Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	BASIS OF PRESENTATION The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial results for the interim period. Certain information and notes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Certain amounts in the consolidated condensed financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Reverse Stock Split On July 1, 2013, USEC effectuated a reverse stock split of 1-for-25 shares as described below, resulting in a reclassification from Common Stock to Excess of Capital over Par Value of $12.5 million. Liquidity Risks and Uncertainties USEC's consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared assuming that USEC will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business for the 12-month period following the date of these financial statements. USEC reported a net loss of $1.2 billion in the year ended December 31, 2012 and a net loss of $491.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2011. These net losses were primarily the result of expenses related to the development of the American Centrifuge project, including the expense of previously capitalized amounts during both periods and related tax valuation allowances. USEC reported a net loss of $87.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and cash and cash equivalents of $128.4 million as of September 30, 2013. Although USEC expects to end 2013 with a cash balance exceeding $250 million, USEC's prospects for adequate liquidity in 2014 are uncertain. USEC's liquidity is dependent on a number of factors, including (i) USEC's operating needs; (ii) the level of expenditures for the American Centrifuge project, including the availability of any additional government funding of the American Centrifuge project after the conclusion of the research, development and demonstration ("RD&D") program, which is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2013, and the potential demobilization or termination costs if post-RD&D funding is not available or if USEC determines there is no longer a viable path to commercialization of the American Centrifuge Plant project; (iii) the amount and timing of transition expenses for the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant ("GDP") and USEC’s ability to reach an acceptable agreement with DOE for the transition; and (iv) USEC’s ability to restructure its $530.0 million of convertible senior notes that mature on October 1, 2014, all of which impact USEC’s liquidity. Consistent with prior years, USEC's payments to Russia for separative work units ("SWU") in the first quarter of 2014 are expected to exceed USEC's cash receipts from customers in that quarter, putting pressure on its liquidity in mid-2014 until deliveries to customers under its backlog occur later in the year. USEC's $110.0 million credit facility matured on September 30, 2013 and was not renewed or replaced. USEC’s working capital requirements are substantially reduced as a result of the conclusion of USEC's contract with Russia (the "Russian Contract") under the 20-year Megatons-to-Megawatts program that ends in 2013 and the cessation of enrichment at the Paducah GDP as of May 31, 2013. Purchase quantities under the new 10-year commercial agreement with Russia (the "Russian Supply Agreement") will be about half the level under the Russian Contract unless the parties exercise a mutual option to increase such purchases. USEC intends to work with customers to modify delivery schedules to provide sufficient liquidity and working capital for USEC’s operating needs. However, the timing of customer deliveries, including Japanese customers who are affected by the prolonged outage of Japanese reactors, could create risks to USEC’s liquidity. USEC’s ability to manage unanticipated expenses or delays in customer orders or payments is reduced without a credit facility, which could adversely affect USEC’s liquidity. USEC will need to restructure its convertible senior notes of $530.0 million before the maturity date of October 1, 2014. In light of the significant transition of USEC's business and the uncertainties and challenges facing USEC and in order to address the convertible notes maturity and improve USEC's credit profile and its ability to successfully finance and deploy the American Centrifuge project and to maximize USEC's participation in such project, USEC is engaged with its advisors and certain stakeholders on alternatives for a possible restructuring of its balance sheet. Although USEC has no assurance regarding its ability to pursue or complete a restructuring, a restructuring would be expected to result in significant changes to the Company's capital structure and adjustments to its balance sheet, including the creation of a new entity for accounting purposes, which would have a material impact on USEC's financial statements, including the going concern assumption on which they have been prepared. The economics of the American Centrifuge project are severely challenged by the current supply/demand imbalance in the market for low enriched uranium ("LEU") and related downward pressure on market prices for SWU which are now at their lowest levels in more than a decade. At current market prices USEC does not believe that its plans for American Centrifuge commercialization are economically viable without additional government support. In addition, USEC does not currently have any financing in place for the project following completion of the RD&D program in December 2013 and anticipates that funding will be needed for the project for the period from completion of the RD&D program until the receipt of financing for commercial deployment. The amount of any such funding would depend on the level of operations, manufacturing and other project infrastructure that is to be maintained in order to support a potential future ramp up to commercialization as well as the length of time until financing could be obtained for the plant. USEC is evaluating and pursuing the feasibility of alternatives and the actions necessary to proceed with the commercial deployment of the American Centrifuge technology, including the availability of additional government support and has initiated discussions with DOE regarding the project’s need for this support. However, USEC has no assurance that it will be successful in achieving any of these measures or the timing thereof. In light of USEC’s liquidity, USEC does not have the ability to continue to fund the American Centrifuge project at its current levels beyond the end of 2013 without additional government support and even with this support USEC’s ability to provide funding in 2014 will be limited. Therefore, USEC continues to evaluate its options concerning the American Centrifuge project, including its ability to continue the project prior to or upon completion of the RD&D program, further demobilization of or delays in the commercial deployment of the project, and termination of the project, and could make a decision to demobilize or terminate the project in the near term. Any such actions may have a material adverse impact on USEC's ability to deploy the American Centrifuge technology, on its liquidity and on the long-term viability of its enrichment business. See Note 15, “American Centrifuge Plant” for additional information. In addition, on May 8, 2012, USEC received a notice from the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") that the average closing price of its common stock was below the NYSE's continued listing criteria relating to minimum share price. On July 1, 2013, USEC effectuated a reverse stock split of 1-for-25 shares in order to regain compliance with the NYSE continued listing criteria related to minimum share price. This action resulted in USEC's closing share price exceeding $1.00 per share and remaining above that level, and the condition has now been cured. However, on April 30, 2013, USEC received notice from the NYSE that the decline in USEC's total market capitalization had caused it to be out of compliance with another of the NYSE's continued listing standards. In accordance with the NYSE's rules, USEC submitted a plan advising the NYSE of definitive action it has taken, or is taking, that would bring it into conformity with the market capitalization listing standards within 18 months of receipt of the letter. On August 1, 2013, the NYSE accepted USEC's plan of compliance and USEC's common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the 18-month cure period, subject to the compliance with other NYSE continued listing standards and continued periodic review by the NYSE of USEC's progress with respect to its plan. USEC's plan outlines initiatives USEC must execute by quarter. These initiatives include the successful completion of development milestones for the American Centrifuge Plant, the commercialization of the American Centrifuge project, as well as the successful execution of the Company's Russian Supply Agreement and the Company's potential balance sheet restructuring. The NYSE has notified us that if USEC does not achieve these financial and operational goals, the Company will be subject to NYSE trading suspension at the point the initiative or goal is not met. Under the terms of USEC's convertible notes, a "fundamental change" is triggered if USEC's shares of common stock are not listed for trading on any of the NYSE, the American Stock Exchange (now NYSE-MKT), the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and the holders of the notes can require USEC to repurchase the notes at par for cash. USEC has no assurance that it would be eligible for listing on an alternate exchange in light of its market capitalization, stockholders' deficit and net losses. In the event a fundamental change under the convertible notes is triggered, USEC does not have adequate cash to repurchase the notes. A failure by USEC to offer to repurchase the notes or to repurchase the notes after the occurrence of a fundamental change is an event of default under the indenture governing the notes. See Note 15, “NYSE Listing Standards Notices” for additional information. USEC is in discussions with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") regarding the impact of its de-lease of the Portsmouth GDP and related transition of employees on its defined benefit plan funding obligations as well as the impact of ceasing enrichment at the Paducah GDP and related transition of employees including reductions in force. See Note 15, “Potential ERISA Section 4062(e) Liability” for additional information. The above noted actions, as well as actions that may be taken by vendors, customers, creditors and other third parties in response to its actions or based on their view of its financial strength and future business prospects, could give rise to events that individually, or in the aggregate, impose significant demands on USEC's liquidity. New Accounting Standards In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance on the presentation of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), adding new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of AOCI. The new guidance does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. The implementation of the new pronouncement in 2013 is reflected in the notes to USEC’s consolidated condensed financial statements and did not have an effect on USEC’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance requiring an entity to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. This pronouncement is effective beginning in the first quarter of 2014. USEC has historically presented uncertain tax positions in accordance with the new guidance and does not expect it to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial results for the interim period. Certain information and notes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Certain amounts in the consolidated condensed financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Reverse Stock Split

On July 1, 2013, USEC effectuated a reverse stock split of 1-for-25 shares as described below, resulting in a reclassification from Common Stock to Excess of Capital over Par Value of $12.5 million.

Liquidity Risks and Uncertainties

USEC's consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared assuming that USEC will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business for the 12-month period following the date of these financial statements.

USEC reported a net loss of $1.2 billion in the year ended December 31, 2012 and a net loss of $491.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2011. These net losses were primarily the result of expenses related to the development of the American Centrifuge project, including the expense of previously capitalized amounts during both periods and related tax valuation allowances. USEC reported a net loss of $87.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and cash and cash equivalents of $128.4 million as of September 30, 2013. Although USEC expects to end 2013 with a cash balance exceeding $250 million, USEC's prospects for adequate liquidity in 2014 are uncertain. USEC's liquidity is dependent on a number of factors, including (i) USEC's operating needs; (ii) the level of expenditures for the American Centrifuge project, including the availability of any additional government funding of the American Centrifuge project after the conclusion of the research, development and demonstration ("RD&D") program, which is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2013, and the potential demobilization or termination costs if post-RD&D funding is not available or if USEC determines there is no longer a viable path to commercialization of the American Centrifuge Plant project; (iii) the amount and timing of transition expenses for the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant ("GDP") and USEC’s ability to reach an acceptable agreement with DOE for the transition; and (iv) USEC’s ability to restructure its $530.0 million of convertible senior notes that mature on October 1, 2014, all of which impact USEC’s liquidity.

Consistent with prior years, USEC's payments to Russia for separative work units ("SWU") in the first quarter of 2014 are expected to exceed USEC's cash receipts from customers in that quarter, putting pressure on its liquidity in mid-2014 until deliveries to customers under its backlog occur later in the year. USEC's $110.0 million credit facility matured on September 30, 2013 and was not renewed or replaced. USEC’s working capital requirements are substantially reduced as a result of the conclusion of USEC's contract with Russia (the "Russian Contract") under the 20-year Megatons-to-Megawatts program that ends in 2013 and the cessation of enrichment at the Paducah GDP as of May 31, 2013. Purchase quantities under the new 10-year commercial agreement with Russia (the "Russian Supply Agreement") will be about half the level under the Russian Contract unless the parties exercise a mutual option to increase such purchases. USEC intends to work with customers to modify delivery schedules to provide sufficient liquidity and working capital for USEC’s operating needs. However, the timing of customer deliveries, including Japanese customers who are affected by the prolonged outage of Japanese reactors, could create risks to USEC’s liquidity. USEC’s ability to manage unanticipated expenses or delays in customer orders or payments is reduced without a credit facility, which could adversely affect USEC’s liquidity.

USEC will need to restructure its convertible senior notes of $530.0 million before the maturity date of October 1, 2014. In light of the significant transition of USEC's business and the uncertainties and challenges facing USEC and in order to address the convertible notes maturity and improve USEC's credit profile and its ability to successfully finance and deploy the American Centrifuge project and to maximize USEC's participation in such project, USEC is engaged with its advisors and certain stakeholders on alternatives for a possible restructuring of its balance sheet. Although USEC has no assurance regarding its ability to pursue or complete a restructuring, a restructuring would be expected to result in significant changes to the Company's capital structure and adjustments to its balance sheet, including the creation of a new entity for accounting purposes, which would have a material impact on USEC's financial statements, including the going concern assumption on which they have been prepared.

The economics of the American Centrifuge project are severely challenged by the current supply/demand imbalance in the market for low enriched uranium ("LEU") and related downward pressure on market prices for SWU which are now at their lowest levels in more than a decade. At current market prices USEC does not believe that its plans for American Centrifuge commercialization are economically viable without additional government support. In addition, USEC does not currently have any financing in place for the project following completion of the RD&D program in December 2013 and anticipates that funding will be needed for the project for the period from completion of the RD&D program until the receipt of financing for commercial deployment. The amount of any such funding would depend on the level of operations, manufacturing and other project infrastructure that is to be maintained in order to support a potential future ramp up to commercialization as well as the length of time until financing could be obtained for the plant. USEC is evaluating and pursuing the feasibility of alternatives and the actions necessary to proceed with the commercial deployment of the American Centrifuge technology, including the availability of additional government support and has initiated discussions with DOE regarding the project’s need for this support. However, USEC has no assurance that it will be successful in achieving any of these measures or the timing thereof. In light of USEC’s liquidity, USEC does not have the ability to continue to fund the American Centrifuge project at its current levels beyond the end of 2013 without additional government support and even with this support USEC’s ability to provide funding in 2014 will be limited. Therefore, USEC continues to evaluate its options concerning the American Centrifuge project, including its ability to continue the project prior to or upon completion of the RD&D program, further demobilization of or delays in the commercial deployment of the project, and termination of the project, and could make a decision to demobilize or terminate the project in the near term. Any such actions may have a material adverse impact on USEC's ability to deploy the American Centrifuge technology, on its liquidity and on the long-term viability of its enrichment business. See Note 15, “American Centrifuge Plant” for additional information.

In addition, on May 8, 2012, USEC received a notice from the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") that the average closing price of its common stock was below the NYSE's continued listing criteria relating to minimum share price. On July 1, 2013, USEC effectuated a reverse stock split of 1-for-25 shares in order to regain compliance with the NYSE continued listing criteria related to minimum share price. This action resulted in USEC's closing share price exceeding $1.00 per share and remaining above that level, and the condition has now been cured. However, on April 30, 2013, USEC received notice from the NYSE that the decline in USEC's total market capitalization had caused it to be out of compliance with another of the NYSE's continued listing standards. In accordance with the NYSE's rules, USEC submitted a plan advising the NYSE of definitive action it has taken, or is taking, that would bring it into conformity with the market capitalization listing standards within 18 months of receipt of the letter. On August 1, 2013, the NYSE accepted USEC's plan of compliance and USEC's common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the 18-month cure period, subject to the compliance with other NYSE continued listing standards and continued periodic review by the NYSE of USEC's progress with respect to its plan. USEC's plan outlines initiatives USEC must execute by quarter. These initiatives include the successful completion of development milestones for the American Centrifuge Plant, the commercialization of the American Centrifuge project, as well as the successful execution of the Company's Russian Supply Agreement and the Company's potential balance sheet restructuring. The NYSE has notified us that if USEC does not achieve these financial and operational goals, the Company will be subject to NYSE trading suspension at the point the initiative or goal is not met.

Under the terms of USEC's convertible notes, a "fundamental change" is triggered if USEC's shares of common stock are not listed for trading on any of the NYSE, the American Stock Exchange (now NYSE-MKT), the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and the holders of the notes can require USEC to repurchase the notes at par for cash. USEC has no assurance that it would be eligible for listing on an alternate exchange in light of its market capitalization, stockholders' deficit and net losses. In the event a fundamental change under the convertible notes is triggered, USEC does not have adequate cash to repurchase the notes. A failure by USEC to offer to repurchase the notes or to repurchase the notes after the occurrence of a fundamental change is an event of default under the indenture governing the notes. See Note 15, “NYSE Listing Standards Notices” for additional information.

USEC is in discussions with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") regarding the impact of its de-lease of the Portsmouth GDP and related transition of employees on its defined benefit plan funding obligations as well as the impact of ceasing enrichment at the Paducah GDP and related transition of employees including reductions in force. See Note 15, “Potential ERISA Section 4062(e) Liability” for additional information.

The above noted actions, as well as actions that may be taken by vendors, customers, creditors and other third parties in response to its actions or based on their view of its financial strength and future business prospects, could give rise to events that individually, or in the aggregate, impose significant demands on USEC's liquidity.

New Accounting Standards

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance on the presentation of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), adding new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of AOCI. The new guidance does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. The implementation of the new pronouncement in 2013 is reflected in the notes to USEC’s consolidated condensed financial statements and did not have an effect on USEC’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance requiring an entity to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. This pronouncement is effective beginning in the first quarter of 2014. USEC has historically presented uncertain tax positions in accordance with the new guidance and does not expect it to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.