Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Detail)

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Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
Empire [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Empire [Member]
Dec. 31, 2002
Empire [Member]
Dec. 31, 2002
Prior [Member]
Empire [Member]
Dec. 31, 2002
Current [Member]
Empire [Member]
Sep. 30, 2012
U.S. Iron Ore [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Iron Ore [Member]
Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Components [Line Items]                          
Management Estimate of 62% Fe       62.00%                  
Transfer of derivative assets from level 3 to level 2 $ 0 $ 0 $ 20.0 $ 0 $ 20.0                
Maximum deferred portion of supplemental payments                       22.3  
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage 9.00%     9.00%                  
Interest rate on long term receivables       prime rate                  
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate 3.50%     3.50%                  
Other non-current assets 170.4     170.4   191.2           5.6 22.3
Fair value of the receivable             23.5 30.7       5.2 20.8
Estimated credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate       3.31%   2.12%           3.30% 3.29%
Percent ownership interest                   46.70% 79.00%    
Long term accounts notes and loans receivable net noncurrent             21.2 26.5 120.0        
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current             $ 10.0 $ 10.0