Schedule of Common Shares Issued and Outstanding (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Balance - beginning of period (shares)	46,665,069	200
Balance - beginning of period	$ 92,168	$ 27,280
Issued pursuant to Plan of Arrangement		64,496
Issued pursuant to employment agreement (shares)		76,005
Issued pursuant to employment agreement		316
Issued on exercise of NovaGold Arrangement Options (Shares)	1,184	10,986
Issued on exercise of NovaGold Arrangement Options	11	76
Issued on vesting of NovaGold Performance and Deferred Share Units (shares)	16,586
Issued on vesting of NovaGold Performance and Deferred Share Units	33
Issued on exercise of warrants (shares)	6,088,262
Value of Stock Issued on Exercise of Warrants	11,996
Balance - end of period, issued and outstanding (shares)	52,771,101	46,665,069
Balance - end of period, issued and outstanding	$ 104,208	$ 92,168