Other Events and Transactions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Other Events and Transactions [Abstract]
Other Events and Transactions [Text Block]	Other Events and Transactions NACoal: During the second quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2011, NACoal entered into agreements to sell $31.4 million of assets, primarily two draglines. During the first quarter of 2012, NACoal sold a dragline for $20.2 million, which approximated book value. The remaining sales of the assets are expected to occur in 2012. These assets have been classified as held for sale in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. NACCO and Other: In 2006, the Company initiated litigation in the Delaware Chancery Court against Applica Incorporated ("Applica") and individuals and entities affiliated with Applica's shareholder, Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund, Ltd. The litigation alleged a number of contract and tort claims against the defendants related to the failed transaction with Applica, which had been previously announced. On February 14, 2011, the parties to this litigation entered into a settlement agreement. The settlement agreement provided for, among other things, the payment of $60 million to the Company and dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice. The payment was received in February 2011. Litigation costs related to the failed transaction with Applica were $2.8 million during the first quarter of 2011.

Other Events and Transactions

NACoal: During the second quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2011, NACoal entered into agreements to sell $31.4 million of assets, primarily two draglines. During the first quarter of 2012, NACoal sold a dragline for $20.2 million, which approximated book value. The remaining sales of the assets are expected to occur in 2012. These assets have been classified as held for sale in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

NACCO and Other: In 2006, the Company initiated litigation in the Delaware Chancery Court against Applica Incorporated ("Applica") and individuals and entities affiliated with Applica's shareholder, Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund, Ltd. The litigation alleged a number of contract and tort claims against the defendants related to the failed transaction with Applica, which had been previously announced. On February 14, 2011, the parties to this litigation entered into a settlement agreement. The settlement agreement provided for, among other things, the payment of $60 million to the Company and dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice. The payment was received in February 2011.

Litigation costs related to the failed transaction with Applica were $2.8 million during the first quarter of 2011.