Write-Downs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	$ 772,993	$ 5,825	$ 0
Palmarejo [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	642,100
Kensington [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	130,700
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	151,092	0	0
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Palmarejo [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	102,735	0	0
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Kensington [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	48,357	0	0
Mining Properties [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	621,901	5,825	0
Mining Properties [Member] | Palmarejo [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	539,359	0	0
Mining Properties [Member] | Kensington [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	82,337	0	0
Mining Properties [Member] | Martha [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Write-downs	$ 205	$ 5,825	$ 0