Interim Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Interim Financial Statements [Abstract]            
Accumulated deficit $ (152,168,164)     $ (152,168,164)   $ (126,861,042)
Net loss (8,994,179) (1,974,414)   (25,307,122) (9,103,502)  
Net cash used in operating activities       (17,766,015) (9,414,425)  
Cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities 3,900,000     3,900,000    
Working capital (10,700,000)     (10,700,000)    
Ounces of gold sold during the period 1,259   316      
Ounces of silver sold during the period     3,299      
Revenue from sales of gold and silver 2,500,000   558,574      
Reduction to costs from sales of gold and silver     $ (115,920)