Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (7,640)	$ (18,591)	$ (17,771)	$ (34,516)	$ (62,671)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization and depreciation	1,997	474	3,843	863
Accretion of asset retirement obligation			35
Foreign currency gain on loss contingency			(118)
Foreign currency gain on deferred tax liability			(189)
Impairment (reversal of impairment) of accounts receivable			35	75
Asset write off			425
Gain on sale of marketable securities				(117)
Fair value of stock/warrants received for mineral rights			(101)
Gain on sale of assets, net			(1,860)	(405)
Income tax provision	(1,189)	16	(2,960)	98
Stock compensation			523	2,068
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in trade accounts receivable			(1,812)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets			278	167
Increase in inventories			(149)
Increase in value added tax recoverable, net			(1,409)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(1,641)	1,212
Decrease in deferred leasehold payments			(48)	(46)
Treasury shares acquired and retired				(925)	1,834
Net cash used in operating activities			$ (22,919)	$ (31,526)