Noncontrolling Interest (Tables) (AMCOL Shareholders [Member])

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

AMCOL Shareholders [Member]

Change from net income and transfers from noncontrolling interest

	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2011
Net income attributable to AMCOL shareholders	$	59,111
Transfers from noncontrolling interest:
Decrease in additional paid-in capital for purchase of the remaining noncontrolling interest in South Africa (Proprietary)
Limited		(5,189)
Decrease in additional paid-in capital for transfer of 26% interest in Batlhako		(3,403)
Change from net income attributable to AMCOL shareholders and transfers from noncontrolling interest	$	50,519