Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	$ (23,487)	$ (52,050)	$ (117,094)
Fair value adjustments, net	(23,426)	(49,162)	(85,485)
Concentrate Sales Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Sales of Metals	1,682	2,505	1,636
Forward foreign exchange contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Production costs applicable to sales	(1,621)	383	1,638
Fair value adjustments	3,264	(3,192)	(1,330)
Gold lease facility [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	0	(132)	2,885
Forward gold contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	0	34	425
Silver Ounces Receivables [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	213	(276)	1,594
Palmarejo gold production royalty [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	(31,053)	(40,046)	(83,989)
Franco-Nevada warrant [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	0	0	3,451
Put and call options [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	$ 4,089	$ (8,438)	$ (11,795)