EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income / (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CME Ltd	$ (82,074)	$ 3,416	$ (102,220)	$ (87,406)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	0	0	213,697
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd.	$ (82,074)	$ 3,416	$ (102,220)	$ 126,291
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock	64,393,000	64,337,000	64,382,000	63,918,000
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share	0	160,000	0	0
Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents	64,393,000	64,497,000	64,382,000	63,918,000
Net income / (loss) per share:
Basic	$ (1.27)	$ 0.05	$ (1.59)	$ 1.97
Diluted	$ (1.27)	$ 0.05	$ (1.59)	$ 1.97
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			3,719,900		1,827,408