COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details ) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian Minerals Partnership	Dec. 31, 2011 Altius	Dec. 31, 2011 Voisey's Bay Holding Corporation
Percentage of ownership interest
Percentage of ownership interest held in Labrador Nickel Royalty Limited Partnership ("LNRLP") (as a percent)		89.99%	10.00%	0.01%
Commitments and Contingencies
Minimum damage amount claimed by Labrador Nickel Royalty Limited Partnership ("LNRLP")	$ 29

The value (monetary amount) of the award the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter.

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