Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	$ (53,351)	$ (19,107)	$ (71,051)	$ (65,881)
Fair value adjustments, net	(51,950)	(20,321)	(65,667)	(66,668)
Concentrate Sales Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Sales of Metals	1,466	(1,672)	4,339	(1,773)
Forward foreign exchange contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Production costs applicable to sales	(65)	459	1,045	987
Fair value adjustments	(4,089)	279	(3,791)	(913)
Gold lease facility [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments		(2,079)	132	(4,808)
Forward gold contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments		1,238	35	1,238
Silver Ounces Receivables [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	(554)	447	(90)	447
Palmarejo gold production royalty [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	(26,464)	(19,969)	(46,505)	(58,481)
Franco-Nevada warrant [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments		1,118		3,451
Put and call options [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value adjustments	$ (22,244)	$ (142)	$ (20,568)	$ (6,816)