Rentech (RTK) 10-Q 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'RTK	'
Entity Registrant Name	'RENTECH, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000868725	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	228,485,033

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash	$70,060	$106,369
Accounts receivable	27,775	14,227
Inventories	35,493	35,376
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,854	8,309
Deferred income taxes	1,126	1,140
Other receivables	14,184	7,432
Assets of discontinued operations	604	19
Total current assets	161,096	172,872
Property, plant and equipment, net	359,044	334,654
Construction in progress	184,391	60,136
Other assets	'	'
Goodwill	39,193	57,134
Intangible assets	62,812	59,730
Debt issuance costs	9,511	9,321
Deposits and other assets	5,076	5,092
Assets of discontinued operations	4,626	4,651
Total other assets	121,218	135,928
Total assets	825,749	703,590
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	28,611	19,875
Accrued payroll and benefits	8,119	9,155
Accrued liabilities	32,963	33,953
Deferred revenue	50,453	21,643
Current portion of long term debt	15,911	9,916
Accrued interest	11,228	5,490
Other	1,322	1,015
Liabilities of discontinued operations	2,167	2,003
Total current liabilities	150,774	103,050
Long-term liabilities	'	'
Debt	431,961	412,063
Earn-out consideration	5,589	1,544
Asset retirement obligation	4,328	2,995
Deferred income taxes	9,539	9,271
Other	4,404	6,711
Total long-term liabilities	455,821	432,584
Total liabilities	606,595	535,634
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock: $.01 par value; 450,000 shares authorized; 228,222 and 227,512 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	2,282	2,275
Additional paid-in capital	544,040	541,254
Accumulated deficit	-422,148	-385,339
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,567	-117
Total Rentech stockholders' equity	121,607	158,073
Noncontrolling interests	2,681	9,883
Total equity	124,288	167,956
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	825,749	703,590
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Mezzanine equity	'	'
Preferred stock	94,866	0
Series A Convertible Preferred Shares [Member]	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock	0	0
Series C Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock	0	0
Series D Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock	$0	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock, par value	$10	$10
Mezzanine, preferred stock, dividend rate	4.50%	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	228,222,000	227,512,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	228,222,000	227,512,000
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Mezzanine, preferred stock, par value	$10	$0
Mezzanine, preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	0
Mezzanine, preferred stock, shares issued	100,000,000	0
Mezzanine, preferred stock, shares outstanding	100,000,000	0
Mezzanine, preferred stock, dividend rate	4.50%	0.00%
Series A Convertible Preferred Shares [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	90,000	90,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	90,000	90,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share	$0	$0
Series C Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$10	$10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Series D Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$10	$10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	45,000	45,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Product sales	$106,802	$96,621	$295,154	$262,890
Service revenues	17,955	18,608	53,342	30,340
Other revenues	547	428	1,529	2,052
Total revenues	125,304	115,657	350,025	295,282
Cost of sales	'	'	'	'
Product	97,880	80,272	244,019	185,371
Service	14,455	14,241	43,703	23,775
Total cost of sales	112,335	94,513	287,722	209,146
Gross profit	12,969	21,144	62,303	86,136
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	15,550	13,413	48,764	38,819
Depreciation and amortization	1,418	2,436	2,488	5,333
Pasadena goodwill impairment	'	30,029	27,202	30,029
Other expense	313	24	209	35
Total operating expenses	17,281	45,902	78,663	74,216
Operating income (loss)	-4,312	-24,758	-16,360	11,920
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-5,346	-4,757	-16,682	-11,022
Loss on debt extinguishment	-635	'	-1,485	-6,001
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustment to earn-out consideration	59	586	-268	5,197
Other income (expense), net	311	-88	355	-267
Total other expenses, net	-5,611	-4,259	-18,080	-12,093
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of investee	-9,923	-29,017	-34,440	-173
Income tax (benefit) expense	425	-1,984	1,260	-26,656
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in loss of investee	-10,348	-27,033	-35,700	26,483
Equity in loss of investee	97	103	334	138
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-10,445	-27,136	-36,034	26,345
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-1,242	3,558	-4,280	-4,831
Net income (loss)	-11,687	-23,578	-40,314	21,514
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,311	8,985	3,505	-8,515
Net income (loss) attributable to Rentech common shareholders	($10,376)	($14,593)	($36,809)	$12,999
Basic:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.05)	($0.08)	($0.15)	$0.08
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	$0.02	($0.02)	($0.02)
Net income (loss)	($0.05)	($0.06)	($0.17)	$0.06
Diluted:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.05)	($0.08)	($0.15)	$0.07
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	$0.02	($0.02)	($0.02)
Net income (loss)	($0.05)	($0.06)	($0.17)	$0.05
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	228,072	226,305	228,651	225,840
Diluted	228,072	226,305	228,651	232,171

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($11,687)	($23,578)	($40,314)	$21,514
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Pension and postretirement plan adjustments	-11	-5	-36	3
Foreign currency translation	-4,440	'	-2,429	-30
Other comprehensive loss	-4,451	-5	-2,465	-27
Comprehensive income (loss)	-16,138	-23,583	-42,779	21,487
Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,311	8,985	3,505	-8,515
Less: other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	5	2	15	-1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Rentech	($14,822)	($14,596)	($39,259)	$12,971

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total Rentech Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Thousands
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$201,068	$2,241	$539,448	($383,807)	$105	$157,987	$43,081
Beginning balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	224,121	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	4,000	'	'	'	'	'	4,000
Acquisition of additional interest in subsidiary	-2,500	'	-536	'	'	-536	-1,964
Common stock issued for services	'	2	-2	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for services, Shares	'	178	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for stock options exercised	129	3	126	'	'	129	'
Common stock issued for stock options exercised, Shares	'	313	'	'	'	'	'
Payment of stock issuance costs	-48	'	-48	'	'	-48	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-33,075	'	'	'	'	'	-33,075
Equity-based compensation expense	5,669	'	5,113	'	'	5,113	556
Restricted stock units	-3,447	18	-3,465	'	'	-3,447	'
Restricted stock units, Shares	'	1,756	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	21,514	'	'	12,999	'	12,999	8,515
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-27	'	'	'	-28	-28	1
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013	193,283	2,264	540,636	-370,808	77	172,169	21,114
Ending balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	226,368	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	167,956	2,275	541,254	-385,339	-117	158,073	9,883
Beginning balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	227,512	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for stock options exercised	93	2	91	'	'	93	'
Common stock issued for stock options exercised, Shares	'	213	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends - preferred stock	-2,521	'	-2,521	'	'	-2,521	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-4,118	'	'	'	'	'	-4,118
Equity-based compensation expense	5,904	'	5,438	'	'	5,438	466
Equity-based compensation expense, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock units	-201	5	-206	'	'	-201	'
Restricted stock units, Shares	'	497	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-40,314	'	'	-36,809	'	-36,809	-3,505
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,465	'	'	'	-2,450	-2,450	-15
Other	-46	'	-16	'	'	-16	-30
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$124,288	$2,282	$544,040	($422,148)	($2,567)	$121,607	$2,681
Ending balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2014	'	228,222	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income (loss)	($40,314)	$21,514
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	25,693	18,669
Utilization of spare parts	5,162	2,377
Write-down of inventory	4,557	7,334
Non-cash interest expense	597	315
Net loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets	245	-6,220
Pasadena goodwill impairment	27,202	30,029
Loss on debt extinguishment	1,485	6,001
Equity-based compensation	5,904	5,669
Other	1,846	-195
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-10,632	-15,279
Other receivables	-5,558	6,054
Inventories	-1,594	-15,654
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-3,719	-75
Other assets	205	'
Accounts payable	4,770	-7,710
Deferred revenue	28,865	4,745
Accrued interest	5,360	7,753
Accrued liabilities, accrued payroll and other	-4,548	-38,440
Net cash provided by operating activities	45,526	26,887
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-134,794	-60,450
Payment for acquisitions, net of cash received	-31,582	-65,583
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets	-135	9,146
Other items	610	-665
Net cash used in investing activities	-165,901	-117,552
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from debt and credit facilities	54,979	385,600
Proceeds from preferred stock, net of discount and issuance costs	94,495	'
Payments of debt	-8,202	-7,425
Payments to retire credit facility and term loan	-50,000	-205,015
Payment of debt issuance costs	-2,544	-9,827
Payment of offering costs	-16	-972
Dividends to preferred stockholders	-650	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-4,118	-33,075
Other	92	81
Net cash provided by financing activities	84,036	129,367
Effect of exchange rate on cash	30	-20
Increase (decrease) in cash	-36,309	38,682
Cash, beginning of period	106,369	141,736
Cash, end of period	70,060	180,418
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and construction in progress in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	20,534	18,067
Restricted stock units and RNP units surrendered for withholding taxes payable	201	3,447
Fair value of assets in acquisition	55,642	174,032
Fair value of liabilities assumed in acquisition	16,367	106,728
Contingent consideration	3,840	1,850
Increase in QS Construction Facility obligation	$17,775	'

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 — Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Rentech, Inc. (“Rentech”) and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and in compliance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Neither authority requires all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2014, and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rentech, its wholly owned subsidiaries and all subsidiaries in which Rentech directly or indirectly owns a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014 or any other reporting period. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 17, 2014 (the “Annual Report”).
	The Company, through its indirect majority-owned subsidiary, Rentech Nitrogen Partners, L.P. (“RNP”), owns and operates two fertilizer facilities: the Company’s East Dubuque Facility and the Company’s Pasadena Facility, referred to collectively as the “Fertilizer Facilities.” Our East Dubuque Facility is located in East Dubuque, Illinois and owned by Rentech Nitrogen, LLC (“RNLLC”). Our Pasadena Facility is located in Pasadena, Texas and owned by Rentech Nitrogen Pasadena, LLC (“RNPLLC”). The noncontrolling interests reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are affected by the net income of, and distributions from, RNP.
	On May 1, 2013, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of Fulghum Fibres, Inc. (“Fulghum”). Upon the closing of this transaction (the “Fulghum Acquisition”), Fulghum became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Fulghum provides wood yard operations services and high-quality wood chipping services, and produces and sells wood chips to the pulp, paper and packaging industry. Fulghum operates 32 wood chipping mills, of which 26 are located in the United States, five are located in Chile and one is located in Uruguay. The noncontrolling interests reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets also represent the non-acquired ownership interests in the subsidiaries located in Chile and Uruguay. Fulghum currently owns 88% of the equity interests in the subsidiaries located in Chile and 87% of equity interests in the subsidiary in Uruguay. For information on the final purchase price allocation for the Fulghum Acquisition, refer to “Note 4 — Fulghum Acquisition”.
	The Company is developing two facilities in Eastern Canada to produce and sell wood pellets for use as renewable fuel to generate electricity. In 2013, the Company acquired an idled oriented strand board processing mill in Wawa, Ontario, Canada. The Company is in the process of converting the mill to a wood pellet facility with the intent to produce approximately 450,000 metric tons of wood pellets annually (the “Wawa Project”). Also, in 2013, the Company acquired a former particle board processing mill in Atikokan, Ontario, Canada. The Company is in the process of converting the mill to a wood pellet facility with the intent to produce approximately 100,000 metric tons of wood pellets annually (the “Atikokan Project”). See “Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies” for major contracts and commitments for this business segment.
	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company decided to exit the energy technologies business. This was a direct result of the high projected cost to further develop the technologies and deploy them at commercial scale. It was also due to lower projected returns on such investments. Many factors led to the lower projected returns. One factor was the decrease in energy prices in the United States due to the proliferation of hydraulic fracturing and other factors. Another factor was the failure of, and reductions in, government incentives and regulations intended to support the development of alternative energy, particularly within the United States. See “Note 6 — Discontinued Operations”.
	On May 1, 2014, the Company acquired all of the equity interests of New England Wood Pellet, LLC (“NEWP”), pursuant to a Unit Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”). Upon the closing of the transaction (the “NEWP Acquisition”), NEWP became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. NEWP is one of the largest producers of wood pellets for the United States residential and commercial heating markets. NEWP operates three wood pellet processing facilities with a combined annual production capacity of 240,000 tons. The facilities are located in Jaffrey, New Hampshire; Deposit, New York; and Schuyler, New York. For information on the NEWP Acquisition, refer to “Note 3 — NEWP Acquisition”.
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fair values of cash, receivables, deposits, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities were assumed to approximate carrying value since they are short term and can be settled on demand. These items meet the definition of Level 1 financial instruments as defined in “Note 7 — Fair Value.”
	Accounting guidance establishes accounting and reporting requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. This guidance requires recognition of all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and measurement of those instruments at fair value. The accounting treatment of changes in fair value is dependent upon whether or not a derivative instrument is designated as a hedge and if so, the type of hedge. The Company currently does not designate any of its derivatives as hedges for financial accounting purposes. Gains and losses on derivative instruments not designated as hedges are currently included in earnings and reported under cash flows from operating activities. The Company does not have any master netting agreements or collateral relating to these derivatives.
	The Company recognizes the unrealized gains or losses related to the commodity-based derivative instruments in its consolidated financial statements. Rentech uses commodity-based derivatives to minimize its exposure to the fluctuations in natural gas prices. For interest rate swaps, the Company reflected the instruments at fair value and any change in value was recorded in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment may have occurred. The analysis of the potential impairment of goodwill is a two-step process. Step one of the impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with the aggregate carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, step two must be performed to determine the amount, if any, of the goodwill impairment.
	There are significant assumptions involved in performing a goodwill impairment test, which include discount rates, terminal growth rates, future sales prices of end products, raw material costs, and sales volumes. The various valuation methods used (income approach, replacement cost and market approach) are weighted in determining fair value. Changes to any of these assumptions could increase or decrease the fair value of the Fulghum and NEWP reporting units. See “Note 10 — Goodwill.”
	The Company has evaluated events that occurred between September 30, 2014 and the date of these financial statements to ensure that such events are properly reflected in these statements.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Note 2 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance as to when an unrecognized tax benefit should be classified as a reduction of a deferred tax asset or when it should be classified as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, and thus became effective for the Company’s interim period beginning on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance that provides a narrower definition of discontinued operations than under previous guidance. It requires that only disposals of components of an entity (or groups of components) that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the reporting entity’s operations are to be reported in the financial statements as discontinued operations. It also provides guidance on the financial statement presentations and disclosures of discontinued operations. This guidance is effective prospectively for disposals (or classifications of held-for-sale) of components of an entity that occur in annual or interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance that will significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. The Company is evaluating the provisions of this guidance and the potential impact, if any, on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is evaluating the provisions of this guidance and the potential impact, if any, on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on presentation of financial statements – going concern, which applies to all companies. It requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. This guidance is effective for the annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. The Company is evaluating the provisions of this guidance and the potential impact, if any, on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosure.

Acquisition

Acquisition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'
Acquisition	'
	Note 3 — NEWP Acquisition
	On May 1, 2014, the Company acquired all of the equity interests of NEWP. This acquisition is consistent with the Company’s strategy of expanding its wood fibre business. The preliminary purchase price consisted of $35.4 million of cash as well as potential earn-out consideration of up to $5.0 million to be paid in cash. The earn-out consideration would be earned ratably if NEWP’s 2014 EBITDA, as defined in the Purchase Agreement, is between $7.3 million and $8.0 million. The earn-out consideration would not increase if NEWP’s 2014 EBITDA were to exceed $8.0 million. The amount of the purchase price is subject to certain potential post-closing adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement.
	This business combination has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date.
	The preliminary purchase price recognized in our financial statements consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
	Cash plus working capital adjustments of $0.1 million		$	35,434
	Estimate of expected earn-out consideration(1)			3,840
	Total preliminary purchase price		$	39,274
	-1	The amount of earn-out consideration reflected in the table above reflects the Company’s estimate, as of May 1, 2014, of the amount of the earn-out consideration it will be required to pay pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The earn-out consideration will be measured at each reporting date; changes in its fair value will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.
	The Company’s preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (amounts in thousands):
	Cash		$	3,852
	Accounts receivable			2,927
	Inventories			2,239
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			437
	Property, plant and equipment			30,625
	Intangible assets (Trade name - $5,000, Customer relationships - $1,100, and Non-compete agreements - $200)			6,300
	Goodwill			9,261
	Accounts payable			(1,641	)
	Accrued liabilities			(442	)
	Customer deposits			(882	)
	Loans			(12,600	)
	Interest rate swaps			(802	)
	Total preliminary purchase price		$	39,274
	Intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships, trade names and non-competition agreements with former owners. The estimated useful life of each of the trade names is 20 years, 13 years for customer relationships and three years for non-competition agreements.
	The goodwill recorded reflects the value to Rentech of NEWP’s market position, of entry into the residential and commercial heating markets, and of the increases in Rentech’s products offerings, customer bases and geographic markets. The goodwill recorded as part of this acquisition is amortizable for tax purposes.
	The final purchase price and the allocation thereof will not be known until the valuation of intangible assets is completed.
	The operations of NEWP are included in the consolidated statements of operations as of May 1, 2014. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded revenue of $13.9 million and net income of $2.0 million related to NEWP. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from May 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014, the Company recorded revenue of $19.6 million and net income of $2.8 million related to NEWP. Acquisition related costs for this acquisition were $0 during the three months ended September 30, 2014, but totaled $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and have been included in the consolidated statements of operations within selling, general and administrative expenses. See “Note 5 — Pro Forma Information” for unaudited pro forma information relating to the NEWP Acquisition.
Fulghum [Member]	'
Acquisition	'
	Note 4 — Fulghum Acquisition
	On May 1, 2013, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of Fulghum. The purchase price consisted of $64.2 million of cash, including $3.3 million used to retire certain debt of Fulghum at closing.
	This business combination has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The Company’s final purchase price allocation is as follows (amounts in thousands):
	Cash		$	10,137
	Accounts receivable			3,936
	Inventories			2,389
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			952
	Other receivables, net			5,435
	Property, plant and equipment			94,382
	Intangible assets (Trade name - $5,496 and Processing agreements - $29,765)			35,261
	Goodwill			29,932
	Other assets			2,974
	Accounts payable			(6,547	)
	Accrued liabilities			(5,823	)
	Customer deposits			(1,059	)
	Asset retirement obligation			(178	)
	Credit facility and loans			(61,865	)
	Unfavorable processing agreements			(6,496	)
	Deferred income taxes			(35,262	)
	Noncontrolling interests			(4,000	)
	Total purchase price		$	64,168
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities and other tax liabilities result from fair value adjustments to identifiable tangible and intangible assets. These adjustments create book basis higher than the tax basis. The excess is multiplied by the statutory tax rate for the jurisdiction and period in which the deferred taxes are expected to be realized. As part of purchase accounting for Fulghum, we recorded additional deferred tax liabilities of $15.8 million attributable to identifiable tangible and intangible assets.
	The goodwill recorded reflects the value to Rentech of Fulghum’s market position, of entry into the wood chipping business, and of the increases in Rentech’s products offerings, customer bases and geographic markets. The goodwill recorded as part of this acquisition is not amortizable for tax purposes.
	The operations of Fulghum are included in the consolidated statements of operations as of May 1, 2013. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded revenue of $22.4 million and net income of $0.8 million related to Fulghum. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded revenue of $38.5 million and net income of $0.9 million related to Fulghum. See “Note 5 — Pro Forma Information” for unaudited pro forma information relating to the Fulghum Acquisition

Pro_Forma_Information

Pro Forma Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Pro Forma Information	'
	Note 5 — Pro Forma Information
	The unaudited pro forma information has been prepared as if the NEWP Acquisition and the Fulghum Acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2013. The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that the Company would have achieved had the transactions actually taken place on January 1, 2013, and the unaudited pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of future financial operating results.
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		As Reported			Pro Forma		Pro Forma
					Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	350,025		$	14,329	$	364,354
	Net income (loss)	$	(40,314	)	$	2,367	$	(37,947	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Rentech	$	(36,809	)	$	2,367	$	(34,442	)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	$	(0.15	)	$	0.01	$	(0.14	)
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		As Reported			Pro Forma		Pro Forma
					Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	295,282		$	66,076	$	361,358
	Net income	$	21,514		$	3,813	$	25,327
	Net income attributable to Rentech	$	12,999		$	3,678	$	16,677
	Basic net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	$	0.08		$	0.01	$	0.09
	Diluted net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	$	0.07		$	0.02	$	0.09

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Note 6 — Discontinued Operations
	On March 5, 2014, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Sunshine Kaidi New Energy Group Co., Ltd. (“Kaidi”) (the “Kaidi Agreement”) to sell its alternative energy technologies and certain pieces of equipment at its decommissioned Product Demonstration Unit (the “PDU”) located in Commerce City, Colorado. The transaction would provide the Company at closing with an initial cash purchase price for its technology and equipment of $15.3 million, and the possibility of a success payment of up to $16.2 million. At December 31, 2013, the Company had classified the PDU as property held for sale on its consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the Kaidi Agreement, the Company has reclassified its consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented in this report to reflect the energy technologies segment as discontinued operations. In the consolidated statements of cash flows, the cash flows of discontinued operations are not separately classified or aggregated, and are reported in the respective categories with those of continuing operations.
	All discussions and amounts in the consolidated financial statements and related notes, except for cash flows, for all periods presented relate to continuing operations only, unless otherwise noted.
	The following table summarizes the components of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations.
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	59		$	19
	Other receivables		545			—
	Total current assets	$	604		$	19
	Property held for sale		4,626			4,647
	Deposits and other assets		—			4
	Total other assets	$	4,626		$	4,651
	Total assets	$	5,230		$	4,670
	Accounts payable	$	59		$	151
	Accrued payroll and benefits		302			356
	Accrued liabilities		976			1,496
	Deferred revenue		55			—
	Other		775			—
	Total liabilities	$	2,167		$	2,003
	The following table summarizes the results of discontinued operations.
		For the Three Months Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	56		$	105	$	267		$	300
	Operating income (loss)	$	(1,242	)	$	4,542	$	(4,333	)	$	(4,994	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(1,242	)	$	3,558	$	(4,280	)	$	(4,831	)

Fair_Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	Note 7 — Fair Value
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in a principal or most advantageous market. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on inputs, which refer broadly to assumptions that market participants use in pricing assets or liabilities. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable inputs. The Company makes certain assumptions it believes that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk, and the risks inherent in the inputs to valuation techniques. Credit risk of the Company and its counterparties is incorporated in the valuation of assets and liabilities. The Company believes it uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable market-based inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
	Accounting guidance provides for a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value in three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. All assets and liabilities are required to be classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Assessing the significance of a particular input may require judgment in considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the asset or liability and its placement within the fair value hierarchy. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the fair value hierarchy, defined as follows:
		•		Level 1 — Consists of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the reporting date.
		•		Level 2 — Consists of inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data.
		•		Level 3 — Consists of unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies using inputs that are generally less readily observable and supported by little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best available information and subject to cost-benefit constraints.
	The following table presents the financial instruments that were accounted for at fair value by level as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands).
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Liabilities
	Forward gas contracts		$	—		$	811		$	—
	Interest rate swaps			—			688			—
	Earn-out consideration			—			—			5,589
	The following table presents the financial instrument that was accounted for at fair value by level as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands).
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Liabilities
	Earn-out consideration		$	—		$	—		$	1,544
	The following table presents the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s borrowings by level as of September 30, 2014.
			Fair Value									Carrying Value
			(in thousands)
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Liabilities
	RNP Notes		$	318,400		$	—		$	—		$	320,000
	Fulghum debt			—			47,205			—			46,665
	GSO Credit Agreement			—			49,092			—			49,092
	NEWP debt			—			11,744			—			11,722
	QS Construction Facility			—			20,393			—			20,393
	The following table presents the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s borrowings by level as of December 31, 2013.
			Fair Value									Carrying Value
			(in thousands)
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Liabilities
	RNP Notes		$	318,400		$	—		$	—		$	320,000
	Fulghum debt			—			45,970			—			47,452
	RNHI Revolving Loan			—			50,000			—			50,000
	QS Construction Facility			—			4,527			—			4,527
	Forward Gas Contracts
	Our East Dubuque Facility enters into forward gas purchase contracts to reduce its exposure to the fluctuations in natural gas prices. The forward gas contracts are deemed to be Level 2 financial instruments because the measurement is based on observable market data. The fair value of such contracts had been determined based on market prices. Gain or loss associated with forward gas contracts is recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. The amount of unrealized loss recorded was $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. These forward gas contracts are recorded in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Interest Rate Swaps
	NEWP entered into three interest rate swaps in notional amounts that cover the borrowings under its two industrial revenue bonds and a real estate mortgage loan. Through the three interest rate swaps, NEWP is essentially fixing the variable interest rate to be paid on its borrowings.
	Under the interest rate swaps, NEWP pays interest at a fixed rate of 5.29% on the outstanding balance of one of the industrial revenue bonds, 5.05% on the outstanding balance of the other industrial revenue bond and 7.53% on the outstanding balance of the real estate mortgage loan. NEWP receives interest at the variable interest rates specified in the various swap agreements.
	The interest rate swaps are designated as derivatives for accounting purposes. The interest rate swaps are deemed to be Level 2 financial instruments because the measurements are based on observable market data. The Company used a standard swap contract valuation method to value its interest rate derivatives, and the inputs it uses for present value discounting included forward one-month LIBOR rates, risk-free interest rates and an estimate of credit risk. The fair value of the interest rate swaps at September 30, 2014 represents the unrealized loss of $0.7 million. Any adjustments to the fair value of the interest rate swaps from the date of the NEWP Acquisition will be recorded in consolidated statements of operations. Interest rate swaps are recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Earn-out Consideration
	At September 30, 2014, the earn-out consideration reflected in our financial statements includes $4.6 million relating to the NEWP Acquisition. The earn-out consideration is deemed to be a Level 3 financial instrument because the measurement is based on unobservable inputs. The fair value of earn-out consideration was determined based on the Company’s analysis of various scenarios for the achievement of certain levels of EBITDA, as defined in the Purchase Agreement related to the NEWP Acquisition. The scenarios, which included a weighted probability factor, involved assumptions relating to product profitability and production.
	At September 30, 2014, the earn-out consideration includes $0.9 million of potential earn-out consideration relating to the Atikokan Project. This consideration is deemed to be a Level 3 financial instrument because the measurement is based on unobservable inputs. The fair value of earn-out consideration was determined based on the Company’s analysis of various scenarios involving the achievement of certain levels of EBITDA, as defined in the asset purchase agreement related to the Atikokan Project, over a ten-year period. The scenarios, which included a weighted probability factor, involved assumptions relating to product profitability and production levels. The earn-out consideration will be measured at each reporting date with changes in its fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Assuming the minimum required EBITDA level is achieved, an increase or decrease of $1.0 million in EBITDA would result in an increase or decrease in earn-out consideration of $0.1 million. The Company provided a loan to the sellers in the Atikokan Project of $0.9 million, which will be repayable from any earn-out consideration. The collectibility of the loan is tied to the amount of earn-out consideration the sellers receive from the Company. Therefore, at September 30, 2014, the loan receivable was reduced to $0.7 million with $0.2 million being recorded to other expense.
	The earn-out consideration also includes potential additional consideration the Company may be required to pay under the purchase agreement relating to the acquisition of Agrifos, LLC (“Agrifos”). Agrifos, through a subsidiary, previously owned the Pasadena Facility.
	A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of the earn-out consideration is as follows:
			As of September 30, 2014
			Atikokan			NEWP			Total
			(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	1,544		$	—		$	1,544
	Add: Earn-out consideration			—			3,840			3,840
	Add: Unrealized (gain) loss			(532	)		800			268
	Add: Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation			(63	)		—			(63	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	949		$	4,640		$	5,589
			As of September 30, 2013
			Agrifos			Atikokan			Total
			(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	4,920		$	—		$	4,920
	Add: Earn-out consideration			—			1,850			1,850
	Add: Unrealized gain			(4,920	)		(277	)		(5,197	)
	Add: Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation			—			(2	)		(2	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	—		$	1,571		$	1,571
	RNP Notes
The $320.0 million of 6.5% second lien senior secured notes due 2021 (the “RNP Notes”) are deemed to be Level 1 financial instruments because there was an active market for such debt. The fair value of such debt was determined based on market prices.
Fulghum Debt
Fulghum debt is deemed to be Level 2 financial instruments because the measurement is based on observable market data. The Company’s valuation reflects discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, weighted average lives and maturity dates.
GSO Credit Agreement
The GSO Credit Agreement, as defined in “Note 11 — Debt”, is deemed to be a Level 2 financial instrument because the measurement is based on observable market data. The Company’s valuation reflects discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, weighted average lives and maturity dates.
NEWP Debt
NEWP debt is deemed to be Level 2 financial instruments because the measurement is based on observable market data. The Company’s valuation reflects discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, weighted average lives and maturity dates.
The levels within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company’s financial instruments have been evaluated have not changed for any of the Company’s financial instruments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
QS Construction Facility
The Company’s financing obligation with respect to the construction of assets by Quebec Stevedoring Company Limited (the “QS Construction Facility”) is deemed to be a Level 2 financial instrument because the measurement is based on observable market data. To determine the fair value, the Company reviewed the current market interest rates of similar borrowing arrangements. It was concluded that the carrying value of the QS Construction Facility approximates the fair value of the obligation at September 30, 2014 because the Company’s credit worthiness has not changed since the QS Construction Facility was established.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 8 — Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Finished goods	$	27,151	$	27,638
	Raw materials		8,170		7,448
	Other		172		290
	Total inventory	$	35,493	$	35,376
	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, RNP wrote down the value of the Pasadena Facility’s ammonium sulfate inventory by $1.8 million to market value. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, RNP wrote down the value of the Pasadena Facility’s ammonium sulfate inventory by $4.6 million to market value. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, RNP wrote down the value of the Pasadena Facility’s ammonium sulfate inventory by $5.0 million to market value. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, RNP wrote down the value of the Pasadena Facility’s ammonium sulfate, sulfur and sulfuric acid inventory by $7.3 million to market value. The various write-downs were reflected in cost of goods sold for the applicable periods.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Note 9 — Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	27,482		$	26,149
	Buildings and building improvements		44,609			33,096
	Machinery and equipment		366,188			334,645
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		1,583			1,123
	Computer equipment and computer software		9,678			7,977
	Vehicles		5,612			4,624
	Leasehold improvements		2,370			2,348
	Other		1,453			210
			458,975			410,172
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(99,931	)		(75,518	)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	359,044		$	334,654
	In connection with the restructuring of the Pasadena Facility, the Company tested the long-lived assets for impairment. As of September 30, 2014, the undiscounted future cash flows from the Pasadena Facility exceeded its net book value by approximately 10%. If there are further declines in commodity prices or increases in future costs at the Pasadena Facility, the Company may need to record a material impairment charge to reduce the carrying cost of the plant to fair value.
	Construction in progress consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	East Dubuque Facility	$	10,195		$	2,195
	Pasadena Facility		55,438			31,335
	Fulghum Fibres		11,445			273
	Atikokan Project		31,307			8,458
	Wawa Project		52,412			11,809
	Construction under QS Construction Facility		22,988			5,198
	Other		606			868
	Total construction in progress	$	184,391		$	60,136
	The construction in progress balance includes $5.3 million of capitalized interest costs at September 30, 2014, and $0.8 million at December 31, 2013.

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Note 10 — Goodwill
	A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows:
		Pasadena			Fulghum		NEWP		Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	27,202		$	29,932	$	—	$	57,134
	Add: Acquisition		—			—		9,261		9,261
	Less: Impairment		(27,202	)		—		—		(27,202	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	—		$	29,932	$	9,261	$	39,193
	The Company tests goodwill assets for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. Between annual goodwill impairment tests, the Company qualitatively assesses whether or not it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test for each reporting unit. If based on the results of its qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required.
	During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company wrote down the value of the Pasadena Facility’s ammonium sulfate inventory by $2.8 million to market value. Management considered this inventory impairment, negative gross margin and negative EBITDA in the second quarter of 2014, as well as revised cash flow projections developed during the second quarter of 2014, taken together as indicators that a potential impairment of the goodwill related to the Pasadena Facility may have occurred. Factors that affect cash flow include, but are not limited to: product prices; product sales volumes; feedstock prices, labor, maintenance, and other operating costs; required capital expenditures; and plant productivity.
	Cash flow projections decreased primarily because of a decline in forecasted product margins. The reduction of prices in the forecast was the result of an evaluation of many factors, including recent deterioration in reported margins. A global decline in nitrogen prices, along with higher exports of ammonium sulfate from China, put downward pressure on ammonium sulfate prices. The additional supplies from China originate from new plants that produce ammonium sulfate as a by-product of manufacturing caprolactam. Current prices for ammonia and sulfur, key inputs for ammonium sulfate, had increased significantly during the second quarter. Global ammonia supplies were tight, supported by production issues in Egypt, Algeria, Trinidad and Qatar, as well as political issues in Libya and Ukraine.
	The analysis of the potential impairment of goodwill is a two-step process. Step one of the impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with the aggregate carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, step two must be performed to determine the amount, if any, of the goodwill impairment. Step one of the goodwill impairment test involves a high degree of judgment and consists of a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its book value. The fair value of the Pasadena reporting unit was based upon various assumptions and was based primarily on the discounted cash flows that the business could be expected to generate in the future (the “Income Approach”). The Income Approach valuation method required the Company to make projections of revenue and costs over a multi-year period. Additionally, the Company made an estimate of a weighted average cost of capital that a market participant would use as a discount rate. The Company also considered other valuation methods including the replacement cost and market approach. Based upon its analysis of the fair value of the Pasadena reporting unit, the Company believed it was probable that the Pasadena reporting unit had a carrying value in excess of its fair value at June 30, 2014. The inputs utilized in the analyses were classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in accounting guidance.
	Step two of the goodwill impairment test consists of comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill against the carrying value of the goodwill. The estimated difference between the fair value of the entire reporting unit as determined in step one and the net fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities represents the implied fair value of goodwill. The valuation of assets and liabilities in step two is performed only for purposes of assessing goodwill for impairment and the Company did not adjust the net book value of the assets and liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets other than goodwill as a result of this process. Completion of step two of the goodwill impairment test indicated no remaining residual value of goodwill and resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge of $27.2 million. The goodwill impairment was primarily the result of a decrease in the implied fair value of the Pasadena reporting unit. A deterioration in projected cash flows and an increase in the rate used to discount such cash flows contributed to this decrease. In addition, the implied residual value of goodwill decreased because of an increase in the amount of invested capital at the Pasadena Facility, which primarily was the result of capital expenditures for the power generation project and expenditures to replace the sulfuric acid converter.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Note 11 — Debt
	RNP Credit Agreement
	On April 12, 2013, RNP and Rentech Nitrogen Finance Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of RNP (“Finance Corporation”), entered into a credit agreement (the “RNP Credit Agreement”). The RNP Credit Agreement consisted of a $35.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2013, there were no outstanding borrowings under the RNP Credit Agreement. The RNP Credit Agreement was terminated on July 22, 2014 and replaced with the GE Credit Agreement (defined below). The termination of the RNP Credit Agreement resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	RNHI Revolving Loan
	On September 23, 2013, Rentech Nitrogen Holdings, Inc. (“RNHI”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Rentech, obtained a $100.0 million revolving loan facility (“RNHI Revolving Loan”) by entering into a credit agreement (the “RNHI Credit Agreement”) among RNHI, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and each other lender from time to time party thereto. On September 24, 2013, the Company borrowed $50.0 million under the facility.
	On April 9, 2014, the Company paid off the outstanding balance under the facility and terminated the RNHI Credit Agreement. The payoff of the RNHI Revolving Loan resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	BMO Credit Agreement
	On November 25, 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Bank of Montreal (the “BMO Credit Agreement”). The BMO Credit Agreement initially consisted of a $3.0 million revolving credit facility, which can be utilized as letters of credit.
	On April 8, 2014, the BMO Credit Agreement was amended to increase the amount available under the revolving credit facility from $3.0 million to $10.0 million.
	Borrowings bear a letter of credit fee of 3.75% per annum on the daily average face amount of the letters of credits outstanding during the preceding calendar quarter. The Company also is required to pay a commitment fee on the average daily undrawn portion of the credit facility at a rate equal to 0.75% per annum. This commitment fee is payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each calendar quarter and on the termination date. The BMO Credit Agreement will terminate on November 25, 2015. At September 30, 2014, letters of credit totaling $9.7 million had been issued. At December 31, 2013, letters of credit totaling $1.1 million had been issued.
	GSO Credit Agreement
	On April 9, 2014, RNHI (the “Borrower”), entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “GSO Credit Agreement”) among the Borrower, certain funds managed by or affiliated with GSO Capital Partners LP (“GSO Capital”), as lenders, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and each lender from time to time party thereto. The Company expects that borrowings from the facility will be used to fund the acquisition and development of its wood fibre business, which consists of its wood chipping and wood pellet businesses, and for general corporate purposes.
	The facility consists of a $50.0 million term loan facility, with a five-year maturity. The obligations of the Borrower under the facility are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and are secured by 2,762,431 common units of RNP owned by the Borrower. The term loan facility was subject to a 2.00% original issue discount.
	Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR (with a floor of 1.00%) plus 7.00% per annum. In the event the Company prepays the facility prior to its first anniversary from funds other than those generated through certain sales of assets and under certain conditions, it will be required to pay a prepayment fee equal to 1.00% of the amount of the prepayment.
	The GSO Credit Agreement provides for a $75.0 million incremental term loan facility (the “Accordion Facility”). The Accordion Facility allows the Company, at any time before April 9, 2019, to borrow additional funds under the terms of the GSO Credit Agreement from any of the lenders, if such lenders agree to lend any additional amounts.
	GE Credit Agreement
	On July 22, 2014, RNP replaced the RNP Credit Agreement by entering into a new credit agreement (the “GE Credit Agreement”) by and among RNP and Finance Corporation as borrowers (the “GE Borrowers”), certain subsidiaries of RNP, as guarantors, General Electric Capital Corporation, for itself as agent for the lenders party thereto, the other financial institutions party thereto, and GE Capital Markets, Inc., as sole lead arranger and bookrunner.
	The GE Credit Agreement consists of a $50.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “GE Credit Facility”) with a $10.0 million letter of credit sublimit. RNP expects that the GE Credit Agreement will be used to fund growth projects, working capital needs, letters of credit and for other general partnership purposes.
	Borrowings under the GE Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the GE Borrowers’ option, either (a) in the case of base rate borrowings, a rate equal to the highest of (1) the prime rate, (2) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (3) LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% or (b) in the case of LIBOR borrowings, the offered rate per annum for deposits of dollars for the applicable interest period on the day that is two business days prior to the first day of such interest period. The applicable margin for borrowings under the GE Credit Agreement is 2.25% with respect to base rate borrowings and 3.25% with respect to LIBOR borrowings.
	The GE Borrowers are required to pay a fee to the lenders under the GE Credit Agreement on the average undrawn available portion of the GE Credit Facility at a rate equal to 0.50% per annum. If letters of credit are issued, the GE Borrowers will also pay a fee to the lenders under the GE Credit Agreement at a rate equal to the product of the average daily undrawn face amount of all letters of credit issued, guaranteed or supported by risk participation agreements multiplied by a per annum rate equal to the applicable margin with respect to LIBOR borrowings. The GE Borrowers are also required to pay customary letter of credit fees on issued letters of credit. In the event the GE Borrowers reduce or terminate the commitments under the GE Credit Facility on or prior to the 18-month anniversary of the closing date, the GE Borrowers shall pay a prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the amount of the commitment reduction.
	The GE Credit Agreement terminates on July 22, 2019. The GE Borrowers may voluntarily prepay their utilization and/or permanently cancel all or part of the available commitments under the GE Credit Agreement in minimum increments of $5.0 million (subject to the prepayment fee described above). Amounts repaid may be reborrowed. Borrowings under the GE Credit Agreement will be subject to mandatory prepayment under certain circumstances, with customary exceptions, from the proceeds of permitted dispositions of assets and from certain insurance and condemnation proceeds.
	RNLLC, RNPLLC and Rentech Nitrogen Pasadena Holdings, LLC guarantee the GE Credit Agreement. The obligations under the GE Credit Agreement and the subsidiary guarantees thereof are secured by the same collateral securing the RNP Notes, which includes substantially all the assets of RNP and its subsidiaries. After the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, proceeds of any collection, sale, foreclosure or other realization upon any collateral will be applied to repay obligations under the GE Credit Agreement and the subsidiary guarantees thereof to the extent secured by the collateral before any such proceeds are applied to repay obligations under the RNP Notes.
	The GE Credit Agreement contains a number of customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The covenants include, among other things, compliance with environmental laws, limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, the making of investments, the sale of assets and the making of restricted payments. In the event that, on a pro forma basis, less than 30% of the commitment amount is available for borrowing on any distribution date, then in order to make a distribution on such date (a) RNP must maintain a first lien leverage ratio no greater than 1.0 to 1 on a pro forma basis and (b) the sum of (i) the undrawn amount under the GE Credit Facility and (ii) cash maintained by RNP and its subsidiaries in collateral deposit accounts must be at least $5 million (after giving effect to the distribution). In addition, before RNP can make distributions, there cannot be any default under the GE Credit Agreement. The GE Credit Agreement also contains a requirement that RNP maintain a first lien leverage ratio not to exceed 1.0 to 1 at the end of each fiscal quarter where less than 30% of the commitment is available for drawing under the GE Credit Facility or a default has occurred and is continuing.
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the GE Credit Agreement.
	NEWP Debt
	NEWP’s debt consists of two industrial revenue bonds and a real estate mortgage loan with each loan collateralized by specific property and equipment. The debt has maturity dates ranging from 2016 through 2021. As of September 30, 2014, NEWP’s debt, factoring in the interest rate swaps, had a weighted average interest rate of 5.0%.
	NEWP debt at September 30, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
	Outstanding debt		$	11,334
	Plus: Unamortized premium			388
	Total outstanding debt		$	11,722
	Less: Current portion			1,872
	Long-term credit facilities and term loans		$	9,850
	Future maturities of the NEWP debt are as follows (in thousands):
	For the Three Months Ending December 31, 2014 and Thereafter the Years Ending
	December 31,
	2014		$	457
	2015			1,888
	2016			2,424
	2017			1,954
	2018			2,032
	2019			1,498
	Thereafter			1,469
			$	11,722
	Total Debt
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the RNP Notes, Fulghum debt, GSO Credit Agreement, NEWP debt, RNP Credit Agreement, GE Credit Agreement and BMO Credit Agreement. Total debt consisted of the following:
			As of
			September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	RNP Notes		$	320,000	$	320,000
	Fulghum debt(1)			46,665		47,452
	GSO Credit Agreement			49,092		—
	NEWP debt			11,722		—
	QS Construction Facility			20,393		4,527
	RNHI Revolving Loan			—		50,000
	Total debt		$	447,872	$	421,979
	Less: Current portion			15,911		9,916
	Long-term debt		$	431,961	$	412,063
	-1	Includes unamortized premium of $1.7 million as of September 30, 2014 and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies
	Natural Gas Forward Purchase Contracts
	The Company’s policy and practice are to enter into fixed-price forward purchase contracts for natural gas in conjunction with contracted nitrogen fertilizer product sales in order to substantially fix gross margin on those product sales contracts. The Company may also enter into a limited amount of additional fixed-price forward purchase contracts for natural gas in order to reduce monthly and seasonal gas price volatility. The Company occasionally enters into index-price contracts for the purchase of natural gas. The Company has entered into multiple natural gas forward purchase contracts for various delivery dates through April 30, 2015. Commitments for natural gas purchases consist of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands, except weighted
		average rate)
	MMBtus under fixed-price contracts		4,945		2,071
	MMBtus under index-price contracts		757		81
	Total MMBtus under contracts		5,702		2,152
	Commitments to purchase natural gas	$	26,185	$	8,571
	Weighted average rate per MMBtu based on the fixed rates and the indexes applicable to each contract	$	4.59	$	3.98
	During October 2014, the Company entered into additional fixed-quantity forward purchase contracts at fixed and indexed prices for various delivery dates through October 31, 2014. The total MMBtus associated with these additional forward purchase contracts are 0.1 million and the total amount of the purchase commitments is $0.5 million, resulting in a weighted average rate per MMBtu of $3.97 in these new commitments. The Company is required to make additional prepayments under these forward purchase contracts in the event that market prices fall below the purchase prices in the contracts.
	Contractual Obligations
	Pasadena
	On April 17, 2013, RNPLLC entered into an engineering, procurement and construction contract (the “EPC Contract”) with Abeinsa Abener Teyma General Partnership (“Abeinsa”). The EPC Contract provides for Abeinsa to be the contractor on the power generation project at the Pasadena Facility. The value of the contract is $25.0 million and the project is expected to be completed by late 2014. As of September 30, 2014, RNP has paid $22.7 million and accrued an additional $1.2 million under the EPC contract.
	Wood Pellets
	On April 30, 2013, Rentech’s subsidiary that owns the Wawa Project entered into a ten-year take-or-pay contract (the “Drax Contract”) with Drax Power Limited (“Drax”). Under the Drax Contract, such subsidiary is required to sell to Drax the first 400,000 metric tonnes of wood pellets per year produced from the Wawa Project, with the first delivery under the contract scheduled for the end of year 2014. In the event that it does not deliver wood pellets as required under the Drax Contract, the Rentech subsidiary that owns the Wawa Project is required to pay Drax an amount equal to the positive difference, if any, between the contract price for the wood pellets and the price of any wood pellets Drax purchases in replacement. Rentech has guaranteed this obligation in an amount not to exceed $20.0 million. The Company is in discussions with Drax to amend the Drax Contract to postpone the delivery of wood pellets to Drax required in 2014 and 2015. The Company does not expect any penalties or payments associated with shortfalls or postponement to be material.
	Rentech’s subsidiary that owns the Atikokan Project entered into a ten-year take-or-pay contract (the “OPG Contract”) with Ontario Power Generation (“OPG”) under which such subsidiary is required to deliver 45,000 metric tonnes of wood pellets annually starting in 2014, prorated in the first year based on the successful commissioning date of OPG’s Atikokan power station. OPG has the option to increase required delivery of wood pellets from the Atikokan Project to up to 90,000 metric tonnes annually. The Company expects that wood pellets produced at the Atikokan Project not purchased by OPG may be sold to Drax or marketed elsewhere. The Company also expects that its initial deliveries to OPG will consist of wood pellets purchased from third party suppliers and wood pellets produced at the Atikokan Project during its early commissioning phase. The Atikokan Project made its first delivery of wood pellets to OPG in May 2014 using wood pellets supplied by a third-party wood pellet producer.
	The contracts with Drax and OPG are each designed to minimize exposure to variable costs over the ten-year term. This exposure is minimized, in the case of the Drax agreement, by passing through to Drax increased costs resulting from certain changes in input prices, including general inflation, the price of fuel, and prices of wood supplied to the mills, and in the case of OPG by tying a portion of the price of wood pellets to a Canadian inflation index. However, such indexation and pass throughs may not fully offset increases or decreases in the prices of inputs and the cost of transporting and handling wood pellets.
	A Rentech subsidiary has contracted with Canadian National Railway Company (the “Canadian National Contract”) for all rail transportation of wood pellets from the Atikokan Project and the Wawa Project to the Port of Quebec. The Atikokan Project is located 1,300 track miles and the Wawa Project is located 1,100 track miles from the Port of Quebec.
	Under the Canadian National Contract, such subsidiary has committed to transport a minimum of 1,500 rail carloads during the months of January 2014 through December 2014, and 3,600 rail carloads annually thereafter for the duration of the long-term contract. Delivery shortfalls would result in a $1,000 per rail car penalty. Under the Drax Contract, a Rentech subsidiary is responsible for the transportation of the wood pellets to the Port of Quebec. Drax is obligated to take delivery of the wood pellets on a FOB shipping point basis. Under the OPG Contract, OPG is obligated to take delivery of the Atikokan Project’s product on a FOB basis at the Company’s Atikokan facility.
	Litigation
	The Company is party to litigation from time to time in the normal course of business. The Company accrues liabilities related to litigation only when it concludes that it is probable that it will incur costs related to such litigation, and can reasonably estimate the amount of such costs. In cases where the Company determines that it is not probable, but reasonably possible that it has a material obligation, it discloses such obligations and the possible loss or range of loss, if such estimate can be made. The outcome of the Company’s current litigation matters are not estimable or probable. The Company maintains insurance to cover certain actions and believes that resolution of its current litigation matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.
	Regulation
	The Company’s business is subject to extensive and frequently changing federal, state and local, environmental, health and safety regulations in the jurisdictions in which it has operations governing a wide range of matters, including the emission of air pollutants, the release of hazardous substances into the environment, the treatment and discharge of waste water and the storage, handling, use and transportation of the Company’s fertilizer products, raw materials, and other substances that are part of our operations. These laws include the Clean Air Act (the “CAA”), the federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and various other federal, state and local laws and regulations. The laws and regulations to which the Company is subject are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. The ultimate impact on the Company’s business of complying with existing laws and regulations is not always clearly known or determinable due in part to the fact that the Company’s operations may change over time and certain implementing regulations for laws, such as the CAA, have not yet been finalized, are under governmental or judicial review or are being revised. These laws and regulations could result in increased capital, operating and compliance costs.
	Gain and Loss Contingencies
	As indicated in “Note 6 — Discontinued Operations,” the Company is in the process of selling its alternative energy business, which is based in Colorado. During the third quarter, the Company paid a 2013 county property tax assessment in Colorado in the amount of $1.3 million, which was accrued in 2013. However, the Company did not agree with the assessed property value and appealed to the Board of Assessment Appeals State of Colorado (“Board of Assessment”). In August 2014, the Company won its appeal and the Company is owed a refund of $1.2 million. Adams County has appealed to the Colorado Court of Appeals. The Company has not recorded the receivable related to the overpayment as it represents a gain contingency.
	For 2014, the Company has accrued the Colorado property taxes based on the property value approved by the Board of Assessment. However, the county has assessed the Company a higher property value than it did in 2013, which would require a property tax payment by the Company of $1.7 million. This amount is $1.6 million in excess of what the Company accrued. Because it won its appeal for 2013, the Company believes that the assessment of $1.7 million is not probable and has not reflected an accrual for the excess amount of $1.6 million.
	In 2013, the Company sold its property located in Natchez, Mississippi (“Natchez”) for $8.6 million. The Company continues to own an approximately 18 mile-long natural gas pipeline that runs from Tensas Parish, Louisiana to the site in Natchez, Mississippi. The Company is working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to abandon the natural gas pipeline. The Company expects the abandonment costs to be $0.7 million, which has been recorded in discontinued operations during the three months ended September 30, 2014. As part of the Natchez property sale, the Company is entitled to reimbursement from the buyer of Natchez for its costs relating to the pipeline abandonment. The Company has not recorded the receivable related to the reimbursement of abandonment costs as it represents a gain contingency.
	A fire at our mill in Maine during the first quarter disrupted operations, causing lower processing volumes and higher than typical processing costs at the facility during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The mill’s customer has indicated it incurred unspecified losses related to the production disruptions caused by the fire. The Company is unable at this time, to estimate any potential liability from this contingency.

Preferred_Stock

Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Preferred Stock	'
	Note 13 — Preferred Stock
	On April 9, 2014, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with funds managed by or affiliated with GSO Capital (the “Series E Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Company sold 100,000 shares of its Series E Convertible Preferred Stock (the “2014 Preferred Stock” or “Series E Preferred Stock”) to the Series E Purchasers. The shares have an aggregate original issue price of $100.0 million and were purchased for an aggregate purchase price of $98.0 million (reflecting an issuance discount of 2%). Dividends on the 2014 Preferred Stock accrue and are cumulative, whether or not declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, at the rate of 4.5% per annum on the sum of the original issue price plus all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends thereon. The 2014 Preferred Stock is convertible into up to 45,045,045 shares of Rentech’s common stock (“Common Stock”) at a conversion price of $2.22 per share, subject to adjustment. In certain circumstances, the 2014 Preferred Stock is redeemable by the Series E Purchasers for a price equal to the original issue price plus all accrued and unpaid dividends (including dividends accruing from the last dividend payment date).
	On April 9, 2014, a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, DSHC, LLC (“DSHC”), and each of the Series E Purchasers entered into a Put Option Agreement (the “Put Option Agreements”). Under the Put Option Agreements, each Series E Purchaser has the right to cause DSHC to purchase any of the 2014 Preferred Stock for the original issue price plus all accrued and unpaid dividends (including dividends accruing from the last dividend payment date) upon certain put trigger events, including the failure of the Company to redeem the 2014 Preferred Stock when required. All obligations of DSHC under the Put Option Agreements are secured by 5,524,862 common units of RNP owned by DSHC. DSHC is a special purpose entity referred to as a bankruptcy-remote entity whose operations are limited. DSHC is a separate and distinct legal entity from Rentech and its assets are not available to Rentech’s creditors.
	The 2014 Preferred Stock is accounted for as mezzanine equity in the consolidated balance sheets. However, dividends are recorded in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and consist of the 4.5% dividend plus the amortization of issuance costs and accretion of discount. Dividends are paid on the first business day of June and December of each year.
	Mezzanine equity at September 30, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
	Original issue price of 2014 Preferred Stock	$	100,000
	Less: Issuance costs		(3,267	)
	Less: Unamortized discount		(1,867	)
	Total mezzanine equity	$	94,866

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 14 — Income Taxes
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $0.4 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded income tax expense of $1.3 million. The Company’s effective income tax rate (income tax (benefit) expense as a percentage of loss before income taxes) was 4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The differences between the United States federal statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate were primarily attributable to basis difference in foreign subsidiary, impact of foreign earnings and impact of state taxes. The Company has considered results of operations and concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 15 — Segment Information
	The Company operates in five business segments, as described below. The operations of Fulghum are included in the Company’s historical results of operations only from the closing date of the Fulghum Acquisition, which was May 1, 2013. The operations of NEWP are included only from the closing date of the NEWP Acquisition, which was May 1, 2014. Results of the energy technologies segment are included in discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The Company’s five segments are:
		•		East Dubuque — The operations of the East Dubuque Facility, which produces primarily ammonia and urea ammonium nitrate solution (“UAN”).
		•		Pasadena — The operations of the Pasadena Facility, which produces primarily ammonium sulfate.
		•		Fulghum Fibres — The operations of Fulghum, which provides wood yard operations services and wood fibre processing services, sells wood chips to the pulp, paper and packaging industry, and owns and manages forestland and sells bark to industrial consumers in South America.
		•		Wood Pellets: Industrial — This segment includes wood pellet projects owned by the Company, currently the Atikokan Project and Wawa Project, equity in Rentech’s joint venture with Graanul Invest AS, a European producer of wood pellets (the “Rentech/Graanul JV”) and other wood pellet development activities. The wood pellet development activities represent the Company’s personnel costs for employees dedicated to the wood pellet business infrastructure and administration costs and other third party costs.
		•		Wood Pellets: NEWP — The operations of NEWP, which produces wood pellets for the residential and commercial heating markets.
	The Company’s reportable operating segments have been determined in accordance with the Company’s internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment operating income.
			For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
			Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Revenues
	East Dubuque		$	46,021		$	50,572		$	148,455		$	146,838
	Pasadena			38,142			42,707			105,597			109,961
	Fulghum Fibres			25,273			22,378			73,660			38,483
	Wood Pellets: Industrial			2,011			—			2,678			—
	Wood Pellets: NEWP			13,857			—			19,635			—
	Total revenues		$	125,304		$	115,657		$	350,025		$	295,282
	Operating income (loss)
	East Dubuque		$	14,159		$	24,059		$	56,991		$	77,742
	Pasadena			(10,186	)		(40,522	)		(44,464	)		(38,528	)
	Fulghum Fibres			1,083			1,812			4,039			2,657
	Wood Pellets: Industrial			(2,453	)		(2,350	)		(7,459	)		(4,233	)
	Wood Pellets: NEWP			1,995			—			2,789			—
	Total segment operating income (loss)		$	4,598		$	(17,001	)	$	11,896		$	37,638
	Net income (loss)
	East Dubuque		$	14,139		$	24,069		$	56,926		$	77,383
	Pasadena			(10,213	)		(40,765	)		(44,545	)		(38,915	)
	Fulghum Fibres			(56	)		813			609			941
	Wood Pellets: Industrial			(1,997	)		(2,058	)		(6,804	)		(3,941	)
	Wood Pellets: NEWP			2,014			—			2,756			—
	Total segment net income (loss)		$	3,887		$	(17,941	)	$	8,942		$	35,468
	Reconciliation of segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss):
	Segment net income (loss)		$	3,887		$	(17,941	)	$	8,942		$	35,468
	RNP – partnership and unallocated expenses recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses			(1,792	)		(1,872	)		(6,277	)		(6,488	)
	RNP – partnership and unallocated expenses recorded as other expense			(635	)		309			(635	)		(1,081	)
	RNP – unallocated interest expense and loss on interest rate swaps			(4,604	)		(3,996	)		(14,373	)		(9,726	)
			For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
			Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	RNP – income tax benefit			—			—			—			302
	Corporate and unallocated expenses recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses			(6,963	)		(5,733	)		(21,544	)		(18,755	)
	Corporate and unallocated depreciation and amortization expense			(154	)		(152	)		(419	)		(475	)
	Corporate and unallocated income (expense) recorded as other income (expense)			(96	)		7			(1,279	)		(19	)
	Corporate and unallocated interest expense			(54	)		(47	)		(378	)		(47	)
	Corporate income tax benefit (expense)			(34	)		2,289			(71	)		27,166
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			(1,242	)		3,558			(4,280	)		(4,831	)
	Consolidated net income (loss)		$	(11,687	)	$	(23,578	)	$	(40,314	)	$	21,514
			As of
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Total assets
	East Dubuque		$	186,069		$	175,430
	Pasadena			189,904			188,836
	Fulghum Fibres			190,187			188,397
	Wood Pellets: Industrial			133,813			42,089
	Wood Pellets: NEWP			57,797			—
	Total segment assets		$	757,770		$	594,752
	Reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:
	Segment total assets		$	757,770		$	594,752
RNP – partnership and other			48,513			42,078
Corporate and other			14,236			62,090
Discontinued operations			5,230			4,670
Consolidated total assets		$	825,749		$	703,590
The Company’s revenues by geographic area, based on where the customer takes title to the product, were as follows:
		For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
United States		$	113,833		$	108,743		$	318,313		$	282,113
Canada			2,011			—			2,678			—
Other			9,460			6,914			29,034			13,169
Total revenues		$	125,304		$	115,657		$	350,025		$	295,282
The following table sets forth assets by geographic area:
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
United States		$	660,716		$	633,886
Canada			133,749			42,089
Other			31,284			27,615
Total assets		$	825,749		$	703,590

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Common_Sha

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Allocated to Rentech	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Allocated to Rentech	'
	Note 16 — Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Allocated to Rentech
	Basic income (loss) per common share allocated to Rentech is calculated by dividing net income (loss) allocated to Rentech by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share allocated to Rentech is calculated by dividing net income (loss) allocated to Rentech by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect, calculated using the “treasury stock” method for the unvested restricted stock units, outstanding stock options and warrants and using the “if converted” method for the preferred stock if their inclusion would not have been anti-dilutive.
		For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Rentech common shareholders	$	(9,134	)	$	(18,151	)	$	(32,529	)	$	17,830
	Less: Dividends and accretion on 2014 Preferred Stock		1,321			—			2,521			—
	Less: Income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities		—			—			—			493
	Income (loss) from continuing operations allocated to common shareholders	$	(10,455	)	$	(18,151	)	$	(35,050	)	$	17,337
	Numerator:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Rentech common shareholders	$	(1,242	)	$	3,558		$	(4,280	)	$	(4,831	)
	Less: Income from discontinued operations allocated to participating securities		—			94			—			—
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations allocated to common shareholders	$	(1,242	)	$	3,464		$	(4,280	)	$	(4,831	)
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Rentech common shareholders	$	(10,376	)	$	(14,593	)	$	(36,809	)	$	12,999
	Less: Dividends and accretion on 2014 Preferred Stock		1,321			—			2,521			—
	Less: Income allocated to participating securities		—			—			—			348
	Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders	$	(11,697	)	$	(14,593	)	$	(39,330	)	$	12,651
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		228,072			226,305			228,651			225,840
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Preferred stock		—			—			—			—
	Warrants		—			—			—			945
	Common stock options		—			—			—			1,752
	Restricted stock		—			—			—			3,634
	Diluted shares outstanding		228,072			226,305			228,651			232,171
	Continuing operations	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.15	)	$	0.08
		For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02		$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
	Basic net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.17	)	$	0.06
	Continuing operations	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.15	)	$	0.07
	Discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02		$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.17	)	$	0.05
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014, 60.7 million shares and, for the same period last year, 13.8 million shares, of Common Stock issuable pursuant to stock options, stock warrants, restricted stock units and preferred stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 60.7 million shares and, for the same period last year, 3.5 million shares, of Common Stock issuable pursuant to stock options, stock warrants, restricted stock units and preferred stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 17 — Subsequent Events
	Agrifos Settlement
	On October 28, 2014, RNP reached an agreement to settle all existing and future indemnity claims it may have under the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 2012, as amended, pursuant to which RNP acquired the Pasadena Facility from Agrifos Holdings Inc. The parties agreed to distribute $5.0 million of cash and 59,186 RNP common units to RNP held in escrow accounts established at the closing of the acquisition from a portion of the initial purchase price to satisfy potential indemnity claims. The remaining approximately $0.9 million of cash and 264,090 RNP common units held in escrow will be released to Agrifos Holdings Inc.
	Discontinued Operations
	On October 31, 2014, the Company closed the previously announced sale of its alternative energy technologies under the Kaidi Agreement. See “Note 6 — Discontinued Operations” for further information. The Company received a cash payment of $14.4 million from Kaidi, which is in addition to $0.5 million in cash payments previously received. Kaidi will pay an additional $0.4 million to the Company to purchase various equipment currently located at the Company’s PDU, resulting in $15.3 million of total proceeds to the Company from these transactions, which does not include the possibility of a further success payment of up to $16.2 million. A gain of approximately $15.0 million will be recognized in the fourth quarter.
	Distributions
	On November 4, 2014, the board of directors of RNP’s general partner declared a cash distribution to RNP’s common unitholders for the period June 1, 2014 through and including September 30, 2014 of $0.05 per unit, which will result in total distributions in the amount of $1.9 million, including payments to phantom unitholders. The Company will receive a distribution of $1.2 million, representing its share of distributions based on its ownership of common units. The cash distribution will be paid on November 28, 2014 to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 21, 2014.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of presentation	'
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Rentech, Inc. (“Rentech”) and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and in compliance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Neither authority requires all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2014, and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rentech, its wholly owned subsidiaries and all subsidiaries in which Rentech directly or indirectly owns a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014 or any other reporting period. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 17, 2014 (the “Annual Report”).
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair value of assets and liabilities	'
	Fair values of cash, receivables, deposits, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities were assumed to approximate carrying value since they are short term and can be settled on demand. These items meet the definition of Level 1 financial instruments as defined in “Note 7 — Fair Value.”
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in a principal or most advantageous market. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on inputs, which refer broadly to assumptions that market participants use in pricing assets or liabilities. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable inputs. The Company makes certain assumptions it believes that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk, and the risks inherent in the inputs to valuation techniques. Credit risk of the Company and its counterparties is incorporated in the valuation of assets and liabilities. The Company believes it uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable market-based inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs
Derivatives	'
	Accounting guidance establishes accounting and reporting requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. This guidance requires recognition of all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and measurement of those instruments at fair value. The accounting treatment of changes in fair value is dependent upon whether or not a derivative instrument is designated as a hedge and if so, the type of hedge. The Company currently does not designate any of its derivatives as hedges for financial accounting purposes. Gains and losses on derivative instruments not designated as hedges are currently included in earnings and reported under cash flows from operating activities. The Company does not have any master netting agreements or collateral relating to these derivatives.
	The Company recognizes the unrealized gains or losses related to the commodity-based derivative instruments in its consolidated financial statements. Rentech uses commodity-based derivatives to minimize its exposure to the fluctuations in natural gas prices. For interest rate swaps, the Company reflected the instruments at fair value and any change in value was recorded in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment may have occurred. The analysis of the potential impairment of goodwill is a two-step process. Step one of the impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with the aggregate carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, step two must be performed to determine the amount, if any, of the goodwill impairment.
	There are significant assumptions involved in performing a goodwill impairment test, which include discount rates, terminal growth rates, future sales prices of end products, raw material costs, and sales volumes. The various valuation methods used (income approach, replacement cost and market approach) are weighted in determining fair value. Changes to any of these assumptions could increase or decrease the fair value of the Fulghum and NEWP reporting units. See “Note 10 — Goodwill.”
Business combinations	'
	This business combination has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date.
Fair value measurement	'
	Accounting guidance provides for a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value in three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. All assets and liabilities are required to be classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Assessing the significance of a particular input may require judgment in considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the asset or liability and its placement within the fair value hierarchy. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the fair value hierarchy, defined as follows:
		•	Level 1 — Consists of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the reporting date.
		•	Level 2 — Consists of inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data.
		•	Level 3 — Consists of unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies using inputs that are generally less readily observable and supported by little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best available information and subject to cost-benefit constraints.
			The fair value of earn-out consideration was determined based on the Company’s analysis of various scenarios for the achievement of certain levels of EBITDA, as defined in the Purchase Agreement related to the NEWP Acquisition. The scenarios, which included a weighted probability factor, involved assumptions relating to product profitability and production.
Impairment of goodwill	'
	The analysis of the potential impairment of goodwill is a two-step process. Step one of the impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with the aggregate carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, step two must be performed to determine the amount, if any, of the goodwill impairment. Step one of the goodwill impairment test involves a high degree of judgment and consists of a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its book value. The fair value of the Pasadena reporting unit was based upon various assumptions and was based primarily on the discounted cash flows that the business could be expected to generate in the future (the “Income Approach”). The Income Approach valuation method required the Company to make projections of revenue and costs over a multi-year period. Additionally, the Company made an estimate of a weighted average cost of capital that a market participant would use as a discount rate. The Company also considered other valuation methods including the replacement cost and market approach. Based upon its analysis of the fair value of the Pasadena reporting unit, the Company believed it was probable that the Pasadena reporting unit had a carrying value in excess of its fair value at June 30, 2014. The inputs utilized in the analyses were classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in accounting guidance.
	Step two of the goodwill impairment test consists of comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill against the carrying value of the goodwill. The estimated difference between the fair value of the entire reporting unit as determined in step one and the net fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities represents the implied fair value of goodwill. The valuation of assets and liabilities in step two is performed only for purposes of assessing goodwill for impairment and the Company did not adjust the net book value of the assets and liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets other than goodwill as a result of this process. Completion of step two of the goodwill impairment test indicated no remaining residual value of goodwill and resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge of $27.2 million. The goodwill impairment was primarily the result of a decrease in the implied fair value of the Pasadena reporting unit. A deterioration in projected cash flows and an increase in the rate used to discount such cash flows contributed to this decrease. In addition, the implied residual value of goodwill decreased because of an increase in the amount of invested capital at the Pasadena Facility, which primarily was the result of capital expenditures for the power generation project and expenditures to replace the sulfuric acid converter.
Earnings Per share	'
	Basic income (loss) per common share allocated to Rentech is calculated by dividing net income (loss) allocated to Rentech by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share allocated to Rentech is calculated by dividing net income (loss) allocated to Rentech by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect, calculated using the “treasury stock” method for the unvested restricted stock units, outstanding stock options and warrants and using the “if converted” method for the preferred stock if their inclusion would not have been anti-dilutive.

Acquisition_Tables

Acquisition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'
Preliminary Purchase Price	'
	The preliminary purchase price recognized in our financial statements consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
	Cash plus working capital adjustments of $0.1 million		$	35,434
	Estimate of expected earn-out consideration(1)			3,840
	Total preliminary purchase price		$	39,274
	-1	The amount of earn-out consideration reflected in the table above reflects the Company’s estimate, as of May 1, 2014, of the amount of the earn-out consideration it will be required to pay pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The earn-out consideration will be measured at each reporting date; changes in its fair value will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.
Purchase Price Allocation	'
	The Company’s preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (amounts in thousands):
	Cash		$	3,852
	Accounts receivable			2,927
	Inventories			2,239
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			437
	Property, plant and equipment			30,625
	Intangible assets (Trade name - $5,000, Customer relationships - $1,100, and Non-compete agreements - $200)			6,300
	Goodwill			9,261
	Accounts payable			(1,641	)
	Accrued liabilities			(442	)
	Customer deposits			(882	)
	Loans			(12,600	)
	Interest rate swaps			(802	)
	Total preliminary purchase price		$	39,274
Fulghum [Member]	'
Purchase Price Allocation	'
	This business combination has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The Company’s final purchase price allocation is as follows (amounts in thousands):
	Cash		$	10,137
	Accounts receivable			3,936
	Inventories			2,389
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			952
	Other receivables, net			5,435
	Property, plant and equipment			94,382
	Intangible assets (Trade name - $5,496 and Processing agreements - $29,765)			35,261
	Goodwill			29,932
	Other assets			2,974
	Accounts payable			(6,547	)
	Accrued liabilities			(5,823	)
	Customer deposits			(1,059	)
	Asset retirement obligation			(178	)
	Credit facility and loans			(61,865	)
	Unfavorable processing agreements			(6,496	)
	Deferred income taxes			(35,262	)
	Noncontrolling interests			(4,000	)
	Total purchase price		$	64,168

Pro_Forma_Information_Tables

Pro Forma Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Pro Forma Information	'
	The unaudited pro forma information has been prepared as if the NEWP Acquisition and the Fulghum Acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2013. The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that the Company would have achieved had the transactions actually taken place on January 1, 2013, and the unaudited pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of future financial operating results.
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		As Reported			Pro Forma		Pro Forma
					Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	350,025		$	14,329	$	364,354
	Net income (loss)	$	(40,314	)	$	2,367	$	(37,947	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Rentech	$	(36,809	)	$	2,367	$	(34,442	)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	$	(0.15	)	$	0.01	$	(0.14	)
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		As Reported			Pro Forma		Pro Forma
					Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	295,282		$	66,076	$	361,358
	Net income	$	21,514		$	3,813	$	25,327
	Net income attributable to Rentech	$	12,999		$	3,678	$	16,677
	Basic net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	$	0.08		$	0.01	$	0.09
	Diluted net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	$	0.07		$	0.02	$	0.09

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	'
	The following table summarizes the components of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations.
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	59	$	19
	Other receivables		545		—
	Total current assets	$	604	$	19
	Property held for sale		4,626		4,647
	Deposits and other assets		—		4
	Total other assets	$	4,626	$	4,651
	Total assets	$	5,230	$	4,670
	Accounts payable	$	59	$	151
	Accrued payroll and benefits		302		356
	Accrued liabilities		976		1,496
	Deferred revenue		55		—
	Other		775		—
	Total liabilities	$	2,167	$	2,003

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosure	'
	The following table presents the financial instruments that were accounted for at fair value by level as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands).
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Liabilities
	Forward gas contracts	$	—		$	811		$	—
	Interest rate swaps		—			688			—
	Earn-out consideration		—			—			5,589
	The following table presents the financial instrument that was accounted for at fair value by level as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands).
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Liabilities
	Earn-out consideration	$	—		$	—		$	1,544
Fair Value and Carrying Value of Borrowings and Interest Rate Swaps	'
	The following table presents the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s borrowings by level as of September 30, 2014.
		Fair Value									Carrying Value
		(in thousands)
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Liabilities
	RNP Notes	$	318,400		$	—		$	—		$	320,000
	Fulghum debt		—			47,205			—			46,665
	GSO Credit Agreement		—			49,092			—			49,092
	NEWP debt		—			11,744			—			11,722
	QS Construction Facility		—			20,393			—			20,393
	The following table presents the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s borrowings by level as of December 31, 2013.
		Fair Value									Carrying Value
		(in thousands)
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Liabilities
	RNP Notes	$	318,400		$	—		$	—		$	320,000
	Fulghum debt		—			45,970			—			47,452
	RNHI Revolving Loan		—			50,000			—			50,000
	QS Construction Facility		—			4,527			—			4,527
Reconciliation of the Change in the Carrying Value of Earn-out Consideration	'
	A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of the earn-out consideration is as follows:
		As of September 30, 2014
		Atikokan			NEWP			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,544		$	—		$	1,544
	Add: Earn-out consideration		—			3,840			3,840
	Add: Unrealized (gain) loss		(532	)		800			268
	Add: Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation		(63	)		—			(63	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	949		$	4,640		$	5,589
		As of September 30, 2013
		Agrifos			Atikokan			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	4,920		$	—		$	4,920
	Add: Earn-out consideration		—			1,850			1,850
	Add: Unrealized gain		(4,920	)		(277	)		(5,197	)
	Add: Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation		—			(2	)		(2	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	1,571		$	1,571

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Finished goods	$	27,151	$	27,638
	Raw materials		8,170		7,448
	Other		172		290
	Total inventory	$	35,493	$	35,376

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	27,482		$	26,149
	Buildings and building improvements		44,609			33,096
	Machinery and equipment		366,188			334,645
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		1,583			1,123
	Computer equipment and computer software		9,678			7,977
	Vehicles		5,612			4,624
	Leasehold improvements		2,370			2,348
	Other		1,453			210
			458,975			410,172
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(99,931	)		(75,518	)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	359,044		$	334,654
Construction in Progress	'
	Construction in progress consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	East Dubuque Facility	$	10,195		$	2,195
	Pasadena Facility		55,438			31,335
	Fulghum Fibres		11,445			273
	Atikokan Project		31,307			8,458
	Wawa Project		52,412			11,809
	Construction under QS Construction Facility		22,988			5,198
	Other		606			868
	Total construction in progress	$	184,391		$	60,136

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Change in Carrying Value of Goodwill	'
	A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows:
		Pasadena			Fulghum		NEWP		Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	27,202		$	29,932	$	—	$	57,134
	Add: Acquisition		—			—		9,261		9,261
	Less: Impairment		(27,202	)		—		—		(27,202	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	—		$	29,932	$	9,261	$	39,193

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Total Debt	'
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the RNP Notes, Fulghum debt, GSO Credit Agreement, NEWP debt, RNP Credit Agreement, GE Credit Agreement and BMO Credit Agreement. Total debt consisted of the following:
			As of
			September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	RNP Notes		$	320,000	$	320,000
	Fulghum debt(1)			46,665		47,452
	GSO Credit Agreement			49,092		—
	NEWP debt			11,722		—
	QS Construction Facility			20,393		4,527
	RNHI Revolving Loan			—		50,000
	Total debt		$	447,872	$	421,979
	Less: Current portion			15,911		9,916
	Long-term debt		$	431,961	$	412,063
	-1	Includes unamortized premium of $1.7 million as of September 30, 2014 and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2013.
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	NEWP debt at September 30, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
	Outstanding debt		$	11,334
	Plus: Unamortized premium			388
	Total outstanding debt		$	11,722
	Less: Current portion			1,872
	Long-term credit facilities and term loans		$	9,850
Future Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	Future maturities of the NEWP debt are as follows (in thousands):
	For the Three Months Ending December 31, 2014 and Thereafter the Years Ending
	December 31,
	2014		$	457
	2015			1,888
	2016			2,424
	2017			1,954
	2018			2,032
	2019			1,498
	Thereafter			1,469
			$	11,722

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments for Natural Gas Purchases	'
	Commitments for natural gas purchases consist of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands, except weighted
		average rate)
	MMBtus under fixed-price contracts		4,945		2,071
	MMBtus under index-price contracts		757		81
	Total MMBtus under contracts		5,702		2,152
	Commitments to purchase natural gas	$	26,185	$	8,571
	Weighted average rate per MMBtu based on the fixed rates and the indexes applicable to each contract	$	4.59	$	3.98

Preferred_Stock_Tables

Preferred Stock (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Mezzanine Equity	'
	Mezzanine equity at September 30, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
	Original issue price of 2014 Preferred Stock	$	100,000
	Less: Issuance costs		(3,267	)
	Less: Unamortized discount		(1,867	)
	Total mezzanine equity	$	94,866

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	The Company’s reportable operating segments have been determined in accordance with the Company’s internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment operating income.
		For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Revenues
	East Dubuque	$	46,021		$	50,572		$	148,455		$	146,838
	Pasadena		38,142			42,707			105,597			109,961
	Fulghum Fibres		25,273			22,378			73,660			38,483
	Wood Pellets: Industrial		2,011			—			2,678			—
	Wood Pellets: NEWP		13,857			—			19,635			—
	Total revenues	$	125,304		$	115,657		$	350,025		$	295,282
	Operating income (loss)
	East Dubuque	$	14,159		$	24,059		$	56,991		$	77,742
	Pasadena		(10,186	)		(40,522	)		(44,464	)		(38,528	)
	Fulghum Fibres		1,083			1,812			4,039			2,657
	Wood Pellets: Industrial		(2,453	)		(2,350	)		(7,459	)		(4,233	)
	Wood Pellets: NEWP		1,995			—			2,789			—
	Total segment operating income (loss)	$	4,598		$	(17,001	)	$	11,896		$	37,638
	Net income (loss)
	East Dubuque	$	14,139		$	24,069		$	56,926		$	77,383
	Pasadena		(10,213	)		(40,765	)		(44,545	)		(38,915	)
	Fulghum Fibres		(56	)		813			609			941
	Wood Pellets: Industrial		(1,997	)		(2,058	)		(6,804	)		(3,941	)
	Wood Pellets: NEWP		2,014			—			2,756			—
	Total segment net income (loss)	$	3,887		$	(17,941	)	$	8,942		$	35,468
	Reconciliation of segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss):
	Segment net income (loss)	$	3,887		$	(17,941	)	$	8,942		$	35,468
	RNP – partnership and unallocated expenses recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses		(1,792	)		(1,872	)		(6,277	)		(6,488	)
	RNP – partnership and unallocated expenses recorded as other expense		(635	)		309			(635	)		(1,081	)
	RNP – unallocated interest expense and loss on interest rate swaps		(4,604	)		(3,996	)		(14,373	)		(9,726	)
		For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	RNP – income tax benefit		—			—			—			302
	Corporate and unallocated expenses recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses		(6,963	)		(5,733	)		(21,544	)		(18,755	)
	Corporate and unallocated depreciation and amortization expense		(154	)		(152	)		(419	)		(475	)
	Corporate and unallocated income (expense) recorded as other income (expense)		(96	)		7			(1,279	)		(19	)
	Corporate and unallocated interest expense		(54	)		(47	)		(378	)		(47	)
	Corporate income tax benefit (expense)		(34	)		2,289			(71	)		27,166
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(1,242	)		3,558			(4,280	)		(4,831	)
	Consolidated net income (loss)	$	(11,687	)	$	(23,578	)	$	(40,314	)	$	21,514
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Total assets
	East Dubuque	$	186,069		$	175,430
	Pasadena		189,904			188,836
	Fulghum Fibres		190,187			188,397
	Wood Pellets: Industrial		133,813			42,089
	Wood Pellets: NEWP		57,797			—
	Total segment assets	$	757,770		$	594,752
	Reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:
	Segment total assets	$	757,770		$	594,752
	RNP – partnership and other		48,513			42,078
	Corporate and other		14,236			62,090
	Discontinued operations		5,230			4,670
	Consolidated total assets	$	825,749		$	703,590
Summary of Revenues by Geographic Area	'
	The Company’s revenues by geographic area, based on where the customer takes title to the product, were as follows:
		For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	113,833		$	108,743		$	318,313		$	282,113
	Canada		2,011			—			2,678			—
	Other		9,460			6,914			29,034			13,169
	Total revenues	$	125,304		$	115,657		$	350,025		$	295,282
Summary of Assets by Geographic Area	'
	The following table sets forth assets by geographic area:
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	660,716		$	633,886
	Canada		133,749			42,089
	Other		31,284			27,615
	Total assets	$	825,749		$	703,590

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Common_Sha1

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Allocated to Rentech (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	Basic income (loss) per common share allocated to Rentech is calculated by dividing net income (loss) allocated to Rentech by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share allocated to Rentech is calculated by dividing net income (loss) allocated to Rentech by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect, calculated using the “treasury stock” method for the unvested restricted stock units, outstanding stock options and warrants and using the “if converted” method for the preferred stock if their inclusion would not have been anti-dilutive.
		For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Rentech common shareholders	$	(9,134	)	$	(18,151	)	$	(32,529	)	$	17,830
	Less: Dividends and accretion on 2014 Preferred Stock		1,321			—			2,521			—
	Less: Income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities		—			—			—			493
	Income (loss) from continuing operations allocated to common shareholders	$	(10,455	)	$	(18,151	)	$	(35,050	)	$	17,337
	Numerator:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Rentech common shareholders	$	(1,242	)	$	3,558		$	(4,280	)	$	(4,831	)
	Less: Income from discontinued operations allocated to participating securities		—			94			—			—
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations allocated to common shareholders	$	(1,242	)	$	3,464		$	(4,280	)	$	(4,831	)
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Rentech common shareholders	$	(10,376	)	$	(14,593	)	$	(36,809	)	$	12,999
	Less: Dividends and accretion on 2014 Preferred Stock		1,321			—			2,521			—
	Less: Income allocated to participating securities		—			—			—			348
	Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders	$	(11,697	)	$	(14,593	)	$	(39,330	)	$	12,651
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		228,072			226,305			228,651			225,840
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Preferred stock		—			—			—			—
	Warrants		—			—			—			945
	Common stock options		—			—			—			1,752
	Restricted stock		—			—			—			3,634
	Diluted shares outstanding		228,072			226,305			228,651			232,171
	Continuing operations	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.15	)	$	0.08
		For the Three Months						For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02		$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
	Basic net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.17	)	$	0.06
	Continuing operations	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.15	)	$	0.07
	Discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02		$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.17	)	$	0.05

Basis_of_Presentation_Addition

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Store
	Location
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]	'
Number of operates fertilizer facilities	2
Number of stores	32
Wawa Project [Member]	'
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]	'
Production of wood pellets	450,000
Atikokan Project [Member]	'
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]	'
Production of wood pellets	100,000
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]	'
Production of wood pellets	240,000
Number of wood pellet facilities	3
United States [Member]	'
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]	'
Number of stores	26
Chile [Member]	'
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]	'
Number of stores	5
Ownership interest in the subsidiary	88.00%
Uruguay [Member]	'
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]	'
Number of stores	1
Ownership interest in the subsidiary	87.00%
Canada [Member]	'
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]	'
Number of facilities being developed	2

NEWP_Acquisition_Additional_In

NEWP Acquisition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

1-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

1-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

1-May-14

1-May-14

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Trade name [Member]

Customer relationships [Member]

Non-compete agreements [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition date

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-May-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition purchase price, cash paid

'

'

$35,434,000

'

$35,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional contingent consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Additional contingent consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,300,000

8,000,000

Estimated useful life of customer relationships

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 years

'13 years

'3 years

'

'

Revenue

125,304,000

115,657,000

350,025,000

295,282,000

'

13,900,000

19,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

-11,687,000

-23,578,000

-40,314,000

21,514,000

'

2,000,000

2,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business combination, acquisition related costs

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

NEWP_Acquisition_Preliminary_P

NEWP Acquisition - Preliminary Purchase Price (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Cash plus working capital adjustments of $0.1 million	$35,434
Estimate of expected earn-out consideration	3,840
Total preliminary purchase price	$39,274

NEWP_Acquisition_Preliminary_P1

NEWP Acquisition - Preliminary Purchase Price (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Working capital adjustments	$0.10

NEWP_Acquisition_Purchase_Pric

NEWP Acquisition - Purchase Price Allocation (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	1-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			NEWP Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	$3,852
Accounts receivable	'	'	2,927
Inventories	'	'	2,239
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'	437
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	30,625
Intangible assets	'	'	6,300
Goodwill	39,193	57,134	9,261
Accounts payable	'	'	-1,641
Accrued liabilities	'	'	-442
Customer deposits	'	'	-882
Loans	'	'	-12,600
Interest rate swaps	'	'	-802
Total preliminary purchase price	'	'	$39,274

NEWP_Acquisition_Purchase_Pric1

NEWP Acquisition - Purchase Price Allocation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (NEWP Acquisition [Member], USD $)	1-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Trade name [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	$5,000
Customer relationships [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	1,100
Non-compete agreements [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	$200

Fulghum_Acquisition_Additional

Fulghum Acquisition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	1-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	1-May-13
					Fulghum [Member]	Fulghum [Member]	Fulghum [Member]	Fulghum [Member]	Fulghum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition date	'	'	'	'	'	'	1-May-13	'	'
Business acquisition purchase price, cash paid	'	'	$35,434,000	'	$64,200,000	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition purchase price, Acquiree's debt repaid	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,300,000
Additional deferred tax liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,800,000	'	'
Revenue	125,304,000	115,657,000	350,025,000	295,282,000	'	22,400,000	'	38,500,000	'
Net Income	($11,687,000)	($23,578,000)	($40,314,000)	$21,514,000	'	$800,000	'	$900,000	'

Fulghum_Acquisition_Purchase_P

Fulghum Acquisition - Purchase Price Allocation (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	1-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Fulghum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	$10,137
Accounts receivable	'	'	3,936
Inventories	'	'	2,389
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'	952
Other receivables, net	'	'	5,435
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	94,382
Intangible assets	'	'	35,261
Goodwill	39,193	57,134	29,932
Other assets	'	'	2,974
Accounts payable	'	'	-6,547
Accrued liabilities	'	'	-5,823
Customer deposits	'	'	-1,059
Asset retirement obligation	'	'	-178
Credit facility and loans	'	'	-61,865
Unfavorable processing agreements	'	'	-6,496
Deferred income taxes	'	'	-35,262
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	-4,000
Total preliminary purchase price	'	'	$64,168

Fulghum_Acquisition_Purchase_P1

Fulghum Acquisition - Purchase Price Allocation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Fulghum [Member], USD $)	1-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	$35,261
Trade name [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	5,496
Wood Chip Processing Agreements [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	$29,765

Pro_Forma_Information_Pro_Form

Pro Forma Information - Pro Forma Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
As Reported [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	$350,025	$295,282
Net income (loss)	-40,314	21,514
Net income (loss) attributable to Rentech	-36,809	12,999
Basic net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	'	$0.08
Basic and diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	($0.15)	'
Diluted net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	'	$0.07
Pro Forma Adjustments [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	14,329	66,076
Net income (loss)	2,367	3,813
Net income (loss) attributable to Rentech	2,367	3,678
Basic net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	'	$0.01
Basic and diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	$0.01	'
Diluted net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	'	$0.02
Pro Forma [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	364,354	361,358
Net income (loss)	-37,947	25,327
Net income (loss) attributable to Rentech	($34,442)	$16,677
Basic net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	'	$0.09
Basic and diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	($0.14)	'
Diluted net income from continuing operations per common share allocated to Rentech	'	$0.09

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (Alternative Energy Technologies and Decommissioned PDU [Member], USD $)	Mar. 05, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Sale of discontinued operation, initial price	$15.30
Maximum [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Sale of discontinued operation, maximum price	$16.20

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$59	'	$59	'	$19
Other receivables	545	'	545	'	'
Total current assets	604	'	604	'	19
Property held for sale	4,626	'	4,626	'	4,647
Deposits and other assets	'	'	'	'	4
Total other assets	4,626	'	4,626	'	4,651
Total assets	5,230	'	5,230	'	4,670
Accounts payable	59	'	59	'	151
Accrued payroll and benefits	302	'	302	'	356
Accrued liabilities	976	'	976	'	1,496
Deferred revenue	55	'	55	'	'
Other	775	'	775	'	'
Total liabilities	2,167	'	2,167	'	2,003
Revenues	56	105	267	300	'
Operating income (loss)	-1,242	4,542	-4,333	-4,994	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	($1,242)	$3,558	($4,280)	($4,831)	'

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Disclosu

Fair Value - Fair Value Disclosure (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Forward gas contracts	'	'
Earn-out consideration	'	'
Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate swaps	'	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Forward gas contracts	811	'
Earn-out consideration	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate swaps	688	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Forward gas contracts	'	'
Earn-out consideration	5,589	1,544
Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate swaps	'	'

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_and_Carr

Fair Value - Fair Value and Carrying Value of Borrowings and Interest Rate Swaps (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities	'	'
RNP Notes	$320,000	$320,000
QS Construction Facility	20,393	4,527
RNHI Revolving Loan [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Credit Agreement / Revolving Loan	'	50,000
Fulghum [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Fulghum debt	46,665	'
Fulghum debt	'	47,452
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Fulghum debt	11,334	'
NEWP debt	11,722	'
Gso Credit Agreement [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Credit Agreement / Revolving Loan	49,092	'
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
RNP Notes	318,400	318,400
Level 1 [Member] | RNHI Revolving Loan [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Credit Agreement / Revolving Loan	'	'
Level 1 [Member] | Fulghum [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Fulghum debt	'	'
Level 1 [Member] | Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
NEWP debt	'	'
Level 1 [Member] | Gso Credit Agreement [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Credit Agreement / Revolving Loan	'	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
RNP Notes	'	'
QS Construction Facility	20,393	4,527
Level 2 [Member] | RNHI Revolving Loan [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Credit Agreement / Revolving Loan	'	50,000
Level 2 [Member] | Fulghum [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Fulghum debt	47,205	45,970
Level 2 [Member] | Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
NEWP debt	11,744	'
Level 2 [Member] | Gso Credit Agreement [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Credit Agreement / Revolving Loan	49,092	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
RNP Notes	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | RNHI Revolving Loan [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Credit Agreement / Revolving Loan	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Fulghum [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Fulghum debt	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
NEWP debt	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Gso Credit Agreement [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Credit Agreement / Revolving Loan	'	'

Fair_Value_Additional_Informat

Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Swap

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Atikokan Project [Member]

Atikokan Project [Member]

Atikokan Project [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Industrial Revenue Bond [Member]

Other Industrial Revenue Bond [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized loss on derivatives

'

'

'

'

($700,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000

$800,000

'

Number of derivative contracts

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative fixed interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.29%

5.05%

'

'

7.53%

Earn-out consideration, Carrying Value

5,589,000

1,544,000

1,571,000

4,920,000

'

949,000

1,544,000

4,920,000

4,640,000

1,571,000

'

'

'

'

'

Number of years to determine fair value of earn-out consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan provided to sellers

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase or decrease in EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase or decrease in earn-out consideration

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans receivable

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Receivable recorded in other expenses

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured note, Percentage

6.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured note, Amount

$320,000,000

$320,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_Reconciliation_of_t

Fair Value - Reconciliation of the Change in the Carrying Value of Earn-out Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	$1,544	$4,920
Add: Earn-out consideration	'	'	3,840	1,850
Add: Unrealized (gain) loss	-59	-586	268	-5,197
Add: Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation	'	'	-63	-2
Ending Balance	5,589	1,571	5,589	1,571
Atikokan Project [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	1,544	4,920
Add: Earn-out consideration	'	'	'	'
Add: Unrealized (gain) loss	'	'	-532	-4,920
Add: Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation	'	'	-63	'
Ending Balance	949	'	949	'
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Add: Earn-out consideration	'	'	3,840	1,850
Add: Unrealized (gain) loss	'	'	800	-277
Add: Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation	'	'	'	-2
Ending Balance	$4,640	$1,571	$4,640	$1,571

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$27,151	$27,638
Raw materials	8,170	7,448
Other	172	290
Total inventory	$35,493	$35,376

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Write-down of inventory	'	'	'	$4,557	$7,334
Pasadena Facility [Member] | Ammonium Sulfate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Write-down of inventory	$1,800	$2,800	$5,000	$4,600	$7,300

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_P

Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$458,975	$410,172
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-99,931	-75,518
Total property, plant and equipment, net	359,044	334,654
Land and land improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	27,482	26,149
Building and building improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	44,609	33,096
Machinery and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	366,188	334,645
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	1,583	1,123
Computer equipment and computer software [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	9,678	7,977
Vehicles [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	5,612	4,624
Leasehold improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	2,370	2,348
Other [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$1,453	$210

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of undiscounted future cash flows exceeded its net book value	10.00%	'
Construction In Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Portion of capitalized interest costs included in construction in progress	$5.30	$0.80

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_C

Property, Plant and Equipment - Construction in Progress (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Construction in progress	$184,391	$60,136
East Dubuque [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Construction in progress	10,195	2,195
Pasadena [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Construction in progress	55,438	31,335
Fulghum Fibers [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Construction in progress	11,445	273
Atikokan Project [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Construction in progress	31,307	8,458
Wawa Project [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Construction in progress	52,412	11,809
Construction under QS Construction Facility [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Construction in progress	22,988	5,198
Other Construction In Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Construction in progress	$606	$868

Goodwill_Reconciliation_of_Cha

Goodwill - Reconciliation of Change in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	$57,134	'
Add: Acquisition	'	9,261	'
Less: Impairment	-30,029	-27,202	-30,029
Ending balance	'	39,193	'
Pasadena [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	27,202	'
Add: Acquisition	'	'	'
Less: Impairment	'	-27,202	'
Ending balance	'	'	'
Fulghum [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	29,932	'
Add: Acquisition	'	'	'
Less: Impairment	'	'	'
Ending balance	'	29,932	'
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	'
Add: Acquisition	'	9,261	'
Less: Impairment	'	'	'
Ending balance	'	$9,261	'

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Write-down of inventory	'	'	'	$4,557	$7,334
Pasadena goodwill impairment	'	'	30,029	27,202	30,029
Fulghum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reporting units	'	'	'	2	'
Pasadena Facility [Member] | Ammonium Sulfate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Write-down of inventory	$1,800	$2,800	$5,000	$4,600	$7,300

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Apr. 09, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 09, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 09, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 08, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 09, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Apr. 09, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 24, 2013

Apr. 09, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 23, 2013

Nov. 25, 2013

Term Loan Credit Facility [Member]

GE Credit Agreement [Member]

GE Credit Agreement [Member]

GE Credit Agreement [Member]

2013 RNP Credit Agreement [Member]

2013 RNP Credit Agreement [Member]

2013 RNP Credit Agreement [Member]

2013 RNP Credit Agreement [Member]

Bmo Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Bmo Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Bmo Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

RNHI [Member]

RNP [Member]

RNP [Member]

RNHI Revolving Loan [Member]

RNHI Revolving Loan [Member]

RNHI Revolving Loan [Member]

Two Thousand Twelve Credit Agreement [Member]

Bonds

GE Credit Agreement [Member]

GE Credit Agreement [Member]

GE Credit Agreement [Member]

Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]

GE Credit Agreement [Member]

RNHI [Member]

RNHI [Member]

Bmo Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$35,000,000

'

$3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Agreement termination date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22-Jul-19

'

'

22-Jul-14

'

'

25-Nov-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on debt extinguishment

'

-635,000

-1,485,000

-6,001,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-900,000

'

'

Amended credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

3,000,000

Revolving loan borrowed

'

447,872,000

447,872,000

'

'

421,979,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,722,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

Letter of credit fee

'

'

3.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving loan collateral fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,700,000

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan facility

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowers commitments termination, period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'18 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common units held by RNP owned by the borrower

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,762,431

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility interest rate percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

7.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment premium

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental term loan facility

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit agreement date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22-Jul-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of letter of credit sublimit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Federal funds rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LIBOR for an interest period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Agreement base rate borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Agreement LIBOR borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit agreement on the average undrawn available portion of the credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment fee, rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility minimum commitment fee amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available borrowing credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.00%

'

'

'

'

Net leverage ratio maximum limit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

Collateral deposit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

Number of industrial revenue bonds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Range of maturity dates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2016 through 2021

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate on NEWP's debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Longterm_Debt_Detail

Debt - Long-term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Less: Current portion	$15,911	$9,916
Long-term credit facilities and term loans	431,961	412,063
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding debt	11,334	'
Plus: Unamortized premium	388	'
Total debt	11,722	'
Less: Current portion	1,872	'
Long-term credit facilities and term loans	9,850	'
Total outstanding debt	$11,722	'

Debt_Future_Maturities_of_Long

Debt - Future Maturities of Long-term Debt (Detail) (Wood Pellets NEWP [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2014	$457
2015	1,888
2016	2,424
2017	1,954
2018	2,032
2019	1,498
Thereafter	1,469
Total debt	$11,722

Debt_Summary_of_Total_Debt_Det

Debt - Summary of Total Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt outstanding	$447,872	$421,979
Less: Current portion	15,911	9,916
Long-term debt	431,961	412,063
Long term debt outstanding	447,872	421,979
Fulghum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt outstanding	46,665	47,452
Long term debt outstanding	46,665	47,452
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt outstanding	11,722	'
Less: Current portion	1,872	'
Long-term debt	9,850	'
Long term debt outstanding	11,722	'
RNP Note Payable [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt outstanding	320,000	320,000
Long term debt outstanding	320,000	320,000
Construction under QS Construction Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt outstanding	20,393	4,527
Long term debt outstanding	20,393	4,527
RNHI Revolving Loan [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt outstanding	'	50,000
Long term debt outstanding	'	50,000
Gso Credit Agreement [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt outstanding	49,092	'
Long term debt outstanding	$49,092	'

Debt_Summary_of_Total_Debt_Par

Debt - Summary of Total Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Fulghum [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fulghum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Unamortized Premium	$1,700	$2,200

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Commitments for Natural Gas Purchases (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	MMBTU	MMBTU
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Line Items]	'	'
Total MMBtus under contracts	5,702,000	2,152,000
Commitments to purchase natural gas	$26,185	$8,571
Weighted average rate per MMBtu based on the fixed rates and the indexes applicable to each contract	4.59	3.98
MMBtus under Fixed-Price Contracts [Member]	'	'
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Line Items]	'	'
Total MMBtus under contracts	4,945,000	2,071,000
MMBtus under Index-Price Contracts [Member]	'	'
Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Line Items]	'	'
Total MMBtus under contracts	757,000	81,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 17, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
		MMBTU		MMBTU		Natchez[Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Canadian National Contract [Member]	2013 Drax Contract [Member]	2013 Drax Contract [Member]	Ontario Power Generation [Member]
		mi		mi			MMBTU	mi		Wood Pellets Industrial [Member]	t
								Rail_Carloads		t
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total MMBtus associated with additional forward purchase contracts	'	5,702,000	'	2,152,000	'	'	100,000	'	'	'	'
Purchase commitments	'	'	'	'	'	'	$500,000	'	'	'	'
Weighted average rate per MMBtu	'	4.59	'	3.98	'	'	3.97	'	'	'	'
Engineering, procurement and construction contract value	'	'	'	'	25,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guaranteed obligations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,000,000	'	'
Additional payment of contractual obligation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,200,000	'	'
Wood pallets required to sell from Wawa Project to Drax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	400,000	'
Contract term period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Partial payment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,700,000	'	'
Contract term period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10 years
Quantity required to deliver under Atikokan Project	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	45,000
Maximum quantity required to deliver under Atikokan Project	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	90,000
Location of Atikokan Project from Port of Quebec	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,300	'	'	'
Location of Wawa Project from Port of Quebec	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,100	'	'	'
Minimum rail carloads committed to transport during next fiscal year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,500	'	'	'
Minimum rail carloads committed to transport thereafter	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,600	'	'	'
Penalty for delivery shortfalls per rail car	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,000	'	'	'
Property tax paid	1,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property tax refund receivable	1,200,000	1,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property tax payable	1,700,000	1,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Excess property tax assessed	1,600,000	1,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of property	'	-135,000	9,146,000	'	'	8,600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Miles of natural gas pipeline	'	'	'	18	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected abandonment costs	$700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Preferred_Stock_Additional_Inf

Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 09, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 09, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Purchase Share Price Aggregate Amount	98	'	'	'
Preferred stock issuance discount, percentage	2.00%	'	'	'
Convertible preferred stock into common stock	'	'	'	45,045,045
Preferred stock authorized shares	'	'	'	2.22
Mezzanine, preferred stock, dividend rate	'	4.50%	'	'
Aggregate original issue price	'	'	'	100
Preferred stock authorized shares	'	1,000,000	1,000,000	5,524,862
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares of preferred stock sold	'	'	'	100,000
Mezzanine, preferred stock, dividend rate	4.50%	4.50%	0.00%	'

Preferred_Stock_Schedule_of_Me

Preferred Stock - Schedule of Mezzanine Equity (Detail) (Mezzanine Equity [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Mezzanine Equity [Member]	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Original issue price of 2014 Preferred Stock	$100,000
Less: Issuance costs	-3,267
Less: Unamortized discount	-1,867
Total mezzanine equity	$94,866

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax (benefit) expense	$425	($1,984)	$1,260	($26,656)
Effective tax rate	4.00%	'	4.00%	'
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	'	'	'

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Segment	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'
Number of Operating segments before acquisition of Fulghum, Atikokan, Wawa and winding down of the PDU	5	5
Number of operating segments	5	'

Segment_Information_Segment_In

Segment Information - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$125,304	$115,657	$350,025	$295,282	'
Total segment operating income (loss)	-4,312	-24,758	-16,360	11,920	'
Total segment net income (loss)	-10,445	-27,136	-36,034	26,345	'
Segment net income (loss)	-10,376	-14,593	-36,809	12,999	'
Corporate and unallocated expenses recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses	-15,550	-13,413	-48,764	-38,819	'
Corporate and unallocated depreciation and amortization expense	-1,418	-2,436	-2,488	-5,333	'
Corporate and unallocated income (expense) recorded as other income (expense)	-313	-24	-209	-35	'
Corporate and unallocated interest expense	-5,346	-4,757	-16,682	-11,022	'
Income tax (benefit) expense	-425	1,984	-1,260	26,656	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-1,242	3,558	-4,280	-4,831	'
Net income (loss)	-11,687	-23,578	-40,314	21,514	'
Total assets	825,749	'	825,749	'	703,590
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	5,230	'	5,230	'	4,670
RNP [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Corporate and unallocated expenses recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses	-1,792	-1,872	-6,277	-6,488	'
Corporate and unallocated income (expense) recorded as other income (expense)	-635	309	-635	-1,081	'
Corporate and unallocated interest expense	-4,604	-3,996	-14,373	-9,726	'
Income tax (benefit) expense	'	'	'	302	'
Reportable Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment operating income (loss)	4,598	-17,001	11,896	37,638	'
Total segment net income (loss)	3,887	-17,941	8,942	35,468	'
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment net income (loss)	3,887	-17,941	8,942	35,468	'
Total assets	757,770	'	757,770	'	594,752
RNP Partnership and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	48,513	'	48,513	'	42,078
Corporate and Unallocated Expenses Recorded as Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	14,236	'	14,236	'	62,090
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Corporate and unallocated expenses recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses	-6,963	-5,733	-21,544	-18,755	'
Corporate and unallocated depreciation and amortization expense	-154	-152	-419	-475	'
Corporate and unallocated income (expense) recorded as other income (expense)	-96	7	-1,279	-19	'
Corporate and unallocated interest expense	-54	-47	-378	-47	'
Income tax (benefit) expense	-34	2,289	-71	27,166	'
East Dubuque [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	46,021	50,572	148,455	146,838	'
Total segment operating income (loss)	14,159	24,059	56,991	77,742	'
Total segment net income (loss)	14,139	24,069	56,926	77,383	'
Total assets	186,069	'	186,069	'	175,430
Pasadena [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	38,142	42,707	105,597	109,961	'
Total segment operating income (loss)	-10,186	-40,522	-44,464	-38,528	'
Total segment net income (loss)	-10,213	-40,765	-44,545	-38,915	'
Total assets	189,904	'	189,904	'	188,836
Fulghum Fibers [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	25,273	22,378	73,660	38,483	'
Total segment operating income (loss)	1,083	1,812	4,039	2,657	'
Total segment net income (loss)	-56	813	609	941	'
Total assets	190,187	'	190,187	'	188,397
Wood Pellets Industrial [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	2,011	'	2,678	'	'
Total segment operating income (loss)	-2,453	-2,350	-7,459	-4,233	'
Total segment net income (loss)	-1,997	-2,058	-6,804	-3,941	'
Total assets	133,813	'	133,813	'	42,089
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	57,797	'	57,797	'	'
Wood Pellets NEWP [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	13,857	'	19,635	'	'
Total segment operating income (loss)	1,995	'	2,789	'	'
Total segment net income (loss)	$2,014	'	$2,756	'	'

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information - Summary of Revenues by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$125,304	$115,657	$350,025	$295,282
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	113,833	108,743	318,313	282,113
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	2,011	'	2,678	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$9,460	$6,914	$29,034	$13,169

Segment_Information_Summary_of1

Segment Information - Summary of Assets by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$825,749	$703,590
United States [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	660,716	633,886
Canada [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	133,749	42,089
Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$31,284	$27,615

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Common_Sha2

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Allocated to Rentech - Basic and Diluted Net Income (loss) Per Common Share Attributable to the Company (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Rentech common shareholders	($9,134)	($18,151)	($32,529)	$17,830
Less: Dividends and accretion on 2014 Preferred Stock	1,321	'	2,521	'
Less: Income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	'	'	'	493
Income (loss) from continuing operations allocated to common shareholders	-10,455	-18,151	-35,050	17,337
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Rentech common shareholders	-1,242	3,558	-4,280	-4,831
Less: Income from discontinued operations allocated to participating securities	'	94	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations allocated to common shareholders	-1,242	3,464	-4,280	-4,831
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Rentech common shareholders	-10,376	-14,593	-36,809	12,999
Less: Dividends and accretion on 2014 Preferred Stock	1,321	'	2,521	'
Less: Income allocated to participating securities	'	'	'	348
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders	($11,697)	($14,593)	($39,330)	$12,651
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	228,072	226,305	228,651	225,840
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Diluted shares outstanding	228,072	226,305	228,651	232,171
Continuing operations	($0.05)	($0.08)	($0.15)	$0.08
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	$0.02	($0.02)	($0.02)
Basic net income (loss) per common share	($0.05)	($0.06)	($0.17)	$0.06
Continuing operations	($0.05)	($0.08)	($0.15)	$0.07
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	$0.02	($0.02)	($0.02)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	($0.05)	($0.06)	($0.17)	$0.05
Common Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	'	'	'	1,752
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	'	'	'	3,634
Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	'	'	'	'
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	'	'	'	945

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Common_Sha3

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Allocated to Rentech - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive common stock	60.7	13.8	60.7	3.5

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 05, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 28, 2014

Oct. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

RNHI [Member]

Alternative Energy Technologies and Decommissioned PDU [Member]

RNP [Member]

RNP [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Alternative Energy Technologies and Decommissioned PDU [Member]

Alternative Energy Technologies and Decommissioned PDU [Member]

RNP [Member]

Agrifos Holdings Inc [Member]

Alternative Energy Technologies and Decommissioned PDU [Member]

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distribution of cash in settlement of indemnity claims

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000

$900,000

'

Distribution of common units in settlement of indemnity claims

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59,186

264,090

'

Cash received from sale of business

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,400,000

'

'

'

Additional cash received from sale of business

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

Additional cash received on sale of various equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

Total proceeds from sale of discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

15,300,000

'

'

'

15,300,000

'

'

'

Maximum proceeds from sale of discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,200,000

'

'

'

Gain on sale of discontinued operation

1,242,000

-3,558,000

4,280,000

4,831,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

Cash distribution declaration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4-Nov-14

'

'

'

'

'

Cash distribution declared to RNP's common unitholders, per unit

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.05

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash distribution declared to RNP's common unitholders

'

'

'

'

$1,900,000

'

$1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash distribution date to be paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28-Nov-14

'

'

'

'

'

Cash distribution date of record

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21-Nov-14

'

'

'

'

'