Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		46 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (3,478)	$ (2,198)	$ 21,421
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	3,836	2,334	32,751
Deferred income tax benefit	(3,725)		(801)
Inventory write-downs	6,563	630	32,356
Stock-based compensation expense	825	2,934	34,626
Foreign currency transaction losses, net	(1,668)		3,747
Unrealized loss on derivatives	6,641		6,643
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,500		2,500
Other operating adjustments and write-downs	154		5,141
Net change in operating assets and liabilities (Note 21)	4,379	1,503	(137,821)
Net cash provided by operating activities	16,027	5,203	563
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of the Molycorp Mountain Pass facility			(82,150)
Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(30,023)
Investment in joint venture	(3,836)		(3,836)
Cash paid to acquire non-marketable securities			(20,000)
Deposits	(459)	(1,500)	(23,762)
Capital expenditures	(206,463)	(26,345)	(549,378)
Other investing activities	2		9,521
Net cash used in investing activities	(210,756)	(27,845)	(699,628)
Cash flows provided by financing activities:
Capital contributions	390,225		515,229
Repayments of short-term borrowings-related party	(870)	(935)	(5,127)
Repayments of debt	(777)		(5,205)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock in conjunction with the initial public offering			378,633
Net proceeds from sale of preferred stock		199,642	199,642
Net proceeds from sale of convertible notes			223,100
Payments of preferred dividends	(2,846)		(11,861)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings-related party			11,645
Proceeds from debt			5,131
Other financing activities	(132)		34
Net cash provided by financing activities	385,600	198,707	1,311,221
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	68		(2,362)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	190,939	176,065	609,794
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	418,855	316,430
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 609,794	$ 492,495	$ 609,794