Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (240,380)	$ (92,025)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization and depreciation	6,927	10,012
Loss on sale of investments	133	52
Gain on sale of assets, net	(3,626)	(4,070)
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	184	101
Asset write off	30	521
Write off of loss contingency	(2,450)
Impairment of long lived assets	243,985
Impairment of goodwill	11,666	58,489
Fair value of stock/warrants received for mineral rights		(270)
Deferred income taxes	(47,634)	(8,014)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss on loss contingency	(8)	548
Foreign exchange (gain) loss on deferred tax liability	562	(847)
Stock compensation	1,555	2,588
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable	1,266	(1,291)
Decrease in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets	86	2,176
Decrease in inventories	2,511	1,071
Decrease (increase) in value added tax recoverable (net)	2,658	(3,106)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued Liabilities	(5,159)	(2,487)
Decrease in deferred leasehold payments	(140)	(95)
Decrease in reclamation liability	(44)
Other increase (decrease)		6
Net cash used in operating activities	$ (27,878)	$ (36,641)