Century Aluminum (CENX) 10-Q 8 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CENTURY ALUMINUM CO
Entity Central Index Key	949,157
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		87,075,587

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
NET SALES:
Related parties	$ 301,111	$ 428,018	$ 871,771	$ 1,517,428
Third-party customers	32,539	26,522	107,487	48,514
Total net sales	333,650	454,540	979,258	1,565,942
Cost of goods sold	351,262	496,963	995,357	1,505,928
Gross profit (loss)	(17,612)	(42,423)	(16,099)	60,014
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,733	11,566	29,303	33,549
Ravenswood charges	26,830	0	26,830	30,850
Other operating expense - net	878	1,537	2,337	6,217
Operating loss	(55,053)	(55,526)	(74,569)	(10,602)
Interest expense	(5,531)	(5,418)	(16,521)	(16,542)
Interest income	190	45	475	248
Net gain on forward and derivative contracts	1,275	285	2,998	1,204
Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration	0	1,523	0	18,337
Other income (expense) - net	(157)	114	(462)	1,261
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures	(59,276)	(58,977)	(88,079)	(6,094)
Income tax benefit (expense)	848	2,161	3,237	(12,205)
Loss before equity in earnings of joint ventures	(58,428)	(56,816)	(84,842)	(18,299)
Equity in earnings of joint ventures	155	704	891	2,069
Net loss	(58,273)	(56,112)	(83,951)	(16,230)
Net loss allocated to common stockholders	$ (58,273)	$ (56,112)	$ (83,951)	$ (16,230)
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic and diluted (in USD per share)	$ (0.67)	$ (0.65)	$ (0.96)	$ (0.19)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic and diluted (shares)	87,076	86,907	87,059	87,524

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss	$ (58,273)	$ (56,112)	$ (83,951)	$ (16,230)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect:
Net loss on foreign currency cash flow hedges reclassified as income	(46)	(46)	(139)	(139)
Defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefits:
Net gain (loss) arising during the period	0	(4,115)	0	12,145
Prior service benefit arising during the period	0	0	0	1,782
Amortization of prior service benefit during the period	(667)	(979)	(2,001)	(2,846)
Amortization of net loss during the period	1,919	1,899	5,758	6,022
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect	1,206	(3,241)	3,618	16,964
Income tax effect	(382)	(383)	(1,147)	(1,148)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	824	(3,624)	2,471	15,816
Total comprehensive loss	$ (57,449)	$ (59,736)	$ (81,480)	$ (414)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 117,593	$ 115,393
Restricted cash	1,046	791
Accounts receivable - net	11,187	9,475
Due from affiliates	14,271	17,417
Inventories	233,288	231,872
Prepaid and other current assets	31,828	42,412
Assets held for sale	23,239	30,697
Total current assets	432,452	448,057
Property, plant and equipment - net	1,185,101	1,232,256
Other assets	71,163	72,155
TOTAL	1,688,716	1,752,468
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade	85,314	90,489
Due to affiliates	13,105	10,045
Accrued and other current liabilities	59,382	48,822
Accrued employee benefits costs	9,284	10,148
Industrial revenue bonds	7,815	7,815
Total current liabilities	174,900	167,319
Senior notes payable	247,590	247,278
Accrued pension benefits costs - less current portion	42,433	43,999
Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion	125,490	125,999
Other liabilities	72,330	53,009
Deferred taxes	88,449	96,994
Total noncurrent liabilities	576,292	567,279
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock	1	1
Common stock	942	942
Additional paid-in capital	2,514,765	2,513,631
Treasury stock, at cost	(86,276)	(86,276)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(110,179)	(112,650)
Accumulated deficit	(1,381,729)	(1,297,778)
Total shareholders’ equity	937,524	1,017,870
TOTAL	$ 1,688,716	$ 1,752,468

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (83,951)	$ (16,230)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration	0	(18,337)
Unrealized gain on E.ON contingent obligation	(1,059)	(1,059)
Lower of cost or market inventory adjustment	1,499	31,013
Depreciation and amortization	63,306	55,815
Ravenswood impairment	3,830	30,850
Pension and other postretirement benefits	1,682	(298)
Deferred income taxes	(8,520)	1,215
Stock-based compensation	1,134	1,381
Equity in earnings of joint ventures	(891)	(2,069)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable - net	(1,712)	69,055
Due from affiliates	3,146	2,406
Inventories	(1,265)	(46,392)
Prepaid and other current assets	9,016	3,435
Accounts payable, trade	(5,028)	(43,485)
Due to affiliates	4,628	11,395
Accrued and other current liabilities	4,769	(8,418)
Pension contribution - Mt. Holly	0	(34,595)
Ravenswood retiree legal settlement	23,000	0
Other - net	1,998	(3,173)
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,582	32,509
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(13,127)	(47,595)
Purchase of remaining interest in Mt. Holly smelter	0	11,313
Restricted and other cash deposits	(255)	(141)
Net cash used in investing activities	(13,382)	(36,423)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	900	1,414
Repayments under revolving credit facilities	(900)	(1,414)
Repurchase of common stock	0	(36,352)
Net cash used in financing activities	0	(36,352)
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2,200	(40,266)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	115,393	163,242
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 117,593	$ 122,976

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
General [Abstract]
General	General The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Century Aluminum Company should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 . In management’s opinion, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, that are necessary for a fair presentation of financial results for the interim periods presented. Operating results for the first nine months of 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016 . Throughout this Form 10-Q, and unless expressly stated otherwise or as the context otherwise requires, "Century Aluminum," "Century," the "Company", "we," "us," "our" and "ours" refer to Century Aluminum Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Related party transactions

Related party transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related party transactions	Related party transactions Our significant related party transactions occurring during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are described below. We believe that all of the transactions with our related parties were at prices that approximate market. Glencore ownership As of September 30, 2016 , Glencore plc and its affiliates (together "Glencore") owned 42.9% of Century’s outstanding common stock and all of our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred stock resulting in 47.5% ownership in Century Aluminum. Sales to Glencore We are party to an agreement with Glencore pursuant to which we agreed to sell, and Glencore agreed to purchase, substantially all of our primary aluminum production in North America for 2015 and 2016 on a take-or-pay basis at prices determined by reference to the Midwest Transaction Price plus additional negotiated product premiums. The current term of the agreement continues through December 31, 2016. In addition, we have agreed to sell approximately 24,500 tonnes of molten aluminum to Glencore during 2017 at prices based on the Midwest Transaction Price. We sell primary aluminum produced at our Grundartangi, Iceland smelter ("Grundartangi") under a long-term sales contract through 2017 with Glencore at prices based on the London Metal Exchange ("LME") price for primary aluminum plus the European Duty Paid premium and any applicable product premiums. We also received tolling fees from Glencore under a tolling agreement that provided for delivery of primary aluminum produced at our Grundartangi facility through June 2016. The fee paid by Glencore under this tolling agreement was based on the LME price for primary aluminum plus a portion of the European Duty Paid premium. Glencore purchases the aluminum we produce for resale. Purchases from Glencore We purchase alumina from Glencore under a long-term supply agreement and on a spot basis. Pursuant to our current agreement, Glencore has agreed to supply us with alumina through 2017 at prices indexed to the LME price of primary aluminum. In 2015 and 2016, upon mutual agreement, all of our purchases from Glencore under this agreement were priced based on a published alumina index. Financial contracts with Glencore During 2016, we entered into certain financial contracts with Glencore. Refer to Note 15 Derivative instruments to the consolidated financial statements included herein. Settlements of financial contracts with Glencore are not material to the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Transactions with Baise Haohai Carbon Co., Ltd. ("BHH") We own a 40% stake in BHH, a joint venture that owns a carbon anode and cathode facility located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of south China. We purchase carbon anodes from BHH. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we completed the construction of a second furnace at our carbon anode facility in Vlissingen, Netherlands. This investment increased our capacity to produce carbon anodes and significantly reduced the quantity of carbon anodes that we source from BHH. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2015, we made the decision to pursue an exit from our investment in BHH and recorded an $11,584 impairment loss. Summary A summary of the aforementioned significant related party transactions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net sales to Glencore $ 301,111 $ 428,018 $ 871,771 $ 1,517,428 Purchases from Glencore 62,317 86,664 156,507 328,120 Purchases from BHH 2,568 13,515 7,666 41,768

Ravenswood impairment

Ravenswood impairment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Ravenswood impairment	Ravenswood impairment On July 27, 2015, we announced the immediate and permanent closure of our Ravenswood, West Virginia aluminum smelter ("Ravenswood"). Ravenswood has been idled since February 2009. The decision to permanently close Ravenswood was based on the inability to secure a competitive power contract for the smelter, compounded by challenging aluminum market conditions largely driven by increased exports of aluminum from China. At June 30, 2015, we recorded an impairment charge of $30,850 related to Ravenswood. Based on a tentative agreement for the sale of the assets, we recorded an additional impairment charge of $3,830 , included in Ravenswood charges in the consolidated statements of operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. We classified the estimated salvage value of the property, plant and equipment within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as its fair value was determined based on recent comparable transactions with inputs that are not readily observable in the market.

Business acquisitions

Business acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business acquisitions	Business acquisitions Acquisition of Mt. Holly aluminum smelter On October 23, 2014, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Berkeley Aluminum Inc. ("Berkeley") entered into a stock purchase agreement (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") with Alumax Inc. ("Alumax"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alcoa Inc. ("Alcoa"), pursuant to which Berkeley acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Alumax of South Carolina, Inc. ("Alumax of SC") and thereby acquired Alcoa’s 50.3% stake in Mt. Holly. Berkeley had previously owned 49.7% of Mt. Holly. Immediately following the consummation of the transaction on December 1, 2014, Berkeley merged with and into Alumax of SC with Alumax of SC surviving and changing its name to Century Aluminum of South Carolina, Inc. ("CASC"). Following the consummation of the transaction, CASC owned 100% of Mt. Holly. Mt. Holly, located in Goose Creek, South Carolina, employed approximately 600 people and had an annual production capacity of 231,000 tonnes of primary aluminum as of the acquisition date. Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, Berkeley acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Alumax of SC for $67,500 in cash subject to a contingent earn-out payment, working capital and other similar adjustments. The acquisition was funded with available cash on hand. We accounted for this transaction as a step acquisition and this resulted in a non-cash pre-tax gain of $15,955 at closing. Acquisition-related costs for Mt. Holly of $1,539 were expensed to selling, general and administrative expenses in the period that they were incurred. The following table summarizes all of the elements of purchase consideration for the transaction as of December 1, 2014. Purchase price $ 67,500 Contingent consideration 13,780 Economic, working capital and other closing adjustments (13,513 ) Total consideration $ 67,767 We received payments from Alcoa of $12,500 in settlement of the contingent consideration in March 2016, $11,313 for economic and working capital adjustments in April 2015 and $2,400 at closing which was primarily for post-employment benefits. We recognized gains on contingent consideration of $1,523 and $18,337 , respectively, during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 . The total net cash consideration paid to Alcoa after final resolution of all post-closing adjustments, including the earn-out provision, was $41,487 .

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements The following section describes the valuation methodology used to measure our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value and are categorized based on the fair value hierarchy described in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures." Overview of Century’s valuation methodology Level Significant inputs Cash equivalents 1 Quoted market prices Trust assets (1) 1 Quoted market prices Surety bonds 1 Quoted market prices Forward sales contracts 2 Quoted LME forward market Fixed for floating swaps 3 Quoted LME forward market, management's estimates of future U.S. Midwest premium E.ON contingent obligation 3 Quoted LME forward market, management’s estimates of the LME forward market prices for periods beyond the quoted periods and management’s estimate of future level of operations (1) Trust assets are currently invested in money market funds. These trust assets are held to fund the non-qualified supplemental executive pension benefit obligations for certain of our officers. The trust has sole authority to invest the funds in secure interest producing investments consisting of short-term securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or cash and cash equivalents. Our fair value measurements include the consideration of market risks that other market participants might consider in pricing the particular asset or liability, specifically non-performance risk and counterparty credit risk. Considerations of the non-performance risk and counterparty credit risk are used to establish the appropriate risk-adjusted discount rates used in our fair value measurements. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and the placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 during the periods presented. There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the periods presented. It is our policy to recognize transfers into and transfers out of Level 3 as of the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis by the level of input within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy. Recurring Fair Value Measurements As of September 30, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ASSETS: Cash equivalents $ 104,730 $ — $ — $ 104,730 Trust assets 3,664 — — 3,664 Surety bonds 1,874 — — 1,874 Derivative contracts — 330 574 904 TOTAL $ 110,268 $ 330 $ 574 $ 111,172 LIABILITIES: E.ON contingent obligation - net $ — $ — $ — $ — Derivative contracts — — 574 574 TOTAL $ — $ — $ 574 $ 574 Recurring Fair Value Measurements As of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ASSETS: Cash equivalents $ 102,675 $ — $ — $ 102,675 Trust assets 5,226 — — 5,226 Surety bonds 1,870 — — 1,870 TOTAL $ 109,771 $ — $ — $ 109,771 LIABILITIES: E.ON contingent obligation – net $ — $ — $ — $ — TOTAL $ — $ — $ — $ —

Earnings (loss) per share

Earnings (loss) per share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) per share	Earnings (loss) per share Basic earnings (loss) per share ("EPS") amounts are calculated by dividing net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS amounts assume the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive common shares. In periods when we report a net loss, all share-based compensation awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding because of their antidilutive effect on loss per share. In periods when we report net income, certain share-based compensation awards may be excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS if the exercise price was greater than the average market price of the underlying common stock. The following table shows the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : For the three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Loss Shares (000) Per-Share Loss Shares (000) Per-Share Net loss $ (58,273 ) $ (56,112 ) Amount allocated to common stockholders 100.00 % 100.00 % Basic and diluted EPS: Net loss allocated to common stockholders $ (58,273 ) 87,076 $ (0.67 ) $ (56,112 ) 86,907 $ (0.65 ) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Loss Shares (000) Per-Share Income Shares (000) Per-Share Net loss $ (83,951 ) $ (16,230 ) Amount allocated to common stockholders 100.00 % 100.00 % Basic and diluted EPS: Net loss allocated to common stockholders $ (83,951 ) 87,059 $ (0.96 ) $ (16,230 ) 87,524 $ (0.19 ) Securities excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Stock options 372,569 317,266 391,375 327,599 Service-based share awards 1,449,520 646,128 1,157,077 599,001

Shareholders' equity

Shareholders' equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' equity	Shareholders’ equity Common Stock As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , we had 195,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 cent par value per share, authorized under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, of which 94,262,108 shares were issued and 87,075,587 shares were outstanding at September 30, 2016 ; 94,224,571 shares were issued and 87,038,050 shares were outstanding at December 31, 2015 . The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock which are currently outstanding, including our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or which we may designate and issue in the future. Stock Repurchase Program In 2011, our Board of Directors approved a $60,000 common stock repurchase program which was expanded in 2015 to $130,000 . Through December 31, 2015 we had repurchased 7,186,521 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $86,276 . We have made no share repurchases since April 2015 and we have $43,724 remaining under the repurchase program authorization. The repurchase program may be expanded, suspended or discontinued by our Board, in its sole discretion, at any time. Shares of common stock repurchased are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result in a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. From time to time, treasury shares may be reissued and we use an average cost method for determining the cost for reissued treasury shares. The difference between the cost of the shares and the reissuance price is added to or deducted from additional paid-in capital. Preferred Stock As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 we had 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 cent par value per share, authorized under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation. In 2008, we issued 160,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, all of which are held by Glencore, and at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 76,378 and 76,539 shares were outstanding, respectively. The issuance of common stock under our stock incentive programs, debt exchange transactions and any stock offering that excludes Glencore participation triggers anti-dilution provisions of the preferred stock agreement and results in the automatic conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock shares into shares of common stock. The conversion of preferred to common shares is 100 shares of common for each share of preferred stock. Our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has a par value of $0.01 per share. Our Board of Directors may issue preferred stock in one or more series and determine for each series the dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting that series, as well as the designation thereof. Depending upon the terms of preferred stock established by our Board of Directors, any or all of the preferred stock could have preference over the common stock with respect to dividends and other distributions and upon the liquidation of Century. In addition, issuance of any shares of preferred stock with voting powers may dilute the voting power of the outstanding common stock. The Common and Preferred Stock Activity table below contains additional information about preferred stock conversions during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . Common and Preferred Stock Activity: Preferred stock Common stock (in shares) Series A convertible Treasury Outstanding Beginning balance as of December 31, 2015 76,539 7,186,521 87,038,050 Conversion of convertible preferred stock (161 ) — 16,109 Issuance for share-based compensation plans — — 21,428 Ending balance as of September 30, 2016 76,378 7,186,521 87,075,587 Beginning balance as of December 31, 2014 78,141 4,786,521 89,064,582 Repurchase of common stock — 2,400,000 (2,400,000 ) Conversion of convertible preferred stock (1,146 ) — 114,524 Issuance for share-based compensation plans — — 152,597 Ending balance as of September 30, 2015 76,995 7,186,521 86,931,703

Income taxes

Income taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes We recorded an income tax benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 of $848 and $3,237 , respectively, which primarily consisted of foreign income taxes. We recorded an income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2015 of $2,161 and income tax expense of $12,205 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 which primarily consisted of foreign and state income taxes. Our income tax benefit or expense is based on an annual effective tax rate forecast, including estimates and assumptions that could change during the year. The application of the requirements for accounting for income taxes in interim periods, after consideration of our valuation allowance, causes a significant variation in the typical relationship between income tax expense and pretax accounting income. As of September 30, 2016 , all of Century's U.S. and certain foreign deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities, continue to be subject to a valuation allowance.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consist of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Raw materials $ 65,947 $ 52,121 Work-in-process 32,679 34,025 Finished goods 20,052 15,988 Operating and other supplies 114,610 129,738 Total inventories $ 233,288 $ 231,872 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Debt classified as current liabilities: Hancock County industrial revenue bonds ("IRBs") due 2028, interest payable quarterly (variable interest rates (not to exceed 12%)) (1) $ 7,815 $ 7,815 Debt classified as non-current liabilities: 7.5% senior secured notes due June 1, 2021, net of debt discount of $2,410 and $2,722, respectively, interest payable semiannually 247,590 247,278 Total $ 255,405 $ 255,093 (1) The IRBs are classified as current liabilities because they are remarketed weekly and could be required to be repaid upon demand if there is a failed remarketing. The IRB interest rate at September 30, 2016 was 1.04% . U.S. Revolving Credit Facility We and certain of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries are party to a senior secured revolving credit facility, dated May 24, 2013, as amended, with a syndicate of lenders which provides for borrowings of up to $150,000 in the aggregate, including up to $110,000 under a letter of credit sub-facility (the "U.S. revolving credit facility"). Our U.S. revolving credit facility matures in June 2020. Any letters of credit issued and outstanding under the U.S. revolving credit facility reduce our borrowing availability on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The availability of funds under the U.S. revolving credit facility is limited by a specified borrowing base consisting of accounts receivable, inventory and qualified cash deposits of the borrowers which meet the eligibility criteria. Status of our U.S. revolving credit facility: September 30, 2016 Credit facility maximum amount $ 150,000 Borrowing availability 88,385 Outstanding letters of credit issued 47,941 Outstanding borrowings — Borrowing availability, net of outstanding letters of credit and borrowings 40,444 Iceland Revolving Credit Facility We have also entered into, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Nordural Grundartangi ehf, a $50,000 revolving credit facility, dated November 27, 2013 (the "Iceland revolving credit facility"). The Iceland revolving credit facility expires on November 27, 2018. The availability of funds under the Iceland revolving credit facility is limited by a specified borrowing base consisting of inventory and accounts receivable of Grundartangi. Status of our Iceland revolving credit facility: September 30, 2016 Credit facility maximum amount $ 50,000 Borrowing availability 50,000 Outstanding borrowings — Borrowing availability, net of borrowings 50,000 7.5% Notes due 2021 General. On June 4, 2013, we issued $250,000 of our 7.5% Notes due June 1, 2021 (the "2021 Notes") in a private offering exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The 2021 Notes were issued at a discount and bear interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum on the principal amount, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on June 1st and December 1st of each year. Fair Value. Fair value for our 2021 Notes was based on the latest trading data available and was $230,783 and $169,220 , as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Although we use quoted market prices for identical debt instruments, the markets on which they trade are not considered to be active and are therefore considered Level 2 fair value measurements.

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies Environmental Contingencies Based upon all available information, we believe our current environmental liabilities do not have, and are not likely to have, a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, because of the inherent uncertainties in estimating environmental liabilities primarily due to unknown facts and circumstances and changing governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability, there can be no assurance that future capital expenditures and costs for environmental compliance at currently or formerly owned or operated properties will not result in liabilities that may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. It is our policy to accrue for costs associated with environmental assessments and remedial efforts when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The aggregate environmental-related accrued liabilities were $ 1,519 and $ 1,112 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. All accrued amounts have been recorded without giving effect to any possible future recoveries. Costs for ongoing environmental compliance, including maintenance and monitoring are expensed as incurred. In July 2006, we were named as a defendant, together with certain affiliates of Alcan Inc., in a lawsuit brought by Alcoa Inc. seeking to determine responsibility for certain environmental indemnity obligations related to the sale of a cast aluminum plate manufacturing facility located in Vernon, California, which we purchased from Alcoa Inc. in December 1998, and sold to Alcan Rolled Products-Ravenswood LLC in July 1999. The complaint also seeks costs and attorney fees. The matter was stayed by the court in 2008 to allow for the remediation of environmental areas at the site. On June 30, 2016 the court ordered the stay lifted and reopened the case. The matter is in a preliminary stage in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, and we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this action or estimate a range of possible losses related to this matter at this time. Matters relating to the St. Croix Alumina Refining Facility We are a party to a United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrative Order on Consent (the "Order") pursuant to which certain past and present owners of an alumina refining facility at St. Croix, Virgin Islands (the "St. Croix Alumina Refinery") have agreed to carry out a Hydrocarbon Recovery Plan to remove and manage hydrocarbons floating on groundwater underlying the facility. Pursuant to the Hydrocarbon Recovery Plan, recovered hydrocarbons and groundwater are delivered to the adjacent petroleum refinery where they are received and managed. Through September 30, 2016 , we have expended approximately $ 1,085 on the Hydrocarbon Recovery Plan. At this time, we are not able to estimate the amount of any future potential payments under this indemnification to comply with the Order, but we do not anticipate that any such amounts will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, regardless of the final outcome. In December 2010, Century was among several defendants named in a lawsuit filed by plaintiffs who either worked, resided or owned property in the area downwind from the St. Croix Alumina Refinery. In March 2011, Century was also named a defendant in a nearly identical suit brought by certain additional plaintiffs. The plaintiffs in both suits allege damages caused by the presence of red mud and other particulates coming from the alumina facility and are seeking unspecified monetary damages, costs and attorney fees as well as certain injunctive relief. We tendered indemnity and defense to St. Croix Alumina LLC and Alcoa Alumina & Chemical LLC under the terms of an acquisition agreement relating to the facility and have filed motions to dismiss plaintiffs’ claims. In August 2015, the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Croix denied the motions to dismiss but ordered all plaintiffs to refile individual complaints. At this time, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of or to estimate a range of possible losses for any of the foregoing actions relating to the St. Croix Alumina Refinery. Legal Contingencies In addition to the foregoing matters, we have pending against us or may be subject to various lawsuits, claims and proceedings related primarily to employment, commercial, stockholder, safety and health matters. While the results of such litigation matters and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, because of the nature and inherent uncertainties of litigation, should the outcome of these actions be unfavorable, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. In evaluating whether to accrue for losses associated with legal contingencies, it is our policy to take into consideration factors such as the facts and circumstances asserted, our historical experience with contingencies of a similar nature, the likelihood of our prevailing and the severity of any potential loss. For some matters, no accrual is established because we have assessed our risk of loss to be remote. Where the risk of loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an accrual, either on an individual basis or with respect to a group of matters involving similar claims, based on the factors set forth above. When we have assessed that a loss associated with legal contingencies is reasonably possible, we determine if estimates of possible losses or ranges of possible losses are in excess of related accrued liabilities, if any. Based on current knowledge, management has ascertained estimates for losses that are reasonably possible and management does not believe that any reasonably possible outcomes in excess of our accruals, if any, either individually or in aggregate, would be material to our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. We reevaluate and update our assessments and accruals as matters progress over time. Ravenswood Retiree Medical Benefits changes In November 2009, Century Aluminum of West Virginia ("CAWV") filed a class action complaint for declaratory judgment against the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union ("USW"), the USW’s local and certain CAWV retirees, individually and as class representatives, seeking a declaration of CAWV’s rights to modify/terminate retiree medical benefits. Later in November 2009, the USW and representatives of a retiree class filed a separate suit against CAWV, Century Aluminum Company, Century Aluminum Master Welfare Benefit Plan, and various John Does with respect to the foregoing. As of the date of this filing, we believe we have reached a tentative agreement to settle these actions, subject to entering into a definitive written settlement agreement among the parties and obtaining court approval after notice to the class. For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, we recognized a $23,000 liability in the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding expense included in Ravenswood charges in the consolidated statements of operations associated with this settlement. The tentative agreement currently anticipates that a $5,000 payment would be made upon the court's final approval of the settlement agreement and $2,000 annually thereafter for nine years. PBGC Settlement In April 2013, we entered into a settlement agreement with the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation ("PBGC") regarding an alleged "cessation of operations" at our Ravenswood facility as a result of the curtailment of operations at the facility and, pursuant to the agreement, we agreed to make additional contributions (above any minimum required contributions) to our defined benefit pension plans totaling approximately $17,400 . The agreement permits us to defer payments during periods of lower primary aluminum prices relative to our cost of operations. We remeasure aluminum prices against our cost of operations on an annual basis based on our fourth quarter results. To the extent that we elect to defer one or more of these payments, we are required to provide the PBGC with acceptable security for any such deferred payments. We made contributions pursuant to this agreement of $1,100 in March 2015 and $6,700 in 2013. We did not make any contributions during 2014 and have not made any contributions through September 30, 2016. The remaining contributions under this agreement are approximately $9,600 . Power Commitments and Contingencies Hawesville Hawesville has a power supply arrangement with Kenergy and EDF Trading North America, LLC (“EDF") which provides market-based power to the Hawesville smelter. Under this arrangement, the power companies purchase power on the open market and pass it through to Hawesville at Midcontinent Independent System Operator ("MISO") pricing plus transmission and other costs. The power supply arrangement with Kenergy has an effective term through December 2023. The arrangement with EDF to act as our market participant with MISO has an effective term through May 2017, extending year to year thereafter unless a one year notice is given. Sebree Sebree has a power supply arrangement with Kenergy and EDF which provides market-based power to the Sebree smelter. Similar to the arrangement at Hawesville, the power companies purchase power on the open market and pass it through to Sebree at MISO pricing plus transmission and other costs. The power supply arrangement with Kenergy has an effective term through December 2023. The arrangement with EDF to act as our market participant with MISO has an effective term through May 2017, extending year to year thereafter unless a one year notice is given. Mt. Holly Mt. Holly has a power supply arrangement pursuant to which 25% of the Mt. Holly load is served from the South Carolina Public Service Authority’s ("Santee Cooper") generation at a standard cost-based industrial rate and 75% of the Mt. Holly load is sourced from a third party supplier from generation that is outside Santee Cooper’s service territory at market prices that are tied to natural gas prices. The agreement with Santee Cooper has a term through December 31, 2018. The current third party supply contract has a term through December 31, 2017. Both of these agreements may be terminated by Mt. Holly on 60 days' notice. Grundartangi Grundartangi has power purchase agreements for approximately 525 MW with HS Orka hf ("HS"), Landsvirkjun and Orkuveita Reykjavikur ("OR") to provide power to its Grundartangi smelter. These power purchase agreements, which will expire on various dates from 2019 through 2036 (subject to extension), provide power at LME-based variable rates. Each power purchase agreement contains take-or-pay obligations with respect to a significant percentage of the total committed and available power under such agreement. Grundartangi recently reached an agreement with Landsvirkjun for an extension of the 161 MW power contract that would have expired in October 2019. Under the terms of the extension, Landsvirkjun will continue to supply 161MW of power to Grundartangi from November 1, 2019 through December 31, 2023. Under the terms of the extension, Grundartangi will continue to pay LME-based variable rates through October 2019 and will pay rates linked to the Nord Pool power market thereafter. Helguvik Nordural Helguvik ehf ("Helguvik") has power purchase agreements with HS and OR to provide power to the Helguvik project. These power purchase agreements provide power at LME-based variable rates and contain take-or-pay obligations with respect to a significant percentage of the total committed and available power under such agreements. The power purchase agreements contain certain conditions to HS’s and OR’s obligations. HS (with respect to all phases) and OR (with respect to all phases other than the first phase) have alleged that certain of these conditions have not been satisfied. The first stage of power under the OR power purchase agreement (approximately 47.5 MW) became available in the fourth quarter of 2011 and is currently being utilized at Grundartangi. In July 2014, HS commenced arbitration proceedings against Helguvik seeking, among other things, an order declaring, (i) that the conditions to the power contract have not been fulfilled and, (ii) that the power contract is therefore no longer valid. Arbitration hearings were held in April 2016 but the arbitral tribunal has yet to issue its decision. Other Commitments and Contingencies Labor Commitments The bargaining unit employees at our Grundartangi, Vlissingen, Hawesville, Sebree and Ravenswood facilities are represented by labor unions, representing 64% of our total workforce. Approximately 84% of Grundartangi’s work force is represented by five labor unions, governed by a labor agreement which is effective through December 31, 2019 that establishes wages and work rules for covered employees. 100% of Vlissingen's work force is represented by the Federation for the Metal and Electrical Industry ("FME") which negotiates working conditions with trade unions on behalf of its members. In March 2016, a new labor agreement was reached with the FME which is effective retroactively from May 1, 2015 to June 1, 2018. Approximately 53% of our U.S. based work force is represented by the USW. In June 2015, CAKY entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with the USW for its employees at the Hawesville smelter. The agreement is effective through April 1, 2020. Century Sebree, LLC has a collective bargaining agreement with the USW for its employees at the Sebree smelter that is effective through October 28, 2019. Our employees at Mt. Holly are not represented by a labor union.

Components of accumulated other

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Defined benefit plan liabilities $ (118,153 ) $ (121,910 ) Unrealized loss on financial instruments (1,574 ) (1,435 ) Other comprehensive loss before income tax effect (119,727 ) (123,345 ) Income tax effect (1) 9,548 10,695 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (110,179 ) $ (112,650 ) (1) The allocation of the income tax effect to the components of other comprehensive loss is as follows: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Defined benefit plan liabilities $ 10,071 $ 11,243 Unrealized loss on financial instruments (523 ) (548 ) The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"): Defined benefit plan and other postretirement liabilities Unrealized loss on financial instruments Total, net of tax Balance, July 1, 2016 $ (108,944 ) $ (2,059 ) $ (111,003 ) Net amount reclassified to net loss 862 (38 ) 824 Balance, September 30, 2016 $ (108,082 ) $ (2,097 ) $ (110,179 ) Balance, July 1, 2015 $ (96,335 ) $ (1,907 ) $ (98,242 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (1) (4,114 ) — (4,114 ) Net amount reclassified to net loss 529 (39 ) 490 Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (99,920 ) $ (1,946 ) $ (101,866 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (110,667 ) $ (1,983 ) $ (112,650 ) Net amount reclassified to net loss 2,585 (114 ) 2,471 Balance, September 30, 2016 $ (108,082 ) $ (2,097 ) $ (110,179 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ (115,852 ) $ (1,830 ) $ (117,682 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (1) 13,928 — 13,928 Net amount reclassified to net income 2,004 (116 ) 1,888 Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (99,920 ) $ (1,946 ) $ (101,866 ) (1) The gain in other comprehensive income before reclassifications was due to a plan remeasurement related to labor negotiations, census and other actuarial adjustments. Reclassifications out of AOCL were included in the consolidated statements of operations as follows: For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, AOCL Components Location 2016 2015 2016 2015 Defined benefit plan and other postretirement liabilities Cost of goods sold $ 777 $ 669 $ 2,332 $ 2,422 Selling, general and administrative expenses 125 252 375 755 Other operating expense, net 350 — 1,050 — Income tax expense (390 ) (392 ) (1,172 ) (1,173 ) Net of tax $ 862 $ 529 $ 2,585 $ 2,004 Unrealized loss on financial instruments Cost of goods sold $ (46 ) $ (47 ) $ (139 ) $ (140 ) Income tax benefit 8 8 25 24 Net of tax $ (38 ) $ (39 ) $ (114 ) $ (116 )

Components of net periodic bene

Components of net periodic benefit cost	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Components of net periodic benefit cost	Components of net periodic benefit cost Pension Benefits Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 1,270 $ 2,074 $ 3,810 $ 5,287 Interest cost 3,478 3,348 10,440 10,003 Expected return on plan assets (4,813 ) (5,262 ) (14,445 ) (16,025 ) Amortization of prior service costs 28 28 84 83 Amortization of net loss 1,041 1,025 3,125 3,049 Curtailment — 377 — 365 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,004 $ 1,590 $ 3,014 $ 2,762 Other Postretirement Benefits ("OPEB") Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 330 $ 468 $ 990 $ 1,517 Interest cost 1,469 1,542 4,364 4,523 Amortization of prior service cost (695 ) (1,007 ) (2,085 ) (2,929 ) Amortization of net loss 878 874 2,633 2,973 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,982 $ 1,877 $ 5,902 $ 6,084 Employer contributions During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we made contributions of $1,338 to the qualified defined benefit and unqualified supplemental executive retirement benefit ("SERB") plans that we sponsor.

Supplemental cash flow informat

Supplemental cash flow information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	Supplemental cash flow information Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Cash paid for: Interest $ 9,893 $ 9,396 Income taxes 10,245 13,921

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative instruments	Derivative instruments As a global producer of primary aluminum, our operating results and cash flows from operations are subject to risk of fluctuations in the market prices of primary aluminum. We enter into financial contracts from time to time to manage our exposure to such risk. As of September 30, 2016 , we had entered into LME forward financial sales contracts with Glencore to fix the forward LME price of approximately 45,000 tonnes of primary aluminum (the “Forward Sales Contracts”). The Forward Sales Contracts settle monthly, on a ratable basis, through December 31, 2017. From time to time, we enter into financial contracts to offset fixed price sales arrangements with certain of our customers. As of September 30, 2016, we had entered into such arrangements with respect to approximately 8,200 tonnes of primary aluminum (the “fixed for floating swaps”). Fixed for floating swaps settle at various dates up to and including January 2018 . We record our financial contracts at fair value in prepaid and other current assets, due from/to affiliates, or other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. We value our derivative instruments using quoted market prices and other significant unobservable inputs. These derivatives are not designated as cash flow hedges. We recognize changes in fair value and settlements of these derivative instruments in net gain (loss) on forward and derivative contracts in the consolidated statements of operations as they occur. Changes in fair value and settlements of these derivative instruments are not material to the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.

Condensed consolidating financi

Condensed consolidating financial information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed consolidating financial information	Condensed consolidating financial information Our 2021 Notes are guaranteed by each of our material existing and future domestic subsidiaries (The "Guarantor Subsidiaries"), except for Nordural US LLC and Century Aluminum Development LLC. The Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100% owned by Century. All guarantees are full and unconditional; all guarantees are joint and several. These notes are not guaranteed by our foreign subsidiaries (such foreign subsidiaries, Nordural US LLC and Century Aluminum Development LLC, collectively the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”). We allocate corporate expenses or income to our subsidiaries and charge interest on certain intercompany balances. The following summarized condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income (loss) for three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , condensed consolidating balance sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 present separate results for Century, the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, consolidating adjustments and total consolidated amounts. Although Century Aluminum West Virginia (which owns our curtailed Ravenswood smelter) has guaranteed our Notes due 2021, because we are in the process of selling substantially all of its assets, we have included its net assets, results of operations and cash flows in the columns under the caption Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the three months ended September 30, 2016 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated NET SALES: Related parties $ — $ 170,947 $ 152,449 $ (22,285 ) $ 301,111 Third-party customers — 32,795 11 (267 ) 32,539 Total net sales — 203,742 152,460 (22,552 ) 333,650 Cost of goods sold — 231,082 141,957 (21,777 ) 351,262 Gross profit (loss) — (27,340 ) 10,503 (775 ) (17,612 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,517 — 216 — 9,733 Ravenswood charges — — 26,830 — 26,830 Other operating expense - net — — 878 — 878 Operating loss (9,517 ) (27,340 ) (17,421 ) (775 ) (55,053 ) Interest expense - third parties (5,101 ) (385 ) (45 ) — (5,531 ) Interest income (expense) - affiliates 9,947 2,059 (12,006 ) — — Interest income - third parties 33 — 157 — 190 Net gain on forward and derivative contracts — 1,275 — — 1,275 Other income (expense) - net 48 14 (219 ) — (157 ) Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (4,590 ) (24,377 ) (29,534 ) (775 ) (59,276 ) Income tax effect (877 ) — 1,725 — 848 Loss before equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (5,467 ) (24,377 ) (27,809 ) (775 ) (58,428 ) Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (52,806 ) — 155 52,806 155 Net income (loss) $ (58,273 ) $ (24,377 ) $ (27,654 ) $ 52,031 $ (58,273 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect 1,206 777 303 (1,080 ) 1,206 Income tax effect (382 ) — 8 (8 ) (382 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 824 777 311 (1,088 ) 824 Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (57,449 ) $ (23,600 ) $ (27,343 ) $ 50,943 $ (57,449 ) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the three months ended September 30, 2015 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated NET SALES: Related parties $ 14,136 $ 284,891 $ 156,167 $ (27,176 ) $ 428,018 Third-party customers — 26,728 18 (224 ) 26,522 Total net sales 14,136 311,619 156,185 (27,400 ) 454,540 Cost of goods sold — 359,072 148,949 (11,058 ) 496,963 Gross profit (loss) 14,136 (47,453 ) 7,236 (16,342 ) (42,423 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses 10,375 59 1,132 — 11,566 Ravenswood charges — — — — — Other operating expense - net — — 1,537 — 1,537 Operating income (loss) 3,761 (47,512 ) 4,567 (16,342 ) (55,526 ) Interest expense - third parties (4,980 ) (391 ) (47 ) — (5,418 ) Interest income (expense) - affiliates 9,163 1,901 (11,064 ) — — Interest income - third parties 15 — 30 — 45 Net gain (loss) on forward and derivative contracts (177 ) 353 109 — 285 Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration — 1,523 — — 1,523 Other income (expense) - net 164 92 (142 ) — 114 Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures 7,946 (44,034 ) (6,547 ) (16,342 ) (58,977 ) Income tax effect 2,030 — (32 ) 163 2,161 Income (loss) before equity in earnings of joint ventures 9,976 (44,034 ) (6,579 ) (16,179 ) (56,816 ) Equity in earnings of joint ventures (66,088 ) — 704 66,088 704 Net income (loss) $ (56,112 ) $ (44,034 ) $ (5,875 ) $ 49,909 $ (56,112 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect (3,241 ) 212 (4,826 ) 4,614 (3,241 ) Income tax effect (383 ) — 8 (8 ) (383 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (3,624 ) 212 (4,818 ) 4,606 (3,624 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (59,736 ) $ (43,822 ) $ (10,693 ) $ 54,515 $ (59,736 ) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated NET SALES: Related parties $ — $ 502,707 $ 438,660 $ (69,596 ) $ 871,771 Third-party customers — 107,725 29 (267 ) 107,487 Total net sales — 610,432 438,689 (69,863 ) 979,258 Cost of goods sold — 653,258 411,651 (69,552 ) 995,357 Gross profit (loss) — (42,826 ) 27,038 (311 ) (16,099 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses 26,077 — 3,226 — 29,303 Ravenswood charges — — 26,830 — 26,830 Other operating expense - net — — 2,337 — 2,337 Operating loss (26,077 ) (42,826 ) (5,355 ) (311 ) (74,569 ) Interest expense - third parties (15,236 ) (1,150 ) (135 ) — (16,521 ) Interest income (expense) - affiliates 29,222 6,013 (35,235 ) — — Interest income - third parties 108 9 358 — 475 Net gain on forward and derivative contracts — 2,998 — — 2,998 Other income (expense) - net 682 29 (1,173 ) — (462 ) Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (11,301 ) (34,927 ) (41,540 ) (311 ) (88,079 ) Income tax effect 591 — 2,646 — 3,237 Loss before equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (10,710 ) (34,927 ) (38,894 ) (311 ) (84,842 ) Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (73,241 ) — 891 73,241 891 Net income (loss) $ (83,951 ) $ (34,927 ) $ (38,003 ) $ 72,930 $ (83,951 ) Other comprehensive income before income tax effect 3,618 2,332 910 (3,242 ) 3,618 Income tax effect (1,147 ) — 25 (25 ) (1,147 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 2,471 2,332 935 (3,267 ) 2,471 Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (81,480 ) $ (32,595 ) $ (37,068 ) $ 69,663 $ (81,480 ) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated NET SALES: Related parties $ 14,136 $ 1,052,963 $ 491,946 $ (41,617 ) $ 1,517,428 Third-party customers — 48,702 36 (224 ) 48,514 Total net sales 14,136 1,101,665 491,982 (41,841 ) 1,565,942 Cost of goods sold — 1,107,955 426,441 (28,468 ) 1,505,928 Gross profit 14,136 (6,290 ) 65,541 (13,373 ) 60,014 Selling, general and administrative expenses 30,743 (115 ) 2,921 — 33,549 Ravenswood charges — — 30,850 — 30,850 Other operating expense - net — — 6,217 — 6,217 Operating income (loss) (16,607 ) (6,175 ) 25,553 (13,373 ) (10,602 ) Interest expense - third parties (15,217 ) (1,186 ) (139 ) — (16,542 ) Interest income (expense) - affiliates 28,242 5,531 (33,773 ) — — Interest income - third parties 48 4 196 — 248 Net gain on forward and derivative contracts — 1,059 145 — 1,204 Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration — 18,337 — — 18,337 Other income (expense) - net 1,083 (97 ) 2,005 (1,730 ) 1,261 Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures (2,451 ) 17,473 (6,013 ) (15,103 ) (6,094 ) Income tax effect (1,158 ) — (11,047 ) — (12,205 ) Income (loss) before equity in earnings of joint ventures (3,609 ) 17,473 (17,060 ) (15,103 ) (18,299 ) Equity in earnings of joint ventures (12,621 ) — 2,069 12,621 2,069 Net income (loss) $ (16,230 ) $ 17,473 $ (14,991 ) $ (2,482 ) $ (16,230 ) Other comprehensive income before income tax effect 16,964 13,034 (2,866 ) (10,168 ) 16,964 Income tax effect (1,148 ) — 25 (25 ) (1,148 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 15,816 13,034 (2,841 ) (10,193 ) 15,816 Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (414 ) $ 30,507 $ (17,832 ) $ (12,675 ) $ (414 ) Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of September 30, 2016 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated Cash & cash equivalents $ 37,605 $ (125 ) $ 80,113 $ — $ 117,593 Restricted cash — 790 256 — 1,046 Accounts receivable - net 168 10,737 282 — 11,187 Due from affiliates 353 13,918 — — 14,271 Inventories 180 138,287 97,658 (2,837 ) 233,288 Prepaid and other current assets 7,265 4,231 20,332 — 31,828 Assets held for sale — — 23,239 — 23,239 Total current assets 45,571 167,838 221,880 (2,837 ) 432,452 Property, plant and equipment - net 8,275 335,202 841,624 — 1,185,101 Investment in subsidiaries 523,942 — — (523,942 ) — Due from affiliates - less current portion 647,844 3,706 — (651,550 ) — Other assets 28,513 18,272 16,960 7,418 71,163 TOTAL $ 1,254,145 $ 525,018 $ 1,080,464 $ (1,170,911 ) $ 1,688,716 Accounts payable, trade $ 1,431 $ 49,749 $ 34,134 $ — $ 85,314 Due to affiliates 574 8,679 787 3,065 13,105 Accrued and other current liabilities 17,929 16,459 24,994 — 59,382 Accrued employee benefits costs 1,066 7,558 660 — 9,284 Industrial revenue bonds — 7,815 — — 7,815 Total current liabilities 21,000 90,260 60,575 3,065 174,900 Senior notes payable 247,590 — — — 247,590 Accrued pension benefits costs cost - less current portion 39,048 (10,919 ) 14,304 — 42,433 Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion 5,161 118,724 1,605 — 125,490 Other liabilities 3,298 32,143 29,471 7,418 72,330 Intercompany loan — 27,995 628,931 (656,926 ) — Deferred taxes — — 88,449 — 88,449 Total noncurrent liabilities 295,097 167,943 762,760 (649,508 ) 576,292 Series A Preferred stock 1 — — — 1 Common stock 942 1 232,423 (232,424 ) 942 Additional paid-in capital 2,514,765 297,899 2,075,657 (2,373,556 ) 2,514,765 Treasury stock, at cost (86,276 ) — — — (86,276 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,922 ) (57,694 ) (38,563 ) — (110,179 ) Accumulated deficit (1,477,462 ) 26,609 (2,012,388 ) 2,081,512 (1,381,729 ) Total shareholder's equity 938,048 266,815 257,129 (524,468 ) 937,524 TOTAL $ 1,254,145 $ 525,018 $ 1,080,464 $ (1,170,911 ) $ 1,688,716 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2015 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated Cash & cash equivalents $ 58,421 $ (3,647 ) $ 60,619 $ — $ 115,393 Restricted cash — 791 — — 791 Accounts receivable - net 104 8,891 480 — 9,475 Due from affiliates 13 14,493 2,911 — 17,417 Inventories 180 148,280 85,937 (2,525 ) 231,872 Prepaid and other current assets 7,713 16,242 18,457 — 42,412 Assets held for sale — — 30,697 — 30,697 Total current assets 66,431 185,050 199,101 (2,525 ) 448,057 Property, plant and equipment - net 9,188 361,626 861,442 — 1,232,256 Investment in subsidiaries 593,604 — — (593,604 ) — Due from affiliates - less current portion 632,170 — — (632,170 ) — Other assets 29,536 19,153 16,047 7,419 72,155 TOTAL $ 1,330,929 $ 565,829 $ 1,076,590 $ (1,220,880 ) $ 1,752,468 Accounts payable, trade $ 2,380 $ 53,145 $ 34,964 $ — $ 90,489 Due to affiliates 2,143 7,167 735 — 10,045 Accrued and other current liabilities 11,247 14,759 22,816 — 48,822 Accrued employee benefits costs 1,824 7,644 680 — 10,148 Industrial revenue bonds — 7,815 — — 7,815 Total current liabilities 17,594 90,530 59,195 — 167,319 Senior notes payable 247,278 — — — 247,278 Accrued pension benefits costs cost - less current portion 39,831 (11,021 ) 15,189 — 43,999 Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion 4,524 119,911 1,564 — 125,999 Other liabilities 3,307 30,505 11,779 7,418 53,009 Intercompany loan — 124,518 509,652 (634,170 ) — Deferred taxes — — 96,994 — 96,994 Total noncurrent liabilities 294,940 263,913 635,178 (626,752 ) 567,279 Series A Preferred stock 1 — — — 1 Common stock 942 — 224,424 (224,424 ) 942 Additional paid-in capital 2,513,631 191,023 2,038,138 (2,229,161 ) 2,513,631 Treasury stock, at cost (86,276 ) — — — (86,276 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,125 ) (60,026 ) (39,499 ) — (112,650 ) Accumulated deficit (1,396,778 ) 80,389 (1,840,846 ) 1,859,457 (1,297,778 ) Total shareholder's equity 1,018,395 211,386 382,217 (594,128 ) 1,017,870 TOTAL $ 1,330,929 $ 565,829 $ 1,076,590 $ (1,220,880 ) $ 1,752,468 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (20,816 ) $ 23,044 $ (2,631 ) $ 15,985 $ 15,582 Purchase of property, plant and equipment — (4,252 ) (8,875 ) — (13,127 ) Restricted and other cash deposits — 1 (256 ) — (255 ) Net cash used in investing activities — (4,251 ) (9,131 ) — (13,382 ) Borrowings under revolving credit facilities 900 — — — 900 Repayments under revolving credit facilities (900 ) — — — (900 ) Intercompany transactions — (15,271 ) 31,256 (15,985 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities — (15,271 ) 31,256 (15,985 ) — CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (20,816 ) 3,522 19,494 — 2,200 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 58,421 (3,647 ) 60,619 — 115,393 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 37,605 $ (125 ) $ 80,113 $ — $ 117,593 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 43,577 $ 6,535 $ (197,950 ) $ 180,347 $ 32,509 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (3,513 ) (23,555 ) (20,087 ) (440 ) (47,595 ) Purchase of remaining interest in Mt. Holly smelter — 11,313 — — 11,313 Restricted and other cash deposits — (155 ) 14 — (141 ) Net cash used in investing activities (3,513 ) (12,397 ) (20,073 ) (440 ) (36,423 ) Borrowings under revolving credit facilities 1,414 — — — 1,414 Repayments under revolving credit facilities (1,414 ) — — — (1,414 ) Repurchase of common stock (36,352 ) — — — (36,352 ) Intercompany transactions — 6,433 173,474 (179,907 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (36,352 ) 6,433 173,474 (179,907 ) (36,352 ) CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 3,712 571 (44,549 ) — (40,266 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 70,683 (1,187 ) 93,746 — 163,242 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 74,395 $ (616 ) $ 49,197 $ — $ 122,976

Fair value measurements (Polici

Fair value measurements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Transfer, Policy	It is our policy to recognize transfers into and transfers out of Level 3 as of the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

Related party transactions (Tab

Related party transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of related party transactions	A summary of the aforementioned significant related party transactions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net sales to Glencore $ 301,111 $ 428,018 $ 871,771 $ 1,517,428 Purchases from Glencore 62,317 86,664 156,507 328,120 Purchases from BHH 2,568 13,515 7,666 41,768

Business acquisitions (Tables)

Business acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of consideration transferred	The following table summarizes all of the elements of purchase consideration for the transaction as of December 1, 2014. Purchase price $ 67,500 Contingent consideration 13,780 Economic, working capital and other closing adjustments (13,513 ) Total consideration $ 67,767

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of valuation methodology for assets and liabilities at fair value	The following section describes the valuation methodology used to measure our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value and are categorized based on the fair value hierarchy described in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures." Overview of Century’s valuation methodology Level Significant inputs Cash equivalents 1 Quoted market prices Trust assets (1) 1 Quoted market prices Surety bonds 1 Quoted market prices Forward sales contracts 2 Quoted LME forward market Fixed for floating swaps 3 Quoted LME forward market, management's estimates of future U.S. Midwest premium E.ON contingent obligation 3 Quoted LME forward market, management’s estimates of the LME forward market prices for periods beyond the quoted periods and management’s estimate of future level of operations (1) Trust assets are currently invested in money market funds. These trust assets are held to fund the non-qualified supplemental executive pension benefit obligations for certain of our officers. The trust has sole authority to invest the funds in secure interest producing investments consisting of short-term securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or cash and cash equivalents.
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis by the level of input within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy. Recurring Fair Value Measurements As of September 30, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ASSETS: Cash equivalents $ 104,730 $ — $ — $ 104,730 Trust assets 3,664 — — 3,664 Surety bonds 1,874 — — 1,874 Derivative contracts — 330 574 904 TOTAL $ 110,268 $ 330 $ 574 $ 111,172 LIABILITIES: E.ON contingent obligation - net $ — $ — $ — $ — Derivative contracts — — 574 574 TOTAL $ — $ — $ 574 $ 574 Recurring Fair Value Measurements As of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ASSETS: Cash equivalents $ 102,675 $ — $ — $ 102,675 Trust assets 5,226 — — 5,226 Surety bonds 1,870 — — 1,870 TOTAL $ 109,771 $ — $ — $ 109,771 LIABILITIES: E.ON contingent obligation – net $ — $ — $ — $ — TOTAL $ — $ — $ — $ —

Earnings (loss) per share (Tabl

Earnings (loss) per share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share	The following table shows the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : For the three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Loss Shares (000) Per-Share Loss Shares (000) Per-Share Net loss $ (58,273 ) $ (56,112 ) Amount allocated to common stockholders 100.00 % 100.00 % Basic and diluted EPS: Net loss allocated to common stockholders $ (58,273 ) 87,076 $ (0.67 ) $ (56,112 ) 86,907 $ (0.65 ) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Loss Shares (000) Per-Share Income Shares (000) Per-Share Net loss $ (83,951 ) $ (16,230 ) Amount allocated to common stockholders 100.00 % 100.00 % Basic and diluted EPS: Net loss allocated to common stockholders $ (83,951 ) 87,059 $ (0.96 ) $ (16,230 ) 87,524 $ (0.19 )
Securities excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS	Securities excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Stock options 372,569 317,266 391,375 327,599 Service-based share awards 1,449,520 646,128 1,157,077 599,001

Shareholders' equity (Tables)

Shareholders' equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Common and Preferred Stock Activity	The Common and Preferred Stock Activity table below contains additional information about preferred stock conversions during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . Common and Preferred Stock Activity: Preferred stock Common stock (in shares) Series A convertible Treasury Outstanding Beginning balance as of December 31, 2015 76,539 7,186,521 87,038,050 Conversion of convertible preferred stock (161 ) — 16,109 Issuance for share-based compensation plans — — 21,428 Ending balance as of September 30, 2016 76,378 7,186,521 87,075,587 Beginning balance as of December 31, 2014 78,141 4,786,521 89,064,582 Repurchase of common stock — 2,400,000 (2,400,000 ) Conversion of convertible preferred stock (1,146 ) — 114,524 Issuance for share-based compensation plans — — 152,597 Ending balance as of September 30, 2015 76,995 7,186,521 86,931,703

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consist of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Raw materials $ 65,947 $ 52,121 Work-in-process 32,679 34,025 Finished goods 20,052 15,988 Operating and other supplies 114,610 129,738 Total inventories $ 233,288 $ 231,872

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Debt classified as current liabilities: Hancock County industrial revenue bonds ("IRBs") due 2028, interest payable quarterly (variable interest rates (not to exceed 12%)) (1) $ 7,815 $ 7,815 Debt classified as non-current liabilities: 7.5% senior secured notes due June 1, 2021, net of debt discount of $2,410 and $2,722, respectively, interest payable semiannually 247,590 247,278 Total $ 255,405 $ 255,093 (1) The IRBs are classified as current liabilities because they are remarketed weekly and could be required to be repaid upon demand if there is a failed remarketing. The IRB interest rate at September 30, 2016 was 1.04% .
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities	Status of our Iceland revolving credit facility: September 30, 2016 Credit facility maximum amount $ 50,000 Borrowing availability 50,000 Outstanding borrowings — Borrowing availability, net of borrowings 50,000 Status of our U.S. revolving credit facility: September 30, 2016 Credit facility maximum amount $ 150,000 Borrowing availability 88,385 Outstanding letters of credit issued 47,941 Outstanding borrowings — Borrowing availability, net of outstanding letters of credit and borrowings 40,444

Components of accumulated oth30

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated balances for each component of AOCI	September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Defined benefit plan liabilities $ (118,153 ) $ (121,910 ) Unrealized loss on financial instruments (1,574 ) (1,435 ) Other comprehensive loss before income tax effect (119,727 ) (123,345 ) Income tax effect (1) 9,548 10,695 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (110,179 ) $ (112,650 ) (1) The allocation of the income tax effect to the components of other comprehensive loss is as follows: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Defined benefit plan liabilities $ 10,071 $ 11,243 Unrealized loss on financial instruments (523 ) (548 ) The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"): Defined benefit plan and other postretirement liabilities Unrealized loss on financial instruments Total, net of tax Balance, July 1, 2016 $ (108,944 ) $ (2,059 ) $ (111,003 ) Net amount reclassified to net loss 862 (38 ) 824 Balance, September 30, 2016 $ (108,082 ) $ (2,097 ) $ (110,179 ) Balance, July 1, 2015 $ (96,335 ) $ (1,907 ) $ (98,242 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (1) (4,114 ) — (4,114 ) Net amount reclassified to net loss 529 (39 ) 490 Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (99,920 ) $ (1,946 ) $ (101,866 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (110,667 ) $ (1,983 ) $ (112,650 ) Net amount reclassified to net loss 2,585 (114 ) 2,471 Balance, September 30, 2016 $ (108,082 ) $ (2,097 ) $ (110,179 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ (115,852 ) $ (1,830 ) $ (117,682 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (1) 13,928 — 13,928 Net amount reclassified to net income 2,004 (116 ) 1,888 Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (99,920 ) $ (1,946 ) $ (101,866 ) (1) The gain in other comprehensive income before reclassifications was due to a plan remeasurement related to labor negotiations, census and other actuarial adjustments.
Reclassification out of AOCI	Reclassifications out of AOCL were included in the consolidated statements of operations as follows: For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, AOCL Components Location 2016 2015 2016 2015 Defined benefit plan and other postretirement liabilities Cost of goods sold $ 777 $ 669 $ 2,332 $ 2,422 Selling, general and administrative expenses 125 252 375 755 Other operating expense, net 350 — 1,050 — Income tax expense (390 ) (392 ) (1,172 ) (1,173 ) Net of tax $ 862 $ 529 $ 2,585 $ 2,004 Unrealized loss on financial instruments Cost of goods sold $ (46 ) $ (47 ) $ (139 ) $ (140 ) Income tax benefit 8 8 25 24 Net of tax $ (38 ) $ (39 ) $ (114 ) $ (116 )

Components of net periodic be31

Components of net periodic benefit cost (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Schedule of net periodic benefit cost	Pension Benefits Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 1,270 $ 2,074 $ 3,810 $ 5,287 Interest cost 3,478 3,348 10,440 10,003 Expected return on plan assets (4,813 ) (5,262 ) (14,445 ) (16,025 ) Amortization of prior service costs 28 28 84 83 Amortization of net loss 1,041 1,025 3,125 3,049 Curtailment — 377 — 365 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,004 $ 1,590 $ 3,014 $ 2,762 Other Postretirement Benefits ("OPEB") Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 330 $ 468 $ 990 $ 1,517 Interest cost 1,469 1,542 4,364 4,523 Amortization of prior service cost (695 ) (1,007 ) (2,085 ) (2,929 ) Amortization of net loss 878 874 2,633 2,973 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,982 $ 1,877 $ 5,902 $ 6,084

Supplemental cash flow inform32

Supplemental cash flow information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Cash paid for: Interest $ 9,893 $ 9,396 Income taxes 10,245 13,921

Condensed consolidating finan33

Condensed consolidating financial information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the three months ended September 30, 2016 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated NET SALES: Related parties $ — $ 170,947 $ 152,449 $ (22,285 ) $ 301,111 Third-party customers — 32,795 11 (267 ) 32,539 Total net sales — 203,742 152,460 (22,552 ) 333,650 Cost of goods sold — 231,082 141,957 (21,777 ) 351,262 Gross profit (loss) — (27,340 ) 10,503 (775 ) (17,612 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,517 — 216 — 9,733 Ravenswood charges — — 26,830 — 26,830 Other operating expense - net — — 878 — 878 Operating loss (9,517 ) (27,340 ) (17,421 ) (775 ) (55,053 ) Interest expense - third parties (5,101 ) (385 ) (45 ) — (5,531 ) Interest income (expense) - affiliates 9,947 2,059 (12,006 ) — — Interest income - third parties 33 — 157 — 190 Net gain on forward and derivative contracts — 1,275 — — 1,275 Other income (expense) - net 48 14 (219 ) — (157 ) Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (4,590 ) (24,377 ) (29,534 ) (775 ) (59,276 ) Income tax effect (877 ) — 1,725 — 848 Loss before equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (5,467 ) (24,377 ) (27,809 ) (775 ) (58,428 ) Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (52,806 ) — 155 52,806 155 Net income (loss) $ (58,273 ) $ (24,377 ) $ (27,654 ) $ 52,031 $ (58,273 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect 1,206 777 303 (1,080 ) 1,206 Income tax effect (382 ) — 8 (8 ) (382 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 824 777 311 (1,088 ) 824 Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (57,449 ) $ (23,600 ) $ (27,343 ) $ 50,943 $ (57,449 ) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the three months ended September 30, 2015 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated NET SALES: Related parties $ 14,136 $ 284,891 $ 156,167 $ (27,176 ) $ 428,018 Third-party customers — 26,728 18 (224 ) 26,522 Total net sales 14,136 311,619 156,185 (27,400 ) 454,540 Cost of goods sold — 359,072 148,949 (11,058 ) 496,963 Gross profit (loss) 14,136 (47,453 ) 7,236 (16,342 ) (42,423 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses 10,375 59 1,132 — 11,566 Ravenswood charges — — — — — Other operating expense - net — — 1,537 — 1,537 Operating income (loss) 3,761 (47,512 ) 4,567 (16,342 ) (55,526 ) Interest expense - third parties (4,980 ) (391 ) (47 ) — (5,418 ) Interest income (expense) - affiliates 9,163 1,901 (11,064 ) — — Interest income - third parties 15 — 30 — 45 Net gain (loss) on forward and derivative contracts (177 ) 353 109 — 285 Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration — 1,523 — — 1,523 Other income (expense) - net 164 92 (142 ) — 114 Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures 7,946 (44,034 ) (6,547 ) (16,342 ) (58,977 ) Income tax effect 2,030 — (32 ) 163 2,161 Income (loss) before equity in earnings of joint ventures 9,976 (44,034 ) (6,579 ) (16,179 ) (56,816 ) Equity in earnings of joint ventures (66,088 ) — 704 66,088 704 Net income (loss) $ (56,112 ) $ (44,034 ) $ (5,875 ) $ 49,909 $ (56,112 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect (3,241 ) 212 (4,826 ) 4,614 (3,241 ) Income tax effect (383 ) — 8 (8 ) (383 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (3,624 ) 212 (4,818 ) 4,606 (3,624 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (59,736 ) $ (43,822 ) $ (10,693 ) $ 54,515 $ (59,736 ) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated NET SALES: Related parties $ — $ 502,707 $ 438,660 $ (69,596 ) $ 871,771 Third-party customers — 107,725 29 (267 ) 107,487 Total net sales — 610,432 438,689 (69,863 ) 979,258 Cost of goods sold — 653,258 411,651 (69,552 ) 995,357 Gross profit (loss) — (42,826 ) 27,038 (311 ) (16,099 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses 26,077 — 3,226 — 29,303 Ravenswood charges — — 26,830 — 26,830 Other operating expense - net — — 2,337 — 2,337 Operating loss (26,077 ) (42,826 ) (5,355 ) (311 ) (74,569 ) Interest expense - third parties (15,236 ) (1,150 ) (135 ) — (16,521 ) Interest income (expense) - affiliates 29,222 6,013 (35,235 ) — — Interest income - third parties 108 9 358 — 475 Net gain on forward and derivative contracts — 2,998 — — 2,998 Other income (expense) - net 682 29 (1,173 ) — (462 ) Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (11,301 ) (34,927 ) (41,540 ) (311 ) (88,079 ) Income tax effect 591 — 2,646 — 3,237 Loss before equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (10,710 ) (34,927 ) (38,894 ) (311 ) (84,842 ) Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures (73,241 ) — 891 73,241 891 Net income (loss) $ (83,951 ) $ (34,927 ) $ (38,003 ) $ 72,930 $ (83,951 ) Other comprehensive income before income tax effect 3,618 2,332 910 (3,242 ) 3,618 Income tax effect (1,147 ) — 25 (25 ) (1,147 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 2,471 2,332 935 (3,267 ) 2,471 Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (81,480 ) $ (32,595 ) $ (37,068 ) $ 69,663 $ (81,480 ) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated NET SALES: Related parties $ 14,136 $ 1,052,963 $ 491,946 $ (41,617 ) $ 1,517,428 Third-party customers — 48,702 36 (224 ) 48,514 Total net sales 14,136 1,101,665 491,982 (41,841 ) 1,565,942 Cost of goods sold — 1,107,955 426,441 (28,468 ) 1,505,928 Gross profit 14,136 (6,290 ) 65,541 (13,373 ) 60,014 Selling, general and administrative expenses 30,743 (115 ) 2,921 — 33,549 Ravenswood charges — — 30,850 — 30,850 Other operating expense - net — — 6,217 — 6,217 Operating income (loss) (16,607 ) (6,175 ) 25,553 (13,373 ) (10,602 ) Interest expense - third parties (15,217 ) (1,186 ) (139 ) — (16,542 ) Interest income (expense) - affiliates 28,242 5,531 (33,773 ) — — Interest income - third parties 48 4 196 — 248 Net gain on forward and derivative contracts — 1,059 145 — 1,204 Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration — 18,337 — — 18,337 Other income (expense) - net 1,083 (97 ) 2,005 (1,730 ) 1,261 Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures (2,451 ) 17,473 (6,013 ) (15,103 ) (6,094 ) Income tax effect (1,158 ) — (11,047 ) — (12,205 ) Income (loss) before equity in earnings of joint ventures (3,609 ) 17,473 (17,060 ) (15,103 ) (18,299 ) Equity in earnings of joint ventures (12,621 ) — 2,069 12,621 2,069 Net income (loss) $ (16,230 ) $ 17,473 $ (14,991 ) $ (2,482 ) $ (16,230 ) Other comprehensive income before income tax effect 16,964 13,034 (2,866 ) (10,168 ) 16,964 Income tax effect (1,148 ) — 25 (25 ) (1,148 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 15,816 13,034 (2,841 ) (10,193 ) 15,816 Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (414 ) $ 30,507 $ (17,832 ) $ (12,675 ) $ (414 )
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of September 30, 2016 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated Cash & cash equivalents $ 37,605 $ (125 ) $ 80,113 $ — $ 117,593 Restricted cash — 790 256 — 1,046 Accounts receivable - net 168 10,737 282 — 11,187 Due from affiliates 353 13,918 — — 14,271 Inventories 180 138,287 97,658 (2,837 ) 233,288 Prepaid and other current assets 7,265 4,231 20,332 — 31,828 Assets held for sale — — 23,239 — 23,239 Total current assets 45,571 167,838 221,880 (2,837 ) 432,452 Property, plant and equipment - net 8,275 335,202 841,624 — 1,185,101 Investment in subsidiaries 523,942 — — (523,942 ) — Due from affiliates - less current portion 647,844 3,706 — (651,550 ) — Other assets 28,513 18,272 16,960 7,418 71,163 TOTAL $ 1,254,145 $ 525,018 $ 1,080,464 $ (1,170,911 ) $ 1,688,716 Accounts payable, trade $ 1,431 $ 49,749 $ 34,134 $ — $ 85,314 Due to affiliates 574 8,679 787 3,065 13,105 Accrued and other current liabilities 17,929 16,459 24,994 — 59,382 Accrued employee benefits costs 1,066 7,558 660 — 9,284 Industrial revenue bonds — 7,815 — — 7,815 Total current liabilities 21,000 90,260 60,575 3,065 174,900 Senior notes payable 247,590 — — — 247,590 Accrued pension benefits costs cost - less current portion 39,048 (10,919 ) 14,304 — 42,433 Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion 5,161 118,724 1,605 — 125,490 Other liabilities 3,298 32,143 29,471 7,418 72,330 Intercompany loan — 27,995 628,931 (656,926 ) — Deferred taxes — — 88,449 — 88,449 Total noncurrent liabilities 295,097 167,943 762,760 (649,508 ) 576,292 Series A Preferred stock 1 — — — 1 Common stock 942 1 232,423 (232,424 ) 942 Additional paid-in capital 2,514,765 297,899 2,075,657 (2,373,556 ) 2,514,765 Treasury stock, at cost (86,276 ) — — — (86,276 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,922 ) (57,694 ) (38,563 ) — (110,179 ) Accumulated deficit (1,477,462 ) 26,609 (2,012,388 ) 2,081,512 (1,381,729 ) Total shareholder's equity 938,048 266,815 257,129 (524,468 ) 937,524 TOTAL $ 1,254,145 $ 525,018 $ 1,080,464 $ (1,170,911 ) $ 1,688,716 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2015 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated Cash & cash equivalents $ 58,421 $ (3,647 ) $ 60,619 $ — $ 115,393 Restricted cash — 791 — — 791 Accounts receivable - net 104 8,891 480 — 9,475 Due from affiliates 13 14,493 2,911 — 17,417 Inventories 180 148,280 85,937 (2,525 ) 231,872 Prepaid and other current assets 7,713 16,242 18,457 — 42,412 Assets held for sale — — 30,697 — 30,697 Total current assets 66,431 185,050 199,101 (2,525 ) 448,057 Property, plant and equipment - net 9,188 361,626 861,442 — 1,232,256 Investment in subsidiaries 593,604 — — (593,604 ) — Due from affiliates - less current portion 632,170 — — (632,170 ) — Other assets 29,536 19,153 16,047 7,419 72,155 TOTAL $ 1,330,929 $ 565,829 $ 1,076,590 $ (1,220,880 ) $ 1,752,468 Accounts payable, trade $ 2,380 $ 53,145 $ 34,964 $ — $ 90,489 Due to affiliates 2,143 7,167 735 — 10,045 Accrued and other current liabilities 11,247 14,759 22,816 — 48,822 Accrued employee benefits costs 1,824 7,644 680 — 10,148 Industrial revenue bonds — 7,815 — — 7,815 Total current liabilities 17,594 90,530 59,195 — 167,319 Senior notes payable 247,278 — — — 247,278 Accrued pension benefits costs cost - less current portion 39,831 (11,021 ) 15,189 — 43,999 Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion 4,524 119,911 1,564 — 125,999 Other liabilities 3,307 30,505 11,779 7,418 53,009 Intercompany loan — 124,518 509,652 (634,170 ) — Deferred taxes — — 96,994 — 96,994 Total noncurrent liabilities 294,940 263,913 635,178 (626,752 ) 567,279 Series A Preferred stock 1 — — — 1 Common stock 942 — 224,424 (224,424 ) 942 Additional paid-in capital 2,513,631 191,023 2,038,138 (2,229,161 ) 2,513,631 Treasury stock, at cost (86,276 ) — — — (86,276 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,125 ) (60,026 ) (39,499 ) — (112,650 ) Accumulated deficit (1,396,778 ) 80,389 (1,840,846 ) 1,859,457 (1,297,778 ) Total shareholder's equity 1,018,395 211,386 382,217 (594,128 ) 1,017,870 TOTAL $ 1,330,929 $ 565,829 $ 1,076,590 $ (1,220,880 ) $ 1,752,468
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (20,816 ) $ 23,044 $ (2,631 ) $ 15,985 $ 15,582 Purchase of property, plant and equipment — (4,252 ) (8,875 ) — (13,127 ) Restricted and other cash deposits — 1 (256 ) — (255 ) Net cash used in investing activities — (4,251 ) (9,131 ) — (13,382 ) Borrowings under revolving credit facilities 900 — — — 900 Repayments under revolving credit facilities (900 ) — — — (900 ) Intercompany transactions — (15,271 ) 31,256 (15,985 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities — (15,271 ) 31,256 (15,985 ) — CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (20,816 ) 3,522 19,494 — 2,200 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 58,421 (3,647 ) 60,619 — 115,393 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 37,605 $ (125 ) $ 80,113 $ — $ 117,593 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 The Company Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 43,577 $ 6,535 $ (197,950 ) $ 180,347 $ 32,509 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (3,513 ) (23,555 ) (20,087 ) (440 ) (47,595 ) Purchase of remaining interest in Mt. Holly smelter — 11,313 — — 11,313 Restricted and other cash deposits — (155 ) 14 — (141 ) Net cash used in investing activities (3,513 ) (12,397 ) (20,073 ) (440 ) (36,423 ) Borrowings under revolving credit facilities 1,414 — — — 1,414 Repayments under revolving credit facilities (1,414 ) — — — (1,414 ) Repurchase of common stock (36,352 ) — — — (36,352 ) Intercompany transactions — 6,433 173,474 (179,907 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (36,352 ) 6,433 173,474 (179,907 ) (36,352 ) CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 3,712 571 (44,549 ) — (40,266 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 70,683 (1,187 ) 93,746 — 163,242 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 74,395 $ (616 ) $ 49,197 $ — $ 122,976

Related party transactions - Su

Related party transactions - Summary of related party transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net sales to Glencore	$ 301,111	$ 428,018	$ 871,771	$ 1,517,428
Glencore [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net sales to Glencore	301,111	428,018	871,771	1,517,428
Purchases from Glencore	62,317	86,664	156,507	328,120
BHH [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from BHH	$ 2,568	$ 13,515	$ 7,666	$ 41,768

Related party transactions - Na

Related party transactions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016t
Glencore [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by majority shareholder		47.50%
BHH [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		40.00%
Impairment of equity method investment | $	$ 11,584
Agreement to Sell Molten Aluminum [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales agreement, amount of agreement (tonnes) | t		24,500
Common Stock [Member] | Glencore [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by majority shareholder		42.90%

Ravenswood impairment (Details)

Ravenswood impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale [Line Items]
Ravenswood charges			$ 3,830	$ 30,850
Ravenswood Aluminum Smelter [Member]
Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale [Line Items]
Ravenswood charges	$ 3,830	$ 30,850

Business acquisitions - Acquisi

Business acquisitions - Acquisition of Mt. Holly smelter narrative other units (Details) t in Thousands	Dec. 01, 2014employeet	Nov. 30, 2014
Mt. Holly Smelter [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Remaining percentage acquired in step acquisition		50.30%
Percentage of ownership after step acquisition	100.00%
Employees | employee	600
Mt Holly primary aluminum capacity (tonnes) | t	231
Mt. Holly [Member] | Berkeley Aluminum Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		49.70%

Business acquisitions - Summary

Business acquisitions - Summary of consideration transferred (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 01, 2014USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Economic, working capital and other closing adjustments	$ (13,513)
Total consideration	67,767
Mt. Holly Smelter [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	67,500
Contingent consideration	$ 13,780

Business acquisitions - Acqui39

Business acquisitions - Acquisition of Mt. Holly smelter narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 01, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gains recognized on contingent consideration				$ 0	$ 1,523	$ 0	$ 18,337
Total net consideration paid	$ 41,487
Mt. Holly Smelter [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	67,500
Non-cash pre-tax gain at closing	15,955
Acquisition costs	1,539
Consideration received for expected future post-employment benefits	$ 2,400
Consideration received for working capital adjustments			$ 11,313
Proceeds from acquisition - contingent consideration		$ 12,500
Gains recognized on contingent consideration					$ 1,523		$ 18,337

Fair value measurements (Detail

Fair value measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS:
Cash equivalents	$ 104,730	$ 102,675
Trust assets	3,664	5,226
Surety bonds	1,874	1,870
Derivative contracts	904
TOTAL	111,172	109,771
LIABILITIES:
E.ON contingent obligation - net	0	0
Derivative contracts	574
TOTAL	574	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
ASSETS:
Cash equivalents	104,730	102,675
Trust assets	3,664	5,226
Surety bonds	1,874	1,870
Derivative contracts	0
TOTAL	110,268	109,771
LIABILITIES:
E.ON contingent obligation - net	0	0
Derivative contracts	0
TOTAL	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Trust assets	0	0
Surety bonds	0	0
Derivative contracts	330
TOTAL	330	0
LIABILITIES:
E.ON contingent obligation - net	0	0
Derivative contracts	0
TOTAL	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
ASSETS:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Trust assets	0	0
Surety bonds	0	0
Derivative contracts	574
TOTAL	574	0
LIABILITIES:
E.ON contingent obligation - net	0	0
Derivative contracts	574
TOTAL	$ 574	$ 0

Earnings (loss) per share (Deta

Earnings (loss) per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (58,273)	$ (56,112)	$ (83,951)	$ (16,230)
Amount allocated to common stockholders (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Basic EPS:
Net loss allocated to common stockholders	$ (58,273)	$ (56,112)	$ (83,951)	$ (16,230)
Net loss allocated to common stockholders (shares)	87,076,000	86,907,000	87,059,000	87,524,000
Net loss allocated to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.67)	$ (0.65)	$ (0.96)	$ (0.19)
Stock options [Member]
Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from calculation of diluted EPS (shares)	372,569	317,266	391,375	327,599
Service-based share awards [Member]
Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from calculation of diluted EPS (shares)	1,449,520	646,128	1,157,077	599,001

Shareholders' equity (Details)

Shareholders' equity (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended		18 Months Ended	60 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2008
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	195,000,000		195,000,000	195,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	94,262,108		94,262,108	94,224,571
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	87,075,587		87,075,587	87,038,050
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 130,000,000	$ 60,000,000
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			0	7,186,521
Repurchase of common stock, aggregate purchase price				$ 86,276,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 43,724,000		$ 43,724,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000		5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred shares issued (in shares)						160,000
Number of shares issued for each share of preferred stock (in shares)	100		100
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			0	7,186,521
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		0
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Preferred shares outstanding (in shares)	76,378		76,378	76,539
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares, Beginning balance (in shares)	76,539	78,141
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		0
Conversion of convertible preferred stock (in shares)	(161)	(1,146)
Issuance for stock compensation plans (in shares)	0	0
Shares, Ending balance (in shares)	76,378	76,995	76,378	76,539
Treasury Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		2,400,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares, Beginning balance (in shares)	7,186,521	4,786,521
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		2,400,000
Conversion of convertible preferred stock (in shares)	0	0
Issuance for stock compensation plans (in shares)	0	0
Shares, Ending balance (in shares)	7,186,521	7,186,521	7,186,521	7,186,521
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(2,400,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares, Beginning balance (in shares)	87,038,050	89,064,582
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(2,400,000)
Conversion of convertible preferred stock (in shares)	16,109	114,524
Issuance for stock compensation plans (in shares)	21,428	152,597
Shares, Ending balance (in shares)	87,075,587	86,931,703	87,075,587	87,038,050

Income taxes (Details)

Income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (848)	$ (2,161)	$ (3,237)	$ 12,205

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 65,947	$ 52,121
Work-in-process	32,679	34,025
Finished goods	20,052	15,988
Operating and other supplies	114,610	129,738
Total inventories	$ 233,288	$ 231,872

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 04, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Hancock County industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) due 2028, interest payable quarterly (variable interest rates (not to exceed 12%)) (1)	$ 7,815	$ 7,815
Total debt	255,405	255,093
Long-term Debt [Member] | Senior secured notes due June 01, 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
7.5% senior secured notes due June 1, 2021, net of debt discount of $2,410 and $2,722, respectively, interest payable semiannually	$ 247,590	$ 247,278
Maturity date	Jun. 1, 2021	Jun. 1, 2021
Stated interest rate, percentage	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Debt discount	$ 2,410	$ 2,722
Short-term Debt [Member] | Industrial revenue bonds due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Hancock County industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) due 2028, interest payable quarterly (variable interest rates (not to exceed 12%)) (1)	$ 7,815	$ 7,815
Maturity date	Apr. 1, 2028	Apr. 1, 2028
Stated interest rate, percentage	1.04%
Maximum [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member] | Industrial revenue bonds due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, maximum	12.00%	12.00%

Debt - Credit Facility (Details

Debt - Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 27, 2013	Jun. 04, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fair value of debt instrument	$ 230,783,000	$ 169,220,000
U.S. revolving credit facility [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility face amount	150,000,000
Credit facility maximum amount	150,000,000
Borrowing availability	88,385,000
Borrowing availability, net of outstanding letters of credit and borrowings	40,444,000
U.S. letter of credit [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letter of credit sub-facility amount	110,000,000
Borrowing availability, net of outstanding letters of credit and borrowings	47,941,000
Outstanding borrowings	0
Iceland revolving line of credit [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility face amount			$ 50,000,000
Credit facility maximum amount	50,000,000
Borrowing availability	50,000,000
Outstanding borrowings	0
Borrowing availability, net of outstanding letters of credit and borrowings	$ 50,000,000
Senior secured notes due June 01, 2021 [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Face amount				$ 250,000,000
Stated interest rate, percentage	7.50%	7.50%		7.50%

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 18, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)MWLaborUnions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)MWLaborUnions	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)MWLaborUnions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011MW
Environmental Contingencies [Abstract]
Environmental-related accrued liabilities				$ 1,519	$ 1,519			$ 1,519	$ 1,112
Environmental remediation expense for Hydrocarbon Recovery Plan								1,085
Ravenswood retiree medical benefits settlement liability				23,000	23,000			23,000
Ravenswood settlement payment to be made upon final approval from court				5,000	5,000			$ 5,000
Ravenswood settlement, annual payment amount				$ 2,000
Pension Contributions					$ 0	$ 34,595
Labor Commitments [Abstract]
Percentage of total work force in union				64.00%	64.00%			64.00%
Percentage of Grundartangi work force represented by the labor unions (in hundredths)				84.00%	84.00%			84.00%
Number of labor unions Grundartangi subsidiary entered into a new labor agreement with | LaborUnions				5	5			5
Percentage of Vlissingen work force represented by the labor union (in hundredths)				100.00%	100.00%			100.00%
Percentage of U.S. based work force represented by a union (in hundredths)				53.00%	53.00%			53.00%
PBGC Agreement [Member]
Environmental Contingencies [Abstract]
Required pension contributions above minimum			$ 17,400
Pension contributions above minimum remaining					$ 9,600
Hawesville [Member]
Legal Contingencies [Abstract]
Power supply agreement, termination notice period					1 year
Sebree [Member]
Legal Contingencies [Abstract]
Power supply agreement, termination notice period					1 year
South Carolina Public Service Authority [Member]
Legal Contingencies [Abstract]
Power supply agreement, termination notice period	60 days
Power agreement, power supply from source one, percentage	25.00%
Power agreement, power supply from source two, percentage	75.00%
Grundartangi - HS, Landsvirkjun and OR [Member]
OR Power Agreement [Abstract]
Power currently available under the power purchase agreement (in megawatts) | MW				525	525			525
Grundartangi - Landsvirkjun [Member]
OR Power Agreement [Abstract]
Power currently available under the power purchase agreement (in megawatts) | MW				161	161			161
Helguvik [Member]
OR Power Agreement [Abstract]
Power currently available under the power purchase agreement (in megawatts) | MW										47.5
PBGC Agreement [Member]
Environmental Contingencies [Abstract]
Pension Contributions		$ 1,100					$ 6,700

Components of accumulated oth48

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive loss before income tax effect	$ (119,727)		$ (119,727)		$ (123,345)
Income tax effect	9,548		9,548		10,695
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(110,179)		(110,179)		(112,650)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance			1,017,870
Equity, ending balance	937,524		937,524
Defined benefit plan and other postretirement liabilities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive loss before income tax effect	(118,153)		(118,153)		(121,910)
Income tax effect	10,071		10,071		11,243
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance	(108,944)	$ (96,335)	(110,667)	$ (115,852)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (1)		(4,114)		13,928
Net amount reclassified to net income (loss)	862	529	2,585	2,004
Equity, ending balance	(108,082)	(99,920)	(108,082)	(99,920)
Unrealized loss on financial instruments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive loss before income tax effect	(1,574)		(1,574)		(1,435)
Income tax effect	(523)		(523)		$ (548)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance	(2,059)	(1,907)	(1,983)	(1,830)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (1)		0		0
Net amount reclassified to net income (loss)	(38)	(39)	(114)	(116)
Equity, ending balance	(2,097)	(1,946)	(2,097)	(1,946)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance	(111,003)	(98,242)	(112,650)	(117,682)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (1)		(4,114)		13,928
Net amount reclassified to net income (loss)	824	490	2,471	1,888
Equity, ending balance	$ (110,179)	$ (101,866)	$ (110,179)	$ (101,866)

Components of accumulated oth49

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss - Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	$ 351,262	$ 496,963	$ 995,357	$ 1,505,928
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,733	11,566	29,303	33,549
Other operating expense, net	(878)	(1,537)	(2,337)	(6,217)
Income tax benefit (expense)	848	2,161	3,237	(12,205)
Net loss	(58,273)	(56,112)	(83,951)	(16,230)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Defined benefit plan and other postretirement liabilities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	777	669	2,332	2,422
Selling, general and administrative expenses	125	252	375	755
Other operating expense, net	350	0	1,050	0
Income tax benefit (expense)	(390)	(392)	(1,172)	(1,173)
Net loss	862	529	2,585	2,004
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized loss on financial instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	(46)	(47)	(139)	(140)
Income tax benefit (expense)	8	8	25	24
Net loss	$ (38)	$ (39)	$ (114)	$ (116)

Components of net periodic be50

Components of net periodic benefit cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,270	$ 2,074	$ 3,810	$ 5,287
Interest cost	3,478	3,348	10,440	10,003
Expected return on plan assets	(4,813)	(5,262)	(14,445)	(16,025)
Amortization of prior service costs	28	28	84	83
Amortization of net loss	1,041	1,025	3,125	3,049
Curtailment	0	377	0	365
Net periodic benefit cost	1,004	1,590	3,014	2,762
Employer contributions			1,338
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	330	468	990	1,517
Interest cost	1,469	1,542	4,364	4,523
Amortization of prior service costs	(695)	(1,007)	(2,085)	(2,929)
Amortization of net loss	878	874	2,633	2,973
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 1,982	$ 1,877	$ 5,902	$ 6,084

Supplemental cash flow inform51

Supplemental cash flow information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash paid for:
Interest	$ 9,893	$ 9,396
Income taxes	$ 10,245	$ 13,921

Derivative instruments (Details

Derivative instruments (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016t
LME Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Primary aluminum capacity	45,000
Price Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Primary aluminum capacity	8,200

Condensed consolidating finan53

Condensed consolidating financial information - Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Related parties	$ 301,111	$ 428,018	$ 871,771	$ 1,517,428
Third-party customers	32,539	26,522	107,487	48,514
Total net sales	333,650	454,540	979,258	1,565,942
Cost of goods sold	351,262	496,963	995,357	1,505,928
Gross profit (loss)	(17,612)	(42,423)	(16,099)	60,014
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,733	11,566	29,303	33,549
Ravenswood charges	26,830	0	26,830	30,850
Other operating expense - net	878	1,537	2,337	6,217
Operating loss	(55,053)	(55,526)	(74,569)	(10,602)
Interest expense - third parties	(5,531)	(5,418)	(16,521)	(16,542)
Interest income (expense) - affiliates	0	0	0	0
Interest income - third parties	190	45	475	248
Net gain on forward and derivative contracts	1,275	285	2,998	1,204
Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration	0	1,523	0	18,337
Other income (expense) - net	(157)	114	(462)	1,261
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures	(59,276)	(58,977)	(88,079)	(6,094)
Income tax effect	848	2,161	3,237	(12,205)
Loss before equity in earnings of joint ventures	(58,428)	(56,816)	(84,842)	(18,299)
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	155	704	891	2,069
Net loss	(58,273)	(56,112)	(83,951)	(16,230)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect	1,206	(3,241)	3,618	16,964
Income tax effect	(382)	(383)	(1,147)	(1,148)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	824	(3,624)	2,471	15,816
Total comprehensive loss	(57,449)	(59,736)	(81,480)	(414)
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Related parties	(22,285)	(27,176)	(69,596)	(41,617)
Third-party customers	(267)	(224)	(267)	(224)
Total net sales	(22,552)	(27,400)	(69,863)	(41,841)
Cost of goods sold	(21,777)	(11,058)	(69,552)	(28,468)
Gross profit (loss)	(775)	(16,342)	(311)	(13,373)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	0	0	0
Ravenswood charges	0	0	0	0
Other operating expense - net	0	0	0	0
Operating loss	(775)	(16,342)	(311)	(13,373)
Interest expense - third parties	0	0	0	0
Interest income (expense) - affiliates	0	0	0	0
Interest income - third parties	0	0	0	0
Net gain on forward and derivative contracts	0	0	0	0
Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration		0		0
Other income (expense) - net	0	0	0	(1,730)
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures	(775)	(16,342)	(311)	(15,103)
Income tax effect	0	163	0	0
Loss before equity in earnings of joint ventures	(775)	(16,179)	(311)	(15,103)
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	52,806	66,088	73,241	12,621
Net loss	52,031	49,909	72,930	(2,482)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect	(1,080)	4,614	(3,242)	(10,168)
Income tax effect	(8)	(8)	(25)	(25)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,088)	4,606	(3,267)	(10,193)
Total comprehensive loss	50,943	54,515	69,663	(12,675)
The Company [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Related parties	0	14,136	0	14,136
Third-party customers	0	0	0	0
Total net sales	0	14,136	0	14,136
Cost of goods sold	0	0	0	0
Gross profit (loss)	0	14,136	0	14,136
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,517	10,375	26,077	30,743
Ravenswood charges	0	0	0	0
Other operating expense - net	0	0	0	0
Operating loss	(9,517)	3,761	(26,077)	(16,607)
Interest expense - third parties	(5,101)	(4,980)	(15,236)	(15,217)
Interest income (expense) - affiliates	9,947	9,163	29,222	28,242
Interest income - third parties	33	15	108	48
Net gain on forward and derivative contracts	0	(177)	0	0
Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration		0		0
Other income (expense) - net	48	164	682	1,083
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures	(4,590)	7,946	(11,301)	(2,451)
Income tax effect	(877)	2,030	591	(1,158)
Loss before equity in earnings of joint ventures	(5,467)	9,976	(10,710)	(3,609)
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	(52,806)	(66,088)	(73,241)	(12,621)
Net loss	(58,273)	(56,112)	(83,951)	(16,230)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect	1,206	(3,241)	3,618	16,964
Income tax effect	(382)	(383)	(1,147)	(1,148)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	824	(3,624)	2,471	15,816
Total comprehensive loss	$ (57,449)	(59,736)	$ (81,480)	(414)
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%		100.00%
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Related parties	$ 170,947	284,891	$ 502,707	1,052,963
Third-party customers	32,795	26,728	107,725	48,702
Total net sales	203,742	311,619	610,432	1,101,665
Cost of goods sold	231,082	359,072	653,258	1,107,955
Gross profit (loss)	(27,340)	(47,453)	(42,826)	(6,290)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	59	0	(115)
Ravenswood charges	0	0	0	0
Other operating expense - net	0	0	0	0
Operating loss	(27,340)	(47,512)	(42,826)	(6,175)
Interest expense - third parties	(385)	(391)	(1,150)	(1,186)
Interest income (expense) - affiliates	2,059	1,901	6,013	5,531
Interest income - third parties	0	0	9	4
Net gain on forward and derivative contracts	1,275	353	2,998	1,059
Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration		1,523		18,337
Other income (expense) - net	14	92	29	(97)
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures	(24,377)	(44,034)	(34,927)	17,473
Income tax effect	0	0	0	0
Loss before equity in earnings of joint ventures	(24,377)	(44,034)	(34,927)	17,473
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	0	0	0	0
Net loss	(24,377)	(44,034)	(34,927)	17,473
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect	777	212	2,332	13,034
Income tax effect	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	777	212	2,332	13,034
Total comprehensive loss	(23,600)	(43,822)	(32,595)	30,507
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Related parties	152,449	156,167	438,660	491,946
Third-party customers	11	18	29	36
Total net sales	152,460	156,185	438,689	491,982
Cost of goods sold	141,957	148,949	411,651	426,441
Gross profit (loss)	10,503	7,236	27,038	65,541
Selling, general and administrative expenses	216	1,132	3,226	2,921
Ravenswood charges	26,830	0	26,830	30,850
Other operating expense - net	878	1,537	2,337	6,217
Operating loss	(17,421)	4,567	(5,355)	25,553
Interest expense - third parties	(45)	(47)	(135)	(139)
Interest income (expense) - affiliates	(12,006)	(11,064)	(35,235)	(33,773)
Interest income - third parties	157	30	358	196
Net gain on forward and derivative contracts	0	109	0	145
Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration		0		0
Other income (expense) - net	(219)	(142)	(1,173)	2,005
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures	(29,534)	(6,547)	(41,540)	(6,013)
Income tax effect	1,725	(32)	2,646	(11,047)
Loss before equity in earnings of joint ventures	(27,809)	(6,579)	(38,894)	(17,060)
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	155	704	891	2,069
Net loss	(27,654)	(5,875)	(38,003)	(14,991)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect	303	(4,826)	910	(2,866)
Income tax effect	8	8	25	25
Other comprehensive income (loss)	311	(4,818)	935	(2,841)
Total comprehensive loss	$ (27,343)	$ (10,693)	$ (37,068)	$ (17,832)

Condensed consolidating finan54

Condensed consolidating financial information - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash & cash equivalents	$ 117,593	$ 115,393	$ 122,976	$ 163,242
Restricted cash	1,046	791
Accounts receivable - net	11,187	9,475
Due from affiliates	14,271	17,417
Inventories	233,288	231,872
Prepaid and other current assets	31,828	42,412
Assets held for sale	23,239	30,697
Total current assets	432,452	448,057
Property, plant and equipment - net	1,185,101	1,232,256
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Due from affiliates - less current portion	0	0
Other assets	71,163	72,155
TOTAL	1,688,716	1,752,468
Accounts payable, trade	85,314	90,489
Due to affiliates	13,105	10,045
Accrued and other current liabilities	59,382	48,822
Accrued employee benefits costs	9,284	10,148
Industrial revenue bonds	7,815	7,815
Total current liabilities	174,900	167,319
Senior notes payable	247,590	247,278
Accrued pension benefits costs cost - less current portion	42,433	43,999
Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion	125,490	125,999
Other liabilities	72,330	53,009
Intercompany loan	0	0
Deferred taxes	88,449	96,994
Total noncurrent liabilities	576,292	567,279
Series A Preferred stock	1	1
Common stock	942	942
Additional paid-in capital	2,514,765	2,513,631
Treasury stock, at cost	(86,276)	(86,276)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(110,179)	(112,650)
Accumulated deficit	(1,381,729)	(1,297,778)
Total shareholders’ equity	937,524	1,017,870
TOTAL	1,688,716	1,752,468
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash & cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	0	0
Due from affiliates	0	0
Inventories	(2,837)	(2,525)
Prepaid and other current assets	0	0
Assets held for sale	0	0
Total current assets	(2,837)	(2,525)
Property, plant and equipment - net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	(523,942)	(593,604)
Due from affiliates - less current portion	(651,550)	(632,170)
Other assets	7,418	7,419
TOTAL	(1,170,911)	(1,220,880)
Accounts payable, trade	0	0
Due to affiliates	3,065	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	0	0
Accrued employee benefits costs	0	0
Industrial revenue bonds	0	0
Total current liabilities	3,065	0
Senior notes payable	0	0
Accrued pension benefits costs cost - less current portion	0	0
Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion	0	0
Other liabilities	7,418	7,418
Intercompany loan	(656,926)	(634,170)
Deferred taxes	0	0
Total noncurrent liabilities	(649,508)	(626,752)
Series A Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	(232,424)	(224,424)
Additional paid-in capital	(2,373,556)	(2,229,161)
Treasury stock, at cost	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Accumulated deficit	2,081,512	1,859,457
Total shareholders’ equity	(524,468)	(594,128)
TOTAL	(1,170,911)	(1,220,880)
The Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash & cash equivalents	37,605	58,421	74,395	70,683
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	168	104
Due from affiliates	353	13
Inventories	180	180
Prepaid and other current assets	7,265	7,713
Assets held for sale	0	0
Total current assets	45,571	66,431
Property, plant and equipment - net	8,275	9,188
Investment in subsidiaries	523,942	593,604
Due from affiliates - less current portion	647,844	632,170
Other assets	28,513	29,536
TOTAL	1,254,145	1,330,929
Accounts payable, trade	1,431	2,380
Due to affiliates	574	2,143
Accrued and other current liabilities	17,929	11,247
Accrued employee benefits costs	1,066	1,824
Industrial revenue bonds	0	0
Total current liabilities	21,000	17,594
Senior notes payable	247,590	247,278
Accrued pension benefits costs cost - less current portion	39,048	39,831
Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion	5,161	4,524
Other liabilities	3,298	3,307
Intercompany loan	0	0
Deferred taxes	0	0
Total noncurrent liabilities	295,097	294,940
Series A Preferred stock	1	1
Common stock	942	942
Additional paid-in capital	2,514,765	2,513,631
Treasury stock, at cost	(86,276)	(86,276)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(13,922)	(13,125)
Accumulated deficit	(1,477,462)	(1,396,778)
Total shareholders’ equity	938,048	1,018,395
TOTAL	1,254,145	1,330,929
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash & cash equivalents	(125)	(3,647)	(616)	(1,187)
Restricted cash	790	791
Accounts receivable - net	10,737	8,891
Due from affiliates	13,918	14,493
Inventories	138,287	148,280
Prepaid and other current assets	4,231	16,242
Assets held for sale	0	0
Total current assets	167,838	185,050
Property, plant and equipment - net	335,202	361,626
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Due from affiliates - less current portion	3,706	0
Other assets	18,272	19,153
TOTAL	525,018	565,829
Accounts payable, trade	49,749	53,145
Due to affiliates	8,679	7,167
Accrued and other current liabilities	16,459	14,759
Accrued employee benefits costs	7,558	7,644
Industrial revenue bonds	7,815	7,815
Total current liabilities	90,260	90,530
Senior notes payable	0	0
Accrued pension benefits costs cost - less current portion	(10,919)	(11,021)
Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion	118,724	119,911
Other liabilities	32,143	30,505
Intercompany loan	27,995	124,518
Deferred taxes	0	0
Total noncurrent liabilities	167,943	263,913
Series A Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	1	0
Additional paid-in capital	297,899	191,023
Treasury stock, at cost	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(57,694)	(60,026)
Accumulated deficit	26,609	80,389
Total shareholders’ equity	266,815	211,386
TOTAL	525,018	565,829
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash & cash equivalents	80,113	60,619	$ 49,197	$ 93,746
Restricted cash	256	0
Accounts receivable - net	282	480
Due from affiliates	0	2,911
Inventories	97,658	85,937
Prepaid and other current assets	20,332	18,457
Assets held for sale	23,239	30,697
Total current assets	221,880	199,101
Property, plant and equipment - net	841,624	861,442
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Due from affiliates - less current portion	0	0
Other assets	16,960	16,047
TOTAL	1,080,464	1,076,590
Accounts payable, trade	34,134	34,964
Due to affiliates	787	735
Accrued and other current liabilities	24,994	22,816
Accrued employee benefits costs	660	680
Industrial revenue bonds	0	0
Total current liabilities	60,575	59,195
Senior notes payable	0	0
Accrued pension benefits costs cost - less current portion	14,304	15,189
Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion	1,605	1,564
Other liabilities	29,471	11,779
Intercompany loan	628,931	509,652
Deferred taxes	88,449	96,994
Total noncurrent liabilities	762,760	635,178
Series A Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	232,423	224,424
Additional paid-in capital	2,075,657	2,038,138
Treasury stock, at cost	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(38,563)	(39,499)
Accumulated deficit	(2,012,388)	(1,840,846)
Total shareholders’ equity	257,129	382,217
TOTAL	$ 1,080,464	$ 1,076,590

Condensed consolidating finan55

Condensed consolidating financial information - Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 15,582	$ 32,509
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(13,127)	(47,595)
Purchase of remaining interest in Mt. Holly smelter	0	11,313
Restricted and other cash deposits	(255)	(141)
Net cash used in investing activities	(13,382)	(36,423)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	900	1,414
Repayments under revolving credit facilities	(900)	(1,414)
Repurchase of common stock	0	(36,352)
Intercompany transactions	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	(36,352)
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2,200	(40,266)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	115,393	163,242
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	117,593	122,976
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	15,985	180,347
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	(440)
Purchase of remaining interest in Mt. Holly smelter		0
Restricted and other cash deposits	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	(440)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	0	0
Repayments under revolving credit facilities	0	0
Repurchase of common stock		0
Intercompany transactions	(15,985)	(179,907)
Net cash used in financing activities	(15,985)	(179,907)
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
The Company [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(20,816)	43,577
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	(3,513)
Purchase of remaining interest in Mt. Holly smelter		0
Restricted and other cash deposits	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	(3,513)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	900	1,414
Repayments under revolving credit facilities	(900)	(1,414)
Repurchase of common stock		(36,352)
Intercompany transactions	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	(36,352)
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(20,816)	3,712
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	58,421	70,683
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	37,605	74,395
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	23,044	6,535
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(4,252)	(23,555)
Purchase of remaining interest in Mt. Holly smelter		11,313
Restricted and other cash deposits	1	(155)
Net cash used in investing activities	(4,251)	(12,397)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	0	0
Repayments under revolving credit facilities	0	0
Repurchase of common stock		0
Intercompany transactions	(15,271)	6,433
Net cash used in financing activities	(15,271)	6,433
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	3,522	571
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	(3,647)	(1,187)
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	(125)	(616)
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(2,631)	(197,950)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(8,875)	(20,087)
Purchase of remaining interest in Mt. Holly smelter		0
Restricted and other cash deposits	(256)	14
Net cash used in investing activities	(9,131)	(20,073)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	0	0
Repayments under revolving credit facilities	0	0
Repurchase of common stock		0
Intercompany transactions	31,256	173,474
Net cash used in financing activities	31,256	173,474
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	19,494	(44,549)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	60,619	93,746
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 80,113	$ 49,197