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Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Cash Restricted Cash And Investments [Abstract]  
Cash Restricted Cash And Investments [Text Block]

Note 2.    Investments and Restricted Cash


Investments


At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of our non-current investments was $2.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively.  Our non-current investments consist of marketable equity securities, which are carried at fair value as they are classified as “available-for-sale.” The cost bases of our non-current investments were approximately $4.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, we recognized a $2.8 million impairment charge against earnings, as we determined the impairment to be other-than-temporary. We also acquired equity in another mining company for a total cost of $0.9 million during the first quarter of 2015. Due to the acquisition of Revett in June 2015, the basis in previously held stock was eliminated, reducing the cost basis of our non-current investments by $0.5 million, with a $0.2 million unrealized loss included in current earnings.


At September 30, 2015, total unrealized loss positions of $2.2 million, net of unrealized gains of $6 thousand, for our non-current investments were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.


Restricted Cash and Investments


Various laws, permits, and covenants require that we have financial assurances in place for certain environmental and reclamation obligations and other potential liabilities.  These restricted investments are used primarily for reclamation funding or for funding surety bonds, and were $1.0 million at September 30, 2015 and $0.9 million at December 31, 2014.