PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Balances (net)	$ 43,318,036		$ 43,318,036		$ 43,714,081
Impairment provision	769,580	296,628	1,449,235	1,048,400
New Mexico properties
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Impairment provision	376,000
Texas properties
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Impairment provision	390,000
Uranium plant
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Balances (net)	10,832,000		10,832,000		10,913,000
Permits and licenses
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Balances (net)	4,284,000		4,284,000		3,902,000
Mineral rights
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Balances (net)	3,486,000		3,486,000		3,873,000
Value beyond proven and probable reserves (VBPP)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Balances (net)	20,274,000		20,274,000		20,274,000
Evaluation and delineation
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Balances (net)	2,460,000		2,460,000		2,460,000
Vehicles, depreciable equipment, and other
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Balances (net)	1,604,000		1,604,000		1,893,000
Well field development
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Balances (net)	153,000		153,000		153,000
Other uranium properties
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Balances (net)	$ 225,000		$ 225,000		$ 246,000