Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Investments	$ 8,364,000		$ 9,614,000
Tax Basis of Investments, Cost for Income Tax Purposes	13,000,000		8,100,000
Payments to Acquire Investments	5,738,000	3,261,000
Cost Method Investments	1,600,000
Proceeds from Sale of Long-term Investments	1,800,000
Restricted Investments	5,400,000		900,000
Typhoon Exploration Inc. [Member]
Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash (Details) [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Investments	500,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	29.40%
Equity Method Investments	800,000
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	1,100,000
Non-Current Investments Held Having Net Gain Position [Member]
Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash (Details) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	4,600,000
Non-Current Investments Held Having Net Loss Position [Member]
Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash (Details) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	55,000
Aurizon Mines Ltd [Member]
Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash (Details) [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Investments	$ 300,000