NONVESTED STOCK AWARDS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Number of Shares
Forfeited (in shares)	(1,500)	(1,100)
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	935,287
GS&T Plan
Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	936,787
Granted (in shares)	15,000
Vested (in shares)	(15,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(1,500)
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	935,287
Weighted Average Grant Date Price
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	14.06
Granted (in dollars per share)	3.50
Vested (in dollars per share)	8.00
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	6.39
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	14.00
Additional disclosures
Total fair value of shares vested	53	120
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock awards
Unrecognized future compensation cost	4,800
Weighted-average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years 11 months 5 days
Baltic Trading Plan \| Baltic Trading Limited
Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	545,750
Granted (in shares)	12,500
Vested (in shares)	(129,000)
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	429,250
Weighted Average Grant Date Price
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	11.60
Granted (in dollars per share)	3.86
Vested (in dollars per share)	13.31
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	10.86
Additional disclosures
Total fair value of shares vested	505	1,131
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock awards
Unrecognized future compensation cost	1,434
Weighted-average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 11 months 16 days

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Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

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Aggregate unrecognized cost of share-based awards, other than options, made to employees under an equity-based compensation plan, that have yet to vest.

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No definition available.

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The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were forfeited during the reporting period.

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Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event.

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The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

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The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

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The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

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The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units.

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The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested during the reporting period.

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The total fair value of equity-based awards for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

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