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Commitments and contingencies (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 153 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 45 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2011
MW
Apr. 30, 2010
Dec. 31, 2013
Logan Kruger [Member]
Apr. 30, 2013
Grundartangi Power Agreement [Member]
Mar. 31, 2014
PBGC Agreement [Member]
Dec. 31, 2016
PBGC Forecast [Member]
PBGC Agreement [Member]
Environmental Contingencies [Abstract]                  
Environmental-related accrued liabilities $ 1,113 $ 1,113 $ 999            
Environmental remediation expense minimum amount entitling reimbursement by third party 400                
Environmental remediation expense for Hydrocarbon Recovery Plan   1,033              
Legal Contingencies [Abstract]                  
Damages sought for breach of contract and wrongful termination           20,000      
Legal settlement award payment           8,700 1,470    
Legal settlement expense           8,400      
PBCG Settlement [Abstract]                  
Pension contributions above required minimum, total                 17,400
Pension contributions               6,700  
OR Power Agreement [Abstract]                  
Power currently available under the power purchase agreement (in megawatts)       47.5          
Power prepayments $ 2,000 $ 2,000              
Labor Commitments [Abstract]                  
Percentage of U.S. based work force represented by a union (in hundredths) 73.00% 73.00%              
Number of labor unions Grundartangi subsidiary entered into a new labor agreement with         5        
Percentage of Grundartangi work force represented by the labor unions (in hundredths) 82.00% 82.00%              
Percentage of Vlissingen work force represented by the labor union (in hundredths) 77.00% 77.00%