RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges	$ 103,000	$ 7,543,000	$ 656,000	$ 7,941,000
ROVA Contract
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Remaining Period of Contract					5 years
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			400,000
Restructuring charges	0	100,000	0	500,000
Restructuring payments			400,000
Ending balance	0		0
Sherritt International Corporation and Westmoreland Resources LP
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			8,800,000
Restructuring charges			700,000
Restructuring payments			7,100,000
Ending balance	2,400,000		2,400,000
One-time Employee Termination Benefits | Sherritt International Corporation and Westmoreland Resources LP
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges	$ 100,000	$ 8,000,000	$ 700,000	$ 8,000,000