Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Significant Consolidated Subsidiaries) (Details)

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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Significant Consolidated Subsidiaries) (Details)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2002
Northshore [Member]
     
Location Minnesota    
Ownership Interest 100.00%    
Operation Iron Ore    
United Taconite [Member]
     
Location Minnesota    
Ownership Interest 100.00%    
Operation Iron Ore    
Wabush [Member]
     
Location Labrador/Quebec, Canada    
Ownership Interest 100.00%    
Operation Iron Ore    
Bloom Lake [Member]
     
Location Quebec, Canada    
Ownership Interest 75.00%    
Operation Iron Ore    
Tilden [Member]
     
Location Michigan    
Ownership Interest 85.00%    
Operation Iron Ore    
Empire [Member]
     
Location Michigan    
Ownership Interest 79.00% 79.00% 46.70%
Operation Iron Ore    
Asia Pacific Iron Ore [Member]
     
Location Western Australia    
Ownership Interest 100.00%    
Operation Iron Ore    
Pinnacle [Member]
     
Location West Virginia    
Ownership Interest 100.00%    
Operation Coal    
Oak Grove [Member]
     
Location Alabama    
Ownership Interest 100.00%    
Operation Coal    
CLCC [Member]
     
Location West Virginia    
Ownership Interest 100.00%    
Operation Coal    
renewaFUEL [Member]
     
Location Michigan    
Ownership Interest 95.00%    
Operation Biomass    
Freewest [Member]
     
Location Ontario, Canada    
Ownership Interest 100.00%    
Operation Chromite    
Spider [Member]
     
Location Ontario, Canada    
Ownership Interest 100.00%    
Operation Chromite