Walter Energy 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Walter Energy, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	837173
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		80,746,088
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$434,706	$468,532
Trade receivables, net	89,498	91,057
Other receivables	126,248	127,037
Inventories	172,335	201,598
Deferred income taxes	16,817	16,819
Prepaid expenses	40,161	46,190
Other current assets	8,966	9,285
Total current assets	888,731	960,518
Mineral interests, net	2,819,740	2,836,801
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,424,047	1,466,297
Other long-term assets	69,919	67,748
Total assets	5,202,437	5,331,364
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	47,547	38,980
Accrued expenses	155,645	125,318
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	29,410	29,032
Other current liabilities	213,597	215,952
Current debt	3,015,274	12,327
Total current liabilities	3,461,473	421,609
Long-term debt	0	3,068,878
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	643,453	641,231
Deferred income taxes	704,704	730,685
Other long-term liabilities	195,658	187,380
Total liabilities	5,005,288	5,049,783
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share: Authorized—20,000,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share: Authorized—200,000,000 shares; issued 80,723,701 and 71,978,113 shares, respectively	807	720
Capital in excess of par value	1,678,710	1,668,407
Accumulated deficit	-1,249,694	-1,169,498
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-232,674	-218,048
Total stockholders' equity	197,149	281,581
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$5,202,437	$5,331,364

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, Authorized shares	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, Authorized shares	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	80,723,701	71,978,113

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Sales	$285,646	$405,229
Miscellaneous income	5,280	8,656
Total revenues	290,926	413,885
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	284,693	349,875
Depreciation and depletion	59,182	76,424
Selling, general and administrative	21,061	20,779
Other postretirement benefits	12,333	13,869
Total costs and expenses	377,269	460,947
Operating loss	-86,343	-47,062
Interest expense, net	-78,236	-65,432
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	58,626	-13,889
Other loss	0	-1,756
Loss before income tax benefit	-105,953	-128,139
Income tax benefit	25,757	35,961
Net loss	($80,196)	($92,178)
Basic and diluted net loss per share (in usd per share)	($1.08)	($1.47)
Dividends per share (in usd per share)	$0	$0.01

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($80,196)	($92,178)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in pension and postretirement benefit plans (net of tax: $2,442 and $2,168, respectively)	3,699	3,519
Change in unrealized gain on hedges (net of tax: $1,304)	0	1,679
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	-18,325	2,164
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-14,626	7,362
Total comprehensive loss	($94,822)	($84,816)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in pension and postretirement benefit plans (net of tax: $2,442 and $2,168, respectively)	$2,442	$2,168
Change in unrealized gain on hedges (net of tax: $1,304)	$0	$1,304

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$281,581	$720	$1,668,407	($1,169,498)	($218,048)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net loss	-80,196	0	0	-80,196	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-14,626	0	0	0	-14,626
Stock based compensation	3,440	0	3,440	0	0
Issuance of common stock in connection with the extinguishment of debt	7,007	87	6,920	0	0
Other	-57	0	-57	0	0
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$197,149	$807	$1,678,710	($1,249,694)	($232,674)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	($80,196)	($92,178)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and depletion	59,182	76,424
Deferred income tax benefit	-25,596	-33,369
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount, net	3,551	4,602
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt	-58,626	13,889
Other	18,832	6,847
Decrease in current assets:
Trade receivables, net	1,475	21,987
Other receivables	783	4,840
Inventories	21,913	3,943
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,235	9,735
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,324	-25,253
Accrued interest	44,336	27,034
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-14,112	16,889
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	-12,899	35,390
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-17,367	-12,281
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,329	0
Other	356	-151
Cash flows used in investing activities	-15,682	-12,432
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	553,000
Retirements of debt	-3,495	-409,924
Dividends paid	0	-626
Debt issuance costs	0	-20,343
Other	-60	-166
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	-3,555	121,941
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	-1,690	-1,002
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-33,826	143,897
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	468,532	260,818
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$434,706	$404,715

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Business and Basis of Presentation
	Walter Energy, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company"), is a leading producer and exporter of metallurgical coal for the global steel industry from underground and surface mines with mineral reserves located in the United States ("U.S."), Canada and the United Kingdom ("U.K."). The Company also extracts, processes, markets and/or possesses mineral reserves of thermal coal and anthracite coal, as well as produces metallurgical coke and coal bed methane gas.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions of Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The balance sheet at December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.
	In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Section 470-50, during the second quarter of 2014, the Company corrected its classification of accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs that it recognized upon the extinguishment or partial extinguishment of debt to present these amounts as a component of the gain (loss) recognized upon the extinguishment of debt as one line item in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Components of the gain (loss) on the extinguishment of debt were previously recognized within interest expense in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. We have concluded that this revision is not material to our previously issued financial statements, as the net effect of these revisions did not impact our operating loss, net loss, stockholders' equity or cash flows. Previously reported interest expense has been revised to correct the classification and interest income and interest expense have been netted in the current presentation. The following reflects the revisions for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		For the three
		months
		ended
		March 31, 2014
	Interest expense, prior to revision	$	(79,396	)
	Interest income	75
	Revision of loss on extinguishment of debt	13,889
	Interest expense, net, revised	$	(65,432	)
	Going Concern Matters
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, although the events disclosed below raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Accordingly, they do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets or to the amounts and classification of liabilities or any other adjustments that would be required should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
	Over the course of the last three years, our results of operations, including our operating revenues and operating cash flows, have been negatively impacted by weak coal market conditions, depressed metallurgical coal prices, reduced steel production and global steel demand.  Our cash flows from operations were insufficient to fund our capital expenditure needs for 2014 and 2013 and we expect this trend to continue in 2015. If market conditions do not improve, we expect our liquidity to continue to be adversely affected. On April 15, 2015, the Company elected to exercise the 30-day grace period under the terms of the indentures governing its 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and its 8.50% Senior Notes due 2021 to extend the timeline for making the cash interest payments due on April 15, 2015.  The aggregate amount of the interest payments is approximately $62.4 million. During the 30-day grace period, the Company is working with its debt holders to establish a capital structure that will position the Company to weather a highly competitive and challenging market.
	The election to exercise the 30-day grace period under the terms of the indentures governing its 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and its 8.50% Senior Notes due 2021 constitutes a default; however, it does not constitute an Event of Default under the indentures governing our senior notes or the term loan credit facility. As a result of this default, certain restrictions have been placed on the Company, including but not limited to, its ability to incur additional indebtedness, draw on the revolver and issue additional letters of credit. The Company has 30 days to cure the default by making the required interest payments that were due on April 15, 2015. Alternatively, the Company may restructure the debt with its creditors. If the Company is unable to restructure the debt, the Company may consider filing voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
	On May 15, 2015, if the interest payment default is not cured, the default would be considered an Event of Default and all outstanding notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. An Event of Default would also trigger cross defaults in the Company's other debt obligations. If any other Event of Default occurs, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes may declare all the notes to be due and payable immediately. An Event of Default would have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $3.1 billion in principal amount of term loans, senior notes, capital lease obligations and equipment financing obligations outstanding. Based on the facts and circumstances discussed above, all of this debt is classified as a current liability in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30). ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the recognized debt liability. A reporting entity must apply the amended guidance on a retrospective basis. The amended guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has early adopted this standard for the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements presented above and is in compliance. Previously reported other current assets, other long-term assets and long-term debt have been revised to reflect the retrospective application. The following reflects the revisions for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		31-Dec-14
	Other current assets, prior to revision	$	19,542
	Revision of debt issuance costs	(10,257		)
	Other current assets, as revised	$	9,285
	Other long-term assets, prior to revision	$	112,256
	Revision of debt issuance costs	(44,508		)
	Other long-term assets, as revised	$	67,748
	Long-term debt, prior to revision	$	3,123,643
	Revision of debt issuance costs	(54,765		)
	Long-term debt, as revised	$	3,068,878

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Coal	$	109,579	$	136,335
	Raw materials, supplies and other	62,756		65,263
	Total inventories	$	172,335	$	201,598

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company estimates its annual effective tax rate based on projected financial income for the full year at the end of each interim reporting period unless projected financial income for the full year is close to break even, in which case the annual effective tax rate could distort the income tax provision for an interim period. When this happens, the Company calculates the interim income tax provision using actual year to date financial results for certain jurisdictions. This method results in an income tax provision based solely on the year to date financial taxable income or loss for those jurisdictions. In both cases, the tax effect of unusual or infrequently occurring items, including effects of changes in tax laws or rates, are reported in the interim period in which they occur.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the income tax benefit was determined based on the annual effective tax rate method. The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $25.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared with an income tax benefit of $36.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The decrease in the quarterly income tax benefit was primarily due to the reduction of operating costs from the idling of our Canadian operations in the second quarter of 2014. The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 reflects the benefits of the Canadian and U.K. Operations which are taxed at statutory rates lower than the U.S. rate and the effects of additional tax losses related to foreign financing activities.
	The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes and records deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial performance. Based upon the Company's review of all positive and negative evidence, including its three year cumulative pre-tax book loss, it concluded that a full valuation allowance should continue to be recorded against its U.S net deferred tax assets at March 31, 2015. In the future, if the Company determines that it is more likely than not that it will realize these net deferred tax assets, it will reverse the applicable portion of the valuation allowance and recognize an income tax benefit in the period in which such determination is made.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Debt consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,			Weighted Average Stated Interest Rate at March 31, 2015	Final
		2015			2014				Maturity
	2011 term loan B	$	978,178		$	978,178		7.25%	2018
	9.50% senior secured notes	970,000			970,000			9.50%	2019
	11.00% / 12.00% senior secured PIK toggle notes	350,000			350,000			11.00% / 12.00%	2020
	9.875% senior notes	388,000			388,000			9.88%	2020
	8.50% senior notes (1)	383,275			450,000			8.50%	2021
	Other (2)	14,237			18,085			Various	Various
	Debt discount, net	(17,207		)	(18,293		)
	Debt issuance costs (3)	(51,209		)	(54,765		)
	Total debt	3,015,274			3,081,205
	Less: current debt (2)	(3,015,274		)	(12,327		)
	Total long-term debt	$	—		$	3,068,878
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1) On March 6, 2015, the Company issued an aggregate of 8.65 million shares of its common stock in exchange for $66.7 million of its 8.50% Senior Notes due 2021 and recognized a net gain on extinguishment of debt of $58.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	(2) Includes capital lease obligations and an equipment financing agreement.
	(3) In the current quarter, the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of debt. The adoption of this guidance has been applied on a retrospective basis. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
	On April 15, 2015, the Company elected to exercise the 30-day grace period under the terms of the indentures governing its 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and its 8.50% Senior Notes due 2021 to extend the timeline for making the cash interest payments due on April 15, 2015. The 30-day grace period will end on May 15, 2015. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
	The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in thousands):
		Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement
								Benefits
		For the three months ended						For the three months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	2,178		$	1,701		$	1,875		$	1,944
	Interest cost	3,297			3,348			6,351			7,726
	Expected return on plan assets	(3,696		)	(4,553		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	169			61			(1,552		)	307
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,865			642			5,659			3,892
	Settlement loss	—			784			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,813		$	1,983		$	12,333		$	13,869

Net_Loss_Per_Share

Net Loss Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss Per Share	Net Loss Per Share
	A reconciliation of the basic and diluted net loss per share computations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		For the three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(80,196	)		$	(92,178	)
	Denominator:
	Average number of common shares outstanding(1)	74,336				62,601
	Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(1.08	)		$	(1.47	)
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net loss by the average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. In periods of net loss, the number of shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share; therefore, the effect of dilutive securities is zero for such periods. The weighted average number of stock options and restricted stock units outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 totaling 2,135,196 and 1,012,919, respectively, were excluded from the calculation above because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
	The table below sets forth stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		For the three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Stock options exercised	—			9,641
	Restricted stock units vested	95,621			35,703
	Total	95,621			45,344

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Income Tax Litigation
	The Company files income tax returns in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and in various state, provincial and local jurisdictions which are routinely examined by tax authorities in these jurisdictions. The statute of limitations related to the U.S. consolidated federal income tax returns is closed for years prior to August 31, 1983 and for the years ended May 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999. The impact of any U.S. federal changes for these years on state income taxes remains subject to examination for a period up to five years after formal notification to the states. The Company generally remains subject to income tax in various states for prior periods ranging from three to eleven years depending on jurisdiction. In the Company's major non-U.S. jurisdictions, tax years are typically subject to examination for three to six years.
	On December 27, 1989, the Company and most of its U.S. subsidiaries each filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Bankruptcy Proceedings") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division (the "Bankruptcy Court"). The Company emerged from bankruptcy on March 17, 1995 (the "Effective Date") pursuant to the Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization dated as of December 9, 1994, as modified on March 1, 1995 (as so modified the "Consensual Plan"). Despite the confirmation and effectiveness of the Consensual Plan, the Bankruptcy Court continues to have jurisdiction over, among other things, the resolution of disputed prepetition claims against the Company and other matters that may arise in connection with or related to the Consensual Plan, including claims related to federal income taxes.
	In connection with the U.S. Bankruptcy Proceedings, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") filed a proof of claim in the Bankruptcy Court (the "Proof of Claim") for a substantial amount of taxes, interest and penalties with respect to fiscal years ended August 31, 1983 through May 31, 1994. The Company filed an adversary proceeding in the Bankruptcy Court disputing the Proof of Claim (the "Adversary Proceeding") and the various issues have been litigated in the Bankruptcy Court. An opinion was issued by the Bankruptcy Court in June 2010 with respect to two of the disputed issues. The Bankruptcy Court instructed both parties to submit a final order addressing all issues that have been litigated for the tax years 1983 through 1995 in the Adversary Proceeding by late August 2010. At the request of both parties, the Bankruptcy Court granted an extension of time of 90 days from the initial submission date to submit the final order. Additional extensions of time to submit the proposed final order were granted in November 2010, February 2011, May 2011, September 2011, January 2013, May 2013 and December 2013. At the request of the IRS, in December 2013 the Bankruptcy Court granted an additional extension of time to submit the final order. As of March 31, 2015, both parties are still reviewing the litigation issues in order to submit the final order.
	The amounts initially asserted by the Proof of Claim do not reflect the subsequent resolution of various issues through settlements or concessions by the parties. The Company believes that any financial exposure with respect to those issues that have not been resolved or settled in the Proof of Claim is limited to interest and possible penalties and the amount of tax assessed has been offset by tax reductions in future years. All of the issues in the Proof of Claim, which have not been settled or conceded, have been litigated before the Bankruptcy Court and are subject to appeal but only at the conclusion of the entire Adversary Proceeding.
	The IRS completed its audits of the Company's federal income tax returns for the years ended May 31, 2000 through December 31, 2008. The IRS issued 30-Day Letters to the Company in June 2010 and July 2012, proposing changes to tax for these tax years. The Company believes its tax filing positions have substantial merit and filed a formal protest with the IRS within the prescribed 30-day time limit for those issues which have not been previously settled or conceded. The IRS filed a rebuttal to the Company's formal protest and the case was assigned to the Appeals Division of the IRS. The Appeals Division convened a hearing on March 8, 2011 and heard arguments from both parties as to issues not settled or conceded for the 2000 through 2008 audit periods. In September 2014, the IRS Appeals Office returned these tax periods to IRS Examination Division to be placed into suspense pending the resolution of the tax periods that are in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The disputed issues in these audit periods are similar to the issues remaining in the Proof of Claim.
	The IRS is conducting an audit of the Company's income tax returns filed for the 2009 through 2012 tax years. Since the examination is ongoing, any resulting tax deficiency or overpayment cannot be estimated at this time. During 2015, the statute of limitations for assessing additional income tax deficiencies will expire for certain tax years in several state tax jurisdictions. The expiration of the statute of limitations for these years is expected to have an immaterial impact on the total uncertain income tax positions and net income.
	It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next twelve months. The Company anticipates that a final order will be issued by the Bankruptcy Court in the near future settling the issues in the Proof of Claim. A final order by the Bankruptcy Court would permit a resolution of similar issues for the tax years currently under IRS Exam (2000-2012). As of March 31, 2015, the Company had $33.0 million of accruals for unrecognized tax benefits on the matters subject to disposition. Due to the uncertainty related to the potential outcome of these matters, any possible changes in unrecognized tax benefits cannot be reasonably estimated.
	The Company believes that all of its current and prior tax filing positions have substantial merit and intends to vigorously defend any tax claims asserted. The Company believes that it has sufficient accruals to address any claims, including interest and penalties, and does not believe that any potential difference between the final settlements and the amounts accrued will have a material effect on the Company's financial position, but such potential difference could be material to results of operations in a future reporting period.
	Environmental Matters
	The Company is subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations concerning the protection of the environment, both with respect to the construction and operation of its plants, mines and other facilities and with respect to remediating environmental conditions that may exist at its own and other properties.
	The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. The Company accrues for environmental expenses resulting from existing conditions that relate to past operations when the costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated.
	Walter Coke, Inc.
	Walter Coke entered into a decree order in 1989 (the "1989 Order") relative to a Resource Conservation Recovery Act ("RCRA") compliance program mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). A RCRA Facility Investigation ("RFI") Work Plan was prepared which proposed investigative tasks to assess the presence of contamination at the Walter Coke facility. In 2004, the EPA re-directed Walter Coke's RFI efforts toward completion of the Environmental Indicator ("EI") determinations for the Current Human Exposures, which were approved and finalized for Walter Coke's Birmingham facility in 2005. In 2008, as a follow-up to the EI determination, the EPA requested that Walter Coke perform additional soil sampling and testing in the neighborhoods surrounding its facility. The results of this sampling and testing were submitted to the EPA for review in 2009. In conjunction with the plan, Walter Coke agreed to remediate portions of 23 properties based on the 2009 sampling and that process was completed in 2012.
	In 2011, the EPA notified Walter Coke in the form of a General Notice Letter that it proposed that the offsite remediation project ("35th Avenue Superfund Site") be classified and managed as a Superfund site under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), allowing other Potentially Responsible Parties ("PRPs") to potentially be held responsible. Under CERCLA authority, the EPA proceeded directly with the offsite sampling work and deferred any further enforcement actions or decisions. In March 2013, the EPA released the North Birmingham Air Toxics Risk Assessment showing the air quality around Company facilities to be acceptable. In August 2013, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ("ATSDR") released a report concerning past, present and future exposures to residential soils in North Birmingham and concluded that there is no public health hazard. In September 2013, the EPA sent an "Offer to Conduct Work" letter to Walter Coke and four other PRPs notifying them that the EPA had completed sampling at 1,100 residential properties and that 400 properties exceeded Regional Removal Management Levels ("RMLs") and offered the PRPs an opportunity to cleanup 50 Phase I properties. The Company has notified the EPA that it has declined the Offer to Conduct Work. In July 2014, the Jefferson County Department of Health ("JCDH") said there are no apparent health risks to individuals living in North Birmingham. In August 2014, the EPA sent an “Offer to Conduct Work” letter to Walter Coke and five other PRPs and offered the PRPs an opportunity to cleanup 30 Phase II properties. The Company has notified the EPA that it has declined the Offer to Conduct Work. In September 2014, the EPA proposed to add the 35th Avenue Superfund Site to the National Priorities List ("NPL"). The EPA has accepted and is reviewing comments to the proposed listing. In April 2015, ATSDR released an evaluation of air exposures to communities adjacent to the 35th Avenue Superfund Site and concluded that current exposures are unlikely to result in harmful effects in individuals and that the current estimated cumulative cancer risks are within the EPA's target risk range.
	A RCRA Section 3008(h) Administrative Order on Consent (the "2012 Order") with the effective date of September 24, 2012 was signed by Walter Coke and the EPA. The 2012 Order declared that all of the approved investigation tasks of the RFI Work Plans required by the 1989 Order had been completed by Walter Coke and that the 1989 Order was terminated and is no longer in effect. The objectives of the 2012 Order are to perform Corrective Measure Studies, implement remedies if necessary, and implement and maintain institutional controls if required at the Walter Coke facility.
	The Company has incurred costs to investigate the presence of contamination at the Walter Coke facility and to define remediation actions to address this environmental liability in accordance with the agreements reached with the EPA under the RFI and the residential soil sampling conducted by Walter Coke in the neighborhoods surrounding its facility. At March 31, 2015, the Company had an amount accrued that is probable and can be reasonably estimated for the costs to be incurred to identify and define remediation actions, as well as to perform certain remedial tasks which can be quantified. As of March 31, 2015, the amount of this accrual was not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. While it is probable that the Company will incur additional future costs to remediate environmental liabilities at the Walter Coke facility, the amount of such additional costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Although no assurances can be given that the Company will not be required in the future to make material expenditures relating to the Walter Coke site or other sites, management does not believe at this time that the cleanup costs, if any, associated with these sites will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements, but such cleanup costs could be material to the Company's results of operations in a future reporting period.
	Securities Class Actions and Shareholder Derivative Actions
	On January 26, 2012 and March 15, 2012, putative class actions were filed against Walter Energy, Inc. and some of its current and former senior executive officers in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (Rush v. Walter Energy, Inc., et al.). The three executive officers named in the complaints are: Keith Calder, Walter's former CEO; Walter Scheller, the Company's current CEO and a director; and Neil Winkelmann, former President of Walter's Canadian and U.K. Operations (collectively the "Individual Defendants"). The complaints were filed by Peter Rush and Michael Carney, purported shareholders of Walter Energy who each seek to represent a class of Walter Energy shareholders who purchased common stock between April 20, 2011 and September 21, 2011.
	These complaints allege that Walter Energy and the Individual Defendants made false and misleading statements regarding the Company's operations outlook for the second quarter of 2011. The complaints further allege that the Company and the Individual Defendants knew that these statements were misleading and failed to disclose material facts that were necessary in order to make the statements not misleading. Plaintiffs claimed violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"), Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and Section 20(a) of the 1934 Act. On May 30, 2012, the two actions were consolidated into In re Walter Energy, Inc. Securities Litigation. The court also appointed the Government of Bermuda Contributory and Public Service Superannuation Pension Plans as well as the Stephen C. Beaulieu Revocable Trust to be lead plaintiffs and approved lead plaintiffs' selection of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP and Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP as lead plaintiffs' counsel for the consolidated action. On August 20, 2012, Lead Plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint in this action. The consolidated amended complaint names as an additional defendant Joseph Leonard, a current director and former interim CEO of Walter Energy, in addition to the previously named defendants. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the amended complaint on October 4, 2012. On January 29, 2013, the court denied that motion without prejudice. Defendants answered the complaint on February 15, 2013. The parties are now in the process of discovery. Plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification on August 15, 2013. On March 18, 2014, the Court denied Plaintiffs' motion for class certification without prejudice to refiling and rebriefing and stayed this litigation pending a decision by the United States Supreme Court in Halliburton Co., et al. v. Erica P. John Fund, Inc. ("Halliburton II"). Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Halliburton II on June 23, 2014, Plaintiffs filed a renewed motion for class certification on August 29, 2014. Defendants' filed their opposition on October 28, 2014, and Plaintiffs' Reply was filed on January 30, 2015. The Court has set an evidentiary hearing on Plaintiffs' renewed class certification motion for May 15, 2015. All other deadlines have been stayed by the Court.
	Walter Energy and the other named defendants believe that there is no merit to the claims alleged and intend to vigorously defend these actions.
	On February 7, 2012, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in the 10th Judicial Circuit of Alabama (Israni v. Clark et al.). On February 10, 2012, a second shareholder derivative suit was filed in the same court (Himmel v. Scheller et al.), and on February 16, 2012 a third derivative suit was filed (Walters v. Scheller et al.). All three complaints named as defendants the Company's then current Board of Directors, Keith Calder and Neil Winkelmann. The Company was named as a nominal defendant in each complaint. The three complaints allege similar claims to those alleged in the Rush complaint. The complaints variously assert state law claims for breaches of fiduciary duties for alleged failures to maintain internal controls and to properly manage the Company, unjust enrichment, waste of corporate assets, gross mismanagement and abuse of control. The three derivative actions seek among other things, recovery for the Company for damages that the Company suffered as a result of alleged wrongful conduct. On April 11, 2012, the Court consolidated these shareholder derivative suits. Walter Energy thereafter entered into a stipulation with the lead plaintiffs in the consolidated derivative suit, pursuant to which all proceedings in the derivative action were stayed pending the filing of the consolidated amended complaint in the class action. On September 19, 2012, lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated shareholder derivative complaint. This action has been stayed pending the resolution of summary judgment motions in the putative securities class action. The derivative plaintiffs will have certain rights to participate in discovery taken in the federal securities action.
	On March 1, 2012, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (Makohin v. Clark, et al.). On September 27, 2012, a second shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in the same court (Sinerius v. Beatty, et al.). Both complaints name as defendants the Company's then current Board of Directors and Keith Calder. The Company is named as a nominal defendant in each complaint. These complaints, like the state court derivative claims, allege similar facts to those alleged in the Rush complaint. The Makohin complaint asserts state law claims for breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment, while the Sinerius complaint asserts these same claims as well as claims for abuse of control and gross mismanagement. Both actions seek, among other things, recovery for the Company for damages that the Company suffered as a result of alleged wrongful conduct and restitution from defendants of all profits, benefits and other compensation that they wrongfully obtained. Like the state court derivative action, both of these cases have been stayed pending resolution of summary judgment motions in the putative securities class action. The federal derivative plaintiffs will also have certain rights to participate in discovery taken in the federal securities action.
	Walter Energy and the other named defendants believe that there is no merit to the claims alleged in these shareholder derivative lawsuits and intend to vigorously defend these actions.
	Miscellaneous Litigation
	The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of their businesses. The Company records costs relating to these matters when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the outcome of these matters on the Company's future results of operations cannot be predicted with certainty as any such effect depends on future results of operations and the amount and timing of the resolution of such matters. While the results of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the final outcome of such other litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Commitments and Contingencies—Other
	In the opinion of management, accruals associated with contingencies incurred in the normal course of business are sufficient. Resolution of existing known contingencies is not expected to significantly affect the Company's financial position and results of operations.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015, net of tax (in thousands).
		Pension and			Foreign			Total
		other			currency
		postretirement benefit			translation
		plans			adjustment
	Beginning balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(198,969	)	$	(19,079	)	$	(218,048	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			(18,325		)	(18,325		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,699			—(1)			3,699
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,699			(18,325		)	(14,626		)
	Ending balance as of March 31, 2015	$	(195,270	)	$	(37,404	)	$	(232,674	)
	-1	Foreign currency translation adjustments are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity.
	The following table presents amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands).
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components	Amount Reclassified			Affected Line Item in the
		from Accumulated			Condensed Consolidated
		Other Comprehensive Loss			Statements of Operations
	Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
	Prior service credit	$	(1,383	)	(a)
	Net actuarial loss	7,524			(a)
		6,141			Total before tax
		(2,442		)	Income tax benefit
		$	3,699		Net of tax
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(a)	Amortization of pension benefit items are included in cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion) and selling, general and administrative expense while amortization of postretirement benefit items are included in other postretirement benefits within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level hierarchy has been established for valuing assets and liabilities based on how transparent (observable) the inputs are that are used to determine fair value, with the inputs considered most observable categorized as Level 1 and those that are the least observable categorized as Level 3. Hierarchy levels are defined as follows:
	Level 1:		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
	Level 2:		Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and
	Level 3:		Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The Company had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value for which the fair value option was not elected:
	Cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable—The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet approximate fair value. Cash equivalents represent highly-liquid instruments and constitute Level 1 fair value measurements.
	Debt—All of the Company's outstanding debt is carried at cost. There were no borrowings outstanding under the revolver at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. The estimated fair value of the Company's debt is based on observable market data (Level 2). The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's debt (excluding capital lease obligations, equipment financing agreements and debt discount and debt issuance costs on the revolver of $1.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $1.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014) are presented below (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Amount				Amount
	2011 term loan B (1)	$	953,405	$	591,798	$	951,583	$	755,936
	9.50% senior secured notes (2)	$	950,318	$	579,575	$	949,537	$	759,025
	11.0%/12.0% senior secured PIK toggle notes (3)	$	342,891	$	33,250	$	342,631	$	113,750
	9.875% senior notes (4)	$	378,951	$	22,310	$	378,664	$	77,600
	8.50% senior notes (5)	$	377,062	$	22,038	$	442,481	$	85,500
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Net of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $11.1 million and $13.7 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $11.9 million and $14.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
	-2	Net of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $2.6 million and $17.1 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $2.7 million and $17.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
	-3	Net of debt issuance costs of $7.1 million and $7.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	-4	Net of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $2.1 million and $6.9 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $2.2 million and $7.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
	-5	Net of debt issuance costs of $6.2 million and $7.5 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units arranged geographically which have separate management teams. The business units have been aggregated into the U.S. Operations, Canadian and U.K. Operations, and Other reportable segments. The primary business of both the U.S. Operations and the Canadian and U.K. Operations segments is mining and exporting metallurgical coal for the steel industry. The Other segment primarily includes unallocated corporate expenses.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. The Company evaluates performance primarily based on operating income (loss) of the respective segments.
	Summarized financial information of the Company's reportable segments is shown in the following tables (in thousands):
		For the three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues:
	U.S. Operations	$	251,011		$	330,664
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	39,014			81,577
	Other	901			1,644
	Total revenues	$	290,926		$	413,885
	Operating income (loss):
	U.S. Operations	$	(46,763	)	$	5,870
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	(34,321		)	(52,618		)
	Other	(5,259		)	(314		)
	Total operating loss	(86,343		)	(47,062		)
	Interest expense, net	(78,236		)	(65,432		)
	Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	58,626			(13,889		)
	Other loss	—			(1,756		)
	Loss before income tax benefit	(105,953		)	(128,139		)
	Income tax benefit	(25,757		)	(35,961		)
	Net loss	$	(80,196	)	$	(92,178	)
	Depreciation and depletion:
	U.S. Operations	$	37,150		$	39,066
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	21,457			36,710
	Other	575			648
	Total	$	59,182		$	76,424
	Capital expenditures:
	U.S. Operations	$	16,667		$	10,251
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	341			609
	Other	359			1,421
	Total	$	17,367		$	12,281
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Segment assets:
	U.S. Operations	$	1,082,624		$	1,122,850
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	3,466,709			3,538,073
	Other (1)	653,104			670,441
	Total	$	5,202,437		$	5,331,364
	(1) In the current quarter, the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of debt. The adoption of this guidance has been applied on a retrospective basis. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Supplemental_Guarantor_and_Non

Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information	Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information
	In accordance with the indentures governing the 9.875% Senior Notes due December 2020 and the 8.50% Senior Notes due April 2021 (collectively the "senior notes"), certain 100% owned U.S. domestic restricted subsidiaries of the Company have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the senior notes on a joint and several basis. Effective November 10, 2014, the subsidiaries that comprise the Company's West Virginia operations were added as guarantors under the indentures governing the senior notes. Prior period balances have been restated to present these subsidiaries as guarantors. The following tables present unaudited condensed consolidating financial information for (i) the Company, (ii) the issuer of the senior notes, (iii) the subsidiaries which are guarantors under the senior notes, and (iv) the subsidiaries which are not guarantors of the senior notes:
	WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
	31-Mar-15
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	394,156		$	281		$	40,269		$	—		$	434,706
	Trade receivables, net	—			81,359			8,139			—			89,498
	Other receivables	123,094			1,984			1,170			—			126,248
	Intercompany receivables	—			205,976			4,949			(210,925		)	—
	Inventories	—			110,545			61,790			—			172,335
	Deferred income taxes	15,984			—			833			—			16,817
	Prepaid expenses	5,162			33,427			1,572			—			40,161
	Other current assets	171			6,675			2,120			—			8,966
	Total current assets	538,567			440,247			120,842			(210,925		)	888,731
	Mineral interests, net	—			133,458			2,686,282			—			2,819,740
	Property, plant and equipment, net	6,978			686,071			730,998			—			1,424,047
	Investment in subsidiaries	3,160,580			6,528			—			(3,167,108		)	—
	Other long-term assets	43,085			13,445			13,389			—			69,919
	Total assets	$	3,749,210		$	1,279,749		$	3,551,511		$	(3,378,033	)	$	5,202,437
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Accounts payable	$	6,643		$	35,921		$	4,983		$	—		$	47,547
	Accrued expenses	85,059			57,215			13,371			—			155,645
	Intercompany payables	210,925			—			—			(210,925		)	—
	Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	473			28,937			—			—			29,410
	Other current liabilities	170,696			26,640			16,261			—			213,597
	Current debt	3,001,037			11,090			3,147			—			3,015,274
	Total current liabilities	3,474,833			159,803			37,762			(210,925		)	3,461,473
	Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	10,516			632,937			—			—			643,453
	Deferred income taxes	26,206			—			678,498			—			704,704
	Other long-term liabilities	40,506			98,928			56,224			—			195,658
	Total liabilities	3,552,061			891,668			772,484			(210,925		)	5,005,288
	Stockholders' equity	197,149			388,081			2,779,027			(3,167,108		)	197,149
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	3,749,210		$	1,279,749		$	3,551,511		$	(3,378,033	)	$	5,202,437
	WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
	31-Dec-14
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	421,533		$	1,117		$	45,882		$	—		$	468,532
	Trade receivables, net	—			88,959			2,098			—			91,057
	Other receivables	123,659			2,193			1,185			—			127,037
	Intercompany receivables	—			206,118			14,952			(221,070		)	—
	Inventories	—			110,882			90,716			—			201,598
	Deferred income taxes	15,986			—			833			—			16,819
	Prepaid expenses	3,424			40,044			2,722			—			46,190
	Other current assets (1)	106			7,029			2,150			—			9,285
	Total current assets	564,708			456,342			160,538			(221,070		)	960,518
	Mineral interests, net	—			135,377			2,701,424			—			2,836,801
	Property, plant and equipment, net	7,558			726,478			732,261			—			1,466,297
	Investment in subsidiaries	3,233,399			6,459			—			(3,239,858		)	—
	Other long-term assets (1)	43,420			17,857			6,471			—			67,748
		$	3,849,085		$	1,342,513		$	3,600,694		$	(3,460,928	)	$	5,331,364
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current debt	$	—		$	7,209		$	5,118		$	—		$	12,327
	Accounts payable	2,296			30,697			5,987			—			38,980
	Accrued expenses	43,088			60,762			21,468			—			125,318
	Intercompany payables	221,070			—			—			(221,070		)	—
	Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	95			28,937			—			—			29,032
Other current liabilities	168,444			27,172			20,336			—			215,952
Total current liabilities	434,993			154,777			52,909			(221,070		)	421,609
Long-term debt (1)	3,063,121			5,704			53			—			3,068,878
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	10,502			630,729			—			—			641,231
Deferred income taxes	23,766			—			706,919			—			730,685
Other long-term liabilities	35,122			96,599			55,659			—			187,380
Total liabilities	3,567,504			887,809			815,540			(221,070		)	5,049,783
Stockholders' equity	281,581			454,704			2,785,154			(3,239,858		)	281,581
	$	3,849,085		$	1,342,513		$	3,600,694		$	(3,460,928	)	$	5,331,364
(1) In the current quarter, the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of debt. The adoption of this guidance has been applied on a retrospective basis. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015
(in thousands)
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
	(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
Revenues:
Sales	$	—		$	248,370		$	37,276		$	—		$	285,646
Miscellaneous income	453			255			4,572			—			5,280
Total revenues	453			248,625			41,848			—			290,926
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	—			232,416			52,277			—			284,693
Depreciation and depletion	575			36,264			22,343			—			59,182
Selling, general and administrative	5,383			12,495			3,183			—			21,061
Other postretirement benefits	(67		)	12,400			—			—			12,333
Total costs and expenses	5,891			293,575			77,803			—			377,269
Operating loss	(5,438		)	(44,950		)	(35,955		)	—			(86,343		)
Interest expense, net	(76,356		)	(195		)	(1,685		)	—			(78,236		)
Gain on extinguishment of debt	58,626			—			—			—			58,626
Loss before income tax benefit	(23,168		)	(45,145		)	(37,640		)	—			(105,953		)
Income tax benefit	—			—			(25,757		)	—			(25,757		)
Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	(57,028		)	—			—			57,028			—
Net loss	$	(80,196	)	$	(45,145	)	$	(11,883	)	$	57,028		$	(80,196	)
WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014
(in thousands)
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
	(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
Revenues:
Sales	$	—		$	324,911		$	80,318		$	—		$	405,229
Miscellaneous income	655			1,879			6,122			—			8,656
Total revenues	655			326,790			86,440			—			413,885
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	—			254,041			95,834			—			349,875
Depreciation and depletion	648			38,101			37,675			—			76,424
Selling, general and administrative	1,153			13,858			5,768			—			20,779
Other postretirement benefits	(44		)	13,913			—			—			13,869
Total costs and expenses	1,757			319,913			139,277			—			460,947
Operating income (loss)	(1,102		)	6,877			(52,837		)	—			(47,062		)
Interest income (expense), net	(72,404		)	7,234			(262		)	—			(65,432		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(13,889		)	—			—			—			(13,889		)
Other loss	(1,700		)	—			(56		)	—			(1,756		)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	(89,095		)	14,111			(53,155		)	—			(128,139		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(18,561		)	2,629			(20,029		)	—			(35,961		)
Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	(21,644		)	—			—			21,644			—
Net income (loss)	$	(92,178	)	$	11,482		$	(33,126	)	$	21,644		$	(92,178	)
WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015
(in thousands)
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
	(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
Net loss	$	(80,196	)	$	(45,145	)	$	(11,883	)	$	57,028		$	(80,196	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	3,699			3,550			—			(3,550		)	3,699
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	(18,325		)	—			(18,325		)	18,325			(18,325		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,626		)	3,550			(18,325		)	14,775			(14,626		)
Total comprehensive loss	$	(94,822	)	$	(41,595	)	$	(30,208	)	$	71,803		$	(94,822	)
WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014
(in thousands)
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
	(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	(92,178	)	$	11,482		$	(33,126	)	$	21,644		$	(92,178	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	3,519			3,804			—			(3,804		)	3,519
Change in unrealized gain on hedges, net of tax	1,679			3			—			(3		)	1,679
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	2,164			—			2,164			(2,164		)	2,164
Total other comprehensive income	7,362			3,807			2,164			(5,971		)	7,362
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	(84,816	)	$	15,289		$	(30,962	)	$	15,673		$	(84,816	)
WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015
(in thousands)
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
	(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	29,810		$	(35,097	)	$	(7,612	)	$	—		$	(12,899	)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(360		)	(16,195		)	(812		)	—			(17,367		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	—			1,329			—			—			1,329
Other	—			—			356			—			356
Cash flows used in investing activities	(360		)	(14,866		)	(456		)	—			(15,682		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Retirements of debt	—			(1,760		)	(1,735		)	—			(3,495		)
Advances from (to) consolidated entities	(56,767		)	50,887			5,880			—			—
Other	(60		)	—			—			—			(60		)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	(56,827		)	49,127			4,145			—			(3,555		)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	—			—			(1,690		)	—			(1,690		)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(27,377		)	(836		)	(5,613		)	—			(33,826		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	421,533			1,117			45,882			—			468,532
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	394,156		$	281		$	40,269		$	—		$	434,706
WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014
(in thousands)
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
	(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(100,236	)	$	146,110		$	(10,484	)	$	—		$	35,390
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(1,421		)	(9,117		)	(1,743		)	—			(12,281		)
Intercompany loans made	(2,500		)	—			—			2,500			—
Other	—			—			(151		)	—			(151		)
Cash flows used in investing activities	(3,921		)	(9,117		)	(1,894		)	2,500			(12,432		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of debt	553,000			—			—			—			553,000
Retirements of debt	(406,566		)	(1,511		)	(1,847		)	—			(409,924		)
Dividends paid	(626		)	—			—			—			(626		)
Debt issuance costs	(20,343		)	—			—			—			(20,343		)
Advances from (to) consolidated entities	124,182			(135,728		)	11,546			—			—
Intercompany notes borrowings	—			—			2,500			(2,500		)	—
Other	(119		)	(47		)	—			—			(166		)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	249,528			(137,286		)	12,199			(2,500		)	121,941
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	—			—			(1,002		)	—			(1,002		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	145,371			(293		)	(1,181		)	—			143,897
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	234,150			1,620			25,048			—			260,818
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	379,521		$	1,327		$	23,867		$	—		$	404,715

Basis_of_Presentation_Tables

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of revision for loss on extinguishment of debt	The following reflects the revisions for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		For the three
		months
		ended
		March 31, 2014
	Interest expense, prior to revision	$	(79,396	)
	Interest income	75
	Revision of loss on extinguishment of debt	13,889
	Interest expense, net, revised	$	(65,432	)
Schedule of the Effects of Early Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement	The following reflects the revisions for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		31-Dec-14
	Other current assets, prior to revision	$	19,542
	Revision of debt issuance costs	(10,257		)
	Other current assets, as revised	$	9,285
	Other long-term assets, prior to revision	$	112,256
	Revision of debt issuance costs	(44,508		)
	Other long-term assets, as revised	$	67,748
	Long-term debt, prior to revision	$	3,123,643
	Revision of debt issuance costs	(54,765		)
	Long-term debt, as revised	$	3,068,878

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventories	Inventories are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Coal	$	109,579	$	136,335
	Raw materials, supplies and other	62,756		65,263
	Total inventories	$	172,335	$	201,598

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt instruments	Debt consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,			Weighted Average Stated Interest Rate at March 31, 2015	Final
		2015			2014				Maturity
	2011 term loan B	$	978,178		$	978,178		7.25%	2018
	9.50% senior secured notes	970,000			970,000			9.50%	2019
	11.00% / 12.00% senior secured PIK toggle notes	350,000			350,000			11.00% / 12.00%	2020
	9.875% senior notes	388,000			388,000			9.88%	2020
	8.50% senior notes (1)	383,275			450,000			8.50%	2021
	Other (2)	14,237			18,085			Various	Various
	Debt discount, net	(17,207		)	(18,293		)
	Debt issuance costs (3)	(51,209		)	(54,765		)
	Total debt	3,015,274			3,081,205
	Less: current debt (2)	(3,015,274		)	(12,327		)
	Total long-term debt	$	—		$	3,068,878
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1) On March 6, 2015, the Company issued an aggregate of 8.65 million shares of its common stock in exchange for $66.7 million of its 8.50% Senior Notes due 2021 and recognized a net gain on extinguishment of debt of $58.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	(2) Includes capital lease obligations and an equipment financing agreement.
	(3) In the current quarter, the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of debt. The adoption of this guidance has been applied on a retrospective basis. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in thousands):
		Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement
								Benefits
		For the three months ended						For the three months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	2,178		$	1,701		$	1,875		$	1,944
	Interest cost	3,297			3,348			6,351			7,726
	Expected return on plan assets	(3,696		)	(4,553		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	169			61			(1,552		)	307
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,865			642			5,659			3,892
	Settlement loss	—			784			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,813		$	1,983		$	12,333		$	13,869

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Net Loss Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the basic and diluted net loss per share computations	A reconciliation of the basic and diluted net loss per share computations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		For the three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(80,196	)		$	(92,178	)
	Denominator:
	Average number of common shares outstanding(1)	74,336				62,601
	Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(1.08	)		$	(1.47	)
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net loss by the average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. In periods of net loss, the number of shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share; therefore, the effect of dilutive securities is zero for such periods. The weighted average number of stock options and restricted stock units outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 totaling 2,135,196 and 1,012,919, respectively, were excluded from the calculation above because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Schedule of stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested	The table below sets forth stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		For the three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Stock options exercised	—			9,641
	Restricted stock units vested	95,621			35,703
	Total	95,621			45,344

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component	The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015, net of tax (in thousands).
		Pension and			Foreign			Total
		other			currency
		postretirement benefit			translation
		plans			adjustment
	Beginning balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(198,969	)	$	(19,079	)	$	(218,048	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			(18,325		)	(18,325		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,699			—(1)			3,699
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,699			(18,325		)	(14,626		)
	Ending balance as of March 31, 2015	$	(195,270	)	$	(37,404	)	$	(232,674	)
	-1	Foreign currency translation adjustments are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity.
Schedule of amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table presents amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands).
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components	Amount Reclassified			Affected Line Item in the
		from Accumulated			Condensed Consolidated
		Other Comprehensive Loss			Statements of Operations
	Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
	Prior service credit	$	(1,383	)	(a)
	Net actuarial loss	7,524			(a)
		6,141			Total before tax
		(2,442		)	Income tax benefit
		$	3,699		Net of tax
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(a)	Amortization of pension benefit items are included in cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion) and selling, general and administrative expense while amortization of postretirement benefit items are included in other postretirement benefits within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of carrying amounts and fair values of long-term debt (excluding capital obligations and equipment financing agreement)	The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's debt (excluding capital lease obligations, equipment financing agreements and debt discount and debt issuance costs on the revolver of $1.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $1.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014) are presented below (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Amount				Amount
	2011 term loan B (1)	$	953,405	$	591,798	$	951,583	$	755,936
	9.50% senior secured notes (2)	$	950,318	$	579,575	$	949,537	$	759,025
	11.0%/12.0% senior secured PIK toggle notes (3)	$	342,891	$	33,250	$	342,631	$	113,750
	9.875% senior notes (4)	$	378,951	$	22,310	$	378,664	$	77,600
	8.50% senior notes (5)	$	377,062	$	22,038	$	442,481	$	85,500
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Net of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $11.1 million and $13.7 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $11.9 million and $14.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
	-2	Net of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $2.6 million and $17.1 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $2.7 million and $17.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
	-3	Net of debt issuance costs of $7.1 million and $7.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	-4	Net of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $2.1 million and $6.9 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $2.2 million and $7.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
	-5	Net of debt issuance costs of $6.2 million and $7.5 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized financial information by reportable segment	Summarized financial information of the Company's reportable segments is shown in the following tables (in thousands):
		For the three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues:
	U.S. Operations	$	251,011		$	330,664
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	39,014			81,577
	Other	901			1,644
	Total revenues	$	290,926		$	413,885
	Operating income (loss):
	U.S. Operations	$	(46,763	)	$	5,870
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	(34,321		)	(52,618		)
	Other	(5,259		)	(314		)
	Total operating loss	(86,343		)	(47,062		)
	Interest expense, net	(78,236		)	(65,432		)
	Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	58,626			(13,889		)
	Other loss	—			(1,756		)
	Loss before income tax benefit	(105,953		)	(128,139		)
	Income tax benefit	(25,757		)	(35,961		)
	Net loss	$	(80,196	)	$	(92,178	)
	Depreciation and depletion:
	U.S. Operations	$	37,150		$	39,066
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	21,457			36,710
	Other	575			648
	Total	$	59,182		$	76,424
	Capital expenditures:
	U.S. Operations	$	16,667		$	10,251
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	341			609
	Other	359			1,421
	Total	$	17,367		$	12,281
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Segment assets:
	U.S. Operations	$	1,082,624		$	1,122,850
	Canadian and U.K. Operations	3,466,709			3,538,073
	Other (1)	653,104			670,441
	Total	$	5,202,437		$	5,331,364
	(1) In the current quarter, the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of debt. The adoption of this guidance has been applied on a retrospective basis. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Supplemental_Guarantor_and_Non1

Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of supplemental condensed consolidating balance sheets	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
	31-Mar-15
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	394,156		$	281		$	40,269		$	—		$	434,706
	Trade receivables, net	—			81,359			8,139			—			89,498
	Other receivables	123,094			1,984			1,170			—			126,248
	Intercompany receivables	—			205,976			4,949			(210,925		)	—
	Inventories	—			110,545			61,790			—			172,335
	Deferred income taxes	15,984			—			833			—			16,817
	Prepaid expenses	5,162			33,427			1,572			—			40,161
	Other current assets	171			6,675			2,120			—			8,966
	Total current assets	538,567			440,247			120,842			(210,925		)	888,731
	Mineral interests, net	—			133,458			2,686,282			—			2,819,740
	Property, plant and equipment, net	6,978			686,071			730,998			—			1,424,047
	Investment in subsidiaries	3,160,580			6,528			—			(3,167,108		)	—
	Other long-term assets	43,085			13,445			13,389			—			69,919
	Total assets	$	3,749,210		$	1,279,749		$	3,551,511		$	(3,378,033	)	$	5,202,437
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Accounts payable	$	6,643		$	35,921		$	4,983		$	—		$	47,547
	Accrued expenses	85,059			57,215			13,371			—			155,645
	Intercompany payables	210,925			—			—			(210,925		)	—
	Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	473			28,937			—			—			29,410
	Other current liabilities	170,696			26,640			16,261			—			213,597
	Current debt	3,001,037			11,090			3,147			—			3,015,274
	Total current liabilities	3,474,833			159,803			37,762			(210,925		)	3,461,473
	Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	10,516			632,937			—			—			643,453
	Deferred income taxes	26,206			—			678,498			—			704,704
	Other long-term liabilities	40,506			98,928			56,224			—			195,658
	Total liabilities	3,552,061			891,668			772,484			(210,925		)	5,005,288
	Stockholders' equity	197,149			388,081			2,779,027			(3,167,108		)	197,149
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	3,749,210		$	1,279,749		$	3,551,511		$	(3,378,033	)	$	5,202,437
	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
	31-Dec-14
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	421,533		$	1,117		$	45,882		$	—		$	468,532
	Trade receivables, net	—			88,959			2,098			—			91,057
	Other receivables	123,659			2,193			1,185			—			127,037
	Intercompany receivables	—			206,118			14,952			(221,070		)	—
	Inventories	—			110,882			90,716			—			201,598
	Deferred income taxes	15,986			—			833			—			16,819
	Prepaid expenses	3,424			40,044			2,722			—			46,190
	Other current assets (1)	106			7,029			2,150			—			9,285
	Total current assets	564,708			456,342			160,538			(221,070		)	960,518
	Mineral interests, net	—			135,377			2,701,424			—			2,836,801
	Property, plant and equipment, net	7,558			726,478			732,261			—			1,466,297
	Investment in subsidiaries	3,233,399			6,459			—			(3,239,858		)	—
	Other long-term assets (1)	43,420			17,857			6,471			—			67,748
		$	3,849,085		$	1,342,513		$	3,600,694		$	(3,460,928	)	$	5,331,364
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current debt	$	—		$	7,209		$	5,118		$	—		$	12,327
	Accounts payable	2,296			30,697			5,987			—			38,980
	Accrued expenses	43,088			60,762			21,468			—			125,318
	Intercompany payables	221,070			—			—			(221,070		)	—
	Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	95			28,937			—			—			29,032
	Other current liabilities	168,444			27,172			20,336			—			215,952
	Total current liabilities	434,993			154,777			52,909			(221,070		)	421,609
	Long-term debt (1)	3,063,121			5,704			53			—			3,068,878
	Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	10,502			630,729			—			—			641,231
Deferred income taxes	23,766			—			706,919			—			730,685
Other long-term liabilities	35,122			96,599			55,659			—			187,380
Total liabilities	3,567,504			887,809			815,540			(221,070		)	5,049,783
Stockholders' equity	281,581			454,704			2,785,154			(3,239,858		)	281,581
	$	3,849,085		$	1,342,513		$	3,600,694		$	(3,460,928	)	$	5,331,364
(1) In the current quarter, the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of debt. The adoption of this guidance has been applied on a retrospective basis. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Schedule of supplemental condensed consolidating statements of operations	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	(UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	Revenues:
	Sales	$	—		$	248,370		$	37,276		$	—		$	285,646
	Miscellaneous income	453			255			4,572			—			5,280
	Total revenues	453			248,625			41,848			—			290,926
	Cost and expenses:
	Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	—			232,416			52,277			—			284,693
	Depreciation and depletion	575			36,264			22,343			—			59,182
	Selling, general and administrative	5,383			12,495			3,183			—			21,061
	Other postretirement benefits	(67		)	12,400			—			—			12,333
	Total costs and expenses	5,891			293,575			77,803			—			377,269
	Operating loss	(5,438		)	(44,950		)	(35,955		)	—			(86,343		)
	Interest expense, net	(76,356		)	(195		)	(1,685		)	—			(78,236		)
	Gain on extinguishment of debt	58,626			—			—			—			58,626
	Loss before income tax benefit	(23,168		)	(45,145		)	(37,640		)	—			(105,953		)
	Income tax benefit	—			—			(25,757		)	—			(25,757		)
	Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	(57,028		)	—			—			57,028			—
	Net loss	$	(80,196	)	$	(45,145	)	$	(11,883	)	$	57,028		$	(80,196	)
	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	(UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	Revenues:
	Sales	$	—		$	324,911		$	80,318		$	—		$	405,229
	Miscellaneous income	655			1,879			6,122			—			8,656
	Total revenues	655			326,790			86,440			—			413,885
	Cost and expenses:
	Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	—			254,041			95,834			—			349,875
	Depreciation and depletion	648			38,101			37,675			—			76,424
	Selling, general and administrative	1,153			13,858			5,768			—			20,779
	Other postretirement benefits	(44		)	13,913			—			—			13,869
	Total costs and expenses	1,757			319,913			139,277			—			460,947
	Operating income (loss)	(1,102		)	6,877			(52,837		)	—			(47,062		)
	Interest income (expense), net	(72,404		)	7,234			(262		)	—			(65,432		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(13,889		)	—			—			—			(13,889		)
	Other loss	(1,700		)	—			(56		)	—			(1,756		)
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	(89,095		)	14,111			(53,155		)	—			(128,139		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(18,561		)	2,629			(20,029		)	—			(35,961		)
	Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	(21,644		)	—			—			21,644			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(92,178	)	$	11,482		$	(33,126	)	$	21,644		$	(92,178	)
Schedule of supplemental condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income (loss)	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE
	INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	Net loss	$	(80,196	)	$	(45,145	)	$	(11,883	)	$	57,028		$	(80,196	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	3,699			3,550			—			(3,550		)	3,699
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	(18,325		)	—			(18,325		)	18,325			(18,325		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,626		)	3,550			(18,325		)	14,775			(14,626		)
	Total comprehensive loss	$	(94,822	)	$	(41,595	)	$	(30,208	)	$	71,803		$	(94,822	)
	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE
	INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	Net income (loss)	$	(92,178	)	$	11,482		$	(33,126	)	$	21,644		$	(92,178	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	3,519			3,804			—			(3,804		)	3,519
	Change in unrealized gain on hedges, net of tax	1,679			3			—			(3		)	1,679
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	2,164			—			2,164			(2,164		)	2,164
	Total other comprehensive income	7,362			3,807			2,164			(5,971		)	7,362
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	(84,816	)	$	15,289		$	(30,962	)	$	15,673		$	(84,816	)
Schedule of supplemental condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	(UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	29,810		$	(35,097	)	$	(7,612	)	$	—		$	(12,899	)
	INVESTING ACTIVITIES
	Additions to property, plant and equipment	(360		)	(16,195		)	(812		)	—			(17,367		)
	Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	—			1,329			—			—			1,329
	Other	—			—			356			—			356
	Cash flows used in investing activities	(360		)	(14,866		)	(456		)	—			(15,682		)
	FINANCING ACTIVITIES
	Retirements of debt	—			(1,760		)	(1,735		)	—			(3,495		)
	Advances from (to) consolidated entities	(56,767		)	50,887			5,880			—			—
	Other	(60		)	—			—			—			(60		)
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	(56,827		)	49,127			4,145			—			(3,555		)
	Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	—			—			(1,690		)	—			(1,690		)
	Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(27,377		)	(836		)	(5,613		)	—			(33,826		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	421,533			1,117			45,882			—			468,532
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	394,156		$	281		$	40,269		$	—		$	434,706
	SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	(UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		(Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						Consolidated
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(100,236	)	$	146,110		$	(10,484	)	$	—		$	35,390
	INVESTING ACTIVITIES
	Additions to property, plant and equipment	(1,421		)	(9,117		)	(1,743		)	—			(12,281		)
	Intercompany loans made	(2,500		)	—			—			2,500			—
	Other	—			—			(151		)	—			(151		)
	Cash flows used in investing activities	(3,921		)	(9,117		)	(1,894		)	2,500			(12,432		)
	FINANCING ACTIVITIES
	Proceeds from issuance of debt	553,000			—			—			—			553,000
	Retirements of debt	(406,566		)	(1,511		)	(1,847		)	—			(409,924		)
	Dividends paid	(626		)	—			—			—			(626		)
	Debt issuance costs	(20,343		)	—			—			—			(20,343		)
	Advances from (to) consolidated entities	124,182			(135,728		)	11,546			—			—
	Intercompany notes borrowings	—			—			2,500			(2,500		)	—
	Other	(119		)	(47		)	—			—			(166		)
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	249,528			(137,286		)	12,199			(2,500		)	121,941
	Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	—			—			(1,002		)	—			(1,002		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	145,371			(293		)	(1,181		)	—			143,897
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	234,150			1,620			25,048			—			260,818
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	379,521		$	1,327		$	23,867		$	—		$	404,715

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revision of Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
Interest expense, net	$78,236	$65,432
Revision of loss on extinguishment of debt	-58,626	13,889
Effect of Correction of Debt Issuance Costs
Revision of Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
Interest expense, net		-65,432
Interest income		75
Revision of loss on extinguishment of debt		13,889
Prior to revision | Effect of Correction of Debt Issuance Costs
Revision of Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
Interest expense, net		-79,396
8.50% senior notes
Revision of Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
Revision of loss on extinguishment of debt	($58,600)

Basis_of_Presentation_Going_Co

Basis of Presentation (Going Concern) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 15, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	15-May-15
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$0	$3,068,878,000
8.50% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)		8.50%
9.50% senior secured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)		9.50%
Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt holders (at least)				25.00%
Subsequent Event | 8.50% and 9.50% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Payment Grace Period (in days)	30 days
Aggregate amount of principal payments	62,400,000
Subsequent Event | 8.50% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)	8.50%
Subsequent Event | 9.50% senior secured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)	9.50%
Total principal of long-term debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$3,100,000,000

Basis_of_Presentation_New_Acco

Basis of Presentation (New Accounting Pronouncement Early Adoption) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Other current assets	$8,966	$9,285
Revision of debt issuance costs	-51,209	-54,765
Other long-term assets	69,919	67,748
Long-term debt	0	3,068,878
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Other current assets		9,285
Other long-term assets		67,748
Long-term debt		3,068,878
Other Current Assets | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Revision of debt issuance costs		-10,257
Debt issuance cost, other long term assets | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Revision of debt issuance costs		-44,508
Debt issuance cost, long term debt | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Revision of debt issuance costs		-54,765
Prior to revision
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Other current assets		19,542
Other long-term assets		112,256
Long-term debt		$3,123,643

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Coal	$109,579	$136,335
Raw materials, supplies and other	62,756	65,263
Total inventories	$172,335	$201,598

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax benefit	($25,757)	($35,961)
Period of cumulative pre-tax loss	3 years

Debt_Schedule_of_debt_instrume

Debt (Schedule of debt instruments) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 06, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 15, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$3,015,274,000			$3,081,205,000
Debt discount, net		-17,207,000			-18,293,000
Debt issuance costs		-51,209,000			-54,765,000
Less: current debt		-3,015,274,000			-12,327,000
Total long-term debt		0			3,068,878,000
Common stock issued in exchange of debt instrument (in shares)	8.65
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt		58,626,000	-13,889,000
2011 term loan B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		978,178,000			978,178,000
Debt discount, net		-11,100,000			-11,900,000
Debt issuance costs		-13,700,000			-14,700,000
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)		7.25%
9.50% senior secured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		970,000,000			970,000,000
Debt discount, net		-2,600,000			-2,700,000
Debt issuance costs		-17,100,000			-17,800,000
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)		9.50%
11.00% / 12.00% senior secured PIK toggle notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		350,000,000			350,000,000
Debt issuance costs		-7,100,000			-7,400,000
11.00% / 12.00% senior secured PIK toggle notes | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)		11.00%
11.00% / 12.00% senior secured PIK toggle notes | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)		12.00%
9.875% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		388,000,000			388,000,000
Debt discount, net		-2,100,000			-2,200,000
Debt issuance costs		-6,900,000			-7,100,000
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)		9.88%
8.50% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		383,275,000			450,000,000
Debt issuance costs		-6,200,000			-7,500,000
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)		8.50%
Aggregate principal amount of debt exchanged	66,700,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt		58,600,000
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$14,237,000			$18,085,000
Subsequent Event | 9.50% senior secured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)				9.50%
Subsequent Event | 8.50% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)				8.50%
Subsequent Event | 8.50% and 9.50% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Payment Grace Period (in days)				30 days

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$2,178	$1,701
Interest cost	3,297	3,348
Expected return on plan assets	-3,696	-4,553
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	169	61
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,865	642
Settlement loss	0	784
Net periodic benefit cost	3,813	1,983
Other Postretirement Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	1,875	1,944
Interest cost	6,351	7,726
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-1,552	307
Amortization of net actuarial loss	5,659	3,892
Settlement loss	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$12,333	$13,869

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Details

Net Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss	($80,196)	($92,178)
Denominator:
Average number of common shares outstanding	74,336,000	62,601,000
Basic and diluted net loss per share (in usd per share)	($1.08)	($1.47)
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0	0
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from earnings per share calculation (in shares)	2,135,196	1,012,919
Share-based awards exercised or released
Stock options exercised (in shares)	0	9,641
Restricted stock units vested (in shares)	95,621	35,703
Total (in shares)	95,621	45,344

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	30-May-12	Mar. 15, 2012	Jan. 26, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012
		property	property	property	action	officer	officer	complaint
		party	party
Commitments and contingencies
Comment letter period	30 days
Accruals for unrecognized tax benefits related to disposition	$33
Environmental Matters | Walter Coke, Inc.
Commitments and contingencies
Number of properties that the entity has agreed to remediate				23
Number of other PRP's in which "Offer to Conduct Work" letter was sent to		5	4
Number of residential properties whose sampling has been completed by EPA			1,100
Number of properties exceeding Regional Removal Management Levels (RML's)			400
Number of Phase I properties offered to Potentially Responsible Parties PRP's for cleanup			50
Number of Phase II Properties Offered to Other Potentially Responsible Parties for Clean Up		30
Securities Class Actions and Shareholder Derivative Actions
Commitments and contingencies
Number of executive directors as defendants						3	3
Number of actions					2
Number of complaints								3
Minimum
Commitments and contingencies
Number of years the Company remains subject to income tax in various states for prior periods	3 years
Number of years for which the tax years are typically subject to examination in the major non-U.S. jurisdictions	3 years
Maximum
Commitments and contingencies
Number of years the state impact of any federal changes remains subject to examination	5 years
Number of years the Company remains subject to income tax in various states for prior periods	11 years
Number of years for which the tax years are typically subject to examination in the major non-U.S. jurisdictions	6 years

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	($218,048)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-18,325
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,699
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-14,626	7,362
Balance at the end of the period	-232,674
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	-198,969
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,699
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	3,699
Balance at the end of the period	-195,270
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	-19,079
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-18,325
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-18,325
Balance at the end of the period	($37,404)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net of tax	$3,699
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	6,141
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	-2,442
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plans | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Prior service credit	-1,383
Net actuarial loss	$7,524

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt
Debt discount	$17,207	$18,293
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	51,209	54,765
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	3,015,274	3,081,205
Walter Revolving Credit Facility 2011
Debt
Debt discount	1,400	1,500
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	200	300
2011 term loan B
Debt
Debt discount	11,100	11,900
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	13,700	14,700
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	978,178	978,178
9.50% senior secured notes
Debt
Debt discount	2,600	2,700
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	17,100	17,800
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	970,000	970,000
11.00% / 12.00% senior secured PIK toggle notes
Debt
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	7,100	7,400
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	350,000	350,000
9.875% senior notes
Debt
Debt discount	2,100	2,200
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	6,900	7,100
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	388,000	388,000
8.50% senior notes
Debt
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	6,200	7,500
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	383,275	450,000
Carrying Amount | 2011 term loan B
Debt
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	953,405	951,583
Carrying Amount | 9.50% senior secured notes
Debt
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	950,318	949,537
Carrying Amount | 11.00% / 12.00% senior secured PIK toggle notes
Debt
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	342,891	342,631
Carrying Amount | 9.875% senior notes
Debt
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	378,951	378,664
Carrying Amount | 8.50% senior notes
Debt
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	377,062	442,481
Fair Value | 2011 term loan B
Debt
Debt	591,798	755,936
Fair Value | 9.50% senior secured notes
Debt
Debt	579,575	759,025
Fair Value | 11.00% / 12.00% senior secured PIK toggle notes
Debt
Debt	33,250	113,750
Fair Value | 9.875% senior notes
Debt
Debt	22,310	77,600
Fair Value | 8.50% senior notes
Debt
Debt	$22,038	$85,500

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Total revenues	$290,926	$413,885
Operating income (loss):
Total operating loss	-86,343	-47,062
Interest expense, net	-78,236	-65,432
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	58,626	-13,889
Other loss	0	-1,756
Loss before income tax benefit	-105,953	-128,139
Income tax benefit	-25,757	-35,961
Net loss	-80,196	-92,178
Depreciation and depletion:
Total depreciation and depletion	59,182	76,424
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	17,367	12,281
Segment assets:
Total segment assets	5,202,437		5,331,364
Operating segment | U.S. Operations
Revenues:
Total revenues	251,011	330,664
Operating income (loss):
Total operating loss	-46,763	5,870
Depreciation and depletion:
Total depreciation and depletion	37,150	39,066
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	16,667	10,251
Segment assets:
Total segment assets	1,082,624		1,122,850
Operating segment | Canadian and U.K. Operations
Revenues:
Total revenues	39,014	81,577
Operating income (loss):
Total operating loss	-34,321	-52,618
Depreciation and depletion:
Total depreciation and depletion	21,457	36,710
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	341	609
Segment assets:
Total segment assets	3,466,709		3,538,073
Other
Revenues:
Total revenues	901	1,644
Operating income (loss):
Total operating loss	-5,259	-314
Depreciation and depletion:
Total depreciation and depletion	575	648
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	359	1,421
Segment assets:
Total segment assets	653,104		670,441
Accumulated Deficit
Operating income (loss):
Net loss	($80,196)

Supplemental_Guarantor_and_Non2

Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest in subsidiaries	100.00%
9.875% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	9.88%
8.50% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.50%

Supplemental_Guarantor_and_Non3

Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$434,706	$468,532	$404,715	$260,818
Trade receivables, net	89,498	91,057
Other receivables	126,248	127,037
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Inventories	172,335	201,598
Deferred income taxes	16,817	16,819
Prepaid expenses	40,161	46,190
Other current assets	8,966	9,285
Total current assets	888,731	960,518
Mineral interests, net	2,819,740	2,836,801
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,424,047	1,466,297
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term assets	69,919	67,748
Total assets	5,202,437	5,331,364
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	47,547	38,980
Accrued expenses	155,645	125,318
Intercompany payables	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	29,410	29,032
Other current liabilities	213,597	215,952
Current debt	3,015,274	12,327
Total current liabilities	3,461,473	421,609
Long-term debt	0	3,068,878
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	643,453	641,231
Deferred income taxes	704,704	730,685
Other long-term liabilities	195,658	187,380
Total liabilities	5,005,288	5,049,783
Total stockholders' equity	197,149	281,581
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,202,437	5,331,364
Reportable legal entities | Parent (Issuer)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	394,156	421,533	379,521	234,150
Trade receivables, net	0	0
Other receivables	123,094	123,659
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Deferred income taxes	15,984	15,986
Prepaid expenses	5,162	3,424
Other current assets	171	106
Total current assets	538,567	564,708
Mineral interests, net	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	6,978	7,558
Investment in subsidiaries	3,160,580	3,233,399
Other long-term assets	43,085	43,420
Total assets	3,749,210	3,849,085
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	6,643	2,296
Accrued expenses	85,059	43,088
Intercompany payables	210,925	221,070
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	473	95
Other current liabilities	170,696	168,444
Current debt	3,001,037	0
Total current liabilities	3,474,833	434,993
Long-term debt		3,063,121
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	10,516	10,502
Deferred income taxes	26,206	23,766
Other long-term liabilities	40,506	35,122
Total liabilities	3,552,061	3,567,504
Total stockholders' equity	197,149	281,581
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,749,210	3,849,085
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	281	1,117	1,327	1,620
Trade receivables, net	81,359	88,959
Other receivables	1,984	2,193
Intercompany receivables	205,976	206,118
Inventories	110,545	110,882
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Prepaid expenses	33,427	40,044
Other current assets	6,675	7,029
Total current assets	440,247	456,342
Mineral interests, net	133,458	135,377
Property, plant and equipment, net	686,071	726,478
Investment in subsidiaries	6,528	6,459
Other long-term assets	13,445	17,857
Total assets	1,279,749	1,342,513
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	35,921	30,697
Accrued expenses	57,215	60,762
Intercompany payables	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	28,937	28,937
Other current liabilities	26,640	27,172
Current debt	11,090	7,209
Total current liabilities	159,803	154,777
Long-term debt		5,704
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	632,937	630,729
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	98,928	96,599
Total liabilities	891,668	887,809
Total stockholders' equity	388,081	454,704
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,279,749	1,342,513
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	40,269	45,882	23,867	25,048
Trade receivables, net	8,139	2,098
Other receivables	1,170	1,185
Intercompany receivables	4,949	14,952
Inventories	61,790	90,716
Deferred income taxes	833	833
Prepaid expenses	1,572	2,722
Other current assets	2,120	2,150
Total current assets	120,842	160,538
Mineral interests, net	2,686,282	2,701,424
Property, plant and equipment, net	730,998	732,261
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term assets	13,389	6,471
Total assets	3,551,511	3,600,694
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	4,983	5,987
Accrued expenses	13,371	21,468
Intercompany payables	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	0	0
Other current liabilities	16,261	20,336
Current debt	3,147	5,118
Total current liabilities	37,762	52,909
Long-term debt		53
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	0	0
Deferred income taxes	678,498	706,919
Other long-term liabilities	56,224	55,659
Total liabilities	772,484	815,540
Total stockholders' equity	2,779,027	2,785,154
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,551,511	3,600,694
Eliminations
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Trade receivables, net	0	0
Other receivables	0
Intercompany receivables	-210,925	-221,070
Inventories	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Prepaid expenses	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	-210,925	-221,070
Mineral interests, net	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	-3,167,108	-3,239,858
Other long-term assets	0	0
Total assets	-3,378,033	-3,460,928
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses	0	0
Intercompany payables	-210,925	-221,070
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	0	0
Other current liabilities	0	0
Current debt	0	0
Total current liabilities	-210,925	-221,070
Long-term debt		0
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	-210,925	-221,070
Total stockholders' equity	-3,167,108	-3,239,858
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	($3,378,033)	($3,460,928)

Supplemental_Guarantor_and_Non4

Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Sales	$285,646	$405,229
Miscellaneous income	5,280	8,656
Total revenues	290,926	413,885
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	284,693	349,875
Depreciation and depletion	59,182	76,424
Selling, general and administrative	21,061	20,779
Other postretirement benefits	12,333	13,869
Total costs and expenses	377,269	460,947
Operating loss	-86,343	-47,062
Interest expense, net	-78,236	-65,432
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	58,626	-13,889
Other loss	0	-1,756
Loss before income tax benefit	-105,953	-128,139
Income tax expense (benefit)	-25,757	-35,961
Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	0	0
Net loss	-80,196	-92,178
Reportable legal entities | Parent (Issuer)
Revenues:
Sales	0	0
Miscellaneous income	453	655
Total revenues	453	655
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	0	0
Depreciation and depletion	575	648
Selling, general and administrative	5,383	1,153
Other postretirement benefits	-67	-44
Total costs and expenses	5,891	1,757
Operating loss	-5,438	-1,102
Interest expense, net	-76,356	-72,404
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	58,626	-13,889
Other loss		-1,700
Loss before income tax benefit	-23,168	-89,095
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	-18,561
Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	-57,028	-21,644
Net loss	-80,196	-92,178
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Sales	248,370	324,911
Miscellaneous income	255	1,879
Total revenues	248,625	326,790
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	232,416	254,041
Depreciation and depletion	36,264	38,101
Selling, general and administrative	12,495	13,858
Other postretirement benefits	12,400	13,913
Total costs and expenses	293,575	319,913
Operating loss	-44,950	6,877
Interest expense, net	-195	7,234
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	0	0
Other loss		0
Loss before income tax benefit	-45,145	14,111
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	2,629
Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	0	0
Net loss	-45,145	11,482
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Sales	37,276	80,318
Miscellaneous income	4,572	6,122
Total revenues	41,848	86,440
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	52,277	95,834
Depreciation and depletion	22,343	37,675
Selling, general and administrative	3,183	5,768
Other postretirement benefits	0	0
Total costs and expenses	77,803	139,277
Operating loss	-35,955	-52,837
Interest expense, net	-1,685	-262
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	0	0
Other loss		-56
Loss before income tax benefit	-37,640	-53,155
Income tax expense (benefit)	-25,757	-20,029
Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	0	0
Net loss	-11,883	-33,126
Eliminations
Revenues:
Sales	0	0
Miscellaneous income	0	0
Total revenues	0	0
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)	0	0
Depreciation and depletion	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	0	0
Other postretirement benefits	0	0
Total costs and expenses	0	0
Operating loss	0	0
Interest expense, net	0	0
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	0	0
Other loss		0
Loss before income tax benefit	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	57,028	21,644
Net loss	$57,028	$21,644

Supplemental_Guarantor_and_Non5

Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Net loss	($80,196)	($92,178)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	3,699	3,519
Change in unrealized gain on hedges, net of tax	0	1,679
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	-18,325	2,164
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-14,626	7,362
Total comprehensive loss	-94,822	-84,816
Reportable legal entities | Parent (Issuer)
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Net loss	-80,196	-92,178
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	3,699	3,519
Change in unrealized gain on hedges, net of tax		1,679
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	-18,325	2,164
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-14,626	7,362
Total comprehensive loss	-94,822	-84,816
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Net loss	-45,145	11,482
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	3,550	3,804
Change in unrealized gain on hedges, net of tax		3
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	3,550	3,807
Total comprehensive loss	-41,595	15,289
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Net loss	-11,883	-33,126
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	0	0
Change in unrealized gain on hedges, net of tax		0
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	-18,325	2,164
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-18,325	2,164
Total comprehensive loss	-30,208	-30,962
Eliminations
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Net loss	57,028	21,644
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	-3,550	-3,804
Change in unrealized gain on hedges, net of tax		-3
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	18,325	-2,164
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	14,775	-5,971
Total comprehensive loss	$71,803	$15,673

Supplemental_Guarantor_and_Non6

Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Cash Flow) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	($12,899)	$35,390
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-17,367	-12,281
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,329	0
Intercompany loans made		0
Other	356	-151
Cash flows used in investing activities	-15,682	-12,432
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	553,000
Retirements of debt	-3,495	-409,924
Dividends paid	0	-626
Debt issuance costs	0	-20,343
Advances from (to) consolidated entities	0	0
Intercompany notes borrowings		0
Other	-60	-166
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	-3,555	121,941
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	-1,690	-1,002
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-33,826	143,897
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	468,532	260,818
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	434,706	404,715
Reportable legal entities | Parent (Issuer)
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	29,810	-100,236
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-360	-1,421
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	0
Intercompany loans made		-2,500
Other	0	0
Cash flows used in investing activities	-360	-3,921
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of debt		553,000
Retirements of debt	0	-406,566
Dividends paid		-626
Debt issuance costs		-20,343
Advances from (to) consolidated entities	-56,767	124,182
Intercompany notes borrowings		0
Other	-60	-119
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	-56,827	249,528
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-27,377	145,371
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	421,533	234,150
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	394,156	379,521
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	-35,097	146,110
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-16,195	-9,117
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,329
Intercompany loans made		0
Other	0	0
Cash flows used in investing activities	-14,866	-9,117
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of debt		0
Retirements of debt	-1,760	-1,511
Dividends paid		0
Debt issuance costs		0
Advances from (to) consolidated entities	50,887	-135,728
Intercompany notes borrowings		0
Other	0	-47
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	49,127	-137,286
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-836	-293
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,117	1,620
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	281	1,327
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	-7,612	-10,484
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-812	-1,743
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	0
Intercompany loans made		0
Other	356	-151
Cash flows used in investing activities	-456	-1,894
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of debt		0
Retirements of debt	-1,735	-1,847
Dividends paid		0
Debt issuance costs		0
Advances from (to) consolidated entities	5,880	11,546
Intercompany notes borrowings		2,500
Other	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	4,145	12,199
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	-1,690	-1,002
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-5,613	-1,181
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	45,882	25,048
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	40,269	23,867
Eliminations
Supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	0
Intercompany loans made		2,500
Other	0	0
Cash flows used in investing activities	0	2,500
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of debt		0
Retirements of debt	0	0
Dividends paid		0
Debt issuance costs		0
Advances from (to) consolidated entities	0	0
Intercompany notes borrowings		-2,500
Other	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	0	-2,500
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$0	$0