Amendment Description
Amendment Flag
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Document Period End Date
Document Type
Entity [Domain]
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Filer Category
Entity Public Float
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Legal Entity [Axis]
ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Accounts receivable trade
Accumulated amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Accumulated depreciation, amortization and depletion
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock
Additional paid-in capital
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property
Gain on sale of property
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current
Accounts receivable trade, allowance for doubtful accounts
Amortization of Financing Costs
Amortization charged to interest expense
Environmental Costs of Property for Sale, Disposal or Abandonment, Anticipated Exit Costs
Plant demolition and soil remediation budgeted cost
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Asset backed obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense
Asset retirement obligation, accretion expense
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred
Additions
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent
Asset retirement obligation
Changes in estimates
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate
Balance at the beginning of the period
Balance at the end of the period
Asset Retirement Obligation
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of year
Cash Equivalents [Member]
Cash equivalents
Liability derivatives Classified as cash flow hedges:
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value
Interest Paid, Net
Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Inventories
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Common Class B [Member]
Common Class B
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, shares authorized
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Common stock par value $0.01; shares authorized: 2011 and 2010 2,000,000,000 shares issued: 2011 and 2010 - 884,596,086
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Comprehensive income attributable to SCC
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]
Comprehensive Income (in millions):
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Percentage of accounts receivable and total sales
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk
Concentration Risk [Table]
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]
CONCENTRATION OF RISK:
Cost of Revenue
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion shown separately below)
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Current liabilities:
Liabilities, Current
Total current liabilities
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
FINANCING:
Long-term Debt, Gross
Total
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments
Loan repaid
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Original loan balance
Face amount of debt
Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings
Debt issuance amount
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End
Effective interest rate at the end of the period (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Interest rate (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount
Debt discount
Debt discount valuation account
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
FINANCING
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs
Capitalization of debt issuance cost
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards
Capital loss carryforward
Deferred Tax Assets, Hedging Transactions
Metal hedging
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory
Inventories
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net
Total net deferred tax assets / (liabilities)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign
Mexican tax loss carryforward
Deferred Tax Assets, Other
Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign
U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals
Reserves
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Liabilities:
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense
Deferred charges
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other
Other
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability
U.S. deferred tax liability of outside basis differences not provided
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized
Contribution expense
Derivative, Average Cap Price
Average LME cap price
Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price
Weighted average COMEX price
Derivative, Average Floor Price
Average LME floor price
Derivative, by Nature [Axis]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:
Derivative [Line Items]
Copper derivative activity related to copper sales transactions
Derivative [Table]
AMC's BUSINESS COMBINATION PROPOSAL:
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Dividend Declared [Member]
Dividend authorized
Severance Costs
Severance to Buenavista workers
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate
U.S. statutory rate (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Depletion
Percentage depletion
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other
Other permanent differences (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments
Other (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingencies
Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions (as a percent)
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Stock based compensation expenses
Environmental Cost Recognized, Capitalized in Period
Environmental capital expenditure
Environmental Remediation Expense
Plant demolition and soil cost recognized
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Percentage of ownership interest held by parent company (as a percent)
Ownership of Consorcio Tricobre held by Servicios de Ingenieria Consutec, S.A. de C. V. (as a percent)
Equity Securities [Member]
Equity securities
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount
Repurchase of debt at premium
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table]
Amortization expense
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense
Estimated amortization expense:
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax
Loss on derivative instruments
Gain on derivative instruments
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment
Gain (loss) on sale of property
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt
Premium paid at repurchase of debt
Gross Profit
Gross profit
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations
Provision for income taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
INCOME TAXES:
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued
Accrued interest and penalties included in liability for uncertain tax positions
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Income taxes
Tax payments
Intangible assets excluding goodwill, gross
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Interest and Dividend Income, Securities, Available-for-sale
Interest earned
Interest and Dividend Income, Securities, Trading or Measured at Fair Value
Interest earned
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventory, current:
Inventory, Net
Inventories
Total current inventory
Inventory, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Inventory, long-term
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:
Land [Member]
Land, other than mineral
Liabilities [Abstract]
LIABILITIES
Liabilities:
Liabilities and Equity
Total liabilities and equity
Line of Credit [Member]
2.02% Mitsui credit agreement due 2013
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities
Current portion of long-term debt
Less, current portion
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Thereafter
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
2012
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
2016
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2015
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
2014
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2013
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Long-term debt
Total long-term debt
Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation matter
Labor matters
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought
Damages sought by the plaintiff
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]
Available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Available for sale
Available-for-sale Securities, Current
Trading Securities, Current [Abstract]
Trading securities:
Mine Development [Member]
Mine development
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners
Investment shareholders' interest in Peruvian Branch (as a percent)
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block]
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST:
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Non-controlling interest activity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Non-controlling interest
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Mortgage backed securities
Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations
Net cash provided from operating activities
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic
Net income
Net earnings
Net income
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Net income attributable to SCC
Net earnings
Interest, net
Interest Income (Expense), Net
IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]
Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total non-current liabilities
Nonmonetary Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives
Pound
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income
Operating income
Revenues
Net sales outside of segments
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation:
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net
Other operating assets and liabilities
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax
Decrease in accumulated unrealized loss in the period
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedge:
Unrealized gain recognized in other comprehensive income net of income taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax
Unrealized net gain on derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges
Comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Total other comprehensive gain (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax
Add: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
Other Assets, Current
Other current assets
Other Interest Income [Member]
Interest income
Other Receivables
Accounts receivable other (including related parties 2011- $1,988 and 2010 - $32,700)
Payments of Dividends, Common Stock
Dividends paid to common stockholders
Payments of Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest
Distributions to non-controlling interest
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense
Decrease in pension and other post-retirement benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
BENEFIT PLANS:
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets
Actual return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter
2017 to 2020
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Total
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid
Benefits paid
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Change in benefit obligation:
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Change in plan assets:
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, net periodic benefit cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer
Employer contribution
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities
Current liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan, Divestitures, Plan Assets
Transfer of assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Effect of one percentage-point change in assumed other benefit cost trend rates
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
Effect of one percentage-point decrease on post-retirement benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components
Effect of one percentage-point decrease on total service and interest cost components
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
Effect of one percentage-point increase on post-retirement benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components
Effect of one percentage-point increase on total service and interest cost components
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
Expected Benefit Payments
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year
Expected employer contribution in next fiscal year
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One
2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two
2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three
2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four
2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five
2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets
Expected return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets
Currency exchange rate adjustment
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation
Currency exchange rate adjustment
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan
Funded status at end of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Net periodic benefit costs
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments
Amendments
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate
Assumed ultimate trend rate for health care benefit cost (as a percent)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit plans
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Provisionally priced sales
Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Asset, at Fair Value
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment redeemed
Proceeds from Contributions from Parent
Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock
Proceeds from sale of parent company shares
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Debt incurred
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Sale of property
Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments
Proceeds on sale of short-term investments
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Total property
PROPERTY:
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, net
Total property, net
Investment in associated companies
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Capital expenditures
Purchase of short-term investments
Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments
Due from Related Parties, Current
Accounts receivable other, related parties (in dollars)
Affiliate receivable
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transactions
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Debt repaid
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
SCC common shares buyback
Significant total estimated cost of repairs of Buenavista mine
Restructuring Charges
Additional amount to be spent on rehabilitation of Buenavista mine
Restructuring Reserve, Current
Appropriated
Retained Earnings, Appropriated
Unremitted earnings of subsidiary (in dollars)
Retained Earnings, Unappropriated
Unappropriated
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Retained earnings
Total retained earnings
Royalty Expense
Mining Royalty charge
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction
Purchase of common stock shares by parent company (in shares)
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Total sales
Revenue Mineral Sales
Net sales (including related party sales of $68.8 million in 2011 and $43.5 million in 2010)
Net sales outside of segments
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
INVENTORIES:
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of long-term debt
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (in millions):
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Financial information related to segments
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
SALES VALUE PER SEGMENT:
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION:
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Forfeited (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Forfeited (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding shares at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)
Outstanding shares at the end of the period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Outstanding shares at the end of the period
Outstanding shares at the beginning of the period
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Period over which unrecognized compensation expense expected to be recognized (in years)
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Unrecognized compensation expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Exercised (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Exercised (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Total SCC shares reserved for the plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Remaining shares reserved
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation plan
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Investments
Short term Investment:
Short-term Investments.
Short-term investments
Total short-term investments
Software [Member]
Software
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY.
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends:
Subsequent Event [Table]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Swap [Member]
Swap contracts
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Current assets:
Assets, Current
Total current assets
Trading Securities, Debt, Current
Trading securities
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share
Average Price Paid per Share
Treasury Stock [Member]
TREASURY STOCK:
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued
Used for corporate purposes
Used for corporate purposes
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Gross decreases tax positions in prior period
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)
Overall decrease in unrecognized tax benefit
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions
Gross increases current-period tax positions
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Gross increases tax positions in prior period
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of estimates
Subsidiaries [Member]
Southern Copper common shares.
AMC
Majority Shareholder [Member]
Principal Owner [Member]
Grupo Mexico
CAPITAL STOCK:
Common Stock [Member]
Construction in Progress [Member]
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
PROPERTY:
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions
Capital expenditures
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum
Estimated useful lives of buildings and equipment, high end of range (in years)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum
Estimated useful lives of buildings and equipment, low end of range (in years)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Asset retirement obligation activity
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Foreign Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Foreign bonds
Asarco
Subsidiary of Common Parent [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value
One year or less
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value
Maturing after one year through five years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value
Maturing after five years through ten years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value
Due after 10 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Contractual maturities of the Company's available for sale debt securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities
Total debt securities
Assets.
Total assets
Total assets
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Table]
Investment Income, Interest
Interest income
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other current liabilities:
Other Liabilities, Current
Other accrued liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Other liabilities and reserves
Concentration Risk by Benchmark [Axis]
Quarterly dividend authorized (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent
Deferred income tax
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current
Deferred income tax
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent
Deferred income taxes
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair value as of the end of the period
Statement [Table]
Statement, Scenario [Axis]
Assets [Abstract]
ASSETS
Statement
Statement [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan [Abstract]
Change in benefit obligation and plan assets and a reconciliation of funded status
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Summary of changes in the fair value of the Company's Level 3 short-term investments
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value
Balance at the beginning of the period
Balance at the end of the period
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, Sales, Issuances, Settlements
Purchases, sales, issuance and settlements (net)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net
Transfers in/out of Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Change in fair value of Level 3 short term investments
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax
Decrease in pension and other post-retirement benefits (net of income tax of $4.7 million, $6.7 million and $6.3 million)
Net adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income
Accepted value of the Lima office building
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure
CONCENTRATION OF RISK:
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
QUARTERLY DATA (unaudited)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations
Net cash used for investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities
Long-term Debt, by Maturity [Abstract]
Aggregate maturities of the outstanding borrowings
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Axis]
Treasury Stock, Value
Treasury stock, at cost, common shares
Balance at the beginning of the period
Balance at the end of the period
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax
Total, net of tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income at beginning of plan year
Accumulated other comprehensive income at end of plan year
Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Non cash transactions:
Common Class A [Member]
Common Class A
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Assets:
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share based compensation
Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease)
Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Derivative:
Class of Treasury Stock [Table]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock:
Escrow Deposit
Amounts held in escrow accounts
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Split
Decrease in additional paid-in capital
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Common stock, shares issued
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt, Carrying Value
Remaining balance at December 31, 2011
Total debt
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Other assets
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Per common share amounts attributable to SCC:
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Information related to trading securities
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets, Major Types of Trading Securities and Assets [Axis]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest
Income before income taxes
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest held by parent company
Goodwill
Goodwill
Parent Company [Member]
Parent Company (Grupo Mexico) common shares.
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Treasury Stock, Shares
Treasury stock balance at the end of the period (in shares)
Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Other (expense) income
Total Southern Copper Corporation stockholders' equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Balance at beginning of year
Balance at end of year
Due from Affiliates
Accounts receivable from related parties
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income taxes
Income tax provision
Income taxes
Total provision for income taxes
Interest Costs Incurred
Interest expense
Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period
Capitalized interest
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments
Loss (gain) on short-term investments
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid
Dividends paid, common stock, per share
Dividends paid (in dollars per share)
Dividend per share
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Use Rights [Member]
Mining concessions
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts receivable trade
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations
Asset allocation (as a percent)
Statement, Equity Components [Axis]
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
RETAINED EARNINGS:
Retained Earnings [Member]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments
Settlement/curtailment
Related Party Transaction, Revenues from Transactions with Related Party
Sales to related parties
Related party sales
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party
Total purchased from related parties
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Dividend
Increase in common stock
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired
Total number of Shares Purchased
Inventory, Finished Goods and Work in Process, Net of Reserves [Abstract]
Metals at lower of average cost or market:
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves
Finished goods
Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves
Work-in-process
Inventory, Supplies, Net of Reserves
Supplies at average cost
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent
Non-current taxes payable
Deferred Finance Costs, Gross
Deferred cost associated with issuance of debt, included in other assets
Balance of capitalized debt issuance costs
Statement, Business Segments [Axis]
Statement, Geographical [Axis]
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Comprehensive Income [Member]
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating cost and expenses:
Costs and Expenses
Total operating costs and expenses
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental schedule of non-cash operating, investing and financing activities:
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method
Share repurchase program
Purchase of shares
Total cost
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Stock award activity, Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Unit Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Commitments and Contingencies.
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Trading Securities, Fair Value Disclosure
Trading securities investment
Available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure
Dividends, Common Stock
Products and Services [Axis]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest
Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest
Accrued Income Taxes, Current
Accrued income taxes
Major Customers [Axis]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
Depreciation and depletion expense
Total comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Total equity
Balance
Balance
TOTAL EQUITY
Due to Related Parties
Accounts payable, related parties (in dollars)
Accounts Payable, Current
Accounts payable (including related parties 2011- $4,392 and 2010 - $4,665)
Due to Related Parties, Current
Affiliate payable
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent
Non-current liabilities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total assets, fair value
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
Net earnings - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases
Purchases
Sales
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis,Asset, Issues
Issuance
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements
Settlements
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs
Loss on debt prepayment
Inventory, Ore Stockpiles on Leach Pads
Leachable material, net
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:
Related Party [Domain]
AMC's EXCHANGE OFFER PROPOSAL:
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]
Summary of the asset retirement obligation activity
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Schedule of aggregate maturities of the outstanding borrowings
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Components of the provision for income taxes
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
Schedule of source of income tax
Schedule of major classes of intangible assets and goodwill
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
Schedule of fair values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]
Schedule of inventories
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:
INCOME TAXES:
INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
INVENTORIES:
FINANCING:
BENEFIT PLANS:
Schedule of quarterly financial data
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of asset mix of the investment portfolio
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]
Schedule of assumptions used to determine the pension obligation and seniority premiums as of year-end and the net cost
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]
Scheduled maturities of the benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years, and thereafter
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit costs
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of stock award activity of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Nonemployee Director Stock Award Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of activity in Directors' Stock Award Plan
Long-term Debt, Fair Value
Long-term debt, Fair Value
QUARTERLY DATA (unaudited)
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:
Exploration Expense, Mining
Exploration
Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Asset retirement obligations (reclamation and remediation costs)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Derivative instruments
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Principles of consolidation
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign exchange
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Intangible assets
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Asset impairments
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income taxes
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Inventories
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Short-term investments
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue recognition
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]
Copper derivative contracts
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of major classes of property, plant and equipment
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]
Schedule of company's largest customers as percentage of accounts receivable and total sales
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
Schedule of sales value per segment
Schedule of income and assets by segments
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Shipping and handling fees and costs
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]
Schedule of reconciliation of amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of changes in the fair value of the Company's Level 3 short-term investments
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]
Schedule of carrying amount and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments
Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class [Table Text Block]
Schedule of activity in treasury stock
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Debt issuance costs
Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Other comprehensive income
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Components of net periodic benefit costs
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]
Schedule of effects of one percentage-point change in assumed other benefits cost trend rates
Class of Treasury Stock [Domain]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain]
Derivative, Name [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]
Major Types of Trading Securities and Assets [Domain]
Name of Major Customer [Domain]
Plan Asset Categories [Domain]
Products and Services [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Segment [Domain]
Segment, Geographical [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Business segments
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Amount authorized for share repurchase program
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets:
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities.
ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST:
SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION:
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (in millions):
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased
Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Plan @ $30.18
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Maximum [Member]
Maximum
Minimum [Member]
Minimum
Per share amounts attributable to SCC:
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]
Schedule of contractual maturities of the Company's available for sale debt securities
General Fair Value Hedge Information, Minimum R Square, Percentage
Minimum correlation coefficient between average monthly copper prices on LME and COMEX exchanges (as a percent)
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Corporate bonds
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Exchange rate derivatives, U.S. Dollar/ Mexican peso contracts
Other Income [Member]
Other income
Cost of Sales [Member]
Cost of sales
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]
Copper derivative activity related to copper sales transactions
Gain on derivative instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Income
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Parent [Member]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Dividends paid, common stock, per share, 2011 - $2.46, 2010 - $1.68, 2009 - $0.44
Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided from operating activities:
Nature of Operations [Text Block]
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:
Interest Payable, Current
Accrued interest
Defined Benefit Plan by Plan Asset Categories [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent
Non-current assets
Stockholders' Equity, Other
Net movement of the period
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
EQUITY
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue
Intersegment sales
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Unrealized gain on derivative investments
Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Unrealized Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months
Estimated unrealized loss to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings within next twelve months
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Cash provided from (used for) operating assets and liabilities:
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, by Jurisdiction [Abstract]
Components of the provision for income taxes
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Foreign (Peru and Mexico):
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic
U.S.
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
Foreign (Peru and Mexico)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive income (net of taxes)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive income (net of taxes)
Gain (Loss) on Price Risk Derivatives, Net
Realized gain (loss) on copper derivatives
Derivative instruments
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax:
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax:
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax
Unrealized loss on hedge derivative instruments
Unrealized gain (loss) of the period (net of income tax of $(3.5) million and $71.4 million, respectively)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax
Accumulated unrealized loss recognized in other comprehensive income, income tax
Unrealized gain (loss) of the period, income tax
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Other
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses
Actuarial gain assumption changes
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)
Amortization of net loss (gain)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
Amortization of prior services cost/ (credit)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets)
Amortization of transition assets, net
RETAINED EARNINGS:
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Abstract]
Appropriated Retained Earnings:
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Unrealized gain (loss)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Earnings by location:
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized
(Gain) loss on currency translation effect
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables
Accounts receivable
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis
Basis of variable interest rate
Base rate
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Spread on variable interest rate (as a percent)
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)
Basis spread on yield reference rate at issuance (as a percent)
Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, including goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges.
Intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net Including Goodwill
Capitalized leachable material
Additions made to capitalized leachable material during the period.
Capitalized Leachable Material
Statutory profit sharing of workers in Peru and Mexico based on a percentage established by law due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer.
Accrued workers' participation
Accrued Workers Participation
Document and Entity Information
Discloses the amount of sales which are recorded at an average forward price, provisionally, pending the final prices in the future month of settlement.
Provisionally Priced Sales [Text Block]
PROVISIONALLY PRICED SALES:
Capitalized Leachable Material Cost Disclosure [Text Block]
CAPITALIZED LEACHABLE MATERIAL COST:
This element represents the complete disclosure related to Capitalized Leachable Material Cost.
Workers Participation Disclosure [Text Block]
WORKERS' PARTICIPATION:
This element represents the complete disclosure related to Workers Participation, the provision for workers' participation is calculated on pre-tax earnings and using the guidelines established in the income tax law.
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital Gain (Loss) on Sale of Parent Company Shares
Gain on sale of parent company shares
Adjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from gain on sale of Parent Company common shares.
Treasury Stock, Value, Other Activity Including Dividend, Interest and Currency Translation Effect
Other activity, including dividend, interest and currency translation effect
Represents the value of other activity impacting treasury stock including dividend, interest and currency translation effect.
Other activity, including dividend, interest and currency translation effect
Cash paid during the year for:
Cash Paid [Abstract]
Common Stock Split [Abstract]
Common stock split:
Workers Participation
Workers' participation
The amount of cash paid during the current period for Workers' participation.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Significant Accounting Policies Including, New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]
This element may be used to describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity and represents disclosure of any changes in an accounting principle. Also disclose any change in the method of applying an accounting principle, or any change in an accounting principle required by a new pronouncement in the unusual instance that a new pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions.
Treasury Stock Issued During Period, Sale of Shares
Represents the value of treasury shares issued during the period through sales of treasury shares.
Sale of shares
Noncontrolling Interest, Other
Other activity
This element represents movements included in the noncontrolling interest which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy.
PROVISIONALLY PRICED SALES:
CAPITALIZED LEACHABLE MATERIAL COST:
WORKERS' PARTICIPATION:
Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation
Management Statement:
Management Statement:
Management Statement [Text Block]
Disclosure of the entity's presentation of financial statements, including a statement as to the review procedures performed by independent auditors.
Business Combination Proposal from Parent Share Exchange Ratio
Proposed share exchange ratio from AMC
Represents the stock exchange ratio in the proposed business combination from the reporting entity's parent company.
Schedule of Short-term Investments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of short-term investments
Tabular disclosure of short-term investments which includes the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date and weighted average interest rate.
Schedule of Short-term Investment Activities [Table Text Block]
Summary of activities in short-term investments
Tabular disclosure of activities in short-term investments during the period which includes the interest income earned during the period and proceeds from redemption of investments.
Trading Securities Weighted Average Interest Rate
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)
Represents the weighted average interest rate on trading securities which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term.
Available-for-sale Securities, Weighted Average Interest Rate
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)
Represents the weighted average interest rate on debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as trading securities nor as held-to-maturity securities and that are intended be sold or will mature within one year from the balance sheet date or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer.
Trading Securities Debt Current Principal Amount
Principal amount of trading securities
Represents the principal amount of trading securities which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term.
Percentage of Principal Amount at which Trading Securities Acquired
Acquisition discount (as a percent of principal amount)
Represents the discounted percentage at which the debt securities were acquired by the entity.
Schedule of Income Tax Provision and Effective Income Tax Rate [Table Text Block]
Schedule of income tax provision and effective income tax rate
Disclosure of the income tax provision attributable to continuing operations and the effective income tax rate.
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Foreign Income Tax Rate
Mexican statutory tax rate (as a percent)
The foreign jurisdictions statutory income tax rate applicable under enacted tax laws to the company's pretax income for the period.
Asset Retirement Obligation Units, Number
Number of units with future closure costs recognized as an asset retirement obligation
Represents the number of units for which the entity has recognized an asset retirement obligation.
Copper [Member]
Represents the cooper product for which the entity reported revenue from external customers during the period.
Copper
Molybdenum [Member]
Represents the molybdenum product for which the entity reported revenue from external customers during the period.
Molybdenum
Settlement Month [Axis]
Represents details of the future month of settlement, in which the commodity will be settled by the entity.
Settlement Month [Domain]
Represents details of the future month of settlement in which the commodity will be settled by the entity.
Settlement in July 2011 [Member]
Represents the July 2011 month of settlement, in which the entity will settle the commodity.
July 2011
Settlement in August 2011 [Member]
Represents the August 2011 month of settlement in which the entity will settle the commodity.
August 2011
Settlement in September,2011 [Member]
Represents the September 2011 month of settlement in which the entity will settle the commodity.
September 2011
Settlement in October 2011 [Member]
Represents the October 2011 month of settlement in which the entity will settle the commodity.
October 2011