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Asset purchase (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2013 t | Jun. 11, 2012 Carbon Anodes [Member]
--- | --- | ---
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |
Assets Acquired |  | $ 12,500
Century Vlissingen Anode capacity | 75,000 |

X
- Definition Purchase price for acquisition of a group of assets that do not constitute a business + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cenx_AssetsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | cenx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The capacity of anode production facility at Century Vlissingen in the Netherlands. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cenx_CenturyVlissingenAnodeCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | cenx_
Data Type: | num:massItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration