Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Share Capital [Member]	Contributed Surplus [Member]	Contributed Surplus - Stock-Based Compenstation [Member]	Deficit [Member]	Total
Beginning Balance at Nov. 30, 2011	$ 27,280	$ 36,281		$ (32,310)	$ 31,251
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Nov. 30, 2011			200
Issued pursuant to Plan of Arrangement	64,496
Issued pursuant to Plan of Arrangement (Shares)			46,577,878
Issued pursuant to an employment agreement	316
Issued pursuant to an employment agreement (shares)			76,005
Issued on NovaGold Arrangement Options	45
Issued on NovaGold Arrangement Options (Shares)			7,162
Funding provided and expenses paid by NovaGold Resources Inc.		43,763
Transfer to share capital on completion of Plan of Arrangement		(64,496)
Transfer to contributed surplus stock-based compensation		(3,368)
Transfer from contributed surplus on completion of Plan of Arrangement			3,368
Stock-based compensation			5,494		5,494
Exercise of NovaGold Arrangement Options			(45)
Loss for the period				(10,618)	(10,618)
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2012	92,137	12,180	8,817	(42,928)
Ending Balance (Shares) at May. 31, 2012			46,661,245
Beginning Balance at Nov. 30, 2012	92,168	12,180	12,703	(63,328)	53,723
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Nov. 30, 2012			46,665,069
Issued on vesting of NovaGold Performance and Deferred Share Units	33
Issued on vesting of NovaGold Performance and Deferred Share Units (Shares)			16,586
Issued on exercise of NovaGold Warrants	11,996				11,996
Issued on exercise of NovaGold Warrants (Shares) (Shares)			6,088,262
Issued on exercise of NovaGold Arrangement Options	11				11
Issued on exercise of NovaGold Arrangement Options (Shares)			1,184		1,184
Vesting of NovaGold Performance and Deferred Share Units		(33)
Exercise of NovaGold Warrants		(11,996)
Stock-based compensation			3,310		6,113
Exercise of NovaGold Arrangement Options			(11)
Loss for the period				(12,573)	(12,573)
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2013	$ 104,208	$ 151	$ 16,002	$ (75,901)	$ 46,143
Ending Balance (Shares) at May. 31, 2013			52,771,101