OTHER LIABILITIES - Components of pension expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined benefit pension plan expense
Current service cost	$ 12,827	$ 1,020
Administrative expenses	115	109
Interest cost on defined benefit obligation	809	889
Interest on assets	(77)	(93)
Pension expense	$ 13,674	$ 1,925

The amount of pension and other (such as medical, dental and life insurance) postretirement benefit costs recognized during the period for (1) defined benefit plans (periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss) on assets, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments) and for (2) defined contribution plans (to the extent that a plan's defined contributions to an individual's account are to be made for periods in which that individual renders services, the net cost for a period is the contribution called for in that period; if a plan calls for contributions for periods after an individual retires or terminates, the estimated cost is accrued during the employee's service period).

No definition available.

Name:	aem_IfrsPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
Namespace Prefix:	aem_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration