Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Related Parties (Narrative) (Detail)

v2.4.0.6
Related Parties (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
U.S. Iron Ore [Member]
Facility
Sep. 30, 2012
Eastern Canadian Iron Ore [Member]
Facility
Sep. 30, 2012
Eastern Canadian Iron Ore [Member]
Facility
Sep. 30, 2012
U.S. Iron Ore [Member]
Facility
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]            
Number of mines (in number of facilities)     5 2 1 3
Accounts receivable and derivative assets related parties $ 120.6 $ 180.4        
Other current liabilities related parties $ 17.4 $ 43.0