practice are to enter into fixed-price forward purchase contracts for natural gas in conjunction with contracted nitrogen fertilizer product sales in order to substantially fix gross margin on those product sales contracts. The Partnership may also enter into a limited amount of additional fixed-price forward purchase contracts for natural gas in order to minimize monthly and seasonal gas price volatility. The Partnership occasionally enters into index-price contracts for the purchase of natural gas. The Partnership has entered into multiple natural gas forward purchase contracts for various delivery dates through April 30, 2015. Commitments for natural gas purchases consist of the following:
		As of
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands, except weighted
		average rate)
	MMBtus under fixed-price contracts		4,580		2,071
	MMBtus under index-price contracts		—		81
	Total MMBtus under contracts		4,580		2,152
	Commitments to purchase natural gas	$	21,550	$	8,571
	Weighted average rate per MMBtu based on the fixed rates and the indexes applicable to each contract	$	4.71	$	3.98
	During July 2014, the Partnership entered into additional fixed-quantity forward purchase contracts at fixed and indexed prices for various delivery dates through December 31, 2014. The total MMBtus associated with these additional forward purchase contracts are 0.8 million and the total amount of the purchase commitments is $3.3 million, resulting in a weighted average rate per MMBtu of $4.29 in these new commitments. The Partnership is required to make additional prepayments under these forward purchase contracts in the event that market prices fall below the purchase prices in the contracts.
	Contractual Obligations
	On April 17, 2013, RNPLLC entered into an engineering, procurement and construction contract (the “EPC Contract”) with Abeinsa Abener Teyma General Partnership (“Abeinsa”). The EPC Contract provides for Abeinsa to be the contractor on the power generation project at the Pasadena Facility. The value of the contract is $25.0 million and the project is expected to be completed by late 2014. As of June 30, 2014, the Partnership has paid $19.0 million and accrued an additional $1.0 million under the EPC contract.
	Litigation
	The Partnership is party to litigation from time to time in the normal course of business. The Partnership accrues legal liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably estimate the amount of such costs. In cases where the Partnership determines that it is not probable, but reasonably possible that it has a material obligation, it discloses such obligations and the possible loss or range of loss, if such estimate can be made. While the outcome of the Partnership’s current matters are not estimable or probable, the Partnership maintains insurance to cover certain actions and believes that resolution of its current litigation matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial statements.
	Regulation
	The Partnership’s business is subject to extensive and frequently changing federal, state and local, environmental, health and safety regulations governing a wide range of matters, including the emission of air pollutants, the release of hazardous substances into the environment, the treatment and discharge of waste water and the storage, handling, use and transportation of the Partnership’s fertilizer products, raw materials, and other substances that are part of our operations. These laws include the Clean Air Act (the “CAA”), the federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and various other federal, state and local laws and regulations. The laws and regulations to which the Partnership is subject are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. The ultimate impact on the Partnership’s business of complying with existing laws and regulations is not always clearly known or determinable due in part to the fact that the Partnership’s operations may change over time and certain implementing regulations for laws, such as the CAA, have not yet been finalized, are under governmental or judicial review or are being revised. These laws and regulations could result in increased capital, operating and compliance costs.

Partners_Capital_and_Partnersh

Partners' Capital and Partnership Distributions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Partners' Capital and Partnership Distributions	'
	Note 9 — Partners’ Capital and Partnership Distributions
	The Partnership’s policy is to distribute all of the cash available for distribution that it generates each quarter. Cash available for distribution for each quarter will be determined by the board of directors (the “Board”) of the Partnership’s general partner (the “General Partner”) following the end of each quarter. The Partnership expects that cash available for distribution for each quarter will generally be calculated as the cash it generates during the quarter, less cash needed for maintenance capital expenditures not funded by capital proceeds, debt service and other contractual obligations, and any increases in cash reserves for future operating or capital needs that the Board of the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate. Increases or decreases in such reserves may be determined at any time by the Board of the General Partner as it considers, among other things, the cash flows or cash needs expected in approaching periods. The Partnership does not intend to maintain excess distribution coverage for the purpose of maintaining stability or growth in its quarterly distribution, nor does it intend to incur debt to pay quarterly distributions. The Partnership has no legal obligation to pay distributions. Distributions are not required by the Partnership’s partnership agreement and the Partnership’s distribution policy is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Board of the General Partner. Any distributions made by the Partnership to its unitholders will be done on a pro rata basis. At June 30, 2014, the Partnership had outstanding 187,000 unit-settled phantom units. Each phantom unit entitles the holder to payments in amounts equal to the amounts of any distributions made to an outstanding unit by the Partnership. Payments to outstanding phantom units are not subtracted from operating cash flow in the calculation of cash available for distribution, but the payments made to phantom unitholders are recorded as distributions for accounting purposes. For information on the announcement of cash distributions refer to “Note 14 — Subsequent Events”.
	The following is a summary of cash distributions paid to common unitholders and holders of phantom units during the six months ended June 30, 2014 for the respective quarter to which the distributions relate:
		December 31,		March 31,		Total Cash
		2013		2014		Distributions
						Paid in 2014
		(in thousands, except for per unit amounts)
	Distribution to common unitholders — affiliates	$	1,162	$	1,861	$	3,023
	Distribution to common unitholders — non-affiliates		792		1,266		2,058
	Total amount paid	$	1,954	$	3,127	$	5,081
	Per common unit	$	0.05	$	0.08	$	0.13
	Common and phantom units outstanding		39,081		39,081

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 10 — Income Taxes
	The Partnership and its subsidiaries are not directly subject to federal and state income taxes. Instead, their taxable income or loss is allocated to their individual partners or members. However, the Partnership and its subsidiaries are subject to Illinois replacement tax, Texas margin tax and California annual minimum franchise tax. For the three months ended June 30, 2014, Illinois replacement tax benefit of $2,000 and Texas margin tax expense of $27,000 were recorded. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, Illinois replacement tax expense of $1,000 and Texas margin tax expense of $54,000 were recorded.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 11 — Segment Information
	The Partnership operates in two business segments, as described below:
		•		East Dubuque – The operations of the East Dubuque Facility, which produces primarily ammonia and urea ammonium nitrate solution (“UAN”).
		•		Pasadena – The operations of the Pasadena Facility, which produces primarily ammonium sulfate.
	The Partnership’s reportable operating segments have been determined in accordance with the Partnership’s internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities. The Partnership evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment-operating income.
			For the Three Months Ended June 30,						For the Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Revenues
	East Dubuque		$	73,943		$	61,717		$	102,434		$	96,266
	Pasadena			39,666			42,239			67,455			67,254
	Total revenues		$	113,609		$	103,956		$	169,889		$	163,520
	Operating income (loss)
	East Dubuque		$	31,598		$	36,370		$	42,832		$	53,683
	Pasadena			(33,519	)		138			(34,278	)		1,994
	Total segment operating income(loss)		$	(1,921	)	$	36,508		$	8,554		$	55,677
	Net income (loss)
	East Dubuque		$	31,578		$	36,044		$	42,787		$	53,314
	Pasadena			(33,546	)		34			(34,332	)		1,850
	Total segment net income (loss)		$	(1,968	)	$	36,078		$	8,455		$	55,164
	Reconciliation of segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss):
	Segment net income (loss)		$	(1,968	)	$	36,078		$	8,455		$	55,164
	RNP – partnership and unallocated expenses recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses			(2,169	)		(2,462	)		(4,485	)		(4,616	)
	RNP – partnership and unallocated expenses recorded as other expense			—			(1,178	)		—			(1,390	)
	RNP – unallocated interest expense and loss on interest rate swaps			(4,787	)		(4,019	)		(9,769	)		(5,730	)
	RNP – Income tax benefit			—			302			—			302
	Consolidated net income (loss)		$	(8,924	)	$	28,721		$	(5,799	)	$	43,730
			As of			As of
			June 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Total assets
	East Dubuque		$	184,368		$	175,430
	Pasadena			179,350			188,836
	Total segment assets		$	363,718		$	364,266
	Reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:
	Segment total assets		$	363,718		$	364,266
	Partnership and other			26,465			42,078
	Consolidated total assets		$	390,183		$	406,344

Net_Income_Per_Common_Unit

Net Income Per Common Unit	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Common Unit	'
	Note 12 — Net Income Per Common Unit
	The Partnership’s net income is allocated wholly to the common unitholders since the General Partner has a non-economic interest.
	Basic income per common unit allocated to common unitholders is calculated by dividing net income allocated to common unitholders by the weighted average number of common units outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per common unit allocated to common unitholders is calculated by dividing net income allocated to common unitholders by the weighted average number of common units outstanding plus the dilutive effect, calculated using the “treasury stock” method for the unvested phantom units. Phantom units are settled for common units upon vesting and are issued in tandem with distribution rights during the vesting period.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common unit (in thousands, except for per unit data).
		For the Three Months Ended					For the Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	(8,924	)	$	28,721	$	(5,799	)	$	43,730
	Less: Income allocated to unvested units		15			115		25			194
	Net income (loss) allocated to common unitholders	$	(8,939	)	$	28,606	$	(5,824	)	$	43,536
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common units outstanding		38,891			38,842		38,890			38,840
	Effect of dilutive units:
	Phantom units		—			57		—			70
	Diluted units outstanding		38,891			38,899		38,890			38,910
	Basic net income (loss) per common unit	$	(0.23	)	$	0.74	$	(0.15	)	$	1.12
	Diluted net income (loss) per common unit	$	(0.23	)	$	0.74	$	(0.15	)	$	1.12
	For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, 187,000 phantom units were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common unit because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, no phantom units were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common unit because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Parties	'
	Note 13 — Related Parties
	The Partnership, the General Partner and Rentech, Inc. (“Rentech”) have entered into a services agreement, pursuant to which the Partnership and the General Partner obtain certain management and other services from Rentech. Under the services agreement, the Partnership, its subsidiaries and the General Partner are obligated to reimburse Rentech for (i) all costs, excluding share-based compensation, incurred by Rentech or its affiliates in connection with the employment of its employees who are seconded to the Partnership and who provide the Partnership services under the agreement on a full-time basis; (ii) a prorated share of costs, excluding share-based compensation, incurred by Rentech or its affiliates in connection with the employment of its employees, excluding seconded personnel, who provide the Partnership services under the agreement on a part-time basis, with such prorated share determined by Rentech on a commercially reasonable basis, based on the estimated percent of total working time that such personnel are engaged in performing services for the Partnership; (iii) a prorated share of certain administrative costs, in accordance with the agreement, including office costs, services by outside vendors, other general and administrative costs; and (iv) any taxes (other than income taxes, gross receipt taxes and similar taxes) incurred by Rentech or its affiliates for the services provided under the agreement. In accordance with the services agreement, Rentech billed the Partnership $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, and $8.8 million for the same period last year. Rentech billed the Partnership $4.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, and $12.8 million for the same period last year. In 2014, some vendors were billing directly to the Partnership, instead of Rentech.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 14 — Subsequent Events
	GE Credit Agreement
	On July 22, 2014, the Partnership replaced the Credit Agreement by entering into a new credit agreement (the “GE Credit Agreement”) by and among the Partnership and Finance Corporation as borrowers (the “Borrowers”), certain subsidiaries of the Partnership, as guarantors, General Electric Capital Corporation, for itself as agent for the lenders party thereto, the other financial institutions party thereto, and GE Capital Markets, Inc., as sole lead arranger and bookrunner.
	The GE Credit Agreement consists of a $50.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a $10.0 million letter of credit sublimit. The Partnership expects that the GE Credit Agreement will be used to fund growth projects, working capital needs, letters of credit and for other general partnership purposes.
	Borrowings under the GE Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Borrowers’ option, either (a) in the case of base rate borrowings, a rate equal to the highest of (1) the prime rate, (2) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (3) LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% or (b) in the case of LIBOR borrowings, the offered rate per annum for deposits of dollars for the applicable interest period on the day that is two business days prior to the first day of such interest period. The applicable margin for borrowings under the GE Credit Agreement is 2.25% with respect to base rate borrowings and 3.25% with respect to LIBOR borrowings.
	The Borrowers are required to pay a fee to the lenders under the GE Credit Agreement on the average undrawn available portion of the Credit Facility at a rate equal to 0.50% per annum. If letters of credit are issued, the Borrowers will also pay a fee to the lenders under the GE Credit Agreement at a rate equal to the product of the average daily undrawn face amount of all letters of credit issued, guaranteed or supported by risk participation agreements multiplied by a per annum rate equal to the applicable margin with respect to LIBOR borrowings. The Borrowers are also required to pay customary letter of credit fees on issued letters of credit. In the event the Borrowers reduce or terminate the commitments under the Credit Facility on or prior to the 18-month anniversary of the closing date, the Borrowers shall pay a prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the amount of the commitment reduction.
	The GE Credit Agreement terminates on July 22, 2019. The Borrowers may voluntarily prepay their utilization and/or permanently cancel all or part of the available commitments under the GE Credit Agreement in minimum increments of $5.0 million (subject to the prepayment fee described above). Amounts repaid may be reborrowed. Borrowings under the GE Credit Agreement are subject to mandatory prepayment under certain circumstances, with customary exceptions, from the proceeds of permitted dispositions of assets and from certain insurance and condemnation proceeds.
	RNLLC, RNPLLC and Rentech Nitrogen Pasadena Holdings, LLC guarantee the GE Credit Agreement. The obligations under the GE Credit Agreement and the subsidiary guarantees thereof are secured by the same collateral securing the Notes, which includes substantially all the assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries. After the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, proceeds of any collection, sale, foreclosure or other realization upon any collateral will be applied to repay obligations under the GE Credit Agreement and the subsidiary guarantees thereof to the extent secured by the collateral before any such proceeds are applied to repay obligations under the Notes.
	The GE Credit Agreement contains a number of customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The covenants include, among other things, compliance with environmental laws, limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, the making of investments, the sale of assets and the making of restricted payments. In the event that, on a pro forma basis, less than 30% of the commitment amount is available for borrowing on any distribution date, then in order to make a distribution on such date (a) the Partnership must maintain a first lien leverage ratio no greater than 1.0 to 1 on a pro forma basis and (b) the sum of (i) the undrawn amount under the Credit Facility and (ii) cash maintained by the Partnership and its subsidiaries in collateral deposit accounts must be at least $5 million (after giving effect to the distribution). In addition, before the Partnership can make distributions, there cannot be any default under the GE Credit Agreement. The GE Credit Agreement also contains a requirement that the Partnership maintain a first lien leverage ratio not to exceed 1.0 to 1 at the end of each fiscal quarter where less than 30% of the commitment is available for drawing under the Credit Facility or a default has occurred and is continuing.
	Distributions
	On August 5, 2014, the Board of the General Partner declared a cash distribution to its common unitholders for the period April 1, 2014 through and including June 30, 2014 of $0.13 per unit, which will result in total distributions in the amount of $5.1 million, including payments to phantom unitholders. The cash distribution will be paid on August 29, 2014 to unitholders of record at the close of business on August 22, 2014.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. The Partnership tests goodwill for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment may have occurred. The analysis of the potential impairment of goodwill is a two-step process. Step one of the impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with the aggregate carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, step two must be performed to determine the amount, if any, of the goodwill impairment.
	There are significant assumptions involved in performing a goodwill impairment test, which include discount rates, terminal growth rates, future prices of end products and raw materials, terminal values and production volumes. The various valuation methods used (income approach, replacement cost and market approach) are also weighted in determining fair value. See “Note 6 — Goodwill”.
	The Partnership has evaluated events occurring between June 30, 2014 and the date of these financial statements to ensure that such events are properly reflected in these statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance that will significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. The Partnership is evaluating the provisions of this guidance and the potential impact, if any, on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Partnership is evaluating the provisions of this guidance and the potential impact, if any, on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosure	'
	The following table presents the financial instruments that require fair value disclosure as of June 30, 2014.
		Fair Value							Carrying Value
		(in thousands)
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Liabilities
	Notes	$	326,400		$	—	$	—	$	320,000
	Forward gas contracts		—			529		—		529
	The following table presents the financial instruments that require fair value disclosure as of December 31, 2013.
		Fair Value							Carrying Value
		(in thousands)
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Liabilities
	Notes	$	318,400		$	—	$	—	$	320,000
Reconciliation of the Change in the Carrying Value of Agrifos Earn-out Consideration	'
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of the Agrifos earn-out consideration, a Level 3 financial instrument, as of June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	4,920
	Add: Unrealized gain		(4,611	)
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	309

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		As of
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Finished goods	$	31,239	$	26,690
	Raw materials		1,856		4,193
	Other		278		219
	Total inventory	$	33,373	$	31,102

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
		As of
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	22,655		$	22,540
	Buildings and building improvements		28,578			27,307
	Machinery and equipment and catalysts		257,958			246,963
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		300			258
	Computer equipment and computer software		3,833			3,759
	Vehicles		186			186
	Other		210			210
			313,720			301,223
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(78,152	)		(66,864	)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	235,568		$	234,359

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Change in Carrying Value of Goodwill	'
	A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at December 31, 2013 – Pasadena	$	27,202
	Goodwill impairment – Pasadena		(27,202	)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	—

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Commitments to Purchase Natural Gas	'
	Commitments for natural gas purchases consist of the following:
		As of
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands, except weighted
		average rate)
	MMBtus under fixed-price contracts		4,580		2,071
	MMBtus under index-price contracts		—		81
	Total MMBtus under contracts		4,580		2,152
	Commitments to purchase natural gas	$	21,550	$	8,571
	Weighted average rate per MMBtu based on the fixed rates and the indexes applicable to each contract	$	4.71	$	3.98

Partners_Capital_and_Partnersh1

Partners' Capital and Partnership Distributions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash Distributions Made to Partners by Distribution	'
	The following is a summary of cash distributions paid to common unitholders and holders of phantom units during the six months ended June 30, 2014 for the respective quarter to which the distributions relate:
		December 31,		March 31,		Total Cash
		2013		2014		Distributions
						Paid in 2014
		(in thousands, except for per unit amounts)
	Distribution to common unitholders — affiliates	$	1,162	$	1,861	$	3,023
	Distribution to common unitholders — non-affiliates		792		1,266		2,058
	Total amount paid	$	1,954	$	3,127	$	5,081
	Per common unit	$	0.05	$	0.08	$	0.13
	Common and phantom units outstanding		39,081		39,081

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Evaluation of Performance Based on Several Factors	'
	The Partnership evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment-operating income.
		For the Three Months Ended June 30,						For the Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Revenues
	East Dubuque	$	73,943		$	61,717		$	102,434		$	96,266
	Pasadena		39,666			42,239			67,455			67,254
	Total revenues	$	113,609		$	103,956		$	169,889		$	163,520
	Operating income (loss)
	East Dubuque	$	31,598		$	36,370		$	42,832		$	53,683
	Pasadena		(33,519	)		138			(34,278	)		1,994
	Total segment operating income(loss)	$	(1,921	)	$	36,508		$	8,554		$	55,677
	Net income (loss)
	East Dubuque	$	31,578		$	36,044		$	42,787		$	53,314
	Pasadena		(33,546	)		34			(34,332	)		1,850
	Total segment net income (loss)	$	(1,968	)	$	36,078		$	8,455		$	55,164
	Reconciliation of segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss):
	Segment net income (loss)	$	(1,968	)	$	36,078		$	8,455		$	55,164
	RNP – partnership and unallocated expenses recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses		(2,169	)		(2,462	)		(4,485	)		(4,616	)
	RNP – partnership and unallocated expenses recorded as other expense		—			(1,178	)		—			(1,390	)
	RNP – unallocated interest expense and loss on interest rate swaps		(4,787	)		(4,019	)		(9,769	)		(5,730	)
	RNP – Income tax benefit		—			302			—			302
	Consolidated net income (loss)	$	(8,924	)	$	28,721		$	(5,799	)	$	43,730
		As of			As of
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Total assets
	East Dubuque	$	184,368		$	175,430
	Pasadena		179,350			188,836
	Total segment assets	$	363,718		$	364,266
	Reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:
	Segment total assets	$	363,718		$	364,266
	Partnership and other		26,465			42,078
	Consolidated total assets	$	390,183		$	406,344

Net_Income_Per_Common_Unit_Tab

Net Income Per Common Unit (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Unit	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common unit (in thousands, except for per unit data).
		For the Three Months Ended					For the Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	(8,924	)	$	28,721	$	(5,799	)	$	43,730
	Less: Income allocated to unvested units		15			115		25			194
	Net income (loss) allocated to common unitholders	$	(8,939	)	$	28,606	$	(5,824	)	$	43,536
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common units outstanding		38,891			38,842		38,890			38,840
	Effect of dilutive units:
	Phantom units		—			57		—			70
	Diluted units outstanding		38,891			38,899		38,890			38,910
	Basic net income (loss) per common unit	$	(0.23	)	$	0.74	$	(0.15	)	$	1.12
	Diluted net income (loss) per common unit	$	(0.23	)	$	0.74	$	(0.15	)	$	1.12

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Disclosu

Fair Value - Fair Value Disclosure (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities	'	'
Notes	$320,000	$320,000
Forward gas contracts	529	'
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Notes	326,400	318,400
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Notes	'	'
Forward gas contracts	529	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Notes	'	'
Forward gas contracts	'	'

Fair_Value_Additional_Informat

Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
			Forward Contracts [Member]	Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Senior secured notes interest percentage	6.50%	'	'	'
Senior secured notes issued	$320,000,000	$320,000,000	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss)	'	'	($500,000)	($500,000)

Fair_Value_Reconciliation_of_t

Fair Value - Reconciliation of the Change in the Carrying Value of Agrifos Earn-out Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Add: Unrealized gain	($4,823)	($4,611)
Agrifos [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	4,920
Add: Unrealized gain	'	-4,611
Ending Balance	$309	$309

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$31,239	$26,690
Raw materials	1,856	4,193
Other	278	219
Total inventory	$33,373	$31,102

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Write down Inventory	'	'	$2,761	$2,308
Pasadena [Member] | Ammonium Sulfate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Write down Inventory	$2,800	$1,800	$2,800	$2,300

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$313,720	$301,223
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-78,152	-66,864
Total property, plant and equipment, net	235,568	234,359
Land and Land Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	22,655	22,540
Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	28,578	27,307
Machinery Equipment and Catalysts [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	257,958	246,963
Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	300	258
Computers Equipment And Software [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	3,833	3,759
Vehicles [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	186	186
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$210	$210

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life And Values [Abstract]	'	'
Construction in progress	$48,499,000	$33,531,000
Capitalized interest costs	$1,800,000	'

Goodwill_Reconciliation_of_Cha

Goodwill - Reconciliation of Change in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill impairment - Pasadena	($27,202)	($27,202)
Goodwill, Ending balance	'	27,202
Pasadena [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning balance	27,202	27,202
Goodwill impairment - Pasadena	'	-27,202
Goodwill, Ending balance	'	$0

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
			Ammonium Sulfate [Member]	Sulfuric Acid [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of decrease in sales price per ton	'	'	30.00%	3.00%	'
Goodwill impairment charge	$27,202	$27,202	'	'	$27,200

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 12, 2013
			2013 Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Multiple draw term loan	'	'	$35,000,000
Outstanding borrowings under credit agreement	$0	$0	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Commitments to Purchase Natural Gas (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	MMBTU	MMBTU
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Line Items]	'	'
Total MMBtus associated with additional forward purchase contracts	4,580,000	2,152,000
Commitments to purchase natural gas	$21,550	$8,571
Weighted average rate per MMBtu	4.71	3.98
MMBtus Under Fixed-Price Contracts [Member]	'	'
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Line Items]	'	'
Total MMBtus associated with additional forward purchase contracts	4,580,000	2,071,000
MMBtus Under Index-Price Contracts [Member]	'	'
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Line Items]	'	'
Total MMBtus associated with additional forward purchase contracts	'	81,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 17, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
	MMBTU	MMBTU		Subsequent Event [Member]	Fixed Quantity Forward Purchase Contracts [Member]
					Subsequent Event [Member]
					MMBTU
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total MMBtus associated with additional forward purchase contracts	4,580,000	2,152,000	'	'	800,000
Purchase commitments	'	'	'	$3.30	'
Weighted average rate per MMBtu	4.71	3.98	'	'	4.29
Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract value	'	'	25	'	'
Payment of contractual obligation	19	'	'	'	'
Accrued contractual obligation	$1	'	'	'	'

Partners_Capital_and_Partnersh2

Partners' Capital and Partnership Distributions - Additional Information (Detail) (Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member])	Jun. 30, 2014
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member]	'
Partnership Equity And Distribution [Line Items]	'
Settled phantom units	187,000

Partners_Capital_and_Partnersh3

Partners' Capital and Partnership Distributions - Schedule of Cash Distributions Made to Partners by Distribution (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution to common unitholders	$3,127	$5,081	$1,954
Per common unit	$0.08	$0.13	$0.05
Common and phantom units outstanding	39,081	'	39,081
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution to common unitholders	1,861	3,023	1,162
Non Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution to common unitholders	$1,266	$2,058	$792

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Illinois [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
State income tax (benefit) expense	($2,000)	$1,000
Texas [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
State income tax (benefit) expense	$27,000	$54,000

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	2

Segment_Information_Evaluation

Segment Information - Evaluation of Performance Based on Several Factors (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$113,609	$103,956	$169,889	$163,520	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-4,090	34,046	4,069	51,061	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-8,924	28,721	-5,799	43,730	'
Reconciliation of segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-8,924	28,721	-5,799	43,730	'
Total selling, general and administrative expense	-4,504	-4,901	-9,782	-9,642	'
Other expense	228	-7	222	8	'
Interest expense	-4,809	-3,926	-9,813	-5,729	'
Income tax benefit	-25	-125	-55	-205	'
Net income (loss)	-8,924	28,721	-5,799	43,730	'
Total assets	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	390,183	'	390,183	'	406,344
Reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Partnership and other	26,465	'	26,465	'	42,078
Total assets	390,183	'	390,183	'	406,344
Segment net income (loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	113,609	103,956	169,889	163,520	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-1,921	36,508	8,554	55,677	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-1,968	36,078	8,455	55,164	'
Reconciliation of segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-1,968	36,078	8,455	55,164	'
Net income (loss)	-1,968	36,078	8,455	55,164	'
Total assets	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	363,718	'	363,718	'	364,266
Reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	363,718	'	363,718	'	364,266
East Dubuque [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	73,943	61,717	102,434	96,266	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	31,598	36,370	42,832	53,683	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	31,578	36,044	42,787	53,314	'
Reconciliation of segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	31,578	36,044	42,787	53,314	'
Net income (loss)	31,578	36,044	42,787	53,314	'
Total assets	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	184,368	'	184,368	'	175,430
Reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	184,368	'	184,368	'	175,430
Pasadena [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	39,666	42,239	67,455	67,254	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-33,519	138	-34,278	1,994	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-33,546	34	-34,332	1,850	'
Reconciliation of segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-33,546	34	-34,332	1,850	'
Net income (loss)	-33,546	34	-34,332	1,850	'
Total assets	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	179,350	'	179,350	'	188,836
Reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	179,350	'	179,350	'	188,836
Reportable Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	363,718	'	363,718	'	364,266
Reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	363,718	'	363,718	'	364,266
RNP Corporate Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Total selling, general and administrative expense	-2,169	-2,462	-4,485	-4,616	'
Other expense	'	-1,178	'	-1,390	'
Interest expense	-4,787	-4,019	-9,769	-5,730	'
Income tax benefit	'	$302	'	$302	'

Net_Income_Per_Common_Unit_Bas

Net Income Per Common Unit - Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Unit (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($8,924)	$28,721	($5,799)	$43,730
Less: Income allocated to unvested units	15	115	25	194
Net income (loss) allocated to common unitholders	($8,939)	$28,606	($5,824)	$43,536
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common units outstanding	38,891	38,842	38,890	38,840
Effect of dilutive units:	'	'	'	'
Phantom units	'	57	'	70
Diluted units outstanding	38,891	38,899	38,890	38,910
Basic net income (loss) per common unit	($0.23)	$0.74	($0.15)	$1.12
Diluted net income (loss) per common unit	($0.23)	$0.74	($0.15)	$1.12

Net_Income_Per_Common_Unit_Add

Net Income Per Common Unit - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Phantom units excluded from calculation of diluted net income per common unit	187,000	0	187,000	0

Related_Parties_Additional_Inf

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) (Partnership [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Partnership [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Partnership billed related to services agreement	$1.60	$8.80	$4.20	$12.80

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 05, 2014	Jul. 22, 2014	Jul. 22, 2014	Jul. 22, 2014
	GE Credit Agreement [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			GE Credit Agreement [Member]	GE Credit Agreement [Member]	GE Credit Agreement [Member]
				Base Rate [Member]	LIBOR [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Credit agreement date	22-Jul-14	'	'	'	'
Senior secured revolving credit facility	'	'	$50	'	'
Amount of letter of credit sublimit	'	'	10	'	'
Federal funds rate plus	'	'	'	0.50%	'
LIBOR for an interest period	'	'	'	'	1.00%
Applicable interest period	'	'	'two business days prior to the first day of such interest period	'	'
Credit Agreement base rate borrowings	'	'	2.25%	'	'
Credit Agreement LIBOR borrowings	'	'	'	'	3.25%
Credit agreement on the average undrawn available portion of the credit facility	'	'	0.50%	'	'
Borrowers reduce or terminate the commitments	'18 months	'	'	'	'
Borrowers shall pay a prepayment fee	'	'	1.00%	'	'
Agreement terminates	22-Jul-19	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility minimum commitment fee amount	'	'	5	'	'
Available borrowing credit facility	'	'	30.00%	'	'
Net leverage ratio maximum limit	'	'	1	'	'
Collateral deposit	'	'	5	'	'
Date of declaration for distribution of cash to partnership's common unitholders	'	5-Aug-14	'	'	'
Cash distribution per unit declared to the partnership's common unitholders	'	$0.13	'	'	'
Total distributions to partnership's common unitholders	'	$5.10	'	'	'
Date of distribution for distribution of cash to partnership's common unitholders	'	29-Aug-14	'	'	'
Limited partner distribution record date	'	22-Aug-14	'	'	'