(2) Bill and Hold

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Policy Text Block [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition, Bill and Hold Arrangements [Policy Text Block]

(2)   Bill and Hold

Early in 2012 two of our customers advised us that their coal stockpiles were increasing and asked us to consider storing their coal on our property. In April 2012 we entered into a storage agreement with one customer to store 250,000 tons for a minimum of one year and up to a maximum of two years. In June 2012 we entered into a similar storage agreement with the second customer. During the 2013 second quarter we increased the storage agreement by 50,000 tons for both customers. We continue to sell the coal as contracted to these customers.  The risks and rewards of ownership pass from us to them as coal is placed into segregated storage. We are paid a nominal storage fee in addition to our contracted price at the time the coal is placed in storage. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 145,000 tons were placed in storage for the first customer and nil for the second customer. We have recognized $7.3 million in revenue from these “bill and hold” arrangements for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. No tons were placed in storage during the 2013 third quarter. As of September 30, 2013, we have in storage 300,000 tons for the first customer and 250,000 tons for the second. There were no changes in payment terms with our customers and, as of October 31, 2013, all receivables outstanding from these two customers at September 30, 2013 had been collected.