Loans To And Investments In Associated Companies (Golden Queen Mining Company) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		24 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments In Associated Companies [Line Items]
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	$ 18,777	$ 94,904
Gauss LLC [Member]
Investments In Associated Companies [Line Items]
Cash invested in Limited Liability Company			$ 83,000
Clay Family [Member]
Investments In Associated Companies [Line Items]
Contributions from noncontrolling interests			$ 34,500
Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC [Member]
Investments In Associated Companies [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	35.00%
Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC [Member] | Gauss LLC [Member]
Investments In Associated Companies [Line Items]
Total investment in associated company	$ 117,500
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%
Golden Queen Mining Co, Ltd [Member]
Investments In Associated Companies [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership owned	50.00%			100.00%