Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	$ 17,796	$ (23,113)
Fair value adjustments, net	16,669	(22,560)
Concentrate Sales Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Sales of Metals	(1,755)	1,336
Forward foreign exchange contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Production costs applicable to sales	627	(783)
Fair value adjustments	(1,598)	0
Forward foreign exchange contracts MXN peso [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	738	2,690
Silver Ounces Receivables [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	0	359
Palmarejo gold production royalty [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	14,429	(25,611)
Put and call options [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	$ 4,228	$ (551)