SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income taxes
Total revenue earned	$ 828	$ 828	$ 2,466	$ 2,457
Taxable income	(41,734)	1,745	(107,997)	24,459
Income tax expense	303	328	918	1,041
Baltic Trading | United States
Income taxes
Taxable income	200	452	1,321	2,909
Income tax expense	4	9	26	31
Vessel management services
Income taxes
Total revenue earned	1,530	1,588	4,575	4,689
Taxable income	664	668	1,985	2,113
Income tax expense	299	319	892	1,010
Vessel management services | Intersegment elimination
Income taxes
Total revenue earned	$ 703	$ 760	$ 2,109	$ 2,232