Subsequent events

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent events

Subsequent events

We have evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

West Virginia PSC issues decision in Century Aluminum rate case

In October 2012, the West Virginia Public Service Commission (the "PSC") issued an order to establish a new special rate mechanism for CAWV's Ravenswood smelter.  While the new special rate mechanism included certain elements that CAWV had requested, it failed to establish a structure that would allow for a restart of the Ravenswood smelter under current conditions.  On October 26, 2012, Century filed a motion for reconsideration with the PSC.

Termination of West Virginia postemployment benefits

In October 2012, we notified the effected retirees that CAWV amended its postretirement medical benefits plan, effective January 1, 2013, for all bargaining unit employees who retired on or after November 1, 2010 and before October 1, 2012, and their dependents. Effective January 1, 2013, CAWV will no longer provide retiree medical benefits to to these retirees or their dependents. However, CAWV will subsidize the full cost of medical and prescription drug benefits until the earlier of a) June 30, 2013; b) the last day of the month in which he/she turns age 65 and becomes eligible for Medicare; or c) in the event that a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) Trust is established to support health benefits for CAWV retirees and their covered dependents, and he/she becomes eligible to receive health benefits from the VEBA.

Corporate Headquarters Relocation

In October 2012, we informed our headquarters' staff of the decision to relocate the corporate headquarters from Monterey, California to Chicago, Illinois. We expect to complete the process by the end of the first half of 2013.