Derivative Financial Instruments and Related Hedging Programs, Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses Table (Details) (USD $) In Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | |
| Summary Of Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses | ||||
| Total realized gains (losses) | $ 0.5 | $ (1.2) | $ 8.4 | $ (3.2) |
| Total unrealized (losses) gains | (12.7) | 10.9 | (19.8) | (7.1) |
Aluminum Commodity [Member] | ||||
| Summary Of Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses | ||||
| Total realized gains (losses) | 1.6 | (0.9) | 11.9 | (2.6) |
| Total unrealized (losses) gains | (14.8) | 17.1 | (21.4) | 1.1 |
Natural Gas [Member] | ||||
| Summary Of Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses | ||||
| Total realized gains (losses) | (1.1) | (0.3) | (3.5) | (0.6) |
| Total unrealized (losses) gains | (0.9) | (2.4) | 0.6 | (5.2) |
Electricity [Member] | ||||
| Summary Of Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses | ||||
| Total unrealized (losses) gains | (1.1) | 0 | (1.2) | 0 |
Hedges Relating to Notes [Member] | Call Options [Member] | ||||
| Summary Of Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses | ||||
| Total unrealized (losses) gains | (16.6) | 10.3 | (10.2) | 4.7 |
Hedges Relating to Notes [Member] | Bifurcated Conversion Feature [Member] | ||||
| Summary Of Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses | ||||
| Total unrealized (losses) gains | $ 20.7 | $ (14.1) | $ 12.4 | $ (7.7) |