SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		51 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 1999 acre
Principles of Consolidation [Abstract]
Ownership percentage in Park Copper Mining (in hundredths)				53.00%
Value of acquired interest in Park Copper Mining				$ 72,825
Volume of timber and mineral property hold by park copper in northern Idaho (in acres)				100
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 78,798	$ 81,076	$ 894,986
Per share data [Abstract]
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stocks used to calculate loss per share (in shares)	93,681,139	89,136,400
Outstanding options and warrants to purchase common stock not included in diluted computation	21,706,267	18,247,188	21,706,267
Non-Controlling Interest [Abstract]
Ownership percentage of Park Copper and Gold Mining Co Ltd. (in hundredths)				53.00%
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	20 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years
Mining Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	2 years
Mining Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	7 years
Office and Shop Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Office and Shop Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	7 years
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	5 years