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Property Transactions (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 18, 2010
Montana Otter Creek [Member]
Nov. 12, 2009
Great Northern Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Dec. 14, 2011
South Hilight [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Reserves [Member]
Montana Otter Creek [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Reserves [Member]
South Hilight [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Capital Additions [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]            
Mining operations purchase price $ 85.8 $ 73.1 $ 300.0      
Coal reserve in tons       1,400,000,000 222,000,000  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due Current           23.4
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Two Years           83.4
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Three Years           67.3
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Four Years           60.0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Five Years           $ 60.0