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Asset purchase | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract] |
Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Text Block] |
| Asset purchase
In June 2012, Century Vlissingen purchased substantially all of the assets of the Zalco anode production facility located in Vlissingen, the Netherlands for approximately $12,500. In connection with the purchase, we entered into a ground lease with respect to the facility that is renewable at our option. Century Vlissingen did not assume, and is indemnified by the seller against, historical liabilities of the facility. The anode production facility, which was curtailed by Zalco in December 2011, will require a significant capital investment to modernize the facility, comply with environmental regulations and optimize anode production for our smelter in Grundartangi. We expect the first 75,000 metric tons of capacity will be restarted in late 2013 and will provide an anode supply to replace third-party anode supply contracts that will terminate in 2013.

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