Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) [Line Items]
Other Accrued Liabilities				$ 264,400,000
Payments for Legal Settlements	15,000,000	25,000,000	168,000,000
Payment of Proceeds from Warrants Exercised						41,300,000	14,100,000
Accrued Reclamation and Closure Costs				57,250,000	105,191,000			113,215,000	153,811,000
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Provision for Expected and Allowed Claims				96,700,000	73,900,000			73,900,000	53,400,000
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Reclamation				2,200,000
Surety Bonds				$ 68,900,000	$ 30,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) [Line Items]
Risk-free Interest Rate				6.00%
Maximum [Member]
Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) [Line Items]
Risk-free Interest Rate				8.00%