Litigation and Other Events (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011
Litigation and Other Events (Textuals) [Abstract]
Approximate area for release of hazardous substance at the Van Stone mine location related to northeast of Colville, Washington in miles	21 miles northeast of Colville, Washington
Claims made for cleanup costs against Company or Callahan	0
Restriction on Mining	Temporary Restriction on Mining above 4,400 Meters at San Bartolomé
Callahan Mining [Member]
Litigation and Other Events (Additional) (Textuals)
Long-term purchase commitment	More than 40 years after Callahan disposed of its interest in the Deadwood property