Mining Properties (DetailsTextuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2007 Martha [Member]	Apr. 30, 2002 Martha [Member]	May 23, 2005 Endeavor [Member]
Mining Properties [Textuals] [Abstract]
Cumulative ounces of silver received by CDE Australia	3,300,000
Distance of Lynn Canal from mines (in miles)		45
Current ore reserve payable ounces based on current metallurgical recovery and current smelter contract terms	$ 7.9
Property, Plant and Equipment (Textuals)
Acquisition of interest in mine				100.00%
Production capacity of completed flotation mill (in tonne per day)			240
Quantity of acquired silver production and reserves					17,700,000