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, 2014	May 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
Balance - beginning of period (shares)	53,066,656	46,665,069	46,665,069
Balance - beginning of period	$ 104,895	$ 92,168	$ 92,168
Exercise of NovaGold Warrants (Shares)			6,088,262
Exercise of NovaGold Warrants			11,996
Exercise of NovaGold Arrangement Options (Shares)	46,929		52,243
Exercise of NovaGold Arrangement Options	632		254
Vesting of NovaGold Performance and Deferred Share Units (Shares)	14,166	14,180	16,586
Vesting of NovaGold Performance and Deferred Share Units Share Units			32
Vesting of NovaGold Performance Share Units (Shares)	14,166
Vesting of NovaGold Performance Share Units Value	28
Vesting of Restricted Share Units (Shares)	425,833		244,496
Vesting of Restricted Share Units	803		445
Vesting of Deferred Share Units (Shares)	154,373
Vesting of Deferred Share Units	282
Balance - end of period, issued and outstanding (shares)	53,707,957		53,066,656
Balance - end of period, issued and outstanding	$ 106,640		$ 104,895