Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (3,612)	$ (6,211)	$ (14,313)	$ (230,276)	$ (240,380)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization and depreciation	751	1,083	2,375	6,180
Accretion of asset retirement obligation			149	135
Foreign currency gain on loss contingency			(74)	(383)
Foreign currency loss on deferred tax liability				527
Impairment of goodwill				11,180
Impairment of long lived assets				237,838
Asset write off			129	(66)
Write off of loss contingency			(1,719)	(522)
Realized loss on marketable securities				133
Gain on sale of assets, net			(681)	(3,519)
Income tax provision		(104)	0	(47,599)
Stock compensation			768	1,284
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in trade accounts receivable			25	1,047
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets			507	328
(Increase) decrease in inventories			(213)	2,074
Decrease in value added tax recoverable, net			371	2,684
Decrease in reclamation liability			(115)	(27)
Decrease in value added tax recoverable, net			623	(4,337)
Increase (decrease) in deferred leasehold payments			21	(116)
Net cash used in operating activities			$ (12,147)	$ (23,435)