Income and Mining Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income tax provision from continuing operations
Income tax provision from continuing operations	$ 4,689	$ (11,245)
United States - Alternative minimum tax [Member]
Income tax provision from continuing operations
Federal tax expense (benefit)	(146)	(3,212)
Argentina [Member]
Income tax provision from continuing operations
Foreign tax expense (benefit)	4,432	73
Australia [Member]
Income tax provision from continuing operations
Foreign tax expense (benefit)	(303)	(105)
Mexico [Member]
Income tax provision from continuing operations
Foreign tax expense (benefit)	3,721	(3,673)
Bolivia [Member]
Income tax provision from continuing operations
Foreign tax expense (benefit)	(2,764)	(4,328)
Canada [Member]
Income tax provision from continuing operations
Foreign tax expense (benefit)	$ (251)	$ 0