Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of the Net Deferred Tax Asset (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued reclamation costs	$ 39,262	$ 45,653
Deferred exploration	35,267	32,396
Foreign net operating losses	27,923	20,247
Domestic net operating losses	54,181	44,814
AMT credit carryforwards	22,155	24,603
Pension and benefit obligation	10,354	12,488
Miscellaneous	31,077	17,437
Total deferred tax assets	220,219	197,638
Valuation allowance	(27,155)	(23,030)	(22,895)	(19,073)
Total deferred tax assets	193,064	174,608
Deferred tax liabilities:
Miscellaneous	(5,966)	(1,262)
Properties, plants and equipment	(238,497)	(57,583)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(244,463)	(58,845)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$ (51,399)	$ 115,763