CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ (28,701)	$ 42,432
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Unrealized net loss on forward contracts	3,196	1,643
Accrued and other plant curtailment costs — net	4,025	(15,023)
Lower of cost or market inventory adjustment	(19,818)	13,463
Depreciation and amortization	46,925	46,579
Debt discount amortization	791	1,601
Pension and other postretirement benefits	673	(30,768)
Stock-based compensation	412	2,670
Non-cash loss on early extinguishment and modification of debt	0	763
Undistributed earnings of joint ventures	(2,116)	(2,586)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable — net	3,320	(8,164)
Due from affiliates	317	6,602
Inventories	31,810	(23,269)
Prepaid and other current assets	(8,254)	(25,405)
Accounts payable, trade	(8,823)	(2,783)
Due to affiliates	761	(476)
Accrued and other current liabilities	8,743	17,071
Other — net	(12,176)	(13,256)
Net cash provided by operating activities	21,085	11,094
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(10,399)	(10,868)
Nordural expansion - Helguvik	(5,474)	(10,335)
Purchase of carbon anode assets	(14,185)	0
Investments in and advances to joint ventures	(275)	(13)
Payments received on advances from joint ventures	3,166	3,056
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	89	1,471
Net change in restricted cash	0	3,673
Net cash used in investing activities	(27,078)	(13,016)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of debt	0	47,067
Repayments of contingent obligation	0	189
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	18,076	15,900
Repayments under revolving credit facility	(18,076)	(15,900)
Repurchase of common stock	(4,033)	(38,806)
Issuance of common stock - net	0	83
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(4,033)	(85,979)
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(10,026)	(87,901)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	183,401	304,296
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	$ 173,375	$ 216,395