Note 4 - Investment in Donlin Gold - Summary of the Company's Investment in Donlin Gold LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
			$ (12,895)	$ (9,968)	$ (11,408)
Donlin Gold [Member]
Balance – beginning of period			951	1,058	1,618
Mineral property expenditures			(11,139)	(8,689)	(10,845)
Depreciation			(80)	(130)	(171)
	$ (2,317)	$ (1,318)	(11,219)	(8,819)	(11,016)
Funding			11,368	8,712	10,456
Balance – end of period	1,100		1,100	951	$ 1,058
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables	2,075		2,075	1,540
Non-current assets: Property and equipment	23		23	101
Non-current assets: Mineral property	32,692		32,692	32,692
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(998)		(998)	(690)
Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation	(692)		(692)	(692)
Net assets	$ 33,100		$ 33,100	$ 32,951